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Iadjusted my cufflinks in the full-length mirror in my walk-in closet. The Blackwell Couture suit had custom tailoring and fit me better than a glove. It was one of the perks of having fashion-industry cousins. The black fabric had a subtle sheen that caught the light just right.

If I was going to be Darcy’s arm candy, I was going to be the best damn arm candy money could buy. I had changed out of my basic court suit and into the designer one after leaving the office early.

I was surprised she had called me for dinner. Darcy had been clear she wanted everything scheduled and preplanned. And not even eight hours after what I was definitely going to chalk up as one of the best nights of my life, she called. I had been planning on an early night, alone in my house as usual.

I didn’t mind though. I was warming up to her. I hoped to get her to sing karaoke with me again, but sober. Not because I loved karaoke. Really didn’t care for it, but I bought the machine as a joke. I wanted her to sing karaoke but because I loved seeing her step out of her self-imposed cage. It wasn’t even about the job for me. I just wanted to help her find some joy in life. I had appointed myself her little ray of sunshine.

I grabbed my keys from the table in the entryway and walked into the garage. I had a BMW and a Porsche. Tonight it was the Beamer.

I handed my keys to the valet and headed toward the restaurant entrance. The place was an expensive restaurant that was perfect for wining and dining clients and investors. Warm lighting, white tablecloths, a pianist playing just loud enough to be heard but not loud enough to interrupt wealthy people discussing business over wagyu beef.

My natural habitat, honestly. I’d grown up in places like this.

I pushed through the heavy glass doors and scanned the hostess area. It didn’t take long to spot them. Lou Corwin stood near the podium in a navy suit, looking every bit the distinguished executive.

And next to him was Darcy.

Holy shit.

She wore a black dress with a wrap-style bodice that gave her an hourglass shape. It fell just below her knees. Her hair was up in a ponytail, showing off her slender neck. Diamond studs glittered in her ears, and a delicate necklace drew the eye to her collarbone.

I let my gaze travel slowly from her red-soled heels up to her face, not bothering to hide my appreciation. There was no faking required here. She looked absolutely stunning.

She caught me looking. Her cheeks flushed pink, and those icy blue eyes narrowed into a glare that should have slapped me into shape. I just shot her my cockiest grin, the one that usually got me either slapped or kissed depending on the woman.

She looked away, but I caught the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth. She wasn’t as annoyed as she wanted me to think.

“Beau.” Lou extended his hand as I approached. “Glad you could make it on short notice.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” I shook his hand firmly. “Thanks for the invitation.”

“Darcy tells me you’ve been very helpful with her situation.”

“Just doing my job, sir.”

Darcy shot me a look that suggested she didn’t appreciate being reduced to a job, but she kept her composure. Professional to the core, even when she probably wanted to step on my foot with those killer heels.

Lou turned back to the hostess, slipping her a hundred-dollar bill while he worked to get a better table.

“You look incredible,” I said to her, keeping my voice low enough that only she could hear.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re mentally undressing me.”

“I would never.” I pressed a hand to my chest in mock offense. “I’m a gentleman.”

“You’re a menace.”

Before I could respond, the restaurant doors opened again and two men walked in. Both were middle-aged and wore expensive suits. They both had the unmistakable air of men who were used to being important.

The investors had arrived.

Lou stepped forward to greet them, all smiles and firm handshakes. “Richard, Tom. Good to see you both.”

“Lou, always a pleasure.” The taller one, Richard I assumed, clapped him on the shoulder. “And Darcy. I’ve heard so much about you.”