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and the glowing lanterns of the portcullis, she took a breath and reached out. As soon as their fingertips made contact, a warm glow whooshed up her arm. She smiled bravely as cameras flashed in all directions.
    Her gaze caught on Alex’s soft, gray eyes. But she quickly blinked her attention away as he played out his role for the cameras. She tried to appear adoring without actually looking at his face—bad enough he was holding her hand. Bad enough she was imagining some cosmic connection between them as they strode the gauntlet of reporters firing questions.
    Then Alex wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her to a halt for the photographers. They were pressed together, from knee to shoulder, and she could feel every single breath he took.
    â€œAct like you adore me,” he muttered under his breath.
    â€œI’m trying,” she returned, holding a smile, cursing her traitorous body that was cataloguing every nuance of Alex.
    â€œTry harder.” He gave the photographers a final wave, then propelled her toward the entrance.
    Emma resisted the pressure of his hand on the small of her back. “Katie and David were right behind us.”
    â€œThey can catch up.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œUntil you become a better actress, we’re not standing around for the paparazzi.”
    â€œI’m smiling, already.”
    â€œThat’s a grimace.”
    â€œThat’s because I’m in pain.”
    His arm immediately slacked off. “I’m hurting you?”
    â€œMental anguish.” And that wasn’t a lie.
    â€œGive me a break.” He resumed the pressure on the small of her back as a balding man in a finely cut suit stepped forward to greet them.
    â€œMr. Garrison,” said the man with obvious enthusiasm. “So very good of you to join us.”
    â€œGood evening, Maxim,” said Alex, reaching out to shake hands. “May I present my um, girlfriend, Emma McKinley.”
    His voice softened ever so slightly over her name. Emma’s heart tripped for a split second, while Maxim did a double take.
    â€œMaxim is the chairman of Teddybear Trust,” Alex explained.
    The burly man smiled broadly as he reached for Emma’s hand. “And you’re the president of McKinley Inns. We haven’t met. But I’ve heard a good deal about you, Ms. McKinley.”
    â€œPlease, call me Emma.” Her smile was genuine now. “I have the utmost respect for the Teddybear Trust.”
    The foundation had built a new children’s wing at St. Xavier’s last year, and they’d funded countless pediatric cancer research projects.
    â€œThis way,” said Maxim, gesturing through the cut glass doorway to the Tavern on the Green foyer. “Drinks are in the Terrace Room. And might I suggest the Pavilion as a starting point for casino games?”
    â€œBlackjack?” asked Alex, tossing Maxim a wry grin.
    Maxim grinned back. “Last year was unfortunate for you.” Then he winked at Emma. “But I know you’ll bring him good luck tonight.”
    â€œI’ll try my best,” she promised Maxim, thinking that karmic forces might not be so quick to reward them for lying to the entire city.
    Then Alex recaptured her hand and nodded to the doorman as he placed a quick kiss on her knuckles. Emma struggled to keep her head clear as they crossed into the richly decorated entry. The lobby was festooned with fine crystal and stained glass, while magnificent chandeliers refracted light as they started their way through the winding hallways.
    She caught their reflection in a beveled mirror, shivering at the image of Alex, straight and tall, his strong hand resting on the small of her back, only a hair below the plunging V of her sparkling dress.
    â€œWould you care for a drink?” His deep voice rumbled through her.
    â€œA Chablis,” she replied, then cleared her throat against the sultry sound. They were playacting