Chapter 12
I should have told her she looked beautiful. I was just so shocked when she stepped outside looking like a fairy-tale princess come to life. All that hair piled up on her head and cascading down her back in soft curls. I’ve always preferred women with a natural look, but there was something about the way her bright red hair with the thick golden streaks through it blended with her creamy skin and golden dress. She looked like a blazing sunset. And those eyes. Their vibrant violet color was startling, but they were so stunning they could pierce a man’s soul. She looked mysterious and exotic.
She took my breath away.
The force of the feelings she invoked rattled me to my core. I’ve never had such a visceral reaction to anyone. I didn’t know what to do with it. I wanted to sweep her into my arms and taste those lush pink lips. I wanted to drag my mouth down the column of her throat and run my tongue over every freckle on her bare shoulders. Had we been alone, I don’t know that I could have resisted. But there were cameras, and the world had no business knowing what Vivian was doing to me.
I screwed up. I let my anger at the situation get the better of me, and I accidentally insulted the woman again. I made her feel unwanted instead of letting her see that I consider myself a lucky man to be on her arm this evening.
The ride to the venue is painful. I’m awkward with women on my best day, but add the cameras and the fact that Vivian unsettles me, and I’m a lost cause. A train wreck. Hopeless. Everything I say seems to make things worse, so I give up and keep quiet.
Despite everything, Vivian’s mood brightens when we reach the banquet hall. It makes sense when we walk into the ballroom. It looks every bit as magical as Vivian. I’ve been to a lot of fundraisers and social functions, and this one is impressive. A lot of work was put into this. If Vivian is responsible for it, she deserves a perfect night. Hopefully, I can manage to not be an asshole for the next few hours.
Her eyes shine as she looks around the room. She takes it all in with pride and excitement. I’m watching her closely, so I see the moment she remembers I’m here. She stiffens and nervously clears her throat. She bites her lip and looks at me with a hint of vulnerability. I wish I knew how to ease her worry. “I guess we should find our seats, and then I should probably find the people in charge and let them know I’m here.”
I want her confidence to come back. She’s not meant to be self-conscious over anything. “Whatever you need,” I say. “This is your night.”
I mean that. I’ve screwed up enough already, but it’s not too late to fix it. Maybe I can’t be the charming, romantic prince she deserves, but I can be a strong, steady presence at her side.
My words surprise her. Confusion and wariness cross her expressive face. It’s like she can’t believe I’m capable of being polite or kind, and she’s waiting for the other shoe to drop. I hate that this is her response. We’ve gotten off to such a bad start. It’s my own fault. I’ve been a beast since my father died and I learned I had a year to find a wife. I’ve taken my anger and frustration out on everyone around me, Vivian included.
“Thanks,” she mutters.
Before we figure out what to do next, a man approaches us with a wide smile for Vivian that has my spine straightening. The man is probably a few years younger than me and has classic good looks. Tall, lean, with golden blond hair and an air of ease and friendliness that I could never accomplish. He leans forward to kiss Vivian’s cheek. “Vivian! I’m so glad you could make it.”
Vivian lets go of my arm to give him a warm hug. “Hey, Bryce. Me too. It would have broken my heart to miss it.”
“I’m so sorry about everything,” Bryce murmurs. “I’ve already said this to Ella, but if there’s anything I can do, you know you only have to ask.”
Their arms are still wrapped around one another, and I really don’t like it. I have no claim on Vivian, but I’m feeling very territorial. My jealousy isn’t surprising. I’m very used to getting what I want, and women usually fall at my feet. Vivian does not. The fact that she would be here with a different date—possibly this guy—if she had any other choice is not helping.
I didn’t expect to find a woman that sparks my interest during this whole ridiculous process, but from the day I met her, Vivian intrigued me. After our shopping trip together, I was hooked. And the thing that clenched it was the way she resisted becoming a contestant on the show. She was given the chance to date a billionaire. Any other woman would have been all over that, but she wanted no part of it. That was both frustrating and a relief.
When I realized that greedy son-of-a-bitch producer wasn’t going to let the twins out of their contract, I saw the perfect opportunity to work things in my favor. I hadn’t expected Vivian to hate me for it. Maybe I shouldn’t have manipulated her into being here, but I knew after meeting all the contestants the first night that I wasn’t going to find a wife among them. Vivian’s my only hope that this ridiculous plan might just work. I might be able to save my family’s legacy, and maybe even be happy. I just have to convince her to give me a chance.
Step one, getting this huggy jerk off her. I clear my throat to break up the embrace. They pull back and both look at me. Bryce glances at the camera beside us and gives me a wary smile. I can tell he’s been informed of the situation. I get the impression he’s not thrilled, but it’s the protective way he puts his arm around Vivian that makes me think it’s my presence he’s unhappy about, not the show. Are they dating? I never even asked Vivian if she was seeing someone before she was forced to join the show.
Vivian pulls her shoulders back and plasters a strained smile on her face. “Bryce, this is Sebastian, my date for the evening. Sebastian, this is Bryce Carmichael. He’s the head of the adoption agency we’re here to support tonight.”
He holds his hand out. “Hello.”
I give him a nod and a firm handshake. I may squeeze a bit too tight, and I definitely stare him down too harshly, because Vivian glares at me and elbows me in the ribs. “Be nice,” she mutters. She gives him a smile that makes me want to punch him. “Sebastian and I apologize for the cameras. There was no getting around it. We’ll try to keep out of people’s way tonight.”
He sighs. “Ella explained everything. I’m just glad you could be here. It wouldn’t be right not having you here after all of your hard work. And Ella’s right: It could be good publicity for the agency.”
“Still. We’ll try to stay out of the way.”
Bryce chuckles. “Don’t hide too much. My wife is dying to see your gown, and Jesse has demanded that you still owe him a dance.”
“Who’s Jesse?” I demand before thinking better of it. Great. I sound as jealous as I feel.
Vivian glares at me, and Bryce’s smile finally disappears. He gives me a hard look that makes me respect him more. “Jesse is the man she was supposed to come with tonight. Her real date. She had to cancel on him at the last minute, thanks to you.”
I grind my teeth. It wasn’t my fault. The show producers were the ones being pricks. If I hadn’t suggested they film this, she would have missed it. I’ll never convince her I’m not the bad guy, though.
I have no idea what to say, but luckily, Vivian jumps in to gracefully move past the awkward situation. “Do you know if Ella and Brian are coming tonight?” she asks Bryce. “I’ve been out of contact with everyone for the last few days.”
“They’re here somewhere. Got here about fifteen minutes ago. Ella’s not quite her cheery self. I’m not sure how long they plan to stay tonight.”
Vivian sighs. “I should go find them.”
Bryce gives her a sad smile. “I’ll let you go, then. I’m so glad you made it. And thank you again, for everything. You and Ella, both. Your support means the world to so many of us.”
They hug again, and then Bryce runs off to talk to someone else. Vivian looks at me, and her shoulders slump. It’s a punch to my gut. She really doesn’t want to be here with me. How can I cheer her up? “Let’s go find Ella. I’m sure you want an update.”
Her grateful smile is weak. I offer her my arm again, and we head into the crowd. I wrack my brain for something to say. What I really want to do is ask is if she’s dating this Jesse guy, but even I know that’s not a good idea. “So…you organized this?”
“I didn’t do it alone. It was Ella’s brainchild. I just helped.”
“It looks great.”
Again, she seems startled by the compliment, but her shoulders relax, and she looks around the room with a small smile. “Thanks. Looks like it all came together.” She stops walking and turns to face me. “I suppose I owe you a thank-you.”
My eyebrows fly up.
“As much as I hate the camera following me around, I really would have been heartbroken to miss this. You were right the other night that I was still getting to come even if it wasn’t how I’d planned. Thank you for finding a solution.” She nods her head toward the camera. “This is a compromise I can live with.”
I’m stunned. Where did this come from? What caused her to lower her guard? What do I do? What can I say that won’t ruin this fragile truce? After a moment of panic, I figure it’s probably best to keep her talking. I can’t stick my foot in my mouth if I’m not saying anything. “What is this charity you’re so involved with? It must be important to you if you’ve put so much work into this event.”
We slowly make our way near the front of the room. There’s a large jumbo screen on the wall playing a slideshow of different families. Vivian watches it a moment before answering me. “F is for Families is a nonprofit adoption agency that specializes in helping place children in loving homes for as little cost as possible. Adoption can be so expensive that many good people out there who are desperate for a child of their own simply can’t afford the process. The funding we raise tonight will help sponsor eligible families to cover some of their legal fees, medical expenses, and other various costs so that they can worry less about the financial strain and just focus on the health and happiness of the child.”
Vivian comes alive the more she talks. She truly believes in this cause. Her passion is appealing, and again, she’s proving to be a selfless woman, helping others out of the goodness of her heart. I was attracted to her before, but the more time I spend with her only makes me like her more. I want to know everything about her. “How did you get involved with this? It sounds like it’s personal for you.”
“I was adopted when I was five. I don’t remember a lot, but I have vague memories. My mother was a drug addict, and I had no father to speak of. I was abused and neglected. I was taken by the state when I was four, and a year later I was placed with the most amazing couple in the most loving home anyone could ever have. They took a traumatized child and gave me the kind of safe, happy, healthy life that every child deserves. I’m happy that I can finally give back in some way.”
This story adds a layer to the complicated woman beside me. She has an inner strength and a passion for life that must come from her upbringing. For a child to start off their life in such a horrible way, I can’t even imagine how hard that must have been. I’m suddenly grateful to her parents for helping her through her childhood trauma and nurturing her into such an amazing person. I can’t help picturing my own niece. The thought of her suffering in any way is a nightmare I don’t want to ever think about. “And this agency, F is for Families, are they the agency that placed you?”
She shakes her head. “No, F is for Families is the agency the Olivers used to adopt their son. It was Ella who first decided to get involved after working with them. I just jumped on the train with her.”
Surprise hits me again. “The Olivers adopted? I didn’t know that.”
“Ella has enough physical disabilities that both she and any baby she carried would be at high risk for all kinds of complications—if she could even carry a child to term. Doctors weren’t sure. It was a heartbreaking decision for them, but they eventually decided adoption was the safer route. They haven’t regretted it for an instant, though. Apollo is the best thing that ever happened to them. They love that little guy more than life itself. It doesn’t matter that he’s not biologically theirs.
“It opened Ella’s eyes to all the good adoption does for so many people. She threw her whole heart into the cause, and knowing my history, she asked if I wanted to help her plan a fundraiser. I hadn’t been looking for ways to help, but when handed the opportunity, I couldn’t say no. It’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
When we reach the front of the room, Brian and Ella Oliver spot us. They’re sitting at a table, but they both stand when we approach. “Vivian!” Ella calls.
It’s a surreal moment. I’ve met many powerful and wealthy people, but I’ve never actually met any celebrities. I’m not one to get starstruck or keep up with the tabloids, but I do enjoy seeing the occasional movie when I have the time, and it’s very strange to be standing among the people who star in those movies. I haven’t given much thought to the fact that Vivian is best friends with two of the biggest celebrities in Los Angeles, but now that I’m witnessing it firsthand, it’s a little intimidating.
Vivian lets go of my arm to wrap herself around her best friend. The two women crash together like they haven’t seen each other in years. After a moment, I realize they’re both crying. They’re whispering to one another and squeezing each other as if this one hug will cure all their worries.
Brian hovers behind his wife with a pained look on his face. I can’t imagine how he feels right now. Watching Vivian and the twins cry the other day was awful, and I barely knew them. Seeing his wife suffer, knowing there’s nothing he can do to help, must be torture.
As if he can feel the weight of my stare, Brian looks my way. His expression is shrewd and just shy of hostile. I’m impressed. Not many men can stare me down with so much confidence. “You must be Sebastian.”
His tone is cool. I pull my shoulders back and take his hand. “Sebastian Monroe. My condolences for your family. I’m glad the twins were able to come home.”
His eyes flick to my date and narrow. “At Vivian’s expense.”
A glare of frustration escapes me before I can put the lid back on my emotions. “The show wasn’t going to let them out of their contract any other way.”
“And tonight?” he presses, his disdain growing thicker by the second. “I believe it was your idea to exploit Vivian’s connection to us.”
My hands ball into fists and my jaw clenches so hard it cramps. I am sick and tired of being the bad guy. “To be frank, I couldn’t care less who she’s friends with. She wanted to be here tonight. I made sure it happened.”
“Hard to believe when you brought a camera crew with you. The show’s ratings will skyrocket this season.”
I throw my hands out at my sides. “I don’t give a shit about the show’s ratings. They could cancel it, and I would toast to its demise. I was only trying to help Vivian.”
Brian doesn’t respond immediately, as if he’s ruminating on my words and trying to judge their sincerity. “Then why sign on to the show in the first place?”
I glare at the ground. It’s the one question everyone always asks, and the one I never want to answer. I don’t want the world to know what my father did, or the vulnerable state of my company. If the truth got out, it could do so much damage. People’s stock would plummet. There’d be layoffs. So many employees could lose their jobs. It could destroy lives. “I’m there to find a wife,” I say through clenched teeth.
I hate how desperate and ridiculous that makes me look, but I can’t give him the whole truth.
Brian cocks a brow at me. He’s got a good BS meter. He knows there’s more I’m not saying. “Interesting way to go about it.”
I’m positive my cheeks are turning pink. This show has taken every last ounce of my dignity. How did I let my mother and sister talk me into this? “The show didn’t tell the contestants who the bachelor was going to be before they signed on. Thirty women looking for love, with no idea they were about to date a billionaire. You telling me a man like you can’t see the appeal of finding someone who doesn’t just want you for your fame or money?”
Brian doesn’t respond. His gaze is still skeptical, but not as frosty.
“Brian, leave him alone,” Ella says, breaking up the interrogation. She and Vivian have finished their tearful conversation.
Vivian’s eyes are red, and Ella’s are puffy. I hand Vivian my handkerchief at the same time Brian pulls one out for Ella. The four of us notice the exchange, and both women giggle. It’s a nice icebreaker. Brian relaxes. His attention goes from grilling me to hovering over his wife protectively.
Ella offers me a subdued smile and her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sebastian.”
I give it a light shake, careful not to knock her off balance as she’s leaning heavily on a cane. Vivian said she had disabilities, but I don’t know the extent of them. “You as well. My condolences for your family. How is your father? I hope he’s recovering well from his surgery.”
Ella sighs. “He’s sore and tired, but he’s a trooper. Thanks for helping the twins, even if you had to steal my best friend to do it.”
A man slips up behind us, grabbing Vivian around the waist and lifting her off the ground. He shakes her like a rag doll as he gives her a hug. “If it isn’t the reality TV star who ditched me for a billionaire!”
Vivian squeals. “Jesse! Put me down!”
My spine stiffens. I’m ready to punch the guy manhandling my date, but then he sets her on her feet, and I see exactly who had grabbed her. “Jesse Ramos?” I blurt out. I blink at Vivian, shocked. “That’s who you’re dating?”
Jesse Ramos is the star of some of my favorite movies. He’s wildly popular and was recently given the title of Sexiest Man Alive. I can’t believe the Jesse she was supposed to come with tonight is Jesse Ramos. And as if that’s not enough, the small group of people who’ve arrived with him are just as familiar. Astrid Graves, Dylan Reese, and Rhett Kessler, each with a date on their arms, move to greet Brian, Ella, and Vivian with warm smiles and hugs. Vivian is standing in a group of A-list celebrities as if this is an everyday occurrence for her. Maybe it is.
Insecurity sweeps through me. This is the company she keeps? Her life must be so full of glitz and glamour. Parties and movie premieres, and who knows what else. I may have money, but I have no social life. I work, and I spend time with my family, or I spend it at home. Alone. How could I compete with this?
She’s young—twenty-three to my thirty-one—and I doubt we have anything in common. What do I know about fashion? There’s not much I hate worse than shopping. She’s so beautiful, and fun, and bold. What would she ever want with a grumpy, old reclusive workaholic like me?
“Um, not dating,” Vivian says with so much vehemence that I let out a breath of relief.
Jesse elbows me playfully. “I wish, bro. I’ve been trying for years, but this beautiful ballerina is unusually resistant to my charms. She only agreed to be my date tonight because she lost a bet.” He slings his arm over Vivian’s shoulders and smacks her cheek with a sloppy kiss. “You’re not off the hook, you know. You still owe me a date, and I get at least one dance tonight.”
She rolls her eyes and pushes him off her. “One dance. One. And only if you make a donation.”
They banter back and forth a few moments longer, then Jesse holds out his hand to her. Before she takes it, she glances my way. “One dance,” she says. “Otherwise he’ll bug us all night.”
I’m surprised she asks my permission. She doesn’t need it, but it’s the polite thing to do. I want to say no. I want to be a possessive jerk and keep her all to myself all night. But she’s smiling and having fun for the first time tonight. I can’t take that from her. I give her a nod and try not to glare as Hollywood’s biggest action hero absconds with my date.
I can’t tear my eyes away from the couple as they twirl around the dance floor. It’s not a romantic dance. He’s not holding her close, and she’s not leaning into him. But it’s relaxed and playful. He keeps making her laugh. Something I doubt I could accomplish. James and the camera man have their attention split, trying to get Vivian’s dance and my reaction. Eventually they must decide I’m the better target, because the camera focuses on me, and James asks, “Jesse Ramos, huh? That must sting.”
I shrug. It does sting a little, but I’m not about to let anyone see that. “She said they’re just friends. I’m not worried.”
“Still,” James says. “It’s Jesse Ramos. I don’t know that I’d have had the guts to let her go with him.”
I glare at him. “I don’t own her. And this is her big night. I want her to enjoy herself.”
“Good answer,” a quiet, teasing voice says. Ella steps up beside me. “Surprising, but a relief.”
She’s playing with me, but frustration gets the better of me, and I snap at her. “I’m not a complete asshole.”
Ella doesn’t react to my anger. She studies me so intensely I squirm beneath her searching gaze. “Then what are you?” she asks.
I rake a hand through my hair. “Not everyone can be charming, or funny, or romantic. I’m not great with women, or socializing in general, but it doesn’t make me a jerk.”
Ella nods slowly. “That’s fair.” She grins. “What was it Elizabeth Bennet said about it being your own fault if you don’t take the time to practice?”
I have no idea what she’s talking about. “Elizabeth Bennet?”
“Pride and Prejudice?”
I grimace. “Never read it.”
She smirks. “You should. You and Mr. Darcy have a lot in common.”
I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or not, but I’m suddenly very curious to read the book.
My eyes find their way back to Vivian. Jesse’s tugging her around like a brute, but she’s gliding around the floor with the grace of a swan. I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful.
Ella nudges me softly with her elbow. “You should go cut in.”
I blink at her. “She asked for a dance with him. Wouldn’t interrupting be rude?”
“There’s being aggressive, and then there’s being possessive. One’s romantic, the other is not. Luckily for you, I can tell the difference. Vivian, on the other hand…”
I drag my eyes away from Vivian to give Ella a questioning look. Ella sighs. “She’s dated some real jerks because she’s got a weakness for alpha males. She likes to be pursued. You might not be good with women, but you’re going to have to take charge if you want a real chance with her. She likes to fall, but she wants to know you’re going to be there to catch her when she does.”
I study the woman warily, not quite believing she’s giving me advice. “And you’re okay with that? With her falling for me?” It’s hard to believe I’ve won over Vivian’s best friend.
“I’m not an idiot,” Ella says. “I know there’s more to your story than you’re telling people. You signing onto the show doesn’t make sense otherwise. For whatever reason, you need a wife. I also know the greed Hollywood is capable of. I’m sure the show wasn’t going to let the twins out of their contracts easily. You’re a smart man used to negotiating deals. I knew you played both sides to your benefit. I just didn’t know what you wanted with Vivian until tonight.”
I snap my gaze back to Ella again, startled by the confidence in her statement. She surprises me with a soft smile. “I’ve seen that look before.”
I try to blank my face. “What look?”
“The one on your face every time you look at Vivian.”
She nods toward Brian. He’s talking with his friends, but he’s got one eye trained on us. When Ella acknowledges him, his face softens. “It’s that look,” Ella says, blowing a kiss to her husband. She meets my eyes again. “I’m going to trust you with my best friend’s heart.”
I shift my weight and try not to tug at my tie that suddenly feels too tight. Ella Oliver has seen right through me. It’s unsettling. But at the same time, a sense of pride washes over me. I’ve earned her trust. I doubt that happens easily. It makes me want to do everything I can to not let her down. If Vivian needs an alpha male, I can be that for her. If I can take charge in the boardroom, if I can lead a company of thousands of employees, I can handle one woman.
“Of course…” Ella says, dragging her words out slowly, “hell hath no fury and all that.”
I meet her eyes and find fire blazing in her gaze. She’s promising a world of pain if I hurt her friend. “Message received,” I tell her.
She holds her stare for a moment longer, then nods. “Good.” Her smile comes back, and she nods toward the dance floor. “Now, go get her.”