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I look away because I don’t stare when I pass the aftermath of a car accident, and this is a disaster waiting to happen.

As if on cue, the tray crashes to the floor, sending shards of glass flying in every direction.

I move in front of the Petals to shield them because I’m a gentleman and my client would give me hell for not protecting the woman he’s crushing hard on.

Speaking of hard-ons, this is what happens when a man lets his dick take the wheel. The server at the center of all the unwanted attention sprints toward the nearest exit.

People rush around us. Muted curses fill the air, and the host for the evening trudges across the ballroom to check for damage.

Mama Petal squeezes my forearm. Her eyes light up because I’m a solid guy. I work out enough times a week that I can take off my shirt in front of anyone without reservation.

“What can we possibly do to thank you for saving us?” Mrs. Petal smiles.

This isn’t how I planned on getting time alone with Rose, but I’ll take it. I’ll bring her mother along for the ride, too, because she’s a good soul.

I can tell.

“You’ll allow me the pleasure of buying you each a drink,” I say, even though it’s an open bar, so all beverages are compliments of our host.

Rose poorly fakes a yawn. “I have to be up early tomorrow.”

I didn’t dig this tux out of the back of my closet to be shut down this easily. I try a new approach. “One quick drink to discuss our shared interest in the arts.”

“I’m married.” Mrs. Petal waves her left hand in front of my face. The huge ass diamond on her ring finger is blindingly bright. “In case you were trying to score tonight, the answer is a no from me.”

“Mom!” Rose’s mouth falls open. “I don’t think he’s interested in you that way.”

I’d offer an affirmative nod to back her up, but why burst her mom’s bubble?

“Consider it a drink among new friends,” I clarify.

Rose smiles softly. “We’d like that.”

“Shall we?” Mrs. Petal extends an arm. “Let me lead the way, kind sir.”

“I’m Rose, and this is my mom, Dana,” Rose says as she takes hold of my other arm. “What’s your name?”

“William,” I offer with a smile.

“Come with us, Will.” Dana winks. “The Petal girls want to thank you with an apple martini.”

My name is William, and I’ve never had an apple martini that I liked.

I keep that to myself because all I need is thirty minutes to get to know Rose, so I have something to share with my client when I meet up with him tomorrow afternoon.

“He looks more like a bourbon guy,” Rose states as we cross the ballroom headed to the bar.

I toss her a smile that showcases the dimple on my chin. “That’s more my speed.”

“I thought so.” She leans closer and lowers her voice. “I’ve had a crush on a guy for months. You remind me of him. He loves bourbon.”

I stop mid-step and turn my attention to her. Mrs. Petal keeps on course toward the bar, calling back to say that she’ll order our drinks.

The crush is a bump in the road I didn’t see coming, but I can work around it.

Thinking fast on my feet has made me the best in the business. I didn’t become Manhattan’s premier dating coach by dropping the ball.

“A crush?” The corners of my lips lift in a grin. “Is he here tonight?”