Page 36 of Carnal Risk

Selby regarded Garrett as he opened to her. Like his company, he’d built Altura. But unlike the many strangers who passed through its doors, this was private. His inner sanctum that he only shared with those he considered family.

“Thank you for sharing it with me. I know you didn’t have to do it.”

“I’m gonna warn you that a few people might be pissed because I did. This place is just kind of for our group. But don’t take any shit, okay? I wanted you here and that’s what matters.”

“Got it.” She gave a small smile, accepting that she was an outsider. His comments explained the cold look Seth had given her when she’d arrived.

“So do you want to come home with me?”

“Yes.” Selby nodded. She found it intriguing how Garrett was dominant but also gentle, unafraid to expose his vulnerability to her.

“Let’s go find Lars and say goodbye. He’s a pain in my ass but I don’t like leaving things the way we did.”

“Me either.” Selby also wanted to smooth things over. They’d been friends for such a long time, and she hated that he’d been so angry with her.

“Garrett,” she smiled. “You were right.”

“Hmm?”

“I definitely forgot about how scared I was.” She laughed.

“See? Stick with me, kid. You’ll be jumping out of planes soon.”

Selby and Garrett stood holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes. She swore it felt as if he could read her every secret thought, and it occurred to her that that was exactly what she yearned for, to have the kind of relationship where she could share everything, no matter how embarrassing or arousing. A woman’s voice called to Garrett from the entrance and the spell was broken. Selby went to drop his hand but he held onto her.

“Selby, this is Blaire. Blaire, this is Selby.”

“Hello,” Selby said, taking note of the woman’s appearance. Tall and thin, her raven hair had been streaked with red highlights. She wore a skin-tight metallic silver-colored tube dress. She towered on four-inch spiked heels but deftly managed them, as if she’d been a seasoned stilt walker.

“I need to talk to you.” Blaire ignored Selby and continued, “We’re running into issues with the Strata line. I’d like to talk to you in private.”

“Are you kidding me? It’s Saturday night. I appreciate your dedication but it’s been a long day. Can it wait until Monday?”

“I just need five minutes of your time. Please,” she pleaded.

Selby observed how the woman leaned in toward Garrett, batting her eyelashes at him. A pang of jealousy stabbed her, and she attempted to thwart the ugly reaction. Garrett’s eyes darted to Selby, who gave him a sympathetic smile.

“I don’t understand why we need to talk now.”

“I’ve been trying to get with you all week. Between her,” Blaire’s angry gaze landed on Selby then focused back on Garrett, “and the mess with the police, Norm wouldn’t let me in to see you. Five minutes. I promise.”

“Go ahead, Garrett. I’ll find Lars,” Selby offered.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, really, it’s fine. I want to talk to him alone anyway.” It wasn’t exactly true but she knew that he’d been busy at work, setting aside anything that wasn’t in a critical path.

“Okay, I’ll come find you inside when I’m done. You sure you’ll be okay?” he asked.

“I can hold my own.”

As they made their way back into the ballroom, all eyes fell on her. She ignored their stares, and accepted a small kiss from Garrett before he left with Blaire. Heeding his warning that she wasn’t welcome, she stepped toward the bar and focused on her task. Alone, Selby steeled her nerves, determined to find Lars.

Chapter Fourteen

“Bottled water, please.” Finding an empty barstool, Selby sat down. Her feet were killing her. She’d walked around the room twice, but hadn’t been able to find Lars

The bartender poured it into a wine glass, reminding her of the money that surrounded her. As she brought the rim to her lips, she was startled by the weight of hands on her shoulders, causing her to accidentally dribble droplets onto her dress. She peered behind her and saw one of the twins smiling down at her.