The doors of the elevator open, and an employee of my building greets me. “Good evening, Mr. Jameson. Enjoy your event.”
“I plan to,” I say with a nod. As soon as I enter the ballroom, I accept a flute of champagne. I take a sip as I look over the people who have once again come out to help raise money for charities near and dear to me. Everyone from pro athletes, movie producers, and directors, to some of the most influential businesspeople in North Carolina are all here to help me.
My eyes scan the crowd for Ensley. I know she’s here and we agreed once the event got underway, she would be my date for the evening. Honestly, I expected her to tell me no, that I’m paying her to work for the evening, but she told me Jordan could handle everything. It’s such a relief because after tonight, I’m really hoping to introduce her as my girlfriend next week at another gala I’m invited to.
“Wow, this turn out.” Damien stands next to me, holding his champagne. “The auction items are amazing. Our network really came through.”
“I know,” I say, taking another sip. “I’m about to throw down some serious cash on the football Cam Newton and the Patriots signed.”
Damien sighs. “The Panthers were stupid to let him go.”
“Did you see he had almost four hundred total yards the other week? Once the Pats defense figures things out, they’re going to dominate the league again.”
He laughs. “New England sure has embraced him.”
“Lucky bastards,” I mumble.
Damien and I part ways. Even though this is my event, he will circulate and greet people on my behalf. That’s what partners do. Going into business with him has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The second best—Ensley. She’s been worth every penny I’ve spent on events, just to have her in my life, and I’d spend it all over again if I had to.
The woman of my dreams and fantasies is coming toward me in a black dress with a slit up to her thigh. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to her sprawled out on my bed, without a mask on. As soon as she’s within reach, I don’t hesitate to place my hand on her hip and pull her closer. I also don’t care who is around or watching us as I press my lips to hers. She gasps, in surprise, and I love every second.
“I’m sorry for kissing you like that. I supposed I should’ve asked first.”
She shakes her head slightly. “Not at all. I certainly didn’t ask you the other night when I kissed you.”
I lean down and whisper in her ear. “If you hadn’t, I would’ve.” I can feel her cheek rise. I love that I can make her smile.
When we pull apart, I keep my hand on her hip and gaze into her eyes. I’m about to tell her who I am when an old family friend approaches us.
“Owen, it’s good to see you.” Mr. Richter sticks his hand out for me to shake, leaving me no choice but to remove my hand from Ensley’s hip. In this moment, I despise my father’s old golf buddy.
“Mr. Richter, thank you for coming. Allow me to introduce you to Ensley Anderson, party planner extraordinaire.” The two of them shake hands.
“Owen’s mother has told me all about you. I hear congratulations are in order.”
Ensley looks at me questioningly. I shrug having no idea what he’s talking about.
“So, when’s the big day? The Mrs. And I don’t want to miss it.”
“Oh,” I say. “We haven’t set a date yet, but I’ll make sure my mom lets you know.” Within a few seconds, he’s gone and I’m wide eyed staring at Ensley. “Shit, I’m sorry. My mom mentioned Mr. Richter was having issues keeping things straight but I had no idea he was that bad.”
“Oh, it wasn’t that bad, to assume we’re getting married before we’ve actually started dating or getting to know each other.”
“Haven’t we?” I ask, taking the window of opportunity.
Ensley meets my gaze. “Excuse me?” she says softly.
I set my empty champagne flute down and ask her to follow me, even though I’ve taken her hand firmly in mine and have tugged her behind me. It takes me a moment or two to find a secluded space among the party goers, but do outside. When a waiter and another tray of champagne walks by, I grab us each one, needing the liquid courage.
“I have something to tell you, but I need you to listen before you say anything or walk away from me.”
“I’m listening,” she says.
I clear my throat and take a drink of the champagne. Here goes nothing. “In college, I was a flirt and dated, but never found someone I wanted to spend any time with. And then, Damien and I opened the company and women flocked to us, but none of them ever sparked any interest and after a month or two, I knew none of the women I dated at the time were the one for me.