Page 26 of The Exposed Heiress

“I’m fine.”

He slowed for a light and glanced at her. “You don’t seem fine.”

She looked out the window. “There’s so much happening right now.”

He downshifted and put on his turn signal. “Yes, and there’s a hot attraction between us. I’m not sure if it should be fed or starved.”

She drew in a breath and looked at him. “I…I’m not sure what to say.”

He smiled slowly. “Should we feed it or starve it?”

She smiled. “Starve it. Definitely.”

Leo pulled up to The Halcyon Gallery and said, “That seems like a safe choice.”

The valet came out to take the car.

When the uniformed employee opened the door for her, she stepped onto the sidewalk and Leo joined her. There were several photographers off to the side behind a rope.

She could hear someone yelling out, “Emma.”

Leo leaned close to her and touched her lower back, saying “Keep smiling.”

A reporter shouted out, “Could we ask you a few questions, Emma?”

Leo intervened, saying in a low voice, “Not tonight.”

They walked through the crowded entrance and were met by security inside.

A young woman holding a tablet asked their names and Leo said, “Bloom Advertising.”

The woman smiled, “Yes, I have you and a guest, Mr. Bloom.”

They were handed magnetic name tags. Leo placed his on his suit jacket. Emma placed her name tag on her small clutch.

Leo guided her towards the bar area. “There’s a real estate mogul named Peter Lake here tonight. We should have a word with him about the building before making the news public.”

Emma smiled. “Could we look at the art first?”

He laughed. “Yes, but these events aren’t necessarily about looking a certain way or enjoying the art. It’s more about the connections and conversations.”

She tucked her arm into the fold of his elbow. “As a fashion designer, I’d say it is about looking a certain way.”

Leo glanced at her dress. “You’re stunning, Emma. The dress is a work of art. But we’re here to tell a story, not glide through the event unscathed.”

A passing waiter stopped and offered them flutes of champagne.

Emma reached out and took a flute. “Thank you.”

Leo shook his head and the waiter moved on.

She allowed the chilled champagne to swirl in her mouth before swallowing it. “I do want to glide through this event unscathed.”

He leaned closer to her, and said, “No, you don’t. You want to tell the Bolles story. You want people to know that your Spring collection is magnificent. And given the realities of today’s world, you’ve decided to scale back to allow your design studio to stay nimble and reflective of the times.”

She gave him a dazed look. “I’m not interested in revealing private information.”

“It’s not going to be private for long. It’s much better to get ahead of the story.”

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