Page 43 of Once upon a Summer Night

A stunning brunette with deep red lipstick delicately waved her hand in the general direction of the Celtic Connections mixer. “Oh, stop! I heard he’s more of a Seattleite. What about you?”

Ellie gave a half smile, unsure what to say. Except for Colin’s less-than-flattering description of the man, she had the same information on the bachelor they were all there to meet. What she did know was that her pantyhose were riding up her bum, her feet were beginning to ache from the new shoes she wore, and her dress was much too tight for her liking.

She blamed Gwen, Marks,andSpencer for all of it.

Thankfully, the two women were distracted by Colin entering the room with another man whom Ellie knew to be his co-worker, Mike. Ellie sighed softly; Colin was in a suit, and he looked just as good as he had at the press conference. Perhaps even better, as he hadn’t shaved, and the five o’clock shadow made his face that much more rugged.

“Mmm hmmm,” the blonde murmured in response to Ellie’s sigh. “It’s a shame that he’s as cold as ice.”

Ellie frowned. “The bachelor?”

“Oh, no, the CEO,” the brunette explained. “Every time I see him at the Celtic Connections office, it’s always the same—he smiles, makes all the women drool over his hot body and gorgeousness, then has the audacity to remember our names and some facts about us…it’s just not right.”

“I don’t follow,” Ellie replied. “Why does that make him cold?”

“He never dates us. Ever. Even though the invitation is always open,” the blonde complained.

“He never dates intelligent women, though one of the requirements for getting invited to these is higher education. If he’s ever spotted with someone, it’s always a model of some sort,” the brunette explained.

“I’m sure there are intelligent models,” Ellie interjected. She’d never met a model in person before, but she had to imagine they weren’t all like the stereotypes presented on television.

“If so, he steers clear,” the blonde informed her. “It’s rather sad how he avoids commitment.”

“Well, he’s very good at his job,” Ellie offered, feeling the need to defend him a little. “I’m sure he just hasn’t met the right woman.”

The blonde sized Ellie up. “Oh dear. You’re so new to this game. Listen, I’m going to give you some friendly advice. Don’t get any ideas about Colin O’Rourke. Beautiful he is, but attainable, he is not. He’s known as the Untouchable.”

Ellie frowned again. Colin was warm, funny, and quite clever when he wanted to be. And he could charm the pants off a nun if he put his mind to it…but unattainable? No one wanted to be lonely. Not that she would know what went on in his mind, of course, but if she were to hazard a guess—

“Ladies.” Colin was suddenly standing in front of them, a cool smile firmly in place. “Tamryn. It’s nice to see you again. Mike told me you’ve recently changed jobs?”

“I’m now the managing director of a hedge fund company out of Cambridge,” the blonde replied, giving her head a small shake. The cascade of artfully placed curls rippled down her shoulder.

“Are you still open to moving to the West Coast if things work out with this client?”

She nodded resolutely. “Of course. My career can travel as needed. Where’s he living currently?”

Colin was looking at his clipboard. “Los Angeles and Bristol.”

“Is Bristol in California?” the brunette asked.

“Good evening, Charlotte. Bristol is in England.”

Ellie’s eyes widened. “England?”

He gave her a small smile. “He lives half the year in Los Angeles, half in England. He’ll be out shortly. Ladies, you look beautiful. Good luck.”

The two women were regarding Ellie with open curiosity, but before they could ask her any questions, she charged after Colin.

“Why didn’t you mention that?”

He gave a smile over her head to someone before meeting her eyes. “I didn’t think it was important. You can do what you want with the information.” He leaned in and whispered, “Here’s an insider tip: He’s been my most difficult client of all time, though he swears he’s a changed man all of a sudden.” He pulled back and fought a smile as he tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I wonder who will take his place as Most Difficult Client?”

Ellie pursed her lips. “You thinkI’ma difficult client?”

Colin gave her a slight wink. “Well, his tagline isn’t as fun as yours. I mean, we all still must see if Britain’s American will take her cake…”

She physically unclenched her jaw. “Still the worst moniker in the history of the paparazzi, for sure. And that’s saying quite a lot.”

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