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Everyone raises their glasses. “To Donald,” the people in the room cheer in unison, then take a sip of their drink.
“So, it’s with great pleasure that I present this gift to Donald as a memento of his time and outstanding service working in our company.” Niall steps over to a small table where a burgundy cloth is covering something. He pulls the cloth off and underneath is a gold statue of a golf bag and golf clubs. The bag has the company logo embroidered on it, which is also burgundy.
Ah, it’s starting to make sense as to why everything is burgundy in the room.
It has a big forty-year symbol coming out the top. Actually, it’s quite a nice gift. Donald looks over it with a beaming smile.
“Thank you, old buddy,” Donald beams at Niall. They briefly hug, and everyone in the room claps again as Niall goes back to the microphone.
“This concludes the formal proceedings. The menus are on the table, and the waiters will be around shortly to take your order. I hope everyone has a great evening and, once again, a big thank you to Donald for all his hard work over the last forty years. Now, let’s have some fun,” Niall instructs, then downs the last of his drink.
Thank God the boring stuff is over.
Hopefully, I can enjoy the rest of the night with Aiden’s family without monotone speeches.
Why are business functions always so damn boring?
Killian swoops up the menu on the table, taking it upon himself to read it out loud to us. “Okay, for the appetizer… we have a soup that no one likes, but everyone will pretend to. For entrées… we have a choice of a fancy Atlantic salmon or a rib-eye steak, you know meat-and-potatoes sort of thing. Now for the best part. Dessert! Drum roll, please… we have chocolate mousse served with decadent bits and pieces that I can’t pronounce.” He finally takes a breath. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m hungry, and I’ll have one of everything.”
We all laugh at his very enthusiastic interpretation of the menu. My stomach inadvertently growls at the mention of food. How can I possibly be hungry after the breakfast we had this morning at Nanas and the big lunch I had with Chris and Sarah? At this rate I’ll never have to eat again!
Daniel smiles at Killian, making me believe there’s more than meets the eye to their friendship as I glance back at Aiden. “Know what you’re having?” I ask as he takes my hand under the table.
“Probably the steak.”
I grin. “Thought you might.”
“What are you having?” he asks me.
“Probably the salmon.”
He smirks. “Thought you might.”
We both chuckle. “Dessert sounds nice,” I mention as he moves closer to me, the closeness sets my heart into a flutter.
“I know what I want for dessert.” His tone’s seductive as he leans in kissing me on the forehead, then he winks at me.
I open my eyes wide in shock as he starts to chuckle. “Aiden,” I warn, looking around to see if anyone’s heard his insinuation. With a smirk, he leans back, sitting in his chair properly. He’s still holding my hand as the waiters come around to take our orders. His suggestion of dessert has me thinking about earlier when he had his muscular arms pinning me against the shelving in our steamy embrace. My breathing shallows as I remember his tender touch on my skin. He tightens his hand around mine, and I look up at him through hooded eyes.
‘You okay?’ he mouths with those seductive lips. I want to push everything off the table and take him right here, right now. My clit throbs, reacting to my thoughts as I cross my legs to try to stop the feeling of endless want.
I nod to appease him. After the waiter leaves, I excuse myself for the ladies’ room. I need some damn air. Aiden raises his brow as I let go of his hand, then walk off toward the main foyer. My stomach’s swirling almost out of control. Sitting next to Aiden and having him drop innuendos like that after last night has me on edge. I’m not sure how tonight will pan out, but right now, I need some air to breathe.
As soon as I’m out of sight, I lean against the wall and take some much-needed deep breaths, trying to calm myself. What’s wrong with me? I try to shake the images of Aiden and me making out on the table along with any other lustful thoughts I’m harboring. I steady my breathing and manage to compose myself enough to head into the bathroom. As I enter, I notice there are other ladies talking gibberish about finance. Well, it sounds like gibberish to me, anyway. As I step into a stall and lock the door, more ladies enter talking on their way in. “Oh my God, did you see her? She’s so not who I thought Aiden would date.”
I freeze as I realize they’re talking about me.
“I know. She’s very plain. I mean… I’m not trying to blow my own horn, but I’m sooo much prettier than her.”
My mouth drops open in shock.
“You’re so right, Josie. Don’t worry, though. She won’t be around for long. You only have to look at Aiden’s track record. I mean, he hasn’t had a serious partner in for like… ever.”
I swallow a lump that’s caught in my throat.
“Well, hopefully, I can change that. I’ll be his girlfriend soon, and that plain Jane will be history.”
My heart hammers in my chest as they both laugh, and I sit back waiting for them to leave. My good mood all but vanished, and I exit the stall. My stomach sinks as I agree with them—I’m nothing special. I exhale and shake my head while walking to the basin. Checking my appearance in the mirror, I definitely need to pep myself up before I head back out there. I knew stepping into this hotel tonight I was out of place, but I damn well didn’t need to hear it confirmed. Right now, I feel so far out of Aiden’s league that I’m questioning why I’m even here. I wash my hands raising my chin in defiance.
