they won’t feel the need to speak to you every time they see you, which is almost never.”
“You’re saying the attraction to me is how rarely I appear. It has nothing to do with me or my position. If I showed up more often, I would be old news.”
She realized he could take that as an insult. “I never used the word old news. I’m just saying maybe some of the attention could be spread out over several appearances instead of concentrated on just one.”
“Spread the torture out over several evenings instead of getting it done in one.”
She sighed and shook her head. “Maybe it wouldn’t feel as much like torture if it was spread out.” She glanced up and saw a familiar woman walking toward them. “Is that—”
“Max, what a surprise. You told me you weren’t planning to come tonight,” the woman said and Lilli recalled who she was. Kiki.
Lilli felt a nervous twitch at the back of her neck.
“Last-minute change of plans,” Max said, rising to his feet. “Are you enjoying the event?”
Kiki shot Lilli a venomous glance. “Not as much as if I were with you,” she said and touched his arm.
“Oh, I’m sure I would have bored you to tears. I’m doing the same to Lilli. Just ask her,” he said, glancing down at Lilli with a devil’s glint in his eyes.
“I’m sure Lilli would never call you boring,” Kiki said. “No woman in her right mind would.”
“Let’s ask Lilli. Tell the truth,” he said.
She searched his gaze, wondering why on earth he was putting her on the spot like this. “Kiki is right. I wouldn’t have described you as boring.”
“See?” Kiki said.
“But he can complain right up there with the best of them,” she added.
Kiki’s eyes narrowed in disapproval. Max stared at her in surprise and Lilli heard the clatter of sterling silver hit the floor beside her followed by the sound of nervous laughter from the woman sitting in the chair beside her.
Fighting a twinge of nervousness and regret, Lilli lifted her shoulders. “You told me to be honest.”
“Yes, I did,” he said, giving the distinct impression he wouldn’t make the same request again.
Kiki cleared her throat. “I need a quick private word with you, Max. It’s urgent. Do you mind?”
He shot a longing glance at his food and Lilli. “Oh, go,” she urged him. “If you’re not back soon, I’ll ask the server to wrap it up to take home.”
He bent down and whispered in her ear. “At this rate we may be stopping at Wendy’s for me.”
She smiled. “Drive-through is open until midnight.”
He gave a rough chuckle and turned toward Kiki.
“He’s so hot,” the young woman beside her said. “How could you send him off with that beautiful woman? You must be confident of your relationship with him,” she said in admiration.
Lilli turned to the pudgy young woman with the sweet face. “Max and I have an unusual relationship,” she said wryly.
The woman nodded, glancing at Lilli’s pregnant belly. “You don’t have to tell me anything. I’ve heard him dodging questions the entire dinner. I know what it’s like to be surrounded by people with hidden agendas. Oh, I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself. I’m Mallory James.”
“I’m Lilli—”
“McCall,” Mallory said, then blushed. “I overheard him introduce you several times. I’m not usually nosy, but since I’m here by myself tonight, and the two of you were more interesting than the almost-dead and completely deaf eighty-seven-year-old beside me…well…”
Lilli smiled. “I’m glad we at least provided a little entertainment. Nice to meet you, Mallory.”
The other woman glanced past Lilli’s shoulder. “Good grief, you’re surrounded by them,” she murmured.
“Lilli, you’re looking delicious tonight,” a male voice said just behind her.
Lilli turned around to meet Alex Megalos’s friendly gaze. She couldn’t help smiling as she shook her head. “Do you give lessons on flirting on the side?”
“No way. Gotta keep my edge. Where did Max go? Not wise to abandon a woman as beautiful as you.”
“You’re so right,” she said. “I’m bracing myself for the stampede any minute.”
Mallory cleared her throat loudly.
Lilli glanced back at the woman whose expression clearly said please introduce me. “Oh, Alex Megalos, have you met Mallory James? She’s new to town. Alex works for Megalos-De Luca Enterprises.”
Alex extended his hand to Mallory and lifted it to his lips. “Enchanted. Have I heard of your father?”
“Perhaps,” Mallory said, stuttering. “James Investments and Wealth Management.”
Alex nodded in recognition and gave a roguish smile, dipping his head toward hers. “Yes. I bet he keeps you under lock and key. I hear he’s excellent. I’d love a chance to chat with him. Is he here tonight?”
“Not tonight,” Mallory said and pulled out a card. “But I’d be happy to introduce you. Give me a call?” she asked, rising, bumping into a server carrying a tray of drinks.
“Oh, no.” Lilli watched helplessly as the drinks tumbled, splattering Mallory’s pink gown and at least one leg of Alex’s pants.
The server’s face froze. “I’m so sorry.”
“Club soda,” Lilli said, quickly standing. “Club soda works magic for stains. And we need more napkins,” she called after the waiter as he left. She gave her napkin to Alex and blindly accepted one that someone else offered her.
She gave the other napkin to Mallory, meeting the horrified gaze of her new acquaintance. “Mallory, go ahead to the powder room. I’ll bring the club soda, sweetheart. These servers move so quickly,” she said.
As soon as Mallory was out of earshot, she turned to Alex. “Shame on you for causing all this trouble.”
“Me?” Alex said in an incredulous voice, wiping his slacks.
“You’re such a flirt. I’m sure you know what kind of effect you have on most women. You really should be more careful doling out those kisses and smiles.”
Max appeared at her side and glanced at Alex. “Did someone finally decide to douse him?” he asked, half-joking.
Alex met Max’s gaze and gave a heavy sigh. “No. it was the server. Dammit, Lilli can explain it to you,” he said and left.
