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“Do you like that?” he asks, giving me a playful look.
My eyes blatantly take him in head to toe. It’s as if I’m not in control of my own actions. My mouth falls open, and I’m half-surprised I’m not drooling when I nod.
He keeps up the teasing, running a hand down his arm as if trying to clean up invisible specks of dirt. “It’s the suit, isn’t it?”
“For sure,” I confirm, then lift my index finger up and make a circular motion. “Give me a twirl, sweetie.”
Grayden laughs, puts his arms out, and spins. My mouth waters when his back comes into view, his muscles filling up the suit to perfection. There’s no doubt in my mind that it is custom-made and probably even costs more than my apartment.
“Yeah, I can work with that,” I tell him with a smirk.
Grayden rolls his eyes and runs a hand through his hair, careful not to mess up his gelled-back style. He walks up to me, coming so close that I’m forced to lift my chin up high to look him in the eye.
“I hope you’re hungry,” he says with a tone that gives the last word double meaning.
“Ravenous,” I reply, hoping that he doesn’t see just how rattled I am. Maybe he believes that my speeding heartbeat is a normal occurrence for me. My heart always seems to pick up the pace when he’s around so it wouldn’t be a stretch for him to think that.
“You look beautiful,” he says quietly, his warm breath tickling my face. My breath catches in my throat, making it impossible to reply, but he doesn’t wait for an answer. “Let’s go raise some money.”
“Lead the way, boyfriend,” I tell him teasingly and slip my hand into his without tearing my eyes off him.
A corner of Grayden’s mouth quirks up. His pupils slightly dilate when our hands make contact. He tightens his grip on mine and intertwines our fingers. By now, this gesture feels so natural. So right.
Hand in hand, we leave the Presidential Suite and make our way to the elevator. The gala is in the biggest of fourteen event rooms that the hotel offers. It’s a risk to have a charity dinner at such a prestigious location, but that’s the only way to lure in the big fish.
Grayden and I follow people in formal wear into a modern yet classic ballroom, illuminated by gorgeous Bavarian crystal chandeliers. It’s perfect for tonight, especially considering the sheer amount of people that the hospitals have invited. The fundraising isn’t only for White Sparks Medical Center, but it’s in our best interest that we do well. The more money we raise, the bigger chunk we get to take home.
Grayden lets out a low whistle. I hold my breath, just as impressed by the whole setup as he is. My eyes travel across the many grey tables, taking in the slightly dim lights while my ears catch the gentle beats of the background music.
“It’s incredible,” I say, finally recovering my ability to speak.
“It truly is,” he says, but when I glance at him, he isn’t looking at the room. His full attention is on me, his pupils still dilated. I don’t need to be a medically trained professional to be able to guess what’s on his mind.
“Look who I found,” Jessica says, coming from behind us with Melissa and...
“Hi, Liam,” I greet him, annoyed with myself for not remembering that he was going to be here.
“Helia, Grayden.” He gives us both a nod, his tone cold.
“Nice to see you again,” Grayden tells him and holds out his hand to him.
Liam glances down at it, hesitating for the longest of seconds before shaking it. He grits his teeth hard as he forces a polite smile on his face.
Though I don’t know Grayden that well yet, but I could’ve sworn that he’s smirking with his eyes. Whatever game he played, he seems damn proud of himself for winning.
“Our table’s over there,” Jessica interrupts, breaking the tension and saving me from the two alpha males. Well, one alpha and the other beta at best. She leans closer to whisper to me, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think this through.”
“Don’t worry,” I assure her and glance back over my shoulder where Grayden’s following us. The smile that he gives me makes everything better.
The good news is that our entire table is filled with the most prominent staff from White Sparks Medical Center, and the bad news is that Liam also belongs in that category. Grayden claims a seat on my right, and Jessica on my left. Across from us are Liam and Melissa along with Dr. Smith and his wife. There are more of my coworkers with their partners down the table, but I haven’t worked with any of them enough to know them well. Liam, Dr. Smith, and I are the only ER doctors attending.
Under the table, Grayden suddenly puts his hand on my thigh. I nearly jump out of my chair but catch myself at the last moment. The heat from his skin seeps through the fabric of the dress and into my skin, absentmindedly reminding me that I’m not wearing any underwear.
“Stop fidgeting,” he says softly, leaning closer. “Don’t show them how nervous you are.”
“Yeah,” I breathe, but don’t sound too convincing.
“Hey, look at me,” Grayden orders gently. I obey, slowly turning my head to the side and lifting my eyes to his. A corner of his mouth quirks up. “Forget everything. You’re here to enjoy good food, great company, and to have fun. That’s all.”
