"So... Liam. You got any plans for New Year?" said Renee as they walked down the main corridor of the corporate HQ of Doors International.
"Why?"
Renee almost giggled at the suspicion in his tone. Set someone up on one little blind date that turned into a disaster. Who knew?! Jess was an old friend and a Senator's daughter; who knew that she was a Protector groupie, one specific Protector at that. He'd survived with his dignity intact, hadn't he?
Assuming an artfully innocent expression, Renee said, "Jess is..."
"NO! No way in hell!"
"...Out of town. This is a favour for me."
"Oh," said Liam in a soft tone. "What do you need me to do?"
As always, his unhesitating offer of help rendered her momentarily speechless. He really should learn to be more wary when offering to help people; then again, his innate goodness was one of the things she admired most about him.
Still fighting the urge to tease him - and losing - Renee put her hand round his arm in a companionable gesture, leaned in close to him and whispered mournfully, "I need a man."
Liam went about three shades paler and she almost choked on the laughter she was restraining. Somewhat wild-eyed, he looked at her and said, "You what?!"
Taking pity on his confusion and terror, Renee said, "Relax, Liam. I need a date for the Charity Gala being held by Doors International. It's in the New York Hilton this year.
"My date had to cancel; well actually, I told him to go to hell before I fed him his teeth. The problem is that I need an escort. I'm hosting this shindig, I can't go stag.
"Help?"
She looked at him with a hopeful gaze with that last blatant plea for assistance. She felt a momentary twinge of annoyance as he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Oh, is that all? Sure, I can do that. When does this shindig start?"
"Eight p.m. on New Year's Eve."
He grinned and said, "Perfect! That gives me the chance to go see her and still have time to get back, changed and pick you up."
He had a date. She should have realised he would.
"Never mind, Liam. I'm sorry. I should have realised you would already have plans."
"Huh?" asked Liam, completely bewildered.
"Spend the evening with your lady friend. It's all right. I'll cope."
Understanding dawned and this time it was him that laughed at her confusion.
"Renee, it's not what you think."
"It's not?" she asked, cringing as she heard her hopeful tone.
"I'm going to see my mother, well... her grave. I always visit her on New Year's Eve to tell her I love her and to wish her a Happy New Year. I know it's stupid..."
"It is not stupid! I think it's lovely."
She met his shy smile with one of her own.
"Okay then, meet me at my place at seven? I'll have a car waiting to take us to the portal station."
He grinned at her as he said, "Sounds good to me."
Entering the Hilton at Liam's side, Renee's smile was radiant. In contrast to most of the women there, she had chosen the minimal approach. Her simple sheath dress of blue silk was elegant and exuded class. Added to that, her escort cut a dashing figure in a formal tux that he had chosen to accentuate with a green silk shirt that matched his smouldering green eyes.
They mingled when required, danced with each other and many other willing partners, and when they got the chance, they relaxed in each other's company.
As the bells chimed in the New Year, they exchanged a solemnly chaste kiss. Looking deep into each other's eyes, they spoke as one, saying, "Happy New Year, my friend."