Chapter Fifty Six
2160 Words
The event was even more fancy than I'd expected.
Wealthy people lined up at certain places, donating or whatever while the less privileged stayed at their own side with the widest ever smile.
They were either excited to be in an event so big and available for everyone, or they were thrilled at what would be handed to them.
This wasn't how I'd expected a charity event to be like (not that I'd been to many, or any).
Apart from the fact tons of dollars were being donated to orphanages and others like that, they were also handing out tons of meals and food for the homeless and foreigners who didn't gain money from the government.
How sweet of Chris.
Well, it was also obvious he would gain double the amount he's willing to spend for this event.
“...and the strength gained from economical attachment,” Chris continued from where he stood giving his speech in front of thousands of people who seemed engrossed in whatever he was saying.
Again, my mind slipped from its concentration as the scent of Austin's cologne danced around me.
How was one man so handsome? Weird even how attracted he made me feel.
Whoever got married to him need not worry about beautiful children, because no way could someone so hot not give birth to an angel.
I ignored the confusing sadness that threatened to appear at the thought of him marrying someone that wasn't…
Nope. We're not getting there ever.
“...which is why this event has been made to bridge the difference between the wealthy and less privileged,” Chris’ words caught my attention.
Because I wasn't sure how right he was.
This event might be a charity stuff and be helpful and all, but it was obvious he was doing this mainly for profit and public name.
Also, if this was a gap bridger then he wouldn't have separated the rich from the others.
I mean, we were literally staying in a higher place of the building with obviously expensive chairs around tables all over the place.
And where were the others?
At another part (outside the company) where they watched what happened from inside.
So nope, he wasn't bridging any difference.
“...this will be by the new CEO and my son, Austin Hames,” those were the next words I heard, followed by Austin rising up, stretching a hand for me to take.
Why? Chris hadn't even mentioned my name.
But to avoid any drama, I took it with a smile, and allowed him to pull me to my feet.
We both glided towards where Chris left, and soon Austin started another speech about benefits of charity and all that stuff.
How long will this last? Seriously, someone give me an answer.
It wasn't seeming as interesting as I'd expected it to be.
About fifteen minutes later, he was done, but we didn't go to our seats.
Soon, gifts and money were being shared outside, not that I could see it (though I wished I could).
Austin introduced me as his girlfriend to almost all the people in the place.
It always went the same way.
They'll smile at me, introduce themselves then get to talking business with Austin.
A female I now knew to be Tina kept notes of most of their words.
That must be a stressful job.
It only increased my level of boredom.
At this moment, I needed something (anything) to keep my mind busy and not just pass through the same cycle.
Photographers laid everywhere taking pictures of all that was happening.
Still, boring.
I gently tapped Austin's elbow when he was done talking to a middle-aged business woman.
“Hmm?” He leaned down so I could whisper in his ear, but our closeness made me shiver a little.
“Can I go back to our seats?” My tone betrayed me, expressing how bored I felt.
He nodded, “let's go then.”
“No no, you should still chat with your people, I can go myself.” It was obvious how big this was for him.
No way was I going to be the one to ruin it.
“It's alright, I can always talk to them later.”
“Seriously, I'm not a child, I can find my way.” I insisted, offering him a smile I hoped would convince him enough to let me go.
He stared as though contemplating, then nodded, “but do you know our seats?”
“I'll be okay.” I assured, leaving after his uncertain nod.
Finding our table wasn't that much of a stress because I recalled a female, probably in her mid thirties, sat with us on the four seater table.
Her head was buried on her phone, but at least I recognized the table, then filed to take a seat on the one opposite her.
She reprimanded me with a curt nod, before getting back to whatever she did on the phone.
Soon, slow music echoed from the speakers, followed by some couples moving to the dance floor.
Different people flowed around the place, all chatting with someone they knew.
It made me wonder where Katie and Kelvin were.
Who knows, maybe it could make this place less boring.
“The seat’s taken? Not that I'd leave if you said it was.” A familiar voice called from behind me.
Now, when I said I wanted to talk to someone I knew, I hadn't meant a dimwit.
Suzy invited herself to the seat beside me, a smug grin planted on her lips.
But I couldn't deny the fact she looked stunning in the gray A-line gown she had on.
Her hair was left to fall over her shoulders, accentuating her face that had been beautified with makeup by probably one of the best artists.
“You know, I thought animals weren't around in such a huge place,” she said, her eyes staying fixed on the lights.
“Hmm, which is why I'm surprised you made it past security,” I shot back, watching her grin falter slightly.
But she was quick to recover from it, dropping her tone when she continued, “you really have no shame to be here when you're not even his real girlfriend.”
Her presence was irritating, but of course, there was no way I would sit down and watch her insult me.
Never.
“You're talking about shamelessness when you're the one always following a guy who has a girlfriend around like you have nowhere else to be.”
Her jaw hardened, and she spoke through gritted teeth, “I've known Austin more than you, and want you to know that the friendship we share is unlike any other.”
This conversation was starting to bore me, but I wasn't going to end it with her useless self feeling exultant and all.
“That isn't an excuse as to why you're always hurling yourself at him, trying to gain his attention every second.”
"It's obvious he likes me," she said, her eyes blazing, "so you’d better get your bitchy self away from my love life."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, instead crossing my legs and settling into my seat. "But he chose me as his girlfriend. That speaks volumes, Suzy."
Her lips parted, ready to snap back, but then Austin came into view.
A slow smirk spread across her face. "Let me show you how Austin and I share something far more than friendship."
Before I could reply, she was already on her feet, a grin plastered on her lips. "Austin! I've been searching for you all evening."
She rushed toward him, throwing her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest as his hand instinctively moved to her waist.
The sight alone made my blood boil.
Did they have no shame?
I bit my lower lip, forcing myself to stay put, knowing I’d regret it if I acted on impulse.
"Hey, Susan," he greeted with a small smile.
That only fueled my irritation.
No way was I going to sit here and watch their little love-fest.
I shot up from my seat, ready to leave—to anywhere but here—when his hand wrapped around my wrist, halting me.
It annoyed me how, even in this moment, when I should be fuming, his touch still sent sparks flowing through my skin, melting nearly all of my anger.
With his other hand, he gently pried himself away from Suzy, whose brows furrowed at the sight of us.
"Where are you going?" His tone was so soft, it wrapped around me like a caress.
But I refused to let myself fully melt.
Instead, I shrugged. "Anywhere I won’t have to witness your couple’s scene."
Suzy’s eyes widened so dramatically, I feared they might pop out of their sockets.
She probably hadn’t expected me to speak so freely.
Austin, on the other hand, let out a deep chuckle, pulling me closer. "You want to dance?"
"Huh?" That was unexpected.
He gestured toward the dance floor, where multiple couples swayed to the slow melody. "Let’s dance."
Against my own will, a chuckle escaped. "I have to warn you, I’m not a good dancer."
"But I’m a great one," he murmured, leaning in so his lips brushed my ear, "and also a good teacher, so just follow my lead."
When he pulled back, my heart pounded at how close we had been.
"So… you in?"
Before I knew it, I nodded, and he led us to the dance floor.
But not before I caught the scoff from Suzy.
That was fun.
Once we reached the floor, his arm wrapped around my waist while his other hand took mine.
Mine rested on his shoulder, and I couldn't help but inhale the intoxicating scent of his cologne.
Soon, we were moving to the rhythm of the music.
"Why do you let Suzy hug you like that?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.
He arched a brow, surprised, but then a slow smirk crept onto his lips. "Because she’s a friend. Why? Are you jealous?"
I furrowed my brows. "No. Of course not."
He chuckled, clearly not believing me. "Okay."
Was he right? Was I actually jealous?
No. No way.
It was just that my rival acted like she had something over me.
But she didn’t.
We danced in silence, and I closed my eyes, allowing myself to swim in the moment.
Who would’ve thought I’d be slow dancing with Austin?
He was just too handsome. Too attractive. Even someone like me, who never thought she’d fall so hard for a man, found herself caught in his spell.
His touch seared through my dress, his fingers leaving heat wherever they rested. His scent wrapped around me, invading my senses in ways I couldn’t explain.
If tonight ended with something more than just dancing, I wouldn’t mind.
In fact, I had a feeling I’d love it.
When I opened my eyes, I found his gaze fixed on me.
My heart skipped a beat.
How long had he been staring?
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" His voice was low, sending a ripple of goosebumps across my skin.
"Not yet."
A lazy, devastatingly attractive smile spread across his lips. "My bad. You look like the most beautiful creature on earth. I’m not sure I’ve been sane all night with you standing beside me looking so hot."
A soft chuckle escaped me, though my heart felt dangerously close to bursting. "You don’t look too bad yourself."
That was a massive understatement.
If "hot" were a person, it would be him.
But I didn’t need to tell him something he already knew.
"Thanks," he murmured, his gaze dropping to my lips.
My breath seized.
Somehow, we had drifted to the edge of the dance floor, and our movements had stilled.
My heart was beating from places it shouldn’t be beating from.
Wait—had it already fallen out of my chest?
I knew this day would come.
But it shouldn’t be today.
Not when we were about to have what would undoubtedly be the best kiss of my life.
Nope.
Fainting or heart explosions could wait.
His hand slid from mine, moving to cup the back of my neck, while his other rested on my waist.
My eyes fluttered shut as he leaned closer—
But then he paused.
"Kim," he breathed, his minty breath fanning across my lips, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Hmm?"
"I want to kiss you so badly. Can I?"
Why was he doing this to my poor body? I needed action.
Something to set me on fire.
So, without a second thought, I gripped the collar of his suit and pulled him down until our lips met.
Yep.
What I’d been waiting for all week had finally arrived.
And my body burned with desire.
- Writer
