Prologue
People dressed in gowns and tuxedos filtered into the cozy book bar across from the opera house, reminding her of where they were and how long they’d been missing. She reached in her purse to check the time on her phone, shocked to see it was almost midnight.
There were a few missed calls and texts from Toni asking where she was. Some worried ones too.
She couldn’t tell her family what happened. Couldn’t explain how seeing Sawyer Bishop with another woman absolutely devastated her. They’d never understand why seeing their father’s protégé kissing a woman would destroy her. And it actually hadn’t.
Strangely, the man sitting across from her had literally crossed her path at precisely the right time.
Guilt slithered through her. She should at least let her sister know she was safe. She didn’t want to leave this little sanctuary, but she had to get back.
“Thank you for helping me tonight.”
“Please don’t thank me. I feel terrible I knocked you over.”
She shrugged, glad they bumped into each other. “Accidents happen.”
His hand brushed hers and her stomach tightened. As she stared at his fingertip grazing her knuckles, a whoosh of butterflies exploded in her stomach and her gaze jumped to his face.
Other than Sawyer, no one had ever caused her to feel butterflies like that. He gave a shy smile. “I had a great time getting to know you.”
Feeling winded though she’d been sitting for some time, she whispered, “Me too. It was sweet of you to bring me here and…” She gestured to the damp napkin. “The ice.” If her lip was still swollen from the fall, she couldn’t tell. Her face was rather numb as he held her gaze.
“My pleasure.” His hand slowly pulled away and the strange feeling faded.
She fidgeted, unsure how to say goodnight and thank you without seeming awkward. “People are probably wondering where I am.”
“Him?”
Her smile fell. “No, he doesn’t even know I’m here. My family, though … I just left without telling them.” She gestured to her phone. “My sister texted me about a hundred times.”
“Ah. If you want to stay and talk a while longer I could take you home. You could let her know you’re safe.”
Her lips parted, a curious feeling twisting inside of her. Was he asking her out or just being considerate?
“I should probably go home with her. I insisted she come with me tonight.”
“Does she live with you?”
“No, but she’s spending the night.”
“Then you should probably let her know where you are.” He gestured to her phone.
Her hands trembled, her mind protesting that she wanted to stay. She texted Toni letting her know she was at the bar across the street.
Her phone buzzed back and she slipped it inside her clutch. “She’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Can I see you again?”
Fear and nervous excitement took hold. She wanted to see him again, but she was so afraid she was leading herself toward another letdown. He wasn’t like the other men she knew, yet she couldn’t put her finger on what made him so different.
Her phone vibrated again. “Excuse me.”
She pulled it out and read the text from her sister saying they were crossing the street now. Feeling suddenly rushed after such relaxed conversation, she collected her gloves and stood, brushing the creases out of her evening gown.
He stood as well, a pulse of energy beating between them. Though he was just a stranger she’d chatted with in a bar, he looked like Prince Charming in his tux. Her lip twitched as she had the sudden thought that this was how glass shoes sometimes got lost. She wanted some promise that she might see him again.
Her heart sped up as she spotted her siblings working their way through the late night rush at the bar. Lucian’s dark hair and broad shoulders were easy to identify in the crowd. He was flanked by Toni and Evelyn’s smaller frames.
She wasn’t ready to say goodnight, but she was running out of time. “I had a really nice time tonight.”
He smiled, his anxiousness seeming to mirror hers. “Me too…” He laughed and shook his head. “I don’t know your name.”
She laughed as well. How strange to talk for hours with someone, but never share their names. “It’s Isadora.”
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a plain white business card with a phone number. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Isadora. I’m—”
Evelyn’s voice cut through the air. “Parker?”
Isadora turned as her sister-in-law stared up at her companion and Lucian scowled.
Toni took inventory of everyone’s expression, seeing their brother’s clear dislike for the person Isadora had spent the evening with, and a slow silent ooooh shaped her sister’s mouth.
They knew each other? How?
Evelyn laughed, her expression the absolute opposite of her husband’s. “Holy. Shit.”