Page 233 of Love in Riverbend
I’m also not sad about having Ricky at my side in front of Bryce. I truly give two shits about him, but the whole “no threat” comment hit me wrong. I’m not a threat, because I’m off and on again with someone a thousand times more interesting and exponentially more handsome.
“I owe you.”
“You do.”
For a moment, I take in Ricky’s profile, protruding brow, high cheekbones, and strong, defined jaw. The years of working out in the elements have carved their way into his features, creating a rugged and handsome exterior. The physical labor has sculpted and toned his body in a way gyms are incapable of doing. In the masculine world, there are those who fit without trying and those who will never fit, no matter how much they try. Ricky Dunn fits.
Ricky pulls his car up to the front of the hotel. Reaching over to my arm, he grins. “I’ll valet park. No sense making you walk across a parking lot in those shoes.”
“If you think by being nice, I’ll forget you’re an ass, you’re wrong.”
He chuckles. “What can I say? I’m a nice ass.”
A doorman opens my door and helps me to the sidewalk as Ricky gets out of the car to speak with the valet. Watching as he stands, I agree he has a nice ass.
Despite the cold winter chill and the way my breath forms small little clouds, the front of the Carmichael is stunning, bright, and inviting.
I stiffen for only a second, as Ricky lays his hand in the small of my back.
Dating.
Touching.
Letting out a breath, I tell myself again that I can do this.
Together, we walk into the lobby. The black-and-white tile floor shines, reflecting the large chandelier lights above. A sign points us up a grand staircase to the Parker and Stevens reception.
“Do you have any last-minute advice?” he asks as we begin our ascent.
“You want my advice? What was it you said…we’ve known each other since I was a kid.”
Ricky lifts his hands. “Guilty as charged. Would it be weird to admit that I don’t see the age difference the way I used to? And on top of that, when it comes to wealth management, you got your shit together long before me.”
It isn’t weird.
The age difference isn’t as pronounced as it once was. I suppose that’s silly, because the ten years haven’t changed. Instead, we’ve changed. “Besides Herold Parker and Ralph Stevens, there will be multiple people from the talent acquisition team, most with dates or spouses.”
“I’m glad I’m not walking in there alone.”
“My advice is talk to as many people as possible. When they leave tonight, you want them to remember Richard Dunn.”
After checking our coats, we enter the cocktail room. I peer around, seeing both familiar and unfamiliar faces. “See the older man over there, with the woman in the blue?” Ricky looks in the same direction. “That’s Mr. Stevens.”
As if he can hear me, which I’m relatively certain he can’t, Mr. Stevens looks in our direction. His lips curl and cheeks rise.
“I’ll introduce you,” I volunteer as we approach the Stevenses.
“Ms. James,” Mr. Stevens says with a nod. “What a nice surprise, seeing you here tonight. I’m confident we’ve already hired you.”
“You have.” I return his smile.
“Hello, Marilyn,” Mrs. Stevens says.
“Hello. It’s good to see you.” I turn back to Mr. Stevens. “I’m such a satisfied employee, I’ve recommended Parker and Stevens to my”—I barely hesitate—“friend. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, this is Richard Dunn.”
Ricky and Mr. Stevens shake hands.
“Thank you for inviting me tonight,” Ricky says.
