Page 34 of The Nanny Contract
I brushed my hand over my lips, feeling the ghost of his kiss. The moment had been brief and fleeting but it had changedeverything. And I knew with a smile that, one way or another, there was no going back.
Betsy was the undeniable queen of throwing a lavish event that would make your jaw drop. This evening’s art auction was no exception.
Even with the glamorous party swirling around me, the only thing consuming my thoughts was the kiss I’d shared with Logan in the garden a few hours earlier. The kiss lingered in my mind, eclipsing even the most dazzling moments of the soiree so far.
Looking around, I surveyed the room which was filled with Charleston’s wealthiest residents. Logan had gone to fetch drinks, and without him by my side, I felt out of place among finely dressed strangers.
The differences between me and them couldn’t have been more obvious.
Most of the auction-goers wore subtly expensive outfits that whispered their wealth instead of shouting it. Yet, after spending lots of time around people like this, I’d learned to spot the truly elite—the ones who wore tailored ensembles with effortless confidence, leaving no doubt in my mind that they lived in a different stratosphere.
The grand ball room at Westbrook Meadows had transformed into a sea of bespoke suits, shimmering jewelry, and couture gowns. The women in the room were elegantly clad in floor-length gowns of emerald, blue, and wine red. The gentlemen looked debonaire in custom-tailored tuxedos. Their pocket squares were folded with precision, and their shoes were shined to an almost mirror-like state.
Above us was a beautiful chandelier that cast a warm glow upon waitstaff that fluttered in and out of crowds in crisp uniforms. Guests mingled, champagne flutes in hand, creating a low hum of conversation punctuated by the occasional laugh and sharptingsof glasses clinking. Towering flower arrangements stood at intervals throughout the room—fresh white roses and eucalyptus.
Art pieces were displayed with precision all along the walls, and other pieces were scattered throughout the space on elevated pedestals. Paintings hung on the walls ranging from sprawling landscapes to abstract bursts of color. Items ranging from sculptures to more delicate works were displayed on black, velvet stands.
It was painfully obvious that I didn’t belong. The weight of the wealth in the room was overwhelming, almost radiating.
Logan suddenly appeared next to me.
“Don’t worry,” he said in a comforting tone, “they’re more bark than bite.”
His reassurance was a welcome relief. He handed me my drink as one of his coworkers, Danielle, came over to say hello.
As he introduced me, Logan put his hand on my shoulder.
Everyone around us noticed.
I was more focused on the smile radiating from Logan’s eyes. He knew I was nervous, and it was kind of him to guide me this way.
Logan’s colleague pulled him away to speak with a group of hospital staff.
Alone again, but this time feeling slightly more confident.
That was, until I noticed the whispers and stares.
Suddenly, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone was watching me. It was completely understandable, given that Logan had essentially just demonstrated his first public display of affection with me. Hopefully the first of many to come.
Still, I felt eyes on me. People kept glancing at their phones then back up at me. Much to my own bewilderment. I decided to go to the restroom just for a breather, and when I returned, Logan was nowhere in sight.
But still… eyes followed me everywhere I went, tracking my every move.
Instinctively, I knew it wasn’t just paranoia.
Unfortunately, I noticed Veronica approaching me from the other side of the room. I could never quite figure out why the family continued to invite her around. Maybe blood ran thicker than I imagined with the Westbrooks.
She sidled up next to me with a mischievous grin on her face. “Casey, darling, how are you holding up?”
I was confused about why someone like Veronica would inquire about my wellbeing.
“It’s a beautiful event,” I said with a forced smile. “Betsy really went all out.”
She furrowed her brow. “Oh dear, you haven’t heard the news, have you?”
“What news?”
Veronica grinned with false sympathy. “Such a shame, really. But I’m sure Logan will understand… once he sees it.”