It was fine.

It was completely fine. If Eva and Miles got along and went out, I’d be happy for them. I could be and I would be, even if I didn’t particularly want to see them together. As I’d been telling myself all night, I had no claim to Miles Kingsley.

None at all.

Besides, it wasn’t like I could blame him. Eva was flipping gorgeous, and on nights like tonight where she could glam it up, she really came into her element. Her hair always co-operated, and tonight it fell over one shoulder in loose, thick waves. Her perfectly applied dark red lipstick matched her satin midi cocktail dress almost to the exact shade, and she had the lithe, toned body to pull off such a figure-hugging, unforgiveable dress.

The scoop neck also made her boobs look great.

She was easily the most beautiful woman in the room.

And she was sitting next to her identical twin sister.

Not that Addy looked bad—she didn’t. I was certain it was almost impossible, but even her fancy updo and gorgeous, shiny green wraparound dress that showed off her slightly curvier frame couldn’t compete with the modern-day Jessica Rabbit that was her sister.

“Ah, that’s the last of the plates cleared away,” Daddy said, reaching for his whiskey. “If you’ll excuse me, I see Lord Whitney over by the bar. I must discuss his latest investment with him. I’m rather interested myself. Would you like anything?”

Aunt Cat finished her champagne. “I’ll have some more champagne sent over.”

He acknowledged her and looked to me.

“No, thank you. I still have some wine left.” I picked up my glass. “I’m actually going to step outside for some air in a moment, so if you don’t see me, I’m outside.”

“As long as you don’t get lost in the gardens again.” He smiled. “Very well. I’ll speak to you soon.” He turned and wove his way through the crowd that was forming now that dinner was over, and people were leaving their seats.

“Funny headache you’ve got,” Aunt Cat observed. “One that can be cured by wine.” She made a point of looking over at Eva’s table. “Nothing to do with Miles over there, is it? He does look jolly handsome in that suit.”

I swallowed, daring a glance in his direction. He looked up at the exact second I did and, for the briefest of moments, our eyes met.

Someone walked in front of my table, cutting the moment.

“Don’t you think so?” Aunt Cat prodded, looking curiously at me. “You can’t blame Eva for—”

“Stop it. I know what you’re doing, and you need to stop it. Right now.” I pushed my chair back from the table but leaned into her without getting up. “You know full well what the matter is, but instead of asking me, you’re beating around the bush. You know this is making me uncomfortable and you know why. Stop winding me up.”

I swept my glass from the table and gathered my skirt to one side so I could walk through all the people and the tables without accidentally ruining it.