I sighed. “I don’t know.”
“Is it Adam?”
“No!”
Her brow rose.
“Okay…maybe.” I poured the punch into my mouth, enjoying the burn of the overpowering tequila.
“Look, I know he’s hot—like ridiculously so—but from what I’ve read about the guy, you’re better off steering clear.”
“Trust me, I’ve been trying.”
“If he was the real deal, don’t you think he’d be here tonight, instead of at some fancy ball with that Insta-slut? He’s a player, Cass. Just do your job, and move on with your life.”
“I know…I get it. He’s out of my league.”
“Fuck that, you’re out of his.”
Tipsy laughter filled the air between us as we clicked our drinks together.
“Come on,” she said, observing the new arrivals. “Let me introduce you to James. He’s Bryce’s team leader at Mac Digital.”
I froze. “Did he know Dominic?”
“No, he’s only been there a year. A little cocky for my liking, but your tastes seems to have changed recently.” She motioned him over. “Just put that morbid sense of humor in your back pocket for a little while, will you?”
“No promises.”
“James!” She threw her arms around him. “So glad you could make it.”
“Sorry I’m a little late. There was another party I had to attend.” His gaze panned to mine, then fell to my breasts. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is my beautiful,singlefriend, Cassidy.”
“Lovely to meet you, Cassidy.”
I scanned the backyard for a rock to crawl under. “Hi.”
“Oh, look, the punch bowl is empty,” Tash said. “I’ll be right back.”
I poured the remainder of my drink into my mouth. “So…” I rasped. “You work with Bryce?”
James’ arrogance filtered through his laugh. “I wouldn’t really call it workingwith… I’m his boss.”
An arm materialized between us. “And I’m pretty sure I’m yours.”
James’ eyes bulged as he grasped the waiting hand. “Mr. Harlow,” he gushed, shaking it vigorously. “What an unexpected surprise.”
My gaze snapped up to Adam’s. “What are you doing here?”
James attempted to speak, but Adam paid him no attention. “I was invited.”
Every molecule in my body ignited as James reluctantly disappeared into the crowd. “What about the ball?”
“We have one night left away from my family, and I didn’t want to spend it with a bunch of conceited assholes.”
“So, you just…left?”