"You're both far too kind," he managed, his voice maintaining its steady tone even as he fought the urge to adjust his collar or smooth his hair. "Congratulations on twenty-five years of marriage. You're truly an inspiration."
He presented them with his carefully chosen gift, a custom-commissioned crystal sculpture from a renowned local artist, depicting two intertwined figures that represented eternal partnership. The piece had cost him considerably, but the Petrovs' delighted reaction made every penny worthwhile.
"James Mitchell?" The voice belonged to Katherine Days, and he turned to find the young owner of Hauser Analytics approaching with an expression of genuine interest. Katherine was strikingly beautiful, probably in her late twenties, with auburn hair and the kind of sharp intelligence that had built her consulting firm into a rising force in the industry despite her youth.
"Ms. Days," he acknowledged with a polite nod, immediately aware of her appreciative scrutiny.
"Just Katherine. I have to echo Anastasia's sentiment entirely," Katherine said, her eyes taking in his appearance with obvious admiration. "You look absolutely incredible tonight. That style transformation is remarkable, it's sophisticated but with an edge that's absolutely captivating."
James felt the heat in his ears intensify, spreading down his neck beneath his collar. The directness of her compliment, combined with Anastasia's continued nodding agreement, made him acutely aware of every detail of his appearance in a way that was both thrilling and overwhelming.
"That's very generous of you both to say," he replied, his natural shyness battling with the confidence that had carried him this far through the evening. His voice carried that peculiar mixture of poise and vulnerability that seemed to make his discomfort somehow more attractive rather than less.
Before he could say anything more, Katherine smoothly linked her arm through his, the gesture feeling natural and friendly rather than possessive. "Come," she said with a warm smile, "let me get you a drink. I'd love to hear more about what you've been up to lately."
James found himself being guided toward the bar, Katherine's conversational manner putting him at ease despite the obvious interest in her eyes. Around them, he could feel curious glances following their progress, conversations pausing as they passed. The attention was intoxicating in a way he'd never experienced, but he found himself wishing Victoria were here to witness it.
At the bar, Katherine ordered herself a cosmopolitan while looking to James expectantly. "Macallan 18, neat," he told the bartender, then added with a slight smile, "if you have it."
"Excellent choice," Katherine murmured approvingly. "You know, I have to confess something. I asked Victoria about you when she came in for our last meeting a few weeks ago."
James's attention sharpened immediately, his grip tightening slightly on his glass. "Oh?"
Katherine laughed, a genuinely pleasant sound. "She's been hiding you, hasn't she? When I mentioned continuing our discussion from where we left off at the charity gala, she got this very carefully neutral expression and said you were 'you were occupied with prior engagements.' Very diplomatic, very Victoria Sharp."
The comment about Victoria hiding him sent an unexpected pang through James's chest. Was that how Victoria saw him? As someone to be diplomatically deflected rather than proudly acknowledged?
"Victoria is very professional," he said carefully, taking a sip of his whiskey.
"She is indeed. But I'm much more interested in getting to know you directly rather than through diplomatic corporate speak," Katherine said, her tone carrying genuine warmth along with her obvious interest. "Tell me, what inspired this transformation tonight? Because the change is quite striking."
"Going for a new look that's all."
"Hmm. Congratulations on your promotion although it is coming late…"
James found himself genuinely engaged by Katherine's questions. She was intelligent, articulate, and her interest seemed authentic rather than merely strategic. As they talked about his recent projects and career progression, he discovered she had impressive insights into the industry and a genuine curiosity about his work that was flattering.
However, despite her engaging conversation, James couldn't help but notice the way Katherine's eyes lingered on him not just his face when he spoke, but traveling over his appearance with unmistakable appreciation. He'd found himself wishing he had buttoned his shirt all the way to the collar, suddenly hyperaware of Katherine's gaze lingering on the exposed skin of the throat and collarbone. This wasn't the attention he'd been hoping for when he'd made his careful wardrobe choices for the evening.
The person whose eyes he'd wanted on him, whose reaction he'd been unconsciously wanting to provoke, was nowhere to be seen.
While he maintained polite engagement with her discussion, part of him found himself wishing it were Victoria's eyes exploring him with such obvious interest, Victoria's gaze taking in the changes he'd made specifically for her benefit.
"I have to say," Katherine continued, leaning slightly closer, "I'm genuinely intrigued by you, James. I'd love to continue this conversation somewhere quieter sometime perhaps over dinner?"
The invitation was delivered with confident directness, but not in a way that made James uncomfortable. Katherine was clearly interested, clearly attracted to him, and making her intentions known without being inappropriate about it.
"That's very flattering," James replied, his diplomatic training serving him well even as he felt heat rise in his cheeks again.
The gentle chiming of bells began to sound throughout the ballroom, indicating that the formal portion of the evening was about to commence. Katherine smiled graciously at the interruption.
"Well, I suppose we should find our seats.
Though I do hope we'll continue this conversation later," she said, her tone making it clear she intended to pursue her interest further.
They made their way back across the ballroom, Katherine's arm linked through his in a friendly rather than possessive manner. James could feel the weight of attention following their progress, conversations pausing as they passed, heads turning with barely concealed curiosity about the striking couple they made.
Their assigned table was positioned near the front of the room, offering an excellent view of the small stage where the Petrov's would presumably make their speeches later in the evening. As they approached, James felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart stutter to a complete stop.