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I pick up the glass and smile. “I don’t even have to taste it to know it’s good.” But I do. I sip and the sweet perfect liquid teases my tongue and hides the alcohol. “It’s dangerously good,” I say. “I’ll be drunk and not even know it.”
“That’s the joy of New York City.” She grins. “We are never behind the wheel. We hire a car or hop on the subway.”
I laugh and take another sip and good grief I can already feel the alcohol, a wave of loopiness threatening to take hold. As if she reads that moment, Crystal says, “So, what’s the story with you and Kace?”
“Right to the point,” I laugh.
She sips from her glass. “Is there any other way?”
“No, actually, I love your directness but there is no story. We just keep running into each other.”
He arches a brow. “And?”
“And nothing.” Now I sip from my glass, a generous sip, at that. I’m clearly going to need all the help I can get to continue this conversation.
Crystal sets her glass aside. “That, whatever that was I just witnessed between you two, was not nothing. I’ve known that man for years. I told you. He’s reserved. That was not Kace August being reserved.”
“I don’t think he’s as reserved as you might think he is with fans.”
“If that’s the route we’re taking, I’m a vocal fan as well, but he doesn’t look at me like he was just looking at you.”
“I don’t even know what you mean.”
“He gave you bedroom eyes. I mean, I was melting right there in the same room with you two.”
I open my mouth and shut it again. I don’t even know what to say. He’s hot and then cold. He’s touching me and then he’s just gone. “I think you’re reading more into whatever you think you saw, than is real.”
“I’m not, I’m absolutely not, but I’ll let it go.” She grabs a file and sets it on the table. “This is your VIP package. You have expanded details on each item, including the violin.”
“Who did the validation?”
“Ruth Othman. Do you know her?”
“I do,” I say and my lips thin with good reason. I’ve spent years of my life secretly learning from my father’s diaries and drawing. I know a true Stradivarius violin. I’ve studied Othman’s work and while she, and many others, believe in her accuracy, I, as a member of the Stradivari family, know better. She’s often wrong.
“Is it possible for me to get a look at the violin before the auction?” I ask.
“There’s quite a collection of photos in the folder and we’ll allow everyone bidding a closer look on the evening of the auction.”
“Not until the night of the auction?”
“It’s a long-standing rule when we’re dealing with high-value items at risk for damage or theft. And this seller has specific rules he expects us to follow.”
“Who’s the seller?”
“He wishes to remain anonymous to protect the remainder of his collection.”
Sofia, I think. Could it be Sofia? No. That makes no sense but this whole situation feels off in some obvious way I’m missing, but not as it relates to Crystal herself, which is why I let it go. For now. “Do I need to fill out anything else?”
“You’re all done,” she says.
“Wonderful.” I slide the folder into my bag and then sip my martini. “How long have you been at Riptide?”
“Seven years. It’s really a second home. Mark’s mother ran the auction house and I was her right hand until Mark joined the company.”
“And it was love at first sight?”
She snorts. “Oh what a story that is. I don’t know you well enough yet to tell it.”
“Now you’re killing me with curiosity.” We talk and laugh a bit about Mark’s asshole persona, but it doesn’t last long before she comes full circle. “Back to Kace,” she says.
I shake my head and laugh. “Really?” I take another long drink. “Why Kace?”
“Because I saw how you looked at him, too.”
I wave that off. “Please. I’m in awe of the man’s talent.” I settle my chin on my hand. “His music is magical.” My mind slips back to the stage and me in the center of the room while he played, my lashes lowering as I hear the violin in my head. “Kace is just—” A tingling sensation slides over me and I glance up to find Kace standing over us, but his eyes aren’t on us, they’re on me.
He arches a brow. “I’m just what, Aria?”
I’m so busted. I grab my glass and down my drink. Crystal bursts out in giggles. “I need to run to the ladies’ room.” She stands up and catches Kace’s arm to murmur something to him that I’m not privy to before walking away. Kace slides into the booth across from me and flags down the waitress. “Whiskey sour,” he says and motions to my glass. “Another?”
