Objectively, that wasn’t high praise. So why did it feel like it was?

Ultimately, the two of us didn’t mingle or dance. We milled, in silence more comfortable than it should have been. There was space between us, inches. One second, it felt like too much, and the next, I was damn near certain it wasn’t enough.

Looking out at the crowd, I spotted the evening’s host on the other side of the ballroom. Davis Ames was holding court and shaking hands. My grandmother had taken up position at his side.

“If I have to listen to one more person tell me what a cozy get-together this is, or what a good man my grandfather is, I will not be held responsible for my actions.” Campbell didn’t bother with hello as she sauntered up. “Cozy is just a way of saying this year’s event isn’t half as well attended as last year’s,” she continued, “and talking about what a good man my grandfather is? That’s code for how lucky Mama, Walker, and I are that he hasn’t disowned us all.” She paused, but only for an instant, then turned her attention to my companion. “Hello, Nick.”

If I’d needed a reminder that the two of them had been friends with benefits, heavy on the benefits, her coy tone would have done it. Thankfully, I managed not to study every detail of Nick’s expression as he responded.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” he asked her. “Daddy in prison at your hands?”

“I’m a complicated person,” Campbell shot back. “I’m allowed to hate the things I want.” She turned to me. “So is this a thing now?” she asked, nodding to Nick. “The two of you?”

No. Yes. Only for tonight. My brain supplied a string of answers, rapid-fire.

“Do you have a problem with that?” Nick asked, beating me to an actual response.

“None in the least. But I am afraid that I’m going to have to borrow Sawyer from you for just a minute. We have some things to talk about, and I’m afraid they’re need-to-know.” Campbell went for the kill shot. “Sister things.”

Nick shrugged.

“He knows we’re not sisters,” I informed Campbell. “I told him.”

Nick smirked. “I suppose I didn’t need to know . . .”

“But you do,” Campbell finished. “Lovely.” She flashed him another smile. “In that case, should I assume Sawyer has also told you that we found a twenty-year-old body that might have ended up at the bottom of Regal Lake at the hand of an Ames?”

No. I hadn’t.

Nick’s eyes narrowed. “What the hell is she talking about, Sawyer?”

“The Lady of Regal Lake,” Campbell supplied.

“I know about the body,” Nick said, his eyes still on me. “I run a bar. I hear things. What does Campbell mean about someone in her family being responsible for the body?”