Page 40 of Bling

She nearly stumbled as her nieces stepped out on the porch to see her off.

“Your boss is hot,” Catarina whispered in her ear. Isabelle smacked her shoulder before giving her a hug.

“I’ll be in late tonight.”

Then she stepped into the parking lot where he waited with her door open.

“Have fun, Aunt Izzy,” the girls yelled in unison.

“Izzy?” Garrett said, as he slid into the car next to her.

She just shook her head and laughed. “Everyone in my family except my dad calls me that. I hate it, but I’m pretty sure that’s why they do it.”

Garrett frowned. “That’s not very kind.”

Isabelle shrugged. “That’s family.”

“Every time I think you can’t look better, you do. I’m in love with your tux,” she said, changing the subject.

Garrett grinned. “Thank you, Isabelle. I’m glad you approve.”

“My niece said you’re hot.”

Garrett laughed, a full-throated laugh she hadn’t heard before. “And what do you say, Doll?”

She gave him a coy smile and shrugged. “She is the expert on hot men, so I can’t exactly argue with her.”

He chuckled and picked up her hand, bringing it to his lips.

“Thank you for coming with me. I find I enjoy your company more than the company of most.”

She squirmed next to him.

“Remind me what this gala is for again?”

“It’s an annual charity fundraiser for childhood cancer research in Dallas.”

“Do you have ties to that community?”

Garrett shook his head. “Not really but I have a lot of political connections and the event itself is political. Virtually every politician seeking election or reelection for a major office will be there hoping to get someone’s money, or someone’s endorsement.”

“Holy fuck.”

Garrett frowned. “I wouldn’t advise saying that near the cameras. Relax. I’ll be with you the entire time.”

She shook her head. “I’m not so sure. This feels like a terrible mistake. I’m not cut out for something like this. I live in a three-bedroom apartment with four other people. I know nothing about politics. They’re going to think I’m rude if I don’t know who they are. Why didn’t I ask more questions before I agreed to this?” She could feel panic grasping at her throat and talking helped keep it at bay.

Garrett had other ideas. His hand came to rest at the back of her neck and squeezed hard as his mouth crushed against hers, effectively shutting her up.

When he pulled away, he said, “Calm down. You’re panicking and you don’t need to. This will sound crass, but they’re after my money and my political expertise so they’re not going to care all that much about the woman on my arm. To them, you’re just like another piece of bling I’m wearing. I, on the other hand, care a great deal about you and plan to make sure you have an enjoyable time. I just need you to calm the fuck down and let me.”

She nodded slowly, still reeling from his lip bruising kiss. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out on you.”

He massaged her neck. “It’s fine. Just try not to stress out. We’re on a date and there will just be people with cameras around.”

She blew out a breath. “I just hope Sarah isn’t right about me ending up on the front page of the TMZ website.”

He laughed. “I can’t make any promises, but it’s unlikely.”

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