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“Well.” Angelica sipped her champagne. “We’re not representing Ivy, so there isn’t any attorney-client privilege.”
“Why would that come into play?” I didn’t like the direction this scenario was headed in. “Ivy and I are in negotiations. I didn’t authorize you to discuss that with anyone, much less her family.”
“I didn’t realize it was confidential,” Angelica said. “While waiting for you, Travis, Kent, and I discussed your new project. I didn’t think you’d mind me telling them, especially because I knew you would consider them to help with the renovations. They brought up that Ivy owned their childhood home. Their mother left it to her.”
“I’m aware.” I glared at my misguided attorney. “Go in and wait for me. You and I will discuss this later.”
“I hope I didn’t overstep.” She smirked at Ivy. “I just figured your uncles knew with them being in the business and all. Huxley owns all the other properties. That’s public record.”
“It’s fine,” Ivy said. “I don’t have anything to hide. Huxley knows I’m not selling.”
That’s debatable. But I didn’t bring Ivy here to blindside her. I genuinely wanted her to accompany me as my date and not a potential seller.
“Don’t take too long.” Angelica sauntered into the reception, satisfied with herself.
She wouldn’t be as pleased with herself when I got through with her tomorrow. I’d assign her some useless tasks of going over old contracts. I could come up with several ways to send her on a wild-goose chase.
“Sorry about that,” I said. “I didn’t know your uncles would be here.”
“But you knew I was related to them.”
“I knew who you were before our meeting the other day,” I admitted. “In my findings, I discovered you were related to them.”
“You didn’t know me that well or I wouldn’t have ended up in your bed.”
“I’m glad things worked out in the order they did.”
“You’re still confusing to me.” She gazed into my eyes with a longing that mirrored my own. “I don’t know what you want from me.”
“You’re just going to have to trust me.” I cupped the side of her face, bringing her lips close to mine. “Tonight, I’m not interested in business. When I am, you’ll know it.”
“What are you interested in?” Her warm breath danced across my lips. “Help me understand.”
“Will this help?” I tangled my fingers in her curls and brought her mouth to mine, kissing her with an energy that I normally would have reserved for a private moment.
“Mmm…” She vibrated against my lips.
After a few seconds, the movement of people entering the reception around us filtered back into my awareness. This wasn’t like me, but I didn’t care. My fixation with her grew stronger with each passing minute.
When I released her from my hold, she stumbled back. I caught her by her arm and winked at her. “Do you understand now?” I asked.
“I think I’m getting the picture.”
“Good.” I wrapped my arm around her waist and led her into the dining area. “One more thing you need to know.”
“What’s that?” She scanned the room, taking in all the people staring as we entered. The most prominent attention we received was from Travis and Kent Girardi. Angelica set a battle in motion, but I refused to put Ivy in the path of destruction.
“When you’re with me.” I grabbed her hip. “There isn’t a place you won’t belong.”
TWELVE
Ivy
Making my way across the intimate room decorated in white and red twinkling lights and silver Christmas balls in various sizes, I tried not to lose my footing. Between the slit on the dress and the high heels on my feet, my balance teetered. Holding onto Huxley had its advantages.
If my nerves weren’t already shot from my shaky legs, the scrutinizing stares I received from the other guests rattled me to my core.
“Why is everyone looking at us?” I asked.
