“God, no. My sister spent an hour trying to convince me to leave the bathroom after I’d put it on.”
I chuckle. “You have other siblings?”
“Yes. I come from a large family.”
“That’s nice.”
“It can be. At other times they’re a pain in the ass.”
“I know that feeling.” I glance at the ballroom, hoping Aurelia hasn’t spotted me.
When I return my gaze to Cupcake, it’s to find her watching me while she sips her drink. I have a mouthful of whisky, holding her gaze.
“Who bought you the ring?” she asks, gesturing at the signet ring on my right hand. “An ex?”
“No. My mother, actually.” I look down at it. “She’s been unwell—breast cancer. She bought it for my birthday just before she went in for surgery.” My throat tightens, and I swallow, surprised. I don’t usually tell people.
“I’m so sorry,” Cupcake says softly. “How is she now?”
“She’s good. Recovering well.” I turn the ring on my finger. “Her illness shocked the whole family though, especially my father. He loves his job, but he’s talking about retiring next year so he can spend some more time with her.”
“Will you take over from him?”
“I’ll probably run it jointly with my brother. He’s here somewhere.” I look around, but I can’t see Marcus. He said he was meeting with Aurelia’s new security detail at some point. She’s going to love him for that.
“So… are you married?” Cupcake asks.
My gaze comes back to her. “No.” I have another mouthful of whisky.
“Girlfriend?”
I shake my head.
“Why not?” she asks curiously. “I’d have thought girls would be lining up to date you. You seem very…” She thinks about it.
“Handsome?” I suggest. “Sexy?”
“Eligible.”
I huff a sigh. If only she knew. Being the son of a billionaire has many, many perks, but it also comes with problems.
“Actually, I haven’t dated anyone for…” I calculate. “Seven months.”
“What?” She laughs. “That’s crazy. You’re tall, dark, and handsome, and you’re wearing a bespoke suit and a Richard Mille watch, so you obviously have money. What more do you need to get laid?”
“Anonymity.” I mean it as a joke, but when her eyes widen I realize how she might have construed that. “Oh, shit, that’s not… I mean, I’m not implying that’s what I expect…” I trail off as she starts to laugh. “Jeez, don’t mock me. I thought I’d offended you.”
“I’m not easily offended.” She leans an elbow on the bar and rests her chin on her hand as she studies me. “I understand wanting to be anonymous. It’s…” She moistens her lips with the tip of her tongue. “Kind of exciting, don’t you think?”
My pulse picks up again. “Yeah. It is. Two complete strangers.” It’s refreshing that she doesn’t know who I am. She’s not talking to me because she wants my money, or connections. She seems genuinely into me. And I honestly can’t remember the last time that happened.
It’s too loud and busy in here. Someone bumps into my back, and I move closer to Cupcake, ostensibly to give them more room, but mainly because I like the smell of her perfume and the way she blushes when she looks up at me. I love how she’s shy, and yet I can see that her disguise has emboldened her and made her feel like a different person.
I can understand that. What would I be like if I didn’t have the weight of my inheritance and fortune on my shoulders?
“So the reason your ex called you vanilla was just because of your clothing?” I’m still puzzled. This girl is clearly intelligent, funny, and beautiful. What the hell was wrong with the guy?
“You mean, am I a pillow princess?”
