“A sex club,” Tenley says.
“Oh my god!” Beth shrieks. “I am scarred!”
I try to keep my expression unaffected.
“I tried to back out.” Tenley shakes her head and folds her arms over her chest with a smug smile.
“But I’m like a dog with a bone for getting in people’s business. You know this.”
“Sucks to be you then. Don’t feel bad. I’m sure I know a lot more about my brothers than any person should.”
A warm flush washes over my body at the thought of Gage at a sex club. I wonder how often he goes. Does he see the same person when he goes there? And just what does he do when he’s there?
I drag in a breath, then pick up my mimosa, swallowing a few gulps. Gage doesn’t give many clues as to the person he is inside, but there’s certainly a lot more to him than meets the eye.
“I’ve completely lost my appetite now.” Beth grimaces at her food. “Let’s talk about something else.”
“What are you wearing for your grandparents’ charity ball next month?” Tenley asks.
Beth picks up her drink with a shake of her head. “Not sure yet, probably something one-off from Dakota Raine.”
“What about you, Iz?” Tenley asks.
I shake my head. “I’m not going.”
“What?” Beth gasps. “Why not?”
I shrug. “I wasn’t invited. Isn’t this a super fancy, black tie kinda thing? Besides, it’s for your grandparents, not Heart Assets.”
“Nonsense.” Beth shakes her head. “I’m calling Grams and getting you on the list.”
My whole body clams up. I hate anyone making a fuss over me, and I don’t want them to think I expect to be invited. I don’t.
“Beth, seriously, I’m not offended or anything. I don’t want anyone being put out.”
She rests a hand over mine. “I’ll be put out if you’re not there with us.” Beth gasps and looks over at Tenley. “We can have a shopping day together.”
I earn good money from my job, and I still live in the modest one-bedroom apartment that I rented before I got my fancy job with Caleb, so I have decent savings. I guess I’m just not really used to splurging on things. “How much would I need to pay for a dress?” I grimace.
“Girl, if you come as my plus one, you don’t gotta worry about that.” Beth winks.
“Oh, I couldn’t accept that.” My cheeks heat. I love doing things for others, but I struggle to accept gestures back. I always worry they won’t feel my gratitude, and then I’ll seem ungrateful.
Beth pouts, then flutters her eyelashes, making her green eyes look sad. “You would deny me the chance to play fairy godmother?”
I look to Tenley for help, but she just smiles. “Just say yes, that’s what I do.”
“I don’t know. I’ll feel awkward not really knowing anyone.”
“You know us. Plus Caleb will be there, my parents and grandparents. And Gage.”
My pulse quickens, and my skin prickles at the thought of seeing Gage. I wonder if he’ll be dressed up like he was a few weeks ago when he came into the office.
“Okay, I’ll go,” I hear myself saying. Anything for another moment of forced proximity to a man I can’t stop thinking about.
Chapter fifteen
“Oh, come on! That was tripping!” Dad shouts at the TV, with Hallie, my British Longhair, curled up in a ball of grey fluff on his chest.
