Page 134 of Stroked Long
“Let’s not focus on that tonight.” I plaster on a fake smile. “Let’s celebrate your mom’s dedication to the club and get these rich folk to donate some money.”
She smiles as Lauren links their arms together. “Sounds like a plan. Thank you again, Ruby. If I would have known how this would turn out, I never would have pushed you two together.”
I hold up my hand. “Don’t blame yourself. We’re good.” I fight back the tightness in my throat and say, “I’m going to check on the kitchen and see if they’re doing all right with the finger foods. If you see a girl in a purple dress with big black flowers, that’s Lola. Be sure to introduce yourself.”
“Thank you.”
Shuffling through the throngs of people gushing over different paintings and passing some of the athletes who were able to attend, I find my way to the kitchen where the staff is bustling around, filling trays and adding final touches to the little bites I picked out for the night. Nothing too filling, just a little snack for those who might be hungry.
I lean against an out-of-the-way wall and try to calm my stomach. This is not how I pictured this night going so many weeks ago. I envisioned my hand looped through Bodi’s arm, his side pressed up against mine, his lips at my temple, kissing me every once in a while for a job well done. I envisioned him introducing me to his fellow swimmers as his girlfriend and spending the night getting lost in his velvety, deep voice.
Instead, I’m standing in uncomfortable heels, in a dress no one will truly appreciate on my form, with a glass full of champagne and very empty and hopeless feelings in my body.
“Can I help you with anything?” one of the wait staff asks.
“No, thank you. Just needed a breather. Looks like you guys have this covered. I’ll head back out.”
Through the swinging door, I make my way into the crowd. Lola is talking to Eva and Lauren in the corner; she’s animated as she talks, and the excitement on her face is adorable. Rita, my boss at the club, is gushing over Reese King and Paisley who are standing together, hand in hand, next to Reese’s painting. Getting him to participate was huge. There is no doubt his painting alone will be able to fund a few children.
And Paisley and Reese? Yeah, that was a surprise. They are actually perfect together. I wish I would have seen it sooner.
Wanting to thank them for coming, as soon as Rita leaves to get a drink I make my way toward them. Paisley spots me immediately and opens her arms for a hug.
“Ruby, you look stunning.”
“Thank you. You look gorgeous yourself.”
“I would have to agree,” Reese says, pulling Paisley to his side once we disengage. He holds his hand out to me and says, “Reese King.”
“This is Ruby, Reese. She worked with Bodi on this whole event.”
“You did a fantastic job. I can’t commend you enough.” He tilts his head to the side and then says, “Have we met before?” Visions of my grocery store mishap flash through my mind but I keep my lips sealed as I shake my head no. “Hmm, maybe you have a familiar face.”
“Maybe.” I shrug.
“Where’s Bodi?” he asks, looking around.
Clearing my throat, I stare at my champagne and I’m about to say he couldn’t make it when Reese interrupts me.
“Hey, man. I was just asking about you.”
My stomach bottoms out and a tingle of nerves shoots rapidly through my body, turning my mouth dry and my palms sweaty. My body trembles, my legs become unsteady on the heels I’m barely standing on as I take in the man behind me.
My breath catches in my throat and the urge to cry surfaces from the mere sight of Bodi in a well-tailored suit. A beard caresses the jaw I once ran my lips along, his once-clear denim eyes are hidden behind shadows rimmed by dark circles, and his hair doesn’t rest under a hat, it’s styled perfectly to the side, framing his handsome face. The suit he’s wearing spans across his broad chest, clinging to his biceps, and narrowing at his waistline. His slacks cling to his strong thighs and reach the top of his dress shoes. I’ve seen him in a swimsuit, but that little piece of material has nothing on the suit that stands before me.
He’s so handsome.
“Great event, man.” Reese shakes Bodi’s hand and then runs his fingers over his jaw. “Love the beard. You might give me a run for my money.”
“Not possible,” Bodi says, his voice hitting me like a wave of pain.
That.Voice.
It washes over me, dragging along lust-filled memories, reminding me of the battered heart that sits right below my breastbone.
“Thanks for coming. It means a lot.”
“Anytime,” Reese says genuinely. “Have you met Paisley, my girlfriend?”
