The rest of us guys just stand back and shake our heads. But with Reed otherwise occupied, we might have a chance.”
“He is wonderful,” Ellen admitted, managing to keep a courteous smile on her face. What Ralph was describing sounded so much like her own feelings that she couldn’t doubt the truth of what he said.
Ralph arched his brows and studied her. “You too?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“What’s this guy got?” He sighed expressively, shaking his head. “Can we bottle it?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t think so,” Ellen responded lightly, liking Ralph more. His approach might have been a bit overpowering at first, but he was honest and compelling in his own right. “I don’t imagine you have much trouble attracting women.”
“As long as I don’t bring them around Reed, I’m fine.” A smile swept his face. “The best thing that could happen would be if he got married. I don’t suppose that’s in the offing between you two?”
He was so blithely serious that Ellen laughed. “Sorry.”
“You’re sure?”
Ralph was probably thinking of some rumor he’d heard about Danielle. “There’s another woman he’s seeing. They’ve known each other for a long time and apparently, they’re quite serious,” she explained, keeping her voice calmly detached.
“I don’t believe it,” Ralph countered, frowning. “Reed wouldn’t be tossing daggers at my back if he was involved with someone else. One thing I suspect about this guy, he’s a one-woman man.”
Ellen closed her eyes, trying to shut out the pain. She didn’t know what to believe about Reed anymore. All she could do was hold on to the moment. Wasn’t that what she’d told him earlier—that they’d have to take things day by day? She was the one who hadn’t wanted to talk about Danielle. In any case, she didn’t want to read too much into his actions. She couldn’t. She was on the brink of falling in love with him...if she hadn’t already. To allow herself to think he might feel the same way was asking for trouble. For heartbreak.
The music ended and Ralph gently let her go. “I’d better return you to Reed or he’s likely to come after me.”
“Thank you for...everything.”
“You’re welcome, Ellen.” With one hand at her waist, he steered her toward Reed.
They were within a few feet of him when Danielle suddenly appeared. She seemed to have come out of nowhere. “Reed!” She was laughing delightedly, flinging herself into his arms and kissing him intimately. “Oh, darling, you’re so right. Being together is more important than any ski trip. I’m so sorry. Will you forgive me?”
“ELLEN,” RALPH ASKED. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” she lied.
“Sure you are,” he mocked, sliding his arm around her waist and guiding her back to the dance floor. “I take it the blonde is Woman Number One?”
“You got it.” The anger was beginning to build inside her. “Beautiful, too, you’ll notice.”
“Well, you aren’t exactly chopped liver.”
She gave a small, mirthless laugh. “Nice of you to say so, but by comparison, I come in a poor second.”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“Then why can’t you take your eyes off Danielle?”
“Danielle. Hmm.” He looked away from the other woman and stared blankly into Ellen’s face. “Sorry.” For her part, Ellen instinctively turned her back on Reed, unable to bear the sight of him holding and kissing another woman.
“Someone must have got their wires crossed.”
“Like me,” Ellen muttered. She’d been an idiot to assume that Reed had meant anything by his invitation. He’d just needed someone to take to this party, and his first choice hadn’t been available. She was a substitute, and a second-rate one at that.
“What do you want to do?”
Ellen frowned, her thoughts fragmented. “I don’t know yet. Give me a minute to think.”
“You two could always fight for him.”
“The stronger woman takes the spoils? No, thanks.” Despite herself she laughed. It certainly would’ve created a diversion at this formal, rather staid party.
Craning his neck, Ralph peered over at the other couple. “Reed doesn’t seem too pleased to see her.”
“I can imagine. The situation’s put him in a bit of a bind.”
“I admit it’s unpleasant for you, but, otherwise, I’m enjoying this immensely.”
Who wouldn’t? The scene was just short of comical. “I thought you said Reed was a one-woman man.”
“I guess I stand corrected.”
Ellen was making a few corrections herself, revising some cherished ideas about Reed Morgan.
“I don’t suppose you’d consider staying with me for the rest of the evening?” Ralph suggested hopefully.
“Consider it? I’d say it’s the best offer I’ve had in weeks.” She might feel like a fool, but she didn’t plan to hang around looking like one.
Ralph nudged her and bent his head to whisper in her ear. “Reed’s staring at us. And like I said, he doesn’t seem pleased.”
With a determination born of anger and pride, she forced a smile to her lips and gazed adoringly up at Ralph. “How am I doing?” she asked, batting her lashes at him.
“Wonderful, wonderful.” He swung her energetically around to the beat of the music. “Uh-oh, here he comes.”
Reed weaved his way through the dancing couples and tapped Ralph on the shoulder. “I’m cutting in.”
Ellen tightened her grip on Reed’s colleague, silently pleading with him to stay. “Sorry, buddy, but Ellen’s with me now that your lady friend has arrived.”
“Ellen?” Reed’s eyes narrowed as he stared at her intently. The other couples were dancing around them and curiously watching the party of three that had formed in the center of the room.
She couldn’t remember ever seeing anyone look more furious than Reed did at this moment. “Maybe I’d better leave,” she said in a low, faltering voice.
“I’ll take you home,” Ralph offered, dropping his hand to her waist.
“You came with me. You’ll leave with me.” Reed grasped her hand, pulling her toward him.
