Page 34 of Love Beyond Repair
Her eyes move from me to Bex, who is standing quietly beside me. “You must be Bex.” Bex holds out her hand, and Melissa ignores it while pulling her into a huge hug.
“You look beautiful, my dear,” Melissa enthuses. “Ben has told us so much about you. It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person.” Melissa winks at me cheekily, and I feel my face flush. She takes Bex by the arm, leading her away. “Come now, my dear, you’re sitting next to me.”
I watch her lead away my gorgeous date and feel as if I am being set up. Eamon shrugs. “Come, boy. Let’s get a drink. I think you might need it.”
The room is filling up with guests. I’ve shaken hands with more people than ever before. Eamon introduces me affectionately as his colleague and Melissa’s right-hand man in The Riley Foundation. There are lots of congratulations and kind words regarding the ball.
Bex has been nowhere to be seen since Melissa pulled her away. We find them at the table, sitting and chattering away like old friends. Melissa has Bex’s hands in hers as I slide into the seat on the other side of her. Bex’s face is animated and full of laughter. She’s been having fun.
“Where have you been?” I prod Bex gently in the ribs.
She looks at me warmly. “Oh, just hearing all about what a wonderful man you are. Melissa thinks the sun shines out of your ass. I told her you leave your socks lying fucking everywhere.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I think we need to get her started on some medication again, Eamon.” Melissa gives me an evil look, then sticks her tongue out playfully.
The MC takes his place on stage. He’s a short, tubby man with bright eyes and a balding head. His tuxedo strains a fraction across his stomach. There’s a chorus of dresses swishing into their seats. Then, a hush falls over the crowd. After taking a sip of his water, he begins.
“We’re here today to celebrate the first-ever Riley Foundation Ball.” The audience bursts into applause, and excitement buzzes around the room. “You’ve all paid enough to be here, so you can expect tasty food and goodies. But understand that you were only invited because you have deep pockets, and we expect you to empty them before the night is out.”
Everyone laughs, the mood high. The MC invites everyone to drink freely while enjoying their meals. Our table is filled with medical professionals and Foundation supporters. Across from us, a suave man in his thirties is charming the ladies on either side of him. Melissa sees where my eyes are directed and leans toward Bex.
“That’s Edward Brown. He’s the kind bank manager who helped with the financials. Single and quite a catch.” I give her a warning look. She smiles sweetly, but continues. “Single, as I said, but he’s looking for someone special. I could introduce you later if you like?” Bex glances from Melissa to me, then across to Edward, who catches her eye.
The bastard’s been listening and takes his chance. Standing quickly, he walks around the table and crouches down between Melissa and Bex.
I can’t hear what he is saying, but I can see the way his eyes roam over her body. He lifts Bex’s hand and kisses it softly.
“Till later,” he murmurs, then returns to his seat.
The evening continues smoothly. Everyone is enjoying themselves. The food was delicious; Melissa nailed it with the menu of duck confit, fillet steak, and dark chocolate mousse in crystal glasses. Bex is glowing, ad I’m struggling to keep my hands to myself.
Edward sidles back to our side of the table, pulling a seat up between Bex and me. He turns his back to me, focusing fully on her, whispering in her ear. My jaw tightens, and I tap him on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, do you mind not interfering with my date?”
He turns around in his chair. “Your date?” He looks confused. “Melissa said you were both just friends. That she’s here as your platonic plus one.”
I blink, thrown. That I was not expecting.
“Well,” I stumble. “Yes, we are friends, but we’re here together.”
He looks at me as if I am an idiot. “So, you’re not together then?”
I glance at Bex. She’s silent.
“Guess not,” I snap, standing quickly, then I stalk off toward the bar.
Sipping my whiskey, I sit on the high stool and look out over the ball. The party is in full swing. The music fills the room, and people are dancing merrily. A hand touches my arm, and I turn to see Bex’s concerned eyes looking me over.
“I’m sorry,” I say quietly, embarrassed by my outburst. She smiles, then wraps her arms around me.
“It’s okay. I kind of like the fact you were jealous.”
Everything else fades. We hold hands, our eyes locked as the rest of the world falls away. The urge to pull her closer, to close the distance between us is almost unbearable. My fingertips ache to feel more of her.
Taking her hand, I lead her to the dance floor. It feels so natural, so right. I’ve wanted this for over a year. And now it’s happening.
Across the room, Melissa is watching, her face bright with quiet satisfaction.
