And with that, Ryker was left staring at hisphone in confusion.Spock let out a whine and ducked his tiny headinto the sofa cushions.
“What?”he asked his dog, as Spock continuedto hide.
Ryker was glad he wasn’t the only one actingweird today.
Chapter Fifteen
Wes
A slim-fit tuxedo on a muggy Southernevening was a very bad idea.
Wes had probably sweated off five poundswaiting outside his hotel for Hayden to drive him to the MarshallHotel, the venue for tonight’s benefit.Located in southeastAtlanta, the hotel was a historic landmark from the 1920s, andtonight the rooftop bar would host the who’s who of Atlanta forcocktail hour.Wes reviewed the notes Luca had sent for one lastprep, but his eyes kept straying to his phone and, in particular,his last text message thread with Ryker.
He quickly snapped a selfie and sent it toRyker.
Wes:Note to self, tuxedos and warmweather do not mix.This suit is now permanently glued to mybody.
Wes noted the now familiar black sedanpulling up in front of the hotel.
“Looking sharp tonight, Mr.Stewart,” Haydencommented as he exited the vehicle and opened the back door forWes.
“Thanks, Hayden, but I can’t wait to getinto air conditioning.This suit is too warm for this weather,” hereplied as he slid into the cool comfort of the car.
It took only ten minutes to arrive at thevenue, and he was once again hit by the wall of humidity when thecar door opened.
“Have a nice evening, Mr.Stewart.Send me atext when you’re ready to head back,” Hayden replied, and wasoff.
Wes entered the hotel through the widedouble doors and headed to the elevator that would take him up tothe rooftop bar.A short while later, he emerged on the twentiethfloor and was greeted by Shelby Goffen, the event planner.Dressedin a green sateen cocktail dress, her fiery red curls bouncing onher shoulders, Shelby was an energetic sight.She was organized andfriendly, with perfect Southern manners.
“Wes, so nice to meet you!Welcome toAtlanta.Would you care for a drink?”she asked, motioning for awaiter.Wes ordered a champagne cocktail.“Oh, I have the set-uphere with copies of your books for you to sign.I sent the updatedlist of guests at the head table to you and Luca.”
“Thanks, Shelby, this is great.Luca sendshis best, by the way.He really enjoyed talking to you lastweek.”
“He’s amazing, a real pleasure to work with.I told him to call me anytime.I’m happy to offer any guidance hemay need to launch his event business.Oh, here’s my assistant,Rochelle Hetter.”Shelby motioned to a young woman with long, darkhair and vivid makeup, wearing a retro-style polka dot dress.
“Nice to meet you, Mr.Stewart,” Rochellesaid and shook Wes’s hand.
“Please call me Wes,” he replied.
Shelby smiled at the two of them.“Rochellewill be your shadow tonight, so anything you need, ask her.Isthere anything else I can do?I have a few items I need to takecare of in the grand ballroom before everyone heads there fordinner,” she said as her phone pinged.
“I’m good.I’ll see you later.”
And with that, Shelby was on her phone andrushing off to the elevator.
Wes’s phone buzzed.“Excuse me for a moment,Rochelle,” he said.
Ryker:You couldn’t pay me to wear that.But it suits you, Prince Charming.
Wes couldn’t help but smile and quicklytyped a response.
Wes:I wouldn’t want to disappoint the300 guests tonight.They expect only the best.
Ryker:Too bad you have noself-confidence.300 people?I’m sweating for you.I’m alreadyanxious just thinking about attending the shelter benefit nextmonth.
Wes’s smile faded as he thought of Javier’sattempts to get closer to Ryker.Had the man convinced Ryker to gowith him to the event as his date?Wes’s gut churned at thatthought.
Wes:You decided to go?What changed yourmind?
