Odd, he thought, that she couldn’t see that both Peter and Candy had done it to her. Very deliberately, and very well. “If I’m any judge, everybody in this room is wondering just how Laura Templeton is going to handle this little meeting with her ex and his Kewpie doll. I think we should have that dance.”

He was right, of course. He was exactly, pathetically right. However hurt, however shocked, there was still pride. She wouldn’t allow Candy to snicker over her retreat.

“Okay.”

She walked with him to the dance floor as if she wanted nothing more than a quiet turn. The music was soft, some moody number from the forties. It was designed to be romantic, she thought. Instead it rang in her ears like a battle cry.

“She’s not going to get her pinching little fingers on my babies,” Laura said between her teeth.

“I don’t imagine she’d get past you to pinch anyone, if that was her goal. It wouldn’t hurt if you looked at me.” He slipped his arms around her, found they fit well. Discovered her steps matched his smoothly. “Maybe even smiled.”

“They only came here to slap at me. Neither one of them gave a single thought to the children. She’s a mother herself, Michael. How can she not care about the children?”

“Too much in love with herself. Stop worrying about it. She isn’t going to make time in her social calendar to play stepmama. Smile,” he murmured, touching a hand lightly to her cheek. “You can make everybody believe you’re only thinking about me and what we’re going to do when we leave here. That’ll burn their ass.”

He was right again, and she made her lips curve. “I’m sorry you got caught in the cross fire.”

“Hell, it’s just a flesh wound.” He was rewarded by a quick, honest laugh.

“You’re nicer than I remembered, Michael. And I’m a mess.”

“You look pretty neat and tidy to me. You always did. We’ve got them wondering now.” He bent his head so that his cheek brushed hers, his mouth close to her ear. “Just who is that guy Laura Templeton’s wrapped around? How long has this been going on?”

She was beginning to wonder the same thing herself. “Not everyone’s that interested in my business.”

His breath blew warm against her ear. “Come on, sugar. You fascinate them. Cool, composed Laura.”

“It’s been poor Laura for a little too long now.” Her voice was tight again. “Poor Laura, whose husband cheated on her with his secretary. Poor Laura, who’ll have to hold her head up now that her ex is marrying her former co-chair of the Garden Club.”