She shook her head and forced a smile. “Nothing. Why?”
“You’re uptight and your spine’s so rigid I’m afraid it’ll break,” he said, grasping both her hands in his. “Are you nervous about meeting Emma? Don’t be. You’ll love her.”
Lissa shook her head, feeling stupid, but if she didn’t let out her fears, she’d definitely screw things up even worse. “I don’t belong here,” she said on a rush.
“What?”
“The private elevator, a dinner party where we’re dressed nicer than any dinner I’ve ever been to ...” She shook her head and swallowed over the lump in her throat. “If you were bringing me here as the reporter to cover your story it would be one thing, but—”
He squeezed her hands tighter, forcing her to meet his gaze. “But what?”
Just say it, a small voice in her head insisted. “But my own husband didn’t want to be seen with me at formal events. These people you love so much are going to take one look at me and know I’m so far out of my league—” She cut herself off, horrified by the truth she’d blurted out.
She’d meant to be honest. Just not that honest.
An angry muscle twitched in Trevor’s jaw.
“I didn’t mean to upset you.” She was making a mess of a night that meant a lot to him.
“You didn’t upset me. That asshole you married did.” Trevor took a minute to breathe and let go of the rage simmering inside him.
No matter how opulent the apartment, he and Lissa came from the same world. He’d had the same insecurities, probably more so as he’d had to navigate alone. She had him by her side.
“I’m sorry Brad made you feel inadequate in any way. You are spectacular and the people upstairs will know it the second they lay eyes on you. Because they’re real and nothing like the Bankses of the world.” Speech finished, Trevor cupped his hand around her cheek and pulled her in for a kiss.
One light enough not to ruin the makeup she’d obviously spent so much time applying, but one sincere enough to make his point. “Do you believe me?” he asked.
Eyes wide, she merely nodded.
He hoped she meant it because he sure as hell had. “Ready?” he asked her.
“Ready,” she said, her voice hoarse.
Trevor nodded. “Good.”
The night went better than Trevor could have hoped. Alex and Emma clearly liked Lissa and made her feel at home, as did their small group of guests. By the time ten o’clock rolled around, Trevor was ready to get her out of there and be alone with her, when Alex waylaid him.
Together they walked to a private corner. “She’s something special,” Alex said.
Trevor inclined his head. “That much I know.”
“But? I sensed tension from her earlier tonight.”
Trevor nodded. Alex had always been perceptive. It was why he’d done so well in business. He was good at reading people. “She doesn’t think she belongs here,” he said, frowning at the notion.
Alex raised an eyebrow. “Did anyone say something to make her think that?” he asked angrily.
“No. It goes back a long time,” Trevor said, not wanting to divulge Lissa’s personal insecurities. “She thinks we live in different worlds now.”
“I see.” Alex nodded knowingly. “She does have a valid point.”
Narrowing his gaze, Trevor glared at his friend. “What exactly does that mean?”
“Breathe, boy.” Alex laughed and gestured toward a passing waiter to bring them each a drink. “Serendipity isn’t exactly Manhattan. Can you blame her for feeling a little out of place? I’m sure she’ll adjust in time.”
“Only if she wants to.”
“You both have to want to,” Alex said.