Page 57 of The Bourbon Bet
No way. Anna from the romance book club is standing with Daniel. She looks different from her usual laid-back bookstore self. In a sleek gown and perfect makeup, she blends in seamlessly with the gala crowd.
“What are the odds? Of all the fancy galas in Louisville, we end up at the same one,” I say, still processing the bizarre coincidence of seeing my bookstore friend here.
The universe seems determined to remind me tonight of all the lives entwined with mine. First Sebastian’s family, then Tiffany forcing me to confront myinsecurities, now Anna appearing like a sign from my real world. It’s as if every corner of this gala holds someone with a stake in my decisions.
“I could say the same about you!” Anna counters. “When did you start attending fancy galas?Andwith Mr. Blackstone?”
My heart skips a beat. Anna’s eyes hold a million questions I’m not ready to answer. Thinking fast, I deflect. “I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“It’s recent.” Anna squeezes Daniel’s hand.
He smiles at her, but his gaze returns to Sebastian’s arm around my waist and his mouth presses in a tight line. Is there concern in his eyes? And for whom?
The butterflies in my chest crash into my stomach. Could Daniel’s disapproval have something to do with my deal to help Thorne? Daniel was probably the lawyer who had drawn up the contract I’d demanded. The one that states if I take Sebastian’s red leather folder, my lease would be renewed. And that I could back out at any time.
He clears his throat. “Sebastian, why don’t we go grab drinks for everyone?”
I glance at Sebastian, but he’s looking at Daniel with a slight frown. His arm tightens around my waist, and then he releases me. “Sure,” he says finally. “Rosalia, what would you like?”
“Surprise me,” I reply, proud at my steady tone.
He nods, turning to Anna. “And for you?”
“A Kentucky Mule, if you don’t mind,” she says, her gaze still on me.
The men walk away, and I can’t shake the feeling that Daniel made the suggestion to get Sebastian alone. Is he going to warn him about getting too close to me?
“Is everything okay?” Anna asks.
I force a smile. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I’m just... a little overwhelmed by all of this.” Pointing to a nearby wrought iron table, I ask, “My feet ache. Do you mind if we sit?”
“Works for me.” She perches in the nearest chair and pats the one next to her. “Sit and tell all about Sebastian Blackstone. What’s he like? Is he intimidating and enticing? Broody and mysterious? I told you he was interested in you. When did you start dating? How did he ask you out?”
I hold up my hand, laughing. “That’s a lot of questions.”
“Feel free to answer one or all of them.”
I settle on the easiest. “He asked me out about two weeks ago. This is our third date.”
Anna lets out a low squeal. “Woman, you’re a living, breathing romance book.” She opens her palms like she’s reading a book. “The hot billionaire walks into a local bookstore and falls for the quiet and sexy owner.”
He is a hot billionaire who kisses like the men in my favorite romances, but there won’t be a happily ever after. Not unless I find a way to save Novel Idea without Thorne.
“We won’t last.” My heart lurches.
Anna frowns. “Why? Is the gossip true? He’s hot to look at but cold to touch?”
I press my fingers to my lips. “No. Not. At. All. We’re too different to have anything lasting.”
“Oooh, different worlds. That’s my favorite trope.” Anna taps her fingertips together. “I see the story; you and Sebastian help each other see a new and fun way to live and love.”
I shake my head. “Romance readers are amazing. They see the best in people.”
“Nah, more like we’re the worst cynics. That’s why we need romance books, to remind us that happily ever afters do exist.” She squeezes my hand. “And I most definitely wouldn’t write off anyone who kissed me like he did you, or looks at me as he does you.”
I wave this away, the denial automatic, even as my heart skips. “You saw us together for all of five minutes.”
“That’s all I needed.” Anna fans herself. “Woman, he’s into you.”
