Page 35 of The Heiress's First Date

Well, that’s the best news I’ve heard all morning.

Katherine

The club is as posh as always—bountiful flower arrangements, gleaming woodwork, glittering chandeliers, and impeccable wait staff. And the best brunch this side of Central Park.

Melina, Mel for short, rushes through the round tables and plops into the chair across from me. “Sorry I’m late.”

Her dark hair is sun-kissed, as is her complexion, and she has her mother’s big, brown eyes.

“We haven’t been here long,” I assure her.

“No worries. Ava was telling us about the swing dancing class she took,” Sophia says, a mischievous smirk gracing her painted lips. Always a bold red for Soph. In fact, it’s her signature color. Designed and named for her.

It’s good to have parents who own a cosmetic empire, I guess.

Mel perks up. “Oh? How’d that go?”

“Such a good workout. I might keep going,” Ava says, reaching for her water glass.

I can’t imagine being that free. Just letting my body do whatever. I mean, I know there are steps and choreography, but if it’s not a basic waltz, it didn’t exist when I was growing up.

My Bellini arrives, and I take a thankful sip. Hopefully, the alcohol will take the edge off my nerves.

“You guys should come with me,” Ava says.

My gaze collides with Soph’s. I can almost read her mind.That sounds like hell.

She’s not wrong.

Then again, I’m tired of living in the shadows my grandfather cast. Ford’s always reminding me how much life there is to live.

He’s not wrong either.

“Could we arrange for private lessons?” I ask.

Ava squeals, drawing attention from nearby tables. She has the grace to duck her head and lower her voice. “Of course. Come on, Soph. It’ll be fun.”

“Which of your hunky guys will you bring?” Mel asks, turning her focus to me.

All the attention turns my way.

My hunky guys. What would they say if they knew just how close the four of us have gotten? It’s all fun and games now, but the instant they learn the truth... My stomach sours, and I take another long sip from my glass.

“What? You knew we were going to ask,” Ava says.

I sigh, hands in my lap, my nervous system on overload. This week has been a lot. The auction. Gabe’s half-livable beach house. That life-altering threesome. Learning the truth about Gabe’s history with Grandfather.Learning the truth about Kingston.

“Kingston!” Mel hops up from the table.

Did I say that out loud?

The back of my neck tingles with awareness.

Nope. He’s here. He has to be.

I crane my neck, glancing back to see Mel scooting between tables to hug her brother. His eyes lock with mine over her shoulder, and my insides melt. My heart lifts. My soul sings.

He’s totally underdressed but obviously doesn’t care. Striding forward, he grins at me with the easy smile that I have had to hide my reaction to for years.

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