Turning, I glance back at Luke. “I didn’t realize you were getting an award. That’s amazing. Congratulations.”
I feel so proud of him, he has come such a long way since we were kids in high school.
Looking uncomfortable he glances down at his watch. “Hey, I think it’s time for us to go.”
Jas chimes in, “Now you kids don’t go doing anything I wouldn’t do, and Luke, I expect her home by midnight.”
I knew Jas wouldn’t be able to resist some kind of a comment.
“He’ll bring me home when I’m good and ready.” I jump in, raising my brow suggestively, as I smile up at Luke. Secretly I’m hoping I won’t be home till late tomorrow.
We say our goodbyes, but as we turn to walk to the front door, I hear Jas whisper way too loudly, “Now, that is one fine ass.”
Luke chokes on a laugh, while I turn my head back to glare at Jasmine. Oh my God, she is outrageous, and I love her for it.
Exiting my apartment building, Luke walks up to a black town car with a driver parked out front. Holding the door of the luxury vehicle open for me, I climb in. Settled in the back seat of the car next to Luke, holding his hand, I feel incredibly special.
It’s a short drive to the Hyatt, and shortly after arriving we're making our way over to the elevators up to the ballroom. The moment we step through the doors of the ballroom, I’m transported to a magical world. The room is like walking into a winter wonderland with its blue-hued lighting and snowy white decor. The low overhead lighting is enhanced by thousands maybe even millions of white fairy lights draped across the ceiling. Large white trees draped in crystal icicles and more fairy lights form a grand archway into the room.
Candelabras with sleek white glowing candles, white roses, and trailing ivy adorn the large round tables covered in pure white cloths. Crystal wine glasses sparkle in the flickering candlelight. It is absolutely beautiful.
I’m a little bit awestruck as a brief scan around me confirms this event is oozing glamour and money. Ladies, young and old wearing evening gowns ranging from simple to extravagant in all the primary colors and all the shades in between. Diamonds dripping from wrists. Diamonds draped around bare necks. Diamonds dangling from earlobes. Women adorned by more jewels than a Tiffany store window.
Luke places his hand on my lower back, the heat of his touch filtering through the thin silk fabric of my dress as he guides me toward a waiter holding a tray of champagne. Taking a glass each, we step off to the side to take in our glamourous surroundings.
Luke tilts his glass toward mine. “To us from Daytona to Manhattan.”
Tonight, surrounded by all this opulence, I love how Luke can remember where we came from.
Clinking my glass to his, I catch his eye, and repeat, “To us.” Before sipping the cold bubbles.
“Let’s try and find our table in this huge place. Blake texted earlier to say he and Bec are already here.”
We slowly make our way between tables and groups of people chatting. Till Luke stops at a table where a good-looking, fair-haired man and equally beautiful woman are sitting. They don't notice us at first as they're talking, their heads bent close together. The man looks up, and wow, his bright blue eyes twinkle between laughter lines. Not my type, but just as much as the next girl I can appreciate this level of handsomeness. My type, of course, is more along the brooding lines of the dark-haired, blue-eyed man standing beside me.
The man and woman stand to greet us. Luke introduces me to Blake first.
Blake shakes my hand. “Cassie, it’s nice to finally meet you. It’s been way too long.” An interesting comment I may have to quiz Luke on later.
Blake is a giant of a man, even towering over Luke, and his dinner jacket stretches across broad, strong shoulders. Blake and Luke are an impressive duo standing next to each other. I imagine they cause quite a stir in the corporate office hallways where they do their business.
When Luke introduces Bec, she leans in to greet me with a friendly hug, her sleek dark brown hair swishing across her bronzed shoulders. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Her warm brown eyes are welcoming and instantly putting me at ease. Bec is pure elegance in her stunning red, strapless, satin dress. She is about the same height as me, so tall for a woman, but beside these men, Bec and I seem petite.
“Hi Bec, it’s so nice to meet you too, after we had such a good chat the other day.” Luke’s eyes widen as he catches my eye.
Bec agrees, “I’m so glad you came, as these affairs are usually so full of stuffy suits, present company excepted of course.” Waving her hand in Blake and Luke’s direction.
Blake and Luke exchange surprised looks. Bec arches her brow. “What? You two can’t seriously tell me you think these people are normal.”
Blake shrugs. “You know she’s got a point.”
“Not getting any argument from me,” agrees Luke, as he pulls out a chair for me, and we all take our seats.
Other guests arrive at our table, and when introductions around the table are complete, everyone relaxes into interesting, mostly business-related conversations. I'm happy to be sitting between Bec and Luke during dinner so Bec and I can chat more.
While Luke is occupied talking to the lady to his left, Bec asks me quietly how Luke and I met. I’m surprised she doesn’t know.
