Page 13 of My Ghost

“Hey, what can I say?It was a fast chicken.”

“Sure it was,” I tease.Then I turn to Matteo without thinking.“And how about you?Ever been taken down by a farm animal?Maybe chased by an enraged goat or—”

My words cut off when I see his clearly not amused expression.He is not smiling, and his gaze pins me in place, heavy and unreadable.

I take a sip of orange juice to hide my sudden awkwardness.

“No,” he finally says in a low and grim voice.“I don’t run.”

Everyone’s smile falters and my face heats.I mutter something about him not being fun to laugh it off, but the moment is gone and an uneasy silence settles around the table.I shoot him a discreet glare for ruining the mood, but he merely watches me with his impassive eyes.

God, this man is infuriating.

Chiara’s sweet voice pipes up.“So, Lily, tell us more about next week’s charity gala.Is everything ready?Do you need help?”

The tension in my shoulders eases and I welcome the change of subject like a lifeline.

Lily brightens immediately, her hands fluttering as she launches into the rundown of the preparations.“We’re in the final stretch now—everything is booked and confirmed, from the venue to the catering.We’ve also got donations pouring in for the silent auctions, designer handbags, a weekend getaway and even a commissioned portrait of the winning bidder’s pet.”

“That’s adorable!”Chiara coos excitedly.

“I know.”Lily grins, excitement written all over her face.“It’s going to be perfect.”

Then she turns to me.“And you, Erin, are going to be in charge of charming the animal lovers into spending big.”

Lucas chuckles from across the table.“If Erin is involved, the people don’t stand a chance, she’ll have them adopt blind, three-legged chihuahuas before dessert is served.”

I laugh and stick out my tongue at him.“Or maybe I’ll make them adopt chickens, they make great pets and they are fast, as some people say.”

Lucas shudders and we all laugh, the awkwardness from earlier a distant memory.I take another sip of my juice and focus on Lily as she outlines the seating chart and last-minute preparation.But even though I try to pretend he’s not there, I can still feel Matteo’s gaze searing into the side of my face and I have to refrain from turning to look at him.

Instead, I laugh and smile, feeling the excitement of the gala taking hold.

“You know what?”Lily claps her hands.“We girls should go dress shopping together.Let’s do it this week.”

Chiara and I happily agree, and we make plans to meet after my work shift this Wednesday.

When I leave, I am buzzing with a strange mix of excitement and nerves.The gala is less than a week away and it is going to be big.Bigger than anything I’ve ever attended.I’m more used to crowded bars and clubs with music loud enough to overhaul my heartbeat than lavish ballrooms with string quartets and champagne.

Then the memory of Matteo shutting me down crashes back, uninvited and grating at my already frayed nerves.I can already picture him in that ballroom, darkly handsome in his dark suit and, of course, entirely in his element.

God, he is maddening.

Chapter Nine

Erin

The car stops in front of a renowned hotel.Lily had sent a driver to pick me up for her charity gala for animal welfare and I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that she is now like royalty in this city.I slide out of the car and smooth out the folds of the strapless violet silk dress the girls had helped me pick out on Wednesday.

I can’t suppress a gasp when I step into the grand reception hall.

Holy hell, this place is stunning!

Extravagant chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, their golden glow reflecting on the dark marble floors giving the place an elegant and warm atmosphere.The air hums with hushed voices and soft music, and I instantly feel self-conscious from all the luxury.

I look around and spot Lily at the far side of the room.She looks radiant in her pale cream gown and she is talking animatedly to a circle of well-dressed guests.Damiano is right beside her, never letting his eyes drift away from her face, his hand splayed possessively over her lower back.I make my way through the crowd, careful not to trip in my high strappy heels.

Lily lights up when she sees me and immediately reaches out to pull me into a warm hug.“You look amazing,” she whispers with a soft smile, before turning back to the group.“Everyone, this is Erin Skye.We met at vet school and now she is my second sister,” she introduces me, and I smile politely at the usual nods and nice-to-meet-yous.As it turns out, they are major donors and they are clearly enthralled by Lily.They hang on her every word, nodding and laughing at her fun stories involving mischievous animals.