Eve raised an eyebrow. “And here I thought that’s what you were being.”
“Anson needs to be with a serious woman, not a girl who uses Daddy’s money to play with makeup online.”
For a second, she wanted to shoot back and tell him that the money behind her new business was hers. Instead, she waited, suspecting there was more.
“He needs a Nyla, not an Eve.”
Eve held on to her temper with both hands. While her older sister was a wonderful woman, an astute businesswoman and had done an amazing job leading the Grizzlies organization, that didn’t mean Eve didn’t have her own mad skills.
Skills she was using to launch her own business. While many saw her as a party girl, beloved but overindulged by her rich family—and Jerome obviously fit into that category—she was so much more.
She’d graduated at the top of her class. Her makeup line was cruelty-free. Her diverse marketing team was composed of smart, savvy women. Yes, she was so much more than her internet persona.
Still, she loved Anson and knew how important it was to him to be in a position where he could effect change in the area of mental health services.
Could Jerome be right? Was her presence hindering Anson’s campaign?
She decided to think about that later, when she didn’t have Jerome’s beady eyes boring into her.
Eve offered the man a smile that, like his, didn’t reach her eyes. “Great talk, but it’s time for me to mingle.”
Without giving him a chance to respond, Eve wiggled her fingers and strode off, the picture of cool confidence. Inside, though, her thoughts whirled and tumbled as her love for Anson squeezed her heart.
While she didn’t appreciate Jerome’s comments, the bottom line was she would do anything to help the man she loved.
Including, if necessary, taking a big step back from him.
* * *
Once he returned from the terrace, Anson sought out Eve. When he reached her, Eve kept her worries under tight control, despite her tangled emotions, not wanting to spoil the evening.
“How are Tom and Landon?” she asked, relaxing in the warmth of his smile.
“Good.” He shrugged. “They wanted my thoughts on the expansion of the STAR program.”
As she kept up with all things Denver, Eve was aware of the Support Team Assisted Response program that the city council had expanded this year. The program provided additional resources to help people when they were experiencing mental health crises. “What did you tell them?”
“That I think having a mental health professional and a paramedic respond to a low-level 911 call is an excellent alternative to sending a police officer.” Anson’s green eyes shone with excitement. “The program has proven its effectiveness, so expanding it makes good sense.”
Eve found his enthusiasm contagious.
“They should have known you’d be in favor.” Eve took a sip of wine and began to relax. She admired Anson’s passion and knew it was sincere. “You wouldn’t have founded Lighthouse if you weren’t interested in improving the treatment of mental health issues.”
“I did point out to them that while my focus through Lighthouse has been more on mental health promotion and prevention, I realize the importance of serving those already suffering with mental health issues.”
Looping her arm around his, Eve looked up at him, unable to keep the pride from her voice. “I’m so proud of you and what you’re doing.”
His hand closed over hers, and he gave it a squeeze. “You’re going to be making a difference with your company, too. The diverse management team you’ve assembled and your commitment to hiring women for top positions is only the beginning.”
When an overwhelming urge to kiss him rose inside her, Eve changed her focus. “I’ve seen Nyla and JR, but I haven’t seen Miles yet. Have you?”
Anson shook his head and scanned the room. “No. Is he here?”
Eve had no doubt Miles would make an appearance tonight. Either that, or he’d face their father’s wrath. “He’ll be here. ‘Come late, leave early’ is his motto for these kinds of events. Not that he doesn’t like and admire you,” Eve hastily added.
“I’ve known Miles as long as I’ve known you.” Anson chuckled. “I’m well aware that events like these make him uncomfortable.” Anson studied her for a moment. “You didn’t mention Cameron. I saw him and June when they first arrived. She’s every bit as lovely as Cameron says.”
“June Parker.” Eve shook her head. “It took guts for her to show up tonight, knowing my parents and grandfather would be here.”
“What’s with the June Parker thing?”
“That’s how my family—with the exception, I guess, of Cameron and my Gran—refer to her. As in,” once again, Eve lowered her voice, “‘that June Parker who scammed Gran.’ My grandfather despises her.”
“We better start walking, then.” Placing his palm against Eve’s back, Anson began maneuvering her through the partygoers, scattering smiles like confetti but not slowing to talk.
“Why the rush?” Eve asked.
“Because your grandparents are on a collision course with ‘that June Parker.’”