Page 76 of The Painter and His Poet

“When were you thinking?”

“Next weekend?” Ben beams at me, his green eyes twinkling.

I chew on my lip as both men wait for my reply. What harm could it do? I’ve already sung at my mother’s wedding, and it’s only one night. I’m just doing Ben a favour. That’s all.

“Sure, why not,” I find myself agreeing.

TWENTY-ONE

STERLING

Glancing at my reflection in the mirror, I straighten my tie and do up the buttons on my suit jacket, smoothing down the lapel. The last thing I want to do right now is go to Dalton and Daisy’s engagement party. But I promised I’d be there, so that’s where I’m headed as I stride across my studio and grab the keys to my car from the coffee table.

Having arrived back at Adaga Hall an hour ago, I decided not to seek out Harlow knowing that there wouldn’t be a chance in hell I’d end up at the engagement party if I did. It’s felt like forever since we shared a kiss in the kitchen, and whilst the time apart has been fucking torturous for me, I just need to make it through the next couple of hours before I can finally have a conversation with her. That doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty about the fact I’m not taking her as my plus one. I feel like a fucking arsehole for not insisting she come, but I’m also acutely aware that if she did, there’s no way I’d be able to hide my attraction for her, or keep my hands off her for that matter. Especially not when I’m so fucking wound up I can barely breathe.

“One step at a time,” I tell myself as I climb into my car and start the engine.

Twenty minutes later I pull up outside the entrance to Highwood Manor Estate, and hand my keys to the valet. After taking a glass of champagne from one of the staff members, I head into the ballroom in search of Ben, finding him talking with Lia and her kid, Toby, a couple of minutes later.

“Sterling, didn’t think you’d show. Where the hell have you been?” Ben asks, as Lia greets me with a kiss to the cheek, and I ruffle Toby’s hair.

“Just a work thing,” I reply vaguely, not sure how much, if at all, Lia knows about my situation with Harlow. Though, if I know Drix like I think I do, he would’ve kept our conversations private.

Ben nods, understanding that I’m not in a position right now to tell him the truth. “Well, I’m glad you’re here,” he replies, squeezing my shoulder good-naturedly.

“I can see Carl’s invited most of the private members club,” I remark, glancing around the ballroom.

“Everyone looks really lovely,” Lia says, her eyes lighting up in awe at the men and women sweeping past in ballgowns and tuxedos.

“Not lovelier than you, Lia. You look beautiful,” I say, admiring her long sleeved, black ballgown that hugs her figure. She’s a beautiful woman, both in looks and personality, and I can totally see why Drix is so enamoured with her. It makes me think of Harlow back at home alone, and guilt climbs up my throat once again.

Her cheeks blush pink. “Thank you.”

“They mightlooklovely, but I can promise you most of the people here are far from it. Present company excluded, of course,” Ben adds, adjusting his cufflinks as he scans the crowd. “Trust me, they’re all about status and how many zeros are in their bank accounts.”

Lia raises an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful grin. “Well, I’m glad I’m here with you both then.”

“And Drix,” Toby points out, hopping from one foot to the other.

“EspeciallyDrix,” she agrees, her smile softening.

“Speaking of which, where is the handsome bastard–?”

Toby gasps, pointing at Ben with his chubby little finger. “You swore. Mama, he swore!”

Ben pulls a face. “Apologies.”

Lia waves his apology away with a laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll add a pound coin to the swear jar on your behalf. Toby already has quite a tidy sum from all the swearing Drix does.”

“Is that so? Pretty good way to clear out Drix’s bank account,” Ben muses, winking at Toby who grins. “So where is he? I’m surprised he’s not glued to your side like he usually is.”

“He went in search of Daisy. She hasn’t arrived yet,” Lia explains.

“And Dalton?” I ask.

“Mingling with the crowd, piling on the charm, you know the drill,” Ben explains.

“Oh wait, I think I see them. Dalton’s with Daisy and Drix now, ” Lia says, her gaze darting over my shoulder. “Should we go and join them?”

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