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Not the stuff, per se, but the guy. I finally find Mr. Right and there’s a chasm between us. That’s my luck though.

Better move on, Dani.

But how?

CHAPTER33

Miles

The week between the mixer and the gala has been one of the longest in my life. I’ve wanted to spend all my time with Dani, but with all the research happening for the new monitor, I’ve had to spend most of my time in meetings.

I sent flowers to Dani’s house and tried to stay in contact as much as possible, but I think going to the gala tonight will help since I’ll be able to talk to her face-to-face.

The ride to her house feels like forever but I’m finally here, standing on the doorstep.

When the door opens, I see Evie’s face, her expression tight as she gives me a small smile.

“Everything okay?” I ask, hoping Dani isn’t hurt or worse.

“It will be, I hope,” she says, opening the door.

I step into the house and there’s something I can’t place. Dani comes down the steps, looking like a vision with her hair curled on top of her head and the dress bringing out the color of her eyes. But there’s a sadness there and all I want to do is get rid of it.

“You are beautiful,” I say, waiting until she’s close to me to say the words.

She gives me a bashful smile and says, “Thank you.”

“Are you ready?” I ask, holding out my arm for her.

She nods and slips her hand through. With a quick goodbye, we’re out the door as we walk toward the limo.

“How was your day?” I ask, hoping to spark some kind of conversation with her.

It isn’t until we’re settled inside that she turns to me, tears glazing her eyes and ready to spill out.

“Not that great. I feel like I’ve been through the ringer this week.”

I reach over and take her hand, hoping to infuse some support. “What’s going on?”

“Well, my boss called this morning to say that with everything that happened at the mixer last weekend, they’re relieving me of my position. Apparently a mix-up of personal business isn’t allowed.”

She turns to look through the small clutch she brought, pulling out a tissue.

“That’s ridiculous. You lost your job because of me?”

With a quick shake of her head, she blows out a breath, her body shaking as if it’s a lot of work to relax. “I’m guessing it was Clay. He has a way of getting back at people when he’s slighted.”

“I’ve been waiting for charges all week from him,” I say. Not exactly waiting for them, since work has taken a lot of my time, but I didn’t think he’d hurt Dani. “I’ll make some calls and get it fixed.”

She places her hand on my arm and gives it a quick squeeze. “No, I’ll take care of it. I mean, after tonight we’ll be navigating whatever comes next. I’ll figure something out. I always manage to land on my feet.”

The last few minutes of the ride are quiet and I’m going through every scenario to help fix the situation. Getting her fired is not what I wanted to have happen and causing Dani any more pain is killing me.

We step out to see the Boston Park Plaza all lit up. Inside, the décor my mother’s event planner put together, the whites and golds pulling in all the room and making everything bright.

“This place is beautiful.” Dani glances up in awe, and I can’t help but watch her face.

“Thank you for being here with me tonight. I promise, I will help make things right.”