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“You’re playing her.”

“No.” I pointed at her. “She’s here as my guest. Not as a potential seller.”

“Hey, whatever has to be done to close the deal, even if it involves extortion. Isn’t that what you always say?”

“Not this time.”

I could get this deal closed without my usual brutal tactics. It would take a small amount of persuasion. Once Ivy realized what was at stake for her, she would give up her misguided sense of nostalgia and take my offer. She would see that I could help her have a better life.

“Whatever you think is best.” She slipped off her coat. “I’m with you.” The tone in her voice led me to believe she didn’t trust my methods. “I’m going to check my coat and then get a drink. I’ll see you later.”

Much later.

As I wandered through the glass double doors, my driver, Kyle, opened the car door for Ivy. A flash of her red dress, followed by her silky legs greeted me before she maneuvered out of the car with an elegance reserved for a natural beauty.

I extended my hand as her gaze found mine. Her delicate lips curved into a radiant smile as she took my hand.

“Hello.” I soaked in her luscious, shiny curls that traveled down her back, admiring the way the dress clung to her subtle curves. “You’re perfect.”

“Thank you.” She glanced down at the strappy red heels. “You have fantastic taste.”

“I merely called the boutique and told them what I wanted. You would have looked amazing in anything.”

“I’ve never had a dress like this before.” She smoothed her palm down her side. “The material is so soft.”

“Italian silk.” I pointed inside the backseat. “You don’t want to take your coat inside with you?”

“Oh.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to have to carry it around with me all night, and this dress is too beautiful to cover up.”

I smirked because she clearly wasn’t familiar with the concept of a coat-check. One more fascinating fact about her to add to the growing list. The things I could give her.

“Do you need me for anything else, Mr. James?” Kyle asked.

“We’re fine for now.” I guided Ivy toward the doors. “I’ll text you when we’re ready to leave.”

“Have a nice time.” He headed around the car.

“Thanks, Kyle.” Ivy waved to him. “I’m not wrong about that girl.”

Kyle smiled at Ivy before slipping into the car and pulling away from the curb.

“What’s that about?” I asked.

“He likes a librarian, but he doesn’t think they have anything in common.”

“But you do?” It wasn’t even a fifteen-minute car ride. How had she managed to get to know Kyle already?

“He likes to read, so they have a starting point.” She slowed her pace when we entered the lobby, and then anxiously glanced around. “Wow.”

“What?” I placed my hand on the small of her back and ushered her into a less crowded corridor because I needed a minute to be alone with her before the evening began.

“I’ve never been here before.” She tucked her glossy curls behind her ear. “I’ve seen people post things online from weddings, but it’s overwhelming.”

“It’s extremely high-end,” I said. “But there’s no reason for you to feel stressed.”

“I’m out of my element.”

“I don’t think so.” I leaned into her face and stroked her cheek. “But you are missing something.”