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CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Damon
The ballroom where the pre-ceremony dinner is being held is massive. Tables take up nearly its entirety, with guests making their way to their seats while others congregate, chatting idly and waiting for dinner to begin.
Colored gowns and suits collide in a rainbow of patterns as I make my way around the outer perimeter of the room and through the masses to find Kate.
My palms sweat. The back of my neck heats as nervousness spikes my blood pressure. But despite knowing what I have to tell her, I desperately seek her comfort.
Patrick was ecstatic that I decided to take the job. He and Vedant slapped my back, gave anatta boy, and we toasted to the company’s new ventures.
But now, I’ve got nothing but Kate on my mind. I should be happy to celebrate with Chuck and the guys, but I want to celebrate withher. I want that soft smile to put me at ease just before I kiss it from her lips.
Kate’s reduced me to a lovesick pup, and I’m smiling at the thought just as I see my friends escorting her into the room.
The shimmering gold dress I bought for her flows across the floor, covering her feet as she walks. Just as I hoped, it molds to every delicious curve, and her tan skin paired with her dark brown hair gives her the appearance of a goddess.
I’m practically sprinting for her when our gazes collide.
Happiness, excitement, joy. Every emotion that flits across her face pulls me to her faster.
Kate’s job could allow us to see each other far more regularly than if she were working anywhere else. Besides, once I’ve established a solid team in London, I’ll return to LA to work with Vedant as associate director, and then…
My mind races at the possibility of making our two-week stint a full-time deal.
It’s just one year.
Kate tugs her bottom lip between her teeth as she waves.
Fuck.
How was I ever worried we couldn’t make this work? Every ounce of passion we’ve shared shines back at me, building an overflow of anticipation in my chest.
I take her hand, brushing my lips over the back. “What’s it like to be the most stunning woman in the room?”
“You certainly know how to make me believe it,” she whispers in that breathy way I like.
A slow burn builds in my groin when I notice her lips are free of color, showcasing a pretty natural pink.
Glittering lace patterns are etched into the top of her gown where aVcuts straight down her breasts. Without thought for our surroundings, my finger traces beneath the delicate strap on her left shoulder.
Her lashes flutter around her big doe eyes as I lean in and kiss the warmth of her cheek. “I’m having very wicked thoughts of bending you over right now, Miss Harris.”
There’s a blush coloring her cheeks when she says, “No need to cause a scene.”
I study her naked smile. “Believe me, there’s a need.”
Crimson now colors her neck, and I get high off this effect we have on each other.
“Shall we?” I guide her arm through mine and escort her to our assigned seat at one of the many long tables taking up most of the room.
We’re swept up in conversation for most of the dinner. Everyone is thrilled by our connection through OneDate, marveling at the two of us as they ask about our adventures, and I find my hand searching for hers constantly.
She’s a lifeline I never knew I needed, and I can’t stop myself from touching her.
“I think that went well, don’t you?” Kate asks once we finally get a moment to ourselves.
“You’re a sight to behold when you get going like that.”
