Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
I really could use some Mindy advice right now. She doesn’t reply, so I spend the remainder of the drive swiping through social media.
When we arrive, I stuff my phone back into my purse. James opens Theo’s door, and he climbs out, turning back to offer me his hand. This time, I’m more ladylike and scoot to the edge, modestly lifting my dress to avoid too much of a peep show. Without releasing my hand, he escorts us down the carpet, nodding and offering simple hellos. My nerves kick in. My smile feels strained as the first flash blinds me. I work to soften it and pretend like I know what the heck I’m doing.
When we enter the hotel, a server greets us with champagne. “So, what’s the plan for the evening? Do I hang on your shoulder and look pretty, or do I get to talk shop with the big dawgs?”
Theo takes a sip of his champagne. “You get to keep me company and hope we don’t die of boredom.”
“Wait, there’s a chance we’re gonna die tonight? I didn’t sign up for that.”
Theo’s lips form into the most beautiful smile, and he laughs. “It was a joke. You can relax.”
A single brow raises at the unfamiliar action. It’s not a full-blown laugh. It may have just been a cough. Or my imagination. I stop walking to face him. “Wait a minute. You just made a joke?”
“That I did.”
“And you’re doing something strange. What is that?” I wave my finger at his curled lips.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“There, you just did it again. Theo Monroe, are you. . . smiling?”
He tucks a hand in his pocket and wiggles his brows. “I’m not sure, am I?”
“I’m not sure either. I’ve never seen you do it. And I swear you just. . . laughed.”
“Now, that didn’t happen.” Amusement shimmers in his eyes. He totally laughed. “If you’re done making up things, let’s head into the ballroom.” He doesn’t wait for my reply and cups my elbow to guide me. Together, we walk inside the ginormous ballroom. My mouth drops at how stunning it is. The entire room is decorated in white and silver with accents of pale blue. An array of crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, reflecting tiny sparkles throughout the room.
“Everything okay?”
I look over at Theo. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s. . . breathtaking.”
He stares down at me. This connection cackles between us, and we can’t seem to look away. “It sure is.” His eyes drop to my lips and—
“Theo! Fantastic of you to come.”
Our moment is cut short when a plump, aged man interrupts us.
“Vincent. Wouldn’t miss it.” He reaches out, and they shake hands.
“How’s your father? I haven’t seen him since the golf outing last year. Still keeping himself busy since handing the reins over?”
“You know him, once a workhorse, always a workhorse. Just doesn’t know how to step away.”
“Tell him hello.” The man refocuses his attention on me. “And who do we have here? I expected to see you and—”
“This is Fay Evans,” he replies before the man finishes. “She’s my secret weapon for the evening.” He angles his head down at me and smiles.
“Is that so? Well then, am I able to claim the seat next to you? It’ll be much lovelier chatting with you than listening to the horrendous speeches we’ll have to sit through over dinner,” Vincent says.
I smile, accepting the compliment. “Well, thank you, Vincent. A pleasure to meet you.” I extend my arm, and he holds my hand to his lips, kissing the top. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Theo wraps his arms around my waist, and an electric buzz runs down my back. “We should find our table. Enjoy the evening. Call the office and set up lunch.” Vincent nods, and Theo escorts me away.
We walk for a beat until I break the silence. “Who was he expecting to see you with tonight?”
“No one.”
“Is no one the woman you were photographed with at that charity event?”
Theo stops and stares down at me. “Stop digging for silly information and come out and ask me. You want to know why I brought you.” I slowly nod. “Because I make the rules. And since I have no obligations to anyone, I have you with me. Does that answer your question?”
I’m not sure it’s the answer I’m looking for, but the way his penetrating gaze steals my breath, I accept it. I feel stupid now for bringing it up. I swallow and reach for anything to redirect the topic. “So, secret weapon, huh?”
“Like I said, these things tend to be terrible. When I look bored out of my mind, it’s your job to save me.”
“Oh, so you’re using me.”
His lips curl into the sexiest smile. “That wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind when I think about using you.”