His partner, Mark, was equally dashing. As usual, Roman had hired caterers. The guests were gathered around the swimming pool for aperitifs. The privately situated pool and surrounding lush gardens were tastefully lit, like an image from an upmarket magazine. Mellow music played lightly in the background. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves and Roman was pleased. Most of his guests were single or, like Phoebe, temporarily alone for one reason or another. He had tried to gather like-minded individuals without partners, but it had been harder than he initially thought it would be. Relieved it seemed to be working, he smiled at Mark and said, “Time to start moving them in for dinner.”
Mark returned his smile and nodded before heading inside to make sure the table was ready.
*****
Phoebe was having a pleasant evening. She was sitting next to another accountancy professional and was enjoying chatting with someone who understood her industry. Jessica was a congenial woman who had bravely struck out on her own as a consultant after a long career with a top tier firm. They debated the pros and cons of working for the larger firms, sharing stories about leading personalities in their profession.
The main course of stuffed spatchcock with couscous salad had been delicious. Phoebe couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed a meal so much. Roman was in his element, entertaining his friends in style. She enjoyed watching him work the room while Mark quietly organized everything. The staff cleared the plates away and Roman invited his guests to follow him to the outdoor room for cheeses and a selection of port wines. Phoebe was about to rise when, gob-smacked, she fell back into her chair. Luckily, her shock went unnoticed as all eyes turned to the late arrival.
Charlie’s lissome body was stunning in a simple black dress. She wore low heels, light make up and just one item of jewelry, a striking pair of sapphire earrings. The blue of the twin gems contrasted with her pixie-like white-blond crop, accenting her eyes. Phoebe was completely entranced.
*****
Roman introduced Charlie to everyone en masse before leading her away to the kitchen to get her a dinner plate. The guests shuffled as they left the dining room. Phoebe swallowed reflexively, feeling like a rabbit transfixed by the headlights of the vehicle about to hit her. Still in her seat, she felt a gentle hand touch her shoulder. She looked around and saw Mark offering his arm to her in his usual quiet, gentlemanly way.
Grateful for his silent warmth, she allowed him to escort her outside to join the other guests. Eschewing the cheeses, she went straight to the bar and poured her second champagne for the evening. Downing it in short order she poured a third, which was one more than she ever usually imbibed.
*****
Charlie didn’t realize how hungry she was until she tasted the spatchcock. Delicious , she thought. Roman was chatting away to her as she ate. Paying little attention to what he was saying, she thought, I wish he’d told me he invited Phoebe Rawlins . I’ll have to be extra careful not to get too close to her. Despite the need for caution, Charlie couldn’t help noticing again what a beautiful woman she was . Her delicately pale skin and large green eyes were extremely alluring.
“This food is incredible, Roman!”
“Yes, I agree,” Roman replied smugly.
“And of course your home is stunning, as always.”
“Thank you.” Roman said, not looking at all surprised by her complement.
“Looks like your guests are having a good evening. I don’t know many of them.” Charlie remarked, choosing the next piece of succulent bird to gormandize.
“You know the two lawyers, and you’ve met Phoebe that one time, but there are a couple of single ladies just in case you decide to stop feeling sorry for yourself!”
Charlie eyed him suspiciously, “You said this wasn’t a matchmaking exercise.”
“I lied,” he
Mark returned his smile and nodded before heading inside to make sure the table was ready.
*****
Phoebe was having a pleasant evening. She was sitting next to another accountancy professional and was enjoying chatting with someone who understood her industry. Jessica was a congenial woman who had bravely struck out on her own as a consultant after a long career with a top tier firm. They debated the pros and cons of working for the larger firms, sharing stories about leading personalities in their profession.
The main course of stuffed spatchcock with couscous salad had been delicious. Phoebe couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed a meal so much. Roman was in his element, entertaining his friends in style. She enjoyed watching him work the room while Mark quietly organized everything. The staff cleared the plates away and Roman invited his guests to follow him to the outdoor room for cheeses and a selection of port wines. Phoebe was about to rise when, gob-smacked, she fell back into her chair. Luckily, her shock went unnoticed as all eyes turned to the late arrival.
Charlie’s lissome body was stunning in a simple black dress. She wore low heels, light make up and just one item of jewelry, a striking pair of sapphire earrings. The blue of the twin gems contrasted with her pixie-like white-blond crop, accenting her eyes. Phoebe was completely entranced.
*****
Roman introduced Charlie to everyone en masse before leading her away to the kitchen to get her a dinner plate. The guests shuffled as they left the dining room. Phoebe swallowed reflexively, feeling like a rabbit transfixed by the headlights of the vehicle about to hit her. Still in her seat, she felt a gentle hand touch her shoulder. She looked around and saw Mark offering his arm to her in his usual quiet, gentlemanly way.
Grateful for his silent warmth, she allowed him to escort her outside to join the other guests. Eschewing the cheeses, she went straight to the bar and poured her second champagne for the evening. Downing it in short order she poured a third, which was one more than she ever usually imbibed.
*****
Charlie didn’t realize how hungry she was until she tasted the spatchcock. Delicious , she thought. Roman was chatting away to her as she ate. Paying little attention to what he was saying, she thought, I wish he’d told me he invited Phoebe Rawlins . I’ll have to be extra careful not to get too close to her. Despite the need for caution, Charlie couldn’t help noticing again what a beautiful woman she was . Her delicately pale skin and large green eyes were extremely alluring.
“This food is incredible, Roman!”
“Yes, I agree,” Roman replied smugly.
“And of course your home is stunning, as always.”
“Thank you.” Roman said, not looking at all surprised by her complement.
“Looks like your guests are having a good evening. I don’t know many of them.” Charlie remarked, choosing the next piece of succulent bird to gormandize.
“You know the two lawyers, and you’ve met Phoebe that one time, but there are a couple of single ladies just in case you decide to stop feeling sorry for yourself!”
Charlie eyed him suspiciously, “You said this wasn’t a matchmaking exercise.”
“I lied,” he
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