Max held his hand out to help me out of the limo. He didn’t let go when we stood nearly eye-to-eye.

“I didn’t realize how tall you are,” he said softly.

“It’s the shoes, of course.”

He leaned forward just the smallest bit, and for one breathless moment, I thought he was going to kiss me right there on the sidewalk, but of course, he didn’t and I couldn’t help the jab of disappointed that filled my heart.

We turned to face the hotel. The red-carpeted steps leading to gold-trimmed doors reeked of glamor and luxury. That was exactly why I was surprised that Josh was holding his party here.

Doormen nodded at Max and he nodded back. “Have you ever been here before?” Max asked as we walked up the steps.

“Never. This is a little high-rent for my taste.”

“You live in a high-rent area.”

“My grandmother did,” I reminded him, as the bellmen inside started spinning the heavy revolving doors.

“Of course,” he said smoothly as he joined me inside.

“Thank you, Mr. Black,” the bellman said, as Max slipped him a tip.

“I guess that means you’ve been here before?” I said.

“A few times,” Max replied, sounding like it was no big deal. Right. No big deal, indeed. I almost fell over when I looked around and saw what we’d just walked into.

“Jeez, Louise,” I whispered, looking around. It was pure indulgence with marble everywhere, the lofty ceiling had a mural of blue skies and cherubs. Even the post box was gilded in gold with a stunning carving of an eagle perched on the top of it.

Max snorted. “Do people still say that?”

“I just did.” I ignored his attitude and feasted my eyes on the marble floors, the high ceilings, gold trimmed everything. The chandeliers sparkled, the floors shone. It was like stepping into a palace. I realized I’d stopped dead in my tracks and felt embarrassed. “I’m like a country bumpkin,” I muttered.

He smiled indulgently. “It’s sorta cute.”

“I’m not going for cute tonight,” I reminded him.

He took my arm. “No, you’ve gone for ravishing and nailed it.”

“I still feel like I’m in way over my head all of a sudden,” I admitted.

“Why? Because of all this?” He waved a dismissive hand as we walked slowly in the direction of the elevator. “Don’t let this get to you. It’s just a place. Anybody with enough money can rent a ballroom for the night. So what?”

“So, I’m not used to things like this. Especially not when I’m going to my ex’s engagement party.”

“Stop thinking of him as your ex,” Max advised, and he wasn’t joking for once. “He’s one of your managers. You work with him. That’s it.”

“Okay, you’re right. I have to change my mindset.”

“Besides, I’m the one you should be focusing in on tonight,” he reminded me.

“Huh?” We stepped into the elevator. I was glad we were the only two in there.

“I’m your boyfriend, remember?” He flashed one of his patented sexy smirks and my stomach did a slow flip-flop.

“Oh, right. Damn it, I forgot all about that.”

He grinned. “You’re breaking my heart, baby.”

I grinned back. “I can’t help it if you’re a forgettable person.”

He snapped his fingers, looking rueful. “And I thought my grandpa keeps forgetting my name because he’s senile. Now I know better.”

I shook my head. It was impossible to stay serious when I was with him, but I needed to be serious just then. “What should we do now? I mean, how should we act?”

“Like we’re in love,” he murmured, and I gasped softly when I felt his hands on my waist. He pulled me in just a little, just until our bodies touched. His eyes searched my face before locking with mine. I couldn’t breathe. All the air left the wood-paneled elevator car. The doors would open and they’d find me passed out on the floor. Or dead, because my heart stopped. Either way, there would be one less person at the party. Josh could use the money I saved him to buy a wreath for my funeral.

“Right. We’re in love. We’re in love.” My voice shook a little when I spoke.

“Careful,” he whispered with a sly smile. “Say that enough times, and it could come true.”

My heart skipped a beat. “I could never be in love with a man who enjoys running. I’m sorry.”

When the doors opened, we were both laughing. That was a good start, I decided. We looked like a happy couple.

We stepped into the ballroom together, and I was successful in holding back my utter amazement. The vaulted ceiling was dappled with big, fluffy clouds and dotted with gorgeous, golden chandeliers that cast their glamorous light over the room.

“For an engagement party, they really went all out. I would think this was a reception if I didn’t know any better.” I looked around, taking it all in. The flowers, candlelight on every high-top table around the perimeter of the room. The band playing quietly in one corner.

“Hard to imagine how the wedding could top this,” Max agreed. “You can tell me all about it.”

“Oh, if you think I’m going to their wedding, you’re out of your damn mind.”

He laughed as he helped me out of my coat. “Come on. I’ll go if you will. It might be a lot of fun. Plenty of people watching.”

“I can do that by sitting on my front steps without having to wear a fake smile for hours on end. Thanks, but no thanks.” I’d decided to go without Megan’s wrap and felt the air on my back once my coat was gone. Then I noticed the degree of near-nudity some of the other women had gone for. It was like they were having a contest to see who could look more naked. I saw more side-boob in that ballroom than I usually did watching the Academy Award red carpet pre-show.