I ignored Caine’s questioning look. I couldn’t introduce myself tonight as a Holland. All hell would break loose for Grandpa.
I had not thought this through.
“Well.” Caine gently pressed Marina to the left. “Just wanted to say hello. We’re going to get a drink. We’ll talk later.”
Once they were out of earshot, Henry sighed. “It’s not like him to disappear with his date like that. He usually sticks close to me. He likes to keep me around to smooth things over when rich people say things that annoy him.”
I raised an eyebrow. “That actually happens?”
Henry nodded. “Caine doesn’t have the patience for ignorance and snobbery.”
“Yeah, well, he has a funny way of showing that.”
Henry touched my lower back and began walking us toward the champagne. “You have a habit of bringing out his worst side.” He grinned at me. “I find it highly entertaining.”
I laughed, shaking my head at his nonsense. “You need to grow up, Henry.”
“And why would I do that?”
The hours passed and Henry charmed and entertained me. He introduced me to people and they were genuinely interested to learn I was Caine’s PA. No one looked or talked down to me, and I used my experience from years of dealing with celebrities on the job to converse with them like I wasn’t intimidated. I was cool, appropriately witty but inoffensive, and I bounced well off Henry, who everyone seemed to love.
Henry was convinced Caine was deliberately avoiding us, and it aroused his suspicion. He just didn’t get what it was about me that Caine so abjectly disapproved of.
I wasn’t about to enlighten him.
After returning from the ladies’ suite (yes, suite), I’d only taken a few steps back inside the ballroom when I saw my grandfather and grandmother walking straight toward me.
I halted, not knowing what to do.
Grandpa was in the middle of talking to my grandmother when he glanced over casually and then froze when his eyes locked with mine. They drew closer.
I held my breath.
“I don’t know what was in that vol-au-vent, Edward, but my stomach is unsettled,” I heard my grandmother complain as they approached.
“Adele,” Grandpa said, voice weary, eyes still on me, “you just had it fifteen minutes ago. I doubt it could have taken much effect already.”
“I know what I know. A brandy will relax it.”
“I’m sure it will,” he replied sardonically, dragging his gaze from mine. “Dick’s in his study hiding out. He’ll have some.”
They walked right by me, his shoulder almost brushing mine.
I stared after him, my chest burning with hurt, even though I understood why he had to pretend he didn’t know me.
I got it. I did.
But fuck, that killed.
I blinked back the sting of tears and spun around, only to draw to an abrupt halt.
Caine stood before me, staring down at me in question. “I understand now why you introduced yourself as Hall. I think you forgot to mention that you’re not on speaking terms with the rest of the Hollands.”
I shifted uneasily, glancing around to make sure there was no one close enough to overhear. “I am with my grandfather, but he can’t acknowledge me publicly. No one in the family knows he and I are in contact. It would cause problems.”
Caine looked past me to where my grandparents had departed. “Yet another reason you shouldn’t be here.”
His rejection on top of my grandfather’s was too much. I took a step toward him and I saw something flicker in his gaze. I wanted to hiss and insult him and make him feel as bad as I felt right then … but as I stared up into those dark eyes I slumped with disappointment.
I shook my head, words failing me, and I pushed past him, hurrying to Henry’s side.
“You okay?” Henry frowned when I reached him.
My cheeks flushed with anger and wounded pride. “I’m fine.”
“Do you want to get some air?”
No, I wouldn’t be chased from the ballroom by Caine’s insensitivity and determination to make me feel unwelcome. “Let’s just dance, okay?”
Henry led me onto the dance floor and expertly maneuvered me into the slow dance. He held me close but not too close, and I knew without a doubt that Henry and I were just friends. When a guy danced with you and held you, you were supposed to feel tingles and butterflies and go all melty inside. I just felt comfortable with Henry. I guess that was nice in its own way.
“He has spent most of the night scowling and brooding and ignoring his date,” Henry murmured suddenly, obviously talking about Caine. “Last time I saw Marina she was flirting with Governor Cox.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Isn’t he married?” And why, oh, why, would you flirt with Governor Cox when Caine Carraway was your date?
“Yup, but his wife is flirting with Mitchell Montgomery.”
“The toilet paper guy?”
“The one and only. Although we have a different name for him in our circle.”
“And that would be?”
“The Asswipe.”
I burst out giggling at the hilariously childish moniker. “How fitting.”
Henry grinned. “What it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in entertainment.”
I leaned into him, laughing harder.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Suddenly Caine was there, towering over us both. He fairly bristled with impatience. “I need Alexa.”
“What for?” My momentary amusement was gone.
“That was Arnold. He’s got a colleague in Sydney on the phone, and it’s important I take this conference call. We need to get to the office.”
“We?” I shook my head. “Do you really need me for this?”
He bent his head toward mine, thunderclouds in his eyes. “I will need coffee and assistance for whatever else might be needed this evening. That’s what I pay you to do. To assist me.”
I could not believe it!
Was he kidding me with this crap?
I glanced back at Henry to apologize, only to find him wearing this weird, triumphant little smirk on his face. He quickly smoothed his expression. “I’m sorry to have to leave you,” I said, eyeing him in confusion.
He further confused me by shrugging nonchalantly. “When work calls you’ve got to go.”
I decided to ignore his weirdness for now. I could only deal with one puzzling man at a time. “Thank you for understanding.” I kissed his smooth cheek. “And for a lovely evening.”
He gave my hip a squeeze. “You’re very welcome, beautiful. Thanks for classing up the place.”
I laughed, my amusement dying another quick death when the impatient Caine whirled around and strode through the dance floor. I gathered my own worn-out patience before hurrying after him.