Page 13 of Love On and Off Set

Bethany snickered, but sat when he held out her chair.

I held out Dade’s.

He caught my gaze, offered a huge smile, then sat.

“Such a gentleman.”

Lucille offered the comment as I sat next to her.

“Oh, I know. Not all my boyfriends were so considerate.” Dade snagged my hand, “I’m just so lucky that Horatio came into my life at the perfect time.”

“How so?”

“May I have your attention?” The soft voice carried through the loudspeaker.

Dade, who appeared about to answer, offered a sheepish smile, then pivoted to face the lovely woman who would be our MC for the evening. She chaired the foundation supporting the children’s hospital and worked closely with Walter on the project.

I caught Lucille’s gaze.

Oh shit.

Chapter Six

Dade

Alessandra MacLean was appropriately annoyed at being away from her infant.

Smith MacLean was solicitous of his wife.

Bethany Maitland proved herself brilliant in all things discussed.

Walter Maitland was as charming as I would’ve expected.

Gordon Forbes had the best sense of humor of any dentist I’d ever met.

Lucille Forbes was a junkyard dog with a bone who wouldn’t let go.

And I was the bone.

The woman relentlessly went after me at every opportunity possible. She completely dismissed Horatio, even though he sat between the two of us. She peppered me with questions, picking apart every word I said.

Finally, during dessert, Alessandra pivoted to Lucille. “For God’s sake, woman, let the young man enjoy his meal. I’m certain there’s got to be some politician here who’s about to be embroiled in a scandal. Or a businessperson you can take down for dirty dealings.”

I held my breath.

Lucille fixed her gaze on the other woman. “How are Smith’s businesses these days? How’s Club Kink doing?”

“Running a nice profit.” Smith speared his crème brûlée with his fork. “You should come by sometime, Lucille. I’m certain you’ve got a latex suit in the back of your closet. You’ll fit right in.”

Lucille sputtered, Bethany cleared her throat, and Horatio covered his mouth with his cloth napkin.

My eyes nearly bugged out of my head. I’d heard of Club Kink, of course. Vancouver’s premier BDSM club. I just hadn’t realized Smith owned it.

Alessandra grabbed my hand under the table.

I leaned close.

“You’re welcome anytime.” Her breath tickled my cheek. “And bring Horatio—he needs to lighten up.”