“Not just the Lantana VIP list, but New York too,” I continued. “Almost all of Rhodes’s clients got the invite, and a bunch of the guys’ friends from college.”
“I see, and has it occurred to you yet that you’ll be in a room with dozens upon dozens of people who’ve known the happy quadruple for seven years or more, and will definitely want to catch up on old times and all the things they missed in the life of Soo Min Kim...?” Her knowing eyes met my paling face. “...or is that just occurring to you now?”
“Oh my—!” I whipped around, snagging the eyeliner across my temple and cheek.
“Mrs. Kim!” Elin, Freya, and Marcus shrieked.
HOURS LATER, THE MANORwas booming. And I meant, walls-shaking, chandeliers-rattling, floor-thrumming booming. The party was in full swing, and the only one missing was the wife of honor.
“Mrs. Kim, you’re a vision,” Christie gushed—eyes misting. “Madame Lavigne outdid herself!”
I blinked at the spectacle in the mirror, truly at a loss for words. “She really... let her muse off the leash.”
“But of course she did,” Christie cried. She jumped up and down, clapping in her white pumps and glitteringly white strapless gown. Elin, Freya, and the others were behind her doing much the same. After throwing Courtney out for distracting me, they’d finally gotten the chance to finish their masterpiece to satisfaction. “Nothing but the best for you.”
I pushed a smile onto my lips. “Thank you, Christie, Elin, Marcus, and everyone. You’ve not only brought life back to this haunted mansion, you’ve also brought me to my optimal hotness. I will never look better than I do right now.”
The ladies giggled, patting their cheeks like they were about to blush.
“I mean it,” Christie said, wiping her eyes. “My favorite client. Why can’t they all be like you?”
And by that I was sure she mostly meant, why couldn’t all of her clients write her a check for one point six million dollars? I was also sure that’s why she kept tearing up. I would too if I cleared seven figures on one job.
“Elin, would you mind handing me my cellphone? I need Court to help me to Omma’s room. I want to check on her and say goodnight before she goes to bed.”
“We can help you with that.” Elin and Freya had their hands on my wrists and elbows before I could politely decline.
Giving in, I let them help me out of the room and down the hall. Davis was behind me in a blink.
“Good evening, Mrs. Kim, you’re a vision.”
“As compared to the mess I was when you peeled me off the steering wheel?” I floated over my shoulder. “I’m still working on my come-hither smile, Officer, but don’t worry. I promise to have it ready the next time I almost die.”
“Mrs. Kim, please,” he hissed. I could practically hear the blood filling his cheeks. “I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding, but I’ve explained to you that wasn’t what I meant.”
I smothered a laugh. If I believed in hell, I had a feeling that’s where I’d be going for constantly flustering the poor man for my own enjoyment. “Thank you for being here tonight,” I said in a more serious tone. “I realize it’s way below your pay grade to follow me and a bunch of sparkling rocks around when you could be catching criminals, or spending time with your own family, but I appreciate it all the same.”
“It’s... This certainly is an unusual assignment. To be honest, I don’t approve of law enforcement being used as personal bodyguards. We serve the entire community—not any one individual or family. But,” he grudged. “I was told every officer who signed up for the assignment would be senthome with the chef’s prepared meal and a guest gift bag that includes an MT tablet, so... it’s fine.”
I hummed. “So, what you’re saying is, you took the assignment... for a bribe.”
“What! Bribe?! No,” he blared at my back. “That isn’t— That’s not—!”
I bit hard on my lip, penning in a laugh. Oh yeah, I was definitely on my way to a fiery pit.
Omma’s door loomed in front of us. Christie broke free from the pack, scurrying ahead to open the door and ease me inside.
Reynard glanced up from his charting. Decked out in tight, expensive jeans and a formfitting tee, I tried not to ask myself what this man was doing as a hospice nurse when he was clearly meant for the runway.
Okay, I asked the question in my head, but sense kept it from leaving my mouth. Being handsome didn’t mean a man couldn’t be caring, nurturing, or have other interests and pursuits that didn’t involve flexing his muscles.
Reynard took one look at me and dropped the clipboard. “Wow,” he breathed. “You look... wow.” He jerked, panic seizing his expression. He meant to keep that in his head too. “I mean— I didn’t mean—! Shit, Mrs. Kim, I’m so sorry. That was completely inappropriate of me. Please, forgive—”
Giggling, I interrupted him. “Reynard, it’s okay. Trust me, you never have to apologize for making a lady feel beautiful.”
He flushed. Spinning away, he turned his back to me, reaching down to pick up the chart. “Your timing is good,” he told the wall. “I just gave Mrs. Kim her nighttime meds, including her sleeping pill. You can say goodnight before she retires.”
I closed the distance to the bed. Crouching down as much as the dress would let me, I took Omma’s hand—gently murmuring to her.
