One
Chloe
“Are you really sure this isn’t some twisted Fifty Shades party? First the masks, now this?” I hold up the small wooden paddle and wiggle my eyebrows, slapping it lightly on my palm for emphasis.
Eadie shakes her head and laughs, her black hair flowing around her cheeks in soft waves. “Man, I’m so glad you’re back. I missed having you around.”
I grin at her. “Same. It’s great to be back. And weird, and nerve-wracking . . . but mostly great.”
Eadie leans closer and bumps my shoulder, while my gaze slips to the stunning skyline in the distance. The yellow-, orange-, and red-peppered sky illuminates San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in a way that almost makes it look surreal.
She holds up her paddle and spins it around, using it as an extension for her wild gestures. “My curiosity is going to eat me alive soon. I can’t believe they aren’t telling us what kind of auction they’re holding tonight.” She pauses for a moment and studies the object. “Maybe you’re right and there’ll be some kinky stuff going down. I mean, what better place than a masquerade ball where you can barely tell who’s who?”
We both chuckle at the possibility of anything crazy happening.
I turn around and lean on the balcony, gazing through the large bay windows inside the ballroom, mesmerized by the sparkling chandeliers.
Everything is stunning with expensive-looking red velvet curtains and a shiny wooden floor, exactly as you’d expect from one of Berkeley’s finest luxury hotels. And of course, we can’t forget about the attendees, who are mainly decked out in suits and exquisite dresses.
This isn’t quite my normal circle but it’s all for a good cause, the children’s hospital. Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.
Eadie turns and mimics my stance, leaning closer so we won’t be overheard. “Do you think he’ll be here tonight?”
My whole body stiffens at her question, and I turn my wide eyes on her. “Do you think he’ll be here tonight? I didn’t even think about that possibility. I mean . . . he is like a local celebrity. Crap.”
I blow out a breath, my stomach queasy at the prospect of seeing the ghost from my past. The person that was partially the reason I moved back to Northern California. Am I ready to see him yet though?
“Sorry for bringing it up. I have no idea if any big names are supposed to be here tonight.”
I shrug, opting for the nonchalant route. “It’s okay, I should have thought about it too. You threw this gorgeous lace mask at me and told me what tonight was for, and I was game.”
“I think we should be safe with our disguises.” She moves her head left and right, bringing her hand under her chin like she’s modeling her feather mask.
“Not sure I’m in disguise but you sure are. Yours is huge, practically covering half of your head.”
A snicker sounds from somewhere inside, drifting through the open door.
Eadie glances in the direction for a moment before she shrugs. “Anyway, let’s forget about it. Nothing can overshadow the fact that you’re here with me tonight.”
“You’re right. I’m so glad you invited me.”
A waiter steps out, balancing a tray of drinks on one hand. Impressive. I’d probably tip over the whole thing in two seconds. Graceful has never been my strong suit.
Eadie grabs a glass of champagne while I opt for the orange juice. She lifts her glass and clinks it with mine. “There’s no better plus-one than you, Chloe. Not in middle school, high school, or beyond. Well . . .” She purses her lips. “Except maybe Jordan Brewer in sophomore year. He was wicked good with his tongue.”
I laugh and give her butt a soft tap with my paddle. “You’re so bad.”
She tilts her head. “Well, it’s not like you weren’t busy with you-know-who.”
The groan escapes my lips louder than intended, and I look around to make sure no one heard me. Even though I probably won’t ever see most of these people again, embarrassing myself during my first week back in town is still not on my to-do list.
“I know you’re nervous to see him, but you shouldn’t be. Whether that’s tonight, or another time.” She’s lowered her voice and I’m grateful. “It’s been ten years since high school, he can’t possibly still hold a grudge, right? I’m sure things will be fine once you guys get to talk.”
My mouth opens but a commotion at the door steals my attention. A group of guys stumbles onto the balcony, laughing.
They pass us and head to the other side. All but one of them.
He’s dressed in a navy-blue suit and a silver mask. From the way he’s wavering on his feet, he’s looked a little too deep into his glass tonight. His gaze roams over Eadie first and then me, not even attempting to hide the hungry look in his eyes.
Gross.
It’s almost impossible to make out any of his features in the dim lighting. His eyes could be purple, and I wouldn’t know. All I see is short, dark hair and a normal-looking jawline.
The smile he gives us is probably supposed to be charming and seductive, but it only looks smarmy, especially when a wave of alcohol hits my nostrils. “Well, hello there, ladies.”
Eadie and I share a look before she nods at him. “Hi and bye.”
Without another word, we make our way past him and back inside.
Eadie pulls me to the side. “Total douche alert.”
“Agreed. No one needs a drunken idiot.”
She goes up on her toes, her eyes settling on something behind me, and I follow her gaze to the stage. “It doesn’t look like anything will happen soon, so I’m going for a quick bathroom break.”
“Sounds good. I’ll wait right here.”
I take out my phone to check my emails while she’s gone. Might as well see if there’s any news from my agent. Less than a minute later, someone clears his throat, and my head snaps up. Ugh. Douchey guy is back. Right in front of me. Damn it. I should have paid better attention.
Manners kick in—as well as a hint of annoyance—and I look him straight in the eye. “Can I help you?”
Apparently, he takes that as an invitation and steps closer, and I immediately take a step back. “Oh baby, I’m sure you can help me. Especially with those pretty lips of yours.”
I narrow my eyes at him and refrain from crossing my arms over my chest. The neckline of my dress covers me up to my neck, but there’s no need to invite his gaze to stray to my breasts in any way. “Wow.”
“What do you think about you and me getting out of here?”
That guy. “No.”
“Or we could sneak into a dark corner somewhere.”
“No.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t be like that.” He lifts his hand toward me, and I tense.
If he’s going to grab me, I will punch him in the face. Or kick him in the balls. I have no patience for anyone who thinks no means yes, even less so when they’re about to manhandle me.
But his hand never makes it anywhere near my body. Instead, someone grabs his wrist and pulls him away from me. Another man. The two have a quiet conversation where douchey dude nods vehemently before ducking his head and turning around to briskly walk across the room toward the exit.