Page 58 of Tell Me Something

“What’s that smile for?”

He offered his arm. “You said your father never wanted you to be arm candy, and yet here I am thinking you look like a delectable confection.”

“Hmm, too bad I don’t get to be your arm candy tonight.” I knew that as soon as we got to the gala, we would need to separate and put back up the professional barrier.

“True, but I get to unwrap you later. Right, Haylee?” His voice went an octave lower.

I stepped closer and straightened his tie. “You said my name on purpose, didn’t you?”

He gave me a contagious grin. “Maybe I like knowing how that affects you, Haylee.”

Damn. I probably should’ve kept that tidbit to myself. Closing my eyes, I breathed in the scent of him. When I opened them again, I could see his clouded with desire.

“I guess since you know how it affects me, you now have to think about that all night.”

Bingo. I saw a shudder go through him. “Fair point. Let’s go so we can get back here as quickly as possible.”

I definitely liked that idea. I kept it in mind as he led me out to the car and we drove to the art gala a few blocks away.

UPON ENTERING THE ART MUSEUM, I was glad I’d decided on such a formal gown as there were diamonds and furs all around me. A waiter came by with a glass of champagne which I gladly accepted.

I gave a small smile to Josh, who appeared hesitant to leave my side. “It’s okay. Just text me when you’re ready to go.”

He looked relieved that I wasn’t feeling abandoned and sauntered off toward a group of gentlemen, all of whom seemed to recognize him.

After an hour of smiling my way through the crowd and scanning the art around the room, I made my way to the ladies’ room. Cursing my luck, I saw I’d started my period. Worse yet, at a party in London and wearing a formal dress, I was without a freaking tampon.

“Terrific,” I muttered. Wadding up some tissue, I came out of the stall and searched around the ornate bathroom for a dispenser. Beautiful paper adorned the walls and a chandelier hung in the middle of the posh sitting room, but I couldn’t locate a dispenser. There was nothing near the door or on the far wall. What was it with the British?

Sighing, I didn’t grasp I had an audience until I turned and saw a beautiful woman watching me with one eyebrow arched and her expression amused.

“Please tell me the party isn’t so bad that you’re looking for an escape window?”

I couldn’t help laughing. Her accent told me that she was American, too. “No, no. I was looking for a dispenser.”

She was gorgeous, with her blond hair in a sleek chignon and a beautiful red dress which accentuated a small waist and an impressive tall, willowy figure.

“Condoms or tampons? Which I guess is kind of personal, considering I’ll know how you’ll be spending your evening.” She laughed.

I chuckled, too. “Tampons, unfortunately.”

“Well, that I can help you with. Here.” She opened her clutch and offered me one.

“You’re a lifesaver. I really can’t thank you enough. Um, I’m Haylee. I figure the least I can do is introduce myself after this personal conversation.”

“I’m Catherine, and it’s a pleasure. Another American at a stuffy party across the pond is always a good sign.”

I excused myself to go back into the stall and was pleased that she hadn’t left when I came out to wash my hands.

“I’m not trying to be fresh as I check out your dress, but it looks a lot like a Jean Desses design.”

I instantly beamed. Not many people knew vintage fashion. “It is a Jean Desses. I’m impressed you know that.”

“It’s gorgeous, and I should know that as I’m in fashion. I especially love vintage designers.”

It was as if we were destined to become friends. “Well, in that case I should tell you that I have a green one at home and a whole wardrobe of vintage 1950-1960s clothes.”

She looked genuinely interested. “I think we should take this out to one of the tables as I’m intrigued. Which designers do you have?”