by Ava Miles
“Maurie,” he said, stuffing his good hand into his pocket.
Moira wondered if he’d done it to avoid shaking hands with Maurie.
“You know Rajan, of course,” Chase said.
“Of course, one of the most brilliant minds at Quid-Atch.”
Maurie shook Rajan’s hand, smiling the whole time.
“You don’t need to introduce me to Moira,” he told Chase, reaching for her hand and holding it. “I met Artemis’ charming director earlier. Is your uncle, Arthur, here yet? I’ve been keeping an eye out and haven’t seen him yet.”
She actually hadn’t either, but she’d been preoccupied. “I’m sure he’s around somewhere.”
“Likely talking to all of the incredible people you’ve invited to this event,” Maurie said, smiling grandly at her. “I’m honored to be among them.”
She could feel Chase simmering beside her, so she tugged her hand away from Maurie.
“If you’ll excuse us, Maurie,” Chase said, taking a slow step backwards. “Moira was just taking me to see something.”
“So soon? Chase, I wanted to see how you were feeling. Your arm and leg look to be healing nicely. How is your head, though? Concussions are such a nasty business.”
A razor-edged smile flashed across Chase’s face. “So are some of the games you’ve been playing recently, Maurie. You’d be wise to remember what happens when my ire is invoked.”
Moira stiffened at his tone while Rajan stepped closer to Chase as if ready to stand beside him in battle.
“I have no idea what you’re referring to.” Maurie flashed another smile, but this one didn’t reach his eyes. “You’d be wise to remember those kinds of comments are defamatory. No one at K-Barker deserves to have such accusations leveled at them.”
“You keep saying that, Maurie,” Chase said, shaking his head, “but this isn’t our first rodeo. Need I remind you?”
Moira wondered again what had happened between them.
“The roots of that business came from within your own home,” Maurie said. “But let’s set all that aside tonight. We’re at a party, and we don’t want to ruin Moira’s big event talking about the past. My dear, thank you again for the invitation. I wish you a wonderful evening. Rajan, always a pleasure. Chase.”
With a half-bow, Maurie turned and walked off.
Rajan shook his head. “Incredible.”
“That’s one word for it,” Chase said tightly. “Since I can’t stalk off to the bar for a drink after that confrontation, let’s mingle a little until people stop watching us.”
Were they watching? She casually scanned the crowd. Sure enough, there were a few pointed glances in their direction. Evan was still speaking with a few VIPs, but he kept darting glances in their direction.
“Have you met Senator Jawakski?” Chase asked her. “He’s on the Appropriations Committee. I won’t say he’s a good friend, but he’s respectable. Can’t say that about all politicians.”
No, they certainly couldn’t. For the next thirty minutes, Chase introduced her to politicians, scientists, and even the defense ministers of France and Germany. Of course, she’d put together the guest list, but meeting so many august people in person was a totally different ball of wax. She felt like a fish out of water.
Caroline seemed to be having a fabulous time, and every time Moira darted a look at her, J.T.’s hand was on the small of her back. Of course, Caroline dealt with famous artists and art collectors all the time. Moira tried not to feel down on herself. She would get used to these kinds of people, these kinds of events.
This was her new world as the director of Artemis. And it was also Chase’s world.
“I think we can safely find me a drink,” he told her as they left the last group of people. “Rajan, why don’t you make sure Evan isn’t talking about anything other than Artemis tonight in his speech? I should have looked it over.”
“It will be fine, Chase,” Rajan said, his mouth tight.
“I wonder,” Chase replied. “Let’s go, Moira.”
“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” she asked as she led him through the ballroom to the server entrance. Natalie would be able to find Chase a good bourbon.
“Not here,” he said. “Later, you can tell me about your first encounter with Maurie. I’m glad he found you so charming.”
His comment was laced with menace, and she didn’t like that one bit. “He was the one who appeared out of nowhere earlier. I know you have some kind of feud going on with him, but don’t drag me into it. He was pleasant to me.”
“Of course he was,” Chase said. “You work for Evan and me.”
In all their time together, Chase had never referred to their business relationship that way. It didn’t feel good. “I know you’ve had a tough day, so I’ll make allowances, but you need to know I don’t appreciate the way you’re speaking to me right now. I haven’t done anything to you.”
Silence hung between them as they stepped into the kitchen, where Moira’s sister was checking the line of salads waiting to be served for the first course. It was a visual warning that dinner was close to being served.
“Natalie! Chase needs your best reserve small-batch bourbon. Neat. Can you get him one?”
Natalie gave her a thumbs up and crooked her finger at one of the servers dressed in black.
Turning to face Chase, Moira said, “I need to get Evan to encourage people to find their seats. Are you okay to wait here?”
“Of course.” Chase stopped her on her way to the door. “I’m sorry. There are things you don’t know. Just…don’t talk to Maurie. Okay?”
Angry heat made her skin prickle. “What am I supposed to do if I run into him? Give him the cut direct? Come on, Chase. I’m a professional. I thought you knew that.”
His hand wrapped around her arm. “I know you are, but Maurie isn’t. Moira, I’m not asking you. I’m telling you. Maurie is off limits.”
She tugged her arm away. “What’s wrong with you tonight? You’re acting like a jerk.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t mean to be. I’m feeling a little besieged. Go do your thing. Maybe a drink will calm me down.”
Walking away from him, she took deep breaths to center herself. Evan was in the middle of a power crowd that included Maurie, a sight that made her want to snarl. Sure, Chase could order her not to speak to Maurie, but did the same rules apply to Evan? No, siree.
“Excuse me, Evan,” she said, sidling close. “It’s time.”
He nodded. “Folks, if you could find your seats… I need to make an announcement.”
Taking Moira’s elbow, he led her up the steps to the raised podium. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she answered, smoothing her hands down her sides.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Evan began. “I’m delighted everyone could join us for The Artemis Center’s inaugural fundraiser.”
There was a spattering of applause as conversations stopped around the ballroom.
“As you know, I created this center to be on the forefront of invention and innovation, supporting the world’s brightest young minds as they tackle the world’s biggest problems. I’m honored to be joined in my vision by Moira Hale, Artemis’ director.”
He stepped back and gestured to her, and she smiled as more people applauded. Moira caught Caroline lifting a glass of champagne to her, and the sight of her sister eased some of the tumult in her belly.
“We’re also delighted to announce dinner is ready to be served, so if everyone would find their seats, we’d be most grateful. I’ll be speaking more about Artemis after you’ve had a chance to enjoy The Grand Mountain Hotel’s fabulous cuisine. Thank you.”
For the rest of the night, Moira refused to allow anything to distract her from doing her job. She sat next to Evan at the head table, and when Chase chose a seat that was as far away from her as possible—or so it seemed—she merely nodded at him. He was between Rajan and another man Evan had identified as
Quid-Atch’s vice president of marketing and sales, and whatever they were discussing only deepened Chase’s glower. She caught Evan watching the scene as well, but he kept up a steady conversation with the chancellor of Emmits Merriam University.
Evan’s speech was particularly inspiring, and it helped reaffirm her happiness in being on board.
When the official evening had concluded, a line of people appeared to meet her. She mostly listened as the people spoke—some scientists, some corporate executives, some politicians. There were a lot of nuances beneath the small talk, she soon realized. People knew she had Evan’s ear, so many of them were telling her information they hoped she would convey to him.
Her head was hurting by the time J.T. finally barreled in on a conversation.
“Mind if I steal her away, Senator Pollard?” he asked. “I haven’t had a chance to speak to her all night, and I need to head out shortly.”
As J.T. drew her away, she asked, “You’re really leaving? For Rome?”
“Good God, no,” he said. “Your sister told me to rescue you. She said you were reaching your limit on the mingling meter.”
That was one way to put it, she thought. “It wasn’t all that bad.”
“Moira!”
Suddenly Maurie was intercepting them.
“I wanted to thank you for hosting such an incredible evening,” he said, reaching for her hand. “You’re going to do incredible things here at Artemis. I can’t wait to see.”
She found herself fearing Chase would see her with him, but then she shook it off. He had no right to give her orders like that. There was nothing underhanded about this.
“Thank you for coming, Maurie. I hope you have a safe trip back to Washington.”
“I wish I could take tomorrow off and ski,” he said, giving her a wink. “The slopes look amazing here.”
“They are,” she replied. J.T. urged her with his elbow to move on, but before she could say her goodbyes, Maurie took a good look at her companion and said, “Aren’t you J.T. Merriam?”
He nodded. “I am. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
“Maurie Wallins of K-Barker,” he said, shaking the man’s hand. “You just resigned your position with Merriam Oil & Gas, didn’t you? How are you hooked up with Ms. Hale and Artemis?”
“I’ve known the Hale family since I was a kid, and Moira was kind enough to invite me since my great-great grandfather created the university Artemis is attached to. Thought it would be nice.” He leaned closer to Maurie. “Plus, her sister is my date. Childhood sweetheart. You know how it is.”
Color her surprised. He was laying it on thick.
Maurie chuckled. “Indeed. Good for you. I didn’t know the Merriams still had connections in Dare Valley.”
“Are you kidding?” J.T. said. “My family has been part of Dare Valley for decades. It’ll always be like a second home. Maurie, I hate to cut this short, but I kept my date waiting, and she’s probably wondering what’s keeping us.”
Moira decided to help him out. “You don’t want to get on my sister’s bad side.”
“Of course,” Maurie said, slapping him on the back.
Once they were far enough away, she said quietly, “You lied six ways to Sunday back there. Why?”
“I don’t want him to start wondering why I’m here,” he said. “Not a big deal, but it would be better if he doesn’t think too hard about it.”
Why wasn’t anyone making sense tonight? First Chase had gone off the rails, and now J.T. “I don’t understand.”
He gave her a wink. “I know. But you will. Don’t worry. I’m just being paranoid.”
Was she really supposed to settle for that explanation? “Because of Maurie?”
“No, I’d have said that to anyone.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Okay, you’re free. Do you need any help wrapping things up? I can take Caroline home and then come back for you.”
Her brow rose at this. “And just where is Caroline’s home tonight?”
He chuckled. “Your place, she said. Ah…she thought you’d be staying at Chase’s, and she worried we’d keep your mom awake talking into the night.”
Was that all they were planning to do? Hmmm…
“I’ll be fine,” she said, though part of her wondered if she would be staying with Chase. He was in such a rotten mood, and she didn’t like the way he’d talked to her earlier, especially since he’d spent the rest of the night ignoring her. “If I end up staying at my house, is that going to be a problem?”
His mouth twitched. “No. We’ll whisper like church mice…or drive back to Denver. I couldn’t get a room at The Grand last minute. The only flaw in my spontaneous plan.”
“You seem pretty quick on your feet,” she said, gesturing to his fancy Italian shoes.
“When you’re a reputed mud slinger, you have to be,” he said. “Thanks again for your help earlier.”
“You’re welcome. Like I told Natalie, you’re a reformed mud slinger.”
Laughing, he headed out of the ballroom. She looked around to see if Uncle Arthur was still present. She hadn’t said more than two words to him before dashing off to talk to the various guests. She turned and nearly ran into Gary.
“Moira! I was waiting for you to finish up. I’m sorry, but I need your help.”
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
He held up the burgundy resume folder she’d given him along with the resume paper. “I didn’t give Mr. Wallins my resume.”
“Oh.”
“He was always talking to someone, and I didn’t want to barge in on one of his conversations… You know?” He bounced on his heels. “I really wanted to give this to him.”
“Why don’t you leave it at the front desk for him?” she suggested.
“Will you go with me? I thought of that, but I wasn’t sure they’d take it from me. I mean, he’s a famous guy, and I’m a nobody.”
Moira put a hand on Gary’s arm. “You aren’t a nobody. You’re a PhD student with a bright future ahead, and one of the best office assistants I’ve ever had.”
“Really?” he asked, his necktie a little crooked after the evening.
“Really,” she said. “Come on. We’ll get this resume delivered.”
Chase’s warning about Maurie came to mind, but he was being ridiculous, wasn’t he? Besides, Evan had approved this.
As they passed the bar in the lobby, Gary grabbed her hand, his grip so tight she almost squealed.
“He’s in the bar!” Gary exclaimed. “Oh, my God. I’m going to hyperventilate. Oh, my God.”
“Calm down, Gary,” she told him.
He thrust out the folder. “You give it to him. I can’t do it.”
Maurie was having drinks with someone. “We’ll do it together.”
“I’ve sweated through my shirt,” he said, opening his suit jacket. “I’m a mess. I sweat when I get nervous.” His stomach gurgled. “Uh-oh. I…need to find a bathroom. I also get tummy problems when I’m nervous.”
This was a new side of Gary, one they’d have to work on before he started his way up the corporate ladder.
“Okay, I’ll give it to him.” He went to hug her, and she stopped him with a hand. “Let’s keep it cool.”
“Right! Thank you, Moira. You’re the best!”
She shook her head as he darted off toward the restrooms. Heading into the bar, she made her way to Maurie. Keep it quick. Just give him the folder.
“Excuse me, Maurie,” she said quietly from behind him.
He turned on his bar stool and broke out into a smile. “Moira! How wonderful to see you. Have you come to have a drink with me?” He gestured to the man beside him. “This is Albert Mann, the director of the National Academy of Science.”
She nodded to the older man. “I’m afraid I’m still closing things down for the event, but I dashed out to find you. Do you remember the young PhD student you met earlier with Evan and me? You asked him for his resume, and he wanted to make sure you
didn’t leave without it.”
“Of course, Gary, right? A bright kid. Is he here? I’d love to buy him a drink.”
She wasn’t sure Gary would impress a future employer in his current state, but that wasn’t her decision. “If I see him, I’ll be sure to pass on the invitation.”
Moira extended the resume to Maurie. “I’ll let you two get back to your drinks.”
Someone snatched the folder from her hand before Maurie could take it. Her head swiveled automatically, and her heart stopped when she saw that it was Chase.
“I thought I’d made myself clear earlier,” he said, staring Maurie down. “Stop messing with my people.”
Maurie stood up. “You’re making a fool of yourself, Chase. Must be the concussion. There’s so much concerning scientific evidence on the negative impacts of a concussion on a person’s behavior.”
Moira appreciated Maurie trying to help Chase save face. Right now, it was more generous than he deserved.
“Chase—”
“Stay out of this, Moira,” he said in a tight voice. “You and I will talk later.”
She felt like he’d slapped a dunce cap on her head and put her in the corner for bad behavior. How dare he!
“Maurie, I’m talking to our legal department first thing tomorrow,” Chase ground out. “You’ve crossed the last line.”
Maurie shook his head. “Moira, you should find Evan and ask him to help you take Chase home. I’d offer, but my presence here seems to be agitating him. Albert, let’s find another place to continue our talk. Good luck, my dear.”
Chase got in Maurie’s face as he tried to step aside. “You don’t wish her luck. You don’t speak to her.”
Moira grabbed his arm. “Stop this! Stop this right now!”
Maurie took full advantage of the distraction, putting his arm around Albert and leading him away. As soon as they were gone, Chase slapped the folder on the bar.
“I told you not to speak to him,” Chase whispered under his breath. “But this? I didn’t see it coming.”
She looked around the bar. Given the late hour, there was only a cluster of people present. “Not here.” She couldn’t rip into him in public.
