“Hey,” he said. “Eyes up here.” He pointed to his eyes with two splayed fingers.
I laughed. I suppose I had been trying to engage my x-ray vision to see exactly what that chest looked like through his dinner jacket. “No more short jokes. I’m looking right in front of me.”
A couple of hotel workers swarmed around us to clear up the pastry and cream explosion. “I’m so sorry,” I said. In the corner of my vision, I spotted my father coming through the entrance of the hotel. That meant I was late.
“Gotta go!” I turned and sped out of the lobby, leaving a trail of destruction and a very hot man in my wake.
Two
Tristan
I wasn’t what you’d call a ‘party person’. I liked my work, my friends, and women. Not necessarily in that order. Swapping anecdotes with people I’d never see again was not at the top of my list, but there wasn’t much I wouldn’t do for Arthur Frazer. Without him, I wouldn’t have a career in cyber security. I’d still be hacking MI6 for kicks. If it wasn’t for Arthur, I wouldn’t be wearing my barely-worn dinner jacket, standing in a hotel lobby about to attend a charity dinner. I certainly wouldn’t have just been mown down by a cream-puff-loving pixie. A beautiful pixie with bright red, completely kissable lips. If only she hadn’t rushed off like a cream-covered Cinderella. I’d been stuck in front of my screens all week and had only the faintest whiff of fresh air when I’d cracked open a window. I certainly hadn’t had an opportunity to engage my flirting muscles. I’d keep a look out for her. Maybe she was a guest at this dinner. Or a waitress. That might keep my mind in the room this evening.
I headed to my table, found it right at the front, and spotted my name card next to my mentor. I was well aware that it was an honor to be seated next to Arthur. Everyone in the room would be wondering what I’d done to deserve it. But it also meant I would have to resist checking my phone all evening. There’d be no escaping the spotlight, and I didn’t want to appear rude. With my job, where calamity could be created in an instant, unplugging for even a couple of hours made me itchy.
I wouldn’t know anyone here tonight other than Arthur. But that didn’t matter. I just needed to eat, make a generous donation, and go home.
I glanced around the ballroom as it gradually filled with people. Vertical banners stood at intervals around the perimeter, each showing a different picture of infants and children in hospital beds. The young patients smiled, seeming unbothered by the tubes and machines surrounding them. The name of the charity was emblazoned at the bottom of each banner: Sunrise Foundation for Children with Congenital Heart Defects. My stomach twisted. Shit. Why hadn’t I checked what tonight was all about? I’d seen an invitation from Arthur and accepted without giving it much thought. If I’d known . . .
Not that raising money for children with congenital heart defects wasn’t a good cause—it was. I knew as much firsthand. I just didn’t relish the idea of spending the evening submerged in memories of my baby sister. I would have made up an excuse, sent a big check, and avoided this room and its pictures of happy, healing children.
Arthur arrived, followed by a trail of people wanting a few seconds of his time and attention. He greeted me with a handshake and thanked me for coming. We didn’t get any further. Interruption was followed by interruption as people came up to him to introduce themselves, tell him they’d sent him an invitation or email, ask if they could discuss this business opportunity, invite him to that lunch. It was like getting seated next to the Pope or something. Everyone wanted his blessing or advice.
When the food came out, the interruptions slowed but didn’t stop.
“So, Tristan, how are things with you?” Arthur asked during a rare quiet moment.
“Good. Busy but good.”
“I appreciate you making the time to come tonight. My daughter organized it. She’s very passionate about the cause.” His sigh hid something he wasn’t saying.
“It’s an excellent cause. I’m grateful you invited me.”
“Whatever Parker’s involved in is always an excellent cause. She tends to throw herself in headfirst.” He took a sip of his wine. “She’s very kindhearted. And generous. Her lovely nature can lead to some people taking advantage.”
Before I could ask him anything more, we were interrupted by a familiar-looking man—a member of the cabinet, if I wasn’t mistaken.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a three-buzz buzz, which meant it was important.
I headed out unnoticed by Arthur or the minister. As I made my way to the back of the room, I scanned the tables for a certain cream-covered pixie. She was nowhere in sight.