It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(84)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

“And the K9 search and rescue groups, including ours.” Saxon took her hand and kissed it. “You’ll come with me, won’t you?”

 

 

 

“Sure,” Murphy immediately had second thoughts. “What exactly constitutes a gala?” It sounded awfully fancy.

 

“It’s a—” Jake stopped when Sherlock ran over with a frisbee.

 

The dancing paws were a nonverbal demand. Throw it, throw it.

 

“Yes, pup.” Jake eyed the equipment and skillfully sent the frisbee right into a tunnel.

 

Sherlock tore after it.

 

“Damn, your dog can move.” Jake grinned and turned his attention back to Murphy. “This gala is black-tie with live music and dancing in the biggest ballroom. Rather than a sit-down dinner, there’ll be nibbles and champagne.”

 

She hadn’t gotten past her alarm at the words “black-tie” before Saxon added, “Another room will have a raffle and videos about the various charities. There’s a stage for the animals to perform. I think the Coast Guard dogs got the biggest applause last year.”

 

Sherlock dashed back with the frisbee and bumped Murphy’s leg with it.

 

“My turn, I take it.” She studied her options and sent it flying, grinning when it dropped on the top of the climbing platform.

 

With a yip of delight, Sherlock dashed off.

 

“The Coast Guard has dogs?” she asked.

 

“Explosive detection dogs mostly.” Jake grinned at Saxon. “Way to go in getting your dad to bring in the C-Guard celebrities.”

 

Saxon shrugged. “If a few actors can increase donations, it’s worth putting up with them.”

 

Murphy put the thought of one C-Guard actress out of her mind for a more important worry. Black tie meant a fancy cocktail dress. And there would be socializing with lots of people she didn’t know. She wrinkled her nose. Would Saxon be upset if she didn’t go?

 

“Your dad and new stepmama going to be there?” Jake asked Saxon.

 

Oh, no. Murphy stared at the two men. She’d be meeting Saxon’s father?

 

“Undoubtedly. And I’ll have to be polite to Desiree. Somehow.” Saxon made a disgusted sound, then turned to Murphy. “Please come with me? Keep me from being rude to her?”

 

She gave him a wry look. “I doubt anyone could keep you from doing anything you wanted to do.” Yet she heard a note in his voice that indicated he truly did want her to come.

 

If she could make this better for him, how could she refuse?

 

Sherlock sped back to her with the frisbee.

 

“Good dog. You’re such a good dog.” And she’d try to be a good girlfriend. “Of course I’ll come.”

 

Of course? She sighed. Right. Look at me, giving in again. “I am such a wimp,” she said under her breath.

 

Not softly enough.

 

Both of the men frowned.

 

She could actually see Saxon go into Dom mode. “No, you’re not.”

 

“Yes, I am. I’m scared of big parties, and I still said yes to you.”

 

“Yeah, you did.” He took her hand, rubbing her fingers against his beard. “Because one of the things that makes you happy is being able to give to others—especially people you love.”

 

Jake nodded. “It’s characteristic of a service submissive.”

 

Huh. She’d never looked at her behavior in that light.

 

Saxon said slowly, “Although you find it satisfying to give to the people around you, you should be aware of when things get out of whack.”

 

Out of whack? “I don’t understand.”

 

“Out of whack like if you need something or are hurt physically or emotionally—and you’re ignored,” Jake said. “If you’re giving your all and not getting your needs met in return, you should take a hard look at the relationship. Balance is important.”

 

“You should be respected and cherished for your generosity. Not taken advantage of,” Saxon said firmly.

 

She wrapped her arms around herself, letting their words sink in. Trying to see herself from their perspective. That she wasn’t a wimp but was someone who liked to help the people around her, because it was what made her happy. And she deserved consideration and respect.

 

What they’d said struck a chord in her, a rightness. This was who she was—and what she should expect.

 

“Okay.” She smiled at their concerned expressions. Their behavior illustrated exactly what they said she needed from others. “Thank you.”

 

Wanting to move on, she smiled at Saxon. “I’m sure the gala will be fun.”

 

I’m sure the gala will be terrifying.

 

He didn’t call her on her bullshit, although from the way his eyes crinkled with amusement, he obviously could tell. “I’ll be with you, sweetheart, and you’ll know Jake and Rainie and others from the Shadowlands.”

 

He kissed her lightly. “But tell you what—I’ll give your brothers the extra tickets. That way you’ll have at least two more people you know there.”

 

Unlike her, this would be a treat for them, especially Farran who’d love meeting celebrities. She smiled. He was now working part-time in a men’s clothing store. Even more conveniently, it rented tuxedos. “You’re right. It will help to have people I know there. Thank you.”

 

Back in the clinic, she gave Sherlock a hug, Saxon a kiss, and escaped to the reception area.

 

Rainie smiled at her. “Saxon took a whole half hour for lunch. Do you know how rare that is?”

 

“Why am I not surprised?” The man was driven, no doubt about it. “He said you’re going to this gala thing?”

 

“Sure. It’ll be fun. So why do you look like you’d rather have your tits pulled off?”

 

Murphy snorted at the visual. “Ouch. But that’s about right.” She leaned against the desk as Rainie dealt with a new client and called in an assistant. “I thought you were the office manager.”

 

“I am—but the receptionist’s baby is sick, so I’m filling in. Our backup person should be here soon.” Rainie looked up. “Now…gala?”

 

“It’s just…” Murphy sighed. “I’ve never been to fancy parties. Don’t know how to dance. Don’t know what to wear.”