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“That’s how it’ll always be, you hear me?” Her head nods against me as her breathing slows. “With us, you’re in control, and I’m just your humble servant.”
“What does that make me?”
“My woman.” I reluctantly unglue from her, walk over to the bath, and turn on the faucet. “Now let’s get you cleaned up.”
It’s instinctive, helping her let loose, and I want to do it endlessly.
Chapter30
Molly
The Grand Ballroomat The Plaza Hotel is breathtaking, with gilded designs adorning the walls and a chandelier sparkling above. Fresh calla lilies, orchids, and ranunculus arrangements tower over guests at each table. Crisp white linens line the high-top tables and shimmer beneath the hues of blue lights.
We did it.
All three tasks are complete, and the Winter Ball is running smoothly. A tray of Analise’s specialty glazed figs speeds past me. I grab one and plop it in my mouth.
Success sure does taste delicious.
Matthew whispers in my ear, “You know, girlfriend, we make the best team.”
“You better not get used to that title. After tonight, you’ll be my fiancé,” I say with confidence.
“I look forward to it.” His fingers trail down the fabric of my Oscar de la Renta ruffled Georgette dress. I can’t wait for him to take it off me tonight. He’s so tall, and handsome with his jet-black hair slicked back. His round frames on the bridge of his perfectly crooked nose. “Have you seen your parents?”
“Not yet. They’re probably holding out for dramatic effect, or they’re making sure this first hour goes smoothly.” I scan the crowd again, looking for them.
Tonight, they’ll make their decision about my relationship with Matthew, and I just want to get it over with. Anxiety hums in my belly. I don’t want to cut my parents out of my life, but if they fail to put my needs first, I’ll have no other choice.
Matthew has funding for EcoDrones. I can do my best to swing an offer on the Tarrytown property without the trust. Or I’ll find another location for my inn. Nothing and no one will stop me.
I’m certain we’ll both be fine without the trust money. At least, I hope so.
However much I want my family’s approval, my future is more important.
“Your Uncle Davis has been in line for Ollie’s whisky tasting twice. So I would say we did a pretty good job.” Matthew tugs at the cerise tie around his neck. It’s a perfect match to my gown.
“Agreed.” I nod. “Did you try the figs?”
“Already had two of them,” he laughs, but I barely notice as I continue searching the room for Mom and Dad. Matthew’s hand settles a possessive weight on my back. “Hey, don’t worry. We got this.”
My heart soars. It’s nice to know that, whatever happens tonight, we have each other.
“I know, I’m just nervous.” The butterflies in my stomach refuse to stop multiplying.
Fake dating my work crush, falling for him, making it real, and then marrying him for money isn’t the most traditional love story, but we’ve made something beautiful together.
The past couple of weeks, we’ve skirted around our true feelings with the anticipation of what happens today. Tonight, I’ll tell him I don’t want a divorce.
We must feel the same for each other. I doubt he’d make me his girlfriend and ask me to move in if he didn’t share my feelings.
I need to be brave, because I want this.
Cocktail parties, philanthropic pursuits, cosplay on the weekends, volunteering, Bear snuggling with us on the couch, and book club. Staying up late working on my inn while he launches EcoDrones.
Matthew Hudson is the love I deserve.
In the crowd, I spot Dave, Larson, and their wives chattering beneath the haze of the lights. There are whisky tumblers in their hands and a wooden flight board on their high-top table. They wave me over. “I’m going to say hello to my cousins. Want to come?” I ask Matthew.
