Page 45 of The Bourbon Bet
“The party officially kicks off the derby season,” Sebastian says, oblivious to my distress. “And my mother is hosting the fundraising dinner.”
I smile and hope it looks genuine. “That’s right. All the fun is about to begin and I finally get to take part in it.”
A child runs from the kids’ section, followed by a harried man. The toddler chucks the book he’s holding with all his might, letting out an exuberant squealof delight. The guy apologizes, picks up the board book and the kid, and retreats into the rows of shelves.
“You’ve never been to any of the derby stuff? Didn’t you come here all the time as a kid?” Paige asks.
“Yeah, but we were here in the summer, months after derby. And last year, I was too busy settling in and opening the store to go to any of them. This year, Dad and I are going to the Balloon Races. And I definitely won’t miss the parade. And the fireworks. Oh! And the bed races.” I clap my hands, then tell my inner child to settle down. “Sorry. I’ve heard my dad talk about these different goings-on, and this is the first time I’ll get to take part.
“Oh, my brother, Noah—the one I told you about, who lives in Ohio, he’s visiting. We plan on going to the Balloon Race,” Paige says. “You should come with us.”
“Okay.” I take a sip of my smoothie. The cool, tangy sweetness of the berries is amazing. “Are you attending?” I ask Sebastian.
“No. I’m not a fan,” he replies, looking at his drink.
“Who’s not a fan of pretty, colorful balloons?”
“They’re fine, but if I go, I’ll be expected to ride the Blackstone Bourbon balloon.” He shudders. “I have no interest in getting inside something that is kept in the sky with a flame and highly flammable nylon.”
I nod. “Can’t argue that logic.”
“When my sister’s here, she goesinthe balloon. It’s her favorite.” He smiles, and the love I see there makes him even more handsome.
“Let me guess,” Paige says, “Your favorite event was last week’s Bourbonville.”
“That was a lucrative day for Blackstone, but no, my favorite is Thunder Over Louisville.” He steps around the counter, and the faint scent of his cologne, a blend of sandalwood and citrus, fills my senses as he leans closer. “About the fundraiser…”
From my high school years at a wealthy private school, I know what’s expected at these events. I tally the cost and my gut twists. Even a cheap dress is impossible on my budget, let alone the other necessities like hair, makeup, and nails.
“I’m not really a gala girl,” I say, fidgeting with the straw of my smoothie.
A flicker of disappointment crosses Sebastian’s face and his grin falters. “If you don’t want to go, I understand,” he says softly, his tone tinged with resignation.
My heart clenches at the sight of his crestfallen expression. “It’s not that I don’t want to go with you. It’s just that I don’t have anything suitable to wear. The last time I wore a gown was at my senior prom. And that outdated dress is in Michigan.” And it is probably way too basic for any event Mr. Billionaire attends.
“Not a problem. I’ll get you one,” Sebastian replies.
“What?” I scoff. “You’ll get me a gown so that I’ll go.”
“Yup. Whatever you need.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Listen, you’ll be doing me a huge favor. These events are torture, whether I go with someone or alone, but I’m certain if you’re there, the night will be tolerable.”
“Wow, tolerable,” I laugh. “Aren’t you a charmer?”
“Fine. Fine. I can do better.” He clears his throat. His brown eyes sparkle with warm humor, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. “The night will be magical if you attend, lovely Rosalia. A fairy tale come true. Better than Christmas when I was a kid. How’s that?”
Paige clutches her heart. “That’s good.”
I agree. I am one hundred percent charmed but pretend to be unaffected. “Much better. But it sounds like you’d rather skip it. Why don’t you?”
“That was the original plan. I was supposed to be out of town, but things had to be rescheduled. Now I’m expected to go. If I don’t, my mom will guilt me until the next one. No thanks.”
“I don’t know…”
My gaze moves to Paige, who mouths, “Do it.”
“How about I book a spa day for you and Paige on Saturday? There’s a place my sister loves that has it all—hair, makeup, nails, and massages. I’ll have Hanna, my PA, arrange everything for the day of the event. My treat for helping me out.”
“I—”
