“How do you know if you don’t ask?” Olivia said with a shrug. “And it’s not a boring event, it’s Casino Night.”
“He might get lucky,” Carina said with the look of an angel on her face, but Whitney knew exactly what she meant.
“Carina!”
“I meant at blackjack or roulette.” The innocent act wasn’t going to work.
“Mmhmm, sure you did. Your halo is hanging off those horns.” Only it honestly wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. A little kiss never killed anyone.
“You had fun with him last night. What’s the harm in asking him?” Carina’s lips turned up at the corners.
“I’ve clearly missed something,” Olivia said. “But I’m liking the sound of it.”
Whitney closed her eyes and let out a sigh. It felt like they were pushing, but really a part of her was so tempted.
“Do you have his number?” Olivia started pressing buttons on her phone. “I bet I can track it down.”
“I’ve got his number.” Whitney lifted her phone, her eyes still closed. I’m so busted.“He’s my lunch invite.”
“You sneak. You weren’t even going to tell us!” Olivia dropped into the chair across from her. “Come on. What’s happening here?”
“Nothing. He’s nice.” She shrugged, but she couldn’t hold back her grin.
“You’re blushing,” Olivia said, spinning toward Carina. “You have to know what’s going on. What is she not saying?”
Whitney shook out of her blazer. “It’s hot in here.”
“No, actually, it’s freezing in here,” Carina stated.
“Well, maybe I do have the flu.” Whitney pressed her hand to her forehead, looking for any excuse.
“Or the love bug,” Carina teased.
“Stop it, y’all.” Whitney was actually sweating just thinking about this guy.
“Youstop making light of it. He’s drop-dead gorgeous. He’s talented. Nice. Carina, did she tell you everything about the date last night?”
“Nope. She’s being all closemouthed.”
There was a light tap at the door. Roger said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll come back another time.” And he scooted off before she could respond.
“That was weird,” Carina said. “He didn’t even say hello.”
“He came by to see you yesterday too.” Olivia walked over and closed the door. “You’ve got fifteen minutes until your meeting. Start filling us in on your handsome artist.”
“It was a gallery opening.” Whitney shrugged it off. “He probably just didn’t want to go alone.”
“Olivia, it was black-tie,” Carina said. “She looked drop-dead gorgeous, and he even showed up at the door with a huge bouquet. That’s a date.”
“The flowerswerea nice touch,” Whitney agreed.
“Nice?” Carina rolled her eyes. “I love William, but he is so cheap about some things. He always gets me the six-dollar alstroemeria or those Easter-egg-colored daisies. I smile and act appreciative, but what happened to the days when I was worth a dozen fragrant roses with all the trimmings?”
“He put a ring on it,” Whitney said. “And now you’re married, and y’all bought that big house and have a baby who will need to go to college, and?—”
Carina shushed her. “Everyone in the Winters family has that frugal bone about them. Forget that. Now tell us about the night. Were his paintings in the gallery?”
“There was an entire room of the gallery dedicated to his art. Tons of landscapes and cityscapes. He’s really talented.”
