Page 63 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

“Can you do that, Lila? Can you try to relax tonight?” He reaches over to take my hand, his handsome face staring at mewith a look I’m afraid to read into. A lopsided grin plays at his full lips, and my stomach does its usual flip at the sight. Even in the dimly lit car, his stormy gray eyes are still piercing. His tousled dark hair frames his face so perfectly, I make a small fist to stop myself from running my fingers through it.

Before I can answer, the limo pulls into the venue. Cole slips out and reaches his hand back inside to help me out. Together we walk up the few steps leading to the entrance of the building. He’s right; for once I’m going to relax and enjoy the evening.

As soon as we make it to the top of the stairs, we’re immediately met with a glass of champagne by a waiter in a crisp, white uniform. The main hall stretches out, its walls painted in soft cream with delicate gold accents carved into the molding. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the room, offering 360-degree breathtaking views of the moonlit golf course outside.

Tables are draped in white linen with alternating centerpieces of orchids, roses, and lilies in soft blush and ivory, with a hint of green. Candlelight flickers gently, casting a warm glow over the guests seated in small groups, their laughter mingling with the tinkle of glasses. You can almost smell the wealth in the air.

“Cole?” A feminine voice calls his name throatily. We turn, and I can’t help but feel slightly self-conscious as a tall, glamorous woman with golden brown skin and honey blonde hair, reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez, makes her way towards us, dressed head to toe in Chanel. I gape at her, and I’m pretty sure this is the supermodel, Katrina. Her expensive perfume reaches us just before she does. Her appreciative eyes rake over Cole’s body, and I can read every carnal thought in her mind as she licks her full, red lips.

“Darling, there you are,” a much older man who looks old enough to be her father waves to her, and reluctantly she walks over. She can’t keep her eyes off Cole as he leans in to kiss her.

I’m instantly taken back to the few events I’ve seen him at in past years, where he always had a woman on his arm, with others practically begging for a chance. An unexpected twinge of jealousy runs through me as I have no doubt that he’s been with her.

“Lila?” Cole calls, jolting me out of my thoughts. I look up as he hands me the glass of champagne.

“I need to go talk to Patterson.” The room is getting louder as more people make their way in, so Cole has to lean into me. His lips brush my ear, and a tingle of electricity shoots straight to my core. My nipples instantly harden.

“I’ll be back soon,” he says, already disappearing into the crowd.

I gulp the champagne, moaning in approval as the sweet bubbles burst on my tongue. I finish in a few deep gulps.

Okay, time for another drink.

I make my way to the bar at the side of the hall. “I need your strongest cocktail,” I say to the bartender.

“It can’t be that bad already, can it?” he says, a smile on his face as his brown eyes scan my face.

“No. I’m on a mission to find cocktail inspirations,” I smile.

“Well, if that’s what you’re after, then I could hook you up with a certain something,” he whispers conspiratorially.

“Looking forward to it,” I whisper back.

He laughs, shaking his head at me while he gets to work. A moment later, he sets a glass in front of me.

“It looks regular,” I shrug, inhaling the sweet, citrusy scent of it.

“With this cocktail, you’ll find that looks can be very deceiving. Go ahead and give it a try,” he says, staring at me keenly. My eyes widen as soon as the spicy liquid hits my tastebuds. I think I might’ve just found our signature cocktail for this year’s ball.

“Oh my God. What’s in it?” I ask.

“It’s kind of my secret, but for you, I’ll make an exception. Some whiskey—the good stuff, bit of rum too, then some pineapple, ginger, cinnamon, and the star of the show— and this really transforms it—smoky habanero.”

“Smoky habanero?” I ask, scanning it with a scrunched-up nose.

“Well, you just tasted it. What do you think?” he grins.

“I think to be sure I’ll need another one,” I giggle, throwing my head back and emptying the burning yet sweet liquid down my throat in one gulp.

I’m starting to feel the buzz of the alcohol as I nurse my third drink, or is it my fourth? I’m trying to distract myself from the fact that Cole still hasn’t returned. I wonder if he found that woman in Chanel.

“Another one, please.”

“Are you planning on drinking the entire bar, Ms. Smith?” a deep, amused voice says from behind me.

Cole.

“No. I’ve only had four drinks,” I say with a hiccup.

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