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She was radiant. Her red hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the flickering firelight. Her emerald-green velvet dress hugged her curves like it had been crafted just for her, the off-the-shoulder neckline highlighting her delicate collarbones. She walked with grace despite the four-inch stilettos, her every movement exuding confidence.

Noah swallowed hard, suddenly grateful for the club soda in his hand to keep his focus. Evan glanced at him, smirking knowingly. “Friend of yours?”

“My date,” Noah muttered, his voice hoarse. He stepped forward, meeting Ruth at the base of the staircase. “You look...” He paused, his usual confidence faltering for the briefest moment. “Incredible.”

Ruth flushed. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”

He chuckled, offering his arm. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

They made their way back to where his boss was waiting. Noah introduced them smoothly, his hand resting lightly on the small of Ruth’s back as he spoke. “Evan Shipley, this is Ruth Everhart, an attorney with Ellison & Grant. Ruth, Evan is the deputy U.S. attorney for the district.”

“I’m aware. It’s my pleasure,” Ruth said, shaking Evan’s hand firmly.

“The pleasure’s mine,” Evan replied, his tone genuinely warm. “Noah didn’t tell me he was bringing the most stunning guest tonight.”

Ruth blushed again, and Noah shot Evan a warning look. Before the conversation could continue, another presence loomed beside them.

“Excuse me.” Evan stepped away into the crowd.

“Ruthie,” Matt Brandt’s voice rang out, loud and grating.

Noah turned, his expression immediately cooling. Matt was standing there with Jenna Shaw on his arm, the blonde news anchor, every bit as glamorous as expected. Her sequined silver gown sparkled under the light, but her overly bright smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Matt,” Ruth said politely, her tone measured.

“Ruthie didn’t tell me she had a... bodyguard,” Matt said, his voice dripping with mockery.

Noah’s jaw tightened, but he kept his tone light. “I’m a little more than that.”

Matt chuckled, clearly enjoying his own joke. “Well, you’ve got good taste, Ruthie. But you might want to keep an eye on this one, Noah. She’s got a habit of working late.”

Ruth’s spine straightened, her eyes flashing with irritation, but before she could respond, Noah smiled. “Hmm, we spent a late night together recently, didn’t we?”

“Introduce me to your date, Matt?” Ruth asked smoothly, her tone laced with just enough steel to make Matt falter.

“Jenna Shaw,” Matt said, pulling the woman closer. “You’ve seen her on Channel 6, of course.”

Ruth smiled politely. “Of course. Nice to meet you, Jenna.”

Jenna nodded, her expression unreadable, and the moment stretched awkwardly until the maître d’s announcement saved them all. “Ladies and gentlemen, cocktails are currently being served on the heated patios. Feel free to mingle.”

Matt excused himself and Jenna, retreating to another group of guests. Noah turned back to Ruth, his expression dark. “You okay?” he asked softly.

She nodded. “I can’t believe his expression when you told him we spent a late night together.”

“I wasn’t lying. I just didn’t tell him we were with your entire family.”

Ruth chuckled. “No, you weren’t.”

“He’s not going to ruin tonight,” Noah said firmly. “Not for you, and not for anyone else.”

Ruth met his gaze. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Noah offered her his arm again. “Come on. Let’s mingle before dinner.”

She smiled, a real one this time, and let him lead her farther into the room. Her confidence appeared to be returning with every step.

Eleven