Page 122 of Dear Grumpy Boss

“You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen, Elise.”

I shuddered, my lashes fluttering against my cheeks. “Thank you, Weston. You make me feel that way. And you”—I turned my head so our eyes met—“look absolutely dashing tonight.”

“Thank you, baby.”

His arms circled around me, and in his hands was a black box, which he flipped open. Inside, resting on black velvet, was a diamond pendant that had to be antique. Diamonds arranged in a star motif framed a dangling, cushion-cut diamond. From the bottom, more diamonds dangled in something like a sparkling fringe. It was unique and extravagant. No one had ever given me anything like this, nor had I seen something so beautiful up close before.

“I cheated slightly and asked Saoirse about the neckline of your dress. I wanted to make sure I bought something you could wear tonight.” His mouth was beside my ear again. “Do you like it, baby?”

My entire body was trembling as I attempted to hold back tears. I would not ruin my makeup before we even left the house.

“It’s exquisite, Weston. Put it on me?”

His fingertips trailed over my neck. The pendant rested heavily on my chest as he slid the thin chain around to my nape. When he was finished, his lips touched the back of my neck, then he spun me around, his eyes flaring at the sight of his necklace on me.

“You should be dripping in diamonds,” he told me. “How did I get so lucky to have you?”

I touched the pendant then cupped the sides of his neck, tipping my face up to his.

“You have made me feel so special and the night has barely started. Thank you for the necklace. I don’t think I’ll ever take it off.”

“That’s the first of many. You’ll have to rotate.”

He pressed a lingering kiss to my cheek, then my throat, ending with a featherlight kiss to my lips.

“Your mouth looks incredible with that color on it, but I hate it right now.” He glared so hard at the lipstick on my lips I almost laughed.

I held it in for his sake, but Ididsmile. “I’m keeping track of all the kisses I owe you. I’ll make up for it later.”

He took my hand in his, looking grumpy but somehow happy too. “Good. I won’t forget that promise.”

Andes gave grants to many environmental charities, and tonight’s fundraiser was in support of the largest land trust in Colorado.

My nerves were back at the forefront when Weston and I walked into the lavish ballroom filled with filthy rich people in their finest attire. He’d told me on the drive here there was someone he would need to speak to, but other than that, he would be by my side the entire evening.

A waiter swept by. Weston snagged a glass of champagne and handed it to me. I held the stem between my fingers and lifted a brow.

“None for you?”

“No.” His hand curved over my shoulder. “I’ll have something harder from the bar.”

We wandered over there, Weston stopping to greet multiple people on the way. He introduced me to everyone, but names went in one ear and out the other. I was a little bit high on how proudly Weston announced me as his girlfriend to all the stately men and women we spoke to.

We found Luca at the bar, flirting with the bartender. If Weston was James Bond, Luca was the ravishing villain the audience was secretly rooting for. His dark hair fell over his forehead in an artful swoop. Thick stubble lined his chiseled jaw. A playful smirk pulled at his full lips.

Weston’s tux was classic, whereas Luca’s was modern and stylish. Navy blue with contrasting black lapels and black piping down the cigarette pants, not many men could pull it off, but Luca did in spades.

As soon as Luca spotted us, he yanked me away from Weston, taking my hand to twirl me in a big circle.

“Bellissima.” He shook his head as his eyes swept over me. “You’re something special tonight, Elise.”

Blushing, I pressed my face to my shoulder. “Thank you. Did you see the necklace Weston gave me?”

He leaned in and definitely peeked down my cleavage. “Stunning. Though I think West could afford something bigger.”

Weston shoved his shoulder. “Eyes to yourself.”

Luca held his hands up. “She invited me to look.”

---