“You too.”
She closes the door behind her, and I stagger over to the sink. Wetting my hands, I slap my face with cold water to help me focus.
A million things are whirling in my head right now. But rising above all the chaos is the feeling that I did stumble on a scandal. From the one person I didn’t expect to see. The way he talked to me, threatened me—that only tells me there is something going on. Something big.
I clutch the sink, eyes screwed shut. But I can’t go after him now. I have to show my boss I can follow directions, or my career will be over.
After one last look in the mirror, I slink out of the restrooms.
“There you are!” Baptiste says, and I jump in surprise.
“Gosh, you scared me,” I say, pressing a hand on my racing heart.
“Sorry,” he says softly. “You were gone a while, and I saw you talking with that lanky guy. Seemed serious. What was that about?”
I pause, my pulse hammering in my ears. Then I shake my head, forcing a smile. “Oh, just someone I used to know.”
His face darkens with concern. “Are you okay?”
“Of course.” I bubble out a laugh. “Why wouldn’t I be? Oh! Listen—they’re announcing the winner of the resort vacation.”
Before he can reply, I walk toward the makeshift stage, hoping my legs won’t give out beneath me.
12
Baptiste
Last night was incredible, one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time. Being with Harper felt right, like we’ve known each other forever. I already knew I was attracted to her, but seeing her in that dress was the last straw. Suddenly, it was like everything I always wanted was just under my nose, within my grasp. But the way she reacted when I suggested sharing that silent auction win showed me how far from reach it still is. I ended up winning the eco-resort vacation, but it looks like I’ll be going on my own.
I’m waiting for the valet to bring my car around when a black sedan parked in front of the hotel draws my eye. One of the windows is down, and a guy is leaning back in his seat, watching thehotel door. There’s something familiar about him. He must sense me staring, because his gaze finds mine. That’s when I remember exactly where I’ve seen him before. Last night’s gala.
When he was talking to Harper.
Leaning in a bit too close for my liking.
His gaze is cold, almost defiant. Then, he slides up his window, and the car drives off.
What the heck was that?
I’m sure it was the same guy. Harper said he was just someone she knows, but for the rest of the night, she seemed different. Quieter. More closed off. Like she was holding something back.
“Your car is here, Mr. Marchand,” the valet says, and judging from his tight grimace, it’s probably not the first time he’s told me.
“Sorry,” I say, shaking my head. “Spaced out. Thank you.”
I give him a tip and step into my car. During the entire drive, all I can think about is that guy, and the weird feeling in my stomach follows me even as I reach the locker rooms.
I fall into conversation with the guys, laughing when it’s expected and nodding at the right moments, but my head’s not really there. Finally, I pull my phone out and text Harper, asking her to meet me before the game. She says that she’ll be right over, and that puts me just a bit more at ease.
“So,” Miles says, tapping me with his glove. “How was the charity thing last night? Went with Harper, right?”
I open my mouth to deny it, but Adler is faster.
“Don’t even try to lie. We saw you.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, I went with her, and it was nice. I won an eco-resort vacation in Bora Bora.”
“Good for you, man,” Hawthorne says. “Aria and I were talking about Bora Bora for our honeymoon.”
