AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’d never felt prouder to be with someone. I didn’t like to go to these things alone. The press speculated, mentioning that I was the most eligible bachelor in the area, and I didn’t like the attention.
But now, I was getting attention for a different reason. For the gorgeous woman on my arm. “Everyone is going to know your name by the end of the night.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“They’re going to want to know who you are.”
“I’m nobody,” she whispered.
“I think we both know that’s not true.”
We paused at the entrance to the ballroom so they could introduce us. I’d provided the announcer with Gia’s name earlier in the day. Once our names were read, I led the way to the first group of donors, introducing Gia.
“Gia runs a wedding planning service, Happily Ever Afters in Annapolis. This is Stu Schrader. He owns various marine businesses in the area.”
They shook hands.
“My daughter just got engaged, and she’s looking for a wedding planner. I’ve heard you’re the one to talk to.”
“I’m happy to speak to your daughter and her fiancé about the possibility.”
Stu nodded. “Perfect. I’ll have her do that.”
As we made our way around the room, I introduced Gia as a successful business owner and a sought-after wedding planner. I listened with pride as they inquired about her services and availability. I pressed a glass of champagne into her hand. I wanted her to enjoy this evening, and she might need something to take the edge off.
When it seemed like Gia was tired of socializing, I asked her to dance. She let me lead her to the dance floor.
I drew her into my arms and ducked my head so I could whisper in her ear. “This might be the only time we’ll be alone tonight.”
She smiled at me. “I understand why you wanted to dance, then.”
“Who wouldn’t want to dance with the most beautiful woman in the room?” I said honestly, feeling the truth in my chest.
She tipped her head slightly. “You know that sounds cliché.”
I replayed the words in my head and then said, “It might sound that way, but it’s the truth.”
Gia straightened in my arms. “You’ve been amazing and attentive. This almost feels like a real date and not a favor for an almost-friend.”
“This is a date,” I insisted, a little surprised that she didn’t think that.
She shook her head, a rueful grin on her face. “I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this. I feel pampered and beautiful, and at the same time, I’m generating business contacts. It’s surreal. I don’t know how I can ever thank you.”
“That wasn’t why I did it. I just wanted to return the favor and make the evening worthwhile for you.” Her words did something funny to my heart. I felt her appreciation, but I wanted more. I wanted her to like me. But I wasn’t sure if she’d ever let go enough to realize what was right in front of her.
She fell silent, and we resumed our dance.
I pulled her tight against me, ducking my head slightly so that our faces were close to each other.
She looked up at me and licked her lips. “Cosa mi fai?”
Everything inside me stilled at the Italian phrase. I’d heard her brothers and parents speak Italian from time to time, but never Gia. It made me feel like the words were just for me. “What did you say?”
She blinked but finally repeated in English, “What are you doing to me?”
I wondered if she’d said the words in Italian as a form of self-protection. If it was a shield for her feelings. “Can you say that in Italian again?”
She met my gaze and held it with a lift of her chin.“Cosa mi fai?”
