Page 33 of Escorting the CEO
“Isn’t there something else I can wear?” I begged Francesca.
She rolled her eyes. “Not if you want to be any later than you already are. Cocktails were at six—you’re late.”
“What? Oh, my goodness.” Rhodes was a bear about being punctual, I knew that.
“Follow me,” she instructed.
I followed her down the maze of hallways until we reached the back of the manor. “The rear salon is right through there. Enjoy your evening, Miss.”
Did I imagine it, or did the maid smirk a bit as she turned on her heel?
Confused, I headed into the salon. But as soon as I crossed the threshold, I longed to turn around and run straight back to my room.
The space was bright and airy, open to an immense patio. Early evening sunlight streamed into the salon, which was filled with Rhodes, Luke, Maria, Miranda, and half a dozen other people I didn’t recognize.
Everyone was dressed casually in light-colored shorts and slacks, polos, and cotton dresses. They were enjoying summery cocktails and chatting. Luke was off by himself, happily playing with a small toy. The scent of barbecue wafted through the room. I caught a glimpse of Philips on the back patio—even the butler had ditched his tuxedo for a white button down shirt and a preppy pink tie.
This was no formal dinner in the salon. This was the people-with-money version of a laid-back barbecue.
I stood there, an overdressed deer in the headlights.
Miranda spotted me first. She wore a mint green polo dress with the collar popped and pristine white sneakers. She wrinkled her nose as she took in my outfit. “That gown’s a bit much—isn’t it, dear?” she tittered.
“Um…”
I wobbled in my heels as Rhodes caught sight of me. His brow furrowed until he snapped himself out of it and approached. “Rory, darling! So glad you joined us.” He made a big show of kissing me, but I wasn’t pretending when I shivered as his lips touched mine.
“You look lovely.” He lowered his voice as he continued, “But just so you know, it’s barbecue night. Very low-key. And we had several members of the board arrive unexpectedly. They’re staying with us until the meetings next week.”
“Oh no.” I felt so stupid. “The maid picked this out?—”
“Then I will be sure to fire her, even though I’m a fan of that dress.” He plastered on a fake smile and turned to face the guests.
“I’m pleased to announce the arrival of my fiancé, Rory Harris. Rory was thoughtful to dress well enough for both of us,” he said, laughing and motioning to his casual shorts and shirt. “Clearly, she’s already perfecting being my better half.”
“Here, here!” Called one of the board members, raising his glass. “Congratulations, you two! To your marriage, and to your health!”
Miranda’s nostrils flared as they toasted us.
Rhodes brought me into the circle of board members, introducing me. I smiled broadly, shook hands, and tried to ignore the fact that I wore no bra and my entire back was on display.
The board members wasted no time questioning me.
“Where did you two meet?”
“When’s the wedding?”
“Where are you from?”
“Where’d you go to school?”
“How’d you convince this perennial bachelor to settle down?”
“Easy, easy,” Rhodes chided. He slid his arm around me, our bare skin touching, and my stomach somersaulted. “Don’t frighten her away, okay? We met at a party in Manhattan. One look at her, and I just knew.”
He turned to me, beaming, and I melted. He was so handsome, he was magnetic. I beamed back.
“The wedding invitations are going out tomorrow,” Rhodes continued. “The ceremony’s next week. So it’s a good thing you’re already all here.”
