“Be thereshortly.”
Ten minutes later, there was a light tap on his door. Eager to see her, he flung it open. Her crimson halter evening gown hugged her curves; the matching masquerade mask made her blue eyes pop. “Wow, you look amazing.” She’d pinned up her hair, reminding him of the night they’d met. “My raven-hairedbeauty.”
But it was her confident smile that sent a burst of energy through him. After closing the door, he pulled her into his arms and inhaled everything Taylor. “I missed youtoday.”
“Me, too. Did you see? All three shows are soldout.”
He kissed her cheek. “Myheroine.”
“Hardly. You did this, Jagger. This is yourwin.”
He dropped a light kiss on her lipstick-covered lips. “Come on in. I have something I’ve been meaning to giveyou.”
Her face lit up. Holding her hand, he led her to the sofa. “Please,sit.”
As her gaze swept over the wine and champagne baskets, her expressionfaltered.
“You’re not worried I’m going to drink any of that, areyou?”
For a brief second, concern laced her eyes. “No, of coursenot.”
“Be right back.” He retreated to his bedroom and grabbed the stilettos she’d left the night they’d met. Then, he knelt in front of her and swapped out her heels forthose.
She couldn’t mask the sadness in her eyes. “Thank you for returning myshoes.”
Hoping to lighten the moment, he said, “It’s more like ‘If the shoes fit, you must be the girl of mydreams’.”
“Aww, thank you.” Her sweet smile slayed him, but he wasn’t convinced she wasokay.
“Ready to head downstairs?” he asked, pushing off thefloor.
As she rose, she grabbed the discarded shoes and hurried toward the door. “I’ll drop these in my suite and see youthere.”
Taylor’s jitters worried him. Something was definitely wrong. Three easy strides and he stood beside her. “You’re not okay. Talk to me.” Hoping to comfort her, he ran a hand over her shoulder. Instead of relaxing, shestiffened.
“I’m sorry. I’m fine. It’s been a long day. Of course I’ll joinyou.”
He couldn’t fathom what had caused the abrupt change, but he was late to his own event. The masquerade party was well underway and he was slated to address the guests fifteen minutes ago. “I’m giving a brief speech in the ballroom. Joinme.”
“I’ve got to check on the performers.” She opened the door and stepped into thehallway.
“You’ll have time. You’re part of my leadership team and I want you onstage withme.”
After dropping off her shoes, they waited for the elevator in a chilly silence. The doors slid open and, as they squeezed inside, Jagger greeted his guests with a smile. “How’s everyonedoing?”
“Having a great time!” one guestreplied.
“Can’t wait for the sexy show,” answeredanother.
“Loved my spa day,” replied athird.
He knew Taylor well enough to see past her polite smile, but he’d no idea what had triggered her walled-off attitude. Everyone piled out on the first floor. As they approached the ballroom, the pulsing beat of the band pounded in his chest. No sooner had they stepped inside than several VIP guests ambushedhim.
Taylor kept her distance. But he wanted her flush against him.Goddammit, she’s mine and I want the world to know.With a firm hand on her elbow, he guided her toward the front of theroom.
The band finished their number and Jagger took center stage. With mic in hand, he smiled at the masked crowd. “Good evening and welcome to Loving Malibu.” After the applause died down, he continued. “Is everyone having a goodtime?”
He paused to appreciate the crowd’s shouts and cheers. During his lowest point, he doubted this moment would everhappen.
