Page 44 of To Steal a Heart

Ignoring the jab, Sylvia asked, “Who’s your date?” Her voice turned smooth as silk. “Hector and I were so worried that you wouldn’t find anyone to come with you.” She linked a territorial arm through Hector’s. “Weren’t we, darling?”

Arden trilled out a velvety laugh as she homed in on Sylvia. “No need to worry about me. I might not have rebounded from the breakup quite as fast as Hector, who fell into your arms the following week. However, I’m in a good place now.”

Sylvia looked mortified, but Mom was impressed. Her eyes seemed to be saying, “That’s my girl.”

“Crew’s not just my date, but my boyfriend.” Arden glanced at Crew, who was still talking to Dad. The two seemed to be getting on well. She stepped over and touched Crew’s arm. “Hey, babe. There are some people I want you to meet.” Before Crew could break away from his conversation with Dad, Grandmother hobbled up, leaning heavily on her cane. She made a big to-do of looking Crew up and down with a disdainful glare. “You must be opportunist number two.” She smirked. “Well, at least Arden found an improved model.” She cut her eyes at Hector, who turned bright red. Sylvia touched Hector’s arm as if to offer reassurance. In that split second, Arden almost felt sorry for Sylvia. If she and Hector stayed together, she’d spend the rest of her life trying to protect his fragile ego.

Arden looked at Crew to get his reaction to Grandmother’s snarky comment. To his credit, his expression remained pleasant. If anything, he was amused.

“Is this the infamous Josette Chasing I’ve heard so much about?” Crew stepped up, took Grandmother’s spindly hand, and lifted it to his lips for a kiss. “It’s nice to put a face behind the reputation.” He winked as he released her hand.

Grandmother harrumphed as Madeline and Banks rocked back in surprise.

Score one for Crew! Arden was impressed. Then, Crew made the mistake of glancing at Grandmother’s necklace. Oh, no! Arden hadn’t thought to warn him about the blasted necklace because she never dreamt that Grandmother would bring the thing with her. It was a twisted game that Grandmother played—wearing the necklace to events and then castigating anyone who dared to notice it.

“Put your eyes back in your sockets, sonny boy,” Grandmother snapped. “Have you never seen a diamond necklace before?”

Arden held her breath. Mom and Dad gave her apologetic looks as if to say,No one can do a thing with Josette.Sylvia, on the other hand, wore a smirk of triumph, and Hector actually grinned. Arden should’ve never brought Crew here. Their relationship was doomed. He’d probably turn and run after this night was over. She looked at Crew, intent on sayingI’m so sorrywith her eyes, but he was too busy eyeing Grandmother to notice.

Then he came back with a smooth, “Actually, I was just thinking that your necklace looks almost just like the one I bought Arden at Costco.” He tipped his head, looking thoughtful. “Although, I think Arden’s has a little more bling.”

Arden sputtered out a snigger and then got the stink eye from Grandmother. Mom and Dad eyed one another in amusement. Sylvia looked disappointed, and Hector downright crestfallen. Grandmother drew herself up to her full height and eyed Crew like he was a rodent she’d like to exterminate.

“Watch yourself, sonny boy,” she warned.

Crew grinned at Grandmother. “You know, I see a lot of Arden in you. I like it,” he said decisively. “It keeps me on my toes.” He turned his attention to Sylvia and Hector. “Hello.” He extended his hand. Wide-eyed Sylvia took it and the two shook. “This is a fabulous party.”

“Thank you,” she responded hesitantly, like she wasn’t sure how to react.

Crew’s gaze traveled to Hector. “We finally meet.” A jovial smile tipped his lips. “Arden has told me so much about you.”

Hector’s face turned purple as he coughed. “I wouldn’t believe everything you’ve heard.”

“That’s right,” Sylvia asserted as she thrust out her chin. “Hector’s a great guy.” She looked at Arden, daring her to disagree.

“I should be thanking you,” Crew said in a polished tone.

“For what?” Hector’s expression was wary.

“Had you not been so remiss and failed to recognize Arden’s extraordinary qualities, then I would have missed out on the greatest blessing in my life.”

Crew floated Arden a smile so dazzling that for a split second, she got caught up in his spell. She’d once seen a master musician play the violin with such precision that she could’ve sworn she’d seen the hands of an angel working the bow. That’s how she felt with Crew. He was a master at working people. Watching him, Arden could almost believe that he’d been born and bred to shine in this glitzy world of innuendo and subterfuge.

Sylvia craned her neck and fanned her hand. A second later, Wesley Laramie stepped up. As always, he was dressed impeccably. “Hello.” His eyes moved up and down Arden with open appreciation before he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “You look fabulous as always,” he murmured in her ear as his hand lingered on her arm.

Arden pushed out a soft grunt as she stepped back. The fire flashing in Crew’s liquid blue eyes was immensely gratifying.

Wesley turned his attention to Crew. He scoped him with the eyes of one sizing up the competition. Crew bore his scrutiny with such patience and class that Arden was astounded. If she’d been Crew, she might’ve decked Wesley on the spot. Then again, Crew didn’t realize what a loser Wesley was. Where she, on the other hand, had a lifetime of experience with his shenanigans.

“Wesley is a beautiful dancer,” Sylvia began. A crafty expression overtook her thin face as she directed her comments to Crew, her voice gushing. “You should’ve seen Wesley and Arden at the Founder’s Day Ball. They could be professionals.”

A bemused grin tugged at Crew’s lips as he turned to Arden. “Is that so? I had no idea,” he murmured.

Heat warmed Arden’s cheeks. She didn’t have to be a mind reader to know that Crew was wondering why she’d signed up for a dance class if she was already skilled.

Sylvia chuckled. “Did I miss something?” She moved her finger from Arden to Crew, her voice conspiratorial. “I saw that look that passed between y’all.”

“Arden and I met at a dance class,” Crew explained.

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