Emily smiled at the picture that popped up on her screen along with the text from David. She’d picked out a bowtie for him to wear to his party tonight and sent it to Lydia to give to him when he got dressed since he was planning to stay at the office until the party tonight.
She eyed their suitcases in the corner of the bedroom. They would rush home to grab them after their respective parties and fly to Colorado in time for the Christmas extravaganza.
You look like a million bucks, Sir.
Is that how much you spent on the bowtie? I’m glad you’re finally comfortable spending our money.
She stuck her tongue out at the phone. David enjoyed teasing her about her discomfort around his billions.
Her phone buzzed again.
Do I not get a picture of my present on you?
Emily blushed. He’d left her two presents. A set of red lacy lingerie for under her dress and a pretty red jeweled charm to put on her collar.
She posed for the camera and snapped a picture of her neck with the delicate jewelry around it and hit send.
You can unwrap your other present later.
His next text was just a single word, but it sent shivers down her spine and a flood of moisture rushing to her core.
Mine
She’d been his since the day they met at a party not unlike the one she was going to tonight.
Taking a final look in the mirror, she grabbed her handbag and headed for the stairs. Her driver was waiting outside for her and quickly opened the door when she stepped out.
“Good evening, Mrs. Eastman,” he said as she slid onto the back passenger seat.
“Evening James. Thanks for the ride. I really wish my husband would let me drive.”
James shook his head. “It’s really safer if you’re in a car that isn’t registered to you ma’am. You get a lot of press because of your husband.”
Emily shrugged. “Well. Thank you. I just wish you had more time off. Especially around the holidays.”
James laughed. “Trust me, Mrs. Eastman. You pay me enough that my wife doesn’t mind if I’m late for dinner sometimes.”
Emily gave a nervous giggle. Why did money still make her so uncomfortable?
A half hour later, they were pulling up to the event venue and James lept out to open her door. Two men stepped forward to greet her. More of David’s overprotective security measures. She smiled and let them escort her inside where they assured her they would do nothing more than wait at the entrance for her to be done.
“And you know I’m planning to leave as soon as I give my speech, correct?”
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll be ready to escort you back to your driver as soon as you’re done.”
She nodded and stepped into the grand ballroom. The room smelled of Christmas and booze as people mingled among the fresh pine trees that dotted the room dressed in reds and golds. Mini wreaths graced each table with candles stuffed in the middle. It was all just a little too much Christmas for Emily, but she smiled graciously as Anthony Granger approached her.
“Mrs. Eastman, thank you so much for coming. We’ve saved you a seat on the dais table.”
She frowned. How on earth would she make an early exit if she were seated on the dais?
Dutifully, she followed the eager man to the stage and took her seat near the end of the long banquet table.
“Mrs. Eastman, this is Abbi Verides, head of donor relations. She’s been quite excited to meet you.”
The older woman offered her a bright smile and a handshake. “Mrs. Eastman, it’s a real honor. I know it’s been two years but please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of your brother.”
“Emily please,” she said with a smile. “I appreciate that. This time of year is hard sometimes. I’m happy to be among people who know what Tristan went through and I’m grateful that I’ve been blessed with the resources to donate to the good work you do. Your organization really saved me and my brother a few times.”
