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“Thank you.” Ruby wasn’t used to having so much focus on her. “Can we go inside and get a drink?”
Nolan looked at Heath with sly regard. “I like her already.”
The four of them filed into the grand ballroom where the party was set to take place. Straight ahead, there was a large dance floor, which was already filled with people enjoying themselves. Black, silver and gold metallic streamers hung from the ceiling for festive effect, while dozens of large round tables dotted the perimeter of the room.
“Our table is over here.” Chelsea led them through the crowd of people and to a spot on the far left. It was a bit quieter in this part of the room, but only by a slim margin. The party was definitely in full swing.
A waiter stopped by their table, delivering four glasses of champagne as they each took a seat. “I’d like to suggest a toast,” Nolan said. “To new beginnings.”
“Hear, hear.” Ruby raised her glass and clinked it with everyone else’s while she tried to gauge Heath’s reaction to his brother’s words. She hoped that he would soon start to realize that he could give himself his own new beginning, simply by looking forward.
Chelsea took a second sip of her champagne, then set her glass on the table. “Here comes my brother, Vic. Ruby, I believe you met him that day you were out on my family’s property.”
Ruby turned and instantly recognized the man, with his solid build and penetrating brown eyes, much like Chelsea’s. She remembered very much the way he’d reacted when she’d been out on the Grandin property and hoped greatly that he wasn’t about to confront her about it.
As if he understood what she was feeling, Heath reached over and gently grasped her forearm. “If he’s a jerk to you, please let me take the heat,” he whispered in her ear.
“I can handle it on my own,” she muttered in return.
“I have no doubt about that. I’m only saying that I’m willing to take the bullet.”
“Hello, everyone,” Vic said, leaning down to kiss his sister on the cheek.
Nolan stood and shook hands with Vic. “Happy New Year, Vic.”
“It’d be a little happier if you hadn’t brought your twin,” Vic said.
“Vic. Please don’t start this,” Chelsea pleaded, getting up from her seat.
Heath got up, too. “Chelsea, you don’t need to defend me. I know Vic doesn’t like me.”
“And yet that has done nothing to change your behavior,” Vic shot back.
Ruby watched the two men stare each other down, her heart pounding.
“I don’t need your approval,” Heath said. “But I’m sure you’ve figured that out by now.”
Vic glanced at Ruby, then directed his stare at Heath again. “I see you brought your surveyor this evening. I still can’t believe you sent a woman to do your dirty work.”
“Shut the hell up,” Heath blurted, then lunged for Vic.
Nolan got between them in the nick of time. “Hold on, you two.” He was facing his brother, with Vic at his back. “It’s a party. Please don’t ruin this. Let’s try to get along.”
“Talk to your brother,” Vic groaned. “And don’t worry about me. I’ll spend the rest of the night on the other side of the room.” He turned to Chelsea. “’Bye, sis. I’ll see you later.” Just as quickly as he’d arrived, Vic stalked off.
Chelsea rushed over to Ruby. “I am so sorry. My brother can be a real hothead.”
Ruby shook her head. “It’s okay. Honestly, I’m only mad that I didn’t have a chance to tell him off. I realize you’re related to him, but that thing he said about being a woman was pretty sexist. I can hold my own.”
Chelsea blew out a frustrated breath. “Yeah. He can be extremely misogynistic. I usually call him on it, but I was hoping tonight could have a minimum of family drama.”
Heath was right at her side, eyes full of concern. “Are you okay?”
His question made her want to laugh. It also made her want to kiss him. “Are you? You’re the one who nearly got into a fight.”
He stroked her arm up and down with the tips of his fingers, bringing her entire body to life. “It’s not a big deal. I’m fine. I only want to be sure that you’re okay.”
Ruby smiled and leaned in to kiss his cheek. His concern and protective nature were so endearing. “I promise you that I’m more than okay. I’m great.”
