“Skylar, I hadn’t expected you to come tonight,” Haven said, overjoyed at seeing him.
“My meeting was canceled, so I instructed my pilot to get the jet ready. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to fly here to be with you,” he said, placing his hand at Haven’s waist. Then, roaming his gaze over her, he added, “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thanks.”
Then Skylar turned around to speak. “Good evening, everyone.”
Skylar noticed everyone returned his greeting except the woman who’d been taunting Haven. She moved forward, coming to stand right in front of him. When he felt Haven tense, he tightened his arms around her waist.
“Mr. Kingston, I don’t think we’ve met,” the smiling woman said, extending her hand. “I’m Chastain Gibbs. My father is Timothy Gibbs of the Gibbs Pharmaceutical Group.”
He shook her hand, though he didn’t let go of Haven. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Gibbs.”
Chastain’s smile widened. “I’m hoping that we can find the time to chat privately and even dance a few times later.”
Skylar couldn’t believe the nerve of this woman. “Sorry, that’s not possible. The only reason I’m here tonight is for Haven. All my time belongs to her.”
Anyone else would have quickly gotten his message, Skylar thought. Evidently, not a woman who was probably used to getting whatever she wanted. She tried again. “Surely, Haven won’t take up all your time. Why settle on the ordinary and miss out on more worthwhile opportunities?” ChastainGibbs said.
This woman was something else. Even some of the other women’s jaws had dropped at her maliciousness. He didn’t like it when Haven called herself ordinary, and hearing another woman describe her that way lit a fire within him.
Pulling Haven closer to his side, he said, “Maybe I need to make something clear to you, Ms. Gibbs. There is nothing ordinary about a woman like Haven. She is a rare and precious jewel. And I’m just smart enough to see it. I also see that you are fake, calculating, and manipulative. I don’t tolerate people like you, Miss Gibbs. Do I make myself absolutely clear?”
Total embarrassment filled her features and the woman could only nod. Obviously, she had assumed that with all his wealth, prestige, and manners, Skylar couldn’t be merciless if the need arose. He had just proven her wrong.
At the sound of the band starting up, he said, “Excuse us, everyone. Haven and I are about to share a dance. Our first of many tonight.”
Taking Haven’s hand in his, he escorted her to the dance floor.
Skylar drew Haven into his arms as strains of a slow beat drifted around them. He smiled down at her.
“Sorry about that. Sometimes I have to let out a side of me I would rather hold in. But Ms. Gibbs rubbed me the wrong way,” he said.
“No apologies needed. She’s been deliberately rubbing me the wrong way all week. I know what you and I share is unique, Skylar.”
And Haven truly meant it. She couldn’t explain it. All she knew was it felt right, and it was good and wholesome.
“I realize that some women can be totally ruthless,” she added.
“And when I encounter a woman like that, I have found the best thing to do is quickly put them in their place,” Skylar said.
She nodded. Her Gramma Dora would have loved him. Then, because she wanted to put the episode with Chastain from her mind, she said, “You look especially handsome tonight, Skylar.”
“Thank you, Ms. McGuire. And you look beautiful. There is not a woman here tonight who can compare.”
He gave her some of the sweetest compliments. “Thank you, Mr. Kingston.”
As he’d said they would, they danced the night away. Whenever they were on the sidelines and others approached, he kept his arm around her waist and proudly introduced her as his girlfriend. The first time he did so, she realized that she’d never been introduced that way…by anyone. It made her feel special. And he didn’t leave her side the entire night, something Haven knew didn’t go unnoticed. She even managed to be polite when Addie came up to say hello.
“Are you ready for a wonderful weekend?” Skylar asked as they shared the last dance for the night.
“I am. And I got everything on the list you sent me.”
“Good. And I’ve cleared my calendar of meetings, so I will be able to work from my penthouse for the next two weeks. That means you will see more of me.”
“I’m goingto love that.”
“When you leave here, are you flying directly to Chicago?” he asked.
