Chapter 19
Istared at myself in the mirror the next evening and barely recognized the girl staring back at me.
The gown, a 1930s vintage with brown-and-gold lace was the most beautiful thing I’d ever had on my body, aside from Travis. It hugged my curves and fulfilled my preference for vintage style.
I’d pulled my hair up into a side bun, leaving a few tendrils free, and had done my makeup more dramatically than usual.
I was pleased with the result and nervous as hell about the evening to come.
I made my way downstairs to where Travis was waiting, looking obscenely handsome in a black tuxedo that fit him like a glove.
His jaw dropped when he saw me. He stood frozen, staring at me. “Holy shit,” he managed finally. “You look…. Em, baby, you look…,” he stammered.
I’d never seen him rendered speechless. “Good?” I put in helpfully.
“So far beyond good,” he murmured, coming to stand in front of me, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. “You look absolutely stunning. I’m starting to rethink taking you to this thing. Getting into a fist fight wouldn’t be great for a fundraiser.”
I rolled my eyes, blushing profusely, and decided to change the subject. “Anything you need to prep me on? I’ve never been to anything like this.”
He thought about that for a moment. “Not really. I’ll keep you close all night. If I introduce you first, it means I don’t know the name of who I’m introducing you to,” he explained. “There’s so many names to remember—I can never keep them all straight. Other than that, just be yourself. You’re perfect the way you are.”
I smiled, accepting the soft kiss he placed on my lips before taking my hand and leading me to the garage.
“The city wanted to send a car but I declined,” he explained as we climbed into his Jeep. “Not really my style.”
“This is fine,” I assured him, glad we were avoiding any extra flash. This was already a big enough night as it was.
We arrived at the Pavilion thirty minutes later, bright lights flashing, complete with a red carpet.
“I’ve got her,” Travis barked at the valet when he attempted to help me out of the car.
I raised a brow at him as he came around to my side and took my hand. “You think I want another man holding my girl’s hand?” he demanded.
I shook my head at his growly response and followed him up the steps and into the grand foyer, cameras going off in every direction.
I saw a few actresses I recognized and a man so tall he had to be a basketball player. It struck me that Travis was a celebrity of sorts. The realization was a bit surreal.
Travis handed me a glass of champagne from a passing tray just as a male voice boomed, “Travis!”
Travis squeezed my hand, turning toward the voice as an older man with graying hair and a neatly trimmed mustache approached.
“How the hell are you?” the man greeted, reaching a hand out to shake Travis’s.
“Doing well, thanks. Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Emerly Greer.”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” The man smiled, taking my hand and kissing it.
Travis tensed at my side but didn’t respond.
“Jim Holbrook,” he introduced.
This must be one of the names Travis hadn’t remembered.
“Are you speaking tonight?” he asked Travis.
“No, sir.” Travis shook his head.
“I wouldn’t want to leave her side either.” Jim winked. “Nice to see you both. Have a good time.”
