Chapter 28

Calliope's heart skipped a beat as her eyes met his ridiculously handsome face-he was so close, and those dark eyes looked like they could read her like an open book. She decided not to hold back and flashed a sweet smile, dimples showing. "I was hoping you could come with me to an event tomorrow evening. Is that okay?" Conrad frowned. "I've got something going on tomorrow night." Her smile stiffened instantly. In her head, she couldn't help but think-last time, she brushed him off in pretty much the same way. Seriously? So petty! Calliope felt a mix of frustration and resignation. Forcing a barely-there smile, she said, "Alright then. Sorry to bother you." She pointed at the food container on the cabinet. "Make sure to eat it while it's still warm." With a quiet "click," the door closed behind her. Conrad picked up the container. It was pink. Kinda cute. He stared at it, eyes dark and unreadable, clearly deep in thought. ***** The next evening, outside a business cocktail party. Calli