We belonged together.
His hands tightened around my waist as he lifted me into the air, twirling me around while I squealed with delight. After a few twirls, he lowered me back down, enveloping me in his warm embrace.
As we hugged, a man in a black tuxedo, reeking of alcohol, stumbled into us. “You’re a lucky man, mate,” he slurred. “I’ll have you know I was on the most eligible bachelor list in the early 2000s. And I’m still a bachelor, in case you were wondering.” He gave me an exaggerated wink.
Karson and I laughed as our eyes met.
Calling out to a brunette, the self-declared bachelor vanished into the crowd.
“Look, as tempting as that offer was… I’m pretty happy with you.” I giggled.
“Wait.” He clutched at his chest in mock horror. “Prettyhappy? I write a message in the sky declaring my undying love and send you an Oscar de la Renta gown in a Bentley, and all I get isprettyhappy? Oh, man, I’m wounded. What does a guy have to do?” He chuckled.
Tilting my head, I tried to suppress a grin. “Hmm, wouldveryhappy make you feel better?”
“We’re getting warmer.” He rested his hands on my hips. “But tell me what I can do to make you—”
A butler paused beside us, holding out a tray of champagne.
“This is a good start.” I giggled, taking two flutes from the tray before handing one to Karson.
I linked my right arm through his, we clinked our glasses together then drained our champagne flutes.
“Did you know what we just did is called Brüderschaft?” I whispered. “Traditionally, to solidify the bond, it’s sealed with a kiss.”
“Hmm, kissing you is most definitely a tradition I’d like to continue. But I think I know an even better way to solidify the bond,” he said in a low voice.
The butler reappeared and refilled our empty glasses.
With drinks in hand, we strolled arm in arm past the amphitheater where we’d danced, following the river toward the dock.
***
After finding a quiet spot, we sat, dangling our legs over the side of the pier while I rested my head on his shoulder. Our fingers interlocked as we watched the night birds dart and dive through the darkness, catching their dinner.
“So… how’s that happiness level coming along?”
My heart swelled. “I think it needs a little prodding,” I teased.
He drew his hand slowly up my thigh. “I might be able to help with that.”
“Hmm, as lovely as all this is,” I said with a quick glance around, “perhaps it’d be even more lovely if we checked into a hotel.”
“That sounds heavenly,” he breathed, warm air brushing my cheek. “Or, we could—”
A camera flash burst white across my vison.
“Karson! Karson! Tell us about the investigation!”
“Do you know your father’s whereabouts? Is he coming back?”
“Can you make a statement for Channel One?”
More flashes popped, the voices closed in as photographers circled around us like a flock of seagulls.
“Shit,” he hissed, his expression darkening.
“What do we do now?” I asked hurriedly.
