Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
But it was the reverent way that Caleb looked at me, his expression filled with so much appreciation and adoration that those emotions made my breath catch. I’d never felt so beautiful in my entire life. So confident that tonight, in a room filled with his peers, I was going to make him proud to have me on his arm.
But then those eyes of his darkened as they took in my blonde hair that Valerie had styled in glamorous waves reminiscent of a classic Hollywood starlet. His gaze retraced a path across the tempting red lipstick I wore, lingering on my mouth before dipping lower to my gown, most likely admiring the way the cut of the bodice lifted my breasts and gave me fantastic cleavage. How the waistline nipped in and the slit that exposed one leg to mid-thigh showcased the most stunning, crystal-encrusted, red strappy heels that Raven had insisted I buy. Seeing Caleb’s reaction now, I was glad I’d indulged.
“Fuck me,” he said in a low, sexy growl as he lifted his eyes back up to mine after cataloguing all the red encasing my body, a deliberate choice on my part. “Are you trying to make my dick permanently hard tonight?”
I laughed, secretly pleased that my ploy had worked. “Maybe.”
“Wicked girl,” he said huskily, a sinful smile curving his lips. “You’ll pay for that later.”
I grinned unrepentantly. “I certainly hope so.”
I grabbed my clutch and he took my hand, escorting me down the elevator and out of the building to where Dylan was waiting to drive us to the event. We settled into the back seat, sitting side by side, with him still holding my hand, his thumb absently stroking across my knuckles.
“So, is there anything specific I need to know about tonight?” I asked once we’d merged out into traffic toward the Meridian Hotel, where this evening’s event was being held.
He thought for a moment, then turned his head to look at me. “So, I already mentioned that Alyssa is going to be there. Last Sunday, when I dropped off Owen for the week, she told me she was dating an architect and he was coming as her date, not that I give a damn what she does in her personal life, so long as it doesn’t adversely affect Owen.”
His tone was harsh and I understood why. His concern for Owen superseded anything else. I also had a feeling she’d told him about the new man in her life, most likely to make Caleb jealous, but it was clear that he was not the least bit envious.
“She’s unpredictable, as you’ve seen, so we’ll just keep our distance,” he went on. “The ballroom at the Meridian is huge, and we’re seated with the Sterling family, who are all there to support Fallon. She’s contributing pieces of her artwork for the auction. Since she’s an artist herself, and owns a gallery downtown, she’s a big advocate of art programs, grants, and community-based art projects that support emerging artists.”
Having met Fallon through Raven, who was her sister-in-law, I smiled. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the art at the auction. I’m not a connoisseur by any stretch, but it’s fun to see all the different styles and how each artist expresses themselves.”
We arrived at the hotel a short while later and with my arm in Caleb’s, we headed into the ballroom, which had been transformed into a stunning vision of elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high, vaulted ceilings, while tables adorned with towering floral centerpieces and flickering candles created a warm, sophisticated ambiance. The air was filled with the soft melodies of a string quartet and everywhere I looked was a sea of tuxedos and jewel-toned ballgowns.
Yes, I was out of my element at this charity gala, but there was also something exhilarating about experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime—for me—occasion, and I soaked it all in, enjoying everything about the breathtaking glamour and grandeur of the venue.
We met up with Remy and Raven and spent the next hour mingling with other guests while I sipped on champagne and Caleb opted for a Dirty Dare scotch, neat. Raven and I chatted with Chloe while the men talked, and Samantha was there since she was married to Fallon’s brother, Dex.
I couldn’t deny that it felt amazing being on Caleb’s arm, how he introduced me to people I didn’t know and how they automatically accepted me because of who I was with—a man with wealth and power, who exuded such an undeniable magnetism it was difficult not to be drawn to him.
Never once did I feel self-conscious. I didn’t feel like an imposter. I felt like I belonged, and for tonight, I wholeheartedly embraced the feeling.
At the end of the cocktail hour, I glanced over at Raven and saw her looking at something, or someone, outside of our group, her eyes narrowed enough to make me curious to follow her line of vision straight to…Alyssa, who was surrounded by two other couples. The man standing next to her, whom she had her arm looped through his was a good-looking man in his mid-forties—her prestigious architect date, no doubt.