Page 58 of Beyond the Hate

The woman’s eyes flick to Eli’s hand and she scowls. She covers up the scowl quickly, though, and smiles sweetly at Eli. “Can we get a photograph of you in front of the sponsor wall?”

Eli frowns. “Must we?”

“It is an opportunity for sponsors to promote their brands.”

“Do you mind?” he asks me.

“Of course not.” I try to step away from him but he tightens his hold on me.

“I’m not going alone.”

I don’t have a chance to protest before he ushers me to the sponsor wall. My eyes widen when I realizeApparoois one of the biggest sponsors.

A man rushes toward us. “Can I take your shawl?”

“Um…” He snatches it from me before I can ask who he is and why he wants my shawl.

He caresses the fabric. “I may steal this from you, gorgeous.”

It was the first gift Eli ever gave me. It’s way too expensive and I will probably never have another opportunity to wear it again. But I will cherish it, nonetheless. And no one will steal it from me.

“Don’t worry, boo. I’m kidding.” He winks and shuffles away.

I try to follow him but Eli stops me. “We still need to take the picture.”

“I shouldn’t be in the picture.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m no one.”

He circles my waist and pulls me flush to him. “Lace, you aren’t no one. You’re the most gorgeous woman in the room. I couldn’t be prouder to have you on my arm.”

I should protest. He’s wrong. I’m nowhere near the most gorgeous woman in the room. But I find myself melting into his arms instead.

He kisses my forehead and – flash! – a camera goes off. “Thank you,” the photographer says. “This is the best picture of the night thus far.”

I feel my cheeks warm. I forgot we were in the middle of getting our picture taken. I am usually a rational person but Eli can rattle my thoughts.

Eli escorts me away from the wall and the man with my shawl runs toward us. “Every woman in the room hates you.” He giggles. “I think I love you.” He hands me my shawl, kisses my cheek, and rushes away.

“Who was he?” I ask as I stare after him.

“Danny works forApparoo.He helps with all of our charity endeavors.”

“Endeavors?” I raise my eyebrows. “You sponsor more good causes?”

“I don’t. This is my one good cause. Each member of the board has a charity they’ve chosen for the company to support.”

A waitress passes by and Eli snatches two flutes of champagne from her. He hands me one and I sip on it. I grimace and he bursts into laughter.

“I’ll get you a beer.” He takes my glass and marches toward the bar I didn’t notice set up in the corner. I chase after him.

“The champagne is fine.” I try to steal my glass back from him.

He holds the glass in the air. Even with four-inch heels on, I can’t reach it. “If you don’t enjoy champagne, you don’t have to drink it.”

He whirls around and places the flutes on the bar. “Can we have two bottles of beer, please?”

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