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“Almost done,” Ethan whispered into my ear, making me shiver despite the warmth surrounding us.

The next set of photographers approached, a man and woman bickering good-naturedly over the best angle for a shot. Ethan straightened, pulling me closer against his side, and we posed, frozen smiles on our faces as the cameras clicked and flashed.

Click. Flash.

Click. Flash.

Finally, the photographers stepped back and I sagged against Ethan with a sigh, tension draining from my body.

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “Just think how good it will feel when all these people get the hell out of our house.” His voice was a low rumble against my ear.

I chuckled. “I can’t wait for some peace and quiet.”

“Is that the only thing you’re looking forward to?” Ethan asked playfully, his green eyes dancing with mischief.

Heat flickered in my belly at his words. What did Ethan have planned for tonight?

Then one of Ethan’s marketing team hurried over, a bright smile on her face. “Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Hamilton, now is the perfect time for some candid shots with guests. If you’ll just mingle for a bit?”

I bit back a groan. More photographs. Just what I needed.

Ethan glanced down at me, his gaze softening. “Are you ready for this?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, steeling myself for another round of socializing.

Ethan tilted my chin up with a finger, his eyes warm. “It will be over soon, love. And then…” He trailed off, a suggestive smile curving his lips.

A delicious shiver ran down my spine. Suddenly, a few more hours of playing the happy socialite didn’t seem so bad. Not with a reward like that waiting at the end of the night.

I smiled up at my husband, the expression coming easier this time. “I’m ready.”

I turned around with Ethan by my side.

The large hall down the grand staircase was a sea of glittering designer gowns and tailored tuxedos, their glittering jewels reflecting the chandeliers’ light like a thousand tiny stars. Champagne fountains bubbled, spilling rivers of golden liquid over piles of champagne flutes. Gilded statues of naked Greek gods competed for attention between lavish floral arrangements bursting with orchids and roses. A famous DJ played music that sounded as expensive as the party itself, the heavy bass vibrating through the marble floor.

I scanned the crowd, recognizing a few famous actresses and singers milling about. Up close, they looked remarkably ordinary. They laughed, sipped champagne, and engaged in idle chatter just like anyone else. Nothing about them seemed special or glamorous. They were just people, like anyone else.

My wedding dress—a couture Chanel number with a plunging neckline and a skirt so full of tulle I could barely walk—suddenly felt ridiculous. I longed for the simple white sundress Elisabeth had lent me back in Pinegrove.

“There’s Damon,” Ethan said, nodding at a familiar figure heading our way. Relief flooded me at the sight of my friend.

“Damon!” I pulled him into a quick hug, mindful of the designer dress I was stuck in. “I’m so glad you came.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” Damon shook Ethan’s hand. “Congratulations. You got a good one here.”

“The best,” Ethan said, pride softening his tone as he looked down at me. I ducked my head, a flush of pleasure sweeping over me.

Damon snorted. “All right, enough of the gooey newlywed stuff. Chloe, you wouldn’t believe what these celebrities are saying when they think no one is listening,” his eyes gleamed conspiratorially. “I’ve already got two solid stories and a couple of leads we can check out after the party.”

“Perfect,” I said, barely containing my excitement. “I can’t wait to get started.”

“Me neither,” Damon agreed. “I’ll keep digging for more information. You two enjoy the party.”

Ethan gazed down at me, one eyebrow raised. “Back to work already?”

“You know me.” I shrugged. “I can’t sit still for long.”

“Lucky for you, sitting still is the last thing on my mind tonight.” Ethan bent down, his lips brushing the shell of my ear once more. “Shall we?”