My prediction started coming true almost immediately. That Monday when I returned to work, Caine was back to his usual charming, clipped, and cool self. It was like Saturday had never happened. I had to admit it hurt.

And I really didn’t want to feel that way.

He made it easier to turn the hurt into irritation when he complained that his latte was a soy latte (it definitely was not) and told me that I needed to stop stapling paperwork together and learn how to use a paper clip.

I’d learn how to use a paper clip all right, but only after I used the staple one last time to shut him up permanently. Yeah, I said it!

“Said what?” Caine snapped.

That was when I realized I’d let the latter half of the conversation with myself slip out of my mouth. “Uh …” I stared down at him, trying to think fast. “That you’re so right.” I reached out and grabbed the paperwork from him. “I’ll just go remove the staples for you.”

I thought that was a pretty crappy start to the day. However, it wasn’t until lunchtime when things really started to go bad.

I was in the middle of typing up my squiggly notes from Caine’s meetings that morning when I heard Henry call out my name. He was striding down the hall toward me and when he came to a stop, he perched himself on the edge of my desk and gave me a soft smile. “Good afternoon, beautiful.”

Over the last few weeks I’d come to like Henry. He was the opposite of Caine. He was all friendly and flirtatious and laid-back. Henry worked for his father’s offshore bank, traveled a lot, and overall seemed to enjoy life way more than Caine did. He oozed charm and contentment, and I had to admit he did a lot to soothe my Caine-related wounded pride and self-esteem.

I relaxed back in my chair and smiled up at him, pleased to see him. “Good afternoon, handsome. How was your weekend?”

“Not as interesting as yours. I heard you dined with the queen.”

I laughed. “Effie? Yeah, she’s awesome.”

Henry threw his head back in laughter. “Effie? Mrs. Flanagan lets you call her by her first name. I’m sure Caine was delighted by that.”

I rolled my eyes. “What’s the big deal?”

“Believe it or not, Mrs. Flanagan is a hard nut to crack. She and I are not on a first-name basis and she’s spent the last five years denying me access to her baking.” He pouted comically. “I’m not a big fan of rejection.”

Amused, I tsked. “There must be a reason for her rejection.”

“She says I’m a ne’er-do-well, and until I settle down and act like a real man she wants nothing to do with me.”

“That’s not fair. I’d say Mr. Carraway is as much of a ne’er-do-well as you.”

“Thank you!” He nodded in agreement. “That is my argument exactly.” He leaned closer. “Maybe you could put in a good word since she’s taken such a shine to you.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Henry smiled and stood up. “Have I told you recently how happy I am that Caine hired you?”

“No, but it would be helpful if you tell him that.” I pressed the call button to Caine’s office.

“What?” he grumped on the loudspeaker, and Henry grinned at my answering grimace.

“Mr. Lexington is here to see you.”

“Send him in.”

I gestured to the door. “His Majesty awaits.”

He nodded. “Thank you, beautiful.”

The heavy door shut behind him and yet I heard Henry ask, “Someone in a mood?”

The speakerphone. Caine had left it on. I opened my mouth to tell him when he returned with “I don’t remember the last time I was in a good mood. Oh, right … the pre-Alexa days.”

My mouth shut, my skin hot and prickling with hurt, embarrassment, and annoyance. It was one thing for him to be grouchy and insulting to my face, but to talk about me with other people. Not nice.

“Oh, well, you must be an idiot, then,” Henry responded cheerily. “I find her delightful. In fact, I find Alexa so delightful I’m asking her to the Andersons’ Anniversary Ball on Saturday.”

I clamped a hand over my mouth to smother my gasp.

Caine had had me arrange appointments so he could get a new tux for the Andersons’ ball. Richard Anderson was a well-known media magnate. He and his wife, Cerise, were leaders of Boston society. Cerise was on every board of directors for charities and the arts in the city. It was their fortieth wedding anniversary on Saturday and they were throwing a party fit for royalty. Everyone who was anyone in Boston had been invited.

Henry wanted to take me as his date?

“Don’t even think about it,” Caine bit out.

“Is it because she’s a PA? Do you think she’s beneath us? Because I have to say, considering your humble background, that’s pretty shitty of you.”

It was pretty shitty of him.

You tell him, Henry!

“It’s not that.” Caine’s voice sounded tight, strained. “It’s because you can’t keep your dick in your pants. I won’t have you and that wandering dick anywhere near Lexie.”

I sank back in my chair.

Lexie?

Lexie?

What the hell?

I heard Henry harrumph. “You sound jealous …”

Was he jealous? My belly flipped at that thought.

“I’m not jealous.” Caine sounded like he was sneering at the thought. “Despite her smart mouth she’s the best PA I’ve ever had. I won’t have her chased off because you like her legs.”

Best PA?

Best PA?

“Not just her legs. I’m quite taken with the whole package. She’s gorgeous, she’s funny, she’s smart. I won’t be bored out of my mind all night. Anyway, you’re taking Marina Lansbury. I’m not going as some juvenile third wheel.”

Marina Lansbury?

My belly flipped again, this time the sensation unpleasant.

“Henry, you’re a Lexington. You can ask any woman in Boston to be your date and she’ll say yes. You’re not asking Lexie on an evening out with us. It’s crossing the line.”

Like, say … thinking of me as “Lexie” behind my back? What was that all about?

“Oh, get the stick out of your ass, Caine.”

I was really starting to like Henry more and more.

“Shit, Henry, surely you can do better than Lexie.”

That burned.

I blinked back the sting of tears and clicked the speaker off. That was what I got for eavesdropping.

The burn in my chest wouldn’t dissipate and I had to really struggle to hold back the urge to cry. I couldn’t believe how much it hurt.

I was such an idiot. Caine was never going to see me as anything more than Alistair Holland’s daughter.

The door to the office opened and Henry and Caine stepped out. I avoided Caine’s eyes but gave Henry what I hoped wasn’t a wobbly smile.

Henry took my smile as an invitation and perched himself on the corner of my desk again. I shot a look at Caine, who stood behind him, waiting impatiently.

More than impatiently.

If he could have flayed Henry’s back with his eyes, he would have.

“Alexa.” Henry drew my attention back to him. “I’m sure you’ve heard about the Andersons’ Anniversary Ball on Saturday. I know it’s a little late notice, but I’d be honored if you’d say yes to being my date to the party.”

I didn’t even have to think about it. I gave him one of my own flirty little smiles that made his eyes dance. “Yes. I would love to.”

Caine walked away and Henry glanced over his shoulder to watch his friend’s departure.

“Everything okay?” I said innocently.

Henry gave me a reassuring smile. “Everything’s wonderful. If you give me your address I’ll pick up you up at eight.”

I took the fact that Caine gave me a nod of acknowledgment when he returned from lunch as a good thing, so later that afternoon I dared to be bold. We were returning from a business meeting with the CEO of a flailing investment company.

We were quiet in the car as it took us back to the office.

As always, the tension between us was thick.

I sought to break it … or make it worse. It was a toss-up. “I was hoping I could take a late lunch tomorrow so I can buy a dress for the Andersons’ ball on Saturday.”

I watched as Caine stiffened and then he stared at me with an infuriating imperiousness. “A late lunch? For a dress?”

“It’s about time I spent some of that money I’m making running around after you.” I smiled sweetly.

His eyes raked down my body and they took their time drinking me in on the climb back up.

I flushed, squirming. “Well?”

He looked away, returning his gaze outside the window at the city passing us by. “Move the meeting with Peter from Risk Management tomorrow and I’ll accompany you.”

What? No. He was joking, right? “Are you kidding?”

“No.” He drew the word out with impatience. “You’ll still be representing me and my company on Saturday. I have to make sure you don’t dress … inappropriately.”

My blood started to heat. “Inappropriately?” I said through clenched teeth.

“I don’t have to look in your wardrobe to know it’s filled with shorts and tank tops that show too much cleavage.”

Ugh! “Let’s not forget the fancy-ass work clothes you make me squeeze into on a daily basis,” I snapped, forgetting I was talking to my boss.

He glared at me. “They’re the only appropriate things in your wardrobe. You’ve made my point for me. I’m taking you dress shopping.”

Like hell! “No offense, sir, but I am not going dress shopping with you. It’s supposed to be fun, and I’m sure you understand that having my boss there detracts from the fun.”

Caine sighed and straightened the cuffs on his suit jacket. “Shopping is never fun.”

“Look, you …” I couldn’t even find a word perfect enough to describe his jackassery. “I am an intelligent woman and just because I like comfortable clothes doesn’t mean I don’t know how to dress at a formal event.”

“Alexa.” He curled his lip. “This isn’t prom night back home. This is Boston society.”

I threw him a disgusted look, feeling triumphant when he flinched. The car drew to a stop in the parking garage and I opened my door. Before I got out, I remembered his words to Henry earlier. I turned back to him. “You know, I understood when I took this job that you weren’t going to make it easy on me, but not once in all the hard work have I actively disliked you. Until today.” I shook my head, disappointed in him, so much more than I ever thought I could be. “You’re from Southie. Now you’re part of high society. But instead of embracing where you come from and mixing that with where you are—something that gives you a better perspective than all of them—you’ve become this elitist snob.” I shot out of the car before he could reply and I marched up to the office without him.

Then I sat at my desk stewing in my outrage.

Ten minutes later I heard his footsteps down the hall. When he turned the corner and headed toward me, I braced myself to be fired. His shadow fell over me as he stopped by my desk and I forced myself to look up at him.

Caine’s face was carefully blank. “You may take the extra hour tomorrow. Alone.”

Shocked that he hadn’t canned my ass, but still hurt by his perception of me, I nodded and returned my attention to my computer screen.

He hovered for a few seconds longer, but I couldn’t look at him.

Eventually he moved away, slamming his office door behind him.

It would suffice to say that things between my boss and me were more than a little chilly for the rest of the week. He’d even curbed how much running around he had me doing because it meant he didn’t have to interact with me as much.

I refused to be upset over it, however. So he didn’t want me there at his fancy-ass party with his fancy-ass people. He thought I was beneath him. I decided not to give a shit.

At least … well, I tried to convince myself not to give a shit. I wasn’t too successful at that, although Henry did help a little. He sent flowers to the office on Friday, and the card said he was looking forward to spending Saturday evening with me. It was the first time a guy had done that for me, and I had to admit that being on the receiving end of the delivery was way more romantic than I’d expected.

Plus, it really made me gleeful how annoyed Caine got every time he passed my desk and saw the flowers. If I didn’t know it was impossible, I would have suspected he was jealous.

By the time Saturday evening rolled around, my smug rebelliousness had been crushed by my nerves. I’d been to a few parties attended by celebrities when I worked for Benito, but nothing like this event. A society event was a whole different ball game. It was a complex social arena, and much more intimidating than anything I was used to. So when Caine made the dig about prom night, he wasn’t far off it.

There was also the fact that I liked Henry but I wasn’t attracted to him. Guilt niggled at me for using him to irritate my boss. A boss who begrudged my presence at the ball.

To conquer my nerves I concentrated on looking my best. My dress was gorgeous and I looked good, even if I had to say so myself because there was no one else around to give me the confidence boost. That depressed me. So I stood in front of my mirror, took a selfie, and sent it to Rachel.

A minute later she texted back: OMG, I’d fuck you!!!

There. That made me feel better.

Standing by my window, I looked down onto the tree-lined street and sipped at a glass of wine. I sucked in my breath, trying to fight down the nerves.

I almost succeeded until the black limo pulled up out front and Henry ducked out of it and strode quickly up my stoop. The buzzer went and I let him into the building. I waited a few seconds after he knocked on my door before grabbing the pashmina and the little clutch that matched my dress.

When I opened the door, Henry’s lips parted in surprise.

His gaze drifted over me slowly, taking in everything, and when they finally returned to my face, there was a heat in his eyes that made me feel both anxious and flattered.

“Wow.” He shook his head, smiling as though dazed. “You look … wow.”

The “wow” was for the amazingly fantastic olive green dress I’d found for a bargain on the sales rack of a small boutique on Charles Street. The material was a vibrant silk that felt wonderful against my skin in the muggy Boston summer air. It had a halter neckline and a low-cut back with a slit up to my knee on the right side of the dress.

Overall it was not demure, it was not conservative, but it was still classy as hell and sexy to boot. It was going to piss Caine off and I was going to love every minute. I’d made an appointment at the hair salon that afternoon, and after experimenting with different looks we decided to go with an elegant updo, leaving a few wavy strands loose.

“Thank you.” I took Henry’s proffered arm. “You look very handsome.” And he did in his sharp, immaculately fitted tux.

He grinned at me. “If I look good it’s because I’ve got you on my arm.”

I laughed and shook my head. “You know your charm only has a very superficial effect on me.”

Henry chuckled. “That works for me.”

The Andersons’ mansion was in Weston and as soon as the limo joined the line of cars on the massive circular driveway, my nerves began to multiply a hundredfold. The redbrick mansion with its white trim was the biggest house I’d ever seen in real life. It seemed to engulf us, casting us into shadow as the driver held the door open and Henry helped me out after him.

He patted my hand, seeming to sense my nerves. “It’s just a house.”

“That swallowed ten other houses,” I said.

Henry laughed. “Come on. I’ve seen you paste on a serene smile when Caine is trying your patience, so I know you can fake it with the best of them. You’ve just got to pretend you belong here. It’s how Caine does it, and no one ever questions him.”

There was truth in that and it actually helped calm my nerves. I gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

“Ready to dazzle them?” He held out his arm.

“Let’s do this.”

We were greeted at the mammoth double entrance doors by big brooding men in black suits wearing earpieces. Henry handed over his invitation and the men waved us through. I tried not to gulp as we walked into a large oval-shaped entrance that seemed to have been built entirely of marble. We followed the guests down a small group of stairs at the end leading us into a huge entrance area. Oversized pocket doors had been opened on our right, leading directly into a ballroom.

An actual ballroom.

“Someone should tell them they have a ballroom in their house and that it’s roughly half the length of the entire mansion.”

Henry’s body shook with amusement as he led me into the gargantuan room. “I think they might already know about it.”

“True. It’s kind of like having Godzilla living with you. It’s not like you’re not going to notice that baby.” I took in the high arched ceiling and the stunning chandeliers that hung from it. Long tables draped in pale gold tablecloths were lined with hors d’oeuvres and glasses of champagne. A champagne fountain sat proudly in the middle of the center table. The room was decorated with simple elegance, but everywhere seemed to sparkle. Classical musicians were seated way, way down at the other end of the room where four sets of French doors led out into the garden. “Or in this case drape it in white gold and silver and fill it up with five-hundred-dollar bottles of champa …” I trailed off when I realized that some of the elegantly dressed guests were staring at us.

“Your fingernails are biting into my arm.”

“Because people are staring,” I whispered, and my pulse picked up speed.

“That’s because—and I’m trying very hard not to sound like a conceited ass—you’re with me, a Lexington, and more important, you’re stunning and they’re all wondering where I found you.”

I eyed him suspiciously. “You better not tell them Hollywood Boulevard.”

He laughed. “Damn, ruin my fun, why don’t you?”

Relaxing at his good humor, I let my gaze drift over his shoulder, and what (or whom, rather) I saw made me stiffen with surprise. Uneasiness quickly followed the surprise.

My grandfather was here.

With my grandmother.

Shit!

Why did I not think? I’d been so harassed this week and so caught up in my own crap that I hadn’t spoken to Grandpa and I’d completely, stupidly, so, so stupidly, forgotten that these were his people. Of course he’d be at one of the biggest society events of the year.

Oh God.

Where was my brain?

Oh yeah, Caine had turned it to mush.

“Alexa.” Henry tugged on my hand, pulling my focus back to him. He was frowning. “You okay?”

“Uh, yeah—”

“Henry, Alexa,” Caine’s voice interrupted. He’d come to a halt, standing only a few feet from us. Even through my panic I still felt the impact of him. He wore a tux cut similarly to the one Henry was wearing, but the effect it had on me was entirely different. My gaze drifted over his outrageous handsomeness, and the yearning inside me overwhelmed and depressed me. When our eyes met, his gave nothing away.

There was no “wow” from him.

So much for the expensive dress.

“This is Marina Lansbury.” Caine touched his hand to the lower back of the brunette he was with. She was as tall as me but curvier in a way that was alluring and sexy. Some might say without the makeup Marina was almost plain, but that body of hers, in that figure-hugging black dress, made you forget all about that. She looked amazing. “Marina, you remember Henry Lexington.”

She smiled politely and held out her hand to shake Henry’s. When I shook her hand her gaze was assessing in a competitive way she just couldn’t hide.

I mentally grimaced.

Clearly she was one of those women—the kind who viewed other women as competitors no matter what. Those kinds of women were exhausting. I thought I’d left them behind in college.

“And this is my PA, Alexa Hol—”

“Hall.” I quickly cut off Caine, holding out my hand. Marina reluctantly shook it.

I ignored Caine’s questioning look. I couldn’t introduce myself tonight as a Holland. All hell would break loose for Grandpa.

I had not thought this through.

“Well.” Caine gently pressed Marina to the left. “Just wanted to say hello. We’re going to get a drink. We’ll talk later.”

Once they were out of earshot, Henry sighed. “It’s not like him to disappear with his date like that. He usually sticks close to me. He likes to keep me around to smooth things over when rich people say things that annoy him.”

I raised an eyebrow. “That actually happens?”

Henry nodded. “Caine doesn’t have the patience for ignorance and snobbery.”

“Yeah, well, he has a funny way of showing that.”

Henry touched my lower back and began walking us toward the champagne. “You have a habit of bringing out his worst side.” He grinned at me. “I find it highly entertaining.”

I laughed, shaking my head at his nonsense. “You need to grow up, Henry.”

“And why would I do that?”

The hours passed and Henry charmed and entertained me. He introduced me to people and they were genuinely interested to learn I was Caine’s PA. No one looked or talked down to me, and I used my experience from years of dealing with celebrities on the job to converse with them like I wasn’t intimidated. I was cool, appropriately witty but inoffensive, and I bounced well off Henry, who everyone seemed to love.

Henry was convinced Caine was deliberately avoiding us, and it aroused his suspicion. He just didn’t get what it was about me that Caine so abjectly disapproved of.

I wasn’t about to enlighten him.

After returning from the ladies’ suite (yes, suite), I’d only taken a few steps back inside the ballroom when I saw my grandfather and grandmother walking straight toward me.

I halted, not knowing what to do.

Grandpa was in the middle of talking to my grandmother when he glanced over casually and then froze when his eyes locked with mine. They drew closer.

I held my breath.

“I don’t know what was in that vol-au-vent, Edward, but my stomach is unsettled,” I heard my grandmother complain as they approached.

“Adele,” Grandpa said, voice weary, eyes still on me, “you just had it fifteen minutes ago. I doubt it could have taken much effect already.”

“I know what I know. A brandy will relax it.”

“I’m sure it will,” he replied sardonically, dragging his gaze from mine. “Dick’s in his study hiding out. He’ll have some.”

They walked right by me, his shoulder almost brushing mine.

I stared after him, my chest burning with hurt, even though I understood why he had to pretend he didn’t know me.

I got it. I did.

But fuck, that killed.

I blinked back the sting of tears and spun around, only to draw to an abrupt halt.

Caine stood before me, staring down at me in question. “I understand now why you introduced yourself as Hall. I think you forgot to mention that you’re not on speaking terms with the rest of the Hollands.”

I shifted uneasily, glancing around to make sure there was no one close enough to overhear. “I am with my grandfather, but he can’t acknowledge me publicly. No one in the family knows he and I are in contact. It would cause problems.”

Caine looked past me to where my grandparents had departed. “Yet another reason you shouldn’t be here.”

His rejection on top of my grandfather’s was too much. I took a step toward him and I saw something flicker in his gaze. I wanted to hiss and insult him and make him feel as bad as I felt right then … but as I stared up into those dark eyes I slumped with disappointment.

I shook my head, words failing me, and I pushed past him, hurrying to Henry’s side.

“You okay?” Henry frowned when I reached him.

My cheeks flushed with anger and wounded pride. “I’m fine.”

“Do you want to get some air?”

No, I wouldn’t be chased from the ballroom by Caine’s insensitivity and determination to make me feel unwelcome. “Let’s just dance, okay?”

Henry led me onto the dance floor and expertly maneuvered me into the slow dance. He held me close but not too close, and I knew without a doubt that Henry and I were just friends. When a guy danced with you and held you, you were supposed to feel tingles and butterflies and go all melty inside. I just felt comfortable with Henry. I guess that was nice in its own way.

“He has spent most of the night scowling and brooding and ignoring his date,” Henry murmured suddenly, obviously talking about Caine. “Last time I saw Marina she was flirting with Governor Cox.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Isn’t he married?” And why, oh, why, would you flirt with Governor Cox when Caine Carraway was your date?

“Yup, but his wife is flirting with Mitchell Montgomery.”

“The toilet paper guy?”

“The one and only. Although we have a different name for him in our circle.”

“And that would be?”

“The Asswipe.”

I burst out giggling at the hilariously childish moniker. “How fitting.”

Henry grinned. “What it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in entertainment.”

I leaned into him, laughing harder.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Suddenly Caine was there, towering over us both. He fairly bristled with impatience. “I need Alexa.”

“What for?” My momentary amusement was gone.

“That was Arnold. He’s got a colleague in Sydney on the phone, and it’s important I take this conference call. We need to get to the office.”

“We?” I shook my head. “Do you really need me for this?”

He bent his head toward mine, thunderclouds in his eyes. “I will need coffee and assistance for whatever else might be needed this evening. That’s what I pay you to do. To assist me.”

I could not believe it!

Was he kidding me with this crap?

I glanced back at Henry to apologize, only to find him wearing this weird, triumphant little smirk on his face. He quickly smoothed his expression. “I’m sorry to have to leave you,” I said, eyeing him in confusion.

He further confused me by shrugging nonchalantly. “When work calls you’ve got to go.”

I decided to ignore his weirdness for now. I could only deal with one puzzling man at a time. “Thank you for understanding.” I kissed his smooth cheek. “And for a lovely evening.”

He gave my hip a squeeze. “You’re very welcome, beautiful. Thanks for classing up the place.”

I laughed, my amusement dying another quick death when the impatient Caine whirled around and strode through the dance floor. I gathered my own worn-out patience before hurrying after him.