AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m glad,” she murmured, not asking him to confirm her theory.
Hugging her, he insisted, “I’m fine, Viv.”
“I’m sure you are. Still, you were pretty young to take on the world. So much responsibility at, what, twenty-four?”
“Three.”
Twenty-three years old. She hadn’t even finished college at that age, being a five-year slacker. But Damien was already running a multimillion-dollar international corporation. And, judging by where he was today, doing it well.
“It doesn’t sound like you’ve had many opportunities to do anything just for yourself.”
His stare grew more intense. “So you can probably get what I’m doing here, then.”
“Here, in this bed?”
“Here in Arlington, taking a break from the hotel business and indulging in my real interest—sports. And you.”
She was so glad to be included on that short list that she didn’t dwell on the sports part of the equation. She’d had no idea he loved sports, and wasn’t sure how he was indulging that love. But now that she knew about it, she realized there was one thing she could give him that he couldn’t easily get for himself. After all, he ran hotels...but she worked for a professional hockey team.
“I see.”
She leaned over to press a kiss on his slightly grizzled cheek. Damn the man was sexy in the morning. But it was morning—and it was growing later by the second. She glanced at the clock and sighed. She had to get up or she’d be late to work. Luckily, her office was right up the street.
“I have to get moving, but first, there was something I wanted to ask you. About work.”
“I thought we didn’t talk about that.”
“We don’t. Well, we haven’t. But, I’m ready to at least discuss the topic again. My job’s great, I’m no longer having any issues. In fact, there’s a special celebration tomorrow night, and I want you to come as my guest.”
“You mean the season-ticket-holders event?” he asked, appearing surprised.
“You’ve heard about it?”
He merely laughed in response. “Ha ha. Very funny.”
Okay, as a sports fan, of course he would.
“Yes, well, why don’t you come? It’s being held right downstairs, in one of your own ballrooms. There shouldn’t be much press—thank God—but lots of local celebs will be there, plus dozens of other people. The entire Vanguard staff has been invited to bring dates. It’s a chance to get all fancied up and go out in public together.”
He rolled toward her, scraping the tip of his finger along her jawline. “I’d already accepted my invitation, of course.”
Huh. Okay. Well, she supposed it did make sense that a sports-fan millionaire would buy season tickets to the team his girlfriend—or whatever she was—worked for. She felt a little deflated at not being able to give him a superspecial treat, but was still glad he would be there.
“You don’t mind people knowing we’re together?” he added.
“Because of what happened with Neeley?”
“Don’t mention that bastard’s name. I just don’t want there to be any awkwardness for you.”
“Why would there be? I’m an adult, I have a right to a personal life.”
“What about the lawyers and HR people? I mean, I don’t give a damn myself, but are you sure you don’t mind if they nose around and ask questions about who you’re with and why?”
She snorted. “They believe I’m not going to file a lawsuit, and that’s all they care about. My private life shouldn’t factor into it.”
“I suppose not.”
Surprisingly, Damien was the one who suddenly seemed uncertain about them being seen together. But Viv was nothing if not persistent when she wanted something. Now, having come up with the idea, she couldn’t imagine anything she wanted more than to go to that banquet, which was as much a celebration for the staff as it was for the players and the public, on the arm of this remarkable man.
Fortunately, as she got up to go into the shower, Damien cleared his throat and gave her what she wanted.
“Okay, if you’re sure, I’d be delighted to be the man on your arm tomorrow night.”
“Excellent,” she said. Feeling sassy, she said, “You don’t have to do a thing but look pretty and keep your mouth shut. You’ll be the perfect arm candy.”
Being Damien, he took no offense, instead bursting into laughter. “I think I can do that.”
“I’m sure you can,” she said before sashaying away, sure his stare was glued to her bare butt.
She smiled as she started the shower, imagining how great it would be to have Damien Black as her arm candy. There only remained one thing to do. She just had to ease her righteous stance...and sneak a gorgeous dress, and some to-die-for shoes, out of that front closet.
