“They know how to get stuff done.” She said it with a straight face, watching the blush set in when he figured out what she was referring to.
“Right.” He coughed to cover up his embarrassment, taking a long pull of his beer.
“Is my granddaughter being inappropriate?” her grandmother asked when she figured out Alexandra made him blush. “She takes after her father, and my husband, so I do apologize.”
“No apology needed.” Brandon smiled at her. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm, and Alexandra hesitated, not wanting him to get the wrong impression. Everyone around them was silent, watching the exchange, and Alexandra wasn’t going to be rude to the guy. He had been a gentleman, so she took the arm he offered and allowed him to lead her away from the group.
“Thank you for that,” he told her as soon as they were out of earshot. “I was worried you were going to make a stink of coming, and then your grandmother was going to try harder to get us together.”
“You don’t…” she started, quieting down when he shook his head.
“Let them think we’re discussing our future children.” He winked. “It saves us both the trouble of having to pretend we want to date. It’s been phenomenal working for your grandfather’s company, and I’d hate to sour our relationship because their granddaughter rejected me.”
“I wouldn’t have rejected you,” she reassured him, even though she thought of doing just that when he’d first offered his arm.
“Oh, I’m not offended. I see the writing on the wall. Who wants to be thrown into a surprise hookup because their grandmother is worried she’s going to die an old maid?”
“Hey!” She was single, not desperate. But it’s not how it seemed to her grandmother, who never saw nor heard her speak of a date.
“Did I offend you? It wasn’t my intention; I tend to just speak what’s on my mind. It’s probably an occupational hazard.” He led her to the nearby bar, grabbing another beer before offering her some more champagne. She accepted, trying to figure out his deal.
“So, what’s your angle?” she asked outright, instead of assuming.
“No angle, I just wanted a chance to talk to the most beautiful woman in the room without interruption, pretending I’m the guy you wanted.” Was she transparent? She hoped not, but Brandon seemed more perceptive than most. Hanging out with him would accomplish two goals: it would get her grandmother off her back, and she could ignore people who bored her by hiding in the back.
“Well, hell, since that’s all you want, cheers.” She held out her glass, smiling when he pressed his to hers with a resounding clink.
She enjoyed spending time with Brandon. A nice guy, if a bit unrefined and too blunt for her tastes, but he kept her laughing during a potentially boring evening. They stayed in the back until dinner, and she was surprised to find they were seated next to each other, although she shouldn’t have been. Her grandmother was running this show, so she’d made sure her granddaughter was seated next to the eligible bachelor of her choosing. They survived dinner and the awards, where her grandfather accepted the gift, being sure to thank his family, making special mention of the charity’s contribution to the community and reminding people to bet on the auction to help with ongoing support. It felt a bit disingenuous, given all she’d found out about her father.
When the list of sponsors rolled on the screen, she felt a sense of pride when she saw Club Valentine on the list. If not for Roman, she may have been willing to give the guy beside her a shot, but although he proved to be a great distraction, there was no sexual chemistry. Nothing. Not even a spark when she put her hand on his arm. And she tried, because he was safe. But she was starting to believe she was only fooling herself, believing she could deny her feelings for Roman.
“Thank you for this evening,” she told Brandon when she saw him out. He was leaving early, something about a trip in the morning, but he still came to support her grandfather despite his tight timetable.
His eyes darted around the room before settling somewhere over her shoulder. “Look, Alexandra,” he started before clearing his throat to begin again. He clenched and unclenched his fists, as though trying to fortify himself. “I told myself I wouldn’t do this, but I’d love to see you again.”
“Thank you. I’m not gonna lie; if this were two months ago, I would have jumped at the chance, but I can’t. My current relationship is complicated but I am committed to making it work because he’s an amazing man. My grandmother doesn’t know about it, and I’m trying to keep it that way. So it’s not you, it’s me, because I’m unavailable.”
“Ahh.” He nodded in recognition. “The line no guy wants to hear.”
She smiled. “It’s true, and I am sorry.”
His lips tipped up at the corners, but there was no joy in his expression. “I understand. Most of the good ones are.” He kissed her cheek, light as a feather. “Don’t let him keep you hidden,” he warned her. “You’re special enough to be displayed.”
“Not his fault.”
“Somehow I knew that would be your response.”
She chuckled, kissing him on the cheek and giving him a hug. She held on an extra minute, squeezing harder before releasing him and grabbing his hand. “I’m glad I met you. And if you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks.” He let go of her hand, smile back on his face before he walked away. She stood in the entryway, watching him leave.
“Wasn’t he delicious?” Parker asked, walking up beside her. “When are you seeing him again?”
“I’m not,” she answered, still facing forward.
“Why not?” Parker stepped in front of her, moving her hand toward Alexandra’s forehead, attempting to take her temperature. Alexandra batted it away in frustration at her current situation. One of her own making. She’d been stupid and fallen for the guy who’s capable of deception. She wanted to make it more. She couldn’t have what she wanted, so she was stuck with what she had.
“Yes. I’m going to say bye to Mom and our grandparents before I leave.”
“Okayyy,” Parker drawled. “But you don’t have to be a bitch.”
“Don’t be a bitch. Got it.” She pretended to salute her sister, moving from the doorway so she could find her grandparents, stopping short when she found a pair of cool green eyes staring straight at her. Her palms dampened, heart pumping so hard she was worried it would come out of her chest. Although, if it did come out of her chest, it would burst out and land at the feet of the guy standing fifty feet in front of her.
Roman stared at her, looking killer in his suit, and she saw his jaw clenched from where she stood motionless. He nodded every once in a while at Quinn, who stood next to him talking. His eyes were so cold, she felt the chill despite the distance. He shook his head, so subtle she almost missed it, tipping his beer bottle up in salute toward her before putting his back to her, pretending her two worlds hadn’t just come face-to-face on the night designed to honor her grandfather. The father of the man he hated.
“Alexandra.” Parker shook her, and she realized she’d ignored her sister in the brief exchange with Roman. And it had been brief, but it played over in slow motion in her head, so it felt like it lasted much longer than it did.
“Sorry.” she patted Parker’s hand where it lay on her arm. “I was distracted.”
“By what?” Parker quizzed, looking around to figure out what caused Alexandra to freeze, but Roman and Quinn were no longer in sight.
“Nothing,” Alexandra answered, brushing Parker off. “I’m going to the bathroom and then I can say my goodbyes and leave.”
“You want me to go with you?” Parker’s brow was scrunched in worry, and Alexandra moved to reassure her.
“I’m fine. I thought I saw someone I knew, but was mistaken. Besides,” she pointed where Anthony was walking toward them, “your fiancé needs you for something.” Parker let her go, and Alexandra slipped away to avoid more conversation. She needed to compose herself. Roman wasn’t supposed to be there. And how much did he see? She went to the bathroom, sitting on the couch, allowing herself a moment to calm her rapidly beating heart. Standing, she reflected on the woman in the mirror, who had no idea what the hell she was doing. She took a deep breath and left the room.