Page 97 of Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire
The limos started arriving at seven. Before long, the ballroom was filled with laughter, chattering voices, and music. Victoria had hired a jazz band to play for the event. They were a group I’d actually heard on satellite radio before.
When Mrs. Hood did something, she did it right.
She seemed completely in her element, conversing easily with lawmakers, royals, professional athletes, and billionaires as well as the “little people” like me and my former SEAL buddies.
“Gray, Scarlett, I’d like to introduce the crown prince and princess of Aubernesse, Alexander and Cinda Wessex. And this is Alex’s brother Cameron and his sister Jane.”
I extended my hand to each of them. “Gray Lupine. Pleased to meet you. I believe my company provides your family security services when you’re here Stateside.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Alex said. “Viridian has been excellent.”
He shot his brother a look. “Especially when Cam needs to be pulled out of some scrape or another. Which is quite often.”
The younger Wessex prince offered a dazzling grin as he executed an elaborate bow. “Always happy to keep the bodyguards employed and busy.”
“Almost as busy as you keep the American girls when you visit,” his sister teased.
Jane offered congratulations to Scarlett and me. “Will the wedding be here in Eastport Bay? I’m in medical school just up the road in Boston if you need any help in the planning. I just love weddings.”
Scarlett looked uncomfortable but maintained the subterfuge. “Thank you so much. That’s very kind. I believe my grandmother’s heart is set on having it here at Indigo Point.”
After a few minutes the Wessex family said their goodbyes, and Presley Lowe walked over.
He looked quite different tonight from when I’d seen him at the Nauticals training camp. With his six-foot-five height and all cleaned up, wearing a tux, he could have passed for a male model.
“You want to introduce me to your bride to be,” he asked, “or are you too afraid she’s gonna realize she’s been settling for cold cuts when she could have ribeye steak instead?”
“Well, youarea meathead,” I said. “Scarlett, this is my friend Presley Lowe. He’s Wilder’s brother.”
“It’s nice to meet you Presley.” They shook hands.
I was gratified to see she didn’t have visible drool on her lips like many of the party guests checking out the famous football player.
“Nice to meet you, too,” he said. “I was just kidding about that cold cuts thing—Gray is at least tenderloin.”
She smiled obligingly, and Pres leaned close to me, whispering as he stared across the room. “And who isthatpetite filet mignon?”
Snorting at his joke, I followed his gaze to Jane Wessex, who was now deeply in conversation with best-selling author Jack Bestia and his wife Bonnie.
“That—is on a whole different menu, my friend,” I said. “I’m not sure you can even afford the appetizers. She’s a literal princess.”
“No shit,” he said, never taking his eyes from her. “Does she speak English?”
“A whole helluva lot better than you do. Want me to introduce you?’
Suddenly the enormous football player looked nervous. “I don’t know. I’m not sure what I’d even say to her. It’s easy to talk to the football groupies. They already know who I am and want me before I say a word. This girl, though…”
“Would it help if I told you she’s a student?”
“She looks older than college age.”
“A med student,” I corrected. “At Harvard.”
He turned and gave me a droll look. “Yeah, that helps a ton. She’s a royalanda genius. I’ll see you guys later—think I’ll go hit the closest sports bar and find a girl more my speed.”
Stephanie rolled Victoria’s wheelchair back over to us.
“Do you mind if I steal your fiancé for a dance, Scarlett?” Victoria asked.
