4

4

Sam

I slam the refrigerator door and pad to the living room. My brother comes out of the bathroom and runs his hand through his freshly washed hair.

Steve crosses his arms and tilts his head. “So, how was your evening?” He takes a seat on the couch. I want to wipe that smug grin right off his face.

Sarcastic bastard.

I set two bottles of beer on the coffee table and join my brother on the couch.

I shake my head. “What a shitshow.”

“So, you really liked her, huh?”

“Things were getting a little dirty when we stepped outside.”

Steve lets out a long whistle. “Well, damn.”

“Something like that.” I tip the bottle back and swallow the cold ale.

“You never got her real name?”

“Not unless her real name is Lady Catherine.”

My brother lets out a chuckle. “Damn, that’s rough, little brother.”

“We went outside right before the flood. Things moved quickly. Should’ve asked her then.” I shake my head. “I suggested a hotel suite and she agreed.”

Steve’s mouth drops open. “No way.” He takes a pull from his bottle. “Talk about blue balls. Well, shit.”

“Whatever,” I mumble.

“So, you liked this woman?”

“I did. She was different but there was almost something familiar about her too. I need to get a hold of that party coordinator and find out.”

“Good idea.” My brother turns to me. “They’ll have all the records of the matchups. You can find out that way.”

I need to figure out the unidentified woman. I need to know who Lady Catherine is. I never thought I could be interested in someone after Ruby’s dramatics, but I can’t stop thinking about the beautiful mystery woman.

They mystery woman who captured my attention and my heart.

Amelia

I hang up the phone and sink onto the couch.

“Well? What did you find out?” Mia asks as she stands in front of me and pulls her long hair into a ponytail.

“Nothing.” I sigh. “Absolutely nothing.”

“They wouldn’t tell you?”

“This year, one of their older volunteers handled the ball.”

“Who is it? We’ll find her.”

“Apparently, she doesn’t own a computer and did everything on paper.”

Mia plops down in the chair across from me, her eyebrows raised. “And?”

“The papers were on the table in front of her and were ruined.” I take a sip of my hot tea. “Not only that, but she slipped on the wet floor and broke her leg. She’s in the hospital.”

Mia groans. “Oh no.”

“She’s going to be alright, they said. But her family isn’t allowing her to accept any visitors.”

“Well, that stinks.”

“It’s my luck. It wasn’t meant to be.” I fold my legs under me. “This is the first time I’ve felt even remotely human since Collin.”

“I’m so sorry. Maybe somehow, we’ll figure out who your Alexander is.”

“I’m not holding out much hope.”

It’s been almosta month since the masquerade ball and I’m not any closer to solving the mystery of Sir Alexander than I was the night I met him. Everywhere I go in town, my eyes are darting around in hopes I might recognize him— in the grocery store, at the cleaners, on my runs. Nothing. Although I never saw his face —outside of the mask— his hair was thick. It felt good to run my fingers along his nape while we were dancing.

I groan. I’m never going to see this guy again.