Page 29 of Brick Wall
“Would you like one?” a server in a black three-piece suit magically appears.
Why yes, I would, you perfect mind reader. I happily grab two scallops and a napkin from the table and move farther into the ballroom to see if I can touch base with my sisters.
I find Scarlett immediately from a distance, and she just gives me a nod that saysall good.I figured it would be, but I’m out of my comfort zone here.
I hate galas. I hate schmoozing. The word is more fun to say than the act itself. I hate putting on an act to please others. However, I find it’s worth the few hours of discomfort. I can typically raise a lot of funds, enough to cover an entire year or more of operating expenses, in a short amount of time.
Luckily, I can recruit many of my teammates to this event to help. Most of my friends and family will also be in attendance, which helps my nerves.
“Thank you, guys, for coming.” I fist-bump a few of the guys on the defensive line. “I appreciate this.”
I really do. I attend events for other guys on my team. A few of them have their own foundations or nonprofits they work with, so we do dress up often for fundraisers and random functions.
I love being part of a team and knowing other guys have your back. The gala is hosted before training camp, but after the minicamp and other organized team activities, so most of the guys are back in Boston for business. Even so, all my teammates show up for me.
“Hey, man! Anything we can do?” Ryan appears in front of me with a handshake ready.
“Nah, I think I’m good.”
“Good now,” Tristan says, handing me a glass of champagne.
“Good now,” I repeat, meaning my words.
“Sebastian, this is our baby brother, Finn,” Ryan says, introducing the man standing next to him, who is slightly taller and broader than both brothers.
“Good to finally meet you,” Finn responds with a friendly smile and firm handshake.
“You too.” I look around and notice a missing person. “Is Annie here?”
Ryan forms a gigantic smile on his face. “Oh, she’s around here somewhere!” he casually says. “She arrived with Goldie and Bryce.”
“Okay,” I say, but I can’t help feeling like I made a mistake asking about her. She’s a Moore, and a Moore was missing. I couldn’t help but notice. Right?
One thing I am also noticing, though, is a woman of a different breed, a hyena perhaps, gunning straight for me.
“Excuse me.” I politely nod to the trio of brothers to leave because running in the opposite direction is the smartest play here.
I pick up my pace, not running per se but casually power walking, and I’m almost near the restroom when,bang,I collide directly into someone.
“I’m so sorry.” My voice dies down on the last syllable because I ran straight into someone. Not just someone.Annie.
“Hi.”
“Hi,” she returns the greeting in a soft whisper.
Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
She’s wearing a long, blue dress that really emphasizes her beautiful curves. I notice she’s wearing heels, so she’s only a few inches shorter than me. Her hair is down and curly tonight, and wow. I have never seen her look so—wow.
“I, uh…” Crap, what was I going to say? “You look so gorg-ti-ful.”
Shit. That is not a word. I’m terrible at this. I can’t remember the last time I complimented a woman, especially a woman as lovely as Annie.
She tilts her head slightly but doesn’t say anything in response.
I clear my throat. “I mean, you look beautiful.”
Annie’s cheeks turn a slight shade of pink, but a second later I feel a sharp pain on my left shoulder.
