“Well, I hope you’re telling me the truth, because your parents got home from Romania yesterday afternoon.”
Violet stiffened and began nervously fidgeting with her Cartier diamond bracelet. “Oh, did they? They’re not that great at keeping me up to date with their itineraries.”
“Yes, your father came into the foundation yesterday after you’d left for the day. When I mentioned the gala, he seemed surprised to hear about it and that’s when I realized they weren’t on the guest list.”
There was no suppressing Violet’s expression of wide-eyed horror as she turned back to Betsy. “Betsy, is Father coming tonight?”
Betsy bit at her lip as though she were hesitant to say the words aloud. “He is. Both he and your mother are planning to come. But I didn’t know you didn’t want him here or I wouldn’t have said anything to him. I thought it was just an oversight. There’s nothing I can do about it now.”
“It’s not that I didn’t want them to come,” Violet said, hoping her shocked reaction wouldn’t get back to her parents somehow. “I’m just avoiding having an important conversation with them and I don’t want to do it here, tonight.”
“About Mr. Rosso?”
Violet blinked a few times in confusion. What did her ex-fiancé have to do with any of this? “What makes you think this has something to do with Beau?”
Now Betsy looked as though she wanted to disappear into the velvet drapes behind her. “Because they’re bringing him with them tonight,” she said in a voice so small, Violet almost didn’t hear her.
“What?” Everyone nearby heard Violet’s sharp response, with several people turning to look their way. “Are you serious? Beau will be here tonight, too?”
“I’m afraid so. You know how they are. Every time they come back into town, they ask me if Beau has come around the office or if you two have reconciled. With the champagne flowing and the slow dancing, they probably figured it would be a good environment for romance. They’re so anxious to have you and Beau get back together.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that.” Violet turned back to the crowd, this time her eyes seeking out not only Aidan, but her parents and ex-fiancé, as well. The bottom had fallen out of her stomach, making it ache with worry. She took a few sips of merlot to drown the sensation, but it didn’t work.
“Have I screwed up, Miss Niarchos?”
“No, Betsy.” Violet used her most calm and practiced voice. “You had no reason to think it was an issue. It’s my fault for not telling you. I should’ve known this would happen anyway. It’s my luck.”
“Would it help at all if I were to say that you look lovely tonight?” Betsy offered. “The copper shade of your gown is stunning with your coloring.”
“Thank you, Betsy,” Violet said.
It had taken her hours to choose a dress for tonight. She wanted just the right thing so she would look amazing on Aidan’s arm. In the end, she’d opted for a taupe halter gown that was covered on the top with copper metallic beading and sequins that faded away down the length, leaving only the draping, sheer fabric from the knee down. The dress had a cluster of copper flowers around her throat, so she’d worn her dark hair up in a messy chignon and opted for only a fancy bracelet and understated earrings to go with it.
She couldn’t tell Betsy that she’d chosen the color because it reminded her of Aidan’s hair, though.
“Oh, look,” Betsy said. “Here comes Mr. Murphy.”
The couples scattered from the dance floor as a song ended, revealing Aidan as he strolled toward her. When his light blue gaze met hers, she forgot about all her other worries for tonight. He was always handsome with his strong build and wild ginger hair, but tonight with that tailored Tom Ford tux, she had to remind herself not to stare. Not even the black satin mask he was wearing could obscure how sexy he looked. In fact, it just highlighted his piercing eyes, square jaw and full mouth. She couldn’t wait to feel that mouth on her body once again.
He approached with a coy smile that made her core melt and the collar of her gown feel uncomfortably tight. “Good evening, ladies.”
“Good evening, Mr. Murphy,” Betsy said in a chipper voice. “You’re looking so handsome tonight.”
Aidan turned to the assistant and took her hand in greeting. “Why thank you. You’re looking lovely yourself. Perhaps you’ll grant me the honor of a spin around the dance floor later.” He lifted the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it.
Betsy blushed crimson from her cheeks to the respectable amount of cleavage her black beaded gown revealed. She quickly brought her mask up to her face to cover it, but it was too late. Violet had never seen Betsy react this way to anyone. It seemed that women of all ages were quick to succumb to Aidan’s charms. Violet hadn’t stood a chance, really. He was handsome, charming, thoughtful and the sexiest devil she’d ever had the pleasure of sharing a bed with.
No wonder she was in love with him.
“And you are looking stunning tonight, Miss Niarchos.” Aidan turned his attention to Violet, taking her hand and kissing it, too.
The warm press of his lips on her skin sent a shiver up her arm and down her spine. The simple touch was enough to make her nipples tighten with anticipation and press eagerly against the silky fabric of her dress. She tried not to squirm, delicately extracting her hand before anyone nearby noticed how their touch lingered.
“And where, pray tell, is your mask? This is a masquerade party, isn’t it?”
Violet sighed and reached into her small clutch to pull it out. It was a copper metallic mask, with intricate swirling cutouts. The color perfectly matched her dress, but she’d been too busy worrying about getting the party started to put it on. Pressing it to her face, she tied the satin ribbon behind her head. “Is that better?”
“In truth, not really. Now I can’t see your beautiful face. I guess I’ll have to settle for gazing into your enchanting eyes.”