Page 5 of Van Cort
“You’re welcome.”
“Could I, um, could I buy you a drink as a thank you?”
He tilts his head to the side, and there’s a slight grin on his lips. “I’ll take a club soda. But didn’t drinking with strange men at the bar get you into your previous position in the first place?”
“You are correct,” I admit. “But something tells me we should be safe with two club sodas.” I order our drinks, mindful of what my hero just said and knowing that a third glass of wine on an empty stomach is only going to end in more of a problem.
“Cheers.” I raise my glass to his. “To the happy couple,” I add on, keeping up the façade. He lifts, and we clink glasses. “Thank you again. I’m Andie, by the way.”
“A pleasure, Andie. Everett Van Cort.”
That name sounds like he belongs in a hotel like this, at a wedding like this. The absent thought that he can see through my designer suit and tell that I don’t, trips through my brain.
It’s always there, that inner doubt, just waiting to bring me down. After all these years.
I clasp the glass and take another sip.
“Who in the world holds their wedding in the afternoon on a weekday,” he moans.
“A couple who want the lavish finery of a wedding such as this, without the price tag that would come with it on another day,” I ramble.It’s all the same with these people. It’s a show. Keeping up the appearance at all costs.
He doesn’t answer, and I wonder if I’ve said something to offend. Or overshared.
“Not a fan of weddings?” I ask.
“Not especially. You?”
“I haven’t been to one for quite some time.”
We’re interrupted by a loud bell, and we both turn to see a man in a top hat and tails enter. “The bride and groom request the pleasure of your company in the Ballroom.”
“I think that’s my cue.” I slip from my seat. “Time to leave.”
Everett’s eyes narrow on me. “Did you not hear the very formal announcement? If we could leave early, believe me, I would.”
“Confession, I only came in here for a drink after a bad day. I didn’t realise I would be crashing a wedding.”
He smirks and looks me over, and I can’t hide the embarrassment creeping over my cheeks. “Well, that explains the suit.”
He tilts his head at me, somehow scrutinizing my features for far too long without showing an inch of emotion, and eventually reaches into his pocket and pulls something out to put it on the bar.
I eye it and then him.
And with a very deliberate move, he slides it over to me.
“I’d like to take you to dinner, Andie.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Not what I was expecting. “Um, what was it you said about the dangers of drinking with strange men?”
“That’s not what I said, and I’m not a stranger anymore. I’d like to take you to dinner. Tomorrow.” It’s the edge of command in his voice. Or perhaps how pretty his pale green eyes are.
I dip my head, and my hair spills over my face. The black card is there, on the bar, and my fingers can’t help but reach for it. A gold embossed V and C decorate one side. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same insignia is on the gold ring on his little finger.
“Thank you. I’ll, umm, see you tomorrow.”
And with that, he stands and heads for the exit along with a few other wedding guests. I keep watching until he’s out of sight.
Wow.
