Paige thinks she’s from another world, but she’s better at mingling in this crowd than Maria ever was. Maybe because she loves art so much? Maria did well with politicians and investors, but art and architecture was my domain.
“Paige! Oh my God, I didn’t know you’d be here.” A short brunette hugs Paige.
Paige lets go and takes my hand again. “Brina! I feel a million times better now. Magnus! Hi. I don’t have any pies today, so relax.”
She hugs Magnus Heron as he gives her an amused, somewhat painful quirk of his lips.
Brina scans the room to make sure no one’s looking. “You get used to it after a while. Just fake it till you make it, girl.”
“What are you doing here?” I ask him, shaking his hand. I don’t know him that well, but I know his image and his advertising empire, though I’ve never seen him traveling much in art circles. “Didn’t think this was your vibe, Heron.”
Magnus shakes his head, his blue eyes sharp stars. “Trying to nail some contracts, between us gentleman. If nothing else, dropping some zeros is always good for PR.”
His girl pokes him in the side. “Bloodsucker. Be nice.”
“I’m nothing but generous,” he says with a wink and a booming laugh. “My wife has expensive tastes and I’m working hard to maintain them. And all of those tastes are charity and her damned lattes.”
I actually laugh at that one because it’s too honest.
I look at Paige, who’s only spoken to her friend, and then at Magnus. “I have to ask. Did Paige really pie you?”
“Really, Ward? Here?” Paige cocks her head to glare at me.
Magnus laughs again. “She did, and I fully deserved it.”
“He’s not lying. He had it coming, but he’s still the love of my life.”
Magnus pulls his wife closer and kisses her head. Then he looks at me.
“Just so you know...” He wags a finger between Brina and Paige. “If you break up with one of them, you’re breaking up with both, and I think yours is the meaner of the two. Watch your step, Brandt.”
I throw back a smile that’s half wince.
Sabrina Heron meets my gaze with narrowed eyes. “Not this time. You don’t want to see me get mean.”
Everybody roars, but I don’t think it’s an idle threat.
“Well, I’m off looking for John Nations. Have you seen him?”
I shake my head. “Sorry, not yet. I’m making my way to the brandy, though, so we’ll catch up with you later.”
I introduce Paige to several more people. It’s effortless every time.
The chatter flows too easily, and so does the charade as our hands stay glued and her fingers pulse in mine.
The big moment has arrived.
We actually settle into being a couple.
The only thing I regret is that restrained peck back in the car. Hell, if I’d just kissed her like I wanted—free and hungry and unhinged—perfection wouldn’t be the half of it.
“We haven’t made it to the brandy yet,” I say, suddenly worried about missing Winthrope.
“Ward Brandt?” a voice calls.
“Just a second,” I say to my grandma’s attorney. I look at Paige. Her face is tense, and she’s pale. “What is it?”
“I’m just...thirsty. I’m going to get a champagne. I’ll grab your brandy on the way back.”
I squeeze her hand.
“Thanks, sweetheart. Don’t be away too long.”
17
Totally Orion (Paige)
My mouth feels like sandpaper.
We’ve talked to so many people and pressed so many hands I’m freaking dehydrated. I just need a drink and an intermission from high society.
I step up to the cash bar.
The bartender’s eyes linger on my cowl neckline the way Ward’s had earlier. Brina was right. This is a good look for me.
“Nice dress,” the bartender says with a wolfish grin. “Don’t mind me.”
I manage the kind of smile you save for men when you can’t tell if they’re being sweet or leering. “Thanks. Can I get a glass of champagne and a shot of your best brandy? Oh, and water!”
“Will do, ma’am. Have you bid on anything exalted yet?” He slides a water glass over.
“A couple postmodern nature paintings and a Napoleon bust with the mister,” I say, downing my precious H2O.
“Interesting choice.” He slides the brandy over. “Here’s your shot, and I’ll have your champagne right out.”
Someone taps my shoulder insistently, but I’m not bathed in warm mint.
My eyes land on an unfamiliar man who stares with a murky smile. Definitely not Ward, so who?
I’m beginning to wonder about the attention I’m getting with this dress.