At least he hadn't said, “Come meet my fiancé.” I walked over as slowly as I could, dreading the moment I got there and found out tonight wasn't a date, but a cruel practical joke.
Instead, he introduced Vick and Gwyneth as his friends from college. A sense of immense relief flooded through me, but it only lasted a moment before psychotic jealousy overwhelmed me and made me do things I never would have dreamed of doing.
Before I could stop myself, or even knew what I was doing, I found myself introducing myself as Ethan's girlfriend. I saw Gwyneth's green eyes grow large with surprise. Unfortunately, so did Ethan's.
I wasn't his girlfriend. This was only our third date at the most. Would he call me on my outrageous behavior and humiliate me in front of everyone? I couldn't blame him if he did. My actions were way over the top. He didn't, though. Ever the gentleman, Ethan put his arm around my waist, smiled at me, and said, "Yes, she is."
I couldn't believe it. My heart was soaring, and then suddenly, we were kissing and I missed whatever Gwyneth said next. His mouth was insistent as he forced my lips apart and the passion of his embrace stole my breath away.
"I think maybe we should leave these two alone, shall we, sweetheart?" Vick said to Gwyneth. She took his hand with a smile.
"Yes, darling. It was nice to meet you both. I hope you're as happy as Vick and I are." Gwyneth sounded sincere. So, she wasn't after Ethan. She was already dating Vick. My jealousy seemed even more outrageous now, and I was embarrassed by own bad behavior.
"I'm sorry for that," I said in a soft voice as our lips finally parted.
"For what?" Ethan asked, tipping my chin up with his strong hand to keep me from staring down at my feet in humiliation.
"For being jealous of you and your former college girlfriend and for telling her that we were a couple."
"It's okay. I did invite you here as my date, so let's just concentrate on making tonight one to remember."
"I like the sound of that."
"Good, now, what do you say we hit the dance floor?" He didn't even wait for my answer. He simply swept me out onto the dance floor with a graceful spin, and suddenly, we were dancing the night away. He was surprisingly good, and I wondered if he had taken private lessons or if it was just another of his many natural talents.
"Are you having fun?" Ethan asked me as he dipped me low and leaned in close as if to kiss me.
"I am, but it's getting hot in here," I said, feeling my cheeks flush. I couldn't tell if it the crowd making the room stuffy or if it being held like this in Ethan's arms, but I was suddenly feeling faint.
"Want to go out for a ride?" His eyes sparkled mischievously. "The fresh air will cool you off and do us both some good. I hate these crowded events and all this P.R. crap. I'd rather just be out riding with you."
"Did you bring a bike?" I asked, thinking the idea sounded wonderful.
"No, but we can use that one." I followed Ethan's gaze to the All American on display on the low stage at the front of the room.
"We can't use the display model," I gasped.
"Of course, we can. I know the owner. Come with me. I have an idea." He grabbed my hand and started dragging me towards the stage.
The band fell silent and the lead singer handed over his microphone to the infamous CEO and owner of the company. I felt suddenly nervous as a spotlight was turned on to shine right on the two of us.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you all for coming here tonight for the launch of my newest motorcycle design, the All American," Ethan said and the crowd listened with rapt attention.
Ethan gave an eloquent speech, thanking all the men and woman who had worked their asses off for him and expressing his appreciation to the public for their support in buying his bikes. It was filled with the right blend of humor and sincere gratitude.
Then, suddenly, he turned to me and said, "Finally, I would like to introduce you all to this month's cover-girl for Speed Magazine, Miss Kayla Brandt. This hard-working beauty went through a lot to make the photo spread for the All-American look as effortless as it appears in the pages of this month's issue. She is patient, always ready for another take, and as beautiful inside as she is to look at. Thank you, Kayla. I know that I can attribute most of the sales orders that came in today to you and the fantastic job you did showing off our bike."
"The pleasure was mine," I blushed, hoping I didn't look or sound as nervous as I felt to put on the spot like that.
"You made it look like pleasure. Was the All American as fun to ride as you made it look in the photoshoot?" It was typical P.R. banter and Ethan did it well.
"It really was. I just wish I could do it again," I bantered back. I knew how to play this game from endless advertising gigs I'd done.
"Well, then, let's do it. Come on, hop on." He suddenly climbed onto the seat of the motorcycle standing on display on the stage. The crowd gasped with thrilled excitement, and I had no choice but to play along. My mermaid-style dress was too tight to allow me to join him. Wincing all the while, I grabbed the bottom seem and yanked with all my might, ripping a giant slit up the custom-made garment and destroying it. The crowd hooped and hollered, cheering even more loudly. They were loving it.
I hopped on the back of the bike behind Ethan, wrapped my arms around his chest, and he rode down the ramp, through the ballroom, out into the hotel lobby, and onto the street. People all around us were gasping with surprise, and then cheering. It was an incredible feeling.
"Now, let's get away from this bullshit and have some real fun," Ethan said once we were on the streets.