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On the other hand, what would he think if he knew she’d come out here to be his mistress?
She shook her head. It was good he wasn’t there to find out.
She lifted her chin, ignoring the nerves tingling through her body. Would anyone recognize her here? Her dad was here. If he was, her mom would likely be here, too. Would the LA Symphony members be in attendance at the dinner? Would she come face to face with the nightmares of her past?
She pushed the thoughts aside. Or tried to, even as she scanned the people around her, wary of any familiar face.
She waited in line and gradually moved forward as the assistants ahead of her found their bosses’ information and table numbers. No one seemed to recognize her, no one spoke to her, except the lady behind the table who handed her a packet of passes and tickets for the week’s events.
Emily thanked her and hurried back to where David stood with a group of men, chatting and smiling. As she approached, his eyes widened and he gave his head the slightest of shakes. She froze, wondering why he was warning her not to approach.
One man David was talking to turned his face to look across the room, and her blood ran cold as she recognized his profile.
David patted the man on his shoulder with a short nod and walked right to Emily. He grabbed her arm and guided her to the edge of the hall. “I didn’t think you were ready to see your father yet,” he said in a low voice.
She blinked and stared at the wooden wall, her entire body trembling.
“Take a deep breath, hold it, and blow it out slowly.”
She did as he said.
“Again.”
She did.
“Again.”
He had her repeat the breathing exercise until she stopped shaking. She gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. I have to do that before I give presentations sometimes.”
“You get nervous?”
He nodded and chuckled. “I don’t think I’ll ever be completely comfortable in front of a large crowd.”
“You’re the CEO of the company!”
He grinned. “That’s why I don’t have to do it often. I have my VPs do it. They’re much better at it than I am.”
“I doubt that.”
“I appreciate your confidence in me.” He chuckled again. “You may have to help me remember to do the breathing before my presentations this week.”
“I will if you need it,” she promised.
David studied the layout of the tables in the room. “Try and choose a seat at your table where you can see me. I’ll keep an eye on you.”
She shook her head. “David, this is an important week for you. I don’t want to be in your way.”
“I brought you out here. I feel responsible for you.”
“You didn’t know.”
“I told you when we first met, I would help in any way I could and I meant it.” His expression turned thoughtful and he smiled. “If something happens, and I’m not around, text me with a nine-one-one or call me.” He raised his brows and shook a finger at her. “I mean it. Don’t piss off your boss.”
She giggled. “I will.”
He nodded, looking satisfied. “Good.” He glanced around them. “Okay, it looks like people are taking their seats. Where am I sitting?”
