The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1950

The whiskey had a kick like a mule, and just a tiny sip felt like a flame licking down Ivy’s throat.

“I’m not used to these kinds of gatherings, so I feel a bit out of my element. Giselle, just go and enjoy yourself. Don’t mind me. I’ll be fine sitting here on my own.”

Giselle offered a wry smile, “No way, if you’re a friend of Balfour, I’ve got to make sure you’re taken care of. But…”

She tilted her head slightly, leaning in close to Ivy, “Balfour’s never been much of a social butterfly, let alone with women. You’re the first lady friend he’s ever brought to a party. It sure has me curious. How did you two meet?”

How did they meet?

That was a tricky question.

Ivy frowned, at a loss for words.

She couldn’t exactly spill the beans that her first encounter with Balfour had been in a hotel bed, could she?

out of the water, and Ivy didn’t want to tick

that’s it. Giselle, we’re not close

inscrutable, her smile unwavering, but she said nothing more.

the question, “how

each other since we were kids. I know all about him, his habits and all. You could say we’re childhood

eyes as she stared intently at Ivy,

a long look that revealed nothing, Ivy raised her glass and downed the whiskey, her lips curving into a smile.

sweethearts, huh?” Ivy commented, keeping her tone light.

turning suggestive, “Yes, we know each other better than anyone else in

someone called

pat on Ivy’s shoulder, Giselle stood up and walked over to join her friends,

private room, sensing that Balfour didn’t need her there.

in the main hall, she found a