Page 47 of The CEO Enemy

Luckily, I don’t have to make the decision.

Before I can make up my mind on what to say next, he’s gone.

17

JESS

Grand Hospitality Affair

“It’s so good to meet you, Mrs. Sanborne,” I say to the sophisticated white-haired woman in her late sixties. Sean introduces her as one of the board members of Blackwood Holdings and co-founder of the event. I learn that she’s been with Blackwood for decades and is an active participant in various community events, aimed at making a positive impact in the city.

“Please, call me Daniela. How wonderful that you could make it.” She reaches out both hands to take mine. “I assume it’s your first event?”

“It is, and I’m excited to be here.” It’s a huge event! There are so many people, and all dressed to the nines. I survey the crowd, but I can’t seem to locate Richard. Finding him is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

“My dear, our events are a great way to connect, and you’ll find some of the most influential figures here tonight,” she says, and I’m almost surprised when she brings me into a hug. From what I’ve picked up from Sean, I didn’t expect any warmth from a Blackwood board member, but I’m only too happy to return it. I assume everybody is friends on special occasions such as this one.

She continues talking about the charity and what it stands for. The Grand Hospitality Affair is a yearly event dedicated to supporting local communities in the hospitality sector. Scholarships, training programs, and local business partnerships are the heart of this wonderful initiative. I get a sense that, despite Sean being a regular attendee, his involvement in the charity isn’t widely known.

“Ye’re runnin’ a bit late. The show’s about to start,” a man with a thick Irish accent says as he joins our group. He pats Sean on his shoulder, then faces me and reaches out his hand. “Connor O’Malley. Who do we have here?”

“Jess Summers. My pleasure.”

“Jess Summers, is it? Well, the pleasure’s all mine.” He smirks, eyes twinkling with mischief. “So you’re the one who has the big man here blushing like a schoolboy.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say I have him blushing,” I quip. “I’d like to think I just caught him off guard with my irresistible charm.”

He laughs. “Nicely done, and damn right.”

“Connor here is the resident trouble-maker,” Sean interjects, shooting him a stern look. “Officially, he holds the prestigious title of VP of sales at Blackwood. Unofficially, he’s the reason we have a ‘Fun at Work’ policy.”

“You mean ‘No Fun at Work’ policy, Chief?” Connor retorts, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Precisely.”

“Guilty as charged.”

“Oh, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with his strict policy rules,” I chime in.

“I bet ya have. But don’t be fooled by his Metropolitan slickness and sulky face, Jess,” Connor says, pausing for effect before adding, “There’s more to him than meets the eye. It’s not all business meetings and bedtime prayers. He’s just hidin’ it well. Once it’s out, mind yourself!”

“Well, isn’t that a revelation,” I say in a playful tone. “I better watch out then.”

“Don’t say ya weren’t warned.” Connor smirks, shooting a glance at Sean. “That’s the cat out of the bag now, Big Man.”

Sean raises an eyebrow at Connor’s remark. “The cat might be out, but remember, I’m the one holding the leash.”

“Ya don’t have to remind me. I’m well aware, Chief. Now, pints?”

Right on cue, Jasmine Williams, Sean’s friendly PA I’ve met before, welcomes us warmly, offering drinks. She informs Daniela and Sean that there’s a slight delay due to an unexpected issue—one of the art pieces, surprisingly large, is proving challenging to maneuver through one of the narrow entrances, causing a temporary hold-up. When I look at Sean, he gives me a “We’ve got this, no problem” nod. True to Sean’s prediction, nobody pokes into our relationship—or why I’m here in the first place. My mere presence by his side automatically grants me acceptance into the inner circle.

No, it’s more than that. I feel like I truly belong.

With my hair and makeup all set, I’m wearing a breathtaking red cocktail dress with a sleek silhouette, a neckline that’s making a cheeky statement, and I’ve paired it with golden-beige heels that lace from my ankles all the way up to just below my knees. I mean, this outfit and my matching red nail polish, who can have doubts?

Sean stays at my side as we engage in small talk with other guests, each one eager to greet him. He introduces me to a diverse array of influential individuals. Through these encounters, I’m carrying a profound understanding of not only Sean and the people that make Blackwood, but also just how tight-knit the NYC hotel circle is—everybody knows everybody.

With the second ring, Sean offers his arm, and heat floods my veins at his closeness while my hand grips his muscle as he ushers us to our seats. My chest swells when Connor insists on sitting on my other side.

---