“That could’ve been embarrassing,” I say, patting down my dress and checking to make sure everything is in place.
“I’ve seen worse. You probably would’ve just fallen to your knees, a boob would’ve popped out, and then it would’ve been blurred in photos. Not a big deal.”
“Uh, that would’ve been mortifying to me.”
“Seems like a fun Friday night to me,” he says with a reassuring smile. He’s not trying to set me off, he’s just trying to help me forget. He takes a step forward, leaving little room between us as he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
His fingers linger.
My pulse escalates.
And oh my God, why am I reacting to his touch, to his proximity?
Clearing my throat, I say, “Well, I know that must have been painful for you. Helping me, that is.”
His eyes study me and I can feel myself wilt under the steely gaze of his green eyes. Just like Huxley’s, they’re hungry, unmistakably intense, and there’s nothing I can do to tear my eyes away as my core temperature spikes. His cologne—serving more as an aphrodisiac—swirls around me, and when he takes another step forward, my mouth goes dry. “You might think I don’t like you, Kelsey,” he says with a shake of his head, “but that’s not the case at all. I actually—”
“There you are,” calls a feminine voice from down the hall. “I saw your brother come in but I didn’t see you. Got a little worried you were going to stand me up.”
JP looks to the left, where a beautiful blonde in a brilliantly sparkling gold gown is standing, looking nervous but also genuine at the same time.
“Hi,” she says to me. “I’m Genesis.”
“Oh, hi.” I wave while JP puts some distance between us, and from the corner of my eye, I catch him pull on the back of his neck, his veins straining. “Genesis, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Kelsey.”
“Kelsey, as in the sustainable organizer Kelsey?”
I smile politely. “That would be me.”
“Wow, I’m really impressed with your work. JP was showing me the kinds of changes you’ve made in the office the other day.”
I glance at JP. “You have?” That’s . . . shocking, to say the least. I didn’t think JP even cared what I did under the guise of my job. In all honesty, I assumed he thought it was just a bunch of wasted time and resources from the way he approached managing me. From the more efficient filing, to the cans of water in the break room, I didn’t think he cared.
“Oh yes, he talks about it all the time. He’s very impressed by you.”
Okay . . .
Okay, everyone.
Let’s all take a collective breath, because I truly, truly think I’m in a different world right now. What on earth is happening?
JP Cane talks about me all the time? Better yet, he’s impressed? That’s not like him, some might even say quite off-brand for him. Impressed? No, more like irritated by my presence, right?
“You know what”—JP steps up next to Genesis and puts his hand on her back—“I think I have to greet a couple of people. Genesis, do you mind coming with me?”
“Not at all.” Genesis loops her arm through JP’s. “Kelsey, I’d love to talk to you more, please find me this evening.”
“Sure.” I smile. “Enjoy.”
Together, I watch them walk away, down the hall and toward the party.
What the hell was all that about?
It almost seemed like JP cared about me. Like he didn’t want to see me fail, that he actually thought highly of my talents.
Maybe I’m just delirious. There’s no way JP has any kind feelings toward me.
None.
The door to the side entrance opens again, and this time, a familiar face smiles at me.
“Kelsey,” Edwin says right before pushing his glasses back up his nose. “Boy, am I glad to see you. Did you see all the cameras out there?”
I chuckle and nod. “Yeah, I almost fell on my face in front of them.”
“That would’ve been a travesty.”
“Tell me about it.”
He walks up to me and I half expect him to reach out and at least give me a hug, maybe a kiss on the cheek, but instead, he pats me on the shoulder. “That’s a nice color dress.”
A nice color dress? That’s all he can say about my appearance? I spent a good two hours getting ready today. Curling my long, thick, freshly highlighted hair is the main time suck. And then meticulously making sure I picked out the perfect lingerie that would accentuate this dress, to make my breasts look amazing, and leave no question if there’s a panty line.