“They are,” the first woman confirmed, holding out her free hand to them both. “I’m Olivia, and it’s my party ruining your trip. This is my niece, Isabella.”
Evan took Olivia’s offered fingers and gave them a gentle squeeze. “Delighted to meet you, Olivia. Trust me, there’s nothing you could do to this trip that would ruin it.”
Lennox coughed as he turned his attention to Isabella, but he ignored whatever sarcasm followed. Instead, he marked the way her deep chocolate eyes held his, then melted slowly down to his shoulders and chest.
When they returned to his face, her tongue darted out to wet her lips, and it brought to mind a slew of images that weren’t polite to discuss in mixed company.
“Il piacere è mio, Bella,” he said in Italian, his voice low.Beautifulfelt inadequate. The woman was magnificent.
She laughed and took a small sip of her wine, a deep crimson that matched the silky material clinging to her curves. “¿Intenta halagarme, señor?”
“Ah, I guessed wrong.” He inclined his head in apology, his eyes dropping to her lips, which twitched upward in response. “Though it’s honesty, not flattery, senorita.”
A full smile bloomed, and she rolled her eyes, but there was a light blush on her cheeks. He was still in the game.
“You must be the two we need to butter up so you don’t pan us online.” A stately man joined them, holding out glasses of wine, which Evan accepted, and Lennox declined.
“Nate Spencer.” The newcomer took Evan’s hand in a brisk and firm handshake. He was tall and fit, with the perfect blend of salt and pepper in his hair. It was easy to picture him in a corner office at the top of some New York City skyscraper.
“Evan Westin, and I promise you have nothing to fear from me,” he said, casting a look to Lennox, who stared back with open hostility.
“What’s your price then, sir?” Nate asked Lennox, grasping his hand and throwing another beaming smile.
Lennox flustered, half laughing, half fading to pale. “Oh, ah, I’m harmless. And… er… Heath.”
“Welcome to the party, Harmless Heath, and Evan Westin!” Nate boomed, wrapping his arm around Olivia’s waist. “A little insider information. Tonight, the kitchen is preparing the same menu we had when we met here thirty years ago, but I’ll tell you a secret. They could serve me whatever they wanted, because I remember nothing outside of this stunning woman.”
Olivia slapped his chest playfully. “Watch out for this one. He’s a charmer. The food will not disappoint. I assure you.”
“I’m ready for anything.” Evan patted his stomach, conscious of the way Isabella’s eyes momentarily dropped to inspect the product through the thin material of his shirt.
Absolutely anything, Bella.
“Excellent!” Nate gestured toward the amassing group. “Come on, let’s introduce you to the rest of the family.”
“I hope there isn’t a test later,” Lennox whispered, his eyes locked onto the two beautifully set tables overflowing with people.
“Don’t worry, we grade on a curve,” Isabella joked, and Lennox responded with an awkward laugh.
“Oh, good, because I don’t stand a chance. Though now I feel bad for never cutting my students the same break.”
Her eyes lit with a smile. “Do you teach?”
“I do.”
She flattened a hand against her chest, the smile widening. “Humanities Professor at Columbia. Specializing in 19th and 20th century Caribbean and US Latino Literatures and Cultures. I was in Puerto Rico before joining everyone here.”
Lennox’s eyes brightened to a sheen. “Amazing! I’m at Kennedy outside Boston. AP Lit.”
“I know of it! A good friend is on the board. The faculty has done wonders in bringing the school’s scores up. You’re to be commended.”
The two of them sidled closer, Isabella slipping her arm through Lennox’s as they walked together toward the crowd. Evan slowed to a stop and sipped his wine thoughtfully. He’d just been masterfully cock-blocked—byLennox.
A slender hand patted his shoulder, and he turned to find Olivia wearing an amused smile.
“I do believe your husband has stolen the girl,” she said with a laugh. Nate gave him a wink and led her away with a gentle hand on her back.
Unbelievable.
