Page 60 of Cole

As Annie hugged Dawn, she whispered, “Thanks for working this out for me.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Dawn warned. “Once your father finds out, we’re all in trouble.”

“It will be fine,” Annie assured her, though she wasn’t entirely convinced herself. But for tonight, she refused to let the shadow of her father’s control dim the promise of the evening ahead.

As they made their way to the elevator, Cole offered his arm. “Ready for your first Los Angeles charity gala?”

Annie smiled and slipped her arm through his. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The ride to the charity gala in a chauffeured limo was filled with comfortable conversation that helped calm Annie’s nerves. Cole told her stories about previous charity events he’d attended—some amusing, some awkward—and by the time they pulled up to the grand entrance of the elegant hotel where the gala was taking place, Annie felt more at ease.

“They’re expecting a lot of celebrities and athletes tonight,” Cole explained as they approached the entrance. “The foundation raises money for pediatric cancer research. It feels particularly important to me this year after what Shiloh has gone through.”

Annie nodded, taking in the magnificent architecture of the historic hotel. “It’s a good cause.”

As they stepped onto the red carpet, camera flashes erupted around them. Annie instinctively tensed, her father’s warnings echoing in her mind.

“You okay?” Cole asked, his hand steady on the small of her back.

“Just not used to cameras,” she admitted quietly.

“Focus on me,” he suggested, guiding her forward with gentle confidence. “They’re mostly interested in the athletes and movie stars, anyway.”

Inside, the ballroom took Annie’s breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over elegantly dressed guests mingling beneath soaring ceilings. Tables adorned withelaborate floral arrangements surrounded a polished dance floor, while a string quartet played softly in the corner.

“Cole Halverson!” A woman in her fifties approached them, her red gown as bold as her smile. “I was hoping you’d make it tonight.”

“Mrs. Hendricks,” Cole greeted her warmly. “I wouldn’t miss it. This charity is close to my heart.” He turned slightly. “This is Annie. Annie, Mrs. Hendricks is one of the most generous supporters of pediatric medical research in California.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Annie said, offering her hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine, dear,” Mrs. Hendricks replied, studying her with interest. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you at these events before.”

“It’s my first time,” Annie admitted.

“Well, you’ve chosen excellent company,” Mrs. Hendricks said with a knowing smile toward Cole. “I expect to see you both at my table when dinner is served.”

As she departed, Cole led Annie toward the bar. “One interaction down, about fifty to go,” he joked.

As they made their way deeper into the ballroom, Cole introduced her to a variety of interesting people, some of whom left her a little star struck. And she wondered how many of them knew her dad and Elizabeth.

Gradually, Annie found herself relaxing into the role of Cole’s companion, drawing on years of etiquette lessons her parents had insisted upon. She’d never understood why her dad had been so insistent on them or the formal dinners even when it was just them as a family, considering she never went anywhere.

“You’re a natural at this,” Cole whispered as they moved between conversations. “Everyone loves you.”

“I’m just following your lead,” she replied, though secretly pleased by his compliment.

When dinner was announced, they found their assigned table near the stage. Annie was seated between Cole and a woman who introduced herself as the wife of another player.

“First time at one of these?” the woman—Tasha—asked kindly.

Annie nodded. “Is it that obvious?”

“Not at all,” Tasha laughed. “I just remember my first one. I was terrified of using the wrong fork.”

“I’ve had enough formal dinners to last a lifetime,” Annie admitted, then quickly added, “My parents were sticklers for proper etiquette.”

Throughout dinner, Annie found herself genuinely enjoying the company. The speeches were inspiring, focusing on the children who had benefitted from the research that had been funded by the charity.

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