Page 91 of Counterfeit Connection

“Whose party is this again? I don’t want to sound dumb when I meet them,” she asks as I pass my keys to the valet.

“Marcus Hayes. He’s a producer at the BBC. His birthday is an entire event every year.”

“Jesus Christ,” she says under her breath. “I’m not dressed up enough.”

“You’re clearly joking. You could have walked in here with those heels alone and turned every head.”

“Uh, yeah. I would have been naked at that point.” She smacks my chest playfully with the back of her hand.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her flush with my body just millimeters off the ground. Her black satin bodycon dress makes a glorious sound as it ruffles against my suit. “You’re perfect. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

“I’m going to remind you of this very conversation the next time we argue over a contract.”

“Fair enough, baby. Fair enough.” Her eyes sparkle with my term of affection. The pale berry color of her lipstick is calling me relentlessly. I slowly lean forward, leaving a soft, lingering kiss on her plump lips. I can hear cameras clicking all around us, some of them even calling my name, and hers.

“That’s so weird,” she says against my mouth. “I’ll never get used to it. I’m a nobody.”

“You aren’t and you will.” I kiss the tip of her nose then take her hand in mine. “Let’s get you inside and away from the riffraff.”

The lights from the cameras flash like a strobe light as we cross the main courtyard and then disappear into the building, now free from unwanted eyes and attention. Marcus is good about keeping the press and paps out of here so the guests can relax and enjoy themselves.

The music is pumping from the speakers, but not so loudly you can’t hear yourself talk or think, and it’s packed wall-to-wall withpeople, as I expected. I definitely look forward to taking Kaitlyn for a little spin on the dance floor later, once we get a few ounces of liquid courage in us.

I keep my arm tucked around my girl, anchoring her to my side and letting her know she’s with me and has nothing to worry about.

“Would you like a drink?” I say into her ear, sneaking in a little kiss to her lobe.

She nods rapidly. “God, yes, please.”

“Something fruity or something with a little kick to it?”

“I’m wearing my red-bottomed heels. Kick please.” She giggles.

“That’s my girl.” I press a kiss to her temple.

We wade through the crowd, getting stopped with greetings and introductions every ten feet or so. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of saying the wordsmy girlfriend. Kaitlyn’s open and honest aura is drawing everyone in. Gone are her feelings of insecurity that she won’t fit in. She fits because she always did. She fits perfectly with and in me. I can honestly say I never thought I could be this satisfied in my personal life. I can finally look to the future which is linked to my north, Kaitlyn Logan.

“Griffin Shaw!” I hear called out as we approach the bar and see the man of the hour himself waving us over. “I’m so glad you came!”

“Marcus.” I clap him on the shoulder. “This is as over the top as ever. I’m impressed.”

“Well, I only expect the best for the best day there ever was. The day I was born.” He raises his glass and winks before turning his attention to Kaitlyn. “And you must be the beauty who finally nailed down this womanizer.”

“Jesus,” I mutter under my breath and slide my arm around her, resting my hand on her hip.

“If by nailed down, you mean fought him off with a stick because he was so obsessed with me until I finally gave in, then absolutely,” Kaitlyn teases, extending her hand. “Happy Birthday! I’m Kaitlyn Logan.”

“She’s fiery,” Marcus replies, shaking her hand. “I like her.”

“Thanks, me too,” I reply.

“I’ll leave you two to get drinks. Open bar, as always, and if you have any issues, don’t bug me. It’s my special day,” he jokes before slipping back into the crowd.

“Wow,” Kaitlyn says, turning her attention back to the bar.

“Yeah, he’s something else, but he’s also one of the most loyal, genuine humans I’ve ever met. He’d give you the shirt off of his back, if you needed it.”

“I’m sure there are a few women in here who would take that literally.”

---