Free Love Through LimeLight by Farrah Abraham Page A

because there was not enough
time for an RSVP. However, there was delivery confirmation so we know that he
at least got the invitation. All we can do now is wait.”
    I nod, rubbing my forehead again. The unveiling of yet another
of my business ventures—this one in the government sector—is going to take a lot
of energy out of me. I can’t risk messing anything up because my mid is too
focused on Harper. I shake my head, clearing it of the cobwebs. “All right. Let’s
go over that schedule again.”

Chapter Nine
     
    Soft, elegant music fills the room after the speakers leave
the podium. I climb down the short stairs, already eager to take my seat. All I
want to do is have a flute of champagne and stuff at least six hors d’oeuvres
into my mouth. There’s not a lot of time for eating when you’re planning world
domination.
    I laugh to myself as I snag a crab cake from a passing
waitress. Then I attempt to make my way to one of the bubbling fountains in the
courtyard. Maybe if I sit on one of the marble edges, my feet will stop hurting
for half a second.
    I limp over to one, thankful that it puts a barrier between
me and the orchestra.
    People mingle and chat around me, the upper echelons of New
York brushing shoulders and filling networking calendars. I know I should be a
part of that, but all I want to do right now is kick up my feet and watch a
movie.
    “Excuse me, would you mind if I took this seat?”
    Before I even sit down, I am greeted by the one voice that
could have given me energy. I turn to see Harper, dressed in an expensive
Italian suit with blue stitching, smiling brightly. For some reason, I
instinctively know that the way he’s smiling is rare and that I’m one of the
few people who get to see it.
    “Please. I was hoping that I would get to see you tonight.”
It’s a bold statement for me but I mean every word. I feel a lightness in my
chest, just by being near him. It’s almost magical.
    “Then we both had the same hope. Here, why don’t you let me
take your plate while you get comfortable?”
    He doesn’t wait for me to say yes. Instead, he takes it from
me and offers me an elegant sweep of his hand.
    I sit down carefully, crossing my ankles. Suddenly, I’m very
shy and my face feels hot. For several moments, we sit in silence and he hands
me my plate. I quietly consume the food while he watches me with his intense,
dark gaze. It should make me nervous but mostly I just feel touched to have so
much of his attention focused on me.
    I finish eating and then he takes my plate and sets it
beside us. “Are you feeling all right to be out and about?”
    I laugh, a little surprised by his question. Other than
Tina, no one has really shown concern for me in that way. Even Johnni has just
assumed that I am made out of steel and has been treating me like Wonder Woman.
I appreciate him not making a big deal out of it but for some reason Harper’s concern
makes me want to cry.
    “Yes, I’m okay. A little tired but otherwise fine.”
    He nods. “A strong woman. But you’ve had to be, haven’t you?”
    I don’t know what to say to that but I don’t have to
respond. Harper flags down a waitress who should not have been able to see us.
She comes immediately, as if she has been waiting for his command. I can’t hear
what he whispers to her, but she leaves without another glance in my direction.
    “Why don’t we talk about something else? Why aren’t you out
mingling?”
    This shift in topic keeps me on my toes. “I could ask you
the same thing.”
    He shrugs and my gaze is drawn to his wide shoulders. I bite
my tongue to keep from giving him a thorough once-over. This is not the kind of
man to ogle like a schoolgirl.
    “I don’t really have the need to rub shoulders with
politicians.” He pauses as if in deep thought. “And I don’t want to catch fleas.”
    I grin, knowing exactly what he means. “Well, sometimes you
have to sleep with the dogs to get anything done.”
    He grins and