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“You’ll be fine. I’m right here.”

She looked up at me and I saw something on her face that I never had before. Complete trust. “I know.”

I couldn’t resist leaning down and placing another kiss on her lips before we walked into the hotel, and were surrounded by people.

Chapter Five

Stephan

The minute we walked inside, cameras started flashing and a reporter I recognized from the Star Tribune made a beeline for me. I knew exactly what he was going to ask before the words came out of his mouth. “Is this your new girlfriend, Mr. Coleman? What’s her name?”

I smiled because that was what was expected of me. “Hello, Mitch.” Following behind him was a small woman holding a professional-looking camera. “Beth,” I said, nodding at her. As much as I didn’t want to deal with this tonight, the press came in handy when promoting the foundation. It was good to have them on your side.

Beth lowered the camera from her face and smiled shyly at me. “Evening, Mr. Coleman.”

“So come on, Coleman, spill. Who’s the lovely lady?”

Brianna held tighter to my hand at the unwanted attention. I glanced over at her and gave her a reassuring smile before turning back to the reporter. “Ms. Reeves. Mitch. Mitch. Ms. Reeves.”

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Reeves. Have you and Mr. Coleman been dating long?”

Brianna became stiff beside me. I knew I needed to get us out of there. “Stop harassing my date,” I said to Mitch with a smirk before turning my attention to Brianna. “And now, if you’ll excuse us, we have a party to attend.” I nodded to Beth before guiding Brianna to the elevator that a hotel employee was holding open for us.

Once the doors closed, I pulled Brianna into my arms and kissed her temple. “Are you all right?”

She nodded.

“There shouldn’t be any reporters in the ballroom.”

Brianna leaned into me, but stepped back when the doors suddenly opened. I could tell she was somewhat startled. It was probably just her nerves, but I felt the need to remind her to be alert tonight. So before we stepped out and around the corner into the sea of people, I lifted her chin and waited until her eyes met mine.

“You must pay attention to your surroundings tonight. No daydreaming.”

She swallowed and nodded.

I smiled to let her know that I wasn’t upset, took her hand, and led her out of the elevator and into the ballroom.

The ballroom was filled with people mingling about. I scanned the room until they found Logan. He was on the opposite side of the room talking with a group of people I knew well. Lily was nowhere to be seen, although I knew she was in attendance. I wrapped my arm securely around Brianna’s waist and began leading her in Logan’s general direction. It was a good plan in theory, but we didn’t manage to get farther than a few yards before Mr. and Mrs. Jensen waylaid us.

After introductions were made, they wanted to know about the foundation. The conversation was pleasant, and Brianna did surprisingly well. She was nervous, yes, but she kept herself focused on the conversation occurring in front of her.

Mrs. Jensen tried to ask Brianna a few questions to include her in the conversation, but soon realized how uncomfortable she was and thankfully quit. I’d known the Jensen’s for years, since before my parents died. They were good people and very charitable.

A few other couples came up to say hello and we never did make it over to Logan before we had to take our seats.

Emily, the hospital’s events coordinator, stood on the small stage to welcome all the guests. She gave a brief overview of the agenda and then took her own seat so that the wait staff could start serving.

There were six other people at our table. Brianna sat quietly beside me as the servers wove through the tables to set the first course in front of each person. Conversation began with idle pleasantries, as it normally did at these types of functions. I made sure to keep hold of Brianna’s hand so she would feel as comfortable as possible.

Things continued in much the same way as we moved through each of the seven courses. If someone asked Brianna a direct question, she would answer. Other than that, however, she remained silent. She was doing very well.

The servers came around to remove the desserts, and I noticed a few of the ladies getting up, heading toward the restrooms. I was just turning to ask Brianna if she needed anything when I noticed a woman with long, dark brown hair get up. I recognized Gina instantly. If Gina was here, that meant so was Daren. I wasn’t sure how that would go over with Brianna.

Brianna

There were so many people. All the men were in tuxedos, just like Stephan. The women wore beautiful gowns like mine. They were all moving and talking around me. The servers were also weaving in and out of the tables holding trays of food and drinks. Every time one came close, I cringed. I was trying to stay calm, even though it would have been so easy to panic.

Everyone he had introduced me to so far seemed nice enough. Even the reporter downstairs had been pleasant, albeit pushy to find out who I was.

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