Page 80 of Miss Treated

“I’d love to get away. And don’t worry, no flying.”

He sighed. “Although I appreciate the sentiment, I’d be willing to do it.”

“What do you think about glamping?” It was something I’d always wanted to do.

His brow furrowed. “Is it like camping?”

“Yep, but you sleep in a trailer or yurt. There are places to glamp in Malibu and up the coast toward Santa Barbara. I was thinking if we could find a place which allowed dogs, we could bring Lady with us too.”

“You find the place, and I’ll make the time.”

It’s what I appreciated so much. He was content with my idea, not critical. He didn’t need to micromanage the details; he just wanted to show up and be part of it.

The next morning, Dominic left my room early to meet his brother to go surfing. I paced my floor. I could simply say no to attending the party today, but what excuse could I offer without hurting his feelings?

I told myself I was being paranoid. Gerard wasn’t about to throw a bomb at his birthday celebration about Sophia’s embezzlement. Dominic would be upset once Gerard told him the details of Sophia and about my audit, but maybe if I went with him to the party today, he’d see how invested I was in him and in us. So I texted him yes.

I was distracted when Dominic picked me up at four o’clock.

“Everything okay?” he asked, driving us to his parents’ house.

“I’m nervous about the party.”

He took my hand over the center console. “It’ll be great. Your assignment is done, and everyone is anxious to meet you.”

Right, the assignment where I’d proved his aunt was embezzling funds. “Will your aunt Sophia be there?”

“Yes. But don’t worry. She doesn’t hold a grudge. You made your recommendations to my father, and he’ll choose what he wants to implement or not. Honestly, if anyone is going to behave badly, it’ll be my brother Leo. He’s a beast when it comes to social graces and hates these parties. Of course, Gabe could give him a run for his money if he’s in a mood. And, of course, if either of them is rude, my mother will be the scariest person of them all.”

I chuckled, having a hard time imagining Anna losing her temper. “I don’t believe it.”

“Oh, believe it. The Italian temper comes out real quick. Luckily, being both the youngest and an angel, I don’t ever see it directed toward me.”

His grin made me laugh, allowing me to relax. I recognized today was an important step for us. I wanted to be here. All this stress I was putting myself through when Gerard might decide to discreetly help Sophia and her husband with their financial debt. Although he might decide to press charges, I didn’t see him wanting the publicity. Clients didn’t like to hear their refunds had been allocated to the accounting director’s pockets. But no matter what he chose, it wouldn’t happen at the party.

I could relax. Easier said than done when we pulled up to the large mansion. It wasn’t the lavish estate which intimidated me—I’d been around plenty, including my own father’s pretentious house. Nope, it was all the people coming toward us with big smiles on their faces. They all wanted to greet their Nicky and his date. Talk about a difference. This was nothing like any reception I’d ever received at one of my father’s parties.

“I’ve got you,” Dominic whispered, taking my hand.

Introductions were a blur, but I had to hand it to Nic. He was smooth and held steady to my hand until we made it out to the backyard where we had some breathing room. “Something from the bar?”

A double vodka would be nice, but the liquor would only intensify my nerves. “A Diet Coke, please.”

He smiled. “You’ve got it.”

As Dominic ordered, a large man came up to us where we stood at the bar. He had to be one of his brothers given the skin tone and nose he shared with Dominic. His long hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and although he was wearing a suit, he seemed so out of place it almost made me laugh. If not for the miserable expression on his face, I might have.

His piercing blue eyes, similar to his father’s, focused on me. “Are you the girlfriend?”

Dominic shook his head. “Jesus, I think your social skills are getting worse, Leo.”

Leo only grunted.

“Hi, I’m Kelsey.”

He frowned at my outstretched hand but finally took it gently. “Leo.” After releasing it, he turned to his brother. “You see Dad?”

“Not yet. We arrived only a few minutes ago. Gabe show up?”