Page 35 of Playing Dirty
"I guess. I mean, it's locked in to be Margot, right?” I'm doing my best to sound indifferent. “Unless someone manages to outbid the plan. Should be straightforward enough."
"Yeah, we'll see. Though maybe it'll spark a bidding war. You could end up taking some wealthy donor out for a candlelit dinner, mate."
I'd rather throw myself off the terrace, personally, but I nod like he's making any sense at all.
And then I spot her.
She's over by the bar surrounded by a small crowd, and fucking hell.That dress. Dark red lace, fitted to her like it was painted on, with a neckline that has my full and undivided attention and a slit up her thigh that's going to haunt me for the foreseeable future. Her hair is pinned up, leaving a stretch of bare neck exposed that I would very much like to put my mouth on.
My grip goes tight around my wine glass, and it doesn't help that I'm not the only one noticing. Three men in her orbit are borderline drooling, and one in particular has his hand on her arm while he leans in to say something. It's doing absolutely fuck all for my blood pressure.
I've never considered myself the jealous type, especially given I've no actual claim on the woman, and yet here I am, getting more murderous by the minute.
Derek looks up from his phone beside me. "Check this out. The wine campaign was already steady, but these gala photos are blowing up too. Especially the ones of you getting ready that went up an hour ago."
"Mm," I grunt, my eyes still on the blond bloke who's still leaned in to murmur something in her ear, earning a laugh I'd very much rather be the one providing.
"Cillian, are you even in this conversation?" Derek asks, his voice cutting through my irritation.
I drag my focus back to him. "Yeah. Just mentally preparing for the auction. Big night for the foundation and all that."
Derek nods, seemingly satisfied. "Well, we've got about thirty minutes before the live bidding begins, so make sure you keep the donors engaged."
"Right," I say, already shifting my weight. "I'm going to make the rounds and do the ambassador thing."
He waves me off. "Good man. I’ll catch up with you near the stage."
I nod and beeline straight for Margot’s cluster. I know I should keep my distance to avoid agitating her, but the pull is too strong to resist. Maybe Jonesy is right; maybe I should just grow a pair and ask her out. If she shoots me down, at least the uncertainty will be buried and I can finally move on from this constant pining. Thenot knowingis fucking killing me.
She catches my eye as I approach the group, which includes several generic-looking suits, Diane, and an older woman I don’t recognize.
"Oh. Hello, Cillian," she says, looking strangely flustered.
"Margot." I nod and slide into the empty space beside her, much to the visible annoyance of the blond bloke who was previously occupying her full attention.
Margot handles the introductions, while the blond shoots me daggers, which I meet with a smug smirk as though I'm doing any better than he is in winning her affection. He’s apparently a surgeon of some sort, and the other two suits are involved in San Francisco tech. Diane, the lead winemaker, gives me a familiar nod since we’ve crossed paths a few times.
Margot gestures warmly toward the small woman besideher, who looks to be in her late seventies, with bright eyes and pearl earrings.
"And this is Miriam," Margot says, her voice warming with obvious affection. "She retired a few years ago, but she kept this whole place running for the better part of three decades. She’s like the honorary grandmother to all the Solstice staff."
Miriam smiles up at me. I extend my hand and she takes it in both of hers, looking me over with delight.
"Oh, my goodness." Her grin spreads wide. "Aren't you just abeautifulman!"
A laugh bursts out of me. "Now that is the warmest welcome I've had all evening, Miriam." I lean in a little. "And I love those earrings, by the way. I'm a sucker for pearls on a woman."
Miriam reaches up to touch one, a mischievous glint in her gaze. "A flattereranda gentleman. No wonder Margot's been keeping you under wraps."
Margot makes a small, strangled sound beside me.
"You know," Miriam continues, undeterred by the interruption. "Margot mentioned she was working with you, and I have to say, dear, you’re every bit as handsome and charming as she said!"
A massive grin takes over my face, while Margot instantly brings a hand to her mouth, appearing caught between total mortification and a laugh. Beside us, the doctor’s expression turns sour enough to curdle milk, a sight that lifts my spirits significantly.
"Miriam," Margot says weakly.
"Well,youwere the one who said it, love." Miriam reaches out to give my arm a playful pat.
