Page 94 of Shark’s Pride

“Once we get everything unloaded, I want to walk over to the actual ceremony site again,” I told Rio.

“Good idea,” she concurred, all the while executing a perfect back-in to the building’s loading dock. “Just to make sure the platform hasn’t gone wonky, and the décor has all been placed right.”

“All right.” I accented that with a deep inhalation once we were established in the kitchen. “We have exactly two hours before I have to cut out and get ready—so let’s get this party started, shall we?”

Rio raised both arms like she was ready to hit an Ibiza dance floor. “Ohhh, we definitely shall, sister.”

She lowered her hands into my solid high five. I was feeling more confident about the event by the minute, especially as she and I set about conquering the second part of our list. It was awesome to work with her like this again, as we moved together in well-oiled-machine mode.

By the time I needed to change clothes for the reception, practically everything was ready. I swung a dazed but thankful grin across the prep area at my sister-in-law, who still looked as pumped and ready for some catering fun as she had at the break of dawn. Though a zillion tendrils popped out of her ponytail and her face gleamed with sweat, her eyes were gilded with exhilaration, and she bit into her bottom lip with excitement.

“Okay, everyone,” I called out, making sure our small staff army paused and gave me their full attention. “Listen up. Rio’s officially in charge. But if anyone needs me, I’ll be—”

“Getting ready to shine in that kick-ass outfit of yours,” Rio rebutted. “So those inquiries should be coming right here.” She directed both index fingers to her collarbones.

I huffed. “But—”

“Shoo!” she laughed out.

“Still. Just don’t hesitate to—”

“Abbigail. Go! It’s going to be fine. We’ve done this a million times, remember?”

I took another deep breath. My nerves were so frazzled. “I think I need a drink,” I managed to laugh back.

“Not a bad idea. Not at all.” She moved forward and gave me a quick hug before kissing my cheek and shoving me toward the door. “But right now, go and get beautiful for your man. The whole world needs to see what a lucky guy he is.”

In the bathroom, I changed and piled my hair into a messy but trendy updo. Thank goodness for the beachy vibe of Southern California style, making it easier to deal on the fly with hair like mine. If I had to worry about straightening it and trying to make it look silky and smooth in the short time frame I had, I’d be screwed. I pulled the lavender slip dress over my head and grinned at my reflection as the silky fabric slid into place over my curves. Sebastian had helped pick out the dress, and he was going to love the way it looked with my hair pulled up off my neck and shoulders. I tugged on the matching strappy sandals before touching up my makeup in the small mirror hanging above the sink.

And now it was showtime.

I still wasn’t sure I was ready.

But I had no choice about the matter.

Still on schedule, I made my way out into the crowd. The throng consisted mostly of press members. I found my dark and handsome boyfriend in their midst, holding court in the center of the construction site. The hazardous zone was fenced off to avoid any mishaps, and the large vacant lot was portioned down to a controlled area for the reception.

Sebastian’s gaze heated as he spotted me making my way through the crowd. As I walked closer, his focus homed in tighter. His posture stilled. He was as beautiful and bold as one of the artworks in the Broad Museum, just a few blocks away.

The change in his demeanor was so marked, many of the men and women to whom he was speaking now turned to see what had captured his attention. The awestruck ripple effect caused similar shock waves through my system, not helping my nerves by a fraction.

Cameras clicked in a flurry as Sebastian wrapped his arm around my waist and planted a tender kiss on my jaw, using the moment to quietly tell me how stunning I looked in the dress we’d picked out. His adoration had me growing my smile without even thinking. The second that happened, the chain reaction began. The reporters pressed in. Their camera crews starting clicking and recording. Oh, yes, we’d likely be the lead piece for every news and entertainment show tonight. Nothing I hadn’t expected.

So far.

I swiveled my gaze up to him. He returned my look with an expression that transformed him from handsome to devastating. “How’s it going so far?” I kept my tone intimate, cherishing the moment as one of the few private ones we’d have all day.

“So far, so good.” But his facile tone wasn’t slick enough to cover the tightening corners of his eyes or the strange intensity he zeroed in on me. I could practically feel him yearning for the world to go away, but not for all the erotic reasons for which I hoped. His purpose was restless and fervent…

And…frightened?

But before I could dissect that anomaly, the moment was gone. Sebastian Shark, soon-to-be king of the LA skyline, was back in his beautiful, cocky glory.

“So, everything good on your end?”

“Yep.” I bit into my lower lip in place of the kiss I longed to slather across his decadent mouth. “Rio has it all under control, so I’m all yours now.”

And God, how I wanted to make that happen in every form of the phrase. He was so confident and stunning, a phoenix who’d risen from the east side to be a trailblazer in this vast metropolis. I was so proud to be on his arm for this triumphant big day.