Page 18 of In Case You Didn't Know

Mylene’s expression turns dark. “I’m the guest of honor, of course I’ll do it.”

“Great.” I beam at her, offering her my arm again right as the carousel slows down to a stop. We walk to the front, and I manage to get her up the step and walk her to a carriage that’s painted white and gold. “This one is for you,” I tell her, because I think getting on a horse might cause her an injury.

Once she’s settled down, I walk over to the operator. “Please run it three times, don’t let anybody off.”

Because I need a break. And to call Autumn. I’m not sure how long I can keep this up.

I’m back on the grass when the carousel starts up. I grab my phone and pull up Autumn’s name. She answers almost immediately.

“Mylene isn’t doing as she’s told,” I tell her.

Autumn gives an annoyed grunt. “You’re doing a great job,” she reassures me. “But Eileen has decided to take up court in the bar. I’ve paid the barman to keep her here. Just keep Mylene away and we’ll be good. I’ve arranged for Mylene to leave on the shuttle at five. You only have another couple of hours to keep her busy, then you’re done, I promise.”

“How do I keep her away from the bar?” I ask plaintively.

Somebody says something to Autumn. “I have to go,” she says quickly. “Thank you so much for this. You’re a star.”

“I’m starting to understand why the evil stepmother hated Cinderella,” I mutter, as she ends the call.

ASHER

“Damn, check out Belle,” a voice behind me says. “She’s practically spilling out of that dress.”

My jaw clenches.

I turn to find two twenty-something idiots ogling Francie like she’s a side of meat. One is dressed as Prince, complete with purple velvet, eyeliner, and a fake guitar. The other’s in an Aladdin costume with a smug grin plastered across his face.

“Who are you here with?” I ask, my voice cold.

They blink at me. “Uh, we’re interns. We work for Hudson.”

Of course they are.

“Well, consider this your first lesson in not being a complete asshole,” I say. “The woman you’re talking about is family. If Hudson hears you talking like that, you’d be on the next ferry, if I don’t throw you in the ocean first.”

They straighten defensively. I take a step forward.

“I’m Asher Fitzgerald,” I add. “Hudson’s brother.”

That does the trick. They back off fast, muttering apologies as they disappear into the crowd.

I exhale through my nose and rub a hand over my jaw.

Francie’s barely said two words to me since I walked out on her yesterday, and I’m here playing party cop while my company’s hanging on by a thread. Nathan’s lawyer emailed twice already this morning, and I have three missed calls from his sister.

The guy who tried to screw me over now wants a buyout clause that’s basically a ransom note written in lawyer speak. I should be in Manhattan shutting it down. Instead, I’m stuck at a princess party, trying not to body check toddlers.

Ever since I walked into Hudson’s house yesterday, I’ve been on edge. Even Hudson noticed. And the worst part? I’m not sure if it’s the fallout from Nathan’s extortion attempt… or her.

Been to any good sex clubs recently?

The line’s still echoing in my head. Her deadpan delivery. The look on her face when I walked out.

The way I keep imagining her in that dress.

I shouldn’t have left. I should’ve laughed it off. Hell, I should’ve asked if she’d gone to more without me.

West appears beside me, handing me a beer. “What’d you say to those two? They looked like you cancelled Christmas.”