20
Robyn
I try not to look as Cassia puts her hand on Ridge’s arm again. She’s shameless. I’m his date, and she’s over there flirting with him.
She leans in, and her breasts brush against him.
No.
Just no!
I shouldn’t care. He’s my bodyguard, not my actual date. That’s the sum total of it. So why in hell does it feel like he’s about to leave with her, and I’m the one being ditched at my own fundraiser?
He wouldn’t.
It’s fine.
The fact that he is entertaining this from her is annoying as anything.
I take another small sip of the champagne. It’s warm. I roll my shoulders back and tell myself to focus. I’m here to do a job, and I’d best do it.
I’m feeling hot and flustered and very annoyed. This wrap is killing me, so I take it off and hand it in.
There.
That’s better.
“I thought it was you. Hi, Robyn.”
I turn at the voice, grateful for the interruption, and find Rider with an easy grin on his face.
I smile, instantly cheering up.
He’s exactly the kind of distraction I need. Rider is sweet, and it helps that he’s good-looking too.
Screw Ridge!
Rider’s sandy blond hair is brushed back from his forehead. He has a dimple in one cheek that comes out when he smiles. He’s asked me out a good couple of times. I might have said yes, but he’s a major donor. The kind we cannot afford to lose. I’ve had to be very careful whenever I’ve turned him down. So far, he’s taken it well.
From the look on his face, I’d say he’s about to try again.
“Hi, Rider,” I say, and I’m smiling for real for the first time in what feels like an hour. “You came. Thank you so much.”
He looks me over as I walk up to him.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he tells me. “How does it feel to be back this year as the Head of Shifter Medicine?”
“It feels great, daunting but great.”
“You don’t look intimidated at all. And for the record, I knew they’d give you the position.”
“Thank you, that’s so sweet.” Heissweet.
“You look amazing as always.” His eyes twinkle as they dip down to take in my length for a second or two before moving back to my face.
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
I glance over my shoulder before I can stop myself. Cassia is laughing at something Ridge has said, head tipped back, hand sliding up his forearm.
