Irritated? Check. Smug? Double-check. But distracted

Vincent keeps zoning out, staring at me when he thinks I'm not look

ope. He's your

ack to that night two years ago. New Year's Eve. Champagne bubbles a

memory. It's history. We both a

I stop thin

nel

ry,

about using this space for

perfect. We could do a celestial theme – stars hang

Vincent's odd behavior. First, that weird meeting in his office where he summoned me urgen

on with you,

ent clears his throat. "Penelop

m off. Frowning, he checks the scree

lk away, his s

loors. But my thoughts keep drifting back to Vincent. I've worked for hi

es with a tex

s the l

l my

trip, you bra

st don't do anyth

es a lot of

ly. Love

Leave it to Reece to find hum

thing

Vincent approach. "Jeez,

w. "I wasn't aware

grumble. "A very tall, ex

sforms his entire face. For a moment, he looks younger and

territor

e to change the subje

louds over. "You

y?" I echo his

ht actually open up. But then the mask slips b

h. One step forwa

dd mood, I can't help but be impressed. The place is gorgeous – all sleek

hecks it, his face darkening. "I need to take this. Why

ready barking into the phone. Whate

reflection. My cheeks are flushed, my hair slightly mussed f

just spent the day with

reflection. "He's your b

what if he wasn't? What if, for once in my life,

naps me out of my dangerou

ask softly. "

me, for what feels like the fi

ask you something. It's... unconventional. Probably

Is he finally going to ackno

y slowly. "I

th. "My brother is gettin

xpected him to say, that wasn'

iven me an ultimatum. Either I bring a date to the wedding – pr

prehending. "Okay. So

. I need someone who knows me, who can convi

eyes widen. "Vincent,

ncée," he finis

n its axis. I open my mou

sion unreadable. "I know it's

. We both turn to see a cleaning cart has ove

d housekeeper exclaims. "I'l

ing. But he's already striding towar

housekeeper. "Accidents happe

gnate, crouch down to pick up broken glass, I'

t asked me to be

m actually c