Page 125 of We Three Kings
Our heels click on the white and gold swirl marble floor once we step out of the party. Just as many people in tuxedos and ball gowns mingle out here as inside the ballroom.
My boss smiles down at me with the mischievous grin that confirms she’s truly amused. “Are you having fun?”
“Definitely. Thank you for asking us. Balthazar said you purchased the table and set everything up for us.”
She laughs her husky laugh from my answer. I’m not sure what’s so funny but I’m happy that she’s happy.
I think.
Normally, I feel very comfortable with her but right now I sense a weird vibe I can’t put my finger on.
“That’s not the only thing I set up.”
Her teasing tone confuses me. “Really?”
I push open the lavatory door and step to the first available stall while London enters the one next to me. I don’t say anything as some people feel uncomfortable talking while tinkling.
“Yep. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be here right now.”
The alcohol must have really gone to her head since we just talked about the tickets. I giggle from her repeating herself. “Yes, thank you very much. I appreciate you hosting us.”
“No, I mean you and Balthazar.”
Totally lost, I focus on my business until I jump from her banging on the panel between us.
“Are you there, Seraphina?”
“Yes, I’m here. I’m getting ready to wash my hands.”
I flush, open the door, and move to the vanity. Her door flies open too, and she rushes out with a rosy face and humongous smile.
“I thought I lost you.”
Where would I go? “No, I’m here.”
“I know because of me!”
She twists the knob too far and water gushes out, splashing onto the counter and her dress. With her gaze on me, she seems oblivious to the spray hitting her stomach. I reach over and turn down the force.
Her finger jabs toward my engagement ring.
“I knew he would like you. I just never dreamed how quickly he would fall in love with you. I’m even better than I thought.”
The uneasy sensation from earlier returns with double intensity. She’s trying to tell me something, but I can’t grasp her intention. “I’m sorry. I’m not quite sure what you mean.”
Her head shakes, and she rolls her eyes. “When I hired you silly, I knew you would be perfect for him. So you’re welcome!”
I do understand how drunk she is when she playfully taps the end of my nose with her long fingernail elegant with a perfect French manicure. Maybe that’s why she has everything mixed up. “But you hired me to be your assistant, remember? Then I happened to meet Balthazar.”
“Nope. I hired you for him.”
Heat explodes through my body from the realization of what she implies. “I thought you hired me because you thought I would be good at the job.”
“Well, I mean that was just a lucky break you actually know what you’re doing. But either way it didn’t matter. All I wanted was a nice girl for my friend and you are.”
She engulfs me, dragging my body to hers with an intensity I don’t expect. “Thank you for making him happy. Now I can marry Reid and not have to worry about Balthazar being alone.”
The gratitude is heartfelt despite being inadvertently cruel. Without realizing the fact, she’s destroyed me.