“No.”
Cassia’s mouth curves. “You aren’t going to make this easy, are you?”
“I’m here with Dr. Keller.”
“So I gathered. And what does Dr. Keller’s date do for a living, if not medicine and not finance?”
“Security.”
“How interesting.” She tilts her head at me. Her diamond earrings catch the light. “Are you here on business?
“No.”
“Robyn is one lucky girl.”
Robyn laughs at something the couple says. I lift the beer to my mouth and take a small sip.
“Cassia’s foundation has matched our equipment grants for the past three years,” Robyn says, cutting in, and I’m infinitely grateful. “We’re very lucky to have her support.”
“Your hospital is lucky to have you, darling.” Cassia pats Robyn’s arm without taking her eyes off me. “Ridge, you must come and find me later when they open the dance floor.” She touches the side of my arm.
She holds my eye for one more beat, then turns the full force of her smile on Robyn.
“Don’t keep him to yourself all night, Doctor. That would be selfish.” She winks at Robyn and then drifts off into the crowd.
The wife of the couple we were talking to lifts a brow.
“Well,” she says. “Cassia is always an event. She keeps things interesting.”
“She certainly does.” Robyn’s voice is even. “Excuse me a moment, would you?”
She turns toward me, and her eyes meet mine for the first time since Cassia started in on me.
“I’m going to find the bathroom,” she says under her breath. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll walk you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m sure you will, but I’ll walk you over there anyway.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come inside with me as well?”
I half smile. “No, I think you’ll manage.”
We do the polite goodbye to the couple, and I walk her to the bathroom door. I post myself outside it with my back to the wall and my eyes on the room. She’s in there for less than three minutes, and when she comes out, the lipstick is fresh, and the smile is back in place. We rejoin the crowd.
The next hour is more of the same. By now, what’s left of her champagne is warm, but she declines when I offer her a fresh glass.
A hand lands on my forearm.
“There you are.” Cassia’s voice is soft. She’s appeared at my side again. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“Mrs. Holt.”
“It’s Ms.”
“Ms. Holt.” I keep my voice even. “You should be enjoying the party.”
