I laugh. “That’s one way to look at it. I thought I’d be okay after we left the house.”
His hand lingers, cupping my cheek. “If you want to get out of here, say the words. We can crash a pub and drink until we can’t walk straight.”
My breath hitches at his idea. I can’t believe Jax is willing to ditch an event that clearly is important to him for me.
I raise my chin, hiding my distress. “No. We are doing this.”
“That’s the spirit, love.”
Somehow that one word makes my insides all warm and mushy. Jax exits the limo and offers me his hand. I step out on wobbly legs, praying I don’t trip in my high heels.
Cameras flash and I fight the urge to shield my eyes.
“Deep breath,” Jax whispers in my ear.
“A part of my introvert self is dying. I can feel it.”
Jax laughs, gaining even more attention. I clutch onto the sleeve of Jax’s tux like he’s the last lifeboat on the Titanic.
Jax walks the carpet with a swagger I’m accustomed to seeing from him. He grips onto my hand, throwing me a smile from over his shoulder. My heart threatens to burst at his look of uncontained happiness.
A reporter calls Jax over. He stops, tugging me into his side.
The blonde speaks into her microphone. “Jax. It’s a shame your father couldn’t make it tonight.”
His smile slips but he recovers. “He sends his regrets. But he is proud of how much the organization has grown since he first donated ten years ago.”
She nods with enthusiasm. “Most definitely. And I must say, it’s not too often we see you with a woman on your arm. Who is your date for tonight?”
Jax’s eyes remain on me the entire time he addresses the reporter. “I’m lucky to have Elena Gonzalez accompanying me tonight.”
The reporter’s brows knit together. “Gonzalez? The same ones who dominate the Latin-American pharmacy market?”
I cover my smile with my free hand. Jax’s eyes lighten up at my reaction. He turns toward the reporter, giving her his full attention. “No. Elena Gonzalez as in the fantastic public relations rep who keeps me and other F1 athletes in check. I’m lucky to have her working with me this year.” He flashes a dazzling smile at the camera and gives my hand a squeeze.
I love that smile. I love it so freaking much, I don’t process his words for a few seconds. Everything inside of me threatens to burst with happiness at his praise.
The reporter blinks, clearly disarmed by the enigma that is Jax Kingston.
You and me both, sister.
The reporter turns to me. “Well, it’s nice to meet you Miss Gonzalez. You must have some special powers if you were able to control this one. I can imagine he’s a tough one.” Her voice hints at her admiration. “And who are you wearing tonight? I want to guess Valentino’s new summer collection, but I’d hate to be wrong.”
“Uhh…Zara’s sale rack?” I shrug, regretting my statement instantly. My cheeks warm and I consider retracting my statement, but both the reporter and Jax laugh, easing my distress.
Jax leans into me. His lips kiss my temple before they brush over my ear. “I fancy you so fucking much, you have no idea.”
I lose myself in his words, willing away the sense of imposter syndrome I have. Jax has a way of making me feel like I belong by his side. No reporter or question can take that away from me.
I raise my chin and look straight into the reporter’s eyes, allowing my confidence to grow. While I might not own any Valentino or have a trust fund, I still belong here. I’ve worked my ass off year after year to assist the elite, and it’s time I enjoy myself a bit.
The pawn doesn’t become a queen through sheer luck. It takes grit, work, and confidence.
And I’m so damn ready to make my way across the board.
“Welcome
to the Oh shit, I’m famous club.” The bed sheets rustle as Jax rolls on top of me.