Page 166 of Innocent Intentions

“Mr. Montclair, I didn’t expect to see you here. I’d love to catch up–”

“Apologies, I need to get back to my date. Can’t risk someone else stealing her from me. Let’s talk Monday.”

I don’t wait for a response, already walking away.

I get to the spot where I left her, but she’s not there.

I scan the area. Nothing.

My eyes sweep the ballroom, looking for that sparkling green dress.

Still nothing.

My pulse starts to race.

I move through the crowd. A flash of jade catches my eye, and I exhale in relief, until I get closer. Too tall. Not her.

The bathroom!

Of course. She’s been sipping champagne all night.

I make my way to the ladies’ room and catch an older woman heading in.

“Excuse me, I seem to have lost my date. Would you mind checking for me? Her name’s Margot. Green dress.” I try to suppress my stress, but it shines through.

“Sure, honey.” She disappears.

I wait.

Five minutes that feel like five hours pass.

She finally comes back out but gives me a small frown. “I’m sorry, boy. She’s not in there.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, barely holding it together. My body’s frozen but my brain is spiraling. I pull out my phone and call Dom.

“So soon? I–”

“She’s gone.” I cut him off. “Check with your guys at the entrance. Have they seen Margot or anyone suspicious?”

“You lost her?”

Dom doesn’tdoworry, so the worry in his tone makes this so much worse.

“No. She’s not where I left her. Not in the ballroom. Not the restroom.”

“Got it.”

He hangs up.

I stand still, trying to breathe. I’m overreacting. She’s here. She just wandered off, looking for me.

Seconds feel like eternity. My phone rings.

“She hasn’t left. And no one unapproved entered.”

I exhale in relief. Just a false alarm.

“I’ll keep looking.”

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