“You know how these young designers are. They want everything handed to them without putting in the work,” one of the men in the group says.
“The only work she put in is on her back,” Jason adds.
The group laughs. Although I can get past a lot of bullshit, those words sting. Not because they are true, but because they’re using my marriage to dismiss my talent. Yes, Nico nominated me, but I got this spot fairly.
“Jason, stop,” a female with bad bangs half-heartedly scolds.
“He’s not lying,” Paula says. “You know her husband bought her this nomination. The only reason she is here is because she did his hotel.”
“He probably nominated her.” Jason lifts his glass to his mouth, covering his smirk.
“Of course,” Paula cosigns. “With a large check attached to it.”
Sick of their hateful words and lies, I head in their direction. If they don’t know how to keep my name out of their mouths, I’m going to help them.
After taking two steps, I bump into a hard chest. I look up into the eyes of Chad Nickles. He looks over his shoulder and then back down at me. I prepare myself for his bullshit, sure he’s going to add something else to the noise. I’m too young to be here, haven’t done enough, or maybe he’s going to be like everyone else and say it’s because of Nico.
He leans down to my ear. “Don’t let them pull you out of character. Go to the bathroom, take a deep breath, and when you return, hold your head up and act like you belong.”
With those words, he straightens back up, winks at me and then walks off, leaving me in my spot. I watch his wide shoulders as they disappear through the crowd. Looking at the group of gossiping assholes, once again I consider going over and cursingthem all out, but Chad is right. I won’t show my ass at this event. Taking heed of his words, I head toward the bathroom.
When I walk in, I realize I’m the only one here. I go over to the mirror. The woman looking back at me is doubtful. She’s unsure of who she is.
“You did this,” I tell her. “Your talent got you here. Your husband recognized your gift, but you’re the one that made this happen.”
Their words and criticism caused a little chip in my armor, but I would not let them take me out of my spot. I take a deep breath, fix my invisible crown on my head, and slowly let out my breath.
“You got this,” I say to my reflection with much more confidence.
After washing my hands and reapplying my lipstick, I head out of the restroom. The moment I step out, I gasp. Leaning against the opposite wall, one foot on the wall behind him and the other planted on the floor, holding a single long-stemmed rose, is my husband. Joy and happiness flood me so quickly, I could float.
“You came,” I say, stating the obvious.
His dark brown eyes take me in from head to toe. The way his nostrils flare when he looks at me in this dress has my belly fluttering and my thighs tightening. He slips his bottom lip in between his teeth as he takes my body in. He’s looking at me like he could eat me off the bone. And I’m almost crazy enough to let him do it tonight.
Finally, his gaze lifts to my face, and the attraction I read seconds ago evaporates. His brow pinches and his head cocks to the side.
The way he cut off his arousal and transformed it immediately into concern should be studied. What he says nextshouldn’t shock me, but I am amazed at how much this man knows me.
“What’s wrong?”
chapter seventeen
Rocks
Nico
The last few days have been hell. A fire was started in one of the auxiliary rooms at Basille Resort Park Lane in London. Thankfully, the fire was put out before any actual damage was caused.
I had to fly to London two days ago, and because Tiffany is back at work, I couldn’t take my family with me. I hated being away from her and Noah.
“Everything is fine, Mase. I just touched back down.”
I was in the back of the SUV heading to the hotel where the awards ceremony will be held. I wanted to be back in time to escort her here, but we had some delays on my flight. Even though I told her she could take Mira, there was never a chance I wasn’t making this event. I bought my ticket the day after I told her about it.
“I want to see you tomorrow. Meet me at Salv’s at noon.”
If we were meeting at Salv’s, it meant there was something big that needed to be discussed.
