Page 76 of Comforting the Grump

His deep, booming laugh made me even happier than the orgasm I’d just had.

Though I wouldn’t object to another one…

25

MARNIN

What was taking him so long? I was leaning against the kitchen counter, waiting for Ennio to be ready to leave for the gala. I knew it took time when he had to do his makeup and all, but Ennio was taking even longer than usual. “The car will be here in five minutes, sunshine,” I called out.

I’d been forbidden from entering my own bedroom, much to my amusement. Ennio had put out clothes for me in the guest room, telling me I had everything I needed there and was banned from using my own bedroom. I’d gotten dressed in five minutes, three of which were spent fixing my hair. My black tux was classic and stylish, and my dress shoes were so shiny I could practically see myself in their reflection.

I checked my watch again. “Four minutes!”

“Hold your horses,” Ennio said, and the bedroom door opened. I pushed myself off the counter and stood straight, eagerly awaiting his appearance.

When he stepped into sight, my mouth literally dropped. He wore a tuxedo, but it was a tight-fitting one that hugged his curves. The color was an amazing deep purple that sparkled,and he’d combined it with silver accessories, including his high-heeled shoes. His hair was styled meticulously, and his makeup complemented his outfit, a little more extravagant than usual. Purple eyeshadow matched his nail polish, and he was wearing subtle fake lashes by the looks of it.

He was stunning. Absolutely breathtaking.

“I’m… I’m speechless,” I finally managed. “You look absolutely amazing. Gorgeous. Beautiful.”

His smile made my heart sing, another thing I could add to a list of new feelings and sensations I was experiencing lately. “Thank you.”

He hesitated, then held out something I couldn’t see. “What’s that?” I asked.

“It’s a pocket square for your tux. If you want, you can match my colors. You don’t need to, but?—”

Before he’d even finished, I’d yanked out the boring white one I’d put in there and taken the purple one from him. “It’s perfect.”

If anyone would’ve told me a year prior that I’d be wearing a purple glittering pocket square, I would’ve laughed them straight out of the room, but nothing felt more natural in this moment. I folded it, then inserted it into my breast pocket. “How do I look?”

Ennio’s eyes shone. “Incredibly handsome.”

My phone beeped. “The driver’s here.”

I took Ennio’s hand as we headed out, not letting go until we’d reached our limo. Ennio’s eyes lit up with excitement when he spotted it. “I’ve never been in a limo.”

Under any other circumstance, I would’ve said they weren’t all that special, but hell if I was going to spoil his joy. “Then enjoy every minute of it, sunshine. It’s a twenty-minute drive at least.”

On the drive over, Ennio kept taking in everything, chatting excitedly, only to stare around him again in wonder. He sawthings with the wonder of a child, and it was a beautiful experience to see everything through his eyes.

The grand ballroom of the Four Seasons was a sight to behold, with sparkling chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings and ornate gold trim adorning the walls. The tables were set with pristine white damask tablecloths and glimmering crystal glasses, each one catching the light in a different way. The formal china, with its delicate floral patterns, added to the overall elegance of the room, and big centerpieces decorated each table.

The elegant strains of the string quartet seated in a corner of the room filled the air, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The soft, muted conversations of the hundreds of guests barely rose above the music. Sebastian went all out for this, knowing that the more he spent, the more money the rich would donate. Crazy, but true.

I walked tall and proud with Ennio on my arm, not missing the many curious glances thrown our way. I was a familiar face to those who had attended the gala before, but they’d never seen me here with a date.

“Let’s say hi to Sebastian,” I told Ennio, and he nodded. We made our way over to my boss, who stood with his husband by his side, both impeccably dressed—though Hadley was a tad more flamboyant than Sebastian, who preferred a more classical look like I did.

“Marnin!” Hadley exclaimed, letting go of his husband’s hand to greet me, rising up on his toes to kiss my cheek. “Lovely to see you, as always.”

“You’re so full of it,” I said with a grin, knowing damn well what a pain in the ass I could be. “I’d like to introduce you to my…” I swallowed. “My partner, Ennio Frant.”

Hadley’s eyes widened almost comically. “Your partner? Holy shit, Seb, did you hear that?”

Sebastian’s reaction was more tempered, but I had expected nothing less. The man didn’t easily show his emotions other than his love for his husband. He held out his hand to Ennio. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ennio. I’m Sebastian LeClerc.”

Ennio shook his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

---