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I nodded, trying not to smile at the thought of him staying here, despite his own determination to deny himself. Perhaps that was selfish, but it was the only thing that made me want to get through the day.

He drove me to work with one eye on the rearview mirror.

“Anything happens, call me,” he said, not ready to let go of my hand.

“I will.”

“Five?”

“Yes, I’ll be right out front.”

Work passed in a blur of last-minute pool-party administration. I was running on fumes, but things were lining up: the cabanas would be delivered the day before, the towels had already arrived, the pool floats were en route, and the caterers would be arriving early morning on the day to set up their ostentatious spreads.

Vivienne had spent the morning shopping and was now with Caspian, her sighs carrying through the hallway as he teased something unhallowed out of her.

When she emerged an hour later, showered and basking in smug serenity like she’d just enjoyed an imaginary cigarette, I approached her in her office.

“I think I’ve found a replacement sommelier.”

“Organic?”

“Absolutely. Stellar reviews. Local, charming, and very good at reading the room.”

“Book her.”

“Him, actually.”

She looked up. “And you’re sure he’s right.”

“Absolutely.”

“Alright. Bring me some figs and honeycomb, please. And a reishi coffee.”

I quietly let out a breath.

Damian picked me up at five exactly. “How was candle boss?”

“Glowing after a session with her somatic gigolo.”

Damian shook his head and smiled.

“Kai’s confirmed, by the way.”

“And what am I supposed to do at this, exactly?” he said.

“Be enticing. And don’t tell me you don’t know exactly how to do that. They need to think they’ll find someone just like you if they sign up.”

He looked amused despite himself. “Kai excels at that more than I do. I’ll do my best.”

“I think you’re underestimating yourself.”

The hum of the engine and the afternoon warmth nearly lulled me to sleep. My body was finally unwinding from the coil it had snapped itself into last night.

But Damian was still vigilant. I could see it in the way he held the wheel.

“My mother wants to meet us Friday at five-thirty.”

I looked at him. My body snapped right back. “Seriously?”