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Unfortunately, even if he saw me as a woman instead of his daughter’s best friend who was twenty years younger than he was, I knew he’d never act on it.He’d never sacrifice his reputation in the community, but more than that, he’d never sacrifice his relationship with Jenna.
So, like every time before, he’d remain a fantasy, even if I wished with every breath that he could be so much more.
I finished fastening my strappy silver stilettos right as a knock sounded on the door of my apartment.
“Be right there,” I called out as I stood in front of my full-length mirror and checked out my appearance one last time.I was running a little late, but I was trying to convince myself that was fine.
Fashionably late was a thing for a reason.
Except that my boss, Shannon, might not agree.
Another knock sounded, and I grabbed my clutch and made my way to the door.Grant Davis stood on the other side looking sexy in a fitted navy suit.If only I could be attracted to him instead.But he was my coworker in a completely platonic capacity.Both of us had been voluntold that we were required to attend the historical society’s biggest event of the year—a masquerade ball.Shannon Perry, our boss at Perry Designs, had told everyone that we needed to attend tonight.
I’d been fortunate to get a job at her small firm that marketed itself as a one-stop shop for interior design and eco-friendly architectural design.I’d completed an internship with her my last semester of college, and she hired me on my last day.It was a relief to graduate knowing I already had a job with a very comfortable salary—especially by LA standards.
“Looking gorgeous as ever,” Grant said, his crystalline gaze glancing appreciatively down my body.And yet, not a single spark lit up my skin the way it did whenever I saw Mr.Jones.Which was fine, since I suspected Grant wasn’t interested in me anyway.He was flirty and friendly with many women, but always held himself back, like he was waiting for someone in particular.
“Got your mask?”he asked.
“Yep,” I said, grabbing the silver mask that was resting on the table by my front door.I’d done my makeup with cherry-red lips and a smokey eye that made my blue eyes pop.It was significantly more makeup than I usually wore and had the surprising effect of making me look very different.My long, blonde hair fell in soft waves down my back, and my form-fitting black dress hugged every curve of my body like I’d painted it on.While my mask was currently clutched in my hand, I knew that with it on, I was unrecognizable.
Something that was confirmed when we walked into the venue and found our boss.
“Grant, who’s your gorgeous date?”
Grant and I both shared a glance and a smile before I burst out in giddy laughter.Tonight was already more interesting than I had expected it to be, and possibility thrummed in the air.
Tonight, I could be anyone I wanted to be.
The idea made me bolder, more confident, maybe even a little reckless.Especially when I turned around, my glass of champagne halfway to my lips, and my gaze landed on the man I’d been thinking about earlier today.
The man I thought about far too often.
The man who held a mask clutched in his hand instead of covering his face.
Mr.Jones was here.
Wear your mask responsibly
SADIE
My fantasy in the flesh, he looked mouthwateringly good.He wore a dark suit that was tailored to perfection—hugging his strong biceps and yet still showing off his trim waist.He may have been forty-two years old, but you’d never be able to tell.I wasn’t the only woman who noticed him as he made his way down the stairs into the room, his narrow black mask now positioned on his face.He was by himself, and the relief of knowing I wouldn’t be tortured seeing him with a woman had my shoulders dropping from where they’d been held stiffly near my ears.I lifted my glass of champagne to my lips and took a hearty sip to quench my suddenly parched throat as I watched Mr.Jones’s every movement.
He walked confidently through the room like he owned the place, his shoulders relaxed, one hand tucked casually in his pants pocket, while his other shook hands as he mingled around the tables.He never stayed at one for long, but always made sure to say hello to everyone he knew, and some he obviously didn’t.
A smile lifted my cheeks as I watched him network masterfully.The thing was, he wasn’t putting on airs like some of the people here.He was genuine in his interest in other people and not just what they could do for him or his business.It was one of the key things that made him such a shining light in the community.
It was also one of the many reasons I’d crushed on him so hard for the last five years.
His steps brought him closer to me, and I held my breath as he approached the table I was standing near.His hazel gaze swept across the table, clearly not recognizing anyone, and then passed by me.He did a double take, and I watched in fascination as his lips tilted up ever so slightly.He walked closer and stretched a hand out.
“I don’t believe we’ve met.I’m Travis.”
My heart galloped in my chest.Was he teasing?Or did he genuinely not recognize me?
Testing him, I took his hand, warmth immediately infusing my arm, and said, “I’m Beth.”
It wasn’t a total lie since Elizabeth was my middle name.I prepared myself for him to lift his mask and make some joke about knowing who I was, but instead he leaned down, his gaze locked on mine as he brushed his lips over the back of my hand.
