Page 28 of What the Doctor Ordered
“She’ll be fine,” I assured her. “Harsh is the only language that Sicily is fluent in. And besides, you didn’t deserve that. Again.”
Kiley shrugged. “I told you that it’s fine, Simon. You don’t have to defend my honor or anything. This isn’t the sixteenth century, you know.”
“I know that,” I assured her. “But just because it isn’t the sixteenth century, doesn’t mean I can just stand by while you’re disrespected. You are just as valuable as anyone else here, maybe even more so.”
Kiley stared up at me in wonder, her lips thinning as she pressed them together, and then averted her eyes from mine. I watched her thoughtfully. Maybe it wasn’t just compliments about her looks that flustered her. I would have to remember that.
“Would you like to take a break?” I asked, holding out my hand for her to take. “I think I could use a drink after that delightful little interaction.”
Kiley nodded and together, we made our way off the dance floor. She seemed relieved to be away from the huge crowd of people as well. It was much quieter in the buffet area. I smirked to myself, realizing that I would have to keep Kiley from finding her way back to the dessert bar.
“Good evening.”
Kiley and I both jumped at the annoyingly familiar voice. I smiled tightly at the newcomer, placing a possessive arm around Kiley’s shoulders as we faced the man.
“Hello, Kramer,” I said.
CHAPTER 13
Kiley
Simon already had his arm around me, but I snuggled closer to him even more. I looked between the two men. They were both smiling politely at one another, but it was clear there was a thick layer of tension surrounding our little trio. It was easier for me to notice it on Simon because I was pressed against him. I could feel his muscles flexing under his suit, and when I looked up at his face, I could see the defined tick in his jaw as well.
“Is there something that you need, Kramer?” I asked, trying to maintain a polite tone.
Kramer frowned at us with mock hurt. “I didn’t realize that I needed a reason to approach people I know in order to say hello,” he rejoined, waspishly.
“You don’t,” Simon said, curtly. “We ask because you aren’t one to typically exchange pleasantries.”
Kramer’s grin widened but there was pronounced tick forming in his jaw as well. “You are speaking as if you actually know me, Dr. Vale.”
Simon’s eyes darkened. “I know all I care to,” he said tightly.
The two were making me more than a little nervous now, especially as memories of the two of them fighting back at the Onyx night club came rushing back. I stepped forward, placing myself between them since I could feel the animosity rising exponentially.
“Why don’t we all get a drink,” I suggested, trying to calm the situation before it could take off.
Simon grabbed my arm and immediately pulled me back to him, causing me to yelp. He lowered his head to my ear. “Stay by me,” he ordered.
I blinked up at him in confusion, shocked by his sudden reaction.
Kramer looked between the two of us, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. “I must admit that I’m surprised to see you here, Kiley,” he commented, his tone contemptuous.
I looked up at Simon for help. “Oh, umm,” I really tried not to babble. “Well, that’s because…”
Simon didn’t hesitate at all when he grabbed my hand and lifted it, showing off the ring. “Kiley is my fiancée,” he declared, and I thought I detected some smugness in his expression.
Kramer’s nostrils flared and he looked down disbelievingly at the ring, as if he could make it disappear with his eyes.
“I don’t see how that can even be possible,” Kramer spat.
Simon opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted when his phone buzzed. He looked at the device and seemed to debate how important the call was before he answered it. He glared one more time at Kramer before taking my hand and pulling me away as he spoke into the phone.
“I understand,” he said into the receiver. “I’ll be there in a moment. Yes. See you soon.”
“Is everything alright?” I asked as he pocketed his phone.
Simon glanced back to where we had left Kramer and narrowed his eyes before looking down at me. “Everything is fine,” he said. “I need to step away for a little while though. Sounds like my mom needs more help setting up for the auction than she originally thought.”
