“That is not happening,” I say, sliding my phone away. “She’s looking for a husband.”
“Doesn’t mean she wouldn’t enjoy a good time while she waits. Is she pretty?”
“She’s pretty fierce.”
“My favorite kind.”
“Like a flavor of milkshake?” I say in the vein ofDon’t you dare.
“Eve, come on. I don’t have a date for Northaby’s charity ball.”
“Take Matt,” I say, laughing as I swing my purse onto my shoulder. Yara would probably ask if his dick is decked in diamonds. Maybe ask for visual proof. Seriously though, I don’t know Fin well enough to get involved, and there are the aunties to consider. If he didn’t treat her right, he’d likely find himself impaled on one of the Gulabi Gang’s sticks.
“Come on, what do you say?”
I pat his arm like an elderly aunt. “Honestly, Fin. I don’t think you could keep up with her.”
Chapter 42
EVIE
A Little Bird Told Us ...
Our billionaire London beau was seen at a Surrey safari park, but not to look at the monkeys. He was at Northaby House with the earl, who recently put the whole shebang up for sale. Coincidence or not?
This Little Bird wonders if a safari park might be a veterinarian’s perfect wedding gift ...
A Little Bird only hopes, on the big day, they’re not planning on releasing a cage full of lions in the place of butterflies!
“And here’s Eve Fairfax!”I make a fist around my invisible microphone as I interview my pretend red-carpet self.“Who are you wearing tonight, Eve?”
“Oscar de la Renta.” I begin to bounce on the spot as, from across the room, Oliver gives a slow round of applause.
“Oscar de la Renta and every man’s eyes.” The look in his eyes is borderline predatory.
“You like?” I give in to a delicious little shiver. My dress is a rental, but I’ll never tell. Who has twelve thousand dollars to spend on a dress they’ll wear only once?Oliver, I guess.But we’ve already been down this path. I recently lamented losing my wedding shoes again, because I totally could’ve dyed them to match this beauty. Instead, I picked up an inexpensive pair of gold strappy heels and a tiny matching wallet on a chain from a local consignment store. But the dress is a piece of luxury. A gold-sheath minidress under a festooning of black tulle, adorned by embroidered golden leaves.
“I likeyouin it,” Oliver says, his legs eating up the space between us. “You look amazing.” I love how he gives his head a little shake, like I’ve stunned him.
“I told you I could dress myself.” I try his brow move on for size, but I can only make mine arch together. I probably look less enigmatic and more like Bert.From Bert and Ernie.“I can also dress you.” My gaze flickers over him, full of suggestion, not that he needs the help.
“I prefer it when you undress me. Leather pants really aren’t my thing.”
“Leather pantsloveyou,” I whisper, cupping his smoothly shaven cheek, almost anticipating the brush of bristles later. I slide my hand over his satin lapel, not shawl-collared tonight but pointed. His jacket is double breasted and has a classic feel about it.
“I have something for you, and I’m so pleased to say I think it’ll work.”
“Oliver ...” My body language turns to that of an embarrassed teen as he moves to the table behind him, sliding a shiny black box from it. “You shouldn’t have,” I whisper as he balances it on his palms. “But can I tell you the truth?” My gaze lifts, and he nods. “I’m touched that you have, no matter what this is.”
“Even if it’s that leather mask with a pink ball gag?”
“You went back to the thrift store!”
His laughter is so deliciously deep it almost resonates through me.
“I told you thrifting is addictive,” I add.
But I can breathe easy, because this is not a piece of jewelry. The box is way too big. Plus, it’s made from heavy embossed card. It’s not that I don’t want jewelry; it’s more that I’m not comfortable with receiving expensive gifts. I’m pretty sure he’s gathered this by now.
