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?

bachelor image out of the

work, and that’s it. Giselle, we’re not close or anything, just acquaintances, really. Don’t pay

was inscrutable, her smile unwavering, but she said nothing

question, “how

since we were kids. I know all about

smile didn’t reach her eyes as she stared intently at Ivy, as if

that revealed nothing, Ivy raised her glass and downed the

sweethearts, huh?” Ivy commented, keeping her

gaze, her smile turning suggestive, “Yes, we know each other better than anyone else

come here!” someone called from

over to join her friends, leaving Ivy alone in the corner, utterly disconnected from the revelry across the room.

of the private room, sensing

hall, she found a quiet corner to