Page 23 of Flawless Foundations

"Really?" My heart warms at the hope in her eyes.

"Yes. Come here." I pull her on to my lap, so she's straddling me.

Her fingers tangle in the hair on the back of my neck as she looks down at me. "So, what's our first order of business, boyfriend?"

"Well, in a moment, I'm going to take you to into your room, bend you over your bed and have my way with you." Her eyes dilate in want, but I continue, "But first, I need to ask you if you'd be my date to a gala on Friday. I know it's not a lot of time to get ready, so I didn't want to forget to ask." Leaning in, I place a soft kiss on her neck.

"I'd love to be your date. Is it black-tie, black-tie optional, or formal?" I continue my assault of kisses.

"Optional." Kiss.

"I have a dress. It's navy. Try to match." Kiss. "Now, take me to my room and have your way with me, lover."

I don't need to be told twice. I pick her up and do just that.

* * *

Friday night comes quickly,and we find ourselves at The Langham Fifth Avenue for a gala in honor of The Mason Center. The Mason Center is a school for special needs children; it's a one-stop shop for physical, speech, occupational, and behavior therapy. King Cosmetics is a generous donor to the foundation. It's a small world because the masterminds behind the center are also residents of 425 Madison.

Shortly after arriving, I guide Becca toward tonight's hosts, Olivia Hawthorne and Leo Eastman. We are here tonight to raise money for the small ranch and horse stables that they are building to offer equine-assisted therapy. King bought up roughly ten seats, at two thousand dollars a plate. Not to mention the gift basket worth more than five hundred dollars for the silent auction. Like I said, we are supporters.

I leave Becca to chat with Olivia and some other women I recognize from 425 Madison, but don't personally know, to find us some drinks. On my way to the bar, I'm intercepted by Charlie.

"Hey, man." He slaps me on the back

"Hey. I didn't know you were going to be here tonight," I say as we find the bar.

"Yeah, you know these galas are my scene, bro. I'm on the prowl tonight." I roll my eyes. Charles is a player. His favorite ladies to take to bed are the ones he can sweet-talk at these high-class events.

"I see you brought the lovely Becca," he says looking in the direction I just came from.

"I did." I order our drinks. "You want something?"

"Yeah, if you're buying." He's also a cheap son of a bitch. "So, how’s that progressing?"

"We decided to give a relationship a go."

"Ah, I see. So, you've told her about the marriage thing?"

I tug at my collar. "No, not yet." He whips his head toward me.

"Interesting development. Do you plan on telling her? Or are you going to just let this CEO position, your life's work just slip by you?" He leans against the bar, giving me his full attention.

"Of course not, I'm going to fight like hell for what's mine. King is mine," I snap at him.

"Right, well, if it were me, I'd tell her, sooner than later. She'd probably be able to help." He shrugs.

"The last thing I want her to do is think that I'm only in this relationship because I need her for work purposes. That's not why we are dating."

"Yeah, but like I said. Two birds. One stone."

I glare at him. He makes sense, but I'm not ready to let him know that.

"Just think about it, man." He looks out around the open space. "Oh, I see a Park Avenue Princess I've yet to formally introduce myself too. I'll find you later." And he's off before I can grumble my goodbye.

I think about what he said as I shoot back my whiskey and order another. I know I need to tell Becca what's going on at the office. And I will, I just don't want to ruin our happy little bubble right now.

I make my way back to Becca, she's still chatting with some ladies from the building, and I take a moment to drink her in. She's stunning in a sophisticated, asymmetrical navy gown. It fits her like a glove and its sleek and sexy. A thin layer of ruffles cuts down over her chest, and the sleeveless, high neckline highlights her delicate shoulders. I want to lean in and kiss her. A thick diamond bracelet jingles as she lifts her hand to push a curl behind her ear when I notice small drop earrings dangling from her petite ears. Her face is flawless, but that's Becca Nicely for you. Even on a lazy day with not a hint of makeup, she's breathtaking.

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