Claim - Page 75

I wrinkled my nose. “I’m not really a whiskey drinker.”

Mila laughed. “Don’t worry, I have some other awesome cocktails on the menu, as well. I’ll get you one I know you’ll love.”

I spotted Macy and Colt, with drinks in hand, across the room. Colt was in a grey suit, and Macy in a pretty green number that suited her. Reath and Frankie were with them. I instantly envied Frankie’s electric-blue, maxi-style dress with a halter top.

“Good evening.” Drawled Kav as he and London appeared. The pair looked elegant as always. London’s dress was an interesting bronze color that clung to her lean body.

“You look gorgeous, Bell,” London said.

“Not as gorgeous as you.”

London winked at me.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my joint partner in Firebrand Whiskey,” Kav said.

I turned and saw a handsome man in a tailored suit, who had dark hair and a strong jaw. He reminded me a little of the actor who played Superman. There was an attractive woman at his side, wearing a gorgeous, off-the-shoulder, red dress that hugged her toned body. Her tousled black hair almost brushed her shoulders.

“This is Zane Roth, and his wife, Monroe,” Kav announced. “All the way from New York.”

“Nice to meet you.” Beau shook hands with the man. “You’re a long way from home.”

The man smiled. “We have to get out of New York sometimes. Don’t we, darling?”

Zane Roth. I realized that this man was one of the billionaire bachelors of New York. Three friends who’d made their businesses wildly successful.

I blinked. “I’ve never met a billionaire before.” Oops, the words sort of blurted out of me.

“Yes, you have.” London jerked a thumb at Kavner. He winked at me.

God, Kavner was a billionaire? “I’ve definitely never met two billionaires before.”

The woman in the red dress grinned. “I know that feeling well. Zane’s besties are billionaires too. I’m Monroe, and it’s nice to meet you.”

Introductions were made. Everyone was so…nice. So normal. I guess I’d always thought that rich people would be weird. When Mila handed me a cocktail, I took several large sips.

“Well, don’t look now, but Bell, you’re about to meet your third billionaire,” Kavner said. “Dante, Beauden, you remember Ambrose Langston?”

My gaze switched to the man approaching.Wowser. He was handsome, in a young-Greek-god kind of way. He looked like he’d been born wearing his expensive suit, that showed off his lean body. He had thick, brown hair, dark eyes that shone with sharp intelligence, and just enough scruff to save him from being pretty.

“It’s nice to see you again,” he said in a deep voice. He shook hands with the men. “And please, I go by Ro, and usually imagine punching anyone who calls me Ambrose.”

“Ro, this is Mila and Bell,” Kav introduced us.

Ro Langston inclined his head, then turned to the Roths. “Roth, Monroe.”

“Langston,” Zane said, while Monroe leaned in to kiss Ro’s cheek.

“Ro is a hotel kingpin,” London said. “He and Kav are doing some joint projects together.”

A small smile tipped up the corner of Ro’s lips. “I own Langston Hotels.”

My eyes widened. I’d heard of the luxury chain of hotels and resorts. They had properties all around the world.

“Ro and Kav are planning a big new hotel here in New Orleans. That’s why he’s in town.” The corner of London’s lips quirked. “And why Kav invited him to come and spend lots of money tonight.”

“It’s for an excellent charity,” Mila said.

Ro nodded. “Then I’ll spend big.”