He didn’t look convinced. “Sure, that’s the reason.”
“Look, I don’t have to explain myself to you,” I said, already moving on. “You have to make small talk with those buyers over there before you call it a night.”
He blocked me gently with his arm. “Holly.”
“What?” I looked up at him, heart ticking faster. Afraid everything I felt was written on my face.
“What are you doing?” His voice was quiet but insistent. “What was that really about?”
Shit.
Also, fuck.
Because how did I begin to answer that question when I didn’t know the answer myself?
“Bowchicka-wowzer!”
I turned right into Bob, looking at me like he’d have me for dinner. It made my skin crawl.
“Hi, Bob.”
He licked his lips, and it took the last of my resolve to keep from gagging in his face. “I had no idea you were hiding all of this…” He waved a hand in the general direction of my body. “...underneath those stuffy suits you’re always wearing. Looks good on you, Holly.”
“Did you want something?” I asked, feeling the warm rush of irritation on the back of my neck.
Bob hooked his arm through mine. “Mind if I steal you away for a moment?”
I glanced at Hunter, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing. “Excuse me,” I murmured, and let Bob lead me away.
He guided me toward a quieter corner near a towering floral arrangement. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, which made it all seem a lot more sinister than it should’ve been.
“You’ve been doing good work,” he said, keeping his voice to a whisper. Maybe just so he’d have to lean in close. I didn’t put it past him. “Sponsorships, the gala, the incident with Trey. Expertly handled.”
“Thank you,” I said evenly. “That’s what you hired me for.”
“Of course,” he replied. Then he leaned in more, lowering his voice further. “But you need to be careful, Holly. I don’t need to tell you about the importance of brand control.”
My spine stiffened. “Careful?”
“People are talking.” He gestured vaguely toward the room. “About you and Callahan.”
“What about us?”
“That maybe you’re a little too invested,” he said. “If you catch my meaning.”
My mouth went dry. “That’s absurd.”
“Is it?” His smile sharpened and turned his gaze even more predatory. “Intercepting napkins from women? Hovering like a jealous girlfriend? People notice things. And sponsors don’t like scandal. Neither does the big boss.”
“I’m doing my job,” I said, but it came out thin and weak. “I’ve been nothing but profe–”
“Just… watch yourself.” He straightened, looking around as if expecting to find someone lurking. “You don’t want rumors to get ahead of the work you’ve done. Would be a shame if management started questioning your ethics.”
He gave me one last tight smile and disappeared into the crowd.
I stood there for a moment, my heart hammering.
Across the room, Hunter caught my eye. He was laughing at something Theo had said, but there was curiosity in his gaze. I gave him nothing but a stiff nod and turned away, face burning with the things Bob had just said.
