“My, my. You look very handsome in that tux Professor Hill. Do you think they’ll notice if we skip this banquet all together?”

My eyes travel up and down her frame, taking in the skintight red dress she’s wearing. Frankly, I’m speechless.

At my dumbfounded expression, she gives me a saucy grin and turns around. If the front of her dress was sexy, the back is downright criminal. A thin strap of fabric stretches across the top of her back, connecting to the front of her dress. The rest of her back is completely bare, the fabric of her skirt only starting again at the very base of her lower back.

My heart thunders in my chest, my hand coming up to cover it on the off chance it would beat right through my skin. “Words would not do justice to how stunning you look right now.”

She crosses the room, coming to stand directly in front of me. “Those words worked just fine.”

My hands move to her hips and hers coil around my neck. “All I want to do now is see if you taste as good as you look.”

She tips her face up, offering me her lips. I accept them with pleasure.

Too soon though, I end our kiss. “If we don’t leave soon, we never will.”

Her look says she wouldn’t mind either way.

“Dang, you guys look hot.”

Abby turns, planting her hand on her hip. “Thank you for helping me find the perfect dress.”

Sam moves over to us, a fancy looking cape thing in her hands.

Abby’s cat bats at it as she moves past her.

I take it from her and help Abby put it on. “Yes, thank you for helping her find this dress.”

They both laugh. Yesterday morning I came over to hang out with Abby. They were miserable, hung over from Finley’s bachelorette party. I was nervous she’d bail on the banquet but by last night she was back to close to normal.

“Have her home by curfew,” Sam teases as she waves goodbye.

“Remind me what to expect at this thing,” Abby says once we’re on the road.

“There will be a good mix of people there, faculty, alumni, guest speakers, and various donors. It’s not like that conference I was at where there were only astrophysicists in attendance.”

She relaxes in her seat. “That’s good news. I was a little nervous.”

My hand moves to rest on her thigh. “You have nothing to be nervous about, ever.”

Her hand covers mine. “You’re the best for saying that.”

The banquet is being held in the Grand Hall of the University library. The long rectangular tables that are normally here have been removed and replaced with circular tables in the center of the room and raised platform additional seating and a podium at one end of the room.

There’s a coat check so we drop off Abby’s cape.

“This place looks amazing,” Abby says, her gaze moving about the room.

Slipping her arm through mine, we move farther into the room. Each table is elaborately set, a dark tablecloth draped over a larger white one, sparkling gems scattered across the top.

The intended effect is clear, the dark cloth represents the night sky, the gems its stars. The centerpiece of each table is made up of multicolored blooms and mimics the planets and moons of our solar system.

Abby pulls out her phone and snaps a picture of one of the tables. “I’m going to send this to Paige.”

Whenever Abby sees a unique looking centerpiece or table setting she sends it to Paige for her to catalog for future events. Paige is currently planning Finley’s wedding this month, and her own wedding in the fall.

“Hello Spencer, Gabby.”

Abby bristles at being called the wrong name again.

My arm moves around her waist. “Dr. Hudson, her name is Abby.”

Nadine chuckles. “Oh silly me. I got it wrong again. Didn’t I?”

I’d like to call her out on whatever ploy she’s making but out of politeness I hold my tongue.

Abby doesn’t.

She reaches out her hand and smiles brightly. “Dr. Hudson, it’s so nice to see you again.”

Nadine hesitates before returning the gesture and shaking Abby’s hand. “Your dress is lovely.”

Beaming, Abby fingers the skirt. “Thank you. Your dress is stunning. That shade of cobalt is perfect for your coloring.”

Dr. Hudson blinks, her face softening. “You’re kind.”

When Duncan joins our group, Dr. Hudson leaves.

He watches her go. “She doesn’t like me.”

Abby covers her mouth to suppress her giggle.

Duncan shrugs. “It’s the truth. She puts up with me because Spencer thinks I’m a valuable member of the team.”

I stare at him. “She does?”

He nods and looks around us as the event staff starts circulating with trays of hors-d'oeuvres. “I hope they have spanakopita.”

He looks up at me. “You’re tall. Do you see any?”

Abby leans into me, probably laughing, and I look at each of the trays being walked around. “Target located, your eight o’clock.”

He pats my arm and is gone in a flash. My eyes move to Abby.

“Your coworkers are crazy.”

My eyes search her face for any lingering sign of annoyance at our interaction with Dr. Hudson. “Sorry about Dr. Hudson.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ve got her number.”

Curious, I ask, “And what is her number?”

Her hand glides up my chest to stroke my jaw. “You are a catch. She’s bitter she isn’t the one who caught you.”

I smirk, only mildly put out. “Not sure I’m thrilled to be the fish in this scenario.”

Her mouth stretches into a wide grin. “Hush, you don’t mind being on my line.”

My arm tightens around her. “You’ve got that right.”

“Mini quiche?”

A server with a loaded tray pauses in front of us.

I skipped lunch to pick up my tux so I grab one. “Thank you.”

Abby steps away. “I’m going to run to the ladies’ room.”

“Want me to walk over with you?”

She shakes her head. “Don’t be silly. I’ll be right back.”

Her crimson skirt swirls around her ankles as she walks away. I pop the quiche into my mouth and watch her go. More than just my eyes follow her movements. My chest swells knowing out of all of the men who’d kill to date her, she’s with me.

“Professor Hill?”

An older gentleman and a glamorous older woman approach me.

She is closer to me so I offer her my hand first. “Yes, and you are?”

She takes my hand and clasps it in both of hers. “I’m Flora Hiemer and this is my husband Claude.”

I shake his hand next. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

He nods, while she speaks. “Your paper on potential advancements to the Compton Telescope was fascinating.”

It isn’t every day that I meet someone who has read any of my papers. “Thank you.”

“Have you considered seeking a grant to explore them?”

It’s even less common to be approached by someone who seems interested in funding a project of mine. Normally, I have joined teams assembled after another scientist was awarded the grant.

“The grant I’m currently on is funded through the end of next year. I’d be open to discussions at that time.”

She smiles at her husband. “We will be sure to stay in touch then.”

“Ahh. Mr. and Mrs. Hiemer. I see you have found Professor Hill.”

My back stiffens as Dr. Hudson joins our group.

“We did. It has been a pleasure to get to speak with him.”

Mrs. Hiemer looks up at me. “Have you seen the reports the LIGO and Virgos network has been taken down for upgrades?”

I nod. “I had read that.”

“Why do you think they would do that so soon? Virgo was only two weeks into an observation cycle when it detected the gravitational waves of those black holes merging.”

“The significance of the upgrades will increase the volume of space it evaluates by eight. The last upgrades to Virgo took six years. They’re expecting the network to be back up by next fall.”

She frowns.

Her husband smiles sweetly at her. “She’s impatient.”

She doesn’t dispute him.

Abby comes to stand beside me. “Hello.”

I quickly introduce her to the group. “This is my girlfriend Abigail Thompson. Abby, this is Mr. and Mrs. Hiemer.”

Mrs. Hiemer’s eyes light up. “Are you also an astrophysicist?”

Abby shakes her head. “I’m a realtor.”

Her face falls but her husband quickly steps in. “How did you meet?”

Abby and I exchange a glance, her hand finding mine. “He tutored my brother in high school. We lost touch when he moved away but when he moved back he needed a realtor and the rest is history.”

The Hiemers shift closer together, their stance matching ours. “We were high school sweethearts as well.”

After a few moments, Mrs. Hiemer grabs her husband’s arm. “There’s Dr. Gurhnom. We must speak to him.”

Her enthusiasm for astrophysics is heartwarming. “It was so nice meeting you both.”

They wave goodbye before stalking after their next prey.

“If they continue to take an interest in you, it could be extremely beneficial to the department.”

I incline my head in Dr. Hudson’s direction. The research we do is limited to the funding we’re able to raise. Events like this one help us raise not only interest, but funds as well.

“Understood.”

Her eyes rest on Abby before she looks back at me. “Enjoy your evening.”

She turns and begins to walk away. Abby surprises me by dropping my hand and going after her.

They’re close enough for me to hear Abby say, “Could I speak with you?”

Dr. Hudson blinks at her before quickly schooling her features. “Of course.”

I take a step toward them but Abby quickly looks my way and shakes her head.

What is going on?

Together, my girlfriend and my boss walk toward the hall that leads to the restrooms and all I can do is watch.

Spanakopita in hand, Duncan appears next to me. “Oh shit man. That doesn’t look good. Did Abby ask her to take it outside so she could kick her ass for putting the moves on you?”

“What? No.”

He takes a bite and chews loudly. “Then what are they doing? Dr. Hudson doesn’t seem the type to need a buddy to go to the bathroom with.”

He’s right. “I have no idea.”

The loud chewing continues. “Aren’t you going to follow them?”

“Abby doesn’t want me to.”

He grabs the sleeve of my tux and I pray it wasn’t with the hand holding his food. “Could they be fighting right now?”

Shrugging off his hold, I glare at him. “Don’t be crazy.”

“Korean Meatball?”

Neither of us looks away from where Abby and Dr. Hudson went. “No thank you.”

After a moment Duncan says, “Abby didn’t tell me I couldn’t follow them. Want me to recon?”

As much as I want to say yes, I say, “No.”

He makes a humph noise but stays by my side. We don’t wait long before they come back into sight.

I look away. “Act natural.”

Duncan tries to link his arm through mine but I shake him off. “What are you doing? I said to act natural.”

He frowns, and then stops a server carrying mini wraps. “I’d love one.”

I’m torn between watching Abby and watching him stuff two wraps into his mouth.

My gaze moves back to Abby and I watch Dr. Hudson give her a genuine smile before she moves in a different direction.

When she’s close enough, her hand finds mine. “Thank you for not following me.”

Duncan swallows loudly. “She doesn’t look beat up. Did you just threaten her without having to resort to physical violence?”

Abby stares at him and then looks up at me. “Is he for real?”

“Duncan?”

He looks up at me. “Yep?”

“Go away.”

He mutters under his breath as he leaves. Something about eating a wrap for me and this is the thanks he gets.

“You’re probably wondering what that was about.”

I nod. “Is it something you can share?”

Her hand squeezes mine. “I love that you’re asking, not demanding and yes, it’s something I can share.”

Since we’re somewhat surrounded by potential eavesdroppers, we move out of earshot of the people around us.

“I had a theory about the way she acted around me,” Abby starts.

When I nod, she continues. “She was romantically interested in you.”

“I did nothing to encourage her interest.”

She smiles sweetly. “Of course you did, you just didn’t even realize that by being you, brilliant, successful, handsome you, you were appealing to her just by existing.”

“Did she admit to being attracted to me?”

With a nod, she explains. “Imagine you are a female scientist in a male-dominated field and you’re not just one of them, you’re the boss. Now imagine how intimidating her credentials might be to most men. Then you show up and you check all of her boxes plus you’re a nice guy and not intimidated by her. Of course she’d want you.”

I chuckle at her phrasing and only wish I could send a reverse time capsule to my high school self just so he could enjoy Abby Thompson saying any woman would want me.

“Then along comes me, a non-genius level, moderately successful realtor, who steals you away.”

While I enjoyed her words moments ago, these ones concern me. “She doesn’t truly believe you stole me from her?”

She shakes her head. “Not really, just that I interrupted the opportunity for something to happen between you two.”

“Nothing was ever going to happen between us.”

She presses her hand to my chest. “That’s not the important part of our discussion. I don’t blame her for feeling that way. I get it and if you started dating someone else instead of me I might have felt the same way. Thing is, I know tons of guys that check all of her boxes and I’m going to start introducing her to some of them.”

“Wait, let me get this straight. My boss has been inconsiderate to you more than once and you’re going to try and set her up with someone?”

She grins up at me. “Pretty much.”

My jaw goes slack. “And, she agreed to this?”

She nods again. “I can be persuasive.”

Gripping her by the back of her neck, I take her mouth and I don’t do it fast. Rather, I take my time enjoying her lips, and her tongue. By the time I’ve taken my fill, she’s struggling to catch her breath.

“I love you so much.”

She smiles shyly up at me. “I love you too.”

My hands frame her face. “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. You truly give new meaning to the saying kill them with kindness.”

Her expression goes sleepy, like a cat about to purr. “Spencer.”

I kiss her again, this time softer. “You check all of my boxes and then some.”

When I drop my hands she looks away. “I can’t even take full credit for the idea. The girls and I came up with it at Finley’s bachelorette party.”

“You’ve been planning to talk to her? I had no idea it had gotten that bad, and it doesn’t matter who came up with it, you did it.”

“Hey guys. I think they’re starting to sit down for dinner.”

Abby and I jump apart and I spin to see Duncan standing right behind us. “How long have you been there?”

He taps his chin. “Since Abby said something about being persuasive.”

I exhale in relief that he didn’t hear our entire conversation. “It’s not cool that you were listening in.”

He looks confused and motions over his shoulder. “But, I was going to sit with you guys and dinner is starting.”

Abby grabs my hand. “Let’s go eat.”

When she gets a step ahead of me, she gives me a subtle tug. Glaring at the back of Duncan’s head, I follow her.

The rest of the evening goes as I expected it would. When Abby is being Abby, there’s not a person alive who won’t fall for her in some capacity. She’s clever, eloquent, and personable; a complete trifecta for any social gathering.

Sitting back, I watch as she charms our table with stories of her brothers. It’s no surprise, given how long Thompson’s hardware has been a staple in Woodlake, the Thompsons themselves are somewhat local celebrities.

“You’re a lucky man,” a donor whispers to me.

He most likely expected me to smile broadly and agree. I do agree, but I do it with all seriousness.

Abby catches my eye and shoots me an inquisitive look. Taking her hand from where it rests on the table, I lift it to my lips.

Since there was the potential we’d be out late tonight, I got us a hotel room nearby. While I’m looking forward to sleeping with her by my side, I’m ready for it to be the norm and not the infrequent special occasion it is.

I don’t want to be going back to a hotel; I want us to be going home, to a place that’s all ours.

“You sure you’re okay?” Abby asks, when the attention moves to someone else at the table.

“I’m imagining we already have our place and I’m wishing it was now.”

Her eyes that were worried, soften. “We’ll find a place and when we do, it will be the perfect home for us to start our lives together in.”

“How are you so sure?” I tease.

She tilts her head to the side and replies, “I know an awesome realtor.”

It doesn’t matter that we’re in a crowded room full of people who could decide whether or not any of my future projects ever receive funding, I kiss her.

Abby, not caring either, kisses me right back.