The evening had progressed beautifully. There had been speeches tugging at the heartstrings and performances that enchanted the soul. Every year, I thought Dillon’s speeches for this event couldn’t get any better, and this year proved me wrong. I will forever commend him for his unrelenting efforts to help this cause. He has done a world of good for abuse victims, and I couldn’t help being proud of him.
“How much did you donate?” Arnoldo asked as we settled into our seats.
“Two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars,” I said, a proud yet humble smile spreading across my face. “You?”
“The same amount,” he replied, his tone matching mine.
As the evening continued, the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air. The room was bathed in agolden glow, the elegant decor adding to the enchantment of the night.
“I think this year’s turnout is the best we’ve ever seen,” I commented, glancing around the room filled with elegantly dressed guests. “Dillon will definitely be pleased.”
Arnoldo nodded, a satisfied expression on his face. “It’s an amazing cause, too.”
“And the auction items this year are spectacular,” I added, my eyes catching sight of a beautiful painting being displayed on the stage. “Did you see that piece by the local artist?”
Arnoldo’s eyes lit up. “I placed a bid on it. It’ll look great in my office.”
“Sou—”
Amidst the crowd, I spotted Nina by the grand piano. The soft light haloed her, enhancing her ethereal beauty.
“Can we cut this short, Reyes?”
His gaze followed mine, and he chuckled as he sipped a glass of wine. “Of course. Oh, to be in love.”
“Oh, to be in love, indeed,” I repeated, my gaze remaining intense, and I sauntered across the room.
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest as I made my way towards her. With each step, the anticipation grew, and the noise of the room seemed to fade into the background.
When I finally reached her, I gently touched her arm, causing her to turn around.
“I do believe we were cut short earlier,” I murmured, my voice laced with longing.
Nina’s eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Ronan,” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Perhaps.”
A soft chuckle escaped me, warmth flooding my senses at the sight of her. “Gonna leave me hanging?”
Her lips twitched with amusement. “Not tonight.”Thank God.
I grinned. “In that case, shall we find somewhere quieter to catch up?”
She nodded, a mix of apprehension and curiosity on her face as I led her up the grand staircase, our steps echoing in the opulent space.
“Is this the room you take your random hookups to?” She asked, settling into a seat.
I rolled my eyes at her teasing, moving closer. “I don’t hook up.”
She studied me intently as if searching for truth in my words. “Solid argument.”
“Solid truth,” I corrected, taking a seat beside her. “But what brings you to the city?”
“Scenery,” she replied with a hint of playfulness, and I scoffed.
“You live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and you came here for scenery?”
“Yes,” she answered, her eyes dancing with mischief.
“You’ve always been a terrible liar.”
