With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4

left the champagne fountain and headed his way, with a procession of male gazes following her
    progress. He needed to find out how much alcohol she’d had. Holding her liquor was not Tara’s strong
    point. She’d be flinging off her shoes and pulling down her hair after two glasses.
    Catching his gaze, she smiled. She slipped her arm around his and all the talking in his circle ceased.
    Her red-velvet-encased hip bumped his.
    “Gentlemen, you remember Tara?” Aubrey covered her hand where it rested on his arm.
    “Miss Brandt, nice to see you again.” Katchum dipped his head.
    While all the other men fawned over her and introduced themselves, Aubrey looked around for Orin
    Boskie again.
    Marina Boskie held court in the far corner surrounded by some of the other board members’ wives.
    The burgundy wallpaper at her back contrasted her perfectly. Her strawberry-blonde hair was piled high, showing off the large diamond earrings and necklace. Marina liked to draw attention to herself. She’d even picked a slinky white satin gown to make sure she’d stand out from the majority of the other women
    dressed in black. She caught Aubrey looking and lifted her champagne flute in a silent toast.
    He smiled and returned the gesture.
    “Who’re you looking for?” Tara whispered into his ear, disguising it as a kiss.

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    J.L. Langley
    He turned toward her and found himself staring right at her mouth. Tee was taller than him, but in
    high heels it was quite pronounced.
    She grinned. “Matt escorted Ashley to the restroom.” Swiveling back to the group, Tara flashed her
    most radiant smile. “Gentlemen, will you please excuse us? I’m going to steal Aubrey away. I’ve run into an old friend I want to introduce him to.”
    Again the group fell all over themselves with graciousness, excusing them both.
    “Gentlemen.” Aubrey dipped his head and got Tara moving.
    As soon as they were out of earshot, she turned on him. “What in the hell did you say to Matt?”
    Aubrey groaned. She’d been giving him the eye every time he caught her gaze. He was actually
    impressed at her restraint. Normally she’d have read him the riot act in the limo. “I just told him he
    couldn’t go around announcing his, um, personal preferences.”
    “What? You mean that he’s gay?” She narrowed her eyes and her perfectly shaped dark brows drew
    closer together. “That preference?”
    “Shh… Tara…” he warned, looking around to make sure no one heard. As far as he had been able to
    ascertain he, Matt and Boskie—wherever he was—were the only wolves here, so Aubrey only had to worry
    about people close to them eavesdropping.
    As usual it had no effect on her. “Don’t you shh, Tara me. You’re not going to bully him. You hear me? He is gay, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If he wants people to know, it’s his business. Telling him not to tell about you is one thing, telling him to lie about himself is a different story entirely.”
    Aubrey stopped, forcing her to come to a halt as well. He brushed a lock of hair back, hoping others
    would see it as a sign of affection. “Are you finished?” he asked sweetly.
    Cutting her eyes to the left and pursing her mouth, she thought about it for a second. “Yes. I think I
    am.” She smiled at him, showing teeth. Anyone around them would see it as adoration. He saw it for the
    challenge it was.
    “Good. Butt out.” He started them moving again.
    Not even the constant buzz of conversation and the orchestra could disguise Tara’s snort.
    “Let it go, Tee.” He nodded a greeting to one of the hotel managers. “Hello.”
    “Nice to see you again.” Cheerily, Tara waved at the same guy.
    The man lifted his glass as he walked by. “You too.”
    Once the manager was past she whispered, “Don’t be an ass.”
    Aubrey ignored her and set his glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “Where’re we going?” He
    surveyed the room, looking for Boskie.
    “To find Matt and Ashley. I think you should consider apologizing when we do find them.”
    “Mr. Reynolds, Miss Brandt?” An event photographer stepped in front of them. “Can I get a picture?”
    Aubrey stopped and wrapped his arm around Tara’s waist. “Absolutely.”
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    With Abandon
    Tara leaned into him, posing prettily like she didn’t mind the inconvenience. They were both well
    accustomed to putting on a public face, and they both despised it.
    The