Tangled Up Hearts by Deborah Hughes

took a few steps back and waved an apologetic hand. "I still have some things to do in the kitchen but I will join you shortly. Al, you know where to find everything. Help yourself to a drink. The bar is fully stocked.”
    Although Jenna was already scurrying away, Alyssa took a hasty step toward her. “Can I help you with anything, Jenna?”
    “No, no. You go enjoy yourself. I’m fine.” Then she disappeared into the kitchen, the door swinging closed behind her.
    Alyssa pulled off her shawl and dropped it on the bench of the antique coat rack behind her then turned to Paul and shrugged. “Well, I guess we should go make ourselves a drink." She linked hands with him and leaned against his arm. “I can’t wait for Trisha and Jack to meet you.”
    “Am I to presume that Cole is here as well?” Paul raised a questioning brow, his all-knowing gaze missing nothing.
    Although Alyssa tried to school her features into an emotionless mask, she knew she wasn’t fooling him. “Unfortunately, yes.”
    Paul made a face of mock fear and Alyssa laughed. Yes, bringing Paul to this party was definitely the best thing she could have done.
    “My, my but don’t we seem jovial this evening.”
    Cole’s voice sucked her good humor off into obscurity and her laughter ended abruptly, her anxiety returning as she turned around to face him. Of course it had to be him to be the first to show up. Upon seeing him, though, her irritation was replaced with reluctant admiration. Although she wasn't quite sure how she did it, she managed to keep her eyes from widening in visual appreciation. Impossibly handsome when dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, he was even more impressive when dressed in formal attire. And he'd shaved. Although he looked good with facial hair, he was just as appealing without it, though on a different scale. It made him appear more civil. Polished. He looked like a gentleman of the first order and that made her scoff inside. Bearded or not, he was no gentleman. Not to her anyway.
    Keeping her face void of expression, she spoke in a voice as deadpan as she could make it. “Hello, Cole.” Her apparent lack of enthusiasm for his arrival did not go unnoticed.
    Eyes narrowed in warning, he gave an almost imperceptible nod as his gaze traveled over her. “Evening, Al. You look very nice.”
    And just like that Alyssa wished she was still wearing her shawl. She felt vulnerable, exposed, and she didn’t like it that he made her feel that way. She didn’t like it one bit. Of course that reaction didn’t make sense considering she had deliberately set out to ensure that he did notice her. The plan she’d had in mind was that she would in turn, show complete disinterest in him. What she forgot to consider in that scenario was his attractiveness and how that was going to affect her. His black suit fit him perfectly. The crisp white shirt he wore beneath it accentuated his tanned complexion and dark hair. Even in her high heels, Cole towered over her, making her feel small. Needing reinforcement, she moved closer to Paul and sought out his hand. He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze and she turned to give him a grateful smile before returning her gaze to Cole.
    The interaction did not escape his notice and Cole's brow lifted in speculation as he moved his attention from her to Paul and held out his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
    “Cole, this is Paul Jordan. Paul, Cole Delaney.”
    The two men shook hands and though Cole's manner was reserved, Paul's was open and friendly. “It’s nice to meet you, Cole.”
    It did not escape Alyssa's notice that he did not return the sentiment, but before she could get worked up over it another voice entered the mix.
    “Cole? Oh there you are.”
    Alyssa turned to watch as a tall, slim blonde made her way toward them. The moment she reached Cole's side, she slipped a slender hand, sporting incredibly long red nails, into the crook of his arm.
    "Friends of yours, darling?" She gave