Page 47 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

Because the last time I saw Callum Abernathy, I was running away from his lips, his hotel suite, and the terrible-slash-wonderful realization that my body apparently didn't get the memo about professional boundaries.

Viktoria sits cross-legged on my dresser, scrolling through her phone."Still nothing from Mom?"

"She said Susanna should bring it by."I glance at my younger sister."So?"

Susanna reaches into her oversized bag and pulls out a garment bag with a flourish."Behold!Mom says it's 'perfect for making Scottish men remember they have blood in their veins.'"

"Oh god."

"Her words, not mine."

I unzip the bag to reveal a dress I've never seen before—silk in a deep navy color that shimmers between sapphire and ocean-blue depending on the light.

The cut is classic but daring, with a neckline that suggests rather than announces cleavage.

"Where did she find this?"I breathe.

"Dr.Finnegan's daughter works at Nordstrom," Susanna explains."Mom mentioned the gala, and next thing you know..."

"She's shopping with her doctor now?"Viktoria raises a precisely plucked eyebrow."That's...progressive."

"The man makes house calls to check her blood pressure," Susanna stresses."I'd say they're well past doctor-patient."

The doorbell rings, interrupting what promises to be an extensive analysis of our mother's budding romance.

"I'll get it," Viktoria offers, sliding from the dresser with feline grace.

She returns minutes later carrying a glossy white box with a silver ribbon."Special delivery from Abernathy Corp."She wiggles her eyebrows."Someone's upping their game."

"It's probably just event information,” I say.

If only my traitorous pulse believed that too.

"Information doesn't come in embossed boxes," Susanna points out.

I open the box to find an ivory card embellished with the Abernathy Corp logo.

Ms.Peters,

Mr.Abernathy requested these be delivered for this evening's event.His car will arrive at 7:30 PM.

Sincerely,

Alana Ford

Executive Assistant to Callum Abernathy

P.S.He'll be in classic black tie with emerald cufflinks.I've included a swatch of his pocket square for coordination purposes.(This is definitely not my subtle attempt at matchmaking.Definitely not.)

Beneath the card nestles a delicate silver mask adorned with emerald and sapphire crystals that perfectly complement the dress my mother sent.

Alongside it sits a silk pocket square in rich blues and greens with subtle hints of a tartan pattern.

"Masks?"Viktoria questions, peering into the box.

"It's a children's charity.”I lift the mask."Apparently there's a masquerade theme."

"How romantic," Susanna sighs.