Page 35 of Seducing a Sagittarius
“The man and woman of the hour. It’s about time you all graced us with your presence. I was just about to leave.”
“Mitchell, it’s good to see you, man,” I said, shaking his hand.
“Good to see you too, brother.” His eyes went to Emani. “Emani. How are you doing, beautiful?”
“Blessed.”
“As always.”
“Are you sure you want to leave?” I asked him.
“Yeah, it’s getting crowded in here. I just came to show face and congratulate you on another successful year.”
“Thanks, man.” We shook hands again, and he kissed Emani’s cheek then left.
“Where’s your baby mama?” I asked, eyes scanning the crowd, looking for my lady.
“You’ll meet her later. I see Terrance Williams made it.”
“From Macy’s?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Oh shit. We need that contract with him, E.”
“I got you. Go get up on the stage, potna.” I chuckled and headed toward the stage. My eyes caught Layne standing by the fruit bar, with a glass of champagne in her hand, talking to Jennifer and Brandy from my media department. The red silk gown I had delivered to her home looked delectable on her. I couldn’t wait to rip that shit off.
She looked my way, and I winked at her, proceeding to the stage. Once I made it up, I waited until the performer was done singing, then walked over to her, giving her a hug then taking the microphone.
“What’s up, everyone? How’s everybody doing tonight?” Applause and shouts sounded. “Y’all give it up for the beautiful Ernesta Vari. She’s been doing her thing tonight, right?” As they applauded, I cleared my throat and looked out at the crowd.
“I want to thank each and every one of you here tonight. All of you play a vital role in makingAromatiqueas successful as it has been. For five years, we have been making the people smellgood with our perfumes and colognes, and I think we have been doing a good job, no?”
“Yeah!” The crowd yelled.
“That’s what I’m talking about. I’d like to thank my staff, my business associates, and my partners for showing up and out during the years, and to show how thankful I am, I have a gift for everyone who’s been rocking with me. Ms. Grant, would you mind?” Layne nodded, walking over to the cart and pushing it.
“Inside the gift bags, we have our new line that’s set to launch early next month called ‘Lover’s Lane,’ along with a bottle of the finest champagne to celebrate this year. I appreciate you all for coming to celebrate with us. I won’t talk y’all ears off, so let’s get back to the festivities. Much love. Thank you.” I walked off the stage as the band started back up.
“Lover’s Lane, huh?” I heard Layne ask, once I made it to her. My eyes lowered, and I licked my lips, loving that fucking dress on her.
“It’s only right I gave the new line a beautiful meaning.” She blushed. “Dance with me.”
“I don’t think we should.”
“It’s just a dance, baby. Come on.” I took her hand and led her to the dance floor as Ernesta sang Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”
“You look so extra handsome tonight, Mr. West.”
“And you look even more fuckable.”
“Hush your filthy mouth, sir.” She giggled. “You like how everything turned out?”
“I do. You definitely have an eye for nice things. But I expected nothing less.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you having a good time?”
