Chapter Twelve
ZOEY STIFFENED FURTHERwhile the soft patter of high heels clattered over the cobblestone walk.
“There you are!” Sofia purred when she stormed into the garden, her voice as invasive as her perfume.
Zoey wasn’t sure whether she should be irritated or impressed. After all, the woman couldn’t be more persistent.
“I’d love the next dance with you, Barrett.” Then Sofia side-eyed Zoey. “Your date wouldn’t mind sparing you for just one little dance, would she?”
Zoey stood corrected. She was sure she was irritated. Well, she’d never treat Barrett like property. “Sure.”
Based on the way Barrett’s neck moved, he swallowed hard. “I don’t think that—”
“No problem on my part.” Zoey gave him his jacket back, put on her gloves, and marched back inside on her velvety stilettos. Anyway, escaping to the garden didn’t work. Sofia would find Barrett even if he went to the moon and, star that she was, still expect him to orbit her.
At least, Sofia wouldn’t stay in Port Sunshine for long.
“I decided to extend my vacation for a week. This is a fabulous location. We might even return here to film a movie,” Sofia said behind Zoey’s back.
Argh. Zoey stood corrected again.
Barrett touched her bare forearm, and awareness jolted through her anew. “I don’t think that—”
“It’s fine.” Zoey shifted away as she interrupted him. “Seriously.”
Once inside the spacious building, the air was warmer and infused with expensive perfumes and important attitudes. After the dimmer, more intimate illumination of the garden lanterns, Zoey had to blink to adjust to the chandeliers’ glare. On the other hand, the richly dressed people who preened more proudly than any peacock more than compensated for the lack of those ornamental birds in the garden.
“Hmm, looks like your date might need a break from you for a few minutes,” Sofia whispered as she leaned close to Barrett.
It must be some theatrical whisper because Zoey still heard her. Jealousy stung her, but she didn’t have the right to be possessive of him.
Likely, he’d only protested against dancing with Sofia because he felt responsible to do his job. He exchanged glances with his brother Laredo, who moved closer. Was Barrett silently requesting backup?
Wistfulness stirred Zoey over the bond all the Lawrence brothers seemed to share. He’d told her about his mother and brothers, and it was clear they were a close-knit family. As an only child, she’d never had that kind of bond and understanding without words.
The next moment, Todd O’Malley walked to them, but instead of pivoting to Sofia, he beamed at Zoey. “Would you do me the honor of this dance, please?”
“I absolutely would.” She latched on the much-needed distraction since she’d never been able to hide her feelings. Give her one moment more, and jealousy and anger would be written all over her face. The mask could only conceal so much.
Barrett shot her a somewhat irritated glance, but she followed Todd to the dance floor. Not before she glimpsed the mocking gaze Sofia sent Barrett, though.
Zoey had almost missed it.
What was impossible to miss were the daggers other women sent her way as she walked with Todd, her hand in his. She’d noticed envious glances before when she’d danced with Barrett, but now it was even worse. One would think she’d stolen these women’s diamonds.
She swallowed hard. She’d never be able to navigate these treacherous waters. One hand strayed to adjust her mask, ensuring it remained firmly in place. At least she had it and could hope it gave her some anonymity. Of course, people recognized Todd and Sofia even with their masks. But Todd and Sofia were famous and likely wanted to be recognized.
She stumbled on her high heels but didn’t fall on her face. Okay, he deserved the same fair warning she’d given Barrett. “I should’ve told you I’m not a great dancer. I might even step on your feet. So if you change your mind about dancing with me, I’ll understand.”
His eyebrows moved up as if he didn’t expect her words as he led her across the room. Maybe because women usually fell over themselves to dance with him, and here, she tried to wiggle out of it. “Thank you for letting me know. I’m sure you’ll do fabulously well.”
Still swaying to the music, she cleared her throat. “I don’t know what you base that ‘sure’ part on. But if you’re limping in a few minutes...”
“I’ll be fine.” He did sound a little less sure now.
Todd turned out to be a skilled dancer, but she still preferred Barrett. Yup, the guy who was dancing with another woman right now and looking into those foxy eyes with fake eyelashes.
“So you’re not going to call your lawyer if you do end up limping?” She meant it as a joke, but she winced that it could be true.
Todd chuckled as he swirled her around. “I won’t. But, if possible, I’d love to keep both my feet intact.”
Her lips lifted. “I’ll take that into consideration.”
Then her rib cage tightened. If only that illusory escape to the garden, the quiet, beautiful place with Barrett could’ve lasted forever. But then, nothing could—harsh reality always replaced any precious moments of fantasy, something she’d learned from her childish daydreaming. And today’s harsh reality was that she and Barrett were flying in different skies. That she didn’t belong here any more than a lark in a falconry.
At least, her cousin would be glad. Zoey didn’t know how the movie industry worked—and didn’t want to know—but if Kennedy thought Sofia had a say in where the movie would be filmed, then she did. And it looked like Sofia had an extra interest in filming in Port Sunshine and on its nearby beach.
Zoey glanced in Laredo’s direction. As if assuming temporary bodyguard duty, Barrett’s brother leaned against the wall, his gaze heavy on her while Barrett and Sofia danced close by.
Was staying close to her deliberate on Barrett’s part? She cringed at Sofia practically hanging on him like Spanish moss on a stalwart oak. To his credit, he shifted away from Sofia, putting some space between them, but that wouldn’t stop her from trying again.
Unwelcome jealousy flared in Zoey’s stomach, its acid burning her though she did her best to stifle it. No need to be jealous. Barrett and she weren’t a couple. Wouldn’t ever be, even if the thought stabbed her in the heart.
Uh-oh. She’d better not stare at him.
So she looked up at her dance partner, as she should have already, and found him watching her.
“May I ask for your name?” Todd’s voice was velvety, as suave as his movements.
She hesitated. “You can call me Tulip.”
Why not use her artist name, again? And if he’d guessed her name and pretended not to know it, she could play along. Maybe. Because she had no clue how to play games.
His smile turned even brighter, if that was possible. No way could those teeth be that white and sparkly by natural means. He leaned to her, giving her a whiff of some fancy cologne. “A pleasure to meet you, Tulip. Do you know who I am?”
“I believe everyone in this room knows who you are.” No doubt, intended that way. She forced herself to maintain eye contact, no matter how much she wanted to look at Barrett. Women must consider that gleam in those hazel eyes smoldering, but it did not affect her.
Interest flashed in them now. “And you’re not impressed,” He, on the other hand, did sound impressed as he twirled her and drew her in. “I like that.”
She couldn’t care less whether he liked it or not. Someone else would probably use Todd’s sudden—and most likely fake—interest in her to make Barrett jealous, but she couldn’t operate that way. Of the two of them, only one was an actor. So she just shrugged.
“Tell me about yourself, Tulip.” He dipped her and his voice, going all suave again.
Righting herself, she rolled her eyes. “Let’s save the hassle. You really, really don’t need to play a role with me. I understand you asked me to dance to help Sofia.”
Head cocked to one side, he squinched his eyes behind his thin mask. “To help how?”
Did she need to spell out the obvious? “So Barrett would go dance with her.”
Then her eyes widened as they swayed to the music. She was dancing at the same place on the same evening as when she’d danced with Barrett, and even the music was similar. But that pleasant wave didn’t spread through her, and her heart didn’t flutter like when she’d danced with him.
With him, she was like ice cream melting in the sunshine. With any other man, even one accustomed to conquering women’s hearts, she remained just ice cream—sweet but cold and frozen.
Todd chuckled. “Sofia never had difficulty persuading a man to dance with her. I found it entertaining when she had trouble now. But that’s not why I asked you to dance. You... you’re different. You stand out.”
Thatgot her attention. Blending in was necessary for her survival now, and she suspected she didn’t do a good job of it. She needed to know what she could do to improve so she could also improve her chances of survival. She flexed her grip on his hand and shifted her other hand on his shoulder, the suit smooth beneath her gloved palm, but Barrett’s shoulder would’ve been broader. “Stand out how?”
Yep, once again, she wished she was dancing in Barrett’s arms, and he was the one looking at her with curiosity and a touch of admiration.
The wattage of Todd’s smile diminished until it almost looked... sincere. “Saying so probably won’t do me any favors with you, but, well, you looked uncomfortable. Shy, even. When other people did their best to shine, you just... did.”
When other people did their best to shine, you just... did.
Her heels clicked across the polished ballroom floor as she filed the words away. Whew, this man knew how to give compliments, and no wonder. He’d had lots of practice, no doubt. But he was wasting his vast knowledge and charm on her. The man she was interested in was dancing with another woman.
She shook her head and nearly squeezed her teeth as she fought the urge to look at Barrett. Had Sofia tried to kiss him by now? “I never liked being the center of attention, never intended to shine.” It might’ve sounded coy, but it was true.
“And that’s what makes you stand out. Modesty and sincerity are all the more valuable to me because I rarely find them.” Hazel eyes warmed beneath that silk mask, the golden glow in them almost sad.
Was he still playing a role? Zoey couldn’t decipher, which could say volumes about his skills—or her inexperience. She didn’t have to worry about the same with Barrett. Or so she’d thought at first. Was Barrett playing his own role? “Maybe you’ve looked in the wrong places.”
Todd nodded as he whirled her. “Maybe I have. But you didn’t answer my question.”
“Which was?” At least, she hadn’t stepped on his feet yet. She wouldn’t want to hear from his lawyer, no matter what he’d promised.
“Tell me more about yourself.”
“That wasn’t a question.” She could’ve come up with some imaginary tale about an interesting woman, but then it wouldn’t be Zoey. Which would be the point.
“You’re more of a challenge than I realized. Would you at least tell me where that accent is from?”
She answered almost on autopilot. “It’s French. But my parents are American. I’ve been bilingual since childhood.”
“Fascinating.” He sounded like he meant it, but that could be said about everything he’d told her. Or anyone, for that matter.
Too bad the dance wasn’t over. Not because dancing with Todd was such a hardship but because missing Barrett was. And yes, because she wanted to get him out of Sofia’s claws—um, embrace. This dance felt way, way, waaaaaay longer than the one with Barrett.
But either way, she needed to let Todd know he was hunting in the wrong forest. “Listen, I’m not a challenge. I’m not fascinating. And I’m not looking for romance. At all. And my life is boring, especially compared to yours. I was homeschooled and never went to college. I’m an only child, and I’m used to keeping to myself. I work alone creating custom jewelry. This is the first party I’ve been to.”
“Wow.” Now a new golden gleam lit Todd’s eyes, one she wasn’t sure she wanted to identify. “You just made yourself even more interesting. Now I’m glad Sofia wants to film this next movie in Port Sunshine. Though I’m not sure it’s still going to happen since Zachary Reed pulled out of producing the project.”
Zoey flinched, and her stomach tightened. “That must be devastating for you.”
Todd shrugged. “I wasn’t upset, but Sofia was. She’ll come up with something, though. She always gets what she wants.” He sent an admiring glance Sofia’s way.
Huh. What if Todd and Sofia’s supposed romance wasn’t just for publicity, after all? Maybe he harbored some feelings for her. Which meant he could be using Zoey to get Sofia jealous.
Let’s think this over.Sofia’s connection to Zachary Reed and the new project could make her a suspect, right? Someone helping Zachary Reed to manipulate Kennedy into giving up on the lucrative project? Or did Zoey just want to think that way because she disliked the woman? Zoey frowned as she rearranged different puzzle pieces in her mind.
What would their next move be?
The music stopped, but Todd didn’t let her go. “May I have the next dance?”
“I’d like to rest for some time.” She eased free of his hold. How hypocritical because, while her feet did feel heavy, she’d have said yes if Barrett had asked her for the next dance. Wouldn’t even hesitate.
“It was truly a pleasure. I’d love to have your phone number if you’d be open to continuing the acquaintance.” Todd ran a hand over his wavy blond hair, his posture no longer as self-assured. Then, side by side, they walked from the dance floor toward a wall lined with luxurious chairs, modern replicas of the ones used in the court of Louis XIV.
While she approved of the change in him, she had no desire to pursue the relationship. “Thank you, and I’m sure thousands of women would be flattered. But I’d rather not.”
Rocking back on his heels, he chuckled. “Why only thousands?”
She would’ve bristled at that self-assuredness, but she sensed the self-irony in his inflection. So she played along. “Oh, oops. My bad. Hundreds of thousands? Or would that be millions?”
“Sometimes, only one person in a million truly matters.” His gaze lingered on her. “Or only one person in the world.”
Then Barrett strode toward them, his eyes narrowed.
Zoey’s heart would’ve perked up, but Sofia slinked along, her heels clicking away.
Sofia fluttered ginormous eyelashes that looked like many spiders’ legs. Not a tarantula’s, but close. Okay, a baby tarantula. “Oh, how wonderful. The auction is about to start. And I just found out we’re sitting at the same table.” She aimed her gaze at Barrett as if it were a spear to get the fish. “What a coincidence!”
However, the presumed fish didn’t seem to want to be gotten—yay! A muscle moved in Barrett’s jaw, and his posture stiffened. “I’m not sure we’re staying. What would you like to do, darling?” He directed his question at Zoey.
“Yeah, what a coincidence,” Zoey echoed Sofia’s words. The seating must’ve been reshuffled at Sofia’s request, and Zoey didn’t have warm feelings about her cousin right now.
Sofia blinked at Zoey. “Why, you’re not going to miss the auction, are you? It’s for charity.”
Zoey wouldn’t allow Sofia to manipulate her. She smiled. “I know. I already donated.” Okay, she could donate more and do something good with her newfound wealth.
But if Zoey dug deep inside herself, considering the new information Todd shared, she wanted to watch Sofia. Her gaze switched to Todd. Watch him, as well. He could be a marionette without realizing it. Or he could be one of those pulling the strings. Or he could have no connection to any of this at all.
She should’ve used her dance with him to learn more about him, instead of thinking how much she’d rather be dancing with Barrett. She was already at a disadvantage, and she needed a clear head.
If her attraction to Barrett grew any more, it could threaten her very survival. She made a quick decision. “Sure, darling,” she purred at Barrett. She and Sofia could create one excellent purring duet and make a number of cats envious. “I’d love to participate in the auction.”
Barrett’s eyebrows rose, and his blue eyes hardened. Bidding at the auction meant she’d have to take off her mask. Then he nodded.
Was he more surprised or disappointed? She didn’t know him well enough to be sure. If he was disappointed, she’d have to hope it wasn’t because he was disappointed in her but because he didn’t want to spend more time in Sofia’s company.
“Marvelous.” Sofia gave them all a megawatt smile that didn’t light up her eyes. “I know it’s early, but I’m parched. I’d like to sit with a glass of champagne.” She sashayed toward the banquet room for the auction, not looking at anyone else, as if expecting Barrett, Todd, and Zoey to follow her.
Todd gave Zoey a long look, a question in his eyes. But she had no clear answer for him, so he glanced aside. “I hope to see you there, Tulip.” Then he turned to Barrett. “And I’m sure Sofia will be delighted to have you there, Mr. Lawrence.”
Zoey wanted to ask Barrett whether he’d learned any valuable information while dancing with Sofia. But that would imply she’d expected him to work without any right to enjoy himself at this gala.
Yearning unraveled in her heart again when she braved looking into his baby blues, and other things nearly slipped from her tongue. Like that, she’d missed him already.
Uh-oh. She’d better not blurt that out. So instead, she said, “Let’s see what this auction is all about.”
Then she pivoted and headed in the direction Sofia had disappeared in, the heels of her shoes clomping more like horseshoes than the alluring saunter Sofia managed.
But what could Zoey do? After all, she’d just claimed she was tired, so she might as well sit at the table. She should be grateful she had a seat at the table, not just for the one for the auction but the family table. Even if the many pieces of silverware—or was it platinumware?—and the hand-carved mahogany wood at the family table intimidated her.
Just as she needed to not take for granted all the roads that were open to her now instead of griping she might be killed on one of them.
But would she ever have a seat at the table of love?