Page 98

The music faded, and Khelani called the room to attention, inviting folks to find their seats.
I nearly sobbed in relief. The last thing I wanted to do was make awkward conversation with my ex. I’d rather talk to Beck, dance when it was time, and sneak off the second the auction ended.
We waved goodbye and Beck’s hand found its favorite place on the small of my back, guiding us to table two. Beck scooted his chair closer to mine, and threaded my hand in his, listening attentively as Khelani welcomed everyone and gave us an overview of the evening.
Beck occasionally glanced at me, surveying me as if to check on my wellbeing before returning his focus to the host. When the announcements completed, Beck began introducing himself to the other folks seated at our table, practically oozing charm like he was completely in his element.
Finally, our food arrived, and we returned to our little bubble, just the two of us.
Beck kissed my temple before lifting his fork. “Carter keeps looking over here at you and his date notices every single time he does. From the frown on her face, I’d venture to say she’s less than amused by that.”
“Where are they even sitting?” As casually as possible, I glanced over my shoulder.
Beck brushed non-existent lint from his shoulder. “They’re just out of my direct line of sight. I can feel them.”
“They’re looking that much?” Rather than take a peek myself, I glanced at his face, trying to decipher what he was really getting at.
“Delaney is.”
“Huh. I wonder why. More importantly, what do I do with that information considering she's a roadblock for my project?”
Beck played with my hair. “Do you want to talk to her here?”
I considered it. While I’d love to nip this all in the bud, I didn't think this was the time to do that. “If it comes up, then I’m more than prepared to talk to her. If not, I'll meet with her next week. I don't want to muddy the waters between the foundation work and the Chateau. There's a time and place for everything.”
He nodded, as if satisfied with my answer. We chatted as we ate.
When the dishes were being cleared by the catering staff, he leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Dinner was good, but I personally can't wait for dessert.”
Someone tapped on a microphone.
“Now we will hear a few words from our amazing auction item lead, Luna Marks.”
I blinked. Beck grinned.
I squeezed his thigh as I stood, making my way to the corner of the room that held the high-ticket items, straightening my dress as I did.
Then Khelani called Carter's name too.
We locked eyes as he approached the auction area.
“I want to give special thanks to Carter and Luna for their tremendous work getting auction items for tonight's event. They’ve truly outdone themselves and I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the offerings. They don't know this yet, but I'm putting them to work. They will be walking around answering any questions you have about the items for the silent auction. As soon as you're ready, I invite you to start perusing, and bidding.” She raised her eyebrows, and the room chuckled.
Small talk ensued and Carter immediately drew closer. “Did you know Khelani was going to do this?”
I shrugged. “I had no idea, but I should have figured she was up to something.”
“Right? Remember last year when she made some of the committee do a choreographed dance?”
I feigned a shiver. “At least it's not that.”
Folks were slowly making their way over although nobody approached us with questions.
Carter gave what I could only describe as a wistful smile. “I can't help but compare this year's event with last year's.”
Fuck.
I held up a hand. “Carter, this isn't about us.”