Page 78 of Nothing to Tell

“These people mean something to you.Last time we were at an event like this, I embarrassed you.”

“How did you do that?”

Had he really forgotten?“I kissed you.”

“I remember the kiss.I don’t remember being embarrassed.”

“Don’t encourage me.”

“To kiss me?”he asked.“Tell me the trick and I’ll do it every day.Every hour.”

On glancing up, she caught his eye.That smile.Oh, he delighted her.This man was beyond a catch.Whoever landed him would lead a happy life.So, so happy.

“I promise not to assault you.I’ll sit quietly, smile, I won’t talk to anyone.”

“That’s a shame,” he said as they crossed the buzzing, bustling hall.

“A shame?”

A group moved aside as they approached the bar she hadn’t noticed before.Was it…?No, there were sliding doors that opened to reveal the bar.It hadn’t been there the last time.She didn’t think but—

As others made way for Bastian’s determined step, a woman at the bar turned and…

“Roxie,” she said, practically ignoring the men with them to accept Roxie’s embrace.“What are you doing here?”

That was a stupid question.Roxie and her husband must’ve known the Hunt family longer than her.

“Never say no to a good party,” Roxie said, perched on her stool, leaning back against Zairn.“And it’s always a good party if I’m around.”

Whether the three had known each other longer or not, the way Bastian brought her in and came immediately to the bar suggested this may have been orchestrated.He’d guided her to friends.That was pretty much confirmed when Roxie pushed a glass down the bar to her.

One quick sip and, “Gin and It.”

“That’s it, baby,” Roxie said.“You’ll need a lot of fuel to get through tonight.”

Uh oh.With their friends present, she thought they’d bypassed the need for social anxiety.Couldn’t she just stay there, at the bar, and let others pass her by.Her?Maybe.Roxie?Not so much.Her friend was a butterfly in these situations.

“Why will I need fuel?”

Without leaving the stool, Roxie took her arm, angling her to face the room.

“There are a lot of people out there you should get to know.”Her friend’s lips came closer to her ear.“A lot of prospective customers.Super rich prospective customers.”

“She’s lying,” Zairn said.His words tipped her head back, but he was scanning the same space.“Roxanna wants the people out there to share Bastian stories.”

“Embarrassing ones, ideally.”No contrition from Ms.Kyst.“And they can be both, Casanova, sources for stories and prospective customers, though that reminds me.”The beauty whipped her around fast.“How come none of your parties are at Crimson, Harper, honey?”

“My clients can’t afford Crimson.And it’s got to be something special to even be considered.”

Crimson, LA.Crimson, anywhere, was an exclusive get.Yeah, she knew the owners now, but she wouldn’t exploit that friendship.

As always, Roxie remained enthusiastic.“You can plan our next big event.”

“Be careful,” Zairn added.“The last person Lola asked to plan an event for us ended up getting married at that event.”

Now that had to be a joke.

“No chance of me getting married.Anywhere.Probably ever.”