Caleb stared at the man he had formerly seen in the papers and thought of as cold and unfeeling. His sister was right. There was a different side to him where she was concerned, and he was convinced that Livingston was going to make his sister very happy.
Chapter 15
It was a media frenzy, and it lasted for several months. Right up to the time when they set the date for the wedding. She not only had to deal with that aspect of it, but there was a nasty and uncomfortable incident involving the woman he had been seeing before.
The actress Magda did not take kindly to the fact that he had thrown her over for an assistant and one who was carrying another man's child to boot.
As soon as the news hit, she approached them when they stepped into the ballroom of the Regal hotel for a function. It was their first public outing as a couple. He had given her an exquisite square cut diamond to officially mark their engagement, and she was now living with him. Her brother had given up his apartment and was now living at her former house. He had also insisted on completely outfitting her by placing a call to Monique.
Blazing with righteous indignation and not caring about public appearances, Magda sailed towards them in a flurry of emerald green gown that was molded to her body.
"Now I see why you said goodbye. I thought you didn't screw the help."
Clamping his hand on Courtney's arm, he stopped her from responding to the insult.
"You want to step all the way back and not say another word against the woman I'm going to marry," he warned. The ballroom was filled to the brim as people had turned out in support of the hurricane victims in several Third World countries. His company had been very active in putting up funds to alleviate the sufferings of the victims and his PR had convinced him that it was time for the public to see them together.
Magda's eyes spat venom as she turned to look at Courtney.
"He's going to leave you. Just watch. The great and invincible Dante Livingston doesn't stay with one woman for very long."
"Then that's my business, isn't it?" Courtney shook her head when Dante started to respond. "I know what I'm getting into, and it would be in your best interest to go back to your date and try for dignity. I'm not in the habit of fighting over a man and neither should you. And this one happens to be mine. Just letting you know."
Magda stared at her furiously, the color draining from her face. She waited a beat before looking at Dante.
"She's carrying another man's baby. Have you no shame?"
"Where she's concerned, none," he responded coolly, the comment carelessly offhanded. "Now, I would advise you not to piss me off any further. I will take your feelings into consideration this time, but I must remind you that I have a major interest in the movie you're currently involved in, and my reach is very long. I will also say that I'm sorry if you were hurt in any way by me. I regret that. I'm in love with Courtney, all the way in love with her and anyone who hurts her in any way, I'm going to take it very personally."
Deciding it was prudent and wise for her to back down, Magda turned away without another word.
"Ready to dance?"
She stared at him and shook her head as she stepped into his arms. The rest of the room who had taken an avid interest in the scene suddenly turned away and conversation built up.
"Was it easy for you?" she wondered as he circled her around the room.
"What?" Tilting his head down, he took in the glowing face and felt his heart taking the familiar dive. Her hair was brushed back from a subtly made-up face, the lipstick coating her full and sexy lips, the color of crushed rose petals. Her dress was of the same color, a soft cashmere that draped her body lovingly. She had just started to show, and the style of the dress had accommodated her thickening waistline.
"Leaving her."
His thick brows arched. "Yes."
"Really?"
"Want me to lie?" he murmured. It felt incredibly right to have her in his arms like this, as if they had been doing this forever.
"No." Tilting her head, she stared at him. She should have felt qualms at the woman's vicious words about him leaving her one day, but she was secure in his love. He had shown her in so many ways that he was here to stay.
"Worried?"
"About?"
He settled his hands at the small of her back and rubbed automatically. "That I will leave you eventually."
Her brows arched. "Not at all."
He grinned at her. "You're that confident."
