CHAPTER 59: The Charity Gala

  The unwelcome intrusion shattered the fragile bubble of intimacy that had momentarily enveloped us. Alexander's compliment hung in the air, a tantalizing promise laced with unspoken desire, or was it my need for him that made me think that there was something more than just him appreciating my outfit? But before I could even process it, before I could formulate a response, there was another sharp rap on the door that sent a jolt through both of us.

  We stared at the door in unison, the charged silence broken only by the insistent knocking. "Coming!" I called out, my voice shaky. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs, a tangled mess of anticipation and apprehension.

  The way Alexander lingered, his gaze lingering on my reflection in the mirror for a beat too long, sent a shiver dancing down my spine.

  Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and reached for the doorknob.