Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Manhattan spread around them like a sprawling sea of buildings. She’d never felt intimidated by anything, but the opulent setting was almost too much.
Patrick, Noah’s grandfather, touched her arm. “Are you okay?”
“I feel like I’ve stepped into a royal palace.” Even when she’d lived in Los Angeles, her parents deliberately chose to lead a simple life. Extravagant parties in exotic locations weren’t part of their lives, even for special occasions.
She looked across the room. Noah, on the other hand, didn’t look out of place in the shimmering ballroom. He smiled and chatted with the guests, clearly comfortable in the role of chief executive.
“Don’t worry about all this,” Patrick said as he waved his hand around the ballroom. “It’s all window dressing. Take away the fancy lights and flowers, and you’re left with a big room on the top of a tall building.”
Cassie smiled. “You’ve got to admit that it’s an impressive building.”
“Bricks and mortar,” Patrick whispered. “But don’t tell the owners of the Rockefeller Center I said that. Let’s find the finalists’ table, then chat with a few people I know.”
Cassie was glad Patrick and Jack were with her. In a lot of ways, Noah’s granddad reminded her of her grandfather. They shared the same brisk, no nonsense bravado that hid a heart of gold, and the same sense of humor that disarmed the prickliest situation.
“I’ve seen the seating plan,” Jack said. “Our table is to the right of the dance floor. Follow me.”
As they walked across the room, Cassie admired the other women’s gowns. Everyone was dressed from head to toe in silk, satin, tulle, or lace. She was so glad she’d spoken to Willow.
Thanks to her career in Nashville, Willow had a closet full of beautiful gowns. They’d gone through each option, discarding anything that was too blingy or revealing. At the end of their marathon effort, they’d both decided the red velvet gown, with its off-the-shoulder neckline, was perfect.
“Here we are.” Jack pulled her chair away from the table.
She smiled at the other guests who were already seated. When Patrick introduced her to Diana Fraser, Cassie’s eyes widened. Diana was a celebrity jewelry designer, creating exclusive collections for her Rodeo Drive showroom and private commissions for clients. She’d built her brand as a powerful symbol of celebrity and Cassie could only be in awe of such an accomplishment.
It was just as well Noah’s brother and grandfather were with her. It would be embarrassing to have a fan girl moment, especially when Diana was telling everyone about her inspiration for the stunning diamond pendant she was wearing.
While Jack and Patrick chatted with the people either side of them, Cassie looked across the dance floor. Noah walked between the tables, greeting each of the guests.
This was a side of him she’d never seen. She could see why Noah didn’t want to leave Manhattan. His apartment was luxurious, he had a successful business, his staff was exceptional, and his brother and grandfather lived in the same city.
Noah thrived on everything she had turned away from. Being part of the hustle and bustle of the city gave him energy and focus. For Cassie, it drained the joy from her life.
“Would you like a glass of champagne?” Jack asked.
She shook her head and smiled. “No, thanks. I’d prefer water.”
“Wise choice.”
As Jack filled her glass with mineral water, Cassie looked back at Noah. He was talking to a famous actor she’d seen on TV last week. “Is that Paul Jonas?”
Jack followed the direction of her gaze. “It is. The woman beside him is—”
“His wife, Gabriella Manderas,” Cassie whispered. “Last year, she won an Oscar for one of my all-time favorite movies.”
“You should ask Noah to introduce you.”
“I couldn’t. They’re here to enjoy themselves, not talk to a stranger.”
Jack raised his eyebrows. “After tonight, you won’t be a stranger to anyone. If Noah has his way, you’ll be as much of a celebrity as anyone in this room.”
That was the last thing Cassie wanted, and Noah knew it. “No one will recognize me from the photo beside my jewelry.” She studied Jack’s face, not liking what she saw. “Do you know something I don’t?”
“I must have misunderstood what Noah said,” he muttered.
“What did he say?”
Jack looked across at his brother and frowned. “It doesn’t matter. Have you been to the Rockefeller Center before?”
