Chapter 43

Gideon's words kept pounding in my head as I got ready to leave. "It's not like she's really the kind of woman for someone in my position." Each syllable was a small wound reopening, over and over again.

I dressed carefully—dark jeans, a tailored blazer, and a simple blouse. Not what I would have worn if I were still representing Merrivale, but enough to blend in at the event without drawing atten