My entire body clenched just looking at his picture, but knowing he was right behind me reminded me just how long it had been since it had clenched anything besides my vibrator. The fact that he’d come on my behalf—or rather Bailey’s—made my thighs heat in a delicious way that made me want to turn around, grab his hand, and drag him to one of the penthouses upstairs.
Get a grip on yourself!
“Ms. Turner!” I paused half-way to the entrance, plastered on my good-girl smile, and found the pap who’d called for me. “How long has CranBaby been a supporter of Donaldson’s charity?” The short man had his camera poised in the perfect position to record every flaw I had.
I glanced at the venue, grinning as I caught sight of Jeanine waiting for us at the entrance. “We’ve recently heard about the cause and understand the extreme need behind it. I’m here to show my support and hopefully learn more to help spread awareness and see what CranBaby can offer.”
My fingers played with the clasp on my clutch nervously, but I halted the movement as soon as I was conscious of it.
I’d been in the limelight since before I could remember, but it didn’t mean I liked it. It came with the family name and the old-as-time corporation we ran. I’d learned early on that someone is always watching. And while the whole world was entertained by the mistakes of others, our stock prices were not.
“There’s a rumor that you’re being groomed to take over your family’s corporation, Ms. Turner.”
He’s baiting you.
I kept my smile firmly in place. “Was that a question?”
A general laugh went through the pap line.
Good job. I wasn’t one to make a mistake. I’d been a good girl all my life. Teacher’s pet, straight-A student, and the perfect daughter who would rightly take over the family company in a mere three months. The future I’d always dreamed of would be mine—and the expected public appearance that went with it.
“Given that you are such a family-driven business, have you given any thought to how you’ll find time to start one of your own once you do take the throne, so to speak?”
I swallowed, and tilted my head at the older reporter, doing my best to hide the fact that he’d just tap danced across my rawest nerve. Brian Watercomb finished his questions to my right and moved toward the entrance. “You know, I think Brian Watercomb and I are about the same age, and he’s poised to take over his father’s shipping empire any day now. Did you ask him the same question? Or did he get a pass because he’s a man?”
The reporter stepped back, his neck flushing the same color as the carpet.
Good. Asshole. I flashed a playful smile to let them know my feelings weren’t hurt. “Now, anyone else have a girl-only question they’d like to ask?”
“Who are you wearing?” another pap asked.
“That’s one I don’t mind.” I ran my hands over my fitted number, loving the way the ruched fabric hugged my curves. “Prada.” I winked.
“Red is definitely your color,” Rory whispered in my ear, his breath shooting a thousand chills across my skin. He was close enough to touch me, but his hand remained casually in his pockets.
“Rory!” Another pap shouted, and I jolted out of my trance that his nearness had put me in. “When did you take an interest in Donaldson’s charity?”
Rory shaped his lips into that picture perfect smirk he’d mastered and motioned his head to me for the briefest of moments. “Anything Ms. Turner supports is worth investing in.”
I swallowed hard, another flush raking my skin. He could’ve given Gage all the credit or even Bailey, but he’d put the focus right back on me.
“You two are friends?” The reporter pushed.
I grinned, taking the reigns. “I’m a die-hard Sharks fan.” A secession of whoops and claps rang through the crowd, and I flashed Rory a smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me I’m needed inside.” I waved quickly, leaving Rory and Gage to answer more questions about their upcoming game. Bailey followed me as we walked the rest of the carpet until we’d made it inside.
“You did great!” Jeanine said, looping her arm through mine and squeezing me close to her model-perfect body.
“Dad might not be too happy with how I answered that family question.”
“You’re about to be one of the youngest female CEOs of a multi-billion dollar corporation. I think he knows you need to stand up to the bullshit. Now, what do you think?” she asked, her hands gesturing to the scene before us.
The banquet room was filled with circular tables draped in gorgeous cream-linens, waiters in black ties serving top-shelf liquor, and of course, half of Hollywood’s elite. The room dripped with classic calla lilies and crystals that looked like water droplets in tasteful, but opulent arrangements.
“The room is lovely, but what about the food?” I asked, gently nudging my best friend.
“Yes, I’m starved,” Bailey said, lightly touching her tummy.
“Didn’t you eat before we left?” I teased.
“Ha ha.” She glanced down where her hand still touched her stomach. “I swear I’m in a constant state of hunger now. It has to be a boy.”
Jeannine and I took a moment to smile at her, pure love and maybe just a tad bit of jealousy radiating from us over her insane happiness.
“What?” She asked when she noted the looks on our faces.
Jeannine broke first. “There is plenty for you, Bailey, and that little Shark you’re growing. Plus, the food is mine and therefore exquisite.”
“Do you need to check on anything?” I asked.
She shook her head and smiled at one of the actors as she led me to our table. “Nope. I had Rafael come in tonight to run service. My menu. My recipes. My food. My night off.”
“I know you better than that.”
“Well, if they fuck it up, then all bets are off. I didn’t bust my ass for that third star to let them ruin it. But for now, I’m relaxing.”
I took in her skin tight blue dress and matching heels. “Relax, indeed.”
Before we reached the table, she turned me, both of her manicured hands on my shoulders. “I’m loving the red.” She eyed my dress. “Am I finally starting to rub off on you?” She asked, a sly grin on her face.
“Nope, that’d be Rory,” Bailey answered before I could, resulting in a jaw drop from Jeannine.