Page 92 of Shadow Redemption
Ruth glanced at Ben. Yes, that was the perfect description of the man by her side. Ben Martin was the love of her life. She knew that with absolute certainty that he was the only man for her.
As though Ben felt her gaze, he turned toward her, eyebrow raised. “Everything okay?” he murmured. When she nodded, he brushed a soft kiss over her mouth and shifted his attention to the men’s conversation.
A commotion caught her eye. Tom and Sapphire had cornered Rich Eisenhower a few feet away. The agent shook his head. When the two continued to press their point, Rich raised his voice. “Roxanne is the darling of the fashion world. If she wants the contract, she has first choice. Always.”
Sapphire fired back something, anger flashing in her eyes.
“Get over it. Roxanne paid her dues, but you’re getting there. I’ve made good things happen for you, haven’t I, honey? You and Tom? Your time will come.” When Sapphire gripped Rich’s arm, the agent shook off her hold. “We’re done here. Enjoy the night. We’ll talk more later.” He walked to the buffet line to grab a plate.
Sapphire glared at Ruth, said something to Tom, and the couple moved to the open bar.
“Watch your back around them,” Autumn said.
“Why?”
“Sapphire feels like she should have been offered several of the contracts you were awarded. Tom, too.”
“Are they angry enough to hurt me?”
Autumn’s expression grew troubled. “Based on what I heard last night at Cinco de Mayo, they’d cause problems if it meant they took your place in the job market.”
Not exactly confirmation, but a good indication of intent. “Have you noticed suspicious behavior from them?”
“Like what?”
“Bringing gifts to the job site or leaving notes on my dressing table.”
A frown. “Now that you mention it, I did see Sapphire dropping off flowers and a note. I assumed she grabbed your delivery from a security guard.”
“What about Tom?”
Autumn shook her head. “He hasn’t received as many contracts lately. The fashion designers are requesting younger-looking men. Sapphire bragged about Hollywood screen testing him for roles in movies and television shows, though.”
Hmm. Was Sapphire responsible for the stalking episodes? “I hope that works out for him.”
Autumn smiled. “He wouldn’t wish you well if the situations were reversed. I’m glad I won’t be dealing with this much longer.”
Conversation drifted to other topics. By the time they finished dinner, almost two hours had passed.
Ruth glanced toward the door and noticed a man staring at her. Her breath caught. Oh, man. Ernie Gorman.
Tito said something to her, drawing her attention for a moment. When she looked again, Gorman was gone. Had she imagined him?
“Ruth.” Ben’s hand tightened around hers. “What’s wrong?”
“I thought I saw Ernie Gorman near the door.”
“I don’t see him.”
“I might have imagined him standing there.”
“Don’t second guess yourself, sunshine.” Ben slid his phone from his pocket and shot off a text. Seconds later, Nico glanced at his phone. Immediately, he gave some kind of hand signal to Trace, and the two of them left the ballroom.
What if she’d been mistaken? Ruth didn’t want to waste their time. “Can we leave Mexico tonight after the party?”
“If you want to leave, I’ll make it happen.”
“I want to go home.”