Read Online Falling For Him 1 (Rachel and Peter in Love) by Jessica Gray - Free Book Online Page B

contacts with all the premier clothing outlets in the area. I explained what I needed and she promised to help me out the next morning.
    I met her downtown and she took over. By the time I returned home, I had a new dress – borrowed, but it was gorgeous and I didn’t mind, new shoes and a can-do attitude. I had expressed my hesitation at fitting in with Clara and she had laughed at me. She reminded me that everyone who would be in attendance put his or her pants on one leg at a time, just like me.
    We had shared a laugh and I realized that she was right. The sole difference between the high-society people and myself was money and money couldn’t buy one a personality. I dressed and looked at myself in the mirror with a critical eye. I looked fabulous!
    Peter agreed when he arrived thirty minutes later to pick me up. His low whistle had me blushing and when he circled his finger, I did a little pirouette, pleased at the expression in his eyes. “The dress is lovely, but shall I tell you what I’m looking forward to most about this evening?”
    I nodded, “What?”
    “To get you out of that dress after the party,” he informed me with a leer and a waggle of his eyebrows.
    I giggled and he escorted me out to his Porsche.
    The fundraiser took place in the ballroom of the area’s most prestigious hotel. As we walked around, I was shocked to see how many famous people were in attendance. Many of whom acknowledged Peter by name! I was going to have to get used to this.
    When we took our seats for dinner, I was aghast to see that we were sitting at the table with the Bishops. “You didn’t tell me we were going to be eating with Lara’s parents,” I whispered nervously.
    Peter whispered back, “Sorry. I tried to get our seating arrangements changed, but her father’s the organizer of the event. It’ll be okay. He and his wife are very nice people. Lara doesn’t attend this particular event, because there are too many business-related speeches. Not enough excitement for her.”
    My tension started to ease until I looked up and saw Lara sauntering across the ballroom in a gorgeous black evening gown that hugged her figure. It contrasted perfectly with her red hair and the diamond earrings she was wearing. Her Louboutin high heels were also black with the signature red sole. Everything about her exuded style, elegance and richness. Every eye in the room tracked her progress, including Peter’s. Nudging him, I said, “I thought you said she didn’t come to this event?”
    “She doesn’t.”
    As Lara approached the table, I realized the only vacant chair at the table must be for her. She glared daggers at me, which melted away as she turned them on Peter. Giving her parents both air kisses, she then turned and did the same to Peter, completing ignoring me in the process.
    Peter grabbed my hand beneath the table and squeezed it in encouragement. “Stay strong. I’ll get us out of here as fast as I can after dinner.”
    I nodded and decided to enjoy the evening and pretend she wasn’t there.  As dinner progressed, the conversation turned to the upcoming project in Spain, which was being done for the merger Lara’s father had negotiated. Another fact I was not aware of!
    It seemed there had been some problems, which was part of the reason for the delay. Everyone seemed to be okay with the changes until Lara spoke up,  “Father, did you tell Peter the good news?”
    Her father smiled at her indulgently, “Why, no. I don’t believe I have a chance to.”
    Lara threw a triumphant view to Peter as she broadcast her news to one and all, “I’m going to Barcelona as well. Father wants someone from his company to oversee the merger and thought I would be the perfect fit since I speak the language so well.“
    Peter’s mouth dropped open but no sound came out. He didn’t know about this till right now!   “Mr. Bishop, I assure you we can handle things just fine. There’s no reason for Lara to give up a month of