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.

the beans that her first encounter with Balfour had been in a hotel bed, could she?

the water, and Ivy didn’t want to tick

Giselle, we’re not close or anything, just acquaintances, really.

was inscrutable, her smile unwavering,

the question, “how

all about him, his habits and all. You could say

as she stared intently at Ivy, as

her glass and

huh?” Ivy

we know each other better than anyone else

here!” someone called from across the

a meaningful pat on Ivy’s shoulder, Giselle stood up and walked over to join her friends, leaving Ivy alone in the corner,

of place, Ivy slipped out of the private room, sensing that Balfour

found a quiet corner