Page 77 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
Naomi didn’t pull away or redirect his attention. She smiled, tilted her head into his touch, and placed her hand over his heart. There was familiarity and comfort in every touch, and I could barely stand to watch more of it.
“Christian! There you are.”
Dahlia’s voice cut through my thoughts. I turned to find her approaching, resplendent in a deep russet gown that complemented her dark skin beautifully. Her smile was radiant, her eyes excitedly bright.
“Dahlia. You look incredible.”
“Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.” She moved to my side, slipping her arm through mine. “I hope you don’t mind me crashing your evening. I bought a ticket last minute and thought I’d surprise you.”
“Not at all. I’m glad you’re here.”
And I was. I needed the distraction, but her presence didn’t dampen the jealously stirring inside me.
“Shall we find our table? I believe we’re seated with the mayor and his wife.”
“How did you know I wouldn’t have a date?”
“There wasn’t one on the calendar.”
I hadn’t thought about that. Updating my calendar was a daily occurrence that I did without second thoughts. It helped keep Dahila and I on track with my schedule and she was right, I hadn’t updated it because I’d decided to go alone.
“So you’re here to rescue your boss who couldn’t get a date? Tragic.”
She laughed as I smiled. “It would be tragic if I actually believed that.” She patted my arm. “But no, you don’t have a date because you likely didn’t ask anyone.”
“You’re half right.”
As we moved through the crowd, Naomi came into my view again. She was still attached to Nathan’s side. When she glanced around, her posture went rigid, her smile becoming fixed as her eyes met mine across the room.
For a moment, we stared at each other. Her lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her features before she quickly masked it.
Nathan followed her gaze, his eyes landing on me. Curiosity settled in his eyes, and I worked overtime not to clench my jaw. He whispered something to Naomi, and her fake smile tightened even more.
“Christian Valentine,” Nathan called out, steering Naomi in our direction. He offered his hand, and I accepted it with a strong shake.
“Nathan Bullard. I didn’t know the vultures would be out tonight.”
A deep, malicious laugh boomed from him. Nathan and I had a history of professional rivalry that had occasionally turned personal when we’d gone after the same clients.
“I thought the same when I saw you across the room,” he said, “great minds think alike I suppose.”
“If you consider your mind great.”
More laughter shot from him, and I continued. “Seriously, it’s good to see you supporting children’s healthcare.”
“Among other things.” His smile was sharp as a blade. “This is my date for the evening, Naomi. Naomi, meet Christian Valentine—one of the city’s most... persistent attorneys.”
The word ‘persistent’ was an insult wrapped in politeness. Naomi’s hand tightened on Nathan’s arm, but her expression remained composed.
“Mr. Valentine,” she said, in that soft deep tone that made my heart throb. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The formality of her greeting stung more than Nathan’s dig. She was looking at me like I was a stranger, like we hadn’t spent countless hours learning every inch of each other’s bodies, like my name hadn’t been on her lips just two weeks ago in Tuscany.
“The pleasure’s mine,” I replied, letting my gaze linger on her face just long enough to make my meaning clear. “You look absolutely stunning this evening.”
Nathan’s grip on her arm tightened possessively, while Dahlia pressed closer to my side. But it was Naomi’s reaction I was watching for—the slight widening of her eyes, and her quick intake of breath.
“She does, doesn’t she?” Nathan agreed. “I’m the luckiest man in the room tonight.”
