Chapter Thirty-Six
Tye
I cranked up the heat in the back of the limo so that Billie wouldn’t freeze. I knew she wouldn’t complain even if her lips were blue. I’d learned that when she set her mind to something, nothing got in her way.
I shook out the cashmere throw Ramsay had handed me as we stepped into the elevator, giving me detailed instructions to put this over Billie’s feet but under her skirt so there’d be no fiber transfer.
“Thanks.” Billie smoothed her skirt over the throw.
“The guys downstairs said they’d keep the dogs overnight.” I took my place beside her then waited for the limo to pull away from the curb.
“I feel like our dogs are being hijacked by the security guards.” The men had started appearing in the lobby when we took the dogs out or when we returned from a walk to greet the animals and pet them. So tonight, Buster and Amy were going to hang out in the security office being spoiled.
“Now, Layla wants to get a dog.” I had to laugh. Two years ago, I would never have believed that Forde would be such a family man.
“All of that comes so easily to her, making a home, motherhood.” Billie took my hand and held it tightly. “Forde had better be careful tonight. She might decide that she likes the mansion, and then he’ll have to buy it for her.”
“There are several guesthouses on the estate. We could all move in,” I teased.
“A badass commune. I like it.” She giggled. “And Forde would love it.”
“Now that you bring it up, I like the idea from a security standpoint.” I squeezed her hand.
“So, tell me again how things are going to work tonight.” Billie shifted in the leather seat.
“By now, our people should be there organizing the items for the silent auction. Music is set up, and hopefully the sound check’s finished. There are four bars and ten servers walking around with champagne.”
Billie’s grip on my hand loosened just a little. “So, we start greeting everyone by the door and then mingle, right?”
I could hear the nervousness in her voice. “Since it’s so cold, I’m thinking we can hang back from the foyer. I don’t want to slow the guests down as they try to get in. They should get out of the cold and check their coats.” I made a mental note to tell the party planner as soon as we arrived.
“I’m going to stick close to you, until, well, until you tell me not to.”
She gave me a tentative smile. “I don’t think that will ever happen.” I started to lean in to kiss her, but then I remembered that I couldn’t. “The first two hours are nothing but greeting the people as they arrive and posing for pictures.”
“I’ll just smile and follow your lead.”
“If it gets to be too much and you need a break, that’s fine. We’ll take a break.”
“No, I’ll be there beside you. I’m just being a little silly. You know—pre-party nerves.”
“You’ll see some familiar faces,” I reminded her. “That’ll help.”
“I can’t wait to see Osi dressed up, and Rick too. I asked Jenn if she was going to wear her typical Chuck’s.”
“Are you sure Osi is going to show?” He didn’t seem like the formal party type.
“I heard it from Ramsay.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Ramsay’s keeping tabs on Osi?” That seemed like an odd combination.
“I guess they talked about it when he picked her up at the airport.” Billie gave a slight shrug. “She ordered me not to change my hair appointment, and then informed me that she’d find her way to the hotel. So I sent the baddest of the bad.” She smiled mischievously.
“I have no doubt that woman can handle him.” She seemed very capable and confident.
“I told her that it wasn’t a matter of could she mange to get to the hotel on her own, but rather that I didn’t want her to have to.” The affection in Billie’s tone was clear.
“Isn’t she used to people doing nice things for her? Does she feel like she has to do something in return?” I’d spent hours in email conversations with Billie’s best friend, and she was around when she was in town. I liked her, but she wasn’t easy to know. The woman had walls four inches thick.
“Exactly.” Billy nodded approval of my guess. “When we were in college, there was no way I could afford to take the trips she did or shop like she did. So, I’d try to do little things to show her how much I appreciated that she included me. I’d clean or toss her sheets in with mine. It sounds so lame now, but at the time, it was all that I could afford.”
“It probably meant a lot to her that you would make an effort to do those things. I bet you didn’t point it out either, you just gave.” My woman seemed to know what was needed without somebody asking. She shared some of the other wives’ characteristics. She was warm like Layla and super smart like Zoe. She fit in with our group seamlessly.
“She doesn’t make friends very easily. I think that’s why she likes doing this fashion consulting thing. She can pick and choose who she hangs with, and then she can pack up and go to the other side of the world. These past two days with us is the first time I’ve seen her relax in years. She likes us, and hopefully, she’ll visit and not wait for a call for her services.”
“I knew I’d like her because she’s so special to you, and I do.” Ramsay was protective of Billie, and she approved of my handling of her best friend.
“And it doesn’t hurt she’s a knockout either.”
“I think every man with a pulse noticed.”
“Maybe she’ll meet somebody tonight. That way she’ll be around more.” Billie looked out the window.
“Thinking of doing a little matchmaking?” I bit back a smile. Poor Ramsay. If Billie included Zoe and Layla on her mission, they’d be relentless.
“She had a serious relationship right out of college. She’d known the guy her entire life. She even moved to Phoenix to be with him but it didn’t work out. I think that since she’s been around us, she might be thinking about what she’s missing…” Billie’s voice trailed off.
“You might want to let it happen organically and not interfere,” I cautioned. I could tell that being involved with Ramsay would be difficult and a lot of work. She was driven, successful, and a little prickly.
“I just want her to have some fun, let off some steam, and if something comes of it...” Her smile was playful and seductive.
The limo pulled into the estate’s driveway, and I checked the latest text. “They say everything is running smoothly.”
“It’s going to be a great party, Tye, and we’re going to raise a lot of money.” Billie ran her hand over my thigh.
I liked that she’d used the plural. We both did it often and naturally.
We’d greeted our guests, and now Billie was in my arms on the dance floor. The music was slow and romantic. Tony and Zoe were also dancing, her cheek resting on his chest.
“This is nice.” Billie’s eyes sparkled.
“It’s always good when I can hold you.” I lowered my hand from the small of her back to the curve of her ass.
She wrinkled her nose. I knew she was by no means drunk, but she was starting to giggle. “Remember, I can’t get out of this dress, so no closet sex tonight.”
I felt my cock awaken. Was she thinking about sneaking off for a quickie?
“No,” she shook her head and affected a snotty tone, “not at your event.” Then she giggled again. “I mean this party. I thought it might be a little stuck up, but the people are here to have some fun.”
“Probably all of the booze that’s flowing.” I kept my voice down. I wasn’t complaining. If the alcohol helped my guests spend money and have a good time, then it was worth it.
The song ended, and we made our way to Forde and Layla, who were talking to Rick and his date.
“This is a great party, Tye,” Layla said.
“You’re having a good time?” Last year, she’d been recovering from a stab wound with Forde and Ryan in a mountain chal
et.
“The best.” She glanced past me then looked at Billie. “I can’t believe that bitch came.”
Whoa, Layla rarely cussed. Either it was the alcohol or she was really upset. I followed her gaze then grimaced. “It never occurred to me to bar her from the event.” I was shocked to see Holly walk through the door and stand in line to greet us. Billie didn’t even blink. The other woman’s arrival didn’t appear to have bothered her.
“Where the hell is Jenn? She needs to make sure her cousin behaves.” Layla turned in a complete circle, trying to spot the woman.
“Jenn’s probably hiding in a corner, afraid one of you is going to tear into her.” Billie explained reasonably then frowned for a second. “She can’t control Holly. Nobody can. You know that.” She gave me look filled with concern.
Likely, she was worried the party would be ruined. “I know you’re right, but Jenn could have given us a little warning.” I wasn’t pleased, but I also wasn’t going to worry until I needed to.
“I’m not mad at Jenn,” Billie said calmly, but then her expression turned fierce, “unless I find out she arranged for Holly to come. Then there will be a problem.”
Zoe and Tony joined our group.
“Okay, I found Jenn. Well, super sleuth did,” she said, tilting her head at her husband. “She says she didn’t know Holly was coming until she showed up at her place this afternoon.”
Billie gave me a “See? I told you,” look.
“She didn’t know if she should tell you or not, Tye. She was worried it would turn into a big deal, and so she decided to stay quiet.” Zoe pursed her lips, clearly disagreeing.
“Well, she’s hard to miss in that dress.” Layla was still angry.
“Let’s pray she doesn’t bend over. She looks like the type who’d forget her panties if it was convenient.” Billie’s tone was pure innocence.
Several members of the group snorted, and Tony laughed out loud.
Zoe was watching Billie. “This isn’t bugging you at all, is it?”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Billie raised and dropped one shoulder. “I feel a little sorry for her. I mean, clearly she wants to be noticed, or she wouldn’t have dressed like a beacon in that light blue, sequin tank top. It’s too bad she couldn’t afford the entire dress.”
Rick’s date had to cover her mouth or spit out the champagne she’d just sipped.
“She wants attention, probably Tye’s. I’m guessing she wants me to know that and to feel what? Worry? Stress? Enough to stop enjoying this night? If she wants to play a game or make some kind of statement, I’m prepared.” Billie smiled up at me.
I kissed her cheek. I couldn’t help myself; I believed her.
“Well, we’ve got your back,” Layla told her.
Billie smiled a thank you. “The thing is, I love Tye, and I know that he loves me.” She looked at me for a moment confident in her knowledge.
I was so proud of her. “I do.”
“I’m not going to worry about what she has planned, because she had a chance, and she didn’t take it.” Billie leaned her head against my shoulder and smiled. “Tye has a no backsies rule.”
Forde shot me a speculative look. “No backsies?” He was fighting a smile.
I pulled Billie to stand in front of me so I could hug her back to my front. I wanted us to be connected, solid. “Like she said.” I nuzzled her neck for a moment. “I love her, and she puts up with me, so why would I give that up?”
I sensed a collective, “ah” moment.
“Hey, Golden,” Ramsay called as she joined us, “I think the DJ is trying to get your attention.”
I looked at his booth area, and he signaled to me. “Excuse me for a minute.”
“Don’t be too long. I’m hoping to kiss a man at the midnight—not your woman.” Ramsay gave a dramatic frown that was ruined by her low sexy laugh.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Billie
It was almost two, and I’d hit the wall about forty-five minutes ago. It was exhausting to smile and say the appropriate thing for almost six hours straight. The moment I found a chance to relax, Tye wanted to be the king of the dance floor. After the countdown to the New Year and a kiss to end all kisses from my man, I finally got to sit down.
A mistake, I knew it right away, because my feet hurt and my knees throbbed from standing so long on the marble floor in three-inch heels. I’d definitely need more practice to build up my body’s endurance before next year. That thought made me smile. I was already making plans.
Deciding I needed to stop wool-gathering and get back out to our guests, I let out a puff of air and flushed the toilet. I couldn’t hide in the ladies room much longer, but I was enjoying the quiet.
I washed my hands, refreshed my lipstick, and ran my pinkie under my eyes making sure my makeup wasn’t smudging.
The bathroom door opened and in walked…Holly. Just great.
I put my lipstick back into my purse and walked to the door. I mustered a smile. “Happy New Year.”
She towered over me even though I was wearing heels. “Yeah, you too.” However polite her response, she didn’t move out of my way.
I looked at the door and then back at her hoping she would move.
“I hope it wasn’t a problem that I came tonight?” she asked, however her eyes stayed hard.
I schooled my features to show mild confusion. “No,” I said slowly. “All of the ticket sales go straight to the charities. So we don’t care as long as you paid for your ticket.”
“I meant because of me being with Tye.” Her smile turned mean.
“Not at all.” I tried to ease around her. “There are quite a few of you around.” I acted nonchalant.
“So sure of yourself, aren’t you?” She let out a harsh laugh. “Well, enjoy it, because soon things will change. Your pretty little life might turn out not to be so pretty.”
I fought the urge to put my hand on my hip and go into the “bitch stance.” Instead, I spoke evenly. “My life hasn’t been so pretty as you call it.” I didn’t cover my distaste over the word.
“Maybe, but I don’t think you’ve shared all of the ugly either.” She gave me a searing glare. “I’ve done some checking, and with what I’ve found, things could get difficult for you.”
I’d had enough. “Holly, the only thing I can tell you is to turn over these big secrets to Forde, invite Tye out to lunch, and tell him in person, too. Do what you have to do.” I gave her a long hard look then a tiny smile to hammer home how little I cared.
“He’ll dump you,” she threatened.
“He might, but I doubt it. Tye seems pretty comfortable with me.” I turned on my heel and walked out the door.
I made it half-way down the hallway before I had to stop and lean against the wall because my knees were shaking. “I am not going to let her affect me,” I said under my breath.
But she had. She wasn’t going to go away. I felt my stomach clench and a light sweat break out all over my body. Oh no, not here, not now. I wasn’t going to have an attack tonight.
I heard footsteps coming from the ballroom, so I tried to straighten and get my shit together.
Thank God I knew who it was. “Hey, Billie.” Layla’s cold hand felt good on my upper arm. “You okay?”
I swallowed some bile and held up one finger.
“Honey, are you sick?” She moved in a little closer to me. Concern was written all over her face.
“Anxiety,” I told her softly, as I mentally counted up to and back down from ten.
“Tell me what to do to help.”
I loved my friend.
She jumped right into action. “Let’s find you a chair.”
“Holly,” I panted, “in the bathroom.”
Layla froze for a beat and looked down the hallway.
“I don’t want to see her again.” I told her through my tightly clenched jaw.
We started to walk slowly in the other direction. Layla dug in her purse one-handed an
d pulled out her phone. “I’m going to text Forde, so we can get you out of here.”
“I need to tell Tye.” I felt my eyes fill with tears. I was trying to do too many things at once. I was tired, stressed, and now, worried and disappointed that I’d let Holly get to me. Sometimes when I got this way, I was more susceptible to attacks.
“Forde will take care of it.” Layla tapped the screen, and then she put away her phone. “Let’s find some out of the way spot to wait.”
This wasn’t how I’d thought this night would end, me on the sofa still in my dress, and Tye riding home from the party alone. I’d planned on seducing him as we made our way home in the backseat of the limo. He would have his pants around his knees, and my lips around his cock.
He’d sent four texts checking on me and giving me his timetable. I felt like I’d let him down, and I hated that.
Amy was lying in front of the door. She lifted her head and whimpered. Buster was asleep two feet away from me, but he stirred and lifted his head at her signal.
I heard Tye’s key in the lock. He opened the door and looked for me immediately.
“I’m so sorry,” I cried as I started to get to my feet.
He closed the door and locked up. Amy was dancing around his feet, so he stopped to pet her. Then he swiftly moved into the living room, taking off his coat, and shrugging out of his tux jacket, dropping both on the back of a chair. He’d already unbuttoned the top three buttons of his shirt, and his tie was gone. “Are you okay?” He stalked to me then walked me back to the sofa and sat beside me.
“I didn’t mean to ruin everything,” I said full of regret.
He pulled me into his arms and hugged me, not tightly, but I was firmly against his chest. “I was worried when Forde said you weren’t feeling well.”
Buster gave a low bark, and I pulled back from his chest.
Tye looked around me to the mastiff. “You can go back to sleep, old man. I’ve got her.”
The dog lowered his bulk to the carpet.
Tye turned his attention back to me, carefully combing his fingers through my hair. “I thought you’d be in bed.”
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