Page 58 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

Her sister, Jill, seated at the other side of her, clamped a hand around Carly’s arm. “I can’t believe I’ve never come out here before now.”

“We couldn’t have afforded it,” Jill’s husband, Shawn, mumbled.

Mom sat beside them, right next to Joan Craven. The women had been hitting it off. In fact, just last night, Mom pulled out her jewelry kit and taught Joan how to fashion a beautiful necklace of her own. Joan enjoyed it so much she asked about selling a few at Mom’s shop, suggesting they team up to raise money for the NBDPN, the way Gage had onStar Chat.To think the woman had a heart for the cause after learning of Carly’s story—the idea warmed her heart more than she could say.

“One of my favorite things about The Royal Palm is the history,” Gage’s dad said. “Did you know this thing was built in the late nineteen twenties?” He sounded just like Gage; maybe his love for architecture was wearing off on Mark.

Carly caught Gage’s eye before answering his father. “That’s incredible.” She couldn’t help but smile as the two broke into conversation, Mark asking questions about the structure, Gageusing his hands while talking about the placement of each pillar. The word “joy” came to mind.

Not long ago, Gage had made a tough choice and risked losing his father’s hard-earned approval by declaring his love for Carly. Thank heavens it hadn’t cost him after all. In fact, according to Gage, their relationship was stronger than ever.

Tiffany, dressed in a black and white uniform, came up alongside Carly and rested a basket of bread on the table.

Carly glanced up and gave her a smile. “Thanks, Tiff.”

Tiffany held her gaze for a blink and lowered her head. “Tell me at leastsomeof those guys over there are single,” she mumbled.

“Actually,” Carly said. “They’reallsingle. Think one of the twins has a girlfriend though.”

Tiffany tucked a strand of her chestnut hair behind one ear and grinned. “Good to know. Your salads will be out shortly.” She moved over to the table with Gage’s brother and cousins, resting a basket of fresh bread on their table as well.

Suddenly one of the twins motioned her over. Liam, Carly realized. He was the one who wore his hair long enough to fit into a man bun.

Carly leaned a bit to watch Tiffany walk around to stand at his side. At once Liam stood to his feet and motioned to his chair. Tiffany shook her head, but Liam persisted by waving a hand toward the open seat once more.

Face reddening, Tiffany lowered herself stiffly into the chair. The family at the table cheered. Liam darted over to a collapsible serving tray and pointed to the remaining baskets with a raised brow.What a flirt.

At once he was lifting the baskets off the tray one by one and placing them onto the remaining tables with a wide grin. Tiffany looked shocked. One hand covered her heart, the other covering what looked like a permanent gasp.

“Psst, I need your help.” Carly had been so distracted by the encounter that she hadn’t noticed Christian come up along side her. He was squatting low between her chair and Gage’s.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“You know I’m part of the entertainment tonight, right?”

She nodded. “Right.”

“Well, we’re supposed to start in like, three minutes, and Ashley isn’t here yet.”

“Ashley?” Carly hadn’t meant to become Christian’s echo; she just couldn’t figure out what this had to do with her.

“We’re doing a starter show to warm up the crowd. Ashley’s fifteen minutes away, meaning she’ll be here in time for the big show. But for the intro…I need you to take her place for me.”

Carly stared at him for a blink, then glanced up to see Gage still wrapped up in a conversation with his dad.

Christian clasped his hands together. “Please?”

Carly gasped. Horrible things were happening in her chest. Sharp knots of anxiety darting about at the mere thought. “No. I can’t.”

“Yes, you can,” Christian assured. “In the intro, Ashley’s playing the part of someone who doesn’t know how to dance yet. I run into her, spin her around, and lead her in a few simple dance steps. All you have to do is bumble through them like someone who doesn’t already know the moves.”

Well, Carly would have that much down. She didn’t know any dance moves.

“Then we march off together, and that’s where you’re done. Ashley and I will come back later and blow everyone’s socks off.”

“You’d be perfect at that, Babe,” Gage said. Carly looked over at him. She hadn’t even realized he’d tuned in.

“Tiffany,” Carly blurted. “She can do it.”