Laina Turner - Presley Thurman 05 - Gems & Gunshots Read Free Page B

beyond frustrated, especially since Cooper kept coming in to check on me and see if I was ready. He wasn’t helping any. I ended up locking the bathroom door so he couldn’t give me the hurry up look. I finally finished my makeup, slipped on my shoes, and walked out of the bedroom to find Cooper. He was lounging on one of the barstools at the breakfast bar. Impatiently waiting, he looked at his watch and then at me.
    “How do I look?” I asked, walking toward him and twirling so he could see the full effect of my gorgeous gown.”
    He shrugged. “It’s okay.”
    My eyes narrowed. I put my hands on my hips and glared at him as he burst out laughing. “Okay, okay. I’m kidding. You look gorgeous as always and definitely worth the wait.”
    “Good answer, pal!” I smiled. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.” He was wearing a charcoal gray suit with super thin pinstripes, a light gray shirt, and a black tie. While he typically preferred casual clothes of jeans and button–down shirts, he looked good dressed up.
    “Well, m‘lady, c’mon then,” he said, offering his arm to me. We walked out the door and got into his BMW. A short drive later we pulled into the parking lot of the San Diego Convention Center, which couldn’t have had a more beautiful backdrop than the San Diego Bay if someone had painted one.
    “This place is huge,” I said as we were walking around looking for the right room.
    “Yes, it is. I’ve been lost in here many a time. I see our room over there.” He pointed down the hall where there was a big sign announcing the event.
    I could hear music playing. “It sounds like fun in there at least.”
    “It’s open bar, so I’m sure it will be.”
    We walked in the room and there was a festive air. This was the awards banquet given by the Association of Security Professionals that Cooper belonged to. People were coming up and greeting Cooper and congratulating him on his nomination. I was so proud of him. He was being a great boyfriend, introducing me to everyone, and I was playing the ever so proud girlfriend, when a handsome–looking silver–haired man came up to us.
    “This must be the lovely Presley you’ve told me so much about,” the man said, grabbing my hand and kissing it gallantly.
    I blushed and smiled. It wasn’t every day that a man kissed my hand or said that Cooper talked about me a lot. It was definitely sweet, and this guy was definitely smooth. I was a romantic but also a skeptic.
    Cooper introduced us. “Greg, meet Presley. Presley this is Greg Anderson,”
    My eyes widened. Greg Anderson. This was the guy who owned Gemstone’s Unlimited. Cooper gave me a look that I assumed was trying to convey the fact I shouldn’t ask him a bunch of questions about the recent murder at his store. Even I wasn’t that rude. Or stupid. I wasn’t about to ask questions in front of Cooper. I knew I had to be a tad subtler than that. I would wait for my opportunity. It would come, or I would make one.
    “Nice to meet you,” Greg said.
    “Likewise,” I replied.
    “We still on for 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, Cooper?”
    “Sure are, Greg.”
    “Well, then I won’t take up anymore of your time. Lovely to meet you, Presley. Good luck on your nomination, Cooper.”
    “Thanks, Greg,” he said, shaking his hand. As Greg walked away, Cooper said to me, “Good job.”
    “What are you talking about?” I asked.
    “The fact that I know you were dying to ask him some questions once you found out who he was. I appreciate you not grilling him.”
    “Please, Cooper. I have some restraint.”
    “Really? I hadn’t noticed,” he joked.
    I elbowed him in the ribs. He just laughed and grabbed my hand.
    “Let’s go find our table.”
    When we found our assigned seating, I was happy to see we had the good fortune to be seated next to Greg and his wife. I was sure Cooper didn’t share the same enthusiasm. He was probably worried about me asking a question, that, in his opinion, was