Forty-Two

DIMITRI

My eyes were fixed on a tall, balding man, just within touching distance. I could see his profile now and was sure of his identity. He was the owner of one of the biggest oil firms in the country. He was deep in conversation with two other business men I wanted to talk business with. I had just taken a step towards him when Summer stepped in front of me. One look at her and I knew that she was soused to the eyeballs. A glass of wine dangled from the tips of her fingers.

"Summer, what are you-"

I couldn't get the next words out because Summer suddenly threw her arms around me and kissed me. After the initial surprise, I wanted to yell and ask what the hell was wrong with her, but then I remembered we had an audience. Wine trickled down my neck and back as Summer lost her grip on her glass. I clamped my lips shut and pried her off me. It took a lot of effort for me to keep my expression pleasant.

"What are you doing?" I said in a low whisper.

"Nothing." She tipped forward, wrapp