Page 57 of Like You Love Me

“And Valentine’s Day isn’t official until tomorrow.” Sheyna reminded as she sipped her champagne. “So, you still have a chance to plan a romantic evening for two.”

Jaden gave a rude snort. “After the auction and this ball, I plan on lounging in my recliner all day tomorrow.”

Danica punched him in the forearm, causing the table to roar with laughter.

London winked. “Bruh, good luck with that.”

They were still laughing when Jabarie and Brenna returned. They exchanged hugs and started chatting in small groups.

Brenna was talking about the design plans for her and Debra’s new business venture when Bianca’s eyes shifted over to London, who was standing at the table beside them talking to the owner of a health food store in the space next door to the restaurant. He looked so handsome in a tuxedo custom-made to fit him. Tall, dark, and delicious, he was by far the most beautiful man in the room, and the sight made her insides quiver with pleasure.

London returned with a champagne flute in each hand. He handed Bianca a glass and returned to his seat beside her and shifted slightly so they were facing each other. Bianca grinned and took a sip before her husband leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss.

“Darling, you made it!”

They drew apart, and Bianca turned her head to find her parents approaching. Her mother looked elegant in a long silver gown with her hair swept up in a chignon. Her father looked so handsome in a black tuxedo with a red pocket square.

“Of course, we made it, Mother,” she replied and rose as Jessica’s greeted them both with air kisses. “London and I wouldn’t dream of not showing up.”

“I am just happy to have my children here this evening,” she replied with misty eyes. Her mother tried to pretend something was in her eye, but Bianca knew better.

Her father came around and squeezed her shoulder. “So happy you both are here.” Roger leaned in close and whispered, “Your mother is driving me nuts.”

Jessica, who heard him, swiped the flute from his hand. “It sounds like your father has had enough to drink.”

“Not even close,” he muttered, then tossed Bianca a wink.

Bianca smiled as she watched them joking with one another before her father slid a possessive arm around her mother’s waist. She loved seeing her parents together. She wanted the same with London.No, what I have is even better, Bianca told herself.

Someone signaled for Jessica’s attention. She planted a kiss on Roger’s cheek and sauntered off. Her father’s loving eyes followed her before he turned and gazed down at Bianca again.

“Sweetheart how are you holding up?” her father asked and watched her closely.

She smiled and squeezed him tightly, avoiding eye contact because she never could put anything over on him. “I am fine, Father. I’ve been taking life one day at a time and almost feel like myself again.” She controlled her composure before he drew back to stare down at her. “I’m okay, really,” she insisted. His eyes studied her, and Bianca was proud at how well she held it together. If she showed any uncertainty, her father would never let up.

“Just know you can talk to your old man about anything.”

“I know, and I love you for it.”

Leaning forward, she kissed him on the cheek and lowered her head to his chest. Her gaze shifted to London, shaking his head and mouthing, “Daddy’s girl.” She stuck out her tongue and laughed. She couldn’t argue that.

Shortly after, the master of ceremony moved up to the podium to say a few words about the organization’s charitable foundation and the good the proceeds from tonight’s event would benefit the community. After a ten-minute spiel, Reverend Jacobson was invited up onto the stage to bless the food and shortly after, dinner was served. While they enjoyed a delicious dinner of prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus with hollandaise sauce, the conversations around the table were lighthearted and funny. It wasn’t until after dinner that London took Bianca’s hand and escorted her out onto the floor to dance the waltz. He was a natural. While they danced, his dark eyes glinted with male appreciation as she stared at him adoringly.

How in the world did I get to be so lucky?

When they returned to the table, dessert and coffee were being served. Bianca sipped from the cup and enjoyed a slice of key lime pie. Once the dessert was cleared from the table, they spent the subsequent hours mingling with the guests. Jaden had stayed until after nine, and Mother looked pleased when the couple made their rounds to say goodnight.

“You did good,” Bianca teased when they drew apart from an embrace.

“Thanks,” Jaden replied with a sheepish grin. “I can’t wait to take off this tie.”

London and Bianca returned to the ballroom floor and danced until she felt her eyelids drooping.

“Tired, babe?” he asked as she stifled a yawn at the song’s end.

“No, it’s just been a long weekend, but I’m not ready for the evening to end,” she insisted as he led her from the floor.

“Good because the night is just getting started,” he whispered against her ear, and a shudder rushed through her body.

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