One Heart to Give (Heart's Intent Book 1) (9 page)

Chapter Eleven

Ren led Dani into the banquet hall. Sparkling lights were strung up throughout the room giving it a fairy tale appearance. It had a romantic feel that filled her with giddiness. She’d always balked at fundraisers and had no clue how to act at them. It hadn’t occurred to her to do any research. She’d jumped in head first and had no choice but to follow Ren’s lead.

Dani leaned into Ren and asked, “What exactly can I expect from this evening?”

“There will be lots of alcohol offered in an attempt to loosen the attendees’ grips on their wallets.” The tips of his fingers brushed over her hand softly as he held it in his grasp. “There’s also dancing, a silent auction, and h’orderves being passed about.”

She scanned the room. There wasn’t a person in the room she recognized. At least she had Ren. It didn’t matter if she was familiar with anyone else. Meeting Sullivan Brady and spending the evening with Ren were her purposes for attending.

“Come dance with me,” Ren demanded.

She laughed. “Don’t you want to mingle first?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. You’re the only person here that matters to me.”

She hugged him close. “Then let’s dance.”

A flash of their first dance floated through her mind. The one time he’d held her close and made her feel like a princess. She’d imagined, for a brief moment, he’d loved her and no one else was in his life. Of course, back then, he’d had a girlfriend. Now he was free and all hers. All she had to do was reach out and claim him. The opening strands of an old country song filled the room. One that invoked even more memories within her, it was magical. The tiny lights were like blinking stars on the night sky. She floated in Ren’s arms as they spun around the dance floor. The rest of the world disappeared, and for a few minutes all the world was right. If it all ended tomorrow, she’d have this one moment in time to hold on to. It was all worth it to experience the whirl of dancing in Ren’s arms. Magic had nothing on the feeling that overtook her. Dani wouldn’t have missed it for anything. When she glanced up and met Ren’s gaze his own happiness reflected back at her.

“This is how it always should’ve been.” He pulled her closer. The heat from his hands on her back burned through her. She wanted to get lost in his touch and forget about all the problems of the world. “If only I’d been braver.”

She took in his words, shocked at his own admission. They’d both had their own demons to work through. Fear held them both in check. Had he been equally afraid to lose her as she’d been of losing him? What they had here was a failure to communicate. If they had any chance of going forward, they’d have to break down that wall. It was funny how in hindsight she could pinpoint where she’d gone wrong. Dancing in his arms, she could clearly see the moment of no return. When she’d decided they’d be better off as friends. That was a decision that had altered their course irrevocably.

“I don’t think you’re alone in that feeling.” She reached up and wound her arms around his neck, pulling him down to place a soft kiss on his lips. “You followed my lead. I’m the real coward. All we can do is see where we go from here.”

She swallowed back her urge to run away again. Nothing terrified her more. Opening her heart to the possibility of a future with Ren petrified her. The pain of losing him would be too much. Over time, she hoped it would ease as she became more comfortable with the idea of having his love focused on her. Something she’d never dared to imagine. The strands of the music died. It was as if they were at the prom all over again. They were lost in each other and no one else mattered. This time there was no Jessica to break the spell.

“I suppose we should move off the dance floor,” he whispered in her ear. “I rather enjoy holding you.”

She laughed lightly. “You don’t have to let me go once we move away. Dancing isn’t the only reason to keep me close.”

They headed toward the other end of the ballroom. A waiter stopped and offered them champagne. Ren grabbed two glasses and handed one to her. She took a sip. The bubbles tickled her nose and made her feel giddy, or maybe it was the joy she couldn’t restrain. Ren gave her a reason to let go and enjoy what life had to offer. A weight she hadn’t realized she carried was suddenly lifted off her shoulder. They could do this. All she had to do was keep the past where it belonged. If she didn’t look back or question anything, she could have it all.

“It’s good to see you outside of the hospital,” the nurse with striking auburn hair said as she approached them.

What was her name again? Why did she have such a hard time remembering it? Dani was almost positive it was the same woman who’d called her about Matt’s accident. She hadn’t been able to recall it that day either. She was around all the time and damn near blended into her surroundings. The woman was one of Matt’s nurses, so Dani should be able to recall her damn name.

“Hello, Lana,” Ren replied. “Are you having a good time?”

That’s it!
Thank you, Ren
. Dani filed away her name. She’d not forget it again.

The young nurse smiled. “I haven’t been to one of these functions in years. It’s for a good cause, and I had to come to support it.”

Ren nodded. “It is. I wasn’t aware you’d be here tonight.”

Lana grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter as he passed by. She took a drink before she spoke. “It’s hard to not know what this is all for. I know they say it’s to support the hospital and give the pediatric wing some much needed funding, but it’s more than that. The Brady family went through a lot when Ella went missing. No one understands that more than I do.”

Dani perked up at her pronouncement. Did she know what happened to the little girl? Maybe she could grill Lana for more information. Ren didn’t seem to know any more than he’d told her. The mystery was so intriguing. It might also give her more to go on concerning her annoying client, Mr. Nettles. She didn’t understand what he had against females.

“Do you know the family well?” Dani couldn’t hold the question in. She had to know more. “I’ve not met any of them.”

Lana turned to her, a puzzled expression on her face. “I’m sorry. I should know you. You seem familiar.”

“Dani’s Matthew Price’s friend,” Ren offered.

“No, that’s not it.” She scrunched her nose up. “But now that you mention it, I do recall seeing you in his room.”

Dani decided Lana was odd. She seemed nice enough, but easily distracted. She shrugged. “I am unremarkable.”

“If you say so,” Lana reluctantly agreed. “To answer your question, I grew up in their household. My mother is their housekeeper. Most of the family is nice enough. I lived in the main residence when Ella went missing. It’s not something I’m likely to forget.”

Dani restrained from shouting out. She wanted to do a jig. This is what she needed. A source to pump for more information, if she could hold back the need to press deeper for information she might get Lana to spill everything.

“It must have been devastating for the family. Do you know what happened?”

She’d wanted to forget about the little girl, but she couldn’t seem to let it go. It might be silly, but she was intrigued. Deep down Dani realized the little girl’s disappearance wouldn’t help her with Mr. Nettle’s case though.

She shook her head. “It’s not my place to say.”

Damn. Stonewalled again.
How was she going to get any details on the family if no one would open up? Instead of pushing her, she nodded her agreement. “I understand. I can be morbidly curious.”

“If you don’t mind me asking—where do you come from?” Lana asked.

“Excellent question,” a deep baritone agreed. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you. Lana, please introduce us.”

Lana frowned. “Go away, Sullivan. We’re having a grown up conversation. You weren’t invited.”

He chuckled lightly. Dani glanced up at him. He was even more gorgeous in person. The pictures in the paper hadn’t done him justice. His hair was a rich ebony, slightly long, with curls hugging the edge of his ears. His deep green eyes
were
the exact same shade as hers. Claire hadn’t been wrong on that account. Sullivan Brady was breathtaking to behold, and Lana appeared to be more annoyed than entranced by him.

“I beg to differ,” his reply rolled of his tongue. “I’m the host. I don’t need an invitation. It’s implied.”

The prim and proper Lana did something Dani wouldn’t have expected. She glanced over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at him. Dani’s mouth fell open with shock. They were almost—playful. Lana said she’d grown up in the Brady household. Did that mean they were childhood friends? Their actions certainly implied as much.

“Doesn’t give you leave to be rude.” She rolled her eyes. “I was having a nice conversation with Dr. Sousa and his date. You had no right to impose yourself on our conversation.”

He held his hand against his chest and turned to her and Ren. “I apologize. I didn’t realize my behavior was untoward. Please forgive me” He held his hand out to Ren. “Dr. Sousa, it’s good to see you again. Thank you for coming tonight.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Ren shook Sullivan’s hand. “It’s a good cause.”

Sullivan nodded. “My family certainly thinks so.” His gaze focused on Dani’s face. Sullivan’s scrutiny was akin to studying a bug under a microscope. She squirmed under his thorough examination. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Sullivan Brady.”

“See, you’re capable of introducing yourself. I’m going in search of better company,” Lana paused. “I don’t mean you, Ren.” Then she spun on her heels and left.

“I’m going to check on her.” Ren leaned down and kissed Dani’s cheek. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He followed after Lana. Dani pushed down the rush of jealousy. Lana was a friend and colleague. It was perfectly fine for Ren to make sure she was all right. It was in his nature to look after those he cared for.

Sullivan shook his head. “I apologize. We tend to needle each other whenever we cross paths. It’s the result of growing up together, I’m afraid. We know too many of each other’s secrets and faults.”

“That’s not always a bad thing.”

“No.” He smiled down at her. “It isn’t. So are you going to keep me in the dark forever?”

“What?” She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

“Your name,” he stated plainly. “I’ve never seen you before. The first time I met Ren he was married to a blonde harpy.”

Dani smiled at his description of Jessica. “An apt description if I’ve ever heard one.” She liked him. He was easy to be around, and there was something comforting in his demeanor. “I’m Daniella Brosen.”

He nodded. “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Brosen. Have you known the good doctor long?”

“Most of my life. We were best friends in high school.”

Why were details spilling out of her without much thought? She didn’t usually open up to people she barely knew. This was supposed to be her inquisition. If she wanted to gain control of their conversation, she’d have to turn things around, and fast.

“Hmm.” His gaze went unfocused. “So were you childhood sweethearts as well?”

She shook her head. “Why are you so curious?”

He was silent for a brief moment. A flicker of something flashed in his eyes before he pushed it back. Whatever it was, he’d suppressed it before it could surface. It made Dani a little uneasy. What was Sullivan Brady after?

“You remind me of someone.”

That seemed to be the standard answer lately. What was going on with him? He acted like he knew her at a glance. She didn’t like it one bit. The familiarity wasn’t settling well with her. She’d found him comforting at first—now she wanted to put some distance between them. He was freaking her out.

“If you say so.” Dani shrugged. As far as she knew, she didn’t resemble anyone. They did say everyone had a twin of some sort in the world. Maybe she did look like someone he’d met before. Claire said Dani’s coloring was similar to the Sullivans’. It wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility she could look like someone he was acquainted with. “I wouldn’t have a clue about anyone you know.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t suppose you would.” His lips quirked upward. “I’d like to know you better.”

“I promise I’m not interesting enough to bother with.” She waved a hand. “I bet you live a fascinating life though. Tell me about yourself.”

Dani attempted to change the subject. She didn’t like the path it had gone down. Whatever Sullivan wanted to know, she wasn’t so sure she wanted him to find out. He was charming and smooth. If she allowed it, he’d have intimate knowledge of every one of her secrets before she knew what she was saying.

“I’m not all that intriguing. I promise.” He shrugged. He flashed her one of his charming smiles that almost caught her off guard again. “So you grew up with Ren in Hope Beach on the other side of the state.”

Damn, he was good. She almost didn’t catch it. He was so subtle. Digging for answers when it was clear he wanted more information on her. Did he think he was protecting Ren from another harpy? Maybe if she gave him enough details, he’d leave them alone.

“Not entirely. I didn’t get transferred to a foster home there until I was at the end of eighth grade. Before that, I’d been in so many different places I don’t remember them all.”

He stilled. All emotion fell from his face. “You were in foster care?” His voice was pure steel. Why did it bother him so much?