“Oh?”
“He was pursuing you because you’re sexy as hell, Skye.”
She gulps, pink spreading again to her lovely cheeks.
“He made a quick getaway because when he saw me stake my claim—”
She crosses her legs slowly. “Excuse me? Stake your claim?”
“You think that was a bad choice of words?”
“I do. I’m not something you can plant your flag on. I’m a person, Braden.”
“A very intriguing person,” I say. “At any rate, when he saw that I was interested—are those words better?”
She nods.
“He put the contract ahead of bedding you. Which is fine by me.”
“I see,” she says, clearly trying hard to sound nonchalant but failing.
“Sure you don’t want a drink?” I nod to the second Wild Turkey sitting in front of her.
Tessa returns to the table and sits down, her brow line sporting a fine sheen. “This band is fantastic, but I need a break. Care to accompany me to the little girls’ room, Skye?”
“Yeah. Sure.” She stands and grabs a silver clutch. “Excuse me for a minute,” Skye says to me.
“I’ll be here.” I hold back a smile.
Several guests clamor up to me as Tessa and Skye turn to leave the ballroom. Everyone wants to shake my hand, which is the usual way of things at these events.
I exchange greetings with the mayor, the district attorney, several MADD board members, and a few people schmoozing to get my business. Then Peter Reardon appears.
“Mr. Black,” he says.
“Hello, Peter.”
“I just want to… I mean…”
For God’s sake, spit it out, man.
“I’m sorry,” he finally blurts out.
“For what?”
“For dancing with Skye. I didn’t know that you and she were…you know.”
“I’m afraid I don’t know.”
“She’s obviously your…” He drops his gaze to the floor. “I’m just sorry.” He rushes off.
I actually feel for the guy. His father wants that contract, and he thinks he just blew it. Little does he know I’ve already decided to go with another firm.
I rise to head to the auction table. A tall blonde has other plans for me, though.
“Mr. Black”—she holds out her hand—“Laurie Simms from Carter and Amos. I’d love a minute to speak with you about your legal needs.”
I shake her hand. She has a firm grip, which I like, but I’m going to have to let her down nonetheless.
She takes a seat at the table. I guess the auction items can wait. I’m not a rude person, so I sit down next to her.
“We represent several big businesses here in Boston,” Laurie says. “Our corporate law department is top-notch.”
“I’ve heard great things about your firm, Ms. Simms—”
“Laurie, please.”
“All right. Laurie, I’ve heard great things about your firm”—not a lie—“but Black, Inc. handles most corporate matters in-house, and for those issues we need extra help with, we have a retainer with Johnson, Mahoney and Crabtree.”
She nods. “I can’t say I’m not disappointed, but Johnson, Mahoney and Crabtree is an excellent firm.”
“But not as good as yours?” I prompt. I’m interested to see how diplomatic she’ll be.
“I like to think we’re the best corporate firm in Boston,” she says shamelessly. “All our partners and a majority of our associates were written up in Legal All Stars this year, myself included.”
“You’re a partner, I take it?”
“I’m on track for next year. I won’t lie to you, Mr. Black. If I could snag Black, Inc. as a client, it’d be a huge feather in my cap.”
“Call me Braden,” I say. “I admire your boldness.”
She laughs. “You mean my audacity?”
“Laurie, audacity is often required to get ahead in any area. I’m pretty audacious myself when it comes to business.” And other things, but that’s none of her concern.
“I had to try. Are you enjoying the gala?”
“I am,” I say. “I may make a few bids.”
“One of our senior partners, Jack Carter, is on the MADD board, but he had a family emergency earlier.”
“Is everything all right?”
“Yes. One of his kids was in a car accident, but she’s just scraped up a little.”
“Good to know.”
“That’s why I’m here. I’ve been his associate for the past five years, and he asked me to come in his place.”
“Lucky you.”
She smiles. “I enjoy dressing up and getting wined and dined. After working seventy hours a week, it’s a nice break.”
Laurie Simms is quite beautiful. Tall, with honey-blond hair in a loose knot, blue eyes, and fair skin. Another time and place, I’d probably consider seeing her outside of business.
But I only have eyes for Skye Manning tonight.
“Did you bring anyone to the gala?” she asks.
I clear my throat. Not technically, but, “Yes, she’s in the ladies’ room. Skye Manning.”
Laurie cocks her head. “That name sounds vaguely familiar to me.”
“She works for Addison Ames.”
“Right!” Recognition dawns on Laurie’s pretty face. “Her assistant. I remember now. Addie and I have lunch from time to time.”
“Oh?” Clearly Addison never mentioned her past with me to Laurie. Good thing.
“Yeah. I interned with Brock Ames when I was in law school. I worked in the legal department for the hotel chain.”
“How did you end up with Carter and Amos?”
“Actually, I—”
I stop listening.
Skye and Tessa have reentered the ballroom and are only a few feet away from the table.
And Skye’s jaw is dropped open.
Chapter Eighteen
Tessa drops her purse on the table and heads to the dance floor while Skye brings her jaw back in place, returns to the table, and smiles. It’s a fake smile, though. She’s jealous. Jealous that I’m sitting with another woman.