Owen gently pulls away and cups my cheeks. “Will you please be my date to the charity dinner? I’d love to have you by my side.”
His hands slowly slide from my cheeks and I smile. “As in a date?”
He gives me that sexy grin of his. “If that’s what you want. I know I’d like it to be.”
“Then it’s a date.” There’s no denying it now. I know he’s my Gatsby. I just have to wait for the right time to tell him I’m his Daisy.
8
Owen
“Tonight, I will tell Ensley the truth.” I stand in front of my full-length mirror and give myself a pep talk. The charade must end and is going to with one of two outcomes. Ensley is either going to accept the fact I’ve lied to her about who I truly am or she’s going to slap me in my face, punch me in my junk, and spit on my crumbled body. I am really, really, hoping for the former. I can’t imagine not having Ensley in my life right now.
When Ensley kissed me the other night at her house, while we were enjoying the hot tub, I wanted to blurt out I’m her mystery man, I’m the one she’s secretly been involved with. I have no doubt in my mind she’s isn’t dating anyone other than me, even though we aren’t exactly dating. I’m that confident, especially when she invited me over to her house. To me, it was a sign.
A sign I should’ve opened my mouth and told her I’m the Gatsby to her Daisy, but once again, I chickened out. I’m not even sure why. I think it’s because as soon as I’m near her, the only thing I want to do is kiss her and take her to bed.
“Okay, I can do this.” My hands tug at the lapels of my tuxedo. “I can tell the woman who is driving me crazy in the best way possible I’m the one behind the mask.” Even as I look at myself, I’m not sure I’m confident enough to say those things to her. But damn it, I’m going to try.
I take one last look around my apartment, satisfied with how everything looks. Ensley will be coming back here tonight, no masks, and no more secrets if all goes as planned. I’m thankful she had a keen sense of mind to book the ballroom in the same building as my penthouse. Not only is it spacious enough, but the ceiling is glass, and there is an expansive balcony that allows the guests to mingle outside. It’ll be a chilly night but I have a feeling Ensley saw this beforehand and has heaters set up.
The doors of the elevator open, and an employee of my building greets me. “Good evening, Mr. Jameson. Enjoy your event.”
“I plan to,” I say with a nod. As soon as I enter the ballroom, I accept a flute of champagne. I take a sip as I look over the people who have once again come out to help raise money for charities near and dear to me. Everyone from pro athletes, movie producers, and directors, to some of the most influential businesspeople in North Carolina are all here to help me.
My eyes scan the crowd for Ensley. I know she’s here and we agreed once the event got underway, she would be my date for the evening. Honestly, I expected her to tell me no, that I’m paying her to work for the evening, but she told me Jordan could handle everything. It’s such a relief because after tonight, I’m really hoping to introduce her as my girlfriend next week at another gala I’m invited to.
“Wow, this turn out.” Damien stands next to me, holding his champagne. “The auction items are amazing. Our network really came through.”
“I know,” I say, taking another sip. “I’m about to throw down some serious cash on the football Cam Newton and the Patriots signed.”
Damien sighs. “The Panthers were stupid to let him go.”
“Did you see he had almost four hundred total yards the other week? Once the Pats defense figures things out, they’re going to dominate the league again.”
He laughs. “New England sure has embraced him.”
“Lucky bastards,” I mumble.
Damien and I part ways. Even though this is my event, he will circulate and greet people on my behalf. That’s what partners do. Going into business with him has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The second best—Ensley. She’s been worth every penny I’ve spent on events, just to have her in my life, and I’d spend it all over again if I had to.
The woman of my dreams and fantasies is coming toward me in a black dress with a slit up to her thigh. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to her sprawled out on my bed, without a mask on. As soon as she’s within reach, I don’t hesitate to place my hand on her hip and pull her closer. I also don’t care who is around or watching us as I press my lips to hers. She gasps, in surprise, and I love every second.
“I’m sorry for kissing you like that. I supposed I should’ve asked first.”
She shakes her head slightly. “Not at all. I certainly didn’t ask you the other night when
