Need Me - M. Malone Page 0,22
to stake out the room.
In one corner we have a few of Casey’s friends from home. I recognize one of the girls from Instagram.
Then near the buffet are several Mirage Agency employees. Casey’s old boss, James Lawson, just put what looks like pâté on his plate. He swipes a cracker through it and takes a small bite before making a face.
He’s definitely going for burgers after this is over.
I circulate for about half an hour, sticking to the edge of the crowd. The room is full with quite a few older people. These must be relatives of Andre’s. Still no sign of Vin.
I grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and take a miniscule sip. Maybe if I just keep moving I can avoid him for one more day.
Then I turn around.
He’s right behind me. Our eyes meet and his hand that was in the process of lifting a glass of champagne pauses.
He blinks twice. “Ariana?”
I gulp. “Hey.”
His eyes narrow at the casual greeting. But before he can say anything else, Casey and Andre appear next to us.
“Oh, you already met!” Casey looks between us with a big smile.
It’s obvious she’s been drinking because she gets even more cheerful when she’s had a few.
“We just started talking. I would love for you to introduce us,” Vin says smoothly.
His grin makes me want to punch him. Only someone who knows our history would catch how carefully he’s crafting his sentences. He didn’t say that we’d just met. Only that we’d just started talking.
“This is Ariana Silva. Ari, this is Andre’s little brother, Philippe.”
“How do you guys know each other?” Vin tilts his head mockingly.
“We–”
But Casey is chattering away before I have a chance to deflect.
“Ari is my roommate! I mean she was, before I moved into the penthouse with Andre.”
“Is that right?”
“Yes. I loved living there. I still miss it. I miss you. I miss Oreo.” Casey wraps her arms around me and I can’t help returning the hug. She’s so happy it’s contagious.
Vin watches me the entire time.
“Oreo?” he asks lightly.
“Her dog! She’s the cutest thing, you have to see!” Casey pulls out her phone and starts sliding through her pictures.
I close my eyes. “I’m sure he – I’m sorry, what was your name again?”
Vin’s jaw moves slightly, the only sign that he’s bothered. “Philippe Lavin. My friends call me Vin.”
“Well, Vin. I’m sure you don’t want to see pictures of my dog.”
“I love dogs. Besides, it’ll be good to get to know you better. We’re going to be working so closely these next few weeks.”
“We are?”
“Of course.” He smiles down at Casey. “Your friend has already agreed to help me plan the bachelor party.”
This conversation is making my head hurt. “Wait, I agreed to do what now? Why would I be planning the bachelor party?”
Vin’s smile spreads even wider. “It’s actually a joint bachelor and bachelorette party. Since Andre insists on not being separated from his true love for even one night.”
His words are kind but the saccharine sweet way he’s speaking tells me exactly what he thinks of that idea.
Casey grins up at Andre. “Your brother is so jealous. He just wants to make sure I don’t have a stripper.”
Andre scowls. “You don’t need a stripper. I’ll strip for you.”
Vin ignores them. “Since the parties have to be at the same time and at least partially overlap, we have to plan them together.”
Casey nods. “He’s the best man. And you’re the maid of honor.”
“That’s right,” Vin singsongs. “Casey, since you have your phone out, can you send me Ariana’s info? You know, for the planning.”
It’s my turn to narrow my eyes.
“Of course. I’ll text it to you, Philippe.” Casey starts typing and then takes a deep breath. “We’re so lucky to have you guys helping us. So many details.”
“You don’t have to worry about anything except making my brother the happiest guy alive. Ariana and I will take care of everything.”
Casey and Andre drift away to mingle with the other guests. I try to follow but Vin moves so he’s in my way. There’s not much I can do without causing a scene and I’m not going to make a mad dash for the door in front of all these people. Especially not wearing heels.
“Have you put any spells on anyone lately?”
I shake my head, not willing to be drawn into our old chemistry. It’s been two years and yet he still has this pull that makes me want to jump in his arms. It’s infuriating.