Dominick scoffed again, then finished off his drink. “I don’t believe it. You seem so happy and carefree, and you don’t let yourself binge on Tootsie Rolls every now and then?”
Something about the way he saidTootsie Rollsmade me feel funny in my crotch. “People already have trouble taking me seriously as a business owner,” I explained. “I’m young to own my shop. Not to mention I still look like a college student, even though I graduated a few years ago. I have to maintain a professional appearance in order to convince people to take me seriously.” I took an awkward sip from the melted ice water at the bottom of my glass, and a few ice cubes clinked against my teeth. “If I always had a sucker sticking out of my mouth, they’d probably start to think I was a child.”
“Our lines of business are very different,” Dominick said. “It’s basically expected that I’ll indulge.”
“The other business types always trying to push candy bars on you?” I joked.
“More like this kind of indulgence,” he said, finishing off his drink. “And a few stronger ones, too.”
“That must make it hard to get work done.”
“It does. That’s one of the secrets to my success. When everyone else is getting loose, I’m usually drinking soda water. It gives me an advantage, especially when my competitors spill some gossip after a couple rounds of champagne.” He pulled his wallet out from his blazer, then tossed a few bills on the counter. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
“You’ll show me?”
“It’s time for the gala,” he said. “And I’m pretty sure Denver will get just as messy as Manhattan does by the time the evening is over.”
* * *
I could have spent the whole night watching Dominick work the room at the gala. Held in a massive ballroom, a chandelier sparkling above us and a live band crooning out the most romantic songs, it felt like being at the most exclusive event in town.
And apparently, I was there with the most exclusive man.
He had told me that he was in charge of executive operations for the revitalization project, but I hadn’t quite understood what that meant. In the ballroom and with his jacket sleeves rolled up and the ropey muscles of his arms visible, Dominick practically had a line of people waiting to greet him. He bounced between conversations, charming and chuckling as though it was the most natural thing in the world. When the catering staff passed, he’d casually grab a flute of champagne for me or another delectable bite from the silver trays. And then he’d smile, offer a moment of polite conversation to someone from the mayor’s office or the local newspaper, and return to conversation with me.
The second his eyes met mine, it was like I was the only person in the room. It was like he had thrown the whole gala just for me.
It was like I was his.
“I swear,” he said, running a hand through his thick hair, “the meet and greet should slow down soon. Are you enjoying the evening despite the interruptions? Is there anything I could do for you?”
Take me in the back and spank me, maybe?
But I couldn’t say that. Even knowing it was a kink he enjoyed, I couldn’t bring myself to ask for it.
Not at the gala. Not when the stakes were suddenly feeling higher than ever before. Because it was one thing to feel embarrassed about my kink and my desires, but it was a whole other thing to realize that the man I wanted to spank me was more than just a hot, dominant sexual fantasy.
He was a man I might actually, truly like.
“I’m having a nice time,” I assured him. “I’ve never been in a place like this before.”
“It’s a little ridiculous,” he said quietly. “Throwing a party like this takes a big hit out of the budget. But of course, all the businesses and agencies involved want a chance to spread their name around and get credit for their investment in the city.” He accepted a squat glass filled with ice and a tiny splash of brown liquor and held it steadily in front of his chest. “But now you can see the crowd I’m working with in getting this project completed.”
I looked around. Everyone looked flashy, and there were more than a few people peacocking around. I couldn’t deny, some of the dresses and suits were amazing, and I could only imagine how wonderful it must feel to wear something so beautiful. Like you were glowing, and your clothes were lifting you up.
“People who are very proud of being rich,” I said.
“Exactly,” he answered, looking impressed. “That’s my take on it, too. Most of the people invested in this thing are self-interested. They’re here to make money and to network with the rich and powerful.” He finally lifted his drink, holding it under his nose and breathing in. After a moment, he dropped his hand again, holding the glass still without wavering. “It’s annoying and disappointing.”
“Disappointing?” I asked, my eyes trailing after a local television personality. “I would have guessed the crowd would be familiar.”
“That’s why it’s disappointing,” he said, smiling and nodding at someone across the room. He turned back to me, and our eyes locked. “Enough about business,” he said. “With you here, the evening gets to be about pleasure, too.”
Blood rushed to my cheeks as his voice wrapped around me, holding me tight. “I’m so glad you invited me,” I managed to say.
Dominick reached out and placed his hand on my elbow, and slowly, the room came back to me. But even as he started to walk me through the crowd, guiding me forward, that feeling remained that I was in his power and under his protection.
“They’re serving the desserts now,” he said. “Are you ready for one?”
