Page 14 of Love Under Review

“Mayor Watkins is going to lure them over with some story about needing repairs to the gazebo and ideas on what flowers to grow in the park gardens.” Danielle stood, smoothing out her shirt. She walked over to the long table, moving one of the large vases of flowers for the food that would be coming.

Liam nodded, the corner of his mouth turning up a fraction. “Sounds like the mayor.”

Danielle found herself staring at him for longer than was acceptable, and when he caught her, she looked away, pretending to fix the tablecloth on the large table. What was her deal? Just because he was attractive didn’t mean she needed to feed those feelings anymore. She’d be the one left hurting in the end.

Becca and Colton came with the mayor as expected, their excitement and surprise something Danielle was happy about. It was hard to spring anything on her best friend, but at least she was giddy about the event.

After they’d eaten the sandwiches, salads, and desserts Velda had sent with some of her staff, Danielle stood, ready to play the games. It was strange addressing more than just the cameraman, and with the number of people there, she had to take a breath before saying anything.

“We’re excited to have you all here to celebrate Becca and Colton. We’ve got a few games to play before we have them open gifts.” She pointed to the table heaped with wrapped boxes and gift bags. She went over the games at different stations, her nerves feeling raw as she hoped the guests would enjoy them. Once she finished, she said, “Pair up with someone, and we’ll get started.”

People began milling about, and from a quick look, all the guys had been paired up, leaving a group of the older women sitting around one of the tables chatting. Danielle strolled over to them, loving the happiness on her mother’s face as she laughed at something one of the ladies had said.

“Aren’t you ladies going to join the games?”

Velda waved her hand. “Honey, we’ve played enough games in our lifetime. We’ll leave it to you young people. From the looks of things over there, it seems you’re on the road to being a matchmaker, Danielle.” She pointed in the direction of the six couples milling about the tables. Several looked like they were enjoying each other’s company.

Danielle laughed, walking back over to the table of food. She could use another chicken salad sandwich.

“Party planner isn’t going to participate in the festivities?” Liam asked, stepping up to the table across from her.

“I had hoped that planning this was like a get-out-of-activity-free card.” She took a bite of the sandwich without moving her gaze from his face.

Liam lifted his hand and waved his fingers, beckoning her. “Let’s go. Who knows? We might have fun.”

Danielle glanced at the Jenga game where the couple at the table giggled as they tried to remove a block from the tower. The idea was to tie their hands together, making them have to talk to get the block out successfully.

She shook her head. “I’m good. I—”

“Oh, come on, Dani. It will be fun.” Becca bumped into Danielle with her hip, sending her off-balance.

Danielle caught herself on the table before she fell and sent a glare in Becca’s direction once she’d recovered.

She and Liam started with the candy-jar guessing and then filled out their gift bingo cards, not saying much during that time. Danielle wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or happy that he’d asked to be her partner.

Doubles Jenga was next, and they were challenging Becca and Colton, who seemed to be on a winning streak.

Liam picked up the handkerchief Danielle had brought for tying their hands together. “Right hand or left?”

“I can do either. Which do you prefer?”

“I’ll take the left.” He lifted his hand next to Danielle’s right, causing the hairs around her wrist to stand on end. When his skin touched hers, she jumped when she felt the shock of it.

“Sorry,” she said. Liam had been tying the handkerchief, but she’d pulled it loose.

Liam looked up, his hooded eyes causing a deeper attraction to rise in her. She had to turn her gaze away, looking in the direction of the older ladies. When she realized they were all watching her, she closed her eyes, feeling embarrassment heat to the tips of her ears.

“Ready?” Liam’s voice caused her eyes to snap open, and she nodded. She could handle a few minutes attached to this guy. It wasn’t like it would be forever.

Danielle nodded, shifting closer to the table with Liam.

“Another pair of competitors. We’ve got them, right, dear?” Colton said, kissing Becca’s temple.

“Definitely.” Becca’s confident smile only enhanced Danielle’s competitiveness.

“We’ll see about that,” Danielle said, looking to Liam for his answer. His laid-back expression wasn’t helping her emotions stay under control, and her heartbeat sped up.

Becca and Colton went first, successfully placing their piece on the top of the tower.

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