“Most of them,” Jessica says in something just above a whisper. “Of course, it’s not a requirement . . .”

“But I don’t want to be the odd man out. Maybe there’s someone you could set me up with?”

At this Travis’s eyes narrow, but Jessica, oblivious to the true dynamics of what’s going on, nods her head. “I’m sure I could come up with a name or two,” she says vaguely. “You’re not a difficult man to fix up . . . Although you are so picky, Lander. I can’t remember the last time you dated a woman for more than a week.”

I can. But I keep my eyes on the floor, not saying a word.

“I know, I’m a challenge.” Lander laughs. “Perhaps you shouldn’t set me up after all. I’ll undoubtedly do something unforgivable during the evening and your friend will hate you forever for putting her through the hardship.”

“ ‘Unforgivable’?” Travis repeats coolly.

“Oh, you know.” Lander sighs. “I won’t give my date enough attention, or I won’t be able to feign interest in her career. Or when she asks me if I’ll respect her in the morning, I’ll tell her the truth. I’ve never been good at pulling my punches, and that doesn’t really work out well for me in our circles.” He taps his fingers against his knees as he pretends to think.

And then he turns to me.

“How about you, Bell?”

“Me?” I ask weakly. I cast a glance at Travis, but I can’t read him. Lander seems to have us all a bit off guard.

“It’ll be good food and good drinks, isn’t that right, Jess?” Again Lander smiles at his sister-in-law.

“Well, yes, Bell actually helped a bit with sorting through the RSVPs and pledges, although most of it was planned before we hired her . . .”

“Oh, you helped?” Lander gets to his feet and faces me. “Well, now you have to come.”

For a second I feel a little dizzy. I can feel both Travis’s and Lander’s eyes on me as I try to come up with a response. Finally I venture a small smile and lock my eyes on Lander. “Forgive me, Mr. Gable—”

“Lander,” he corrects.

“Forgive me, Lander, but you didn’t exactly make yourself seem like a great date just now.”

He smiles, a slow, knowing, and incredibly sexy smile.

“So use me,” he says sweetly.

“Excuse me?” I ask, my voice catching in my throat.

“For the dinner, of course,” he clarifies, his smile widening. “I’m offering you a way into an event that might otherwise be financially out of reach. It’ll be fun.”

I look over at Jessica. There’s a flash of something in her eyes that I haven’t seen from her before. It could be amusement, but it almost looks like . . . like triumph.