“Can we not talk about that tonight? I just want one evening before the madness resumes.”
I look into her beautiful eyes, begging her to please let business take a back seat tonight. At least business where I’m concerned. She concedes and I remove my hand.
The rest of the drive is quiet except for the soundtrack that changes from one classic to another. All the while, her foot taps and I watch the way the dress falls open, revealing a pair of stems that she must have stolen from a statue of a goddess.
When we pull up to the stadium, I move quickly to open her door and cameras begin to flash. The local media is all present, ready to capture the rich and famous as we walk the red carpet.
I thank our driver and he passes me a card with his number to call when we’re ready to leave.
As he drives off, I can see the uneasiness on Valentina’s face. I didn’t take into account that this may be something she is not accustomed to. Whereas I have had plenty of time to acquaint myself with the media, good and bad.
I tuck her hand in my elbow and caress the back of it.
“Just smile and look beyond the flashes. Focus your eyes behind the photographers and I’ll guide you.” I give her pointers, hoping to quell nerves.
She straightens her spine, nods her head, and plasters on a winning smile that will have everyone wonderingwho’s that woman?
My name is shouted from all directions and the rapid succession of camera shutters sound all around. Valentina’s hand squeezes my bicep and without flinching, I take it in mine and pull her close. She continues to smile as we move down the line until we make it safely behind the large glass doors.
I see her shoulders sag with relief as she exhales.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
Her long fingers run across her shiny hair, and her face morphs back into professional mode.
“Yes. I’m fine. I’ve never experienced anything like that and it can be quite overwhelming.”
“You’ll get used to it,” I tell her, pulling her along through the corridor. “Now that you are part of the Drillers family, I’m sure Mr. Montgomery will think of every reason to have you in the limelight. You’ve made quite the impression on him.”
We step up to the elevator bank and men in tuxedos wait, holding trays of champagne glasses. They pass each of us one and the doors slide open, allowing us to step inside. Surprisingly, no one else joins us and it gives me more time to soak in the few minutes left I have with only her.
“Well Monty is a wonderful man. I look forward to helping him in the future. Hopefully not with you. My plan is to cure you of your philandering ways and never look back. No offense,” she adds.
I bring the glass to my lips, the bubbles of the champagne tickling my nose, and watch her over the rim. Her gaze holds mine, intense and somewhat challenging, like she’s daring me to prove her otherwise.
“So tell me, Valentina. Is there a special man in your life? One that you like to bring misery and pain to, or is that reserved for me?”
She tries to hide it, but I see that way she smirks behind her glass and her cheeks blush. God she’s beautiful when that stick up her ass is out.
“The misery and pain is all for you, buddy. And not that it’s any of your business, but I do not have a significant other. I really don’t have the time for a boyfriend. They’re like houseplants. They want attention and sun and food and more care than I can give at the moment. I can’t even keep a fake plant alive. Better to not bring onehome than stick it on your window sill to watch it wither and die. Or, in the case of most men, cheat.”
“Ouch. That’s harsh. Not all men cheat.” This woman must have been burned bad.
I feel sorry for the schlump that had to deal with whatever wrath she rained down on him.
“Oh yeah. And you? Have you been faithful to every girlfriend you’ve had?” She crosses her arms over her chest, carefully balancing her glass in one hand and her purse in the other.
“No, as a matter of fact, I haven’t. Mostly because I’ve never had a girlfriend.” Her jaw falls open and I imagine how she’d look like that on her knees.
“What? Are you kid–” The elevator dings as we arrive on our floor and it allows me to escape her questioning. “We’ll talk about this later.”
She steps forward and I offer her my arm, leaning in until my lips brush the shell of her ear. “There’s going to be a later?”
With an arch of her brow and a saucy smile, she throws back the last of her champagne and places it on an empty tray that a waiter holds as she steps out of the elevator. I’m rooted to my spot inside the lift. The way she sways her hips is hypnotizing. Every head turns to watch her beauty emerge, and with her gold dress she’s an absolute vision.
“Nico?” My name is called and I blink out of my haze to see Valentina staring right at me. “Are you coming?”
I do the same with my drink and step forward, taking her hand in mine and pulling her close. “So ready.”
