“That red lipstick really pops with your dark hair.” I run my fingers through my hair that they’ve put soft waves into. I even have to admit that I feel different tonight. I’m not sure if it’s from everything that happened with Asher or what. But I feel sexier in my own skin.

I wonder what Asher will think when he sees me. Is he still regretting the things we did?

What have I done?

I haven’t seen him since he left my room. I know one thing for sure: I won’t be chasing him down.

14

Asher

“I take it that things didn’t go well last night?” Chase asks as I toss back the scotch the bartender poured me.

“It went fine.” The bartender starts to refill my drink, but I wave him off. I don’t need to be blasted right now. I’m already having control issues as it is when it comes to Molly. No need to fuel that fire.

“Then what’s with the piss-poor attitude?” My eyes linger on the entrance of the giant tented-off area. I don’t think you can call it a tent. A whole ballroom has been constructed in the backyard. I have to give it to Grace; she’s really gone all out for my father’s birthday. But I guess you can do that when you have an unlimited supply of money to work with.

“Something has come up.” I still have no clue how to deal with the information Sam shared with me earlier. It’s the last thing I want. Two days ago, I would have reveled in this. Been a smug asshole that I’d been right about Grace, but that’s far from what I feel now.

“Your old man is happy.” Chase nods to the dance floor where he’s spinning Grace around. He is, it’s written all over his face. I pull at the collar of my shirt wanting to take this stupid ass bowtie off. “Stop, you’ll fuck it up.” Chase smacks at my hand. I glare at him. “You still planning on heading back tonight?”

“No.”

“That was quick.” Chase chuckles, enjoying this far too much. “Calm the fuck down. If you want to be with her, be with her. Doesn’t matter if your dad married her mom. I mean, the royals back in the day—” I cut him off with a glare that only makes him laugh. “I’m fucking with you. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“I know.” I don’t give a shit about any of that. What I do give a shit about is the fallout of Grace leaving my father when she gets whatever it is she’s after. Dad spins her around the dance floor. She’s either a really good actress or something isn’t right.