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I couldn’t help but blush but was also really grateful for the sincerity in Max’s voice.
“Thank you, yes they are. I’m lucky I’ve always had such a great support system around me.”
“There is no greater joy as a parent than seeing your children achieve great things. I know I am so proud of all the things my children have accomplished. As you know, Rhett has worked tremendously hard for Chambers Industries. The numbers speak for themselves. But even beyond that, his own investments have shown staggering success.”
The way his father beamed with such pride made it clear how much they meant to one another.
Mrs. Chambers, on the other hand, was utterly unwelcoming. She made absolutely no effort in wanting to talk to me, and every time I tried to engage with her, she acted as if she couldn’t hear me. It was becoming noticeably clear that this wasn’t a mistake. No, the woman didn’t like me. For whatever reason, she didn’t see me as important enough to give me her time or attention.
Once dinner was over, we all moved back to the other room as the band set up. Rhett and I had been talking to one of my former colleagues at Goldstein & Steiner. It felt odd as he’d been one of the senior associates and had barely uttered two words to me when I’d been working there. Now that I was there as Rhett’s date, he seemed profusely interested. I hated the feeling that I was only gaining this recognition and appreciation because of my association with Rhett.
Sensing something was up, Rhett excused us and walked me to an empty area where the caterers were clearing away items.
“Is everything okay? You’ve been quiet since dinner. Aren’t you enjoying yourself? Shall we leave?”
“No, no, I’m fine.”
I couldn’t look him in the eye. I knew it would set me off.
“Serena.”
His voice had a stern edge to it.
“I’m sorry. I just don’t feel comfortable, I feel like everyone is watching me. Judging me.”
“What do you mean? You look ravishing. You’re beautiful, smart, charming, and you’re what’s keeping me here. Has something happened? Please tell me so I can fix it.”
With one hand, he rubbed my arm in a soothing motion and, with the other, lifted my chin, forcing me to look him in the eye.
“It’s your mother.”
“What has she done?”
I expected him to sound annoyed or bitter, but he remained soothing and genuinely concerned.
“I think she doesn’t like me.”
I tentatively looked around, yet Rhett seemed to ignore the flurry of people around us.
“I’m not just being paranoid. From the moment she saw me, I could feel it. And it’s not just a mother being concerned about who her son is with. There’s something more to it. I’m sorry. I know this sounds horrible, and I know it’s the last thing you want to hear, and I feel bad I’m telling you this. I’m sorry I’ve ruined your evening.”
My whole body shook, it felt like I couldn’t say the words fast enough. They simply came rushing out. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. I had no idea what he was thinking. Was I overreacting? Would his opinion of me change depending on that of his mother?
I knew I held my dad’s opinion in high regard, and there have been numerous times it had swayed my own. Would Rhett feel the same? Was this just another rerun of college? My mind was in utter overdrive.
“Serena, please look at me.”
It took me a few seconds, but reluctantly, my eyes found his.
His kiss took me by surprise. Instantly, all my worries and frustrations were washed away. He kneaded my bare back with his firm, supple fingers. As he pulled my body flush against his, I felt his growing erection rub against my inner thigh through the fabric.
Our kiss evolved. It had started out as sensual and enthusiastic, especially on his behalf. As my desire grew, it became raw and intense. For a few brief moments, I forgot where we were and just allowed myself to be taken away in the moment.
As our surroundings began to sink in, I knew I needed to bring us back to reality. I had to stop before I got too carried away. When Rhett and I gave in to our temptation, there was no going back. Besides, I was already dealing with his mother not giving me the time of day. I didn’t need our little moment to become the talking point of tonight’s benefit.
He rested his forehead against mine.
“I promise you I will speak to my mother. Please don’t let her or anyone else ruin our evening.”
