Seven
Amber
The next few days were uneventful, apart from receiving crappy feedback from Max about my essay on that Monday night. Why did I even bother?
“Talk about the journey from hell,” my best friend Mia huffed after bursting unceremoniously into my bedroom. I had taken a couple of days off and we had a lunch date which I’d forgotten about.
I lifted my head from my task. Mia always had some drama on the way to my house, the trip was never straightforward.
I spat the lid of the highlighter pen from my mouth, “What happened this time?”
“It’s just a shitter of a journey mid-week. The M25 was rammed as usual; roadworks everywhere and not a workman in sight.” She paused for dramatic effect. “You’re going to have to learn to drive; I can’t be coming to you all the time,” she mumbled moodily.
Mia was like a whirlwind as she toed off her heeled boots, dropped her bag and threw herself face down across my bed. She looked stunning as always; her hair piled on top of her head, grey skinny jeans and an oversized pink jumper that fell off one shoulder. I was wearing sweats and a top and looked like a sack of shit in comparison.
I shuffled around to face her as she flipped onto her back and looked up at the ceiling.
“It’s the ring road, it’s always a nightmare,” I pointed out, lowering the guest list I was checking.
I was sitting cross-legged on the carpet at the bottom of my bed, going through some paperwork for my father’s party which was taking place that weekend .
Mia shot me a look. “It was nasty. I got a middle-aged geezer behind me beeping like an inpatient grey-haired prick. Just because your wife won’t let you up her arse—don’t think you can get up mine, buddy. I started breaking unnecessarily just to piss him off.”
Smiling, I shook my head with an eye roll. Mia always lifted my spirits. The woman didn’t sugarcoat things, she said what she wanted and to hell with the consequences. We were similar in that aspect but she wasn’t just tough on the surface. Her strength went right to the bone and I envied her for that.
“So, what are you doing?” she said, sitting up and shrugging off her jumper. She wore a tight white camisole underneath which highlighted her ample cleavage.
I drew a line beneath Max’s name with the highlighter and flicked her a look. Mia dropped onto her front and elbowed her way to the end of the bed. She then stared down at the clipboard I held with the greatest level of interest.
“I’m just wondering whether to remove Max Hunter and his plus one from my father’s birthday party.”
Mia’s nose scrunched, “But he will have already had the invite so why would you do that now? Bitter much?” I hadn’t told her about Max kissing me but she wasn’t stupid.
I shrugged and replied, “Well, I may need to warn the caterers to put on a bigger spread. That guy’s like a Hoover when it comes to food.”
“And yet he’s in perfect shape,” Mia pointed out with a flash of her eyes and a point of one manicured finger.
Kill me, kill me now.
“You’ve noticed?” I managed in a teasing way.
My friend raised an eyebrow, “Yes, I’m not dead, and so have you.”
A slight jolt ran through me at the truth in her words, “So, he’s good-looking and attractive, probably a stallion in the sack but he’s not for me. He sleeps around and is probably riddled. ”
“So, what—he’s a gangbanger— you’re in denial.”
I lowered the clipboard into my lap.
“About what? Max being a gangbanger?” I replied with a grin.
Mia shook her head with an overdone elongated sigh. “No, about your feelings. Max, Max and more, bloody Max. That’s all you talk about at the minute. You’re like a broken record, Amber,” Mia complained as she narrowed her eyes at me.
Raising the list again, I moved past Max’s name and started highlighting guests with allergies.
“ Feelings is a bit of a stretch,” I muttered.
Mia chuckled, “Just fuck him already and be done with it,” she added propping herself up on her elbows and resting her chin in her hands.
As usual, my best friend hit the nail on the head. Despite all my best efforts, I was still massively attracted to him.
I shot her a look that said it all. “Believe me, I’ve thought about it but it’s never going to happen.”
“Why not? You only need to shag him once to get it out of your system.”
Apprehension slithered around my stomach, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It would complicate things.”
Mia omitted an unladylike snort, “Complicate my arse. You’re not having his fucking baby, it’s just sex, you're overthinking it,” she puffed.
“We work together,” I pointed out.
Mia barked a laugh, “ Hardly . You said it yourself. You do frick all there.”
She had a point.
As much as it was tempting; the sex bit not the baby, I had decided against it. The sex would be good but I imagined once wouldn’t be enough.
Plus, Max tearing the shit out of my essay had made me feel bad; like I’d let him down when I’d tried my best and that wasn’t a good sign. It meant I cared about what he thought and that gave him power .
No, distance was a good thing. I’d spent most of that Monday shadowing Linda in the offices, seeing how things were run from an admin point of view. If you were a project manager you needed to know how all departments operated. It was as boring as hell, but at least it didn’t mess with my head. It also got me out of that office where I replied to non-urgent emails from the team. At times it felt like some of the guys were emailing me for the sake of it.
It also ensured I didn’t run into the current bane of my life. Max rarely entered the admin offices; he was too much of a big shot. His witch of a secretary did the footwork there.
“I bet he has a massive cock and knows exactly where your clitoris is,” Mia bit in with a dirty grin and a wiggle of her perfectly plucked eyebrows. “All bad boys know how to work a vagina.”
I shot her a lopsided smile, “He may be a bad boy. But he’s a bossy control freak with a side of arsehole. You told me I needed to become immune to the alpha male of the species,” I reminded her tartly, crossing off a couple who had sent last-minute apologies for Daddy’s party.
Mia took a deep breath and then exhaled loudly. “I’ve changed my mind. You crave the control kink too much.”
Lifting my chin from the clipboard, I rolled my eyes as we’d had this conversation a million times. “Yes, in bed and that’s it. In everyday life, I like to be in charge. Max is overbearing and overwhelming twenty-four-seven. I’ve been there once, remember and I’m not doing it again.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t bring him up. You were a kid then and not in your right mind. It doesn’t count.”
Swallowing past the sudden boulder in my throat I muttered, “Oh, it counts alright. Why do you think I’m the screw-up I am today?”
Mia looked at me crossly, now full of annoyance. “So, what, you put on a tough bitch exterior to protect yourself, there’s nothing wrong with that. Genuine guys are like an endangered species so you’re doing the right thing. And you’re not a screw-up so stop saying that. You’re a hot female and you have needs. End of .” She finally came up for air.
There was a beat of silence, it was brief , but it was there.
“Look, if you refuse to give Mr Nice the time of day, you are going to have to go for Mr Not-so-Nice. Find yourself a strong, alpha male who will shag that tosser out of your system forever . I know we’ve not been properly introduced, but I’d bet my life on it that Max Hunter fits the bill. Total boss of the bedroom as well as the boardroom. And he’s loaded. Not by your standards, but at least you know he isn’t after your money.”
Irritation edged my voice, “Money isn’t everything.”
“You said it sister, I’d sleep with him if he were homeless.”
“Mia,” I laughed, throwing a balled-up bit of paper at her. It was impossible to stay mad at her for long. My smile must have stretched from ear to ear.
Deflecting what was a pretty good aim, Mia flipped onto her back. “Yep, I’d climb that like a tree. I bet he’d give you the motherlode of all orgasms.”
“I threw another ball of paper at her. “Will you stop , it’s like you're in heat or something.”
“ Or something,” she confirmed with a huff, staring at the ceiling. “Carl stopped putting out. I think I’ve finally broken my vibrator.”
To anyone else, her words would have been gag-worthy but Mia and I shared everything . I stared at her whilst I allowed my brain time to catch up, “I thought you were dumping him?”
She turned her head and looked at me, “I was, well, I have. But I have needs and my poor deprived hormones are all over the place. It’s supposed to be a friends-with-benefits thing but God. I’d have to go to the post office to get mine.”
I lifted a questioning brow, “To get your what?”
Grunting, Mia rolled herself off my bed and came to sit beside me, “ Benefits . Fuck me, Amber. Keep up. He’s playing it cool,” Mia confessed with a grimace .
“Well, what did you think he’d do?”
“Cry all the water from his body was my thinking.”
I decided to play along, “So, the fact that he isn’t all over you makes you want him more?”
Mia changed her mind at the drop of a hat.
“Yup. Messed up, isn’t it?” Mia’s lips curled into a demonic grin.
“Not really. It’s human nature to want what you can’t have,” I explained.
Her mouth dropped open, “Say’s the girl who won’t accept she’s crushing on her boss.”
“I don’t care if that is the case, it’s not going anywhere and I’ve got my mind on other things. Daddy’s birthday party comes first.”
“ Lucky birthday party,” she said in a voice which oozed sexual innuendo. “You should go out with Hunter and then you could set me up with his friend.”
I pulled a heavy breath into my lungs, “Which one?”
“Gabriel Knight, he’s even finer. A bit more polished and less hairy,” my friend explained with a goofy look.
“Max isn’t hairy. I’ve seen him with his shirt off several times,” I announced, lowering the clipboard.
“Interesting how you’re now defending him.” I knew she was toying with me but I needed to concentrate on the party.
My expression must have said it all as she changed the subject. “Anyway, I thought we were going to lunch?” Miracles do happen.
“We are, I just need to finish this first,” I explained, flicking a sheet of A4 over on itself.
“I assume you’re getting changed,” Mia exclaimed, looking down at the joggers and tank top I was wearing with distaste.
“What? I look casual,” I said in my defence, ignoring the desire to give her the two-finger salute .
“You look like shit. I’m not going out with you looking like that. I have standards,” Mia joked. I loved her sense of humour and the fact that she didn’t kiss my arse. I had so many fake friends that did.
I nudged her with my elbow, “Piss off.”
“I’m just saying,” Mia stated with wide eyes.
“Help me then. And yes, I’ll change.”
Mia pushed her hand under my nose and clicked her manicured fingers, “Pass me a highlighter and tell me what I need to do.”
We then both got down to business and worked on the guest list and other finer details of my father’s party. Thoughts and discussions about men were thankfully forgotten.
For now.
* ****
I worked the rest of that week and didn’t see Max as he was away at a conference. During the evenings, I managed to put the finishing touches together for Daddy’s big night. The house had been thoroughly cleaned ready for the events company I had engaged to commence their set up.
On Friday evening, a huge marquee was delivered by two trucks in pieces and it had taken almost a day to erect it in one of the back gardens. It came with everything , flooring, windows, chandeliers. It was all super grand.
The caterers included two top chefs who were on loan from The Ivy in central London. They had spent a couple of hours familiarising themselves with our large kitchen which was well-equipped with everything they would need.
I had chosen a three-course meal for the sit-down dinner. There was a prawn cocktail or soup for the starter, pan-fried chicken breast or spinach and ricotta gnocchi for the main options. These were then to be followed by an array of mouthwatering desserts. Wine and water had been arranged for the tables but there were also two fully stocked bars; one inside the marquee and the other set up on the patio by the house.
In total, there would be just over one hundred and sixty guests. We also had a few family members who had been invited to stop over in some of the guest rooms. I only found out last minute that my father had invited Max (and that plus one of his) to stay the night. After much thought, I’d purposely put them in separate rooms. The thought of him having sex in my house made my blood boil. I told myself it wasn’t jealousy.
It was now the afternoon of Saturday and Mia had just finished showering. Lotty, my stylist, had come over earlier that morning for a hair and makeup rehearsal.
As far as I was concerned, Mia was my plus-one that night. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t get any action. The security package I had chosen via Hannah had included a contractor we had used before and I wondered if Thatcher would be working the door. He was a security man who I had slept with a couple of times and he was major-league hot. A bit too much of a gentleman in the bedroom for my usual tastes but he was sweet and made me laugh and there was never any pressure. It was a good thing that Mia was in one of the guestrooms, which she’d requested in case she got any action. It meant I had the opportunity to sneak Thatcher into my room once he'd finished his shift later that night.
Daddy had popped his head in earlier to check we were OK. He’d been overwhelmed by the fuss I had gone to. The house had been busy with people in and out all day. Hannah had been brilliant and a pro with the megaphone barking out orders to everyone who wasn’t where they should have been.
Lotty piled my long hair up with pins, allowing some curled tendrils to kiss the back of my neck and my face. The make-up she had used was subtle but not so much that it wasn’t there. It highlighted my cheekbones and the deep red lipstick made my mouth look slightly larger, and pouty .
As I looked at myself in the full-length mirror in my bedroom I was satisfied with my appearance. Mia came to stand before me wearing a killer black lace dress, her tanned skin so dark against my own. She was so beautiful with her unique bronze colouring, that people would think she was foreign with her gorgeous dark looks.
Her legs went on forever. I had bought a new pair of Jimmy Choo sandals that were an inch higher than I usually wore to try and give myself some extra height. I was touchy about my small size as it made me feel insignificant. Small dog syndrome and all that.
My dress was satin and clung tightly to my curves. It was sleeveless with a high neck as I didn’t do cleavage, but it was backless. My spine was exposed from my neck to the top of my backside. The material at the base of my back just covered the two silvery scars which Zander had given me (pause that thought). I chose against a walk down that memory lane, as it would only spoil my mood.
Spinning in the mirror, I watched as the skirt section fell to my small ankles and there was a slit to my thigh. I was braless so I hoped it wasn’t chilly, the only underwear on my body was a tiny black lace thong to ensure there was no visible panty line.
With one last look at my reflection, I smiled at the girl in the glass. She looked so grown up, polished and ready for a party. But there it was, that sadness, that always sat just behind my eyes.
Before I allowed myself to indulge in thoughts of self-pity, I made my excuses to Mia who was just having her hair redone, having snagged it whilst pulling on her dress. I said that I would see her downstairs as I wanted to check everything was set before the first guests arrived.
My heels clicked against the marble of the corridor as I walked from the wing of my house and past several doors which led to the guest rooms. Rooms four and five were where I had put Max and party and I purposely didn’t look there as I passed.
What Mia had said about him was still on my mind and I couldn’t allow myself to think about it. I had too much riding on Daddy’s party. Tonight had to be perfect and I would be damned if I’d allow one infuriatingly sexy but annoying man to mess with that.
Max
“Fuck! I imagined she’d be wealthy what with the title, but this is absurd ,” Luca snorted as he peered through the blacked-out glass of the limousine.
I blew a plume of smoke into the air, feeling as relaxed as fuck.
Amber’s chauffeur, Dextor , as he’d introduced himself, had collected Luca and me from my apartment around an hour ago. We were both stoned and on our fourth glass of whisky, lounging against the buttery leather seats of the car. The luxurious ride came with a flat-screen TV, a monster sound system, and a fully stocked minibar. It was the first time I had ever travelled in a limo and something I could easily get used to.
I stubbed out the joint we had shared in the crystal ashtray and rolled down the window to allow the tell-tale smoke to escape. Dexter was clearly a good sport and hadn’t batted an eyelid when we’d lit up, he’d just kept his eyes on the road and had driven like a pro.
I wondered what type of things Amber had gotten up to in the car that he’d also drawn a blind eye to. I now knew there was a privacy screen that slid up over the partition that separated the front from the back, as I had been playing with it for the past ten minutes. What could I say, weed puts me in a juvenile mood .
Thoughts of having sex with Amber on that backseat swam back into my intoxicated brain. I smiled wickedly at the image of me bending her over the seating.
Luca nudged me in the ribs as he shifted back in his seat, “Stop daydreaming princess, it’s showtime,” he said with a toothy look. I needed to sober the hell up.
Dexter steered the car slowly up towards the front of Lord Swift’s house behind several black SUVs. The driveway was long with a wrap-around section to allow vehicles to drive in and then out again. There was also a string of Ubers making their way out of the estate having dropped off their fares closer to the main house.
As well as the guests filtering into Jonny’s mansion, there were several members of staff outside, some dressed as valets and in the process of parking cars down one side of the driveway.
I released a slow exaggerated breath. The whole scene was like organised chaos and oozed glamour and money. Both Luca and I were wealthy men but this place made me feel like we lived on the shittier side of the city.
To say the Swift family were well off would be the understatement of the century. The terms affluent, opulent, and rich also didn’t quite cut it. Fucking loaded would be closer to the mark.
The entire house and gardens were highlighted with thousands of fairy lights, warmly glittering against the crisp night sky.
It wasn’t the first time I’d visited the Swift estate, but I had never seen it looking so lavish. It was also extremely busy, alive with life as guests arrived from all directions.
“It feels like we’re going to the Oscars,” Luca said as he pushed his whisky glass back into the slot in the drink’s cabinet. He’d dated a few actresses and so he would have been more than qualified to make that comparison. It certainly didn’t feel like we were on our way to an old man’s birthday bash .
As the limo drew up in front of the house, the glass partition that cut off the back from the front slid down.
“I’ll take your bags up and leave them in one of your rooms. Her ladyship has put you in guest rooms four and five.”
“Great and thanks for the lift,” I said as the back door was opened by a uniformed member of staff.
Luca and I both climbed out of the limo and made our way up the steps to the house.
There were bodies everywhere , all dressed to the nines filtering along the driveway like ants; well-dressed ants.
“I’m actually nervous,” Luca muttered.
I braced myself for what was to come, “You took the words out of my mouth,” I replied. My buzz from our joint was fading fast. As I said, Luca and I were wealthy and used to living the high life, but this was another level entirely.
Making our way through a massive archway made of gold and white balloons, my eyes drilled into the backs of those before us.
“The night just got even better,” Luca suddenly whispered from the side of me, and I glanced over to where he was looking.
“Molly Singleton’s here,” he announced with another nudge to my ribs. I winced; they were still bruised from the fight at the ring the other day.
“Who is Molly Singleton when she’s at home?”
Luca motioned towards a tall leggy blonde who was on her phone just to the side of the queue.
“She’s the current face and body of Victoria’s Secret, an underwear model. I’ve wanted to work with her for ages .”
I raised an eyebrow, “I’m guessing ‘work’ is a euphemism for something else?”
“You bet your sweet arse it is.” Luca chuckled with a sly look .
“Good evening and welcome to Mr Jonathan’s home. May I take your names, Sir?”
Clearing my throat. I informed the elderly man just inside the doors into the lobby of our names. He was dressed like a butler and was standing in front of two large security men. They had chests like brick walls, wore earpieces and looked like your typical men in black. They wore name tags which amused me, one was called Benny, and the other was called Thatcher.
Giles or whatever the hell his name was, was searching down his clipboard. He eventually found my name, but Luca was down as a plus one . I watched as he placed a tick against both.
Everyone looked so pristine and shiny and even though both Luca and I were dressed identically in black tuxedos I still felt out of place; like one of the bouncers rather than a guest. It was my tats, it had to be.
We thanked the stuffy-looking butler and walked into the house. As if by magic, a waiter appeared with a silver tray of fizzy shit. Not wanting to appear rude, we both lifted a flute with a mumbled thank you.
I took a sip of the liquid I assumed would be champagne. Luca just sniffed his glass with a grimace. “If I drink this, I’ll be farting all night. Just saying.” Sometimes he was a little bit too honest.
Glancing around the marbled floored lobby, the place was heaving . There was a sweeping staircase with cherry oak polished bannisters and doors leading off on both sides. A handful of guests were looking up at the large portrait of a stunning woman which was above an ornate fireplace. Amber’s mother? It had to be. They looked so alike.
As we mingled in and out of the guests with a nod here and there at people who ranged from semi-familiar to strangers, we eventually exited the house through the bi-folding doors at the back of the kitchen and out into the gardens.
The scene then fully unfolded. There must have been over a hundred guests, men in black tie and women dressed in finery that probably cost thousands of pounds. The large stone patio area had an outside bar to one side and a huge seating area opposite. Steps led down into the garden where a large marquee had been erected. The thing was huge and I could see seating set up in there. It even had fancy wooden flooring which had been laid to cover the grass. The tables were all dotted around a large dance floor. It was as grand as you could get, almost like a royal wedding or something.
I scanned the area but couldn’t see Amber anywhere. Jonathan was in a huddle of guests and I lifted my glass in greeting as he saw me and waved.
Depositing our flutes of bubbles on one of the poseur tables which were scattered around, Luca and I made our way over to the bar for a real drink. I kept with whisky and Luca ordered a bottle of Bud Light. The bar was free which didn’t surprise me.
With our drinks in our hands, we made our way back to another poseur table and I started to unwind. A couple of girls were also resting their drinks there and they gave us both the once-over. Luca and I exchanged a look as both women had massive racks, and fake lips, something we both found a complete turn-off; the lips that is, not the breasts. You didn’t grumble about a pair of tits, real or not real, they still did the job.
Luca and I spoke about Gabriel who was having trouble with his old man. His father was still badgering him to join his legal firm but our friend wasn’t having any of it.
As Luca was telling me one of his bullshit modelling stories, I glanced back into the house. I could see into the kitchens through one of the windows. It was busy with hired caterers who were frantically preparing the birthday meal. I was surprised Jamie fucking Oliver wasn’t in there. Leaning my head closer to Luca as he started talking about Gabe and Gerard Kinlan, the dodgy fucker Gabe’s father Garrett was working for a flash of blue caught my eye.
It was then that I saw her and oh my God.
Amber .
She was well in her element, weaving her way in and out of the guests with a huge smile on her face as she conversed as she went. Amber wore her Diva persona like a badge of honour.
Lady Amber-Leigh Swift glided across the patio, the crowd naturally parting to take her in. You could see the guests individually turning towards her, admiring the high-society daughter of their host. The men had their tongues hanging out and the women peered at her with envious eyes.
She looked sensational and it felt like someone had taken a Taser, shoved it down my dress pants and zapped my dick. The rich blue silk dress she wore clung to her body in all the right places. It was long and fitted with a high neckline and a slit up towards her thigh but that wasn’t the best part. As Amber turned to speak to some of the guests, I saw her entire back was bare. The dress was backless, revealing her shoulder blades and dipping down towards her pert little bottom. Amber’s spine flexed as she moved and I so wanted to run my fingers down that naked section. Her make-up was modest and her hair was captured on top of her head in an up-do, messy on purpose. I’d love to yank those pins out and see her hair spill around those shoulders. She wore red lipstick which would look great smeared across my cock.
“I’m guessing that’s The Antichrist,” Luca put in with wide eyes, knocking his beer back. As he said those words, Amber turned towards us, her smile dipping but only slightly. “So, what’s your plan of action?”
The oxygen almost stalled in my throat as I pondered that thought. The realisation that I wanted to get along with her was a shock to the system. “To get through the night without pissing her off would be good,” I replied quickly.
“I’d say fuck her brains out, scratch that itch so me and guys don’t have to hear you bellyaching about her all the time.”
“ Keep your voice down . Shh, here she comes,” I whispered, clearing my throat, and plastering a smile on my face as she approached us. The high heels she wore gave her more height than usual but she was still miles shorter than me. I noted how she teetered as she walked, clearly not that stable. What was it with small women and the need for height?
“Gentlemen,” Amber purred in greeting, clearly on her best behaviour, but I could see the hint of arrogance whisper across her features. The party had started a couple of hours earlier but nothing on her face was out of place. She looked airbrushed. She was that perfect.
“Lady Swift, you look stunning,” I replied in a gravelly voice, taking her wrist, and tugging her towards me. Her lips parted in surprise but before she could speak, I leaned down and purposely kissed her on each cheek. I’d been to a few parties and so knew that was part of the etiquette and all that shit. Her cheeks were flushed when I drew back and released her. It pleased me as I had never acted like a gentleman in her company, she was probably in shock.
As she leaned back and washed a glance over my frame, I stepped away to give her a better view saying, “What do you think? Not a lumberjack shirt in sight.” I inwardly cringed at that sudden need I felt to seek validation.
“You look good, Max,” she replied with a slight smile. I felt a dart of satisfaction that soon faded as she added, “Your personality may be a lost cause, so it’s a good job you're pretty.”
“Now now, enough with the compliments or you’ll embarrass me,” I said with a sarcastic chuckle.
Amber rolled her eyes before narrowing them at me. “Satan himself couldn’t do that.” I found her words interesting considering the nickname I had given her.
We stood staring each other down for a beat. It was like a game of who blinks first before my friend shifted the focus.
Luca had barked out a laugh at the Satan comment, which he changed into a fake cough as we both turned to stare at him. “Hey, go easy on the man, he had to have his tux custom-made ,” my unwanted wing-man piped up. I didn’t want Amber to know I’d gone to so much trouble .
“Why?” she said, her eyes scanning my body, looking for something out of place.
“Because Max is six-four with shoulders as wide as a fucking car, pardon my French.”
Amber drew her gaze away, commenting, “I can’t say I’ve noticed.”
Little liar, my face said, as her gaze came back to mine. Amber had her signature Lady of the Manor expression glued on. It didn’t piss me off, the woman was in her natural habitat and so I had to accept it.
With an eye roll and a shake of my head, I moved the hell on, motioning toward my friend. “Amber, this is Luca, my plus one. Luca, Lady Amber-Leigh Swift.”
“I must admit it’s nice to meet a friend of Max’s, I wasn’t sure he had any other than Gabriel Knight,” Amber replied smoothly, raising one dainty hand towards Luca. The gesture suggested a handshake but I watched as he stepped forward and took her tiny paw in his. He then turned it over and lifted the back of her hand towards his mouth; the smooth little creep.
Her entire expression lifted and a genuine smile replaced that tight-lipped version. So Amber was a stickler for that romantic shite. I made a mental note.
As they exchanged pleasantries, the way she was looking at Luca pissed me off. Only slightly but it was still there. I zoned out of what they were saying for a moment, watching them through narrowed eyes. Fuck me but they’d make a good-looking couple.
“Please call me Amber.” Those softly spoken words were warm and they dragged me out of my daze. Although they weren’t directed at me, her voice had started to do dark and dangerous things to my insides.
Whilst I was still recovering from my thoughts, Amber tilted her chin my way. “I must admit, I didn’t think your plus one would be a man. I imagined you here with a date tonight,” Amber explained .
I found her words interesting considering she’d put Luca and me in separate rooms. We’d also discussed the fact that neither of us dated.
Small talk then ensued with Luca explaining about his career as a model until partway through his sentence, something captured his interest. The Singleton model no doubt. I looked past Amber’s shoulder and she also turned to glance back.
A stunning woman dressed in a tight black lace dress was walking towards us. She was tall and slim, with chocolate hair and brown eyes and was stunning and very exotic looking, possibly mixed race. Amber twisted back with an, “Excuse me a minute.”
The approaching female and Amber launched themselves at each other and hugged with a girly squeak only dogs could hear.
“Hell yes, I think I’m in love,” Luca said as he settled closer to my side.
“What again ?” I replied as we both watched the two women chattering and complimenting each other’s dresses. Luca fell in love with a new woman every other month. He was the ficklest of all our friends.
“I do hope she introduces us.” As soon as the words were out, Amber flicked her head our way and the woman turned to glance at us. Due to the music and the noise from the bar, I couldn’t hear what they were saying but knew they were talking about us. I wondered if Amber had told the girl that I had kissed her. I faintly remembered meeting her before, maybe at a party or something.
“Just remember you’re a guest in this house. I think you’ll have to curtail your bedroom shenanigans tonight,” I suggested, finishing my drink, and then raising the glass in salute as Amber’s friend blatantly checked me out. Her grin widened and she arched an eyebrow.
“Why?” Luca said, tugging my attention back.
“Because you make too much noise when you fuck and I imagine rooms four and five—are next to each other. ”
Luca started to chuckle but then masked it and whispered under his breath, “Shh, they’re coming over.”
Amber introduced her companion as Mia Huntington-Smith and we all exchanged greetings. It was explained that they had been friends for years. Mia was a social influencer, whatever the hell that was. Luca seemed to know all about it as they launched into talking about YouTube.
Amber was listening with the occasional interruption as other guests glided over to congratulate her on the party. I felt like a spare part so decided to play waiter.
I took their choices, managing to hide my surprise when Amber ordered prosecco instead of champagne; fucking prosecco ?
Luca and Mia scanned the area for some seats before pointing towards a wicker seating area in one corner underneath a kitchen window. They both walked over to save the table and I turned towards the bar.
“Do you want any help?” Amber said which pulled me back. I was surprised she’d offered when she’d probably spent most of her life being waited upon. “And before you make a wisecrack about the offer, I’d save it.”
I swallowed my original comment and shot her a feigned offended look. “Would I?
“Yes, you bloody well would,” she volleyed back with a twist to her lips. Interesting. It wasn’t a full smile, more like a suggestion of one. Of course, Amber was capable of smiling, just never at me.
“It’s fine, I’ll get a tray,” I replied.
“Need any help?” Luca said, appearing by our sides again.
I shook my head, “No, you keep the seats warm.”
“I’ll join you all in a minute. I just need to check on a few things,” Amber said in an awkward voice. I sensed that she wasn’t that comfortable, but was that due to me or the fact that she had to be so sociable? It was a tough one to call, the woman was like a closed book most of the time .
“Of course. You have guests. I’ll get the drinks and leave yours with Mia. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Luca behaves himself,” I said lightly.
Amber tilted her head, glancing over to watch them positioning the sofas into a more sociable angle.
“I don’t ever worry about Mia, Max. She can look after herself.”
“Good,” I replied, rocking back on my heels. That meant no blowback for me when Luca nailed the girl and then never called her.
Before she walked away, her next words rang in my ears, “Let’s just hope your boy can.”
I gave her a puzzled look, the weed had not fully left my system, “Can what?”
Amber gave me a tight smile, “Look after himself.”
She then sashayed away and I spent at least a full minute eyeing her backside before heading to the bar.