Chapter 638

• Jake pulled at the collar off his tux repeatedly, trying to stop the choking sensation of wearing a bow tie, and ignored the glances his way. He had been here only minutes, and already showing up single attracted way too much attention, probably because he had never come to an event dateless.
• He could feel the judgmental and surprised looks from the array of rich and minor celebrities in the ballroom less than an hour after opening, and he already hated it here.
• “Hola!” Leila butted into his thoughts and slid an arm through his confidently. “Looking as suave as always, my lovely.” She grinned up at him with that cheeky youthful face he adored like a sister and just yanked at his collar once more, stifling in this crowded ballroom and hating having to dress up in this monkey suit. She pulled his hand away and started to fix his crooked bow tie for him, slapping his hand down when he tried again to get at his top button.