“You do know none of us will get anything done today except rub one out to that video? Hell, it’s embarrassing. I have a constant hard-on.”
Serena took the cell from me, her hearing meaning she’d heard every word. “Save it for me, baby.” She said huskily before passing it back.
“And that’s done me no good at all. No good at all.”
Laughing, I ended the call.
That evening we dressed in our finest and made our way to the hotel where the dinner and awards were taking place. We were greeted by the awards delegation and shown to a seat at one of a number of circular tables in front of a stage. Our submissions were behind large glass cabinets which ran down either side of the walls. Each table held an award committee member, a nominee and their significant others, plus other interested parties such as gallery owners and private collectors. Serena looked ravishing in a red satin gown that swept across all her curves. It dipped low at the front in a v and she’d worn the necklace to accompany it. No one appeared able to take their eyes off her, myself included.
“You’re making all the photographs appear dull and unimportant.” I mock-chided.
She looked genuinely surprised. “What?”
“Serena, have you no idea how beautiful you are? You could have every man and probably every woman here. People are distracted from looking at the photos of the architecture as they can’t keep their eyes away off you.”
“Do you think it’s the necklace?” She fingered it nervously. “Maybe it’s too much? I could take it off? The box is in my purse.”
I shook my head. “It’s only accentuating what’s already there.” I beckoned the waiter over to refill our glasses. “Here’s to my beautiful girlfriend.” I raised my glass.
She giggled, picking up her own. “Here’s to my gorgeous and very talented boyfriend, who’s about to be announced as the winner.”
“Do you think you’re biased?” I laughed.
I didn’t win, but I placed second which was beyond anything I could have expected. Runner up for the Bordini Award, one of the most coveted Architectural Photography awards.
“See, I told you your photography was amazing. Now you know that being Flynn Kelly has nothing to do with it.”
“My sassy Serena. You need to keep up that sass for when we get back. Do you know how many texts I’ve had from them? They finally stopped just before the ceremony.”
“Yeah, I told them to leave you alone, that this was your time to shine; and I may have sent them a tit pic to keep them going until we got home.” Serena burst into laughter. God, I loved this woman.
“I love you.” I wanted her to hear the words.
“I love you too,” she said, sighing. “I can’t wait for us all to be reunited.”
“Come on.” I stood and grabbed her hand.
“But the dinner’s not over?”
“It’s only coffee. Let’s get out of here and see if we can make an earlier flight.”
17
Serena
Our trip to New York had been a resounding success. For Flynn he’d got the recognition that his photography stood on its own merit without his name attached. For me, well I’d received closure on my previous home, had the excited rumble of new beginnings from meeting my father; and I’d started to find myself, the new me. It was time to embrace my new inner vampire and get home. It had taken me to leave for me to realize that most of what I wanted I already had back home. Now it really was my home as I’d closed the door on living in New York. My men were my family and although I hoped to be able to forge a new relationship with my father, ultimately as long as I had the love of these good men, I had all I needed in life.
We walked through the door of our home to find the rest of them out on the patio waiting.
“Serena.” Carter rushed forward almost knocking me off my feet and then stood hesitant.
“Carter, kiss me for damn sake. You are who you are. Don’t change.”
That was all he needed to hear. His hands went around my back and he pulled me toward him, kissing me hungrily. He broke the kiss.
“We missed you.”
“Would you like a drink after your journey?” Jayden moved closer.