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“Hey there, Hayden.” Simon stepped between us with drinks, deflating some of the tension. “This is the most beautiful gala theme that I’ve ever seen. I can tell that you’re a true artist and planner.”
“Yes,” Hayden said. “I think it’s some of my best work since it’s personal. Thank you very much for the compliment, Simeon.”
I didn’t bother correcting his name this time. I took the drinks from Simon’s hands and downed them both.
“Well, okay, then.” Simon looped his arm in mine. “Allow me to help you dance that off, shall we?”
“Yeah.” I glared at Hayden. “I think getting away from here is a great idea.”
Hayden clenched his jaw, but he didn’t say a word. His gaze lingered on me long after we walked away, and I felt his eyes following me across the room.
Simon held me close for several songs on the dance floor, whispering words into my ear that I could only halfway hear. I was too busy thinking about Hayden to pay attention, too busy wishing that he wasn’t so fucking sexy.
Focus on Simon, Penelope. Focus on Simon.
“You’re being awfully quiet tonight.” He kissed the shell of my ear. “Are you having a good time?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to come over my place after we leave?”
“Absolutely.” I looked up as I said those words, catching Hayden staring at us from afar.
His eyes were focused on my hands, so I threaded my fingers through Simon’s hair. Then I trailed them down to his neck.
Hayden’s face reddened, and I finally looked away from him.
“You want to try a few things from the inspiration bar?” I said to Simon. “That’s always the best part of this event.”
“I’d love to.” He let go of my waist and clasped my hand, leading me over to the side of the room that was partitioned by the twenty-foot ice sculptures.
He took his time making us a plate of appetizers, but before we could taste them, the CEO of Tinder—Tim Lassing, stepped in front of us.
“Well, look who it is.” He smiled. “Hayden Hunter’s partner in crime. You look stunning as always, Penelope.”
I didn’t bother saying, “Thank you.”
“Are you ever going to admit what he did to me, or are you going to forever cling to his bullshit lies?” he asked.
“Could you like, not?” I rolled my eyes. “I’m shocked Hayden even put you on the guest list.”
“Me too.” He smiled. “But he knows how to throw a damn good party and you’re always around, so I’ll never turn down the chance to get to you. Is this suited guy next to you your date?”
“Simon Gaines.” Simon extended his hand to him. “Nice to meet you.”
Tim didn’t shake it. Instead, he patted Simon’s shoulder.
“You’re wasting your time on this one,” he said. “Get out while you can before the coincidences start piling up.” He snatched one of the strawberries off our plate and walked away.
“I don’t even want to know what the hell he was talking about.” Simon laughed.
“He does that all the time.” I shook my head, suddenly needing a breather more than ever. “Can you give me a few minutes? I need to run to the restroom.”
“Take your time.”
I walked away and headed upstairs to the bathroom that few guests knew existed.
I needed to be alone.
“Mints, spritz, or napkins, Miss?” The attendant smiled at me once I pushed the door open.
“Water, please.”
“As you wish, Miss. What type of—”
“We need to talk.” Hayden was suddenly behind me. “Now.”
“I’m not in the mood to talk to you.”
“I didn’t ask if you were.” He stepped around me. “Can you leave us alone for a few minutes, Martha?”
The attendant nodded and left the room.
Hayden walked over to the sink, but I remained still against the wall that was closest to the door.
I waited for him to come clean, to throw himself at my mercy, and apologize for being an utter jerk these past few weeks, but he didn’t look remorseful in the slightest.
“For the record,” he said, his eyes meeting mine, “you’re fucking beautiful.”
“Thanks. You’re fucking avoiding me.”
“I vividly remember speaking to you a little over an hour ago.”
“You know what I mean.” My chest ached. “Call me before you leave the gala? That’s the only text you’ve sent me for the past couple of weeks, Hayden.”
“Is coming up here your way of telling me that you’re about to leave, then?”
“No,” I said. “I’m trying to tell you that you’ve been a terrible best friend.”
“Really?” He raised his eyebrow. “That’s what you think?”
“I can repeat it if you like.”
“Look,” he said. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with your boyfriend.”
“Yeah, that’s how relationships usually work.”
“He isn’t who you think he is,” he said. “Simeon has some shady shit going on, and I think you should know.”
“His name is Simon.”
“His name depends on what state he’s living in,” he said. “Nonetheless, he’s not Prince Charming in the slightest and I need you to know that now before you make a huge mistake.”
