Page 29 of Caffeine & Chaos

“It rhymed, didn’t it?” He winked at her, clinked her glass, and drank it all in one sip.

“Now who’s not tasting the expensive wine?” Nadia teased.

Ryan smirked at her and poured himself another glass. “Okay, some serious talk for a second,” Ryan cleared his throat, “As you’re aware, my company is embroiled in some controversy right now.”

“I saw the news broadcast about your former vice president. Was that what you were called away to handle when we were in the bay?” Nadia asked.

“Yes. That idiot Markus has gotten himself into all kinds of shit in the past, but never anything this stupid.” The vein in Ryan’s temple throbbed and he took another large gulp of his wine. “Anyway, our reputation is very precarious right now. One false move and we could lose a lot of high-profile clients.”

Nadia placed her hand on top of Ryan’s. “I understand. What do you need from me?”

“I need you to look beautiful, happy to be at my side, and say very little to the press. I am certain they will ask about it this evening, and my plan is to encourage them to stay focused on the charity event’s very worthy cause. When they don’t get anywhere with me, I can guarantee you they will try to get something out of you,” Ryan said, giving her an apologetic look while taking her hand and lacing his fingers between hers.

“Okay I can do that. I’ll just tell them I don’t know anything about it. What should I say if they ask about the nature of our relationship?” Nadia asked, seizing the opportunity to gain some insight into his thoughts about them.

“Yeah, I thought about that. I’ve asked you to be exclusive for the sake of my reputation, but you know that’s not my only motivation. I am on board for everything, but you’ve asked for more time. What would you like to call this?”

Nadia could feel the panic rising. By putting the ball in her court, he was forcing her to make a rushed decision again. “I am your date tonight.”

Ryan scoffed before replying, “Just tonight?” He turned away from her shaking his head. “That will never fly. They will ask follow-up questions. You don’t want to be speaking off the cuff, Nadia, you need a plan.”

“If they probe further, I will simply tell them we are dating and be done with it,” Nadia declared, taking a slow sip from her wine. Maybe Dr. Blakely was right. Had he just manipulated her into defining this as a relationship?

“That’s a more decisive answer. If they ask you anything further, please remind them that the night is about environmental preservation, not celebrity gossip.”

An awkward silence fell over them. Ryan was looking out the window brooding, and Nadia wasn’t sure if she had insulted him with her hesitancy, or if he was just mentally preparing for the night.

Ryan turned in his seat and clasped both of her hands, looking into her eyes intensely. “Nadia I’m not used to having to convince a woman she wants to be with me. Maybe I’m not doing this right, maybe I’m screwing it all up by asking you to make decisions you’re not ready for, but I am not asking you for anything that I am not willing to give in return.”

His sincerity struck Nadia like a blow, leaving her speechless. She wanted all of him but was reluctant to surrender all of herself. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she held him close. How patient would he be as she wrestled with her doubts and fears, hesitant to fully embrace what they could become?

Armand’s voice cut through the quiet of the car, “we are nearing the hotel, Sir. Car one reports that it looks like there is a media presence at the front entrance, should I go around the back?”

She glanced out of the tinted window, the imposing structure of One Hotel rising into view on the right.

Ryan looked at Nadia, “Are you ready for this?”

She nodded at him. “Yes, I think so.”

“The front will be fine Armand. I am one of the honored guests and I think that sneaking in would only breed suspicion at this point,” Ryan said, giving Nadia’s hand a tight squeeze.

“Very good Sir,” Armand confirmed.

9

Her.

As the limo eased into the hotel driveway, Nadia let out a soft whistle of appreciation. Located in South Beach, the hotel had a magnificent view of the ocean, as well as many glimmering pools dotting the premises. The patios, lounges, and al fresco cafes exuded an aura of luxury, outfitted with meticulously crafted modern furniture fashioned from reclaimed natural materials.

Nadia watched the unfolding scene through her window as they pulled into the valet area. They joined the queue behind four other limousines, each one accompanied by a cascade of flashing camera lights whenever a passenger disembarked. A stunning woman in an aquamarine gown stepped out of a nearby vehicle, striking poses behind the roped-off area for a flurry of photographers. Nadia studied her intently but couldn’t place her celebrity.

“That’s Eleanor Hunt. Think of her the next time you’re looking at the Miami skyline, she owns practically half of the high-rise buildings downtown,” Ryan said, nestling up against her and looking over her shoulder.

“Wow, she must be worth a fortune. Is this event that big?” Nadia turned her head to find Ryan’s face inches away from hers.

“It’s a charity event that typically breeds a lot of good press.” Ryan’s voice was husky, his gaze drifting toward her lips. “I suspect that nearly all of Miami’s finest will be here.”

“Oh my god! That’s designer Rene Ruiz!” Nadia exclaimed, pressing her hands against the window in a burst of fan-girl excitement.

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