Sofia exuded class and sophistication from her understated black pumps, to her sleek navy dress, to her brown hair, twisted in a chignon. She was the head of the company named after her, and Casey wondered briefly if Sofia was a so-called alpha female too, and if she’d ever struggled in her social life because of it. Her gaze drifted briefly to Sofia’s left hand—no ring. But then, the presence or absence of rings proved nothing. Sofia could still be in a committed relationship. Perhaps someday, the two women would chat about love and the challenges of its pursuit as women in business. For now, the focus remained on the products they peddled.

Sofia’s voice turned more earnest. “I’m truly delighted to add the LolaRing to the lineup. I know you’re choosy with your retail partners when rolling out new products, and I’m glad to be on the short list.”

Casey bowed her head slightly. “I assure you, the honor is all mine. I couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our partnership. It also looks like,” she said, crossing her fingers, “we’ll have a hotel chain on board too. I’ll share names when it’s finalized.”

Sofia gave an approving nod. “Excellent. I’m sure I’ll be wowed, since already it’s an impressive short list,” she said, lowering her voice as if they were discussing state secrets. “I hear Grant Abbot is on it. I only wish I had a reason to be in business with him.” Sofia pretended to fan herself. “My, he’s a handsome devil, isn’t he?”

Casey laughed politely. “Yes. He is.”

“I love Entice lingerie, of course, too. I had drinks with him at a conference once. He’s such a flirt, and I even told him as much,” Sofia said, as they walked away from the display.

Flirt. Yeah, that kind of described Grant. Flirty, and charming, and incredibly savvy, he was also a good business partner. The man had been fantastic so far to work with, delivering contracts on time, lining up the right people, and planning the details for marketing. Soon, she’d be seeing him so they could put the finishing touches on the rollout at his boutiques, and perhaps too exploring the possibilities of other partnerships. Her shoulders tensed at the thought. She wasn’t quite sure how to behave with him. It had been a while, and so much had changed, hadn’t it? She furrowed her brow, momentarily trying to recall her last meeting with Grant. But it had grown fuzzier, and much more muted, and she was going to have to do something about that very soon.

Casey tapped her foot and peered down the street. The early evening crowds weaved past her—men in suits and ties, women in smart dresses and business slacks. The workday had ended and Londoners were moving onto their nights, walking briskly along the chic New Bond Street in the heart of the West End. She stood under the black awning of the famed auction house with its elegant white facade, searching for Nate in the crowd, seeking out his familiar frame, his broad shoulders, his golden brown hair, his amber eyes. He’d texted her that he was running late, then texted her again to let her know his car had dropped him off several blocks away. The roads were so clogged with traffic that he’d get there faster on foot. The auction started in ten minutes, and if he didn’t make it soon she’d have to go in solo. Which was fine by her because she didn’t want to miss a chance to vie for the painting she’d been coveting.