Betrayed Chapter 9

One of the many things I admire about Rob Nelson is his utter selflessness when it comes to giving credit where credit is due.

"I would love to tell you it was some well-planned grand strategy on my part," he began, turning my way. "In fact, it was really..."

He paused in mid-sentence as he felt the increasing pressure of my stiletto heel on his instep. I shook my head imperceptibly, then hugged his arm tightly and inhaled deeply, inflating my chest to epic proportions.

"... a spur-of the moment thing, which I credit to my companion, Lisa Layne," he ad-libbed. "She and her friend, Angelina Torres, were generous enough to take time off from their careers in Hollywood to visit Jim and myself this past few months and lend their moral support. You know how it is; when your muse beckons, you follow."

He's quick on his feet, too. I like that in a man. I couldn't have asked for a better cover story. Since they would not be able to place our names, faces, or anatomies to any big-budget Hollywood productions, I was sure our new admirers would rush home that night and check their other DVDs.

This was not some sudden attack of modesty on my part. I was seeing other 'movers and shakers' – of the gridiron variety - interspersed throughout the crowd. My instincts had flashed me a warning; this might not be the best time to take a high profile. Then again, in this dress, with my push-up corset, I couldn't help but take a high profile.

As is so often the case in these society affairs – like I would know, right? – our little group became separated by the dynamics of shifting conversations and conversationalists. I had spent a goodly amount of time charming the pants off a group of industrialists (figuratively-speaking, but not for lack of desire on their part) when I sensed a body immediately behind mine; not touching, but definitely inside my personal space. Rob was deft about showing his affection without appearing overly familiar in such a setting. I smiled and moved a fraction of an inch closer in response. After a moment I turned....