Page 70 of One Night With The Nanny

“Mr. von Hessen requests your presence in the receiving line,” he said, gesturing for Reid to follow him.

Reid turned and shot a frown in Max’s direction. “He wants me to wait in line to shake his hand?”

“No, sir. He’d like you to join him,” Banks explained quietly.

“That’s not…” Reid shook his head quickly, his face suddenly burning. “I couldn’t.”

“Mr. von Hessen did say that I should beg, if necessary,” Banks added, looking pained as he awaited Reid’s answer.

“Beg?” Reid’s voice cracked. He looked across the room and Max waved and offered one of his regal nods. “Do I have to?” Reid whispered, only to receive a horrified gasp from Banks.

“Please,” he said weakly.

Reid pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to ease the ache blooming behind his eyes as he counted the reasons why it would be wrong to run.

“Fine.” He held up a finger as he gulped his drink, his face twisting as the bourbon burned its way down to his stomach. “Here we go,” he said and focused on the back of Banks’s head as he was led around the ballroom. Reid didn’t trust himself not to bolt for an exit if he spotted one.

“Thank you, Banks,” Max murmured as Reid’s escort stepped out of the way and vanished. It was hard to breathe as Max’s cool blue gaze touched Reid’s and he smiled. Agnes was still holding another woman’s hand and had paused mid-greeting to gawk at Reid. “Reid, you look…incredible,” Max said, taking Reid’s hand and pulling it to his lips. “I’m so glad you decided to come down.” He gestured at the spot next to him as he released Reid’s hand.

“Are you sure?” Reid whispered and leaned to see around Max. “What if I stood next to Agnes?”

Max smiled at Reid, patient as ever. “I’d like you to stand next to me as I welcome my guests,” he said with his ridiculously beguiling lilt.

“Fine,” Reid answered with a disgruntled sigh, then quickly slid next to but slightly behind Max.

He heard Agnes snicker as she hugged the other woman. “I’m so glad you came, Celia,” she said and handed her off to Max.

“Thank you for coming, Celia.” He kissed each of her cheeks, then turned to Reid. “This is my dear friend, Mr. Reid Marshall, of the Marshall Agency,” he told her, his tone almost boastful. “Reid, this is the Honorable Celia Halsey,” he said and Reid offered her a bow.

“Your Honor.” He squeezed an eye shut, praying that was right.

“Please, just call me Celia,” she said and kissed his cheek, then left him to find Max’s cousin and wish him a happy birthday.

Reid managed to smile and nod through several introductions without making a fool of himself, and thought he had caught a break, when Agnes gasped and made a scene over an older woman in a bronze turban and matching feather gown. He coughed and gave Max a quick jab.

“You know what people are going to assume, introducing me like that,” he whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

“Yes,” Max whispered back, nodding. “Yes, I do,” he stated clearly, then turned to the older woman. “Muriel, you look ravishing as always. I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Oh, no!” Reid tugged Max’s sleeve. “Don’t!” he hissed and went to duck but Max’s arm slid around Reid’s back.

“Muriel, this is my dear friend, Mr. Reid Marshall, of the Marsha—”

“You have got to be kidding me!” the woman bellowed and raised a pearl-encrusted lorgnette to her eyes and squinted through the lenses.

“Excuse me?” Max said, raising a brow at Muriel Hormsby. “You’ve met?”

She let out a belligerent huff as she squared up to Reid. “We have not, but his reputation precedes him,” she growled, earning a hard snort from Agnes.

“Watch yourself, Muriel. Reid has an immaculate reputation. You’re just bitter because you can’t find anyone to marry that— Oh! Hello, Jonathon!” Agnes said loudly when a mopey young man with long golden hair joined Muriel. His satin tux was almost the exact same shade as his extremely tan skin and it was very tight. He was shirtless underneath, giving the impression of nudity, reminding Reid of a long-haired, naked Ken doll.

“You remember Jonathon, don’t you Max?” Muriel pushed the young man at Max.

He leaned back and Max’s eyes were watering as he smiled and offered Jonathon his hand. “Of course, it’s good to see you again.” He blinked at Jonathon, then turned to Reid. “This is my very dear friend, Mr. Reid Marshall, of the Marshall Agency.”

“Hello,” Reid said and his hand shot out.

“Hi.” Jonathon gave Reid’s hand a quick, disinterested tug before he spotted someone at the bar. “I know him,” he said and drifted off.

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