Claire lays a hand on my thigh. “There’s no way I can get everything ready and loaded onto this gorgeous yacht in two days. It’s impossible. Give me at least two weeks.”
I lay my hand on hers. “You have two days, and I’m prepared to pay incentives to get it done. You’re the best, aren’t you?” I raise her hand and squeeze, then lay it on her own leg.
She giggles. “Ohh, Prince Charming, you know I’m putty in your hands and can’t resist your flirty ways.” Her finger taps the wineglass in her hand. “I may have to call in a lot of favors to pull this off, but you’re worth it. Who are we inviting to this impromptu secret party?” Claire asks, a slight strain in her voice.
“Henley, who should we invite to this party?” I ask, drawing her into the conversation.
She looks up from her phone in surprise, then holds up a finger. “I have a list. Marcos and I came up with one when we were finishing the project. Let me dig it up.”
Claire looks surprised. “This is a work function? Why didn’t you say so? I thought Miami’s elite were attending.”
“Oh, they’ll be here, too. After all, we’re celebrating a win for SEI,” I assure her, knowing the power we wield.
“Sent to your email. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to call Peyton,” Henley drawls, flashing a smile toward Claire and me.
Stunned, I watch her walk off, phone to her ear, with an expression of relief on her face.
CHAPTER21
HENLEY
When I walk away, Claire scoots closer to Grayson, and I can’t help but shudder. She was driving me crazy with her high-pitched voice and giggling. I’m just happy I don’t have to deal with her.
Peyton answers the phone, but instead of his usual joie de vivre, his voice has a sharp edge to it. “Henley, you beautiful girl. Where have you been?”
“Sorry, sorry. I know I promised to call, but I had a bit of an accident, and I was in the hospital for about a week. I’ve been recuperating until today. Forgive me?” I cringe at the word accident, but he doesn’t need to know we have lunatic enemies kidnapping and targeting us.
“Are you doing better? Do you need me to bring you some food or anything?” he replies, his voice filled with contrition.
“Ahh, thank you, that’s incredibly sweet of you to offer! But I’ve got plenty of everything,” I assure him.
“Well, now I feel bad for calling you all those terrible names,” he jokes, in a half serious tone. “My only excuse is I’m used to people blowing me off, and I assumed the worst. I’ll forgive you if you forgive me.”
“Done. How has everything been since the ball? Did you get any new clients?”
“I picked up several regular clients, but without any splashy events lately, it’s been tough to get new ones. I’m thankful I get to spend part of my time doing what I love,” he says cheerfully.
“I may be able to provide the splashy event, but I also need some of your practical expertise and styling help,” I inform him.
“I’m in,” he returns quickly.
“You don’t even know what it is yet,” I retort.
“Who cares? The last time you called me, I got to attend Miami’s ball of the year. So, even if it’s a boring charity event, I’ll do it,” he says dramatically. “It’s not, though, is it? A boring event? I mean, I’ll still do it, but I’m not sparing my best outfits on it.”
“How about a party on Grayson’s yacht? Is that exciting enough?”
“I knew you wouldn’t let me down,” he crows excitedly. “Formal?”
“Semi-formal, I think,” I reply. “The affair will be casual, but it’s a launch party on a huge freaking yacht. I’m guessing Miami’s idea of informal doesn’t quite match mine. It’s kind of short notice, though. I need it by end of week. I have clothes in my closet, but if you have something, I know it will be beautiful.”
“Why is everything always so last minute with you?” he exclaims. “Just kidding. It’s fine. I have more dresses than clients right now.”
“Bring whatever you think would look good on me. I trust your judgement,” I tell him. “Also, bring some swim trunks and we’ll hit the beach afterward. I’m dying to know what happened with that good-looking man you met at the ball.” We finalize the timing and I hang up.
Grayson and Claire are ending their meeting, so I take the time to use the restroom. When I come out, I’m startled to find a female bodyguard in the hallway. I smile at her and slip past.
Unfortunately, Claire is still here, clinging to Grayson, but he’s slowly moving her toward the stairs. Another hug and a few more kisses, her fingers wiggle a goodbye in my direction, and she leaves.
