Marrying Mr. Wrong (Dirty Martini Running Club #3) - Claire Kingsley Page 0,1

martinis, we’d named him Dr. Handsy Perv.

And there he was, just on the other side of the silent auction tables.

I risked a quick peek. He was talking to someone else, but his eyes flicked toward me. This was so awkward. Turning, I almost walked right into a man in a black tux with silver hair and glasses. He deftly shifted his drink out of the way so he wouldn’t spill.

“I’m so sorry.”

He didn’t reply. Just furrowed his brow in annoyance and went around me.

My heart beat faster and I cast another glance at Dr. Handsy Perv. Or where Dr. Handsy Perv had been a few seconds ago. Where had he gone?

“Sophie.” His hand slid onto my elbow and I practically jumped out of my heels.

Jerking my arm away, I spun around and took a step back. “Dr. Shilling.”

“We’re not in my office; there’s no need to be formal. You can call me Randall.”

“Right, of course. Randall.”

He stepped closer and ran his hand up and down my arm. “Glad to see you recovered.”

God, why was he so touchy? His hands were cold and clammy. Gross. “Yeah, thanks. I’m feeling a lot better.”

His eyes swept up and down in a way that made my stomach turn. It wasn’t sexy or provocative. It was creepy. Like he was sizing me up to see if I’d fit in the trunk of his car.

“Excuse me, I have to—”

“Randall!”

Someone called his name and I took advantage of his momentary distraction to dart away. The live auction hadn’t started yet, but I’d just have to miss it. I needed to get out of here before Dr. Handsy Perv could corner me.

I quick-walked toward my table where I’d left my coat, willing myself to not trip in my heels, and adjusted the thin strap of my small black purse. Thankfully, I made it without any mishaps. Congratulating myself on my successful walk across the room—it wasn’t much, but I believe in celebrating the little things—I scooped up my coat and turned.

And bumped into someone. Again.

This time it was a woman in a shimmery black evening gown with a plunging neckline.

“I’m sorry.” I started to reach for her drink to make sure she didn’t spill but pulled back at the last second because I’d probably wind up making it worse.

She recovered quickly, the surprise in her expression melting into a smile. She looked like she was in her mid-thirties, with dark hair in an up-do and deep red lipstick. “No harm done. Are you all right?”

“Yes, thank you.” My eyes darted to the side. Dr. Handsy Perv was still occupied by the man who’d called his name, but his gaze was on me. I shuddered.

She followed my gaze. “Let me guess. Ex-boyfriend?”

“Oh, no. We only went on one date. Or maybe it was half a date? Either way, it was very uncomfortable.”

“I totally understand. We’ve all been there.” She took a casual sip of her drink. “I love your dress. It’s very flattering.”

I glanced down at myself. “Thanks. Yours is pretty too.”

Her lips curled in a smile. “Thank you.”

Dr. Handsy Perv broke off from his conversation and started heading in our direction.

“Don’t worry.” She set down her drink, then shifted so she was beside me and slipped her arm through mine. “Us girls need to stick together. I’ll get you out of here.”

We started toward the ballroom doors, arm in arm.

“Thank you so much.” I glanced over my shoulder. “Oh my god, he’s following.”

“Persistent, isn’t he? I’m Ruby, by the way.”

“Sophie.”

She gave my arm a reassuring squeeze as we walked through the large double doors. “Some men don’t know how to take a hint. We’ll disappear into the ladies’ room.”

The restrooms were just across the hallway and we ducked inside. I let out a long breath while Ruby checked her hair in the mirror. She got out her phone and started typing.

“Are you here alone?” she asked.

I smoothed down my dress and shifted my coat, which was still hanging over my arm. “Yes, unfortunately. You?”

“My husband is here, but he went back to our room already.”

“Are you from out of town, or just making a night of it?”

“Making a night of it. Hotels have a way of spicing things up.” She tucked her phone into her black clutch. “I’ll make sure the coast is clear.”

“Thank you so much.”

“My pleasure.” She opened the door and peeked out, then let it fall closed again.

“He’s still out there, isn’t he?” I asked.

“He is, and he’s standing in the middle of the hallway