Page 48 of Finding Redemption

“Well, stop. You’re gonna set him on his ass.” He tucks my hand into the crook of his arm.

“Please don’t. He doesn’t know I exist. And I’m praying he never finds out what his presence does to me.” Or what it does to my body.

We enter the building like movie stars, with bright lights and music for us to walk the red carpet. Lea and One Woods stand at the end, greeting every guest. “Reese, it’s so good to see you. You are gorgeous,” Lea whispers, hugging me.

“It’s good to see you and One. This is amazing and such a great cause.”

“Thank you, but we couldn’t do it without the help from people like yourself,” One says as he takes my hand.

“Thank you.” I turn toward Alden. “This is my best friend, Alden Beck.”

One shakes his hand, and Lea smiles at me. “Good to meet you.”

“Great meeting y’all,” Alden replies. “We should do a benefit concert this summer.”

“Let’s do it. Reese, we’ll be in touch,” One answers.

“Sounds good. He’s been going on about how great it would be on the beach.”

“It’s perfect. We’ve never considered it,” Lea says. As One and Alden begin to talk, Lea pulls me to the side. “How are things at the center?”

“Good.”

“Oh, not good. Short, noncommittal answer.” Lea scrutinizes me.

“It’s fine. It’s nothing, really.” I pause. “Well, it’s Walker.”

“Walker?” One turns his attention to me. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, it’s business,” I assure them.

“If there’s a problem, please let us know.” A line appears between her brows.

“We’re on opposing sides of DII’s new sale.”

“That’s right. I remember now.” One nods with understanding.

“We’ve held you up long enough. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Please, go. Grab a drink and hit the floor.” Lea waves us to the door.

“Thank you.” I take Alden’s arm again, and we saunter through the entrance.

“Wonder what that was about?” Alden leans in to murmur in my ear.

I shrug as questions swirl. “Not sure.”

“And there’s the man in question.” He motions toward the bar.

“Damn.” I lick my lips, dragging my eyes up Walker’s long, hard body. “Why does he have to be so fucking hot?”

“Why do you have to drool?” He jerks his arm from me. “It’s gross.”

“Shut up.” I lightly slap his back.

11

“Double shot of Jack,” I tell the bartender when he approaches me.