Trent tucked my hand into the crook of his arm, and we began walking again. “My father’s brother, Drake Princeton and his wife.”
“Drake Princeton, wow, that sounds so influential, so princely.” I laughed at my joke. “Is he some big shot businessman? Should I curtsy?”
He chuckled. “Influential, yes. Princely, yes. Businessman, yes. Curtsy, no. Trust me, you’ll love them both. Sianna is a sweet girl. She used to be my restaurant manageress in Brenton.”
“You’re kidding.” I stopped short. “Your manageress is married to your uncle. How did that happen?”
“Long story.” He grinned. “I’ll fill you in as we walk around.”
A waiter approached us with a tray of champagne flutes. Trent accepted two glasses and handed me one. “Maybe this might calm you.” He was still finishing his sentence when I downed the drink and reached for his. Laughing, he gave it to me and signaled the waiter. “Better?” he asked when I took a huge gulp of the second glass.
“A little,” I hiccupped on a bubble.
“Just don’t leave my side if you intend getting tipsy again. There are plenty of tables to choose from here.” He winked, the insinuation clear and I stuck out my tongue at him. He laughed. “Come on, let me introduce you to some people.” With his hand on my lower back, he guided me around what I assumed to be the foyer since there were no tables were in sight.
Turned out his definition of some was a lot. By the time we met the twelfth couple, we’d moved into the gorgeous Victorian-style ballroom and I couldn’t remember the names of the first couple. “How do you know all these people?” I could hear the incredulity in my voice.
The waiter arrived with our drinks. Trent took a moment to hand me the glass of iced-tea I opted for instead of alcohol. “Mostly business associates.” He sipped his wine and lifted his hand to greet another person across the room.
“Mostly business? Am I to assume some pleasure associates too? Someone’s wife or two.” I teased.
He frowned and even with his lips curved down they begged to be kissed. “The only other man’s wife I’m interested in pleasuring is exactly where she needs to be.”
“And where exactly is that?”
His grip tightened on my waist, his voice low in my ear, he whispered, “In my arms.” His breath tickled and burned at the same time. I shivered. “And very soon, in my mouth.”
I fumbled with my glass, caressing the beads of sweat formed by the blocks of ice. “How soon?” I was being cheeky, and his brow shot up.
“Don’t tempt me, sweetheart, or I’m likely to forget my speech in favor of slipping my fingers into your no doubt wet pussy while I eat you out on that balcony, right now.” He gestured to the French doors to our left.
I gulped, squeezing my thighs. “You wouldn’t dare. Not with all these people milling about.”
“Something tells me you’d enjoy it.”
I gawked at him but was prevented from saying anything as another older couple approached us. After they left, I gave up my intention to quiz him about his earlier statement instead asked, “you haven’t explained your involvement in this event.”
As if sensing my redirection, he flashed me a wicked grin. “I’m one of ten founding members called Singleaders, an organization that focuses on various charitable aspects relating to kids. Children of abusive homes, addicted parents, runaway kids who lost a parent, homeless kids, and child prostitutes, are our current forte. We’ve raised millions over the last five years which have funded our cause.”
“Singleaders?”
Trent laughed. “Ten men,” he paused to point at nine men taking their seats on stage, “who lost wives or girlfriends to death, another man or incompatibility and chose to remain single. Our motto was, we don’t need the stress of forming new relationships. Rather stay single, do what we want, when we want and focus our energies on someone who actually needs us, destitute kids.”
“Wow.” I was impressed. “And what exactly do you guys do?”
“Among other things, we employ strict processes to find those kids good, affluent homes with facilitated visits by counselors every two weeks, then monthly and every six months thereafter. The longer the kids stay with those parents, the less supervised visits are required. But we’re a phone call away if the need arises for both parents and kids. Before they leave our premises, we make sure they’re equipped with health insurance, college tuition and enrolments in any additional classes they may need.”
“By the looks of this.” I waved my hand gesturing the room. “It’s a huge success.”
He nodded, glancing around. “For once, it’s not a group of rich people donating just to fulfil social investment obligations. These are caring, family orientated people with a genuine interest in the future leaders of our country.”
He sounded proud and rightly so. I heard of mothers making a difference when it came to kids but standing in the middle of these affluent people headed up by a group of young not to mention good-looking single men was remarkable. We moved to our table and Trent stepped away to greet someone. I took a moment to watch him, aware I was the envy of plenty of women tonight. I’d seen the admiration, the drool and subtle moves to check their makeup, hair and breasts when he passed by. While the notion he was mine thrilled me, I wasn’t sure for how long. Whatever happened between us since we met, some might call insta-lust. Whether it would grow into something had been a probability until I just learned what Singleaders stood for. Trent didn’t want the stress of building a new relationship and I didn’t wish to waste his time. Was it worth cheating on Zayne then?
“Hello, my dear.”
Frowning, I turned to find a sixty-something woman at my side, her body awash in a flamboyant orange dress but it was her smile that drew me in instantly. Friendly and sincere. Almost like we’d known each other forever.
“Hi.” I smiled.
