“Of course not. Lead the way.”
I fall into step beside her. While I give her a little space, our arms still repeatedly brush against each other as we weave our way between the closely placed tables. Each touch sets off an invigorating spark.
As we walk, my eyes flip between looking ahead to avoid obstacles and stealing glances at her profile. She walks with confidence, exuding positive energy and poise as she gracefully navigates the winding path to her destination.
Her firm’s table is halfway back on the upper tier of the ballroom. When we reach it, most of the chairs are already empty. Only three attorneys remain chatting.
Brooke says, “Hey, everyone.”
“Hi, Brooke. We heard you scored a primo assignment this week. It’ll be back to the dungeon for you when it’s over though, won’t it?”
The smug guy asking seems to have overly enjoyed the free-flowing wine. Feeling protective again, I take a half step closer to Brooke, ready to put him in his place if he takes any further jabs at her.
“Justin, let me present Lord Sandridge, the Viscount of Sandridge. His father’s foundation is our client.”
His face goes pale, suggesting he hadn’t paid any attention to the speeches, or he would have recognized me. I reach out my hand to shake his, squeezing a tad harder than necessary. Sure, it’s a power play, but why not. He needs someone to put him in his place.
“Umm. Nice to meet you, Viscount.”
“You can call me Lord Sandridge. It’s nice to meet you as well, Justin. Please introduce your other colleagues. Are you attorneys at Brooke’s law firm?”
The three attorneys nod in unison. Justin says, “This is Ben and Wendy. We’re all attorneys at the firm.”
Ben says, “I’m looking forward to the movie premiere. I had no idea that farming contaminated the water. I always thought farming was a ... oh, I don’t know ... umm ... natural process.”
“Yes, in some senses—that is, before pesticides and fertilizers became the norm. Now, we need smarter farming.”
Wendy follows with, “Brooke, will you be walking the red carpet?”
Before she can answer, I say, “She certainly will. She’s attending the premiere with me. I never go anywhere relating to business without my top attorney by my side.”
Brooke doesn’t say anything. Instead, she gives me a look that’s a cross between “Have you lost your mind?” and “What the fuck? I never agreed to be your date.” Technically, I should have asked her first, but the condescending tone of her colleagues sickened me, and I didn’t want to let it go.
The look on Wendy’s face is one of pure jealousy and maybe a touch of hatred. Brooke needs to watch out for her.
Ignoring Brooke’s concerns for the moment, I ask, “Will all of you be at the premiere tomorrow night?”
Ben remarks, “Yes. We’ll be there.” He looks at Brooke with a sad puppy-dog face mixed with annoyance when he sees myhand move to the small of her back. He clearly has a total crush on her.
A pang of unexpected alarm rolls over me until I see Brooke’s reaction, which is completely neutral. Either she has no idea how he feels, or she’s not at all interested in him. Regardless, the menacing aspect of his gaze makes me think he’s another one she needs to be careful around.
I’m relieved when we’ve finished the niceties, and it’s time to leave her less-than-collegial colleagues behind. As we’re about to walk away, I say, “Excellent. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Brooke, we need to attend to business now, don’t you think?”
She nods, and we walk toward the ballroom exit. As we step through the doors, I lean toward her ear, whispering, “Do you seriously enjoy working with those losers?”
She gasps, then softly laughs. “Your words, not mine.”
“Seriously, don’t tell me you disagree.”
“Okay, I won’t.”
I chuckle. “Touché.”
Looking at her, something is different. I’m not sure what.
I’m about to speak when Mr. Broadmoor stops, extending his hand and exclaiming, “Today was quite successful. Congratulations.”
I shake his hand. “I’m the one who should congratulate you and the other board members for doing such a fantastic job for the Foundation. Let’s hope all the events work out so well.”
