Page 120 of Big Bad Wolfe

She grimaced. “Sorry, it’s probably Lynn again. She’s really on edge about all the gala arrangements. Big stakes are riding on our success tonight.”

“No problem.” He exhaled shakily. “We can pick this up later.”

Much later.Because he still had a long way to go … and he never made promises he couldn’t keep.

* * *

Zane spent the short remainder of the afternoon arranging his surprise. Casey awoke refreshed from an extended nap with a vastly improved attitude, and scarfed down a sandwich, cookies and juice. But then Zane’s attitude usually improved after a nap and cookies, too.

Dean arrived, with Loucinda limping alongside on crutches, to entertain Casey so Zane and Jillian would have plenty of time to dress. The gala was a Roaring ‘20’s theme ball being held in a castle-like vintage inn an hour’s drive up the coastline. The men had their choice of zoot suit or tux and Zane had chosen the tux, but also rented a fedora because he knew Jillian would get a kick out of it. He’d be wearing his Beretta beneath, but he hoped Jillian’s stalker would take the night off and let them celebrate in peace. He was definitely looking forward to seeing her in costume.

The older kids from the Center had been invited to attend if they wished, their formalwear paid for with community funds donated for that purpose.

Unbeknownst to Jillian, Zane had arranged for Dean to stay overnight with Casey and booked a suite at the ritzy inn so they could spend a private night together in style. However that was out of the question after Casey’s meltdown. The child’s wellbeing took top priority.

He checked his watch. Running out of time. Dean, Loucinda and Casey were blowing bubbles on the back deck and Jillian was upstairs primping. He was still in his jeans in the living room with a ball game on in the background while waiting for the special delivery. But soon, he’d have to go change and—

“Hi-ya, Champ.” Jillian’s throaty contralto spun him around.

She paused at the top of the stairs, one graceful hand on the banister, one slender arm stretched up. She was jaw-droppingly stunning in a short, coral-beaded flapper dress that glowed against every inch of peaches-and-cream skin. Matching heels showcased toned, mile-long legs. The pearls he’d given her wrapped her neck once, then dangled enticingly down the slopes of her breasts, and a jaunty feathered coral headdress perched on her shiny blonde waves. Long, gilded eyelashes framed those remarkable eyes and coral lipstick dewed her plump lips.

He whistled as desire leapt, sank into him with claws and fangs. “Hotdamn.I get to go to the ball with the most beautiful woman on the planet.”

Mouth curving in a siren’s sexy grin, she blew him a kiss as she sashayed downstairs, sparkling beads undulating around her generous curves in all the right places.

Holy shit—if there hadn’t been an audience right outside the back door, he’d have jumped her then and there.

“Thankyou!Any word, yet?”

“No. Shouldn’t be much longer, I hope.”

“I hope so, too! I have to go soon. Lynn and I are supposed to be at the inn to meet and greet the guests and I don’t want to cut it too close. Although I don’t want to miss seeing Casey’s face, either. We’ll probably have to take separate cars.”

He’d rented them a limo—which now had also been utilized for last-minute double-duty—but odds were he’d have to send her ahead in it alone and follow in the Barbie car. At least she’d be secure. “Yeah, that’ll work.”

Tires crunching on asphalt caught his ear and he glanced outside to see a delivery van. “Ah, phase one complete.” The limo pulled in behind it, and tall, lanky Calvin emerged from the back, a garment bag over one shoulder. “There’s phase two.”

Jillian clapped. “Ohhh … I can’t wait.”

“Why don’t you go out to the deck and we’ll join you ASAP?”

She hurried off, and Zane strode outside to greet Calvin and accept the delivery.

Calvin handed Zane his garment bag, pointed both index fingers at him. “You’rethe man.”

“Thanks for doing this.”

The teen trailed Zane into the garage. “Huh. Thanks for the sweet limo ride and the hundred bucks!”

Zane handed him the delivered box. “I’ll put your formalwear on one of the kitchen chairs. Meet me there when you’re ready.”

Zane left Calvin in the garage … and less than five minutes later, out walked Chewbacca.

“This is off the chain!” Calvin’s muffled voice declared from within the realistic costume. “Listen!” He pressed a button hidden beneath the belt, opened his mouth and Chewbacca’s distinctive growl yodeled out. “There’s a voice synthesizer in here! I totally sound authentic!”

“Top of the line outfit.” Zane grinned. “And you’re tall enough to fill out the costume.”

Zane peered around the corner, saw Jillian holding up her phone to shoot video of Casey blowing bubbles so she’d have it running for the big moment. “Let’s go. It’s show time, Fuzzball.”

---