Read Online Suddenly Love by Carly Phillips - Free Book Online Page A

as his friend. For that reason, Lissa wanted to make a good impression—and not just as a reporter doing a story. Though it was silly, if Trevor was going to bring her as his date, she wanted him to feel proud. Last night had been easier. Dressed in a ballgown and feeling like a princess, she’d almost been able to believe she belonged at the event.
    But now, as Trevor helped her out of the limousine, nerves assailed her. Though he hadn’t taken his hungry gaze off her, and though he clearly approved of the way she looked, her insecurities came rushing back. After all, if her husband, the man whose baby she’d borne and who’d married her, hadn’t seen her as country club material, why would Trevor’s business associates and friends see her any differently?
    When she’d attended as Trevor’s reporter/date, she had been able to put those feelings aside, but now that he was looking at her possessively, she was petrified she’d fall short and embarrass him.
    Unaware of her inner turmoil, he placed a hand at the small of her back. “Ready?” he asked.
    She let out a deep breath. “Of course.” She walked toward the waiting doorman, who opened the door for them.
    “Good evening, Mr. Dane. Mr. and Mrs. Wittman are expecting you,” he said, nodding politely to Lissa and acknowledging her with a smile.
    “Thank you, George. See you on our way out.” Trevor steered Lissa away from the bank of double elevators and toward a separate single lift down the hall. “This way,” he said.
    Once they were alone outside the small elevator, Trevor turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
    She shook her head and forced a smile. “Nothing. Why?”
    “You’re uptight and your spine’s so rigid I’m afraid it’ll break,” he said, grasping both her hands in his. “Are you nervous about meeting Emma? Don’t be. You’ll love her.”
    Lissa shook her head, feeling stupid, but if she didn’t let out her fears, she’d definitely screw things up even worse. “I don’t belong here,” she said on a rush.
    “What?”
    “The private elevator, a dinner party where we’re dressed nicer than any dinner I’ve ever been to…” She shook her head and swallowed over the lump in her throat. “If you were bringing me here as the reporter to cover your story it would be one thing, but—”
    He squeezed her hands tighter, forcing her to meet his gaze. “But what?”
    Just say it , a small voice in her head insisted. “But my own husband didn’t want to be seen with me at formal events. These people you love so much are going to take one look at me and know I’m so far out of my league—” She cut herself off, horrified by the truth she’d blurted out.
    She’d meant to be honest. Just not that honest.
    An angry muscle twitched in Trevor’s jaw.
    “I didn’t mean to upset you.” She was making a mess of a night that meant a lot to him.
    “You didn’t upset me. That asshole you married did.” Trevor took a minute to breathe and let go of the rage simmering inside him.
    No matter how opulent the apartment, he and Lissa came from the same world. He’d had the same insecurities, probably more so as he’d had to navigate alone. She had him by her side.
    “I’m sorry Brad made you feel inadequate in any way. You are spectacular and the people upstairs will know it the second they lay eyes on you. Because they’re real and nothing like the Bankses of the world.” Speech finished, Trevor cupped his hand around her cheek and pulled her in for a kiss.
    One light enough not to ruin the makeup she’d obviously spent so much time applying, but one sincere enough to make his point. “Do you believe me?” he asked.
    Eyes wide, she merely nodded.
    He hoped she meant it because he sure as hell had. “Ready?” he asked her.
    “Ready,” she said, her voice hoarse.
    Trevor nodded. “Good.”
    The night went better than Trevor could have hoped. Alex and Emma clearly liked Lissa and made her feel at home, as did their small