He knew she was uncomfortable about acting as his co-host at the dinner party for Julian, which was why he’d limited the guest list to Julian, Graham and Laine, and refrained from discussing it with her during their brief conversations. Caterers had handled the food, a florist had taken care of the flowers and he had set what he considered to be a rather elegant table for the five of them. All she had to do was show up. He glanced at his watch, dismayed by how close she was cutting it.

That he had to wonder if she was going to show up at all flat out pissed him off. It wasn’t like he asked so much of her. No, you’ve only asked just about everything of her, and you’re unhappy because she’s not ready to give it to you.

As he tugged a burgundy cashmere V-neck sweater over his head, Sam came flying into the room, her cheeks red from cold and exertion. “Sorry, sorry, sorry.”

“For what?” he asked, working to keep the frustration out of his tone.

“I’m running late. Today was the funeral for Reese’s family, and the day got away from me.”

He turned to her and was wowed by the beaded top she wore over form-fitting black dress pants. “How was the funeral?”

“A total horror show,” she said with a sigh as she used the mirror on his dresser to fix her hair, which she had left down the way he liked it best. “We interviewed brothers, sisters, friends, cousins. No one ever heard Reese talk about my dad. And no sign of him, either.”

“I’m sorry, Sam.”

She shrugged. “Another dead end.” Rolling her head on her shoulders, she added, “The longer he’s in the wind the less likely we are to find him.”

“You should talk to your dad about what you found at Reese’s house. He’s stronger than you think, and he might be able to shed some light.”

“You’re right. I was thinking the same thing earlier.” She turned from the mirror to face him. “The house looks great. I can’t believe how fast you got it done. You’ve even got pictures on the walls!”

“Any of it can be changed if you don’t like it.”

“What’s not to like?”

He bit his tongue to keep from telling her he didn’t like the way she was avoiding him. Instead, he said, “You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” She reached up to adjust the collar of his shirt. “You’re not looking too bad yourself.” Going up on tiptoes, she planted a kiss on him. “I’ve missed you.”

Because he couldn’t help himself, he looped his arms around her waist and brought her in close to him. “Me, too.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Something,” she said, stealing his usual line.

He shook his head. “Thanks for coming tonight.”