The receptionist whispered into the phone, only pausing for a moment to listen on the other end. She hung up, smiling at Abby. “You’re in luck. He had a cancellation.”
“Great.” Abby smiled but suddenly felt nervous. How would he react to her unannounced visit? It had seemed like such a good idea at the time, but in reality, she didn’t know him that well. Couldn’t guess how different his work life was from his home life.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll lead you back.”
Trailing closely, Abby didn’t take time to look around her, too anxious to see him.
“Abby. How are you?” A middle-aged woman came around the desk and greeted her with a handshake. The receptionist left with a last smile.
“I’m well, thanks.”
“Good. I’m Tina, Mr. Thane’s assistant.” She glanced back to her desk for a moment before returning with a warm smile. “He’s on the phone but I don’t expect him to be long. Can I get you anything while you wait?”
“I’m all right.”
“Okay, then. Just have a seat and I’ll let you know when he’s ready.”
Abby nodded, sitting in one of the twin leather chairs posted outside his office. Tina went back behind her desk, typing with swift efficiency.
“I’m glad that Dylan was able to see me,” Abby said, glancing around the room. “I know he must be very busy.”
“He usually is. Because he’s the owner, everyone wants to speak with him personally.”
“The owner?” Stunned, Abby could only stare at the woman, her mouth hanging open.
Tina hadn’t glanced up from her computer, distracted by whatever she was working on. “Yes. He founded this company ten years ago.” She laughed lightly. “He was so young then. But he made something of himself.”
“I’d say so.” Abby’s throat went dry. He was the owner of Platinum Security. His company. His yacht.
Abby gulped. Why hadn’t he told her?
“I wasn’t surprised when he had this building commissioned either. I always knew he would be successful. He has that drive.” Shaking her head, Tina looked up from the desk with a guilty smile. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have gone on like that.” Her eyebrows wrinkled. “Are you all right? You’ve gone a little pale.”
“I’m quite all right.” Abby forced a smile. “Just lost in thought, I guess.”
“It happens…” Tina glanced down at her phone. “Ah, I see he just got off. Let me tell him you are here.” After pressing a button, Tina informed him that Abby was waiting to see him. She hung up the receiver. “You can go in now.”
“Thank you.” Abby offered her a real smile before opening the door to Dylan’s office. The picture he presented seated behind his desk, lit by the light from two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, was powerful and efficient. She was pleased that he didn’t look picture perfect though; in fact, he looked slightly harassed. His necktie was loose, and his jacket had been discarded thoughtlessly over the back of a chair. But the friendly grin he tossed her had her heart skipping a beat.
“Abby. This is a surprise.” He stood and walked to her, giving her a brief kiss before poking his head out the door to speak with Tina. “Hold all my calls.”
“Will do,” his secretary said, tossing him a wink.
He closed the door, leaning his back against it.
“I’m sorry to barge in on you like this. I was in the area and thought it would be nice to drop by and say hello.”
“Hello.”
Abby laughed nervously, not lulled by his relaxed stance. “Hi,” she said back. She paced away before rotating back to him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?”
“You know what.”
“I’m not sure I do.” His arms folded easily in front of him, a small smile remained on his lips.
“That you’re the owner.” His smile faded, and she could tell he really hadn’t known. “Tina let it slip.”
“I see.” He moved toward her. “Does it bother you?”
“Of course not. I’m just surprised you didn’t mention it. You had the opportunity.”
“I suppose I did.”
“Then why?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t think it would matter.”
“It doesn’t.”
“Most of the time, it does.” He said the words softly, his meaning flowing in his words.
“I see.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I like you for more than your money, Dylan.”
“I know. But when we met, I didn’t know you, didn’t know if you were the type of person to take advantage of that.”
“I hope you know now.”
He slipped his arms around her, and she softened at his touch. His strength, his security. “I do. I was sure of it that night on the boat, but by then I didn’t think to tell you.” He kissed her softly. “Mad at me?”
She chuckled. “No. I was never mad. Just confused why you wouldn’t tell me. But I understand now. Had I been in your position, I would have done the same.” She arched a brow. “Any more secrets you want to tell me about?”
“Nope.” He said it easily, but something in his expression caught her attention. “Have you had lunch yet?”
The question was enough to erase any thoughts of secrets from her mind. “No.” Her lips curved. “That was one of the reasons I stopped by. I thought you might be able to catch a bite with me.”
“I think I could manage that. It’d have to be quick though.” He glanced at his watch. I have a meeting in forty-five minutes. “There’s a sandwich place next door. Nothing fancy, but their Philly cheese steaks are great.”
“Sounds good.”
He pulled away, linking hands with her before tugging her out the door. The gesture surprised her since they would be walking through his place of business. The fact that he blatantly showed his feelings for her made her blush.
“We’re grabbing a sandwich,” he told Tina, who glanced at their hands with interest. “I’ll be back in time for the conference call. Do you want me to bring you anything?”
“No. I’ve already ordered something. You two have fun.”
Nodding his goodbye, he walked her out of the building and around to the sandwich place. True to his word, the cheese steaks were amazing.
The conversation was easy between them and she felt herself relaxing, forgetting that he was the owner of a multi-million-dollar company.
It was flattering to Abby to notice, as he walked her to her car after their meal, that he hadn’t even glanced at his watch.
“I had a great time.”
“Me too. I’m glad you stopped by.”
“Careful, that sandwich place will likely haunt me.”
He chuckled. “You’re welcome back any time.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know it’s short notice, but I was invited to the Governor’s charity benefit on Thursday. I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
“The Governor… of California?” she stuttered. She had been lulled by good food and friendly conversation, making her forget exactly who he was and what he did for a living.
“That would be him.” He laughed at her blank expression, but sobered quickly. “I’m still that guy from the club, Abby. I’m just a normal person.”
“I know. It’s just a little jarring. Your life is so different from mine.”
“Not so different.” He cupped her face in his hands, raising her gaze to his. “I’m just a guy that plays pool in a bar, throws peanuts on the floor with kids, takes gorgeous women to dinner on yachts, and looks for any excuse to kiss you.”
When he bent down, giving her a quick, playful kiss, she laughed, relaxing at his words. He was right. He was still the same person she had been spending time with. None of that changed because of what he did. Or more important, what he had. “I’d love to go with you.”
“Great. It’s formal attire. Will that be a problem?”
“It shouldn’t be.”
“I’ll pick you up at five.” He leaned dow
n for a soft kiss, the small contact making her pulse jump. “I’ll see you soon.” He opened the door of her car, helping her in before closing it.
With a last smile, she drove down and out of the structure, glancing at him through her mirror until she couldn’t see him anymore.
With a deep breath, she merged into traffic, trying to focus on her route home instead of the fact that she was in love with a man more complicated than anyone she had ever met.
In front of her vanity, Abby applied a slick coat of fire-engine-red lipstick. She wasn’t normally so bold with her make-up, but tonight was special, and she had a feeling that she might need the extra boost to her confidence.
Glancing at the river of ruby silk draped across her bed, nervousness fluttered in her stomach. It wasn’t a dress that she’d normally pick, but shopping with Ashley, she had agreed that it notched up her wow factor. It fit her in sinful perfection, accentuating her slim waist, drawing attention to her best features while downplaying her less-desirable ones.
She had already gone to the hairdresser, scheduling the appointment early enough so she wouldn’t feel rushed. This was the one night she didn’t want to hurry. At the stylist’s suggestion, she left her hair loose, tumbling down her back in soft curls. It felt airy, light in its simplicity.
He would be here soon. Another flutter.
She slipped on her dress, delighted when the cool silk kissed her skin. It heated quickly, adapting to her temperature.
It was simple in its design, a hidden zipper at the side, emphasizing the beautiful material with few embellishments except for the gathered fabric at the scooped neckline. The thin straps across her shoulders didn’t have a utilitarian purpose, more artistic than functional, but they drew the eye to her creamy shoulders. The gold chandelier earrings she slipped on finished the look. Sexy, smooth, sophisticated. And not quite safe.
For the first time in her life, she didn’t want safety. She didn’t want to hold back, unable to move forward because of her natural reserve. She wanted to be bold.
Dylan touched a part of her that she had never given to anyone before. And no matter how their relationship ended, she wanted to know that she had given him everything, that she hadn’t held back.
“Just enjoy tonight,” she told herself in the mirror. Tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed.
The doorbell sounded and her lips curved. Checking her gold clutch, she made sure she had everything she needed before opening the door.
The look of heat that sprung into his eyes made her grateful for the purse in her hand. It kept her from reaching out and pulling him inside.
“You look amazing.” It wasn’t said with the smooth tone she had heard from other men on previous dates, but with an appreciation that made her insides go hot.
Taking in his tailored back tuxedo, the lines accentuating his hard muscles, she said, “You do too.” Standing at her door, soaking in each other, an awareness moved between them, through them, pulling them closer together. And she knew that tonight would be special.
A surge of excitement charged through her. She didn’t know where they were headed, but she couldn’t wait to find out.
Holding out his hand, she placed hers in his and was charmed when he instantly curled it into the crook of his arm. Leading her down the path, she couldn’t stop staring at him.
She was floating, no matter how ridiculous it sounded.
“After you.”
His words jolted her, and she realized he was waiting for her to get in the car. No, not a car, she corrected. A limousine.
The chauffeur held the door open, offering her a reassuring smile, but she felt too stunned to do anything more than offer a small smile in return.
She lowered herself into the vehicle, the smell of leather and polish stinging her nose. It looked new, and she guessed, top of the line. The vehicle she had ridden in to her prom ten years ago couldn’t be described as a limo when compared to this.
Dylan climbed in behind her and moved to sit next to her on the seat.
“Let me guess,” she said, forcing a hint of humor into her voice. “It belongs to the company you work for?”
“Bingo.” He grinned. “Want a drink?”
“No, thanks. You go ahead though.”
He poured himself ice water. “I thought this might be more comfortable than a car. It takes an hour to get there without traffic, but considering what time we’ll be traveling through downtown, I’m guessing it will take longer. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Mind? You’re kidding, right?” she laughed at his questioning look. “It is taking all my will power not to press every single button in here. I’ve only been in a limo one other time, and it was obviously a base model.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing what all the buttons do.” He handed her a remote. “Knock yourself out.”
It was silly, but she couldn’t help herself as she pressed four different buttons, ohh-ing and ahh-ing as doors slid open and closed, the flat screen turned on, and the sun roof opened. “Okay. I need to stop now or I’ll never let it go. Is there anything it can’t do?”
“It can’t make the car teleport. That’s about it.” He rocked the ice in his cup before setting it down. “I like you like this.”
“Hmm?” She turned to him with a smile.
“Inquisitive, relaxed. You aren’t as nervous as when you first got into the car.”
“Oh.” She flushed. “I guess I should try for worldly.”
His gentle fingers caressed her face, turning her gaze back to him. “Not at all. I can’t remember a time I enjoyed the limo more.”
“I’m sure you’re just used to it. Same as the yacht.”
“Yes. But I wasn’t always. You help me to remember how magical it all is.”
Her brows creased. “You didn’t grow up with things like this?”
“No.” Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she started to tell him that he didn’t need to delve into anything, but stopped when he began speaking. “I didn’t have money growing up. In fact, I didn’t have anything. I was in foster care.” Surprised, she didn’t know what to say, and was relieved when he didn’t wait for a response. “Everything I have now, I’ve worked for.” She could hear his satisfaction.
“I think that’s wonderful.”
“It doesn’t matter that I don’t have a family?”
“No. I can’t imagine not having mine, but that’s not it. What you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished, not many people can make the same climb. It takes a drive and ambition well beyond what the average person has. You must be very proud.”
He looked into her eyes, searching for something before turning away. “Not many people feel that way. They usually see it as a lack of breeding.”
Her eyes narrowed as she looked down at her lap, seeing him only in her periphery. “What nonsense. I never understood the idea that you are somehow better because you were born with more.” A slow smile curved his lips. “What?”
“Just you. I’ve never had someone so willing to defend me.” He leaned in for a soft kiss. “Thank you.”
Thrown off by the tender words, his gratitude, she looked at him in earnest. “Well, I meant it. No one can look at you now, at what you’ve done, and think you’re inferior to anyone.”
The lull in conversation gave her the chance to compose herself.
As the sun set, the lights came on inside the vehicle, accentuating their soft conversation until the driver interrupted. “We’ll be there shortly.”
Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the museum was composed of a range of modern buildings, all constructed in the same rose granite. The Hardy museum housed a variety of pieces that pleased even the pickiest guest. With large courtyards and an array of gardens, it boasted breathtaking views.
“Ready?” he asked as they pulled up, nodding to the driver now that the privacy screen was down.
The door opened, bringing in the crisp night air. The sounds of a string quartet mingled softly with the convers
ation of arriving guests.
Tucking her hand into his arm, Dylan greeted a few people as they walked in, allowing her the chance to fully experience the atmosphere.
It was warmer inside, and her nose twitched at the faint mix of perfume in the air. Large crowds shuffled by the buffet tables, jockeying for the choicest morsels. Others twirled around the dance floor, entertaining the nearby onlookers who hovered at tables arranged around the floor.
This particular building housed ancient pieces; the classical décor whispered of a bygone time. It was easy to imagine men and women in Regency–style dress dancing a quadrille on the marble floors, surrounded by Doric columns and silhouetted by candles.
The lighting, though modern of course, was muted, casting a dreamy haze over the dancers as they swirled across the floor, occasionally catching a twinkle from the crystals above.
Dylan leaned down, whispering in her ear, “What do you think?”
“I think I’ve never seen anything like this. It looks like it should be in a magazine.”
“It probably will be.”
Her jaw dropped at the thought.
“Dylan, it’s nice to see you.” A gentleman with graying hair greeted him.
“You too, Spencer. My I introduce my date, Miss Abby Carter?”
She offered him a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, I assure you.” Though he looked to be the same age as her father, he cast her an appraising look that made her shift uncomfortably. “I would stay close to this one, Dylan.”
“I plan on it.”
The man laughed before moving on to speak with someone else.
“Don’t mind him,” Dylan whispered in her ear, leading her farther into the room. “He hasn’t figured out yet that not every woman desires him.”
“How is that possible?”
Dylan shrugged after nodding to another person. “Usually someone worth that much money can have whoever he wants, regardless of his age.”
“Oh.”
“Have I shocked you?”
“No… well, yes, actually. I’m not used to that sort of thing.”
His lips quirked. “Honey, I’m not even used to this and I’ve been dealing with these people for a long time.”
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