“I couldn’t agree more.” X opened the door for her. “Good night.”
“Sorry.” I stepped toward him. “Carla is excited that I seem to have a social life. I’m just glad she didn’t solicit you for a charity.”
“Don’t apologize.” He hadn’t taken his eyes off me, not even when he opened the door for Carla. That was a good sign.
“Carla can be a little…”
“Forward?”
“She means well.”
“She seems like a great friend.” He dropped his gaze to my breasts, not in a sleazy, obvious way. He was far too much of a gentleman for that but it was enough for me to notice that he noticed. Wasn’t that why I’d worn such a revealing dress? To get him to see me as more than Zoey’s mom?
“She’s wonderful to me and Zoey. Her whole family is.”
“I’m grateful to her and I’ll donate to any charity she deems worthy.” He caressed my cheek with the back of his hand, quietly commanding me to crave more.
“You’re a generous man.” How could I be expected to spend an entire evening with him looking so delicious? “Are you ready?”
“There’s something I’d like to do before we go.”
I’ll do anything you want, especially when you look at me with such desire in your expression. Has anyone ever looked at me like that before? “What?” I tried to clear my thoughts but a tingling sensation had overtaken my body. How could he do that with one look?
“This.” He gripped my chin, leaving his fingers on my face as he lowered his lips to mine. When the warmth of his mouth connected with mine, I leaned into him until our bodies touched.
There was an instant spark between us, a chemistry so plausible that I had to steady myself before I fell to his feet. I was worried about us being compatible?
“I like this dress.” He trailed his finger down my throat, to my chest, and between my breasts. “How am I ever going to focus on anything but you tonight?”
“Maybe that’s the point of the dress?” I teased.
“If it’s my undivided attention you’re after, it’s all yours.”
Xavier
As I took in the atmosphere inside the ballroom, I remembered why I didn’t like to attend these events. Far too many people with way too much time and money surrounded me. The room was filled with waterfalls, caviar, expensive champagne, media, and some of the richest residents in the state. Celebrities, doctors, lawyers, politicians, and influencers. Old. money, new money. It didn’t matter to me. I wasn’t impressed. Maybe that was because I had one of the largest bank accounts in the room.
None of these people mattered to me except the woman who had completely captivated me this evening. She appeared anxious as she gazed around the room taking it all in. I suppose it could be overwhelming.
“They’re people.” I ran my finger down her arm, mesmerized when her skin prickled. Does my touch do that? “No better than you or me.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You’re one of them.”
“I’m really not.” I set my glass down on the bar. Did she really think that about me? I was some rich snob who had too much money? “At least, I didn’t set out to be.”
“It’s not a bad thing. You’ve worked hard. You deserve the success.”
“Plenty of people work hard. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
“You’re very modest.”
“You’re the most beautiful woman in this room.” I circled my finger along her wrist. “Everyone is staring at you, wondering who you are.”
“They’re staring at me because I’m your date.”
“Who’s being modest now?”
“I’m enjoying every second of tonight. I’ve never seen anything like this.” She sipped her champagne. “Thank you for bringing me.”
“You’re very easy to please.” Not at all like some—
“Xavier.”
Fuck!
“I didn’t know you were going to be here.” Kate joined us at the bar, kissing my cheek. “You brought a guest? That’s new.”
“Kate Hightower.” I hoped I didn’t regret the introduction but the press had already taken so many pictures of Kara and I on the way in, it would be all over the internet if it wasn’t already. “This is Kara Cartwright.”
“Cartwright.” Kate cocked her head to the side and thought for a moment. There was no way she could know. I had to pay a king’s ransom to find Zoey. Kate couldn’t have known who Kara was. “I don’t know that name.”
“We probably don’t travel in the same circles.”
You’re far better off. Some of these women were nasty.
“But you know Xavier.” She extended her hand. “Any friend of his…”
“It’s nice to meet you.” They shook hands as I observed Kate’s demeanor. She’d been lying to me for years.
I found it hard to believe that Kate didn’t know her sister had carried my child for nine months and gave her up for adoption. I didn’t see Lanie hiding that fact, at least not from her sister and mother. If Kate didn’t know about Lanie’s confession in that letter then there would be no reason for Kate to suspect who Kara was. I was banking on that. If Kate found out what I was doing that would be a disaster.
“What a gorgeous dress,” Kate said. “Is it a Versace?”
“I… I think so.” Kara finished her drink.
“You don’t know who you’re wearing?” Kate asked.
“I borrowed it from my friend.” She set her glass on the bar.
What? How could I have been so stupid? I invited her to a black-tie affair and I didn’t even make sure she had a dress to wear. She had to rely on Carla? I should have known better. I wouldn’t make that mistake again.
“Does it matter?” I intervened, taking Kara’s hand as I brought her closer to me. “You look stunning.”
“Where did you two meet?” Kate inquired.
“At the park.” Kara gazed into my eyes as I remembered the precise moment I’d met her.
“The park?” Kate’s voice was laced with disbelief.
“Yes, I do leave the office on occasion.”
“What were you doing in the park?” She eyed me suspiciously.
“I needed some air.” Kind of like I do right now. “It had been a hectic day.”
“Hmm…” She drew her attention to Kara. “How romantic.”
“We need to take our seats,” I said. “I’m presenting Connor Lars with an award before dinner.”
“Xavier,” Kate said. “Have you had an opportunity to review that letter I gave you a few months ago?”
Seriously? “Yes, it was nothing.” I lied, waiting to see if she gave herself away. Did I want her to mention any of this in front of Kara? No!
“Oh, are you sure?” If she knew the skin on her forehead creased as she pondered my words, she’d be scheduling a Botox appointment for first thing tomorrow morning.
“It’s nothing you need to concern yourself with.” I rested my hand on Kara’s hip, satisfied in the way she fit against my side. “Would you like another glass of champagne?” I needed to get away from Kate.