“I suggested we ride together,” he piggybacked off her story, instead. “You can imagine how happy I was when she agreed to be my last-minute plus one for this evening’s little soiree.”
Crawford nodded. “Indeed. I dare say, you have the most beautiful date here. Though, many of my male guests choose to attend the event alone.”
Coulter looked at Alex, whose flawless cheeks had become flushed by the other man’s compliment. “That was my intention as well, until fate decided to step in.” He smiled. “Though, I should probably apologize for our public display of affection. Of course, I’m sure a man such as yourself understands how it is when the moment strikes.”
Alex cleared her throat before bringing theconversation back around to her reasons for coming. “As I was saying, Mr. Crawford?—”
“Gordan, please.”
“Gordan.” She flashed him a quick, almost bashful grin. “Right. So, as I was saying, I’d love the chance to speak to you about the possibility of?—”
“My apologies for the interruption, Mr. Crawford,” another man cut her off as he appeared at Crawford’s side. “I’m afraid there’s an issue that requires your immediate attention.”
Coulter recognized him as Timothy Waterton, Crawford’s trusted personal assistant. Twenty-eight years old. Five-eleven. Dark hair, straight nose, and beady, little eyes that looked at Crawford as if he held the answers to all his prayers.
Do better, Timmy. Maybe pick an idol who doesn’t make a living destroying other people’s lives. How ’bout that?
“Is everything okay?” Coulter took it upon himself to ask.
In response, Crawford offered nothing remotely useful. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Probably a broken glass or an angry caterer.” He released a sigh as he shook Coulter’s hand once more. “Let’s talk again before you leave town, yes?”
“You can count on it.”
“Good.” The man of the hour turned his attention Alex’s way. “I also hope you and I will have a chance to spend more time together, as well. I have a proposal I’d like to run by you regarding a special showing I have planned for the gallery. I believe your work would be the perfect addition, and I’d love to discuss it further. Perhaps over dinner or drinks?”
Uh, that would be a hell no.
“That would be amazing.” Alex’s excitement shone brightly from behind her widening stare as she all but gushed over the invitation. “Thank you so much, Gordan. I can’t wait to hear about your special showing.”
The slimy bastard reached for her hand once more, bringing it back up to his lips.
“I’ll be in touch, Alexandria.”
I fucking hate the way he says her name.
She beamed with a glowing smile. “I look forward to it.”
Crawford’s powerful gaze held hers a moment longer before he and his cohort turned and walked away. The second they were no longer within earshot, Alex’s feistiness returned ten-fold.
“Okay,Cole.” Alex let go of his hand to face him directly. Putting her hands on the slight curve of her hips, she ordered, “Start talking. Now.”
He shook his head, reaching down and taking her hand in his once more before guiding her through the crowd. “Not here.”
“Wait, where are we going?”
“We’re leaving.”
She worked double-time to keep up with his steps. “But the party’s not over.”
“It is for us.”
Alex stopped walking completely and once again yanked her hand free. “I’m not going anywhere with you until you tell me what the hell is going on.”
Coulter pulled in a deep, calming breath. He turnedaround, taking a step closer and leaning close to her ear to keep those standing nearby from hearing.
“I will explain everything,” he whispered. “But wecannothave this conversation here.”
“Why not?” she hissed back.
