Page 35 of Moonlighter

“What a pain in the ass I was,” she says as we continue along the path. “I cheated, too, right? I would only throw down that challenge when I was standing up and ready to go but you were still sitting on your beach towel.”

I laugh because it’s true. “You’d better hope that nobody ever wants to interview me about you.What was Alex Engels like as a child? Were there signs she’d become a CEO?Absolutely! She got up early, never sat down, and cheated every chance she got.”

“Shhh!” Alex hisses. “I have a reputation to uphold. And I wonsomeof those races honestly.”

“Maybeonce,” I scoff. “But not in silly shoes like those.”

“No kidding. I didn’t learn to wear heels until after college. Now they’re a necessity. Not only do they make my legs look longer, they bring me closer to eye level with all the men I have to deal with.”

I don’t think her legs could possibly look any longer, but I keep that to myself.

“What are you drinking?”I ask when we finally arrive at the party. It’s on another terrace overlooking the beach. Torches are lit at the boundary of the space, and the light makes Alex’s skin look even more golden than usual.

“Well, my usual drink is a gin and tonic, so I guess I’m drinking tonic water and lime,” she says, surveying the crowd.

“I can’t leave you alone, though. You’ll need to accompany me to the bar,” I say. “We’re like characters in a comedy, trying not to reveal that we’re handcuffed together.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” She sighs. “I just spotted the ex. He’s in the far corner, kissing up to the CFO of Verizon.”

“Good time to grab a drink, then.” I put an arm around her shoulder and tuck her against me. Then I guide her over to the bar. “Evening,” I say to the young bartender when he gives me a glance. “Two tonic waters with lime, please. No hurry.”

“Eric,” she whispers. “You can have a real drink.”

“Later,” I promise her. My gut says I’ll be handling her ex tonight, and I will do so with a clear head. “What’s your play, anyway?”

“Sorry?”

“Your play. Your goal. Your mission for this party. Unless you just love a good cash bar and some boring small talk.”

“Not particularly.” Alex’s smile lights up her whole face. “I’m here to give a piece of my mind to the conference organizer. Then I’m out of here, out of these shoes, and out of this dress.”

Yes, please. I give her a slow once-over, because that declaration makes me imagine her naked. “Can I watch that last part?”

“Eric!” she smacks my arm.

The bartender chimes in. “Can’t blame a guy for asking.” He sets two glasses down on the bar in front of us. “Four bucks.”

“Thanks, dude.” I drop a ten on the bar and hand her a drink. “Your fake boyfriend bought you a fake cocktail. Drink up.”

She gives me a wary smile. “You’re good for my ego.”

“I don’t think he was faking,” the young bartender says, already pouring the next customer’s drinks. He may be young, but he’s already wise. They must teach that at bartending school.

“So let’s find this guy you need to speak to,” I prompt.

“He’s over there,” Alex says, pointing at a cluster of gray-haired men near the dance floor.

Unfortunately, we don’t get very far. As soon as Alex and I venture further into the party, I see her ex excuse himself from a conversation and make a beeline for Alex.

“Oh, shit,” she squeaks.

“Easy,” I say quietly. “We can’t ignore him for six days. It’s better if he states his case and then I send him away.”

“Ugh. I hope you can make your point quickly.”

“Alexandra,” the twit says as he approaches. “Long time no see.”

“That was intentional,” she says, taking a sip of her drink.