Page 12 of Tell Me All Your Lies

I exit through a side set of dingy doors and leave her to it.

Two hours later, I find myself in Willow Park waiting. An hour passes by, and I realize Cara isn’t coming.

If this is how she wants to play it, then that’s fine by me.

Game on, Cara Collins.

“We’re here, sir.”

“Thank you.”

My driver opens my door, and I step out of the black SUV. This gala is thrown annually by my best friend, Luke, and his wife, Catherine.

We met when he moved to California, and I was assisting with a business deal. As a businessman, I dabble in real estate and other ventures, anything to boost my portfolio. That’s why a friend asked for a favor—to help him make a deal with Collins Enterprises and his corporation.

Luke is tough as nails when it comes to negotiation. After several days, we finally came to an agreement and decided to celebrate.

We went out for a few cocktails and got along better than anyone I had previously met in California. That’s when I knew he was someone I’d be friends with for years to come.

Not only is he a good businessman, but he’s also proud of what he’s accomplished with his family. That day, he told me every decision he made was to better his family’s future and not for his own egotistical gains. After I heard that, I took him under my wing, and the rest is history.

I met Cara only once before the night of the Masked Millionaire.

It all made sense after that discovery. We both were consistently invited to her parents’ galas and parties, but given our mutual profession, our paths rarely crossed.

I thought she was breathtaking that night we met but clearly off-limits given my relationship with her father.

Now tonight is another one that I have to spend looking at the most beautiful woman I know, who is out of reach.

As I walk up the museum steps, I spot my old friends right away. Catherine sees me as they greet guests entering the building and slightly nudges Luke. As I get into the back of the line, Luke waves me forward to skip ahead.

Passing by the guests, I can’t help but scan for any sign of Cara. Of course she wouldn’t be in the actual line, but I’m pathetic when it comes to getting a sighting of this woman. She may be untouchable, but I can still appreciate the effect she has on me.

She’s here. I can feel her presence, but I wouldn’t expect her to be in line with her parents. Instead, I know she’s keeping to the shadows and watching everyone from a distance.

I’ll find her; I always do as she’s come to learn.

“Luke,” I say, greeting him with a hug.

“Grant. I’m glad you were able to make it. All my favorite people are able to be here tonight. It’s wonderful.”

“Happy to support.”

“Grant.” Catherine greets me with a hug as well.

“Another beautiful event,” I answer.

“That’s sweet of you. Why don’t you two go get a drink? I’ve got this covered.”

“If you insist, dear,” Luke answers. He places a chaste kiss on her cheek that she leans into.

“Ready?” Luke asks. I chuckle with a shake of my head.

“I see the bar calling our name.”

“How’s business?” he asks as we walk inside.

“Good. Busy. You know how traveling is these days.”

---