Page 44 of Miss Fortune

It was quieter in the VIP area than on the main floor. Chance had spared no expense when it came to furnishing his new renovation which included plush seating, gleaming wood floors, and large chandeliers in the space.

Ava sipped her drink and smiled at me. “I wondered why it took you so long to ask me out.”

“I was busy.”

She tossed her hair in a practiced gesture. “I’m busy too, but we can always make the time. After this party, we could take things back to my place.” The way her hand splayed on my chest left no doubt what she had in mind.

My dick didn’t stir. “I have a busy day tomorrow.”

Undeterred, she shrugged. “Mm, guess we’ll have to leave the party early, then.”

Not a bad idea, but for a different reason than she thought. However, before we could leave, I needed to find Chance and thank him for the invitation. We’d met a few months back when I’d done some legal work for him regarding a termination of parental rights. Anytime a powerful man like him issued an invitation, one didn’t say no. “We should make our rounds and find my client.”

“Absolutely. I can’t wait for the opportunity to network.”

It was clear my date lived and breathed her career in public relations. She was outgoing and ambitious, going after what she wanted.

Finally seeing the familiar face of Chance Maxwell, I led Ava toward him.

Upon seeing me, he took my hand in a firm handshake. “Ah, Caleb, glad to see you made it out.”

“Thanks for the invite. Your remodel looks great.”

He grinned. “Appreciate it. Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Tory. Tory, this is Caleb Morrison who helped us with that legal matter a few months back.”

Not only had I drawn up the papers terminating the parental rights of her daughter’s biological father, but I’d also set up a will in case something happened to her. At the time, Chance had declared he was doing this for a “friend,” but it was no surprise to learn now there was more to it.

Tory sucked in a breath. “Caleb. Wow, I had no idea you’d be here tonight.”

Not the reaction I’d expected. Neither was the sharp side eye she gave Chance before settling her gaze on my date. Recognizing I’d been remiss in my manners, I introduced her. “This is Ava Marlow. Ava, please meet Chance Maxwell and Tory Larson.”

She took both their hands. “It’s a pleasure. What a great club. I have a client looking for a place to hold their next birthday party, and would love to get details about private events if you have some time.”

The fact Ava couldn’t resist inserting business left a sour taste in my mouth, but Chance didn’t miss a beat. This was his place of work, I realized, so perhaps I was simply being overly sensitive.

“Be sure to leave your card with Marcus by the staircase, and we’ll be in touch.” Chance pointed toward the large man with the wire in his ear.

“Excellent. I’ll go do that now.” She put her hand on my arm. “I’ll only be a moment.”

As soon as Ava left my side, Tory eyed me critically, as if I’d done something wrong. I had to be imagining it, right? She asked, “How long have you two been dating?”

“First date.”

Tory sighed. “It’s a small world.”

“How so?” Did she know Ava?

“My best friend is your temporary office assistant.”

“Daisy?” As if I’d conjured her out of thin air, my gaze wandered over to the gorgeous blonde walking toward our group. She was a sexy vision in a red strapless dress. I’d never seen her show so much skin and found myself staring.

“Caleb?” She stared at me in shock.

I tore my gaze away from her bare shoulders to meet her eyes. “Wh-what are you doing here?”

“Tory is my best friend, and this is the party I told you about.”

As I was contemplating the fates putting Daisy in my world at every turn, I felt an arm entwine with mine. Shit.