Page 100 of Famous Last Words
Spinning around, I look up to see Tadd seething, his gaze focused on the glass in my hand.
“There are still a few people to show around, you know,” he mutters.
I roll my eyes, but before I can tell him to fuck off, there’s a sudden shift in the energy throughout the great room, a commotion coming from the entry gallery.
Gasps and cheers drown out the sound of the music, and I try to crane my neck, standing on my tiptoes to see what’s going on, but I’m far too vertically challenged.
“Are you fucking serious right now,” Tadd spits.
His face is thunder, and he spears me with a warning look in his eyes. “What the hell ishedoing here?” he hisses, eyes blazing.
My brows knit together because I honestly have no idea what he’s talking about, but then, as the crowd parts enough for me to see, I’m almost as shocked as he is when I see Robbie walking through the party. I had no idea he was coming here. He sure as hell didn’t tell me. But I’m not mad about it. In fact, his arrival has helped breathe some much needed life into the otherwise stuffy party.
Instinctively, I start toward Robbie, but I’m stopped by a tight and frankly painful hold on my wrist. Swinging around, I glare up at Tadd.
“He’s myboyfriend, Tadd,” I say, like it’s obvious, yanking free of his grip.
At that moment, I feel a pair of big hands land on my waist, feel warm breath skirt across the base of my neck. “Hey, baby.”
I conceal my body’s reactive shiver, turning to see not only Robbie but Andy too.
“Hi!” I beam up at Robbie, realizing just how relieved I am to see him. And man, does he look good. I never thought I’d be into a guy who wears baggy khakis, flannel shirts, and backward ball caps, but here we are.
“What’s up, Chad,” Robbie says, lifting his chin at Tadd, who is still standing far too close behind me.
“This is aprivateparty,” Tadd says coolly. “Brokers and their clients.”
I’m just about to tell Tadd to fuck right off but I’m stopped by the cocky grin that spreads across Robbie’s face, my gaze flitting to Andy as he steps forward, holding a business card in his hand.
“Andrew Hoffman,” he says, handing Tadd the card. “HMC Management.”
Tadd takes the card, looking down at it with a bored sigh.
“I work in sports management mostly, but I like to dabble in real estate.”
It’s then I catch a glimpse of Andy’s business card and see the small brokerage license number at the bottom. And I’m almost as flummoxed as Tadd. Meeting Andy’s eyes, I find a small smile in his gaze.
“I was hoping to have Fran show me around,” Andy says to Tadd, looking at me again. “If that’s okay?”
I’m forced to bite back my shit-eating grin because nothing feels better than putting a douchebag like Tadd Jennings in his place.
“Yeah, well—” Tadd leans in and lowers his voice as he says, “Don’t forget you’reworking.”
I roll my eyes, watching him skulk off, which is when Robbie steps in front of me, his gaze fiery as his eyes search mine. “I saw him grab you.” He cups my cheek in a move so tender and uncharacteristically soft, my insides turn to goo. “Are you okay?” he asks, voice low.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I brush off his concern with a wave of my hand, realizing there are so many eyes focused on us right now.
Squaring my shoulders, I hold my chin a little higher, looking at Andy. “Okay. Let me show you around.”
I manage to avoid Tadd as I show Andy and Robbie through the penthouse. It’s a little unnerving because, first, I had no idea Andy even had his broker’s license, and second, Robbie has been so quiet, staying back and watching on, and any time I’ve caught a glimpse of him from the corner of my eyes, he’s had this weird smirk playing on his lips. It’s almost as if this is arealwalk-through.
“Wow, this is a great view,” Andy says when we make it out on the patio that overlooks the park. There’s no one out here on account of the icy winds blowing in from the north, but it is the perfect end to the tour that really showcases the views.
“It is,” I agree. “And what I love most about it, especially at night, is that in every other direction you have the city, but if you stand right here and look straight ahead, and do this—” I look at Andy as I hold my hands up like blinkers on a horse before turning back to the view, “—you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world, and yet, looking down at the darkness of the park, it’s almost like you’re in the middle of nowhere, with nothing around.”
Andy looks at me, the hint of a smile on his lips. “You’re a great agent, Fran.”
My cheeks flush at his compliment, and I catch Robbie from the corner of my eye to see his smile lingering.
