34. Noah
CHAPTER 34
NOAH
For what feels like the millionth time, I adjust my bow tie.
Beside me, Fisher smacks my hand away. “You act like you’ve never worn a tux before.”
It’s an honor to be invited to the Wimbledon champions dinner. Even though I’ve had a few days to process my win, it still hasn’t fully sunken in.
“Where are they?”
Sabrina and Maddie should’ve been here thirty minutes ago, and though they’re likely running behind because it’s taken longer for them to get ready than I expected, I’m imagining all the worst-case scenarios. The elevator broke. A car accident. A giant crane fell and toppled the hotel.
With a sigh, Fisher swipes two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. “They’re not that late. Maybe Sabrina needed extra time to do her hair and makeup. Maybe they’re stuck in traffic. Whatever you’re thinking, I’m sure it’s not that.”
I narrow my eyes on my friend. “I feel extremely attacked right now.”
He passes me a glass, then takes a sip of his own. “So you’re telling me that you’re not running through a list of worst-case scenarios?”
I take a big gulp of champagne to avoid answering.
“As I thought.” He chuckles.
Since I arrived, I’ve been roped into posing for numerous photos with Jade Kerns, the Canadian women’s singles winner, and other members of the community. I’m tired of forcing a smile. Sue me for wanting my girls to be here. There’s a dance floor near the front of the large ballroom, and all I’ve thought about all night is getting Sabrina out there.
“Noah Baker. Just the man I was looking for.”
“Mr. Prinz.” With a dip of my chin, I shake Gregory’s hand. “Always a pleasure to see you.”
Lies.
Gregory Prinz owns an American football team and has more money than he has common sense. He’s in his mid-seventies, with a nineteen-year-old wife. I know exactly what she sees in him, and honestly, I guess I don’t mind that someone other than this prick is benefiting from all his money. Though I also know exactly why he’s with her and can’t help but feel grossed out any time I see him.
“Likewise. How have you been?”
Since his arena centers around football and not tennis, I don’t see him often, but he’s rich and likes to drop in to these events every now and then.
“Great, great,” he says, chin lifted and his stomach straining against the buttons of his shirt as he scans the room. “I’m expanding my businesses. You’re not in need of a new sponsor, are you?”
I plaster on the fakest of smiles. “You’d have to speak to my agent.”
Though I’ll speak to him first and make sure he understands that the last thing I want is ties to this scumbag.
“Perfect. I’ll do that. Well”—he lifts his glass in the air—“I have more rounds to make. We’ll chat later.”
No we won’t, if I have anything to say about it . “Looking forward to it, sir.”
When he’s a fair distance away, Fisher lets out a rough laugh. “You’re so full of shit.”
I shrug. “Unfortunately, I’ve gotta play the game sometimes.”
“True.” He downs the last of his drink and lets out a sigh. “Can I trust you here on your own? I have some schmoozing to do.”
I scoff. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“You sure about that?”
“Go.” I wave him on. “I’ll survive without you.”
He cocks a skeptical brow, and I suppose I can’t blame him. I’ve been a wreck for the last thirty minutes, and I don’t see that improving until my girls are here.
After Fisher leaves, I stuff one hand in my pocket and sip my champagne while keeping a diligent eye on the door. I’ve never been fond of the beverage, but at least it’ll keep me from getting drunk.
Eventually, a commotion to my left snags my attention. Several men stand in a circle, laughing at who knows what. Probably some stupid gossip. It’s true: most men are bigger gossips than women.
The atmospheric pressure in the room shifts, causing my heart to stutter. On instinct, I turn to face the entrance and instantly find her.
My mouth goes dry and need claws at my insides.
Holy. Shit
I had no idea what Sabrina planned to wear, only that Ebba insisted on helping her pick it out.
The light blue dress hugs her curves from her breasts all the way down to just above her knees, where it begins to flare out. The straps at her shoulders are thin, and the shade of blue complements her in every way. Her hair is twisted back into some sort of updo with a few of her curls slicked against her forehead.
Worried my heart my beat right out of my chest, I slap a hand over it.
She’s so devastatingly gorgeous.
When my daughter comes into view, the smile that splits my face is so wide it makes my cheeks ache. She’s done up in a pink dress with puffy sleeves, and her hair has been done in loose curls. I just know she feels like a princess.
Without my permission, my legs carry me across my room. It’s a good thing too, since my brain is still coming back online.
“Ladies.” I come to a stop in front of the two most important people in my life and bow low, which makes my daughter giggle. “You both look beautiful.”
Maddie grabs a handful of her skirt on either side and spins so it fans out. “I’m a princess, Daddy.”
I can’t help but chuckle to myself. Called it.
“That you are. Let me show you ladies where our table is.” I guide them across the room to the place settings reserved for us. “Dinner will be starting soon.”
I lean in, unable to help myself, and kiss Sabrina’s neck. “You’re dancing with me later.”
“What?” she gasps.
The way her chest heaves draws my attention to the shimmery lotion that complements her darker skin tone.
“You’re going to dance with me.”
“I don’t dance.” Her voice is like steel. Impenetrable.
Angling close again, I nip at her ear, causing her to shiver. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
With a sharp intake of breath, she steps back and drops into her seat. Then, hands in her lap, she takes a quick, panicked glance around the room.
Shit. She probably feels completely out of her element, and I’m the asshole who didn’t prepare her for tonight.
“Fine. But if I step on your toes, just remember I warned you.”
“I’ll take the risk.”
For a solid thirty minutes after dinner, I’m stuck talking to one person after another. When I finally escape, I make a beeline for Sabrina where she sits, watching the people around the room. A few chairs over, Maddie is busy chatting Fisher’s ear off, but he’s listening intently and giving her a genuine smile.
It takes a little convincing, but I finally get the woman who’s taken up permanent residence in my mind and my heart out on the dance floor.
“I can’t do any kind of fancy dancing,” she warns as I pull her into my arms. “But I think I can manage some swaying.”
“I’ll take what I can get.”
She loops her arms around my neck, and I settle my hands on her waist. The heels she’s wearing are sky high, making her only about two or three inches shorter than me.
“This is silly,” she says, peering around the almost empty dance floor. “You know that, right?”
“Don’t care. I want to dance with you, so that’s what we’re doing.”
“You really confuse me sometimes.”
My lips find her ear. “You like that about me. Keeps you on your toes.”
“I’m literally on my toes in these heels. Remind me to stab Ebba with one later. These things are a death trap.”
The song changes, but I don’t loosen my hold on her.
“Really? Because all night, I haven’t stopped imagining fucking you in them when we get back to the hotel.”
Gasping, she rears back and looks around to see if anyone overheard my crude comment.
My words were quiet, and with so few people in our proximity, there’s no chance.
“But Maddie?—”
“Will be staying with Ebba. I already arranged it.”
She shakes her head, but her lips quirk in a smile. “You think of everything, don’t you?”
“I can’t help it that I’m perfect.”
With a snort, she pokes my side. “You wish.”
I manage to get her to dance with me through one more song, but when she pulls away, I’m left feeling bereft.
“I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one night. I should probably take Maddie back to the hotel and get her things packed. It’s getting late.”
Checking my watch, I silently curse. “You’re right.” I kiss her gently, then lace my fingers with hers and guide her back to the table.
Fisher shoots me a look, clearly no longer as into conversing with an eight-year-old as he was fifteen minutes ago, and takes off.
“Mads, it’s time to go. Sabrina’s going to take you back to the hotel, but what do you think about staying the night with Ebba?”
“Sure.” She shrugs, unbothered. “I like her. It’ll be like having another sleepover.”
Damn, this kid is easy-going, and I’m a lucky bastard. Kneeling down, I pull her in close and press a kiss to her cheek. “I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I straighten and hand her off to Sabrina, then watch them until they disappear from my sight.
Across the room, Fisher catches my eyes. “Schmooze,” he mouths.
Right.
I smooth down my tux jacket and get back to it.