Then she saw him. Walking with such purpose, separating the crowd like the prow of a ship, his sister behind him. He wore slim black chinos that stopped at the ankle with a simple white button-down that defined his broad shoulders and slim hips. His black Chelsea boots matched the belt low on his waist. His raven hair was tied back in a messy bun and shaved close on the sides and back. He looked impossibly chic, like he belonged in a villa in Italy. His face wore a worried expression, and he scanned the crowd every few seconds. She raised her hands and waved. He caught her gaze and made his way to her. His smile was so bright and boyish that if she wasn’t in love with him already, that smile would have sealed the deal.

“Make sure you get your lanterns,” Dorsey said to Liza’s family. Gigi introduced herself to them and walked them toward the lanterns. Dorsey turned back to Liza. “When I was in the Philippines around Christmastime, San Fernando would host these huge lantern festivals.” He slipped his big, warm hand into hers. It was only the second time they had held hands, and it seemed like the entire city shuttered their cameras at the sight. “I wanted to bring a little of that magic here to say thank you.”

“I should thank you.”

“The board was in love with the proposal and even wanted to hand me my old job back.”

“Dorsey, that’s great!”

“I said no.”

“Wait, what? Why?”

“Meet the new executive director of WCO Foundation.”

“Oh, Dorsey.” Liza’s joy flowed up. “That’s a perfect fit.”

“It is. We’re also looking for a director for a new division we’re spinning up. They would work closely with foreign countries’ ministries of culture to highlight and amplify the needs of the respective communities.”

Liza smiled. “This person would work with the community, not speak for them, right?”

His fingers traced the slope of her neck. “Oh, that’s essential.” His voice had gone husky, and Liza shivered under the graze of his fingertips.

“We won’t be plastering our name all over projects well underway in other countries?” Liza loved looking into his eyes and seeing something soft and yielding in them, instead of the unreadable, flinty onyx she had come to associate with him.

“Never,” he said.

“Well, this seems like a great opportunity. Do you know anyone I can speak to about my candidacy?” Liza asked.

“Oh, I heard the interview there is tough. Their executive director for one is a real asshole.”

“Dorsey. You’re not an asshole. Honestly, you’re one of the kindest people I know. The jet, one hundred thousand dollars, no questions asked. You saved my family.”