He removed the bracelet from the box and put it around my wrist.
“It looks perfect with that dress,” he spoke.
“It’ll look perfect with anything.”
“It’s not too heavy is it?”
“No. Why?”
“It’s 7 carats total weight.”
“I love you so much. Thank you.” I kissed his lips.
“You’re welcome, and I love you. I’m going to have to keep a close eye on you tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ll be the most beautiful woman there and people are going to be staring. Especially men.”
“Stop it.” I grinned as I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks.
“I’m not kidding. Are you almost ready to go?”
“I’m ready now. I just have to grab my evening bag.”
Damn, did he look sexy in that tuxedo. He looked exactly like he did in my dreams.
The fundraiser was being held at The Remington in the grand ballroom. When we arrived, some of the guests were already there. Waiters and waitresses walked around with champagne on their trays with some o’dourves. Over in the corner sat a long table with platters of meat, different cheeses, caviar and a variety of crackers. There had to be at least ten different types of olives, as well as fruit trays and vegetable trays.
“I’ll be right back. I have to go check on something,” Asher said as he kissed my cheek.
Pulling my phone from my purse, I sent Daniel a text message.
“Where are you?”
“We just pulled up.”
As I walked out to the lobby, they had just walked in.
“Damn, Everly. You look beautiful.” Daniel smiled as he kissed my cheek.
“You’re looking pretty dapper yourself in that suit.” I grinned. “Look at you!” I gave Diana a hug. “You look gorgeous.”
“Not as gorgeous as—Oh my God! Where did you get this?!” she exclaimed as she grabbed my wrist.
“Asher gave it to me today.”
“It’s beautiful and expensive.”
“It’s 7 carats,” I whispered.
“Man, he has good taste,” Diana said as she slapped Daniel on the arm.
“Hey. We have a baby on the way. I can’t afford to buy you one of those.”
The three of us walked into the ballroom and Asher came walking over.
“There you are. I was looking for you.”
“Sorry. I met Daniel and Diana in the lobby.”
Asher said hello to everyone, and I grabbed another glass of champagne. I was feeling a bit nervous as I looked around. I’d had another dream last night about the man in the white face mask.
“You seem nervous,” Asher spoke as he placed his hand on the small of my back. “Sweetheart, trust me, nobody is getting in this place wearing a white face mask.”
“I know. It’s just it doesn’t make sense.”
“Try to forget about it and have a good time.”
Diana, Daniel, and I walked over to the table where the food was.
“Thank God. I’m starving,” Diana said as she grabbed a cracker.
We stood by the table and talked for a bit until Diana had to use the ladies’ room and Daniel went up to the bar to get a drink. I was standing there alone until I heard Asher’s voice from behind.
“Everly, sweetheart.”
Turning around, I saw Asher, another man, and a woman standing there.
“I’d like you to meet Richard Winters and his wife Christina. Richard, Christina, this is my girlfriend, Everly.”
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Christina smiled as she extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”
“I feel like I already know you from the way both Diana and Asher talk about you.” Richard grinned as he extended his hand.
Placing my hand in his, I looked down at his watch and scenes from the past started to flip through my head. My breathing became restricted and I needed to calm the fuck down for Asher’s sake. Not tonight. Not tonight. I could barely breathe as my dream was becoming reality.
“It’s nice to meet you, Richard.” I gave him an unsure smile. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I need to use the ladies’ room.”
Asher stared at me because he knew something wasn’t right, and I could see the fear in his eyes. Casually walking out of the ballroom, I felt like I could breathe again once I hit the lobby.
“What the hell is going on?” Asher asked as he followed me.
“Nothing. I’m on my way to the ladies’ room.”
“Don’t fucking lie to me, Everly. Come on.” He grabbed my hand and led me to the elevator.
“Where are we going?”
“Up to my suite so you can tell me whatever it is you saw and then we can get back to the goddamn fundraiser!” he spoke in a loud voice.
He swiped the keycard, opened the door and flipped on the lights. The shutting of the door behind me startled me.
“Okay. Lay it on me.” He held out his arms. “What did you see about Richard? What the fuck do I need to know about him?”
“Stop yelling at me!” I shouted.
“One night, Everly. One damn night. My night.” He pointed to himself. “What did he do? Cheat on his wife? Is he out to screw me? Did he murder someone? WHAT!” he shouted.
“I think he’s my FATHER!” I shouted back.
Asher’s jaw dropped as he stared at me from across the room.
“What?” His brow furrowed.
“I saw him with my mother. She was going to tell him that night she was pregnant, but then they got into an argument and she told him she never wanted to see him again.”
“My God, Everly.” He walked over to where I stood and pulled me into an embrace. “I’ll have Damien take you home if you want.”
“No. I’m fine. This is your night and I’m staying. I can deal with this tomorrow. I didn’t want to tell you tonight. But you’re so damn stubborn, Mr. Remington.”
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m so sorry. I really need to fucking think before I speak.”
“I’m fine.” I took in a deep breath. “But, yeah, you do.”
“They’re sitting at our table. I can arrange for them to sit elsewhere.”
“No. Don’t go changing anything. I’ll be fine. I promise. He’s the guy from my dream, Asher. I
