Page 44 of Nothing to Tell

“You made it!”Carolyn called, dancing closer with his father.

Great time to interrupt their conversation and shatter their intimacy.Thanks came out more like a curse under his breath.His mom had a knack for involving herself in his life at exactly the wrong moment.

As much as he loved his mother, tact wasn’t on her list of admirable qualities.Carolyn was likely to say something that would scare Harper off or give her the wrong idea.That was the last thing they needed.

“Do you need something, Mom?”Bastian asked, minding his manners while landing a glare on the smiling woman who’d birthed him.

“Don’t be rude to your mother,” Harper said, sliding one hand down from his chest to his diaphragm.

That was damn polite, acknowledging Carolyn was more than he wanted to do.Harper’s soothing hand eased some of the irritation.If she wanted him to try harder, he would.

“He was talking about leaving before he spotted you,” Carolyn said.“I don’t think he’ll worry about that now.”

“It’s a wonderful event,” Harper said.

Where did the power of that smile come from?No mistaking it had control of him.That was something he’d consolidate within himself, he wouldn’t fight it.

“This is the girl?”his father asked Carolyn.

So his mom had clued in his dad?No surprise there.Since childhood he’d witnessed his parents on the dance floor whispering, holding each other close.Shouldn’t that affinity give them more consideration for what they’d busted up between him and Harper?Apparently not.

“Oh yes,” Carolyn said, patting her husband’s arm.“This is Harper Scott.Harper this is my husband Thomas, Bastian’s father.”

“Very nice to meet you,” Harper said.

Thomas Hunt took her hand and kissed her knuckles.Man, not a nice sight.Until he had the pleasure of laying his lips on that body, no other man should have the privilege.Taking Harper’s hand from his father, Bastian laid it back on his chest where it belonged.

Thomas’ eyebrow slid up.“Jealous of your dad, son?”

“Just don’t kiss her.”

His family would have a field day with this.He shouldn’t have done something so obvious.Too late to take it back now.

Thomas Hunt’s grin spread.“Carolyn, you were right.”

“Right about what?”Bastian asked, but his parents only smiled.“Do you know what they’re talking about?”

“No idea,” Harper said, but wasn’t paying much attention to the conversation because she was frowning at something beyond them.“Why is there an art exhibit in the corner?”

Harper came to this function for him.That should’ve been obvious from the get-go.

“It’s not an exhibit, it’s an auction for the charity,” Carolyn said.“Bastian can take you over and show you the lots.It’s not just art, there are various donations made by companies and individuals.His sister has already requested the canary diamond.It’s seven carats I believe.”

His sister did have an eye for the shiny, extravagant lots.

“Keely can request all she wants,” Bastian said.Carolyn shook her head and shared a smile with Harper.“What?”

“Nothing,” Harper said, patting his chest.

“He’s already put in a bid for it,” his mom said.True, but how did she know?“Doubt anyone else will top it.”

“Why not?”Harper asked, but no one answered.

“Unless perhaps Roxanna wants it,” Thomas said.“Her and Zairn are on the dance floor.”

“First public appearance since the wedding,” Carolyn added.“Rubies are more her thing, and Zairn gave her jewels for their nuptials.”

Thomas took his wife back into his arms.“You two enjoy yourselves.”