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Sean materializes at my side, two champagne flutes in hand. The crisp black tuxedo makes his shoulders look even broader, his jawline sharper under the ballroom lights. He passes me a glass, our fingers brushing.

“And this is…” Lauren's eyes flicker with unabashed interest.

“Sean Langston.” I take a small sip of champagne to hide my reaction to saying his name. “My…”

“Partner,” he finishes, extending his hand. “Pleasure to meet you both.”

Gary smiles. “Good to meet you too. Perhaps you could help me convince Wren to collaborate with Haven & Holt.”

“Haven’t you seen this woman? She's stubborn as a mule.”

I roll my eyes, smiling.

Lauren grins. “Well, aren't you two just the most striking couple? It was nice meeting you two.”

After they move on, we interact with other beauty industry elites, each one more interested in my personal life than my business acumen. I skirt the personal questions, focusing on Lemon's plans while Sean stands at my side, adding thoughtful comments that show he's been paying attention to my work when he's asked.

AGlitzyreporter glides toward us, microphone in hand.

“Wren Sinclair! How do you do? And wow, you look stunning in that dress? Is that Versace?”

“Why, thank you. I’m wearing Alexander McQueen tonight. A forever fave.”

“You were always the face. But now, people want to know the man behind the mystery,” he nods toward Sean.

I laugh it off, then excuse myself before he can bring up more questions about our relationship and propose having us on a cover.

“You're pretty good at this for someone who hates social events,” I whisper when we have a moment alone.

“I don't hate all social events.” His eyes meet mine. “Just depends on the company.”

Our eyes meet then and I smile.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you overwhelmed yet?”

“Not yet. I’m used to this, even though I don't attend many events now. I've been doing these things since I was nineteen.” I toss him a smile. “But having backup tonight is nice.”

His hand finds the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. The simple touch shouldn't affect me, but warmth spreads across my skin.

“There's Maxwell Pierce,” I whisper. “We’ve been having discussions about funding our new app project. He hasn't responded since the scandal broke, though.”

“What's our play?”

“Just follow my lead.”

Maxwell spots us approaching. “Wren. Didn't expect to see you tonight.”

“I wouldn't miss it, Maxwell. Have you met Sean Langston?”

“The man who somehow charmed our Wren?” Maxwell shakes Sean's hand, sizing him up. “Words travel fast in our circles.”

“Good things, I hope.” Sean's voice carries an easy confidence.

“Surprising things. Wren's never brought a date to these functions before.”