Page 18 of Dreaming of You

Chapter Five

The ballroom of the Worthington Hotel at the top of Nob Hill was packed with people, many of which Barrett knew, many of which he didn't really care to know. He took a long draught of beer, having passed on the endless flow of champagne, and watched his date flirt with one of the lawyers for Fox Management. Elaine was beautiful and had a killer body, but she was not at all interesting—at least not to him. Their conversation in the car had basically been a monologue about the number of social media followers she had accumulated. She'd even taken a few selfies in the car, which had made him nuts. He'd never understood the allure of constantly photographing yourself. And while Elaine's smile was sexy, it was also cold.

She hadn't cared one bit when Kate had come tumbling down the stairs. She'd practically stepped over her on the way to the door, and while Kate and he were hardly friends, he hoped she was all right. The way she'd been holding her hand had belied her words that everything was fine.

"Here you are," his brother said, joining him with a curvy redhead by his side. "This is Amy—my brother, Barrett."

"Hi, Barrett," Amy said with a warm smile. "I hear your mother set you up."

"I see Matt's big mouth is still working."

His brother gave him an unrepentant grin. "How are things going?"

He tipped his head to where Elaine was now holding court in a circle of interested men. She was definitely a woman who liked to be the center of attention.

"I know her," Amy said. "That's Elaine Cummings. She's a fashion blogger and a social media influencer. She has hundreds of thousands of followers."

"She said a lot about that in the car," he admitted. "She's definitely doing some networking tonight."

"Would you guys excuse me? I'm going to use the ladies' room," Amy said. "I'll be back." She handed Matt her glass of champagne and then left them alone.

"Any sparks between you and Elaine?" Matt asked with a grin.

"Not a one. And I'm sure she feels the same way. She just wanted me to get her through the door, which I did. What about Amy? What's her story?"

"She's an interior designer. She's helping me furnish my new apartment."

He saw a gleam in his brother's eyes that he hadn't seen in a while. "You like her."

"I do," Matt admitted. "But it's early days. We've only gone out a few times. We'll see how it goes."

"Well, good for you."

"Sorry your date turned out to be a dud."

He shrugged. "I didn't have high expectations."

"Maybe that's the problem," Matt said cryptically.

"Whatever that means."

"It means it's time to get back in the game."

"I'm in the game."

"Are you?"

He frowned at his brother's challenging words. "I go out. I just haven't met anyone I want to see twice." As he finished speaking, his mind returned to Kate. He did want to see her again. But he told himself that was because he was concerned about her hand. With the way she felt about him, she might want to sue him for her fall. Not that she seemed like the litigious type. On the other hand, it would probably make sense to ensure she had the proper medical care.

"Barrett, are you listening to me?"

He actually had no idea what his brother had just said. "Sorry. What?"

"Your date is now slow dancing with David Bennis."

His gaze moved to the dance floor where Elaine and David were getting very close. Besides being a successful lawyer, David had deep pockets and blue blood running through his veins. Elaine certainly moved fast when she saw something or someone she wanted. He kind of admired that. "Good," he said. "I'm glad she's found someone to entertain her. I think I'll get going."

"Seriously?" Matt asked, raising his brow. "Where do you have to be?"

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