“Maddie is sitting with me tonight. I’m sorry to steal her away from you guys.” I put on my most charming smile and step in because Maddie looks like she’s about to be sick. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Roman Molanari.”
“Of course!” Peyton turns her peppy attention towards me. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.Maddie and I have been friends for a long time. I guess if I have to give her up tonight, you’re a good enough reason.”
“I appreciate that.” I chuckle, snaking my arm around Maddie’s waist.
“Well, come find me later.” Peyton gives her one last squeeze. “And it was lovely to meet you, Roman.”
She flits away before either of us can respond.
“Are all of your friends so bubbly?” I grin, turning to Maddie.
She bites her lip, letting out a small laugh. “No. That’s just Peyton’s personality, and she’s even more upbeat tonight because she loves this kind of thing.”
“A rare breed.”
“That she is.” Maddie’s voice is tight.
“You’re worried about running into your dad, aren’t you?”
“Yeah,” she breathes. “I didn’t even know he was coming. We haven’t spoken since I left St. Louis. I mean, he’s always invited, but he’s never made it out before. I didn’t think this year would be any different, but…” she trails off. “I guess it is.”
“Babe, if he’s here, we’ll deal with it. Okay?” I press a kiss to her cheek. “Peyton said she hasn’t seen him yet, so there’s no reason to get stressed about something that we don’t even know is true.”
She swallows, nodding. “I could certainly use a drink. How about you?”
“Yeah, definitely.”
I follow Maddie to the bar, and after we get our drinks, we wander around for a bit until it’s time to find our seats. We’re at a table with a few friends of mine, which is perfect. It’ll take a bit of the work pressure off of Maddie.
Even though the gala is for the hospital, most of the people are unassociated donors. Because these events focus on attracting money, the guest list is filled with some of Las Vegas’s mostaffluent people. Most of them I do business with and know very well. I probably know more people here than she does.
When we take our seats, I make introductions, and can see her start to relax as she chats with a few of the wives. I watch her for most of dinner, amazed by the way she fits into any crowd. She has them all on the edge of their seats as she tells them about the things she’s seen pass through the ER, and I feel so fucking lucky to be the one she’s with.
“How did you guys meet?” Craig, one of the men, asks.
“Uh…” I scramble for an explanation because, while most of them know what I do, I can’t exactly admit the truth about how all of this started between us.
Luckily, Maddie jumps in. “I treated his son a few months ago. We just kind of clicked.”
I lean forward, one arm around her shoulders and the other hand resting on her bare thigh, right where that slit pulls. “I knew right then there was no way I could let her get away.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t kidnap me,” she taunts, shooting me a wink.
“I am, too!” Craig chuckles. “Roman certainly has a way of getting what he wants.”
“I’m going to get another drink while you all harass me.” I stand and grab our empty glasses. “Another champagne, babe?”
“Sure, thanks.” She smiles, cheeks already turning a soft shade of red from the buzz.
“Whiskey on the rocks and a champagne, please.” I set our glasses on the bar as I order.
A man comes up next to me and at first, I don’t realize who it is. When I turn to see Dr. Bauer, I look away in disgust before I do something I’ll regret.
“Roman.” He slaps me on the back as if we’re old friends. “Enjoying the night?”
“Yep,” I answer shortly. Conversing with him isn’t high on my priority list. I can play nice because he’s Maddie’s boss, but that’s about it.
“I’m glad I caught you alone. I’ve been wanting to speak with you ever since you brought lunch to Madison.”
