Rogue Beast (The Rourkes #12) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,17

seat for me. I only hire a car service in the city since it’s such a hassle to park. I drive myself around in LA. Joe sticks close behind me.

A woman passing by on the sidewalk turns to the guy she’s with and says loudly, “Is that Amanda Boxer?”

“I think it is!” he says. “What’s her real name?” He calls out to me, “Hi! Harper Ellis, right?”

I give a little wave before carefully slipping into the back seat of the car, managing the layers of toile on my pink Caroline Herrera dress and being extra careful not to knock my head. I don’t mind being recognized. I just don’t want to be accosted.

Joe gets in the front seat, greeting Garrett in the back before facing front. The car pulls into traffic, heading for the hotel where they’re holding the gala.

I turn to Garrett, and my breath stutters out. Wow. He was made for formal wear. His wide shoulders and broad chest fill out his tux jacket perfectly. The black material and white shirt contrast with his stunning aquamarine eyes. He’s clean-shaven, the sharp angles of his jaw prominent.

“Hi,” I say breathlessly.

He flashes a smile. “Hi. You look beautiful.” He touches one of my teardrop diamond earrings. “Are these real?”

“Yes. They’re on loan from an up-and-coming jeweler who wanted the exposure.” My hair is swept into an updo to draw attention to them. Everything is carefully orchestrated for an event like this. The earrings are beautiful, an intricate design of white gold and diamonds.

“Funny how people who can afford nice jewelry get to wear it for free.”

“All part of the PR machine. Anyway, you look great. The tux suits you.”

He shoots out a jacket sleeve, snapping it tight. “I’m told I clean up nice.” He winks. “I should probably buy a tux. I’ve had to wear them for four of my brothers’ weddings. One of them had a courthouse ceremony, so I got a pass for his. Plus, I’ll need one for next Saturday’s Rourke fundraiser.” He searches my expression.

It hits me that he’s asking. He wants a second date already. I can’t get sucked in. It’s too soon. I swore I’d take some time before I got involved with anyone again. Besides, I’m sure he won’t have much fun at these kinds of events. I never do. I only go to help causes I believe in.

“Tonight’s going to feel long for you,” I say. “It’s more like work than a party.”

“Will I be swinging a hammer?”

I laugh. “No, not that kind of work.” I relax a little. He’s a construction worker. There’s nothing he could possibly gain from a connection with me. I have to remember that so I don’t shut down and make tonight more difficult than it needs to be.

“How’re ya doing? Nervous?”

How strange. I was so caught up in him I forgot to be nervous about my speech for a few minutes. “I’m worried I’m going to blurt out different versions of my speech. I rewrote it and memorized it five times.”

“Just bring it with you to the podium. If you start to feel off, no one would mind if you check it.”

I take a deep breath, nerves racing through me as I imagine myself trembling at the podium. “I have this fantasy of me moving freely onstage like I’m in a TED talk, you know? All confident, owning the space.”

“You could play the part of a TED talk speaker. Turn it into a performance.”

“I can’t. The words are from the heart.”

He shifts, leaning closer for what suddenly feels like an intimate conversation. “So this cause means something important to you. Not just something you do for PR.”

“Yes.” I tell him about my uncle’s PTSD, and how I wish he could’ve benefited from a therapy dog. He’s surprisingly easy to talk to.

He gives my arm a squeeze. “It’s amazing the effect the unconditional love of a dog can have on a person. Do you have a dog?”

“I don’t. I move around a lot and work long hours. I just feel like it wouldn’t be fair for the dog to be left alone so much. One day I will. I’ve always wanted a golden retriever.”

“Sweet dog.”

“Yeah, my friend had one growing up.” My breath hitches as our gazes lock, warmth spreading through me. I blink and look away. “So I should fill you in. When we arrive, there’s a red carpet we’ll walk down on our way in. Lots of cameras and flashes going off. Just stick close