Page 96 of The Grumpy Boss Agreement

He looks amused. “I came here on River’s advice because he said that he would introduce me to all of the realtors and council people and architects he knows. But I haven’t seen him all night.”

“Hmm. Okay. Should we split up?”

He considers that. “I think I should run downstairs and look for him. You stay here and set up camp.”

I give him a mock salute. “Aye aye, captain.”

Cole smiles at me oddly. “You know what? You’re a weirdo. I think I’m just starting to get that about you.”

“Hi, I’m Savannah.” I grin and twirl, presenting myself to him. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

He shakes his head. “Okay. I’ll be right back. Then you can tell me some more weird stories.”

Taking off with a skip, I hear Cole laughing as he turns away. I take a few seconds to down my glass of wine, then snag another from a passing staff member.

Remembering how short this dress is, I take care as I sit down on the couch. My eyes rove the party. There are a lot of attractive young women here and a few nervous-looking older men. Now that I am looking for them, I notice a complete lack of middle-aged women.

That is… odd.

A man in his late fifties stands at the bar in the corner, mopping sweat from his face with a handkerchief. He’s well dressed in an expensive suit, but the pale gray pinstripe pattern does little to hide his considerable stomach. He has bulging eyes and a thin moustache.

And he seems to be staring right at me.

I smile politely and look away, sipping my wine. No sooner have I turned my head, than I notice his considerable bulk moving in my direction.

Uh oh. I’m dressed like a girl looking for a good time and sitting alone at a party. Classic mistake. But if I get up and move, Cole might not be able to find me again.

Before I can decide what to do, the man sits down beside me.

“What are you doing over here all by your lonesome?” He smiles at me and his teeth are eerily yellow, like he has a mouth full of banana flavored Runts candy. His voice is high and wobbly, but his accent makes me think of the well-to-do tobacco families up in Virginia. He leans closer and I smell a whiff of rank, stale cigars.

It takes everything in me not to gag. Trying to breathe through my mouth, I force a smile to my lips. Because of the man’s age, my mom’s voice plays in my head.

Girls should be cleaner than sunshine and sweeter than honey.

“I’m just waiting on my date. He ran downstairs for a minute.”

“I’m Richard.” He grins at me. I swear, his expression is as warm and comforting as a great white shark. He reaches over and runs the back of his finger down my arm. “I haven’t seen you at these gatherings before. You must be new. What’s your name?”

Alarm bells are sounding in my brain. But a lifetime of Southern politeness simply won’t let me run screaming from this situation.

“I don’t think I’m supposed to be here,” I blurt out. “I should go find my friend.”

I set my wine glass down on the floor and try to get up as quickly as possible. But Richard catches me by the wrist and yanks me back down.

“I’m not done talking to you yet.” His grip on me digs into my flesh until it hurts.

“You’re hurting me!” I whisper, tugging at my wrist. “Let go!”

My struggles seem to only make Richard more interested in me. He moves closer, his free hand grabbing my bare knee. His lips touch my shoulder and I jump out of my skin.

“Stop touching me!” I whisper. “I’ll make a scene if I have to.”

I won’t. I know that about myself. But I’m hoping like hell that Richard can’t hear the lie in my voice.

He releases my wrist and touches my cheek.

“Oh, I like you. Where has Vanessa been hiding you?”

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