The thought of spending the evening with him had her heart beating fast. Hayden, being the alluring him. “At Saks, you said you’ve known Hayden your entire life?”
“He’s like a brother to me.” He downshifted around the corner of Haight and Asbury and made the car purr as he put his foot down to the floor. “We disagree on certain issues and have our moments, but that’s normal when you’re family.”
Perfect person to probe for personal information to go into the article.
She twisted her hips so that she faced him. “What’s he like?”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s probably the most complex guy I’ve ever met. He’s got secrets, but he won’t share them.” She gripped the oh-shit handle as he peeled around a turn. “He’s like an onion with all kinds of layers built up around him. Of all people, you ought to know what’s in his core.”
Gabriel eyed her through the dark as they drove through the city at break-neck speed. “He’s got so much responsibility on his shoulders, it’s a miracle he’s able to function as well as he does. Through everything, the man’s got heart.”
He had heat, raw and scorching; that much was undeniable. But his heart was something she wasn’t sure she’d ever reach. He’d built up too many walls, and was too intent on keeping people out.
Gabriel turned on the windshield wipers as mist rolled through the city. There was a full moon tonight, not that she could see it through the cloud cover.
“He’s probably the most generous soul I’ve ever come across in my two hundred and fif—” He choked, and then slammed his hands over the steering wheel, “—I’m sorry, I lost it there for a second.”
“Are you okay?”
He nodded, swallowing hard. He suddenly looked clammy, his caramel skin covered in a sheen of sweat. “What I meant to say was he’s the most generous soul I’ve met in my whole life.”
“Really?” she asked. “You don’t think that’s a front?”
“It’s not a front.” His voice was stern. “He’s also fiercely loyal.”
Her lips quirked in disbelief. He dated women left and right. If he were loyal, wouldn’t he be in a deep, committed relationship with one woman? “I don’t know about the last part. His track record in the relationship department certainly doesn’t show it.”
“Maybe he simply hasn’t found the right woman, yet.”
As Melina wondered what kind of woman Hayden was looking for—if not brilliant and beautiful like the models he dated each month—Gabriel made a sharp U-turn and pulled up to the curb.
“We’re here.”
Chapter Twelve
A red carpet had been laid out, stretching up the steps to the aquarium, and at the sidewalk’s end, two valets in tuxedos waited to park his car. They held umbrellas, protecting the event-goers from the rain. Gabriel and Melina exited in style, and strolled into the building. It wasn’t the Silverlights, with paparazzi shooting pictures left and right, but it was classy nonetheless.
She admired the decorations, the flowers and candles, and tiny white lights as they entered and were immediately surrounded by groups of gossiping socialites. People milled about, drinking champagne, gabbing and laughing, and when they laid eyes on her, their gaze immediately shot to the pile of hair on the top of her head; they either didn’t understand high fashion or were silently admiring her choice.
“Why don’t we grab our seats,” Gabriel said, brushing his hand against her elbow. “They’ll be this way.”
His touch was gentle and guiding, without being overbearing. What a change from the first few times she’d been in Hayden’s company. Hayden gave off a possessive vibe, heady and intense, while Gabriel’s mojo was calm and posed. She doubted anything could rile him up. The two men were oil and water. Open versus secretive. Suave versus cocky. Complete opposites.
She let him lead her through the foyer, to the main floor of the aquarium. Signs hung overhead, indicating the sharks, jellyfish, and rays were to the right, and coral reefs were to the left. In the center of the room though, tables and chairs covered with powder-blue linens dominated the space. Soft streams of blue and white light danced over the walls and floor, giving the feel that the entire room was underwater.
It was wicked cool.
“We’re over there,” he said, leading her to a table near the front. A woman’s bag had already been placed on one setting, and the one next to it had a tuxedo coat draped over the chair.
Must’ve been reserved by Hayden and his bimbo date.
Loyal.
She scoffed silently and swallowed down her bitterness. What she really needed was a drink to wash it down. Where was the bar? There. In the corner.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Gabriel asked, as if he’d read her mind.
Was he always such a gentleman?
“Sure, could you get me a—”
“Lemon Drop?” a deep voice muttered behind her.
She turned around, nearly bumping into the sweet and sour drink extended in Hayden’s hand. Turned out he was the gentleman, bringing over her very favorite drink before she’d even asked for it. Maybe she’d been wrong. He was suave…when he wanted to be. The Armani tuxedo they’d chosen Thursday afternoon fit tight over his shoulders and fell loosely to his sides. It fit him perfectly, though her first vision of Hayden in the tux—bare-chested with his fly unfastened—definitely topped this one.
“How’d you know I like Lemon Drops?” she asked, mouth drying from the sight of him.
“I’m freaking Hayden Dean. I just knew.” He handed her the drink with a wink and a smile. “I have a sense for these things.”
“Really?” Melina said, licking sugar off the rim. “Are you psychic or something?”
“No,” he said, the laughter in his eyes dying down as he eyed her lips. “I saw it on your Facebook. You really should change your profile to private. Never know what kind of…animals could be following you on there.”
Gabriel laughed tightly, and the blonde behind Hayden grinned, draping an arm over his shoulder.
“I’ll try to remember that. Thanks for the drink.” She reached out to shake the blonde’s hand. “I’m Melina Rae.”
“Laurie Harper.” Hayden’s date extended her manicured hand over his shoulder and shook delicately. “We’re glad you could make it. Tonight’s our biggest event, thanks to the generosity of people like Hayden.”
There was that word again: generous.
If people closest to Hayden believed him to be such a generous soul, how could every single magazine get it wrong? Wouldn’t there be at least one magazine singing his praises?
He must’ve only showed that side to people he was closest to…
“I love your dress,” Laurie went on. “You look like you just stepped out of a magazine.”
“Thank you.” Melina smoothed her hands over her hips and down the puffy feathers. “I’m a sucker for high fashion, I’m afraid. Can I tell you a secret though?”
Laurie leaned in, grinning. “Please.”
“I buy most of my accessories from Ebay,” she whispered, touching her earrings and bracelet. “No one would ever know, though.”
“That’s brilliant.” Laurie beamed. “I’ll have to start looking there from now on.”
Their conversation veered to magazines, Eclipse, and the article she was writing for Celeb Crush. Turned out Laurie was a fan of her column, which made Melina love the woman even more. She was smart too, damn it. Women as elegant as Laurie should be dumb. Wasn’t fair for Mother Nature to give one woman both beauty and brains.
As they talked fashion and men and Lemon Drops, Gabriel moved around Melina to stand by Hayden. She didn’t miss the nasty glares shooting between them.
“You checked her out on Facebook,” Gabriel whispered too loudly, “but did you happen to catch where she lives?”
Hayden shook his head.
“Haight-Ashbury.”
Tension whipped through the air, so palpable, Melina and Laurie
cut their conversation short. What was wrong with her neighborhood? Hipsters and hippies were everywhere, but they were harmless. She’d lived in her building five years. The neighbors were quiet, and the rent was controlled.
Hayden shot Gabriel a concerned look, his eyebrows pinching as if he was deep in concentration. And then the weirdest thing happened. Gabriel stared back, and nodded. It was a small move, the slightest bob, but Melina caught it.
Had these guys talked about this earlier?
Reaching into his jacket pocket, Gabriel pulled out his phone and stared at the screen. “This is the worst timing.”
“What?” Melina asked.
“I just got called in to work. There’s been a new development on this big case we’re working on, and—”
“No need to go into detail,” she said, setting down her glass. “It’s all right. We can go.”
“No, that’s not necessary.” He took her hand in his and the strangest sound—almost like a growl—came from somewhere beside them. Gabriel dropped her hand as if it was on fire, and shoved his hands in his pockets. “You stay here with Hayden. Drink up and enjoy your night. I’ll call you.”
Another growl. Deeper and louder.
“Are the speakers vibrating?” Melina searched the corners of the room behind them for subwoofers, though the room was so dark, it took time for her eyes to adjust. “Do you guys hear that? It’s a deep, rumbling sound…”
When she faced forward once more, Gabriel and Laurie were gone.
“Where’d Gabriel go?” Melina asked.
“He left.”
“Just like that?”
Hayden nodded. He’d moved closer. Right beside her.
“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
“He said he’d call you later.” Hayden exhaled heavily. “And you can trust Gabriel to keep his word.”
“Where’d Laurie disappear to?”
“She’s at the front, meeting the director of the aquarium.” Hayden pointed to the tank housing a vibrantly-colored coral reef. “She’s the hostess tonight, so I’m sure they’re going over last-minute things.” He eyed her carefully. “Ready to see me work magic?”
Magic? With him? Hell yes.
“Depends what kind of magic you’re talking about.”
“You think I party all night. You read the slanted stories about drinks, fights, and late nights. I’m going to show you what most of my parties are really like.” He took her arm and slipped it through his. “As the face of Dean, Hyde, & Hammer, I have to work the room. And tonight, you’re coming with me.”
He led her around the room, introducing her to everyone who crossed his path. He presented Melina as his business associate, someone who was writing an article on him. It was as if he wanted everyone to know, without a smidgeon of doubt, that they weren’t personally involved.
At first, the thought stung. But by the tenth introduction, Melina was beating Hayden to the punch, talking about the article and how it was going to be a nearly-impossible feat to clean up his image.
It was a comical ice-breaker—one that even had Hayden chuckling.
He knew everyone’s name. He smiled and laughed effortlessly, oozing the charm she’d come to know him for. But he wasn’t cheesy, the way she’d totally expected. His laughter and conversations were genuine. He was a people person, she realized, shaking hands with San Francisco’s mayor.
He didn’t put off the vibe of a drunken partier, or a slick womanizer. An air of nobleness surrounded him, no matter who he talked with.
As he laughed with the mayor about the upcoming election, Hayden squeezed Melina’s arm. He leaned in. “Remember when I asked you if you could improve my image enough to run for mayor?”
She nodded, watching the mayor whisper something to his elegant wife.
“No one could do as good a job as this guy. His ability to lead is remarkable. I should be taking notes.”
“For what?”
He stared, his eyebrow giving a tell-tale twitch. She’d made him uncomfortable. “I don’t know how you do it, but a few minutes with you and I forget we haven’t known each other longer. I keep forgetting you don’t know all my secrets.”
“Maybe I should.” She emptied the last of her Lemon Drop and snatched another off the tray of a passing waiter. “It’s about time we should bulldoze those walls you’ve got up, don’t you think?”
Without answering her question, Hayden bid farewell to the mayor and his wife. He rested his hand on the small of her back as he guided Melina toward their table. Even from the smallest touch, her chest swelled with pride. She couldn’t help it. Strolling around with the hottest guy in the room was a rush. Hayden was also the sweetest talker, the funniest, and the only one who heated her veins with uncontrollable lust.
Before they reached their table, a group of Hayden’s friends signaled for them to come over. He exhaled heavily, and escorted her to them.
“Hayden!” A burly, thirty-something guy slapped Hayden on the back. “About time you introduce us to your lady friend.”
He made the rounds, naming his friends, though there were too many for Melina to remember any one in particular. They all looked oddly similar. Shaved heads. Tuxedos stretching over their brawny shoulders. Dark eyes. She shook hands with each of them. A few winked. Others grinned. Hayden stood behind her, and although he didn’t touch her, an umbrella of warmth covered her body.
“I was just telling Hayden that he needed to find a good woman who’d knock some sense into him,” the burliest of the group said. If she remembered right, his name was Merrick. “When did you two start dating?”
“We’re not dating,” Hayden interrupted. A wave of heat flashed over her. “She’s a business associate.”
“Really?” Merrick said, bushy eyebrows doing an up-down dance.
“She’s writing an article on me for Celeb Crush magazine.”
“I’d never date him,” Melina interjected. Her cheek heated where Hayden’s gaze burned. “He’s got poor taste in teams, for one. He’s a 49er fan, and I can’t lower my standards that far.”
The group laughed, low and husky.
“Ouch.” Merrick eyed her intently. “This one’s got bite, Hayden.”
“You have no idea.” His jaw clenched.
“Truth be told, I’m not much of a football fan in general.” Merrick slid to the forefront of the group. “But I think you could convince me to jump on your sidelines.”
Hayden took her elbow and gently guided her back toward him. “I think they’re about to start, gentleman. We’re going to take our seats.”
“Where’s Gabriel?” a shorter one asked. “We were hoping to talk about—”
“He left on official business,” Hayden spat. “If you need him, I’m sure you still have his number. It hasn’t changed.”
The shorter friend nodded, his dark eyes focusing far over Hayden’s shoulder. Something electric flickered in the space between them, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. The vibe was tense and foreboding. Chilling.
“Come on, Melina.” Hayden led her away from the group, and then glanced back over his shoulder. “Have a good night, gentleman.”
Hayden’s lips tightened as he watched them walk away, and then escorted Melina to her seat.
“Who were those guys?” she asked him once they were out of earshot. “And don’t say your friends. I won’t believe it.”
“Before my dad died they were the most loyal friends I’d ever had. After… Well, let’s just say they don’t feel the same way about me.”
Sadness tainted her lifted spirits. She’d thought maybe she’d just met his most inner circle of friends. It was depressing to think they’d turned on him after his father died. She wanted to press further, but thought twice about it. Wasn’t the time, or the place to dive into family and friend issues.
“You sure aren’t afraid to talk to anybody, are you?” he said, turning toward her. “I think you’d talk to the Devil, if he presented himself.”
They laughed, and his expression loosened once more.
The supporters circling around through the room had moved out of the foyer and made their way to their seats. The space buzzed with excitement, and on the far side of the room, Laurie stepped up to the podium.
“What’s wrong with my neighborhood?” she asked, remembering Hayden’s encounter with Gabriel.
His smile dropped. “Excuse me?”
“I heard Gabriel tell you where I live. You guys got all gargoyle-faced, right before he left. Is there a problem?”
“There’ve been some crimes there lately that have come to our attention.” His gaze held hers. “Just be careful, okay?”
“Change my Facebook privacy setting, watch my back, what’s next? Stick to a Paleo diet?”
“Hell no,” he said, leaning in. “Your figure’s flawless. No dieting for you.”
“Stop,” she flirted, pushing him back. “Your lines won’t work on me. I’m immune to your charm.”
“Is that so?” He palmed the small of her back, dragging her attention away from the guests. Chills spread up her spine as he whispered, “You look beautiful, Melina. The brightest star here.”
“Thank you. Still not working.” Liar. She took a drink to quench the fire burning in her middle, and sat in the chair he’d pulled out. “I knew Ruby would work wonders for you.”
“She had more suits delivered to the office yesterday, though this one takes the cake.” He slid into the seat next to her and tugged on his right lapel. “What do you think?”
She hid her smile. Of course she liked his tux; it was Armani. She hated to admit it, but she liked the way Hayden looked in it more.
“You must be a Leo,” she said. “You need constant validation.”
He flinched, then laughed, sliding into the seat beside her. “I do not.”
“I take it you are a Leo, then?”
“I am, actually. My birthday’s August 15th.” He folded his arms over his chest and leaned back. “What are you?”
The Werewolf Wears Prada (Entangled Covet) (San Francisco Wolf Pack) Page 9