Page 62 of Make You Mine

Like Paige said, I had to find a way to shut my brain off. I was about to spiral into a cloud of my insecurities and couldn’t let that happen.

“Wait here.” He pulled into the valet area and then stepped out of the vehicle. Moments later, he was at my side, opening the door with the same flourish as before. “After you, m’lady,” he said with a grin, extending a hand to help me out.

“Thank you,” I murmured, thankful for this deliberately dorky chivalrous side of him that had come out to play again. It was the only thing keeping my sudden surge of nerves at bay.

I took his hand, and our eyes met as he helped me stand. The world around us disappeared for a brief moment, leaving only the two of us bathed in the soft glow of the parking lot lights.

I felt a rush of warmth and steadied myself, determined to keep my emotions in check.

He led me up the stairs and into the lobby. I followed, our footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor as we crossed through the gorgeous space.

The lobby was a testament to luxury, every detail meticulously designed to exude opulence. Marble floors gleamed beneath the soft lighting, and towering columns framed the space with an air of majesty. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, casting a warm, shimmering glow across the room. Elegant arrangements of fresh flowers filled the air with a delicate fragrance, while plush seating areas invited guests to relax in comfort and style.

People were dressed to the nines, the men in tailored suits and the women in gowns that could only be described as masterpieces. Diamonds glittered at throats and wrists, catching the light and reflecting it in dazzling bursts. Designer dresses flowed gracefully as guests moved, each one a unique statement of fashion and elegance. The soft hum of conversation mingled with the gentle strains of classical music, creating an atmosphere both sophisticated and welcoming.

But I was just a girl from Honeybrook Hollow wearing a borrowed dress. Holy crap, how was I supposed to pull this off?

As Ren approached the check-in desk, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the surroundings. Despite my nerves, I knew I had to play my part, to blend in with this world of wealth and glamour. The weight of the deception we carried settled over me, but for now, I focused on the beauty around me and the reassuring presence of Ren by my side.

My mind drifted as Ren approached the check-in desk. I stood beside him, barely absorbing the gorgeous opulence of the lobby, the fancy decor, and the soothing hum of the soft music. Instead, I fixated on the feeling of our hands intertwined, the solid warmth of his big palm holding mine, grounding me while my thoughts threatened to scatter.

I let go of his hand and smoothed the fabric of my dress as we stepped into the grand ballroom. The soft hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses filled the air. The dinner was in full swing, with elegantly dressed guests mingling and laughing under the glittering chandeliers.

He offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling the weight of our deception settle over us like a cloak.

Reality faded away as I took it all in. We were under the guise of a date, and I was determined to play my part, no matter how real it felt.

Damn it, itwasreal.Wewere real, I knew that. But I also realized I was out of my depth. I’d never attended anything like this before. Charity galas were not my thing.

“You can relax, sweetheart. You’re doing great.” He whispered as he guided us to our table.

“Thanks,” I replied, my voice barely audible over the din.

Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. Tables adorned with crisp white linens and elaborate floral arrangements filled the space, while a string quartet played softly in the corner.

As we headed further inside, a pretty older woman in a shimmering gown approached Ren, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She emanated confidence and allure, clearly accustomed to being the center of attention. Ignoring me entirely, she leaned in close to Ren, her hand resting seductively on his arm as she spoke in a low, sultry voice.

I stood there, blinking rapidly, not quite sure I was seeing what I was seeing. I mean, what the hell? I’m standing right here.

“Ren, darling, it's been far too long,” she purred, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity that made my stomach tighten. “You must join me for a drink later. We have so much to catch up on.”

I tried to steady my breathing, feeling a wave of insecurity wash over me. Did she not see me, or did she simply not care? Before I could react, Ren gently but firmly removed her hand from his arm.

“Thank you for the offer,” he replied, his tone polite but unmistakably clear. “But I'm taken.” As he spoke, he slid his arm around my waist, pulling me close. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, grounding me amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

The woman glanced at me briefly, her expression a mix of surprise and disdain, before she turned away with a huff, leaving us alone.

Ren's arm remained around me, a protective barrier against the world. “You okay?” he whispered, his voice low and filled with concern.

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. “Yes,” I murmured, feeling a surge of gratitude and affection. “Thank you. That was—that was something, all right.”

Ren found our table and guided me to it.

“Everyone, this is Piper.” He greeted the other guests and introduced me with the practiced ease of someone born to be in this world. He mentioned that I was opening Something Sweet and hinted we were together. His words were perfectly measured, giving just enough to pique interest without revealing too much.

We settled into our seats, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of his ability to navigate this with such grace. I watched him, struck by how natural he seemed, and wondered if he felt any of the same anxiety that was gnawing at me. I’d be lucky if I didn’t have to go to the restroom soon—that’s how nervous I felt.

“You are so beautiful tonight.” He leaned in, his voice low and intimate, as he slid his hand around the back of my neck and dropped a kiss on my temple. Rule number two:Be affectionate, AKA touchy-feely.

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