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Cruz jabbed his thumb over his shoulder toward Jeremy’s door. “I had a little help from a friend. Or cousin, in this instance.”
I leaned against the inside of the doorframe, very close to him, and folded my arms. “So, you got my number. What else do you want?”
He turned his angular face down toward mine. “Did we pass the audition, the band and me? Are we worthy enough to play at your gala?”
“Yes. I’ve already added you to the program.”
Cruz smiled, and a happy chuckle tumbled out of him. “You have no idea how grateful we are for the opportunity. We’ve been playing mediocre places so far, so this will help us to up our game. I truly believe that. Thank you.”
I loved that I had a hand in helping his band further their career. “You’re welcome, Cruz. I think you guys will be great for the post-fashion-show portion of the evening when everyone begins to wind down and relax andparty.”I unfolded my arms. “I’m surprised you haven’t achieved more success given where you’re from. Don’t people know who you’re related to?”
The smile disappeared from Cruz’s face. “Of course, they do. I’m the eldest Huntington son. I was supposed to be the family’s next heir. But I’m a punk rocker, and I turned my back on all that pompous bullshit. I renounced my title, and so the honor passes automatically to Augustus upon our father’s death.” Cruz was both excited about living his own life and horrified for his little brother at the same time. “I see my parents perhaps twice a year at the most, only when I have to. I want to make my own way in the world. Despite my crack about him kissing ass, Augustus limits his time spent around them as well. Father can be unbearable.”
This was the first time I’d learned anything about Augustus’ family, and I was saddened to hear the relationship was strained. “I guess I can’t imagine what that would be like. I’m close to my daddy, and our family is so tight-knit and accepting of each other. No dumb expectations except to work hard and be a good person.”
“Your parents sound delightful.” Cruz flashed a genuine and fucking sexy smile at me.”
I stayed strong and restrained myself from him while I continued our conversation, “Maybe a little rough to you since they’ve lived their whole lives on farmland in the middle of the forest.”
“Nonsense. People on the land are the best kind of people, or so I’ve heard.” Cruz shrugged. “Most of my time is spent with musicians.”
“This is certainly a side of the Huntington boys I never expected.”
Cruz winked and leaned in closer to me until we were less than an inch from touching. “Do you like it?”
“Yes.” Why was I lifting my face toward his?
He was close enough to kiss me, and I knew he wanted to.Iwanted him to. I knew he’d come here for sex, but I didn’t want to give it to him so easily.
“I’m tired. It’s been a long and busy day. I hope you have a good night if you’re sleeping over at Jeremy’s place.” This time I was the one who pointed toward Jeremy’s door.
Cruz’s mouth dropped open. “But—”
“Goodnight, Cruz.” I pulled myself away from him and pushed my door shut in his face.
“You owe me a drink!” he shouted through the timber.
I smiled to myself as I snuggled down into my bed.
All alone.
Sure, I was craving an arrogant punk rocker, but for once, I was content on my own.
The Christmas shopping season was possibly the worst day to go gown shopping for the gala. Every man, woman, and child in London was out shopping for food and gifts for the festive season.
Unfortunately, I was on my own for this shopping trip. It turned out I wouldn’t see as much of Lou as I had first hoped since her men had her all tied up attending events and sightseeing with them. Not that I blamed them. They wanted to give their girl the world, and experiencing London to its fullest was one way they were able to accomplish that for her.
Louisa Kembry was becoming spoiled in the best possible way, and I was glad she was beginning to embrace it while not losing sight of herself and her dream.It occurred to methat I was starting to realize how much I looked up to that woman.
I wandered along the high street, peering into clothing store after clothing store, and wished living in London didn’t mean I had to be so tight with my hard-earned money. A gala of the magnitude of Estate Styles’Annual Charity Christmas Gala called for a spectacular gown, and I wasn’t sure I could afford such a thing.
Given the magnitude of the event, there was no way I would give up so easily. So I jumped onto the internet and soon found the perfect store only a block away. When I reached the place, it was thankfully much quieter than the many other stores in the shopping district of Central London, and I was welcomed as though I was the most cherished of shoppers.
“What are you looking for, miss?” the shop assistant asked me.
“I need something with a wow factor. I’m running a high-end gala and need a dress that will be both beautiful and easy to move around in. But it mustn’t show up my attendees since most of them will be London’s elite.”
“My goodness, it must be some gala.”
