Groaning, I conceded, “Fine. I’ll go.”
Trent was waiting at the restaurant bar chatting to Dean when I came downstairs. As if he sensed my appearance, he turned toward the entrance then he froze, his glass suspended in mid-air. I felt his gaze scorch a blazing path from my silver heels, up my body to finally rest on my face, and when his gaze met mine, it flared with unabashed desire.
I smiled. The gossamer-thin fabric draped itself elegantly over my body and crossed over my breasts with intricate straps, exposing a deep slice of plump cleavage. According to Tia, the gentle gray-suited my eyes and dark hair, which I’d left down to bounce in soft curls around my back.
Trent wished Dean a quick farewell and crossed the restaurant to my side. “If I knew you were going to look this beautiful, I would’ve swapped places with the Blacksmith,” his smile was slow, sinfully so.
“Would he mind terribly, you know, if there were to be a last-minute change in plan?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” He faked disappointment and I burst out laughing.
There was just so much more to this man I was beginning to adore. Unfortunately. “Thank you for the dress.”
“My pleasure. But you didn’t have to wear it.” Even though he said it, his smile was triumphant but not in an arrogant manner, more like he was glad I loved his choice.
When we arrived, a long line of limos waited to offload their guests in front of the venue. I glanced out my window, taking in the scene. It had the whole Hollywood vibe to it with the red carpet and flashing cameras. I felt out of sorts amid these strangers with whom I’d be spending the next couple of hours. Zayne was a low-key type of person which suited my reserved personality perfectly. He never pushed me to attend anything fancy but never failed to suggest, offer or ask if I wanted to go somewhere or do something different, I always refused. Trent, however, was intent on pushing my boundaries to get what he wanted. Surprisingly, I was enjoying his lead.
When he opened my door, I drew in a deep breath and stepped out. “How many people did you say were attending this function?”
“I didn’t.” He smiled. “But I’m guessing around three hundred.”
“Why does it look like a lot more?” I glanced around. People were everywhere. Chatting, laughing, posing for private photographs and selfies.
With my hand tucked in the crook of his arm, he escorted me toward the entrance. Swallowing my nerves, I hoped I’d do my heels proud and stay upright for Trent’s sake. This was his event and the last thing I needed was to embarrass the man.
“Relax, sweetheart, any tighter and I probably wouldn’t be able to use the arm for a while.”
I looked up to then followed Trent’s gaze back down to where I was squeezing his arm. “Shit, I’m sorry.” I eased my grip on his arm. Standing on the red carpet outside the main entrance to a stunning hotel and about to attend a black-tie event was something I’d never imagined myself doing.
“I’m kidding.” He laughed. “Why are you so nervous?”
I was so out of my depth. “I don’t do large crowds.”
“It’s just a ball—”
“Excuse me, are you minimizing my first experience?”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it, but it’s just another—”
“Good.”
“Feisty aren’t you?”
“And you know you want me.”
He looked at me, needing no words to tell me just how right I was if that hunger in his eyes was anything to go by. For just a second, I forgot about the crowds and focused on the man next to me. In a gray suit that matched my dress to perfection and a black button-down, he cut a dashing figure of power, elegance, and pure mouth-watering decadence. As we entered, cameras went off, capturing the couples ahead of us. When it was our turn, I hid my face behind Trent’s shoulder. He stopped walking, pulled me to one side and circled my waist.
“Any specific reason other than large crowds?” I was still glancing around when he cupped my chin gently and turned me to look at him. “You’re a beautiful woman who has the world at your feet and men eating out of your palm, me in particular.” He grinned. “There’s no reason to be nervous.”
“I don’t know anyone here,” I mumbled.
“You know me.”
“And what happens when you have to leave me to go...um...mingle or do whatever it is you do at these fancy functions?”
“Firstly, I wouldn’t leave you alone. I’m afraid someone else might steal you.” He winked and I smiled, the tension receding a little. “Second, you get to meet two important people in my life, today. So, you won’t be alone.”
“Really? Who?”
