Mrs. Winthrope smiles at me. “Well, it seems Miss Holly would be terribly hard not to adore.”
I plant a kiss on the top of Paige’s head. “I agree.”
She looks up at me with blank eyes.
“I think the mister’s in the corner. They have an old bottle of aged brandy back there they’re selling by the shot.” Mrs. Winthrope takes a sip of her champagne.
I smile at her.
“I could use a shot myself.” I look at Paige. “Come with me. I’ll introduce you.”
She nods and we start toward the cash bar, but we pass Martin Walker on the way. He’s a major investor behind a lot of changes to the Chicago skyline.
“Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while,” I say.
“That’s right. Not since the big downtown renovations. How are you doing, Ward?”
“I’m good.” I motion to Paige. “This is my fiancée, Paige Holly.”
“She’s a beaut,” he says.
“She’s right here,” Paige says.
I can’t help but chuckle.
Martin holds out his hand. “My apologies, ma’am. Martin Walker, a pleasure to meet you.”
She shakes his hand.
“Are you just here for the alcohol, like me?” he asks with a snicker.
“No, I think Ward’s place on the lake needs some fresh art, and I might be able to fit in a sculpture or ten.”
His laugh makes me grin...or is it just her wit?
She can be wickedly adorable when she lets her guard down.
“He’s been a bachelor until now. Lucky for him he has you to come in and spruce the place up,” Martin says.
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.