By we, Garrett meant Burke, who would take the risk and stand the loss—that much, Allison knew, was a given. Garrett had been made a partner for his expertise, but his financial stake was little more than a token. “And the other choice?” she asked.

“We could take on a new partner, an investor with deep pockets who could revamp the American Heartland and make it everything it should be—a partner with connections to some of the biggest names in the entertainment business.”

“That sounds like an easy choice. Do you have an investor in mind?”

“I do—someone who’s very interested and has the resources we need. But Burke’s dragging his heels—doesn’t want anybody else to have a say in his business. I think he’s in denial. The original bank loan’s due at the first of the year. If we just let things slide, we’ll be in foreclosure.”

Allison stared up at him, feeling as if the blood in her body had drained into the floor, leaving nothing for her heart to pump but thin, dry air. She must have swayed on her high heels because Garrett reached out and laid a hand on her shoulder.

“We’re trying to keep it under wraps,” he said, “but you need to understand. Burke’s been under one hell of a strain.”

“But why didn’t he tell me?” she whispered. “I’m his wife, for God’s sake, not some child who needs to be coddled and protected!”

Garrett’s fingers were smooth and hard against her bare skin. “Knowing Burke, I’m sure he had his reasons. Right now, the best thing you can do for him is go back to the party. Be nice to his friends. Act as if nothing has happened.”

“They don’t know?”

“Nobody here knows except you and me. For now, consider it our little secret.” His hand lingered on her shoulder, his touch suddenly too intimate. Allison stepped away.

“I’m going back by way of the kitchen,” she said. “If dinner’s ready, maybe you can help me seat the guests. And don’t worry about my giving anything away. I’m a good actress.”

But as she thought about the coming ordeal of a five-course dinner, she wondered how the glassy smile on her face could fool anyone who cared enough to look. She’d counted on Burke to keep the conversation lively. Alone, surrounded by people who despised her, how could she possibly hold her own?