“They are,” she agreed. “I think this new phase of Wingate is really going to be something huge.”
“Luke is taking a chance, but I agree there has to be a big risk for a big payoff.”
Sutton’s fiancée Lauren came from the bar with a glass of wine in hand and a smile on her face. She looked absolutely stunning in her floor-length gold dress.
“Kelly, you look gorgeous,” Lauren stated. “I love that green on you.”
“Thanks. I love that gold, too.”
Sutton slid an arm around Lauren and a sliver of jealousy slid through Kelly. She wanted to know where she and Luke stood and if they were working toward something. And most of all, she wanted to come out in the open. Stolen kisses and staying at his house, but driving separately to work, wasn’t any type of relationship she wanted to have.
“I’m about ready to book one of these getaways myself,” Lauren said. “I love my life here, but being pampered with Sutton for a week doesn’t sound bad at all.”
Kelly gestured toward the back wall. “You can sign up right back there,” she joked.
“What’s everyone congregating over here for?” Sebastian asked. “Are we having a staff meeting?”
Sutton shook his head at his twin. “Just chatting. The party is already a success. I’m anxious to see the numbers shoot up over the next few weeks with these pre-bookings.”
“Always a numbers man,” Sebastian joked. “Just relax for the night and let the plan do its work. Everyone is loving the idea of a couple’s getaway.”
“That’s because everyone is getting married or engaged lately,” Lauren chimed in with a smile.
Sebastian shook his head. “Not everybody. Right, Kelly?”
She couldn’t help but smile at the CEO, who obviously wanted nothing to do with commitment, but he didn’t know that’s exactly what she wanted from Luke.
“Marriage isn’t for everybody,” she stated with a shrug. “If you all will excuse me, I need to refill my glass and chat with some guests.”
Kelly eased away from the group and nodded her greeting to people she passed by as she moved her way through the crowd. The ballroom was absolutely packed. She was almost positive all of Royal had turned out to see what exactly Wingate was planning next.
She noticed living here that people with money wanted to spend it. They not only strove to have the newest and the nicest things, but they also wanted bragging rights and first dibs on social media status. Fine by her, because that would only give a burst of sales that would create a snowball effect that would generate more money than Wingate had seen since their funds had been pilfered by a trusted source.
Kelly turned and bumped into Gracie Diaz.
“Oh, Gracie,” Kelly exclaimed. “I’m so sorry.”
Gracie had her hand up to prevent more of a collision and held tightly to a glass of water in her other hand. She looked a little pale, but still gorgeous as always with her long, dark hair and striking brown eyes.
“Are you alright?” Kelly asked.
“Yes, yes. I’m fine.” She attempted a smile, but Kelly didn’t think Gracie was quite feeling it. “I was just feeling a little tired. I was going to go find a quiet place to sit.”
Concerned, Kelly reached for her friend. Gracie scored a winning lottery ticket that had completely changed her life. She was now a multimillionaire and searching for something else to do with her life.
“I was in the back room earlier getting ready,” Kelly stated. “I know it’s empty if you’d like to go back and close the door. Can I get you something? Do you need to eat or can I get you more water?”
Gracie shook her head. “I just need to sit. I’ll be fine, really. Go back to the party.”
Kelly hesitated, but the young woman moved away and headed toward the hallway. Kelly wondered what was wrong, but she didn’t want to pry. Everyone around here had something they wanted to keep to themselves and Kelly was no different.
Her eyes scanned the room and locked on Luke. He stared across with a hunger in his eyes she’d hadn’t seen since Oahu, and her entire body tingled. There might as well be nobody else in the room with the way he was gazing at her.
Beyond the hunger, she saw a desire and a promise staring back. Tonight. She couldn’t wait until they were done here and back at Luke’s house where they could be alone and she could finally tell him she loved him.
Nineteen
“Your forgiveness means everything,” Ava stated as they hovered in the corner of the ballroom at the party.