Romantic Interludes Part 25

Grabbing my phone out of my bag, I quickly sent a text to Nathan.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TOMORROW NIGHT?.

His response was quick, and it made me smile.

TAKING THE SWEETEST GIRL IN THE.

WORLD TO THE COMPANY PARTY.

I was just getting ready to reply when another message appeared.

I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND. SHE'S SO EXCITED, AND I'D HATE TO DISAPPOINT HER.

Oh.

He already had a date.

That wasn't too surprising. I mean, he's a handsome, single guy, and we'd only met two days ago. Of course, he'd already made plans to take someone to the party.

It still hurt a little.

Okay, it hurt a lot, but I'd never admit it out loud.

I sent back a quick text, telling him it was no problem at all. Then, I set my phone on silent and tossed it into my bag.

"What do you mean he has a date?"

I was following Annalise through the store, wishing I'd just stuck with my little black dress. She was a shopping dynamo and could sniff out a clearance rack from miles away, but I just wasn't in the mood anymore.

"He already had plans to take someone else."

"And he couldn't cancel them?"

"I didn't ask him to," I said, sighing as she handed me another dress. "He's a nice guy. A gentleman. I couldn't expect him to cancel on someone just because I a.s.sumed we'd go together."

"But you're hurt. I can hear it in your voice."

"I'm disappointed, yes."

"Well, he's going to be the one who's disappointed when he sees you tomorrow night. The little s.k.a.n.k on his arm isn't going to compare to you, especially if you wear this," she said, holding up a fiery red low-cut dress with an obscenely short hemline.

Glancing at the price tag, I couldn't help but laugh. "Why don't I just save the $200 and show up naked?"

Annalise grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the dressing rooms. "Because indecent exposure is frowned upon, and I don't have the money to bail you out of jail. Now, go try it on, and I'll find shoes."

Minutes later, I was standing in front of the mirror, debating whether showing this much skin was really a good idea. The dress, while beautiful and s.e.xy, really left very little to the imagination. Adding the four-inch strappy heels made me look like a walking felony.

It was insane, but then I thought about Nathan and the woman who'd be arriving on his arm. Without a doubt, she'd be gorgeous. Probably a blonde with supermodel legs and fake b.o.o.bs.

Taking a long look at myself in the mirror, I considered my options.

I could play it safe and wear something far less revealing. I could sit in the corner and sulk all night while I watched Nathan and his date dance to cheesy love songs under a canopy of Cupids.

Or . . .

I could wear this dress and make him wish he was dancing with me.

Sold.

I was glad I'd already planned to work from home the day of the party. Getting anything done at the office would have been impossible with the excitement of the unveiling of Cupid's Arrow, and I'd wanted to avoid the happy party-goers for as long as I could.

Unfortunately, since I was working at home, I'd been forced to turn my phone back on so the office could reach me. I had several missed calls and countless voice mails from Nathan. He was a sweet guy, and I was certain those messages were full of heartfelt apologies, telling me how sorry he was that he couldn't be my date tonight. While I appreciated his persistence, I just couldn't bring myself to listen to them. Tonight was important for the company and for my division, and I had to stay strong.

By the time I arrived at the hotel ballroom, I was ready for a drink.

I never drink.

"Wow," Mario said, whistling as I made my way through the entrance. My boss had always been a shameless flirt with the girls, but particularly with me. He was harmless and never crossed the line with his comments, but it still made me uncomfortable at times.

"Good evening, Mario. Everything looks great."

That was a lie. Everything looked hideous. Our decorated office was nothing compared to this place. Cupids-in shades of red, pink, and silver-were plastered around the room. They dangled from the ceilings. They were perched in the center of every table. There was even an ice-sculpture.

Stupid cupids.

After this was over, I was begging Mario for a transfer. Maybe to the Halloween division. My gloom and doom att.i.tude was perfect for that holiday.

I headed to the bar and ordered a bottle of white wine. The bartender laughed, but I a.s.sured him I wasn't joking. I flashed him a smile, hoping it was borderline s.e.xy. His eyes widened as he took in my indecent attire.

Feeling triumphant, I took my bottle of expensive wine and sat down at our a.s.signed table. After pouring a gla.s.s, I sipped slowly, watching the scene unfold before me. Music blared from the sound system-a mixture of 80s power ballads and cla.s.sic love songs-and couples were already dancing. Everyone was smiling and happy, while I sat at the table with my bottle of wine and moped as I scanned the room.

There was no sign of him.

Annalise finally arrived with her gorgeous husband on her arm. He was wearing his NYPD dress uniform with gloves, and she was draped in a lovely pink halter dress. She looked elegant and sophisticated, while she'd dressed me like a high-cla.s.s hooker.

Cla.s.sy, Jada.

By the time Mario took the stage to welcome everyone to the party, I was more than ready to call it a night.

He introduced each of the writers and ill.u.s.trators, complimenting each of us on a job well done. The lights lowered, and he pointed our attention to the back wall, where a slideshow of the Cupid's Arrow designs began to play.

And that's when I felt someone's hand on the small of my back.

"You're absolutely stunning," Nathan whispered against my ear.

His fingers crept along my spine, slowly sliding along my zipper. I gasped, leaning back against him as he placed a soft kiss below my ear.

"Where's your date?"

His arm coiled around me, pulling me tighter against his body. My heart raced as his nose glided along my neck.

"She's sitting with Annalise and her husband," he said softly.

My best friend was such a traitor.

The room was shrouded in darkness, and every eye was fixed on the slideshow. Spectators murmured their appreciation as the designs appeared on the screen. I couldn't pay attention to any of them because Nathan's gentle kisses against my skin were driving me crazy.

"This dress is sinful, Jada."

"I know."

"I tried to call you all day."

"I know."

"So you were avoiding me?"

The pain in his voice was evident, and I felt guilty, knowing I was the reason for it.

"Yes."

"Why, Jada?"

Swallowing nervously, I pulled myself out of his arms as the lights flickered to life once again. Everyone applauded, and the entire Valentine's division received a standing ovation. Mario beamed and encouraged everyone to enjoy the rest of the party.

"Jada, look at me."

Taking a deep breath, I turned around. He was in his tux, looking handsome and perfect, and gazing at me with those sparkling blue eyes that made b.u.t.terflies erupt in my stomach every single time I looked into them.

"You should go back to your date," I said quietly.

We stood there, staring at each other, until his face flickered with understanding.

"You said it was no problem," Nathan whispered.

"It isn't."

"It obviously is if you're avoiding my phone calls," he replied, his voice aching and soft. "Jada, I couldn't disappoint her. It's all she's talked about for weeks."

Shaking my head, I blinked back my tears and reached for my gla.s.s of wine.

"You're neglecting your date. You should get back to her."

Nathan stared at me, his face incredulous, just as Annalise appeared at my side.

"Your date got a little restless, so she's dancing with my husband," she said, laughing loudly. Her giggles faded as she looked between the two of us. "Everything okay now?"

Nathan took a deep breath. "I should get back."

I nodded.

He walked away, and Annalise seized my elbow.

"What's going on?"

I ripped my arm out of her grasp. "What do you mean what's going on? What are you doing being all chummy with his date? And letting her dance with your husband?"

"Jada . . ."

I quickly drained my gla.s.s of wine. "Don't Jada me. You were right. I'm too attached, already. Far too attached. It shouldn't bother me that he has a date, but it does. It bothers me a lot, and I know I'm being selfish and ridiculous, but I can't help it. This is why I hate relationships. This is why I avoid love or anything that remotely resembles it. That's why I despise this holiday!"

Annalise's eyes were wide. "My G.o.d, you're jealous.

"Clearly."

"I've never seen you jealous," she whispered. "It's . . . a little scary."

Suddenly, she exploded with laughter.

"You are the worst best friend ever," I muttered.

"And you are being completely ridiculous. Pour yourself another gla.s.s, because you're going to need it when you get a good look at Nathan's date."

"Are you crazy? I don't want to see her."

"Don't make me drag you, Jada."

I narrowed my eyes. "You wouldn't dare."

My best friend's eyes flashed with determination, and before I could even reach for my gla.s.s, I was being dragged to the center of the dance floor. We stopped abruptly, and she grabbed my shoulders, spinning me around.

"Look," she demanded.

I looked.

I gasped.

Just as I'd predicted, Nathan's date was blond.

And beautiful.

And seven.

Arwen, dressed in a white satin dress with a bright pink sash tied around the waist, was standing on her father's shoes as they danced.

"I'm an idiot," I whispered shamefully.

"You're an idiot," Annalise agreed. "He really likes you, Jada. I've only spent fifteen minutes talking to the man, and it's obvious. And Arwen is adorable. I can completely understand why you're attached. Now, get your s.e.xy a.s.s over there and tell him you're sorry for not giving him the chance to explain."