A Taste of Spring novel Chapter 26

Or at least that was what the assistant to Stanley Spencer told him. It had taken a week to convince Stanley Spencer's secretary to give him any information on the cover model featured on A Time for Us magazine. He was certain the model was her. The secretary didn't know Anna by that name but said it was common for models to use pseudonyms, like authors. She was forbidden to give out information but did mention that she was sending the model he was inquiring about tickets to the Wayland Event. All it took from there was to find his own tickets.

"Mmm hmm," Fallon mumbled. "Well, I have to make the rounds. Would you like to come with?"

Grimacing, Dez shook his head. He was here for one thing only. To find her. Surprisingly, that took no effort at all. He spied Anna a few feet in front of him, on the dance floor.

She was breathtaking.

Anna wore a black floor-length sleeveless halter ball gown. Diamond-like stones covered the top half and the strap traveled around the back of her neck. Her breasts weren't big, yet they were the perfect size and ideal for her model figure. When her partner spun her around, Dez saw that her smooth flawless back was bare. Her make-up was minimal, only highlighting her natural beauty. The box braids were gone. Anna's hair was up in some intricate twist, exposing her delicate neck.

Dez didn't realize he'd moved until he was almost beside her. Good thing too because Stanley Spencer was moving in on his woman.

"Stanley." Dez smiled until he noticed that Anna jumped with a start. Why was she so nervous?

Stanley sighed with thinly-veiled irritation as he met Dezmond's cool gaze.

That made Dez feel warm inside as he let out an internal giggle. "Priscilla just asked me if I'd run into you." He looked around, scanning for the bull dog in heels. "I saw her by the terrace there," he said, grinning as he motioned. "Shall I call her over?"

To his credit, Stanley maintained on his face the relaxed look Dez was certain took him years of practice. Stanley backed away from Anna but made sure his arm around her waist lingered. She didn't look around to see that it was Dezmond yet.

"Is she?" Stanley asked, his tone the only indication that he was rattled. He looked to Anna. "If you'll forgive me, Spring, something's come up. I hope to dance again before the night ends."

(Spring?)