Page 115 of House of Desire

“She’ll be here soon.”

And I know she’s going to tell me she feels the same way for me as I do for her.

I’ve never been more certain of anything. And even on the off chance I’m wrong, I know I’ll be able to survive this time.

“Where’s your husband?” I ask, and she gives me a dreamy smile. She texted me, letting me know some of Alec’s old colleagues got them tickets to this. There are other network people mingling around I don’t know and am not too worried about meeting.

All I care about is Anya.

“He’s finishing up a few things and then he’ll be here. Do you want to dance in the meantime?”

“I’d love to,” I say, offering her my arm.

I begin guiding her around the floor, one hand on her waist and the other clasping hers. The hotel ballroom is a popular spot for bigger events. The space was restored last year, updating some parts that had been damaged previously, but they were able to keep much of the original charm.

Four giant chandeliers hang down from the two-story high ceilings, adding to the glow of the candelabra sconces around the room. The arched windows reach almost to the ceiling, heavy drapes pulled closed to keep the affair private. In the corner, a band plays softly in the background as servers move around the room with hors d’oeuvres and flutes of champagne.

“You seem happy.”

I look down into her deep blue eyes and see hope within them.

“I’m much better than I was.”

“Did you work everything out with Brittany?” she asks, as I spin her out before pulling her back in.

“Yeah, I did. We both got the closure we needed.”

“That’s good, because the woman you’re in love with is walking over here,” she teases. I don’t waste my time trying to cover up the truth of her words. I drop her hand and turn around to see Anastasia coming down the stairs.

Her black hair is pulled over one shoulder in a cascade of curls. Her red dress demands attention as it hugs every curve, the slit going indecently high. I can’t wait to get my hands on her later.

Cameras focus on her entrance, wanting to get footage of the woman who broke my heart on the show.

“If she hurts you, I’ll key her car,” Charlie says, patting my arm.

“Thanks, but I don’t think you’re going to need to do that.”

“Hi, Charlie. You look beautiful,” Anya says, giving her a quick hug.

“You look exquisite,” Charlie says. “Would you excuse me? There’s a man with gray eyes I need to make out with.”

And just like that, she deserts us. She climbs the stairs where her husband waits and makes good on her promise the moment she’s in his arms.

“I was going to tell you how exquisite you look, but Charlie stole my line. Would you take a simple you made my heart skip a beat?” I tell Anya, holding out my hand in invitation to a dance.

“Ugh,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I guess. But you’re on thin ice.” She smiles up at me and my heart freezes in my chest. “Hi,” she says, softly.

“Hi. I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.” I pull her closer, uncaring of the people around us. “How did the delivery for Ryan Jade go?”

Excitement lights up her entire her being.

“She loved everything! She already posted a video on her social media, and Courtney said we were getting flooded with orders.”

“That’s amazing! I didn’t have any doubt she’d love it. I’m so proud of you,” I say, bending down and giving her a quick kiss, no longer caring who sees or if a camera is on us.

“Oh, and get this bit of salacious gossip,” she says, dropping her voice conspiratorially. “I think Ryan Jade asked Dominic out on a date.”

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