“Now, we’ve got to make a stop at the salon,” Beth says after pulling back. “You’ve got to drop jaws at your boyfriend’s party tomorrow.”
I laugh and shake my head at Beth. She’s always so dramatic, but I love her more than the world itself.
“I’m happy,” I say to Beth after a while. “Regardless of everything, this is the happiest time of my life.”
Beth laughs joyfully and takes both of my hands in hers. “I’m happy you’re happy,” she says and suddenly spins me around. I let out a shriek of surprise, followed by bubbling laughter.
Beth joins in, the sound of our laughter ringing out like loud tinkling bells on a summer afternoon.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Abby
Surprisingly, I’m enjoying myself at Carlos’s party. I thought it was going to be a boring affair full of corporate men and women in expensive apparel, swirling around bubbling champagne in tall glasses talking shop. But it’s surprisingly filled with amiable people who are genuinely interested in talking to each other.
Beautiful music plays in the background, adding some essence to the solemn atmosphere. Once in a while, the sound of someone’s laughter cuts through the air, sometimes high-pitched, tinged with a little excitement. And sometimes, a rumbling chuckle filled with genuine amusement.
It’s exciting to watch them. Their world is so different from mine, yet somehow I feel like I can relate.
Carlos has stayed by my side all evening, introducing me to everyone as his woman. This has gained me some special attention, but the guests are all polite. And some are genuinely nice, making small talk with me.
To be honest, I’d expected scorn and the possibility of being shunned, but as always, that’s just the deeply rooted insecurities in me. I’ve been thinking of ways to do away with my self-doubt for real – it seems like I really have no need for it.
Carlos’s eyes catch mine from across the room as he talks business. He winks, and I chuckle, ducking my head shyly.
Carlos has been exceptionally wonderful all evening. He’s stayed by my side almost all evening. He hasn’t stopped complimenting my looks either, and every once in a while, he’ll lean in and whisper some naughty words or a dark promise in my ear, making me hot and bothered, like right now. He excused himself to discuss important business with some hotshot chairman.
I watch him from across the room while nursing the same glass of champagne I’ve had with me all evening. I watch them laugh at something he’s said.
They all love him.
And who wouldn’t?
There’s just something magnetic about Carlos Rodriguez that immediately makes him fit right in, regardless of the setting. Maybe it’s the way he carries himself with a unique charisma that distinguishes him from others. Or maybe it’s his extraordinary looks, the chiseled facial features that belonged on royalty, and the perfectly muscled body and height that makes every other man in the room pale in comparison.
Or maybe it’s just me...I can’t seem to take my eyes off him.
How can a man be so many shades of hot? How can such a man be exclusively mine?
I watch him excuse himself and head my way, his smoldering gaze fixated on me, possessively branding me as his. His eyes hold mine, a beautiful smile spreading on his handsome face – a smile meant only for me.
I could swear we’re the only ones in the room.
“Hey, love,” Carlos says, stopping directly in front of me. Love. He’s been using that endearment often lately.
“Hey,” I reply softly, smiling up at him. “ You’re right on time. I need to use the restroom.”
“Okay, darling,” Carlos says, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. “I’ll go talk to Mr. Randy Farrell over there. He’s been trying to get my attention for a while. I’ll save a kiss for every second I miss you.”
I duck my head to hide the embarrassed blush spreading across my face and quickly head toward the direction of the restroom.
I don’t know why I color up at the slightest provocation from Carlos. I should blame my pale skin, but it’s probably the fact that he makes everything in me tick. I burn for him, so I guess it’s only natural.
I do my business and am surprised to see Mandy when I step out. She’s standing in front of the restroom’s mirror, running lipstick over her lower lip. I haven’t seen her at the party all evening, and even when I asked Carlos, he mentioned that she was taking care of other business.
“Hi, Mandy,” I say, stepping up beside her. I smile at her in the mirror. She looks gorgeous in her black evening dress. “You look amazing,” I say as an afterthought.
Mandy snorts loudly and turns to face me. Her eyes are filled with a deep-rooted contempt. “You must think you’re all that because Carlos has you on his arm tonight. You must think you’re important, huh. I bet he tells you you’re beautiful and that you make him happy, right. I don’t know how you all swallow that crap every time.”