I turn and lean my back against the railing. Damien’s right, we’re surrounded by Charlotte elite, but it’s Ensley, who is busy working to make sure my event goes off without any issues that catches my attention. From where I am, she looks calm, cool, and collect. She’s not frazzled or freaking out because something isn’t going her way.
“Without a doubt, Ensley Anderson is the one for me.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“Besides wait for her response to what I’ve just admitted?” Damien nods. “I’m going to woo the fucking shit out of her if I have to.”
He slaps me on the shoulder. “Good luck, my friend. I think you’re both amazing and would really like to have her around more.”
“Me too, Damien. Me too.”
9
Ensley
He knew the whole time.
I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel right now. In a way, I’m flattered and intrigued, and slightly pissed I got pulled away from him. Of all nights for Jordan not to be able to handle things on her own. My heart is beating out of control and my patience is wearing thin. I want to get back to Owen. It takes me a while to find the catering manager and to get things sorted out. We moved the ice sculpture away from the cake, the champagne fountain was overfilled so we fixed that, and the fondue was burning because there wasn’t enough chocolate in it. Once everything was fixed, the auction had already started. Everyone was at their tables, including Owen. The seat beside him that’s supposed to be mine is now filled with a busty blonde.
A ping of jealousy spikes in my gut, but I stand back with Jordan as all of the amazing gifts are auctioned off. Jordan leans in close. “Did I interrupt something between you and Owen?”
She has no clue he’s my mystery man. “Just a little,” I whisper. “Remember my mystery man from the gala a while back ago?”
Her brows furrow. “Yeah. What does that have to do with Owen?”
All I do is stare at her and she slaps a hand over her mouth. “Oh my God, are you serious? Owen Jameson—is your that guy?”
I nod. “Yep. And the same guy I slept with at the Halloween ball. He found me there too.”
Jordan’s eyes light up and she squeals under her breath. Some of the guests turn their heads to look at us, and we both smile. “This is amazing,” she whispers back. “What are the chances of that?”
“Pretty good, as a matter of fact. After our first night together, he found out who I was. That’s why we were called in to plan the Halloween party.”
Jordan’s gaze averts over to Owen. “Sneaky bastard. I think it’s romantic. He has tons of producer friends here. Maybe they’ll turn your little saga into a movie.”
I roll my eyes. “No, thank you. What I really want to do is talk to him. He confessed everything right before you drug me away. I haven’t been able to speak to him about it.”
Jordan blows out a heavy sigh. “Dear God, he probably thinks you’re pissed.” She nudges me with her elbow. “Go talk to him. Tell him you’re not angry.”
I can’t pull him away from the event. “I will when the auction’s over.” Which feels like it’s going to take an eternity. I think I’ve known it was Owen for a while. Every time I heard his voice, it’s like I knew. And not to mention, the times we’ve touched. I’ve only gotten that electric spark with one man.
The charade is finally over.
The auctioneer goes through all the motions and as each second passes, I find myself more and more impatient. I want to know what’s going through Owen’s mind right now. Every time he starts to look back at me, someone snags his attention. Whether it’s stopping by his table to shake his hand or to talk to him. He’s a popular man. This is his night and his event. I don’t want to take him away from any of it.
Once the auction’s over, everyone stands and mingles around the room. I’ve lost sight of Owen from all the people. Jordan pushes me toward the crowd. “Go find him. I’ll handle everything else here.”
I stare at her questioningly. “Sure about that?”
She waves me off, her expression sheepish. “Okay, I’m sorry I have horrible timing. I promise I won’t interfere this time. Now go.”
All I want to do is find him. There are so many people it’s hard to get through without bumping into someone. I also don’t want to seem rude. Taking my time, I smile at everyone as I pass.
“Ms. Anderson,” Damien calls out from behind me. My impatience grows thinner, but I turn around and smile. Damien walks up to me with an older gentleman beside him with combed over white hair and wearing an awfully expensive designer tuxedo. Damien flourishes a hand in the man’s direction. “Ensley, I’d like for you to meet Simon Jennings. He’s a well-known music producer in New York.”
“Hello,” I say, extending my hand to him. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Simon shakes my hand. “The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Anderson.”
Damien pats Simon’s shoulder. “My friend here wants to hire you for some party planning coming up soon.”
Simon nods at me. “If that works for your schedule.”
“Of course,” I reply excitedly. “We will make it work. I look forward to it.”
Simon’s grin widens. “Perfect. I’ll get your information from Damien. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to find the man who outbid me for the Maldives vacation. I really wanted to win that one.”
Damien chuckles. “That man’s your brother.”
Simon nods. “Exactly. He knows I wanted it.” He winks at me before disappearing through the crowd. Damien moves up next to me and chuckles again. “The Jennings brothers are
