RaineyTessa came over to the house bright and early Saturday morning bearing coffee and donut holes. While she and Tanner ate the donuts, I sipped on my coffee. My stomach was a jumble of nerves, and I couldn’t imagine eating. I hoped that feeling would subside by later since the menu we chose was exquisite. I wanted to taste everything.We took off around nine to get to the city. When we arrived at Bloomingdale’s, we went straight to the floor with all of the gorgeous dresses. A woman named Joanne helped us. She was in her late sixties and had the fashion sense of someone who knew her way around a red carpet. I was in good hands.Tessa and I had way too much fun trying on dresses. With Tessa’s advice, I brought my budget to anything under a thousand dollars. It took some convincing on her part, but she guaranteed that Michael wouldn’t mind.“It would probably come off as a business expense,” she’d said.She had a good point.Two hours later, I narrowed my search to two dresses. The
RaineyConstantine stood outside of the car and opened the door for me.“Good evening, Ms. Foster,” he said.“Michael didn't need a ride tonight?”“He's in the hall already.”Should I have gone in earlier too? Why didn't Michael tell me? Or was he giving me time to get a dress and get ready for the night?If that were the case, for next year I would get everything prepared earlier so I could be there with him. I didn't need the recognition from anyone, but this was as much my event as his. I wanted to be there every step of the process to make sure the event ran smoothly.When I got to the building, there was a line of cars pulling up. Several members of the press snapped photographs of whoever was getting out of the car. One of the incentives for people with deep pockets was to be seen at an event like this. Appearing on Page Six would draw funding for future events if the right petiole were seen there. That had been Michael's idea. He was the one in charge of the bigwigs while I pla
MichaelEven with the number of people at the event who demanded my time, all I wanted to do was be in Rainey’s presence. From the moment she stepped out of my car, my entire view of her shifted. She had everything I wanted; the intelligence, strength, and looks of a woman I could see myself with. Granted, the situation we were in as boss and employee complicated things, I’d make sure Rainey never needed or wanted for anything. I hoped with my commitment that she would make one of her own… that she would stay by my side till death do us part.During my speech, seeing her in the audience caused me to go off-script. She was simply stunning, breathtaking. I wanted everyone to know what I thought of her and to adore her – from a distance. I had a lot of influence over those in the room and by announcing her to everyone in the room, I stated my claim on her. It might have embarrassed her a little, but I didn’t care. I wanted her to be mine, and I wanted everyone to know it. Her momentary u
MichaelAs I weaved through them to find Rachel, most were empty. Between the dance floor and the auction room, there was no need to waste time at any table. Only the older patrons or those in wheelchairs, stayed behind to watch the party unfold before them.Rachel was in the back of the room, speaking with the other hospital board members who were honorary organizers of the charity event.“Michael!” she said and shook my hand. “This is the most beautiful venue. Wherever did you find it?”I glanced over my shoulder at Rainey who was chatting with Chrissy White’s assistant at the table. That girl hadn’t been allowed to leave the table as she was expected to guard Chrissy’s purse, which had her Maltese puppy inside. If she weren't one of our top donors, I would have requested she left the dog with her driver.“Rainey was able to secure this place,” I said proudly. Rainey had exceeded my expectations of the event, and I was happy to pass on the responsibilities to her next year.“Well, i
RaineyMichael’s good mood from earlier disappeared after receiving that envelope. He wouldn’t tell me what was inside. And from what I knew of his stubbornness, even if push came to shove he wouldn’t tell me. It was another added secret to the pile between us. While I still suspected his involvement with the mafia, I wondered how an envelope would have anything to do with that. His life was shrouded in mystery, and I found myself more confused than ever. Though I doubted anyone at the party noticed the shift in his mood. I was hyper aware of him at all times.Instead of pissing him off even more by asking, I decided to take a quick break and check in on Tanner. As the event wound down to a close, I excused myself to the bathroom.I hoped Michael would notice my absence and question it. If he knew how his attitude affected the beautiful night we’d experienced together, maybe he could get himself back into a good mood. At least until the event was officially over.In the bathroom, I pu
RaineyI scrubbed at my hands a little longer than necessary, wanting Rachel to feel as uncomfortable as possible. If she were alone, I’d have some choice words for her. But with Dena there, I didn’t want a witness to anything I said while red-hot anger ran through my veins.I headed over to the forced air dryer and glanced at the mirror to see the woman’s faces pale even more. Neither knew what to say to me. It was painfully obvious I heard what they’d said to each other. I could almost hear Rachel’s mind turning back time to figure out exactly what I heard her say.“Have a nice night, ladies,” I said on my way out of the room.I opened the door and let out a breath. At least next year I wouldn’t have to be dealing with her for this event. It would be in her best interest to step down from the position, and I hoped she was smart enough to realize that. I’d hate to embarrass her by having Michael bring up her change in status for his event.Walking back to the ballroom, I knew I had t
MichaelAfter calming down enough after the check that was made to look like it came from Sal, I went looking for Rainey to apologize. I rarely apologized to anyone, but I knew I’d fucked up. We’d had a great time together at dinner and dancing. If only I hadn’t gone off to Rachel to see about the donations. I should have stayed with Rainey and enjoyed the rest of the evening, but I hadn’t. And it wasn’t her fault that I was caught up in the drama around Sal.I’d looked everywhere for her, and when I did find her, the single act of seeing her again had brought back the amazing memories from earlier. I didn’t want them to end. In a way, she distracted me from my life. And she looked beautiful in that dress I’d purchased for her. And I wanted to take it off of her. This was the perfect night to show her how I felt. And I knew she felt something for me too. She wasn’t the type of girl to make the first move, so I promised myself to take it slow until she was ready.When we got into the l
MichaelRainey rubbed her hand across her chest. “Be safe.”“Always,” I said and then closed the door. The lock clicked, and I silently thanked Constantine for his forethought. I hoped the men wouldn’t try anything but preparation was critical in our situation. I had to have the upper hand somehow.Even though it was a late hour, these thugs couldn’t be foolish enough to do anything. There were enough people around to witness whatever act might happen. And since they had been discreet so far, I didn’t want to give them a reason to change. I hoped it would be a quick conversation and they would move on. Though I doubted I’d be so lucky.I walked closer to the front door of my building. I wouldn’t dare let them inside, but I also didn’t want Rainey to hear the conversation we were about to have. They slowly followed me, standing between the limo and me. Their bravado wasn’t getting them far. I’d dealt with far worse in the past. Granted, I wasn’t alone at the time.“What can I do for yo