Chapter 26
brOOKE
The yearly Lords gala event was coming up in a few days, just before the playoffs started. Jace and I decided it would also be a good opportunity to attend it as a couple.
I wasn’t sure if it would help turn around the mood at the office, but I loved Jace, and I was determined not to allow anyone to make me feel bad about it, as if I was doing something wrong.
He’d gone solo to the yearly gala event for as long as he’d been attending it.
All Lords employees were invited, so I was going anyway, but as a player’s plus one, I’d be in the spotlight.
That meant I needed a new dress. And since I was splurging on that, why not add some shoes into the mix?
Usually I didn’t mind shopping alone, because I was the kind of shopper who took forever analyzing every angle, driving everyone else insane, but this time I wanted company.
I called Hailey. I liked my style, but Hailey took class and sophistication to a whole new level.
“Rodeo Drive?” Hailey had suggested.
“Ohoho, not ready to empty my bank account yet. Macy’s?”
“Done.”
Hailey was already in front of the store when I arrived. She was wearing Louboutins, a wrap-around dress, and a light jacket that was appropriate for early November weather. The sun still shone, but once you stepped in the shade, it was chilly.
“How do you walk around with those heels all day?”
“Habit.”
“Tell me at least that you take them off while you sit at the desk.”
Hailey raised both brows. “That’s for cheaters.”
“Well, I cheat. All day long. But I wouldn’t mind wearing something like that to the gala.”
“I know just what you need.”
Shopping with Hailey was a whole new level of fun. The girl knew what she was doing.
“I can tell you were a style adviser.”
“Val gave me the idea. She’d hired a wardrobe consultant at some point. It was the best student job I’ve had. Landon and Val were up in arms about it.”
“Why?”
“They insisted on paying all my living expenses so I could focus on my studies.”
“And let me guess. You disagreed?”
“I didn’t want to be a leech. I also hoped that if I showed I could be completely independent they’d stop fussing about me and Jace and, you know, enjoy their own freedom for a bit.
Val used to joke that she felt like an empty nester when I went to college.
But it was all for nothing. They still fuss over us.
I’ve learned to accept and enjoy it,” she finished with a grin.
After choosing a few dresses, I stepped into a changing room.
I’d only just changed into the first dress when Hailey stuck her hand through the curtains, holding a pair of silver strappy sandals that had my mouth watering.
“You’re a genius. These go with every single dress we’ve picked.”
“Practice makes perfect. Mr. Louboutin got a lot of my hard-earned money before I learned to buy shoes efficiently.”
Somehow I thought that Hailey and I had different ideas about what efficient meant. I didn’t remember seeing her wear the same pair of shoes twice.
“Girl, this is our winner,” Hailey exclaimed when I tried on a dark blue silk dress. It was long, with a generous split up the right leg.
“It is, isn’t it? I’m buying it. And these shoes are going to be the new staple in my wardrobe.”
“You know, that would also make a great staple in your wardrobe.” She pointed to one of the other contenders, a fabulous mix of silk and organza. “Good for cocktails and even evening meetings. It’s black so it goes with almost any shoes.”
“Oh, Hailey. You’re so bad.”
“I know, I know. Should have warned you before. I wanted to keep my mouth shut, but that dress is so pretty I just had to make a case for it.”
“I’ve always had a weakness for pretty things.”
“Hey, so have I. Don’t be so harsh on yourself. Think of it as a present for yourself. That’s what I do.”
“That sounds like a great strategy. You know how Jace always brags about being the bad influence out of the two of you? He’s wrong. The crown belongs to you.”
“Finally someone appreciates me at my full value. Can you bring this up at the next Friday dinner? As casually as possible?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll make your case.”
“I wish I could watch my brother’s face when he sees you.”
On the evening of the gala, I was in my bedroom, getting ready, when the front door opened and Jace called my name.
“Still getting ready. You’re not allowed to come in my bedroom. I’ll tell you when you can come in.”
I had yet to finish styling my hair. When I only had a few strands to roll around the hot iron, Jace appeared in the doorway.
“Hey,” I admonished. “I told you I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
Jace walked in, stopping just behind me and catching my gaze in the mirror.
“What’s wrong with watching you get ready? It’s my favorite thing to do, especially when you remove your makeup and I’m the only one who sees you that way.”
My stomach did a small somersault at how intimate this felt. How could Jace make me feel so special with such simple words?
I couldn’t believe he’d be gone for two weeks after tonight. The Lords had qualified directly into the semifinals for the cup, but they had a few friendly games in between, all outside of LA. I was already missing him.
“I have something for you,” he went on, holding a large jewelry box up. I smiled at the Bennett Enterprises logo. I was such a fan.
My heart went pitter-patter as I took it from him. I felt Jace’s gaze on me as I opened the lid and stared at the most beautiful set I’d ever seen. Rose quartz earrings, a pendant, and a tennis bracelet.
“Wow. Jace, they’re absolutely beautiful. But this is too much.”
He placed a palm on my belly, resting his chin on my shoulder.
“You said you liked presents.”
“I meant cutesy stuff.”
“You’re mine, Brooke. Let me buy you things. They make you happy. I like making you happy.”
“They’re beautiful. Thank you. And they go perfectly with my dress.”
At Jace’s silence, I became a little suspicious.
“Jace?”
“Hmm?” Stalling. Now I was a lot suspicious.
“You knew what color I was wearing?”
“Hailey mentioned something.”
“Tell me she didn’t send you a picture of the dress.”
“No, no. She didn’t go that far. She just helped me choose them. Will you wear them tonight?”
“Of course.”
“Here, let me put them on.”
He made quick work of putting on the earrings, then the necklace and the bracelet.
I held my breath when he placed a small kiss just under the clasp on my wrist. My pulse intensified, and Jace smiled against my skin, feeling it.
I shifted my weight from one leg to the other, making my dress ripple.
I knew the precise moment when Jace noticed the split, because a low, primal sound escaped him.
He slid his hand straight through it, touching the bare skin of my thigh.
I whimpered, attempting to ignore the heat radiating from the point of contact.
I lost that battle when Jace lifted my dress and instructed in a low, commanding voice, “Hold this.”
Everyone dressed to impress at the gala—the Lords’ employees as well as the guests.
I honestly thought that it wouldn’t be a big deal to pose for photographers.
I’d been wrong. Despite having Jace at my side, it was an intimidating experience.
Flashes came from various directions, and I had no clue where to look.
And then there were the questions. I’d known there would be a few reporters attending, but I’d assumed they’d have zero interest in me. I’d been wrong. Jace’s arrival with me on his arm had spurred many questions.
“Who is she?”
“Brooke handles the Lords’ sponsorships. And she’s my girlfriend,” he said proudly before whisking me further into the building, away from the photographers.
“Are you okay?” he whispered.
“My head’s spinning. But in a good way. I think.” I grinned. “You called me your girlfriend.”
“Gotta let everyone know you’re mine, babe.” He made to lean in, but I took a step back quickly.
“Hey! No PDA, remember? This is a Lords’ event. Everyone from the office is here.”
A smile played on his lips. “I publicly announced you’re my girlfriend, and I don’t even deserve a kiss?”
“You got plenty of kisses before we got here. And you’ll get plenty more when we leave.”
Jace now looked at me with a dangerous glint in his eyes. I was saved by Dad joining us.
“Brooke, you look lovely. Can I steal Jace?”
“He’s all yours.”