Page 42 of To Steal a Heart

He pointed to the wide expanse of crystal blue water sprawled out behind the mansion. “The true treasure here is the real estate.”

She pushed out a soft chuckle. “Spoken like a true architect.” She cut her eyes at him. “If you think this is something, wait until you get a load of Honeysuckle Island. What?” she asked when she saw his cheeky grin.

“Is that a hint of pride in your voice?” Laughter flicked in his eyes as he made a point of dropping his jaw. “You mean Arden Chasing is actually proud of her heritage?”

“So what if I am,” she blustered. “I just don’t like for it to dictate every facet of my being.”

“Point taken.”

Her nerves picked up again as they stepped through the front door and into the foyer. Arden didn’t know why she was getting so worked up. Maybe it was because this party represented all the pretense she hated about the Chasing and Laramie worlds. And now, she was bringing Crew into it. Her charmed and beautiful relationship with him could get tainted by Grandmother, Sylvia, or even Hector. Crew was tough and resilient, but would he be able to withstand all of the grilling that was sure to ensue?

Crew moved his hand up her back and rested it on the nape of her neck. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” His touch was warm and confident.

She turned to him in surprise. “How did you know what I was thinking? Am I that transparent?”

A proud grin curved his lips. “To me you are. I know you, Arden Chasing, through and through.”

His gaze moved over her face with a thorough intensity as if unearthing every hidden stone in her soul. She got the feeling that Crew did know her. He knew how blunt and bullheaded she could be, and yet he wanted her anyway. He’d wanted her before he knew who she was. That meant the world. “And I know you,” she uttered softly. Crew was a complicated man. She looked forward to getting to know everything about him, even those things about himself that he might wish to remain hidden. She wasn’t sure what skeletons Crew was hiding, but she was sure he had them. Everyone did.

Crew made a point of looking around. “Nice pad.” A wicked glint shimmered in his eyes. “Exactly where is that expensive art located, anyway? All of this heavy security is making me curious.”

She swatted his arm. “Don’t get any ideas. You know what they say—curiosity killed the cat.”

He winced. “Yep, I guess I’d better keep my focus on more important matters.” He threw her a dazzling smile that wrapped her heart in a silky cocoon of euphoria.

She giggled, loving how intense and romantic Crew was. She motioned with her head. “Shall we?” The party was being held out back in the pool and garden area. They picked their way through the guests mingling indoors and stepped outside to where the pool area had been transformed into a spectacle that might’ve come straight out ofThe Great Gatsby. This was impressive, even for Sylvia Laramie. Music from a live orchestra floated in the briny evening air. A dance floor had been placed over the lawn area adjacent to the pool, and white tents with dainty white lights covered an enormous seating area. Servers in tuxes wove amongst the guests, carrying silver platters filled with wine glasses and appetizers.

Arden spotted her mom and dad standing beside Sylvia and Hector. As always, Mom was dressed to the nines and handled herself like a queen as she chatted with guests. Dad stood beside her, looking just as regal. Her gut tightened as her gaze took in Sylvia and Hector. Sylvia was a picture of fashion in a royal blue dress that showcased her sleek, thin figure. The last time she saw Sylvia, Arden had felt like a lump of lard in comparison. It was nice to know that she’d slimmed down to her normal size. Granted, she’d never been reed thin like Sylvia, but at least her curvy body was toned. Hector was handsome as always with his dark hair and matching eyes. However, his smile was a bit strained, and he looked uptight.

A realization hit home. She was grateful to be with Crew instead of Hector.

Grandmother was seated at the table just to the left of where Mom and Dad were standing. No surprise. She was scowling and clutching her cane in her bony hand. Grandmother was wearing the same dreadful black dress she’d had on at the Founder’s Day Ball, and she had on her diamond necklace. Arden was astounded that Grandmother had carted her necklace all the way here to the Hamptons. Good grief, the woman was vain.

“Where to?” Crew asked as he slid his arm around her waist.

“My parents are over there.”

He followed her trail of vision, eyes widening. “Wow, your mom’s a looker.”

“Yes, she is.” She felt a burst of pride. If Arden looked anywhere near as good as Mom when she got older, she’d be grateful.

“You look a lot like her.”

Arden frowned. “You think so?” That was a high compliment.

“I do.”

“Thanks. See the skinny redhead?”

“Yes.”

“That’s Sylvia Laramie.” Her jaw tightened. “Hector is beside her. See the elderly woman with the beehive sitting at the table that’s just to the left of where my dad is standing?”

“That’s Josette, your grandmother,” Crew surmised.

“Yes.” Her hands were moist, and she felt like she couldn’t get a good breath. “Are you ready for this? It’s not too late to turn and run.”

“Arden Chasing doesn’t run from anyone or anything,” he asserted. “She’s fearless.”