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I crossed my arms and turned to him. “Do you have proof as to why you don’t?”
“I don’t,” he murmured, “but I have someone checking on her.”
When I opened my mouth, the doors slid open. I stepped into the hallway, followed closely by him once again. As we were about to enter the grand foyer, I froze and spun around. “Do you know her or something?”
He shook his head. “I don’t, but I don’t think sh—”
“There she isss!” My future sister-in-law, Laura, cheerfully sang.
Startled, I whirled around. Holding her arms out to the side with a glass of champagne in her hand, she sauntered toward me. Pulling me in for a tight hug, she muttered. “So happy my brother didn’t make me plan this one.”
Giggling, I took a step back. “You’ve got your hands full already with the weddings.”
My eyes darted toward Noah, who was ogling her. I snickered. He made brief eye contact with me before flickering his gaze and looking elsewhere. He pursed his lips to hide his embarrassment.
Laura reached over, gently gripping my arm. “Is this the new bodyguard?” She extended her other hand toward him.
He took her palm in his. “Yes, hello. I’m Noah Fine.”
“Yes, you certainly are!”
He withdrew his hand, becoming instantly shy. “Fineis my last name, ma’am.”
“Ma’am?” She chuckled. “Ma’am is what people call my mother. Please call me Laura or bab—”
“Okay stoppp.” I hooked my arm in hers, tugging her toward the grand living room.
The room was adorned in white, rose gold, and midnight-blue decor. A live jazz band played on a balcony that overlooked the three-story luxurious space, which was lit enough for an elegant ambiance. Conversation filled the room as people laughed, danced, and dined on hors d'oeuvres and alcoholic drinks being served by staff.
Laura’s hip kept bumping mine, and I could tell she was giving him a little show as she sashayed. I glanced back over my shoulder. Noah was leaning against the wall, trying to hide his smile as he watched us walk away.
I’m sorry. I mouthed, mortified Laura had just thrown herself at him.
He grinned, subtly shaking his head as he slid his hands into his pockets.
When I turned back around, I spotted Valentino speaking with a woman who was holding a glass of wine. She was a tall, long-legged, attractive blonde and a part of me could not help but be somewhat aggravated by the way she was absorbing his presence. I knew that look well, since it was the way I gawked at him every day. He and I were both always surrounded by beautiful people, but there was something about her that felt strange to me.
I saw them for a moment before she laughed and placed her fingertips on his arm. I glanced back at Noah again. He raised his eyebrows and faintly nodded. I rolled my eyes, determined to prove him wrong.
As Laura and I approached them, a waiter stepped over to me, presenting me with a silver platter before I completely made it next to Valentino.
“Happy birthday, Miss Ayala.” He greeted me as he held the tray closer.
“Thank you.” I smiled, then saw he was only serving wine. “Oh, may I have a glass of water, please?” I tried to whisper so no one else would hear my request.
He bowed his head. “Of course, Miss Ayala. I will return shortly.”
When Valentino heard my voice, he turned to me and held his arm out. “Ah, my stunning fiancée.”
I slid into his embrace with a big smile plastered on my face. He pressed his lips into mine and pulled me close to his body. “Happy birthday to the most breathtaking woman in the world.”
“Thank you.”
Laura patted me on the back. “I’ll let you guys spend time together and I will talk to you soon.”
Grinning, I nodded as she sauntered away, probably to find another waiter with drinks. Laura loved to drink and party hard on some nights. It was amusing considering how professional she was while working.
“I’m sure by now you have guessed, this is Isabelle.” Valentino spoke to the woman. He pulled me tighter against his side and gazed into my eyes. “Sweetheart, this is our new publicist, Lindsay.”
