The next morning, Seth lifts his dark sunglasses, stopping in his tracks to gawk at the glossy exterior of Colin Cane’s Beverly Hills house. “Jesus Christ.”
Lacey rolls her eyes and shuts her car door. “So, he’s wealthy.” She gives Seth a look, bumping him with her shoulder. “In case you’ve forgotten, you and Luke aren’t exactly paupers.”
“Yeah, but we ain’t livin’ like glitter puked all over us.”
Fighting a smile, Lacey strides for the iron-gated entrance of the super-sized gothic cathedral mansion. Seth’s right. The house is gaudy, but it’s also all Colin.
Seth and Lacey walk up the circular driveway to the custom stone arches that allow entrance to the front of the house. They’ve come prepared to work, dressed down in jeans and T-shirts. While Seth carries Lacey’s dress and his tux, she has a large mesh tote slung around her torso. Inside are items that come in handy during a pinch. Tape. Granola bars. Chalk. Walkie-talkies. Velcro. Zip ties.
When they reach the front door, Lacey flings it open like she owns the place. She smiles.
Already, the house is bustling with interns and associates. Spider cranes hang fluffy black clouds from the ceiling.
In the foyer, two majestic crystal chandeliers dangle from the vaulted ceiling. A grand imperial staircase is its main centerpiece with wrought-iron railings. Centered in the middle is a table with a sculpture of two men with knives embracing.
Seth whistles, his blue eyes sweeping over the madness in front of him. “Okay, how do you not get strong American Psycho vibes from this guy?” He leans close, his breath tickling her hair. “That statue ... it looks like a butthole.”
Lacey elbows him, trying to smother a laugh. “Seth!”
Seth looks her over, concern heavy on his face. “How you feelin’?”
“I’m fine.” Which is both the truth and a lie. She’s moving slow this morning, her stomach achy, but it’s her own fault. She should have stayed off her feet yesterday. “I’m practically healed.”
He gives her a doubtful look. “I mean it. You come get me if—”
“Ms. Sutton!”
The silvery voice has her turning, has her smiling. “Colin!” She extends an arm to the man sweeping down the staircase and immediately is swept up in his crushing hug. Colin pulls back, kisses her cheeks. He’s dressed to the nines in a gold tracksuit that complements his brown skin and a spike neck choker.
“So good to see you,” Lacey says, slipping into work mode. Charming. Professional. Ready to impress and amaze.
“You as well, my darling. Things are looking perfect. But ...” He arches an inquisitive brow. “What about the llamas?”
“We have the llamas. And the flower crowns. And the coffins.” She beams. Her chest swells with pride. “It’s going to be whimsically sinister. You’ll love it.”
Beside her, Seth’s silent, observing.
“You’re a dream. An absolute dream,” Colin crows. His eyes land on Seth and he presses a hand to his heart like Seth deserves his life story but will never get it. “She’s a lifesaver. I’ll never work with anyone else.” His black eyes jump back to Lacey. “Tell me you’re staying for the party.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” She smooths a hand down her tattered jeans. “I did bring a change of clothes.”
“Use the guest suite on the second floor. I insist.” His gaze jumps to Seth. “You and your ...”
“Assistant,” Lacey says quickly.
Missing nothing, Colin gives her a yeah right look, then a nod. “I’m off. You work your prettiest magic and I will see you tonight. Save me a dance, darling.”
“Absolutely.”
After a frantic batch of air-kisses, Colin’s gone, breezing through a second set of interns arriving for setup.
Lacey reaches into her bag, fumbling around for the next step of the process. When she glances up, Seth’s staring.
She narrows her eyes. “What?” She can’t read his expression.
“You’re just ...” He stares at her a long minute, then shakes his head. A sunny smile breaks out across his handsome face. “In your element.”
She grins. Flattered. Touched.