Page 139 of Savage Suit

“Let’s collect your coat and get out of here, Ryan,” I said, wanting nothing more than to be alone with her.

Alf walked to my usual table as I assisted Ryan out of the blue chinchilla coat I’d had Celine give to her. The waiter smiled, looking even jollier with his cheerful expression. “Mr. Keegan, it’s great to see you again.”

“Thank you, Alf,” I said, once Ryan sat and I walked around to my chair. “I’m always happy to see you, too.”

At hearing his name, a grin spread across Ryan’s mouth, and she bit her lip, her eyes twinkling. I’d bet the building she was fighting off the urge to laugh. I winked at her.

“Would you and the lady like a drink, Mr. Keegan?”

“Please bring a bottle of Krug.”

Ryan’s eyes widened, and I grinned. Between the time we left the ballroom and arrived here, the effects of her imbibing hit her.

“Coming right up, sir.”

“Krug,” Ryan said with a nod after Alf left. “I’m impressed.”

“Are you?” I murmured.

“Oh, yeah. Expensive champagne. Beautiful clothes to borrow.” She twisted and rubbed her hand over the coat’s sleeve. “I’m in love with this. Since Celine told me you wanted me to wear it tonight, I’ve debated on asking you for a payment plan, so I can keep it. She brought several coats. Two sables of different lengths. Do you know the asking price could buy a car or two? Or used as a down payment on a house?”

“Did you prefer another coat over this one?”

“I love this one,” she answered without hesitation. “Of course, I have no clue about the cost. Or the dress. Or the shoes. Celine refused to tell me.”

Tomorrow, I’d tell Ryan everything she wore now belonged to her. I don’t think she’d readily agree, so I didn’t want to ruin our evening with an argument.

“I might not know the cost of what I’m wearing, but I know Krug is very expensive.”

“And? It isn’t as if it’s our first drink this evening. It will be much better than the fucking Bollinger we drank at the gala.”

“You’re showing your elitism. Bollinger is an excellent champagne,” Ryan said severely. “I believe it was listed as an excellent choice for high-end affairs.”

“Where?” I challenged.

“Where-square,” she laughed, as happy a drunk now as the night I met her. “On one of the bazillion blogs on the ‘net.”

“Fine,” I conceded. “It’s a decent champagne, but it doesn’t compare to the smoothness of Krug.”

“Maybe not, but the price tags are vastly different.”

“Money well spent, Ryan. The taste will blow you away. I guarantee.”

“I’ve had Krug before. My older sister bought me a bottle when I graduated from college. Armani proclaimed it her favorite champagne, and I’d love it. She was very right. It was the only time I’ve ever had it, but I’ve never forgotten the taste. Easily, one of the best champagnes I’ve ever had.”

“Your sister has good taste.”

“Yeah,” she said, and I wondered at her wistful tone. “She does.”

Her bucket list came to mind. “Your goal is to try as many expensive champagnes as possible,” I said, caught up in her animation.

“It is,” she agreed. “I’ve tried a handful of them from my champagne bucket list. I haven’t gotten the chance to taste most of them.”

“You will,” I reassured her.

“It’s a silly list,” she said lightly, an adorable giggle escaping her. “I’ll never get the chance to taste most of them, but a girl can dream.”

“Never say never,” I recommended. “What champagnes are on your list, sweetheart?” I couldn’t remember.