Page 63 of The Acquisition

She turned her shocked gaze to me. I wanted to crow, "That's right, bitch, I'm his wife," but I bit my lip instead.

He grabbed my elbow and led me out of the shop. "We have to go somewhere else."

"This is impossible." I looked at my watch. "It's already three o'clock. What time does the ball start?"

His jaw clenched. "Seven. We're just going to have to hope this next place will be the one."

"Yeah, as long as the shop girl doesn't have the hots for you and try to turn me into a human antacid," I grumbled.

He stopped walking and pulled me against his chest. "Are you jealous?"

"You're laughing at me. This is not funny."

The corner of his mouth curled up. "It's a little funny. I think I like it when you're jealous."

"That makes one of us," I mumbled.

* * *

The event was being held inside the ballroom of a luxurious hotel built after World War II. It tried to blend old world with modern convenience, and it was successful for the most part. There was something a little too perfect in its stone facade for it to really come across as historic, though.

Our town car pulled up in front of a side entrance that led directly into the ballroom. I scoffed when I saw that a red carpet had been rolled out to greet the guests. There were a few photographers hanging around, but they didn't seem to be paying much attention to who was coming and going.

The sight of them was enough to irritate Colter. He leaned forward and spoke to the driver. "Take us around to the main entrance."

I pulled on his elbow. "Isn't this the entrance?"

He nodded. "It is, but I hate the press. I'm done letting them steal a piece of me to sell some bullshit story."

The driver let us out at the main entrance. Together, Colter and I strolled through the lobby, looking out of place in our black-tie apparel. Following the people coming and going from the restrooms, we found the party without having to stop and ask the concierge to show us the way.

By the time we wandered through the hotel, most of the attendees had already arrived. They all stood around engaged in idle chitchat while sipping on flutes of champagne.

"These gatherings never get more interesting, do they?" I mused while the dulcet tones of light jazz provided ambiance.

Colt picked up a flyer from the welcoming table and skimmed the contents. "Well, at least they're raising money for a worthy cause this time. This is an international scholarship for an internship program at Woten Automotive."

"I still don't see why they can't liven up these events. Would it kill them to play some music you can dance to?" I asked.

"Let's go ask the man of the hour," Colt suggested.

Hans rose from a table off to the side and waved us over.

"You made it." He seemed genuinely glad to see us. "These events can be dreadfully boring."

A waiter passed by carrying a tray of champagne, and I snagged a couple for Colter and me. Hans grabbed one for himself and raised his glass to us. "To new friends."

"I'll drink to that," Colt replied. "Jana wants to know why these events are always so dull."

Hans waved his hand around the room. "Too many stuffy people. The problem is that the deepest pocketbooks are attached to people with no sense of adventure. Believe me, when we were planning this event, we tried to suggest all sorts of changes. Dance music, a sushi bar, ditching the stuffy black tie."

His eyes scanned me up and down. "Although, there are some benefits to that last one."

"Quit flirting with my wife," Colt snapped, but there was a friendly tone to the admonition.

"I'm not sure I can, but rest easy. I can appreciate a beautiful woman without crossing any lines." Hans smiled at me and winked.

He was cheeky, but harmless. I could also appreciate a beautiful man, but I didn't feel a pull to learn more than what was on the surface, not like I always have with Colter.

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