Philips glanced at me. “And Rhodes’s cousin has arrived—Cousin Andrew. His mother was Rhodes’s aunt, but she passed away a few years ago.”
I nodded. “Got it.”
We reached the formal living room. Several of the board members were already inside, sipping cocktails. I spotted Rhodes chatting with another small group.
“I should advise you to watch out for Cousin Andrew,” Philips said, keeping his voice low. “He likes his Sapphire martinis. He’s been known to get a bit grabby after a few.”
“Oh. Oh dear. Okay, thanks,” I stammered, scanning the room for Grabby Cousin Andrew.
“You look lovely, Miss Rory. Enjoy your evening.” Philips bowed and disappeared down the hallway.
I envied the butler. Facing the fancy party, with the formally dressed board members clutching crystal goblets of wine, a string quartet playing tasteful classical music, and Grabby Cousin Andrew lurking somewhere—I wished I could disappear, too. My dress was gorgeous, but I would never fit in at an event like this.
“Why’re you just standing there?” Miranda was suddenly beside me, looking icy and perfect in an emerald satin column gown that grazed the floor. Her hair was pulled back into a tasteful chignon, and her lips were painted a vibrant red.
“Because I haven’t gone in yet,” I said, master of the obvious. “You look nice.”
She stuck her nose in the air and swept past me. “You look like Disney cosplay.”
“Thank you…?” I didn’t actually know what she meant, but considering the source, I knew it wasn’t a compliment.
Miranda made a beeline for a group of board members. They greeted her warmly as she air-kissed them, smiling like she was a nice person, a lying liar face if I’d ever seen one.
“Rory!” Rhodes called to me from across the room. He was as tall and impossibly good-looking as ever in a navy suit with a red tie, his dark hair swept back from his face, his shoulders hulking beneath his jacket. My insides quivered as our eyes locked—I was legitimate Jell-O, relieved as hell that feelings were invisible.
He beamed as I headed toward him. Did I imagine it, or did everyone stop and stare at us? Ididfeel like a princess, and also, like I was floating on air as I made my way to the handsome billionaire. The moment stretched out. He reached out his hand for me.
If this had been real, it would’ve beensoepic.
“Darling, you look lovely.” Rhodes wrapped his arms around me, and there was nothing pretend about the warmth spreading through me at his touch.
“Thank you.” I couldn’t help it: I smiled at him. “You look very handsome.”
“I know.” His grin deepened. “Would you like a drink—a lemonade? Or we have some non-alcoholic Prosecco.”
“That sounds great.” I had no idea what Prosecco was.
Rhodes excused us from the group, then took my hand and led me to the bar. An older man I hadn’t seen before—balding, with watery blue eyes, was waiting for his drink. “Rhodes!” He boomed, and it didn’t escape my notice that Rhodes winced a little.
“Hello, Andrew. Glad you could make it.” Rhodes didn’t sound like he meant it.
“I wouldn’t miss the meeting for the world, you know that.” The bartender slid a martini to him, and he grasped it, taking a hurried sip before raising his glass. “And as one of the few remaining Barringtons, I consider it my duty to mourn with you, to honor my uncle and cousin. May they rest in peace.”
“Thank you,” Rhodes said stiffly.
He ordered our drinks, and Andrew’s blue eyes zeroed in on me. “You must be the fiancé.”
“I am.” I held out my hand. “I’m Rory Harris. It’s nice to meet you, Andrew. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
He took my hand and kissed it, quite sloppily. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Ew.I snatched my hand back, resisting the urge to wipe it off on my dress, and gratefully accepted my drink. Rhodes glowered as he turned back toward his cousin. “How’s everything with business?”
Andrew shrugged. “It could be better. We were almost acquired last quarter, but it fell through…”
Cousin Andrew talked at length about the rather dire conditions of his company, his latest divorce, and the unfairness he’d experienced being ousted from some board or another. I listened, nodding, smiling, or making sympathetic sounds when appropriate. He reminded me of someone…
After a few minutes, it hit me: my mother. Cousin Andrew reminded me of mymother, even though they couldn’t be more different in appearance, upbringing, and social stature. But whatthey had in common was complaining. Andrew complained about this, Andrew complained about that, and Andrew didn’t seem to think he was to blame for any of his problems.
