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“I don’t normally bring a plus-one.” Huxley nodded at a few people as we crossed the room. “But I would imagine people are staring because you’re the most beautiful woman in this room.”

“I might be the youngest.” I glanced around, trying to spot someone under thirty. “You’re going to be the topic of conversation.”

“I always am.”

He guided me to the table where Angelica and my uncles were seated. To my disappointment, neither of my aunts were here. They were the buffers when it came to them. Kent wasn’t as resentful as Travis, but he could have some edge when he wanted.

“There you are,” Angelica said. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

Both of my uncles stood when we approached the table. They briefly acknowledged me with their curious expressions before giving Huxley their full attention.

“Mr. James.” Travis extended his hand. “It’s an honor to be seated with you tonight.”

“You have my attorney to thank for that.” Huxley shook their hands. “I believe you both know my date.”

“Ivy.” Travis leaned in and kissed my cheek. “It’s lovely to see you.”

“I didn’t realize you knew Mr. James,” Kent said. “Small world.”

“We just met a few days ago.” I smiled at Huxley. “He was kind enough to invite me here.”

“Not many people refer to Huxley as kind.” Angelica set her empty glass on the table. “You don’t know him that well.”

“He’s been nothing but kind to me.” I didn’t like the way they all gawked at me. Did I have lipstick on my teeth? “I guess I don’t know his business side.”

“Not yet.” Angelica snickered.

“Angelica.” Huxley’s body tensed against mine.

“I hear you’re interested in Ivy’s house.” Travis broke the tension between Huxley and his nuisance attorney. “You made an impressive offer.”

“I’m not taking the offer.” I didn’t know why I interjected that. I wasn’t even sure what I was doing, but Huxley’s offer was none of my uncles’ concern since the house belonged to me. And business had nothing to do with tonight.

“You didn’t think you had your work cut out for you,” Angelica said to Huxley. “She might be more experienced than you think.”

“Ivy?” Travis laughed as he directed his next statement to Huxley. “She’s in love with the idea of the house, but that’s because she’s so young and has no idea how any of this works.”

This was exactly why I stayed away from my uncles. Growing up we had a solid relationship. We all lived in that house as a family. After my parents died, they helped raise me. If not for my grandmother’s decision to leave me the inn, we might still be a family.

“Ivy.” Kent sipped his drink. “Don’t make any decisions without consulting us first.”

“Actually.” Huxley released me from his hold. “I’ll put Ivy in touch with a reputable attorney who will help her figure out what she needs help with.”

“Wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest?” Travis asked. “She needs someone who can look after her. Protect her investment.”

“Who do you suggest that might be?” Huxley ran his hand along his jaw. “Maybe if she had someone in the circles we travel in, they could have assisted her before it got to this point.”

Oh…you’re defending me. That’s hot.

“Do you want a drink?” Huxley asked as he motioned toward the bar.

“I’d love one.” I liked when it was just the two of us. No outside noise or interruptions.

“Huxley, they can bring you a drink,” Angelica said. “I’m sure Travis and Kent would like to hear about your upcoming project.”

This woman doesn’t quit.

“It’s an interesting idea,” Travis said. “My brother and I would love to get in from the start.”