Chapter 3

William watched as Lizzie circled around the room. She seemed to have a gift for fitting into any environment. She showed her rings off on request, and shook hands with anyone who wanted to. He even noticed when men looked at her the wrong way and she would gesture to him. He, to keep anyone from noticing, would nod his head and smile, and occasionally added a wink. Then she stopped circling and began a steady conversation with one man. Lizzie was never subtle, the smiling, and arm touching made it obvious that she was flirting. I taught her those moves in high school. What is she doing with that guy? The man turned to face her and he recognized him. Oh shes good, and she began coming back to him and brought the man with her.

"Sweetie, this is George Denny." She put an emphasis on his name and tilted her head a little, exposing some of the veins on her neck. Oh man . Focus on anything else. That dress fits her well. Focus on Denny!

"Mr. Darcy. I can see why you took your wife off the market, she's a treasure." Darcy held out his hand. William shook it and pulled Lizzie towards him, wrapping his other hand around her waist. He couldn't help but think he'd seen Denny somewhere before.

"Yes Mr. Denny, she certainly is. I'm just glad she's all mine." He squeezed Lizzie tighter. He wasn't going to let anyone think that they weren't married tonight.

"Mr. Darcy, I have heard all about your business from your wife. She is very... persuasive when it comes to you, and has been trying to convince me you are worth more than the price you charge. I would like to arrange a time to meet with you about potentially designing and constructing my new office downtown." He held out a card. He read it in his head.

GEORGE DENNY

ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AND LAW

(283-208-2847)

"I will call to arrange a meeting. Thank you." He shook his hand and noticed the way Denny looked at Lizzie. Note to self, this guys a player. He walked away and started to talk to one of the many lawyers that was present.

"Congratulations, William. You got your meeting." She pulled away from him.

"Yes, yes I did." He let go of Lizzie's waist and let her take a few steps forward. She turned around and smiled. "How did you get him to come over here?"

"Oh it was nothing. He starting flirting with me. I said I was married. He wanted to know what you did. I told him. He wanted to meet you." She reached around and grabbed two glasses of champagne. She handed him one and took a sip. One day she'll learn to lie better, he thought to himself.

"It looked almost like you were flirting back." He looked down at her and she straightening. One day but not today.

"I thought you wanted that meeting. I did what I had to in order for him to come over." She smirked. Well that was unexpected. Is she lying to me? Maybe today is the day Lizzie does learn to lie.

"Well then, bravo." William didn't push the matter. The rest of the night they stayed close to each other. When girls came up to William, Lizzie pushed them away, especially an ex-girlfriend.

"William! How good to see you." She practically threw herself at him.

"Hello, Caroline." He moaned.

"Are you ready to take me back yet?" She laughed.

"No, actually. You ready to go, dear?" Lizzie gripped his arm.

"And why are you asking her?" Caroline sneered.

"Caroline, you remember my wife, Lizzie." He held her close.

"Oh, your little friend that was pining over you when we were together?" Caroline straightened.

"Caroline, its so good to know you remember me so fondly." Lizzie mocked.

"We'll be going now." William pulled her to the door.

"Thank you." She whispered.

She also held him back from punching a new member of the opposing architectural firm when he started to make rude comments about her, one in particular.

"Your wife is something."

"Thank you Mr. Collins. I think the same." He really didn't like the man.

"And that dress that she's wearing really accents her-"

"Mr. Collins, do remember that is my wife." He stiffened.

"Oh yes, of course. But she hasn't traveled in this circle before, so I have to assume there is a reason for that. I have to ask, how is she in-"

"Listen here you little-"

"Hello sweetie." She put a comforting hand on his arm.

"Mrs. Darcy, you look ravishing." Mr. Collins held out his hand. "My name is Richard Collins."

"Hello Mr. Collins. Sorry, but the two of us have to go." She smiled up at William.

"Ooh. I understand." He winked. It made Lizzie's skin crawl.

This time they made it to the car. "Thank you." William opened her door.

"For what?" She smiled as she got in. William walked around and climbed into the drivers seat.

"I was about ready to start a fist fight with that man. Some of the comments-"

"Hey. Its okay." She touched his arm again. "I know you. You protect me. I protect you. Thats the way it works."

They got back to the house and ate leftovers, and when Bruce snatched his slice of pizza out of his hand from out of nowhere Lizzie almost fell off her stool laughing.

That night as he went to sleep William thought to himself, choosing Lizzie was the right idea. Its not so bad being married to her.