I blame the nine Pimm’s I drank.
Anyway, they’re horses, not ponies, and I’m an idiot according to Sebastian.
Still.
I climb into the limousine, and Jeeves pulls away from the curb into the busy Manhattan traffic.
“What is the charity?”Gemma asks, averting her eyes as much as she can.
It’s cute.
“American Heart Foundation,” I share.
“Do you attend these things often?”
“Occasionally.”
Some I care about more than others, but they’re a necessity in this town.New York society has unwritten rules that nobody can break.Not if you want to succeed.
I grew up wealthy and recently learned Gemma’s parents are both doctors.While not filthy rich, she will know enough to navigate this evening with ease.
“I’m surprised I haven’t bumped into you at one over the years,” I say, assuming Anthony attended his fair share.
“Maybe we have.”Gemma shrugs.
I snort, and she glares at me.
“I think I would have noticed.”
“Why?In fact, when I think about it, I did once while engaged and then just before I discovered I was pregnant with Zoe.After that, Anthony said he didn’t want me going to any.”
“You let him decide?”
“Yes.That’s what’s married couples do,” she snaps.
“Sounds like a dictatorship to me,” I mutter.
If I was married to a beautiful woman like Gemma, I’d send a check and stay home with her.Not leave her alone with a tummy full of my baby.
Since when do you imagine yourself getting married?
“It wasn’t.”Gemma shoots me another look and tightens her hold on her purse.
Unfortunately, Gemma Ford might not know the truth about her husband, and that makes me want to wrap her in bubble wrap to protect her from all that’s unraveling the more we dig into the Open Leaf finances.
“Well, I hope tonight isn’t too painful for you.Who knows, I might stop being a grouchy CEO for a few hours, so you can enjoy it a little.”
Gemma’s lips twitch.
“I’m not always a monster,” I tease, nudging her arm gently with mine.
“Oh, you are.”Gemma’s smile glistens in her eyes.
I’m a monster in the bedroom, sweetheart.Perhaps you’d like to find out.
––––––––
“DREW.”ZANDER WAVESacross the crowded ballroom.
