Page 90 of Torrid Passion
CHAPTER 18
Lochlan
Building 22 is a luxury tower not too far from Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Since it’s owned by the same company, it enjoys the same sense of aesthetics—opulent, sumptuous, magnificent. Conveniently located near posh Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it’s the address of choice for lavish Hollywood parties, galas and charity functions. The Waldorf can’t accommodate five hundred of Hollywood’s elite in one dining room.
The event is over the top and a bit pretentious. Very Hollywood. As I scour my surroundings, the unmistakable signs of wealth are evident. Then again, it’s to be expected at two-thousand dollars a plate. At least, it’s for a good cause. This evening is director Dryden Bellow’s baby. After his smash hit movie,Coming Home Broken, he’s made it his mission to help as many homeless veterans living on the streets of Los Angeles move into transitional housing, helping them regain their dignity and provide them with support to move on with their lives. This is his third successful annual gala for his charityComing Home. Since I’m standing in for Philip Barnaby, my ticket was already paid for. Still, I insisted on donating the money to Dryden’s cause.
Dinner was interesting, to say the least. The food was outstanding, the wine was spectacular, the desserts were pretty amazing and the company was pleasant… except for Bliss.
Her incessant yapping nearly drove everyone at the table crazy. Even Mom was shocked by Bliss’s inability to keep quiet for more than five seconds.
Her many attempts at pretending we were together were exasperating. I was this close from doing something I’ve never done before—pull out the fake girlfriend card. Of course, the idea of latching onto Kyla’s ruse to get me off the hook only made me think of the sexy brunette who left LA without so much as a note after what I thought was a perfect night.
Damn.
I still haven’t heard from her.
I’m certain her cousins told her I dropped by.
I thought maybe she’d find a way to get in touch with me.
I was wrong.
I honestly don’t know what to make of it.
As we were leaving the massive dining room, Bliss gripped her chest and started hyperventilating. Dad went into action just to find out she wasn’t having heart failure, she was simply excited Jameson Camdon was one of the guests. She’s dying to be in his next installment of his science-fiction epic 3D movie,Embodier. She thinks she’d look amazing as one of the blue-skinned sapient humanoids. Once she recovered, she was off chasing after the famed filmmaker.
See you!
Thank God.
That was my cue. Bliss was officially on her own. Mom didn’t object. She agreed I had gone above and beyond my duties. After bidding my parents goodbye, I lose myself in the crowd. Mom—with Dad in tow—is off to mingle with potential donors with deep pockets. They have no idea what’s about to hit them. Mom can sell A/C to people living in Kazakhstan in the middle of a bitter cold winter.
As I move through the well-clad crowd, I spot the profile of a beautiful brunette in a sexy goddess-like dress in a soft color. Already, my excitement bubbles. When she turns to meet my expecting gaze, her baby blue eyes shine bright with interest. She flashes me a huge smile. I give her a tight nod and keep walking.
Now, I’m seeing things.
“Champagne?” a tall waiter asks, as I pass by him.
“No thanks,” I say. “I was heading to the bar for something stronger.”
Two hours with Bliss and I’m ready to do enough Irish Car Bomb shots to erase this evening from my memory.
“My number, perhaps?”
Whoa.
This guy is really bold.
“Sorry, bro, I don’t swing that way.”
“Too. Bad.” He gives me a onceover and he’s off.
“Now I really need something strong,” I mumble under my breath.
As I close in on the long bar, I nearly cheer with excitement. As I do, I spot familiar faces.
I freeze.
