Page 81 of A Convenient Secret

“Are they mad at each other?” Cora leans forward, examining the scene.

“No, just workaholics.” Celeste rolls her eyes.

I slide my sweaty hands into the well-disguised pockets of my flowing skirt, admiring my fake husband.

I’ve seen him in a tux a few times, but every timethreatens my vital functions. I clench my thighs, my heart rate spikes, my lungs can’t fill with oxygen, and my body overheats.

“I left the lipstick,” I remember, and dash back to Mia’s room.

I snatch the tube, and glimpse myself in the mirror. I look… I look like me. It’s a strange feeling to see the woman I used to be blending with the woman I became. I’m not sure if I’m ready to examine it.

Maybe I should make something up and stay here. Help with Amelie, or… Before I can chicken out completely, I rush from the room to join the others.

My friends are downstairs already. I pause at the top, gingerly putting one foot forward. I gather my skirt and commence my descent.

If I expected an approving look or a glimpse of surprise… If I expected that romance novel moment when he looks up and sees her dressed up… that time-arresting, heart-stopping moment of uncensored admiration, I would have been bitterly disappointed.

Declan doesn’t lift his gaze from his phone.

The night turns out fantastically. While the men work the room, the four of us share laughter and a few drinks, and when I don’t think about my aloof fakehusband, I finally taste freedom I haven’t felt in a long while.

We gossip about other guests and giggle like schoolgirls, gaining us judging looks from older New York socialites.

Saar bids money on ridiculous items in a silent auction. The gala is extravagant, and everyone is pulling out checkbooks without a second thought. It warms my heart, because the proceeds go to a children’s hospital.

“If I don’t go home or pump soon, this gown will be sporting a new design in my breast region.” Celeste cups her boobs, scrunching her face.

A couple beside us at the bar scrambles to the side, as if being in our company could give them a disease.

“Don’t go yet.” I wrap my arm through Celeste’s.

Saar downs her drink and raises her arms, shimmying to the music. “We all need to stay and protect Cora.” She points toward the dance floor.

Cora is twirling around in Xander’s arms, laughing.

“I’m sure she can protect herself.” Celeste snorts and checks her breasts again.

“I would love to hear her when she tells him off,” I muse.

“Do you think he invited her because he wants to…” Celeste arches her eyebrow.

“I think Xander always wants to, and with anyone,” Saar says.

“I still don’t think she needs our protection,” Celeste says.

“I agree. Are you going to pump? I need to go to the bathroom.” I look at Celeste.

“I’m going to find Caleb and head home.”

“Party pooper.” Saar pouts and puts her glass to her lips.

A large hand stops her. “May I have a dance, Mrs. Quinn?” Corm takes the drink away from her.

She beams at him before they both saunter to the dance floor.

As I turn to find the bathroom, a solid wall presses against me from behind.

“You look ravishing tonight.” Declan’s breath fans my neck as he leans in to whisper in my ear.