Heard. As in, after wewatchedher ride the largest dick I’ve ever seen while wearing a damn schoolgirl outfit. We scrolled through the files and the titles on some of them…holy shit: UFO; Middle Earth; Potions Class; Save the Cowboy, Ride the Horse.
I shiver at the thought of the last one as Blanche cackles. “Oh, I’ve had my fair share of fun. Ledger’s father and I used to get up to all sorts of debauchery.”
“What was your favorite thing?” I ask, but then immediately regret it.Why in the world would I ask that question?
“Hmm, we did everything. Both of us loved to try new things, but we always did it together. I will say that man loved to share me, and I loved it, too.”
Okay, that went about as well as it could’ve.
“Oh, Ledger wouldnever. He doesn’t even like another man flirting with me. He gets so mad, I can’t help but tease him with it.”
“Yes, I’m afraid the moment my son locked eyes on you, you belonged to him. His father was a bit different in that regard. It took both of us some time to realize what was happening between us. As you know, he was contracted to marry Katarina’s aunt at the time, and I was just getting my footing in the world. Neither of us was looking for a relationship when we met, but the pull between us, well, I’ve only ever felt that…it’s a rare thing. One I know you and Ledger share.”
One you’ve only felt with one other man. Oh, poor Blanche.
I take her hand in mine and squeeze it tight. “You know, it’s okay to feel that again. I can’t imagine a life without Ledger. But I do know if I ever lost him and someone else came along, hewould want me to be happy. I’m sure the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in that regard.”
Blanche smiles softly. “I know, dear. Even though I don’t know if I could say the same. I’m not sure I would ever be alright with another woman in Henry's arms, yet sometimes I wish…never mind love.” Blanche kisses my head as she stands. “Thank you for working so hard on the seating! You have no idea how disastrous it can be if these things aren’t done properly. At least all our guests know who the bride and groom are! Terrible things happen when you go to wedding celebrations without all the pertinent information…”
Chapter seventeen
“What do you say, dear? Since you’re spending the weekend with us and catching up, why don’t you come with us tonight? The Taranovs invited us to an engagement party for their daughter. You know, your grandfather knew them way back when.”
“Mother, I don’t know if—”
“Oh, and I know just the dress! They’re going with a vintage-luxury theme, and I have a dress in my closet that will look beautiful on you. Come, we’ll try it on now, and I’ll call and add you to my hair appointment. Your cousin Charles is already coming with us, so the two of you can catch up.”
Well, I suppose that’s my evening plans sorted. Not that I had anythingelseplanned, necessarily, other than trying to get away from work and anything to do with Henry Sinclair. At least for a few days. Life has been a whirlwind since we returned from our trip, with the acquisition and merger of the McDaniels’ business happening faster than anyone thought. We’ve stolen some time together here and there, but we're by no means exclusive.
Pam’s set me up on a few dates, but nobody’s caught my attention thus far. Maybe tonight will be the perfect chance to check out some eligible bachelors from my parents’ social circle. With a little more pep in my step at the thought of a buffet of men my age, or perhaps older, I’m encouraged. A boozy party might be just the thing I need.
By the time we arrive at the ballroom the Taranovs have chosen for the evening, Mom, Charlie, and I are on our way to being properly tipsy thanks to a bottle of champagne Mom snuck into the car before Dad could see.
“Not even across the threshold, bunch of lushes…” Dad mutters, sending us all into fits of giggles as we drop the car at the valet and make our way inside.
The ballroom is enormous, divided into one section for the cocktail hour and another for the dinner and dancing to follow. It’s clear the Taranovs have spared no expense, so whoever Natalya is marrying must be an important man. I halfway listened to Mom’s gossip on the way here, and apparently, the bride-to-be is beautiful.
“Alright, now that we’re away from your parents and have something other than alcohol in our stomachs, tell meeverythingabout your new job. Is your boss as hot in person as he looks in the paper?”
A piece of the smoked salmon canapé I’m chewing flies out of my mouth as I choke, and Charlie giggles as he unhelpfully slaps me on the back.
“Okay,hotterin person, got it.” He laughs again as I dab tears from my eyes.
“He is nothot. I mean, heis, but I’m not concerned with whether or not my boss is hot! I’m there to learn business and make connections, not worry about how big my boss’s hands are.”
I shrug and sip my champagne, but Charlie’s not fooled. He knocks back the rest of his glass. “So you’ve fucked him?”
Luckily, nothing is in my mouth this time, but I can’t help but sputter as I try to lie to my cousin. Unfortunately, we spent too much time together growing up, and he can read me like a book. Rolling my eyes, I look everywhere but his smug face.
“Alright, yes. I’ve fucked him! But it was before I knew he was my boss. I didn’t even know his name!”
“Classy.”
“Oh, fuck off. I know what you get up to. Anyway, that’s the truth. I didn’t know him.”
“But you knew him afterward, and you fucked him again.”
“I don’t want to know how you know that. Whether you have little spies all around or I’m just that easy for you to read, never tell me. It’s extremely unsettling.”
