Page 55 of Reluctantly Yours

“Ugh. That guy works too much. I work too much and I still have time for a social life. Barrett’s work ethic is right up there with Ebenezer Scrooge. His mood, too.”

I laugh, knowing I’ve had similar thoughts about him.

“Are you two close?” I ask, curious to get more information about Barrett without having to ask the man himself.

“We’re both only children, and with our mothers being sisters, we grew up together. He’s always been the older brother I never had.”

“I’m the oldest of five and always wished I had an older sibling.”

“How old are you?” she asks.

“Twenty-five.”

“Well, I’m twenty-nine. So that’s done.” She threads her arm conspiratorially through mine and starts walking us around the room.

“When I heard Barrett was seriously dating someone, I was shocked. But now I’ve met you and it all makes sense.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. I appreciate the compliment but I also know there’s no truth behind it.

“So, bridal gowns? What made that your design focus?”

“I worked for DVF for a while, but every day wear wasn’t my thing. I love romance and what is more romantic than two people falling in love and getting married? I wanted to be part of that. I started Emma Belle Bridal last year and I’m planning to launch my full bridal line in Vegas next year.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Maybe you’ll be my first customer.” She lifts her dark brows knowingly.

I laugh at the notion that I could be getting married in a year. To Barrett. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“I’d love to beat you to it, but my boyfriend, Alec, is dragging his feet.”

“How long have you been together?” I ask.

“Two years.” She sighs. “He should know by now, right?”

“I’m not the person to ask. I’ve never even dated a guy seriously.” I catch my slip before she notices. “Before Barrett, that is.”

“Ladies.” A gorgeous, dark-haired man with a wide, sexy smile nods in our direction as he passes us. He tosses me a wink.

“Hunter.” Emma returns his nod, matter-of-factly.

He passes, and I turn to follow his form making his way through the groups of people.

“That is Hunter Cartwright. He’s a notorious bachelor and an incorrigible flirt. I’d tell you to watch out for him, but you’ve got Barrett and they’re friends, so it won’t be necessary.”

Emma walks us around, and introduces me to a few of her friends. “Besides the socialites and trust fund babies, it’s typically an older crowd at most of these things. Should we peruse the silent auction items?”

We exit the cocktail lounge and walk across the hallway to a smaller room where the silent auction items are.

Most are pet related, an all-expense paid trip to Bark Avenue Grooming, a posh doggy salon and spa, a photoshoot with your pet with renowned fashion photographer T.K. Lopez, and a year supply of top shelf premium dog food. There are other items, vacations, jewelry and even a car. None of it is of interest to me. Until my eyes snag on a poster for the Goldendoodle Foster Program of NYC.

“Aren’t they adorable?” Emma says, noticing where my attention is focused.

“And snuggly and lovable,” I say, thinking back to my conversation with Barrett yesterday in the car.

Pets aren’t allowed in my building, except for Ralph the mouse who has made himself welcome anyways. But Barrett’s home? That would be a perfect place for a sandy-colored curly-haired pup. Barrett would never go for it, though.

A chime fills the air. I look at Emma for understanding.