Chapter 6: An Impromptu Invitation

"Hey!" James called as he snapped his fingers a few inches away from Luca's face.

Luca flinched and reared his head backward before scowling at James. James just smiled in amusement before arching his brow questioningly. The two of them were in Luca's office and they were supposed to be discussing ideas for their brand reveal and launch.

Luca heaved a deep sigh, "I'm torn."

James frowned in concern. "You're not generally indecisive. What's up? Having second thoughts about this new proposal?"

They'd kept their business plans under wraps but the time to reveal it was coming soon. They both knew that they were taking a huge risk with their plans, especially Luca.

'High Life', their new THC and CBD company, was supposed to specialize in high-end products for medicinal and recreational use. They hadn't thought to branch into animal products, but James felt the proposal was compelling.

Luca shook his head. "I'm thinking about inviting Nikita to the gala tonight."

A surprised expression flitted across James' face before he leaned forward curiously. "You had that much fun a few nights ago?"

Luca leaned back in his seat and considered the question. He'd definitely enjoyed his evening with Nikita, but he wasn't sure that she could say the same. That said, he was starting to get the impression that she was starting to thaw toward him.

Luca nodded hesitantly. "I think so? She thanked me for my peace offering and we were actually pretty civil the whole night. And she actually gave me her personal number so we don't have to email."

"Ooh...big steps," James cooed teasingly. " Seriously, I'm all for you two getting along but isn't this a little last minute? The morning of doesn't give her much time to prepare," James pointed out.

Luca shrugged. "She's welcome to say no but at least I'll have tried to do my part."

James studied Luca's face thoughtfully. "Is that the only reason you're inviting her then?"

Luca smiled mysteriously but didn't answer. Instead, he picked up his phone and started a new message to Nikita.

'Hey. I'm hosting a charity gala tonight. I know it's last minute but will you be my date?'

He put his phone down and focused on James. "You're going to be there too, right?"

James nodded. "Yeah, inviting a few of our potential investors was a really smart move. I just know we'll be signing the Franklin contract tomorrow if tonight goes well."

Luca's phone vibrated on the desk, capturing both of the men's attention. He picked it up hesitantly and saw that Nikita had replied.

"Is it her?" James asked with interest clear in his voice.

Luca nodded wordlessly, his thumb hovering over the notification. He realized that he actually wanted her to come to his gala tonight. He wanted to show her that there was more to him than the bad impressions he'd already made.

He frowned, wondering why he cared about her opinion of him at all. Their relationship wasn't real and had no chance of becoming real on either of their part. He decided that he'd have to give this more thought later.

He opened the message and smiled in relief.

'Send me the details and I'll meet you there.'

"She agreed to come," he announced for James' benefit before putting his phone down again.

He'd have his assistant send her the relevant details but he wasn't sure what to make of her message. A part of him wondered if she was coming because she wanted to or if it was because she had to.

"So why do you look so unhappy about it?" James queried. "You wanted her to come right?"

Luca sighed, "Yes, James. I wanted her to come. Her response was just really brief, I can't tell if she's annoyed or not."

James' lips stretched into a knowing grin, "No, what you really want to know is if she's happy you asked and happy to come."

Luca rolled his eyes and looked down at the documents they'd been poring over before they'd digressed. "Let's focus, I have a lot to get done before the gala tonight."

James barked out a laugh but acquiesced and resumed their previous discussion. The two men were just wrapping up when Luca's assistant appeared at the door.

"There's a visitor for Mr. Brooks," she announced with a smile.

Luca nodded. "We were just finishing. Please send whomever it is in but no one else after that. I have to get going."

She nodded and disappeared from the room, reappearing a few moments later with Birdy by her side.

Luca's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you doing here? Did I forget that we had an appointment?"

Birdy smiled and shook her head enigmatically before reaching into her large tote. She pulled out an envelope and handed it to him. He exchanged a curious look with James before accepting the envelope.

He opened it to reveal a vanilla-scented, pale pink card. 'Next time, don't forget the limes. - Nikita'

He looked up at Birdy, his confusion turning into amusement as she stood there with a bag of limes and a bottle of tequila. He barked in laughter and shook his head.

"So, you're here to dress me for the gala?" he asked, to be sure.

Birdy nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Kit said this is the only way she can be sure you'll be looking up to code."

James burst into laughter while Luca tipped his head curiously. "Kit?"

Birdy shrugged. "What do you call her?"

******

Luca nodded along with whatever the guest he was talking to was currently saying. He was watching the door over their shoulder, waiting to see Nikita come in. She'd sent him a message to let him know that she'd received the details from his assistant but nothing since.

There was a small part of him that felt she'd changed her mind. That part of him was also disappointed with each second that passed.

"Oh! I see Mrs. Reynolds over there," the older woman Luca was speaking to announced in a rush. "Please tell your parents to come over sometime."

Luca smiled stiffly and nodded his head before watching the woman rush away. While his parents' absence at this event was noticeable, no one had brought it up to him yet.

"You look like you didn't enjoy my gift at all," Kit spoke from behind him.

He whipped around, caught off guard. Kit laughed lightly and offered him an apologetic smile. He smiled in return and wrapped his arm around her waist loosely. He dropped a kiss on her cheek, his lips lingering against her skin for a moment.

Kit gasped softly as their skin touched and Luca pulled away. "There are people watching, a little affectionate greeting is probably expected."

Kit nodded quickly and smiled slightly. "Very wise of you, I didn't even think of that. Thank you for inviting me. This place looks amazing."

She looked around the rooftop where the event was being held. There were lights and flowers everywhere with a few living exhibitions scattered throughout the party, where many affluent guests were milling around and socializing. The sun setting over the city skyline in the background was the perfect setting.

Luca did his best to school his expression and not look too surprised at the compliment. He smiled at her and then flagged a server down so he could grab two champagne flutes.

"Thank you," he directed at the server before turning back to Kit and handing her a drink. "You look amazing yourself," Luca told Kit with a soft smile. "Am I up to your standards?"

She tipped her head and made a show of studying him intently before meeting his gaze with a playful smile. "Birdy did a good job."

Luca chuckled, "So you're saying I look good too?"

Kit shrugged and smiled into her glass. "I'm saying Birdy is good at her job."

Luca snorted in amusement and shook his head while studying Kit. She seemed to be in a good mood and having a good time. He felt relief coursing through him as he looked at her relaxed and open expression.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," a husky, feminine voice chimed in from behind Luca. "I just had to come and congratulate the happy couple!"

Kit felt a faint stirring of recognition as he looked at the gorgeous, stereotypically blonde girl next door that had entered the conversation. Luca smiled fondly as he turned and hugged the mystery woman before pulling her closer to Kit.

"Nikita, this is Sloane," Luca said, helping Kit finally identify her. "Our families have been friends forever."

Sloane laughed, "We practically grew up together!" It's nice to meet you, Nikita. I've been a fan of yours for a while."

Kit smiled politely and shook Sloane's hand. "It's great to meet one of Luca's longtime friends."

Luca chuckled, "Stay away from Sloane. She's always gotten us in trouble."

Sloane elbowed Luca and smiled good-naturedly. "Don't make me sue you for slander!"

Luca raised his hands in surrender. Sloane smiled and turned to Kit. "He's the one you should really look out for. This is hardly the place for it, but I'd love an opportunity to talk to you about a collaboration."

"I'm sure we can arrange that," Kit answered with a short smile, undecided about whether or not she meant that.

Sloane smiled. "I'll get your details from this guy later. You two are so cute together honestly, don't let this guy push you away!" She winked at Kit conspiratorially and gave Luca a side hug before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

Kit turned and looked at Luca curiously. "What's your opinion on that? Should I take that meeting?"

Luca's eyes widened in thinly veiled surprise before he smiled. "Sloane has a heart of gold and comes from a pretty affluent family. I think it's definitely worth hearing her out."

Kit nodded. "I'll consider it."

They gazed into each other's eyes for a few moments before Kit broke the connection. "So, what's the charity?"

Luca bit his lip to hide a smile. "Basically, the money raised here from the dinner and auction helps run a program that provides homes and resources for adult orphans and foster children."

Kit smiled. "Wow, that's honestly unexpected."

Luca gave her a knowing grin and continued, "So we help give them homes and healthcare, get an education, and then jobs ultimately. Or at least that's the goal."

Kit smiled ruefully. "I've always intended to really extend my philanthropic efforts past donations but I've never made the leap."

Luca squeezed her shoulder briefly and smiled understandingly. "It can be a lot to take on. I'm happy to help you get started."

Kit looked at Luca consideringly before nodding slowly. "It's a date."