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Dominic pulled me even closer to him. I could smell his cologne, which reminded me of winter. It was fresh and crisp and 100 percent manly.
"See you around. And by the way, man, maybe we can talk business sometime," Malcolm said.
It took me a few seconds to process his words. The nerve of him! I couldn't believe it.
"Or not," I retorted. "I've warned Dominic not to get involved with the likes of you."
"Come on, Reese. It's unlike you to hold a grudge."
"I've changed," I replied icily.
"You heard her. Now fuck off," Dominic said.
It felt good to have someone else tell him to fuck off. But I was pissed that Malcolm heeded Dominic's words when he’d ignored my request.
The second they were out of earshot, I glanced at Dominic. "Want to step outside the room and talk a bit?"
He flashed me a smirk. "Right now? When they're about to serve food?"
“Yes.”
"Okay then. Let's go."
How was he suddenly in such a good mood? He'd seemed like a royal grump earlier. Then again, I had spilled a glass of champagne all over him.
Luckily, there was almost no one in the corridor as we headed to the coatroom. Once inside, he closed the door. I took in a deep breath, biting the inside of my cheek as I focused on him. I couldn’t get over how attractive he was.
"What was that about?" I asked.
“You inspired me when you said you wished you’d brought a date.” He shrugged. "Honestly, I can't explain it. Just saw him being a jackass and went with it. Clearly he didn't expect that."
"I didn't either. Thank you. That certainly took them by surprise. I'll just have to think of an excuse to ward them off from now on. The fundraising includes a weekend event too."
He grunted. "Fuck. I forgot."
Ah, there he was, back to his grumpy self. “Don’t worry, there’s no need to take this any further. I just didn’t want you to think I’d expect that.”
There, that'll let him off the hook. He didn’t say anything.
"Anyway," I continued, "Malcolm's going to find something to rub in my face, I’m sure of it. So don’t worry about it. I appreciate your help."
He stared at me, then said, "You don’t have to go back in. Or attend the weekend event."
I shook my head, standing straighter. Is that a dimple in his left cheek? "No, I'm representing Maxwell Hotels, and I promised I'd attend. I don't like to go back on my word."
He narrowed his eyes and then opened them wider as if he were conversing with himself.
"They're going to raise even more money with the weekend event. It's for a good cause," I added.
"You're seriously going to put up with facing that asshole for a good cause?"
I scoffed. "You're one to talk. You clearly don't want to be here either."
"It's a minor inconvenience for me. It's—" He hesitated, staring at me for a beat. "—more than that for you."
"That is an understatement. Anyway, thanks again for earlier. It certainly was worth seeing that expression on both their faces.”
"I won't be attending the next events."
