Alicia couldn't believe her bad luck.

Yesterday, she had rejected Damian's invitation to the wine auction on Friday night at the Times Hotel, only to learn today that her boss, Mr. Rhett, had scheduled an office party at the same place on the very same night. She had to wonder if Damian had somehow orchestrated the coincidence.

She typed out a message to Damian, asking if he had anything to do with the party, but quickly deleted it. Regardless of his involvement, she knew she would have to attend the event.

Suddenly, she caught a whiff of lavender in the air and looked up, expecting to see Damian standing in...