Page 24 of The Billionaire's Masquerade Ball

Lucy threw her a wicked smile. “So, did you get your first kiss?”

Was it that obvious she had been so close?

“Lucy, shut up. No. You think I’m going to kiss some random guy I just met after waiting for my first kiss for twenty-six years?”

I almost did.

“Technically you didn’t wait twenty-six years. Maybe just, like thirteen? I mean, unless you were waiting for your first kiss as a baby or a ten-year-old. Which is gross.”

“This conversation is devolving. I need to get back to work before this place burns down.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” Lucy peered into her face as though she could find the truth written there somehow.

“He …um, quoted Emily Dickinson to me.”

“That’s interesting. But not what I meant. What aren’t you telling me?”

Before she could change her mind, Cynder blurted out, “It’s Xander Callahan.”

The relief at telling someone was instant and she almost laughed at Lucy’s shocked face. Except for the fact that this was her problem: she had shared an intimate moment with Xander Callahan.

“As in, the Xander Callahan who is throwing this very event? The billionaire.”

“Yep.”

“Your client.”

“Uh huh.”

“The one who has the reputation with the ladies?”

“The very one.”

To Cynder’s surprise, Lucy bent over at the waist, laughing hysterically. “Oh, Cynder. This is too much.”

“I’m really glad you see the humor in this, Tink. That my emotional turmoil can somehow provide entertainment.”

“You are always a surprise, Cynder. Just when I think I know you. Wait—isn’t he, like, old?”

“He’s older. But not gross old. Maybe in his thirties? He looks young.”

“I thought he was wearing a mask.”

Cynder blew out an exasperated breath. “The bottom half of his face looked young. Anyway. I have to go. Can we talk about this later?”

Lucy laughed again, gathering up the garment bag. “You better believe we’re going to talk about this again. I’ll wait up.”

“You probably shouldn’t. I doubt I’ll be home before four.”

“Uh. Okay. I’ll wake you up in the morning. With coffee.” Lucy stepped up on her tiptoes to give Cynder a quick kiss on the cheek. “I am sorry I laughed. But I’m not sorry you met someone. Finally. Even if it is someone likely to cause you more trouble than anything else. You never know. Sometimes the people you least expect—”

“Don’t finish that sentence, Tink. Thanks for the dress. And for covering for me. Get home safe.”

“Ugh. You’re the worst best friend ever.” Lucy disappeared with the dress in a hanging bag.

Cynder was putting her hair up into a ponytail when she stepped out into the hall and ran into the same guy with the blond hair. Was he waiting outside the door?

“Sorry, again,” she said. “Though I think this time it was your fault.”

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