Page 39 of Kissed and Missed

“Oh, I’m just here as arm candy,” he chuckles, gesturing to a beautiful woman I vaguely recognize as a TV news anchor, who is chatting with another group at a nearby table. “Holden Ellinger. Good to meet you.”

“Likewise,” says Julian, shaking his offered hand.

“Holden is my father’s business partner,” I explain, taken off guard by seeing him here.

He nods in agreement. “He’s not here tonight?”

“He had something planned with Soph. It’s their first Valentine’s Day together, so I thought I’d better let them skip this one.”

Julian tightens his hold on my waist, clearing his throat. “We need to get to the stage, Honor.”

The nervous, fluttery feeling in my stomach intensifies. “Right. Okay. Um, nice to run into you, Holden.”

As we begin to move away, however, he calls after me, “How’s your sister?”

I pause, turning. Despite being in our lives since childhood, Holden’s interest in his friend and business partner’s children was minimal. He showed up to birthday parties, bearing a card stuffed with cash, drank whatever alcohol was available, hit on one of our friend’s moms, and went on his way.

Holden Ellinger isn’t the type of person to ask about my injured sister.

“Um.” I draw a little closer to him, glancing around to make sure we aren’t overheard. “She’s okay, getting around on crutches. They might need to go in and do another surgery next month, depending on how her physical therapy goes.”

Holden’s throat bobs as he offers me a tight, pained smile. “Of course. Give her my best.”

“Okay.” I blink, still thrown off by this interaction. “You could check in with her. She’s staying at my and Sophie’s place. Do you want the address?—”

“No,” Holden says hurriedly, his expression returning to its usual confident, amused state as he steps back. “No, that’s not necessary. Good to see you, Honor.”

He nods to Julian and turns on his heel, weaving back toward the pretty newscaster.

Huh.

“Are you ready?” asks Julian, oblivious to how strange that conversation was.

Shaking it off, I nod. “Ready,” I confirm, allowing him to guide me through the room and up a short flight of stairs into the cramped backstage area. We’re alone, and the moment the door has closed behind us, Julian backs me into the nearest wall, his thumb teasing my bottom lip.

“You’re doing so well, Valentine,” he murmurs reverently, “I’m so proud of you.”

My belly warms as I smooth my hands over his lapels. “It occurred to me that rich people are just like regular people, but with more money.”

His chest shakes with silent laughter. “Most of them, yes. There are some very large egos to contend with, but everyone is on their best behavior for these kinds of things.”

“I love you,” I tell him, loving the way his expression softens at my words. “And I’m really proud of you, too. Just for the record. I think it takes a really amazing kind of person to build what you’ve built, and then to give it away to make the world a better place.”

Out on the stage, the band’s last song is coming to a close, and I know we only have a few seconds before he has to walk out there. Julian kisses my cheek, careful to avoid my lipstick, and leans away, searching my face. I know him well enough now to be sure he’s looking for signs of reservations, any indication at all that I’m not sure.

I squeeze his hand in silent reassurance. “Go.” I lift the short speech I have written out on a folded piece of paper, smiling. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Out on the stage, the leader of the band has hurried to move the microphone stand into position and holds up a hand to silence the murmuring crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, the man of the moment and the reason we’re all here, Mr. Julian Ballard!”

We share one last look, he releases my hand and turns, pacing out onto the stage to thundering applause.

Left alone in the shadows, I watch him, my heart pounding just as loud as the crowd.

“Good evening,” calls Julian, staring out at the darkened ballroom, hands resting in the pockets of his tux, perfectly at ease. “I prepared a few words to say, but first I wanted to thank everyone who has donated tonight, and for all of you coming here tonight to participate in this event. Now, I believe it’s time to share some context as towhy.” He clears his throat and glances over at me, still hidden in the shadows of the red velvet curtains.

My chest warms as he turns back to the cavernous room. “As I’m sure a few of you are aware, I’ve made some money.” There is a round of appreciative laughter. “And, in truth, recent years have shown me how little it matters when you have enough of it. If you can afford to pay your employees, live comfortably, and enjoy life a bit, any more is simply excess, and I have come to the conclusion that I have too much excess. Which is why I have come here tonight. This gala isn’t just me supporting a very deserving organization, it is the beginning of something much larger.”

The tension in the crowd is palpable, as hundreds of people wait for what Julian is going to say next. I know what it is, and yet I’m right there with them, holding my breath.

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