Chapter Five
brIELLE
I swear this past week has flown by. Surprisingly, working with Jameson on getting his stuff together has been fairly reasonable. I didn’t expect his cooperation this soon. But living in his space and buckling down on getting strategies in place for the company has been enjoyable.
I got up early Friday morning to get waxed, get my eyebrows done, and my nails done.
Now it was the evening of the gala and all I had to do today was get my hair done. When I arrived back at the apartment, I bumped into Jameson as he was heading out. “I’ll see you there?” he asked, knowing full well I’d be there.
“Yeah.” He was dressed in a metallic black suit, a white dress shirt, and a black bow tie. The man could give James Bond a run for his money.
“Let me fix your tie,” I said as I stopped him. God, he smelled good too.
“I hate these things,” he said about the tie.
I straightened it. “All fixed. You look great.”
He cocked a grin. “How good?” He posed as if he was being featured in a magazine.
“Shut up.” I shook my head.
He pulled the front door open and looked back. “See you there.”
On one hand, I was mad at myself for volunteering him to arrive with Tamryn. And on another hand, in the time we have spent together, I have sensed this attraction between us that I kept ignoring, even when he was flirting with me.
My dress was hanging on the bedroom door. Showering without messing up my hair was a feat, but somehow, I managed. With a towel wrapped around my body, I walked into the bedroom and noticed a large box on the bed. “What the…” I said aloud.
Pulling the box toward me, I undid the bow, then lifted the lid. There was the dress I initially loved but couldn’t afford. “How the heck?” I muttered, pulling the dress out and holding it up to my body.
I bet this was Jameson. It has his name written all over it. He knew I’d never accept such a gift at the moment. But here it was, and there was no way I couldn’t not put it on. I unzipped the zipper and slid into the dress. It fit me perfectly as it had the week before. The color was absolutely gorgeous turquoise, with the black lace over the top and along the edges of the bottom of the dress. Being that it was longer in the back, and shorter in the front to show some skin, the coloring gave it more of a dramatic effect. Clearly, Jameson also had great taste.
Thirty minutes later, the Uber dropped me off at the gala, and I headed inside. Mrs. Titan was the first person I saw when I arrived.
“Brielle! Look at you.” She gushed as she took both of my hands and looked me over. “Absolutely stunning.” She leaned forward to kiss the side of my cheek.
“You look great as well.”
“If you’re looking for Jameson, check the bar first.”
“Thank you.” I gave a small wave as I ran into more people along the way to find Jameson. When I looked toward the bar, I didn’t see him. But I felt eyes on me, and I looked in another direction, I saw him. He was talking with a gentleman and holding a beverage. Even talking with the gentleman, he wouldn’t stop looking at me, and then he excused himself.
Smiling, I met him halfway.
“You look… Just absolute perfection.”
I tried not to blush but still felt my cheeks heat. “Thank you. You shouldn’t have done this. It’s too much.”
“I couldn’t not do it. Not after I saw the look on your face when you saw yourself in it.”
“I do love it.” I smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Looking past Jameson’s shoulder, I saw Tamryn approaching. “Brielle, you made it. Oh my god, this dress is stunning.”
“Thank you! You look great as well.”
“I think we need to go dress shopping together next time. Your style is amazing.”
“Thanks, Tamryn.” I looked to Jameson. “Excuse me, I’m going to go get a drink at the bar. Anyone want anything?” I looked between them both.
“Just got mine,” Tamryn said.
“I’ll go with you. I’m about to down mine right now,” Jameson said, clearly annoyed with Tamryn, and I felt bad for putting him in the position I had.
“I’m sorry I volunteered for you to come with Tamryn.”
“She knows where I stand.”
“Ah. I see.”
We arrived at the bar, and I ordered a Mojito while Jameson ordered an Old-Fashioned.
“Cheers,” he said, raising his glass to clink with mine.
“Cheers.”
“I better continue making my rounds,” he said. “Want to join me?”
“Uh. I think I’ll stay here for a little bit longer.”
“Suit yourself.”
I watched him walk away, and even in a suit, I could make out the outline of his muscular body. It was no wonder why the women clamored to get his attention. His beard and mustache made him look even more distinguished.
Then Tommy came over to sit next to me. “Hey, how’s it going?” He gave me a once over, and it caused me to shutter at his creepiness. I was not interested, not even in small talk.
I stood to get away from him, but he locked his hand on my arm. “I’m talking to you.”
I jerked my arm away. “Get your hand off me. I’m not interested in small talk.” I knew his motives. He’s been bothering me since day one at Titan.
“What the fuck, man,” Jameson took hold of Tommy by the collar. He was clear across the room, and then he wasn’t.
“Let him go Jameson. Don’t make a scene here.”
Tommy cocked a slimy grin. “Better listen to your woman, man.”
Jameson released his collar and stepped back. I took hold of Jameson’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.” I led us away from Tommy, who was snickering and muttering under his breath.
“Are you okay?” Jameson asked. He looked at my arm.
“I’m fine.”
His eyebrows pinched together, and I was still holding Jameson’s hand. Part of me didn’t want to let it go. “Looks like dinner is being served. Come on,” he said.
At the table, Jameson sat between Tamryn and me. “Everything okay?” Tamryn asked, noticing the awkwardness.
“Yeah. Just a little misunderstanding with Tommy,” I told her.
“That explains it. He’s so creepy.” Her body shuttered.
“He tried pursuing me for a good two months. Honestly, I think he’ll do anything with two legs,” she mentioned.
The hors d’ oeuvres were amazing as well as the main course of medium-done steak. Personally, I preferred my steak to be medium rare, and I couldn’t remember the last time I had one perfectly cooked.
“Want to get some fresh air?” Jameson asked after dessert.
“Sure.”
The auction was about to start, and we crossed the room and headed to the balcony.
“I had to get out of there.” Jameson tried loosening his bow tie.