Chapter 89
The taxi pulls up to the Booth School of Business’s Gleacher Center, where Gideon’s waiting, looking annoyingly perfect in his tailored suit, his hair styled in that deliberately messy way that’s just him. He reaches his hand toward me as I step out of the car.
“Such a gentleman,” I tease.
“Only for the next couple of hours,” he whispers into my ear as we walk inside.
“You look like entrepreneur of the year.” I smile at Gideon, excited to celebrate his success tonight. His publicist and his girlfriend are both happy he’s getting this recognition from his alma mater.
“Thanks, baby. This is cute!” He pulls the material on the puffy-sleeved printed midi dress.
“Thanks. I didn’t want to wear some boring business professional look.
” We ride the elevator up to the event space, stealing naughty looks at each other.
If G and I have any problems in our relationship, it’s keeping it in our pants.
We’re so fucking horny together. “I have to pee,” I whisper as we walk into the event space.
“Want me to get you a drink?” he asks.
It’s Saturday, but I’m good. “No thanks.” I smile, walking toward the bathroom.
I need to keep my emotions in check tonight.
I could easily go off the rails since Adam will also be at this event.
It’s my fault Adam is going to be here too.
As G’s publicist, I pushed so hard for Adam to be the one handing him the award tonight because I think it goes a long way in showing investor confidence in the company ahead of us publicly announcing that Gideon will be stepping down—hopefully before the end of the year.
Two guys are in front of me, also walking down the hall, looking like quintessential finance bros.
“Did you see the fucking model Adam Harris is with?” the taller one says, and I internally groan. I knew Adam would be here. I’ve been preparing to see him tonight, but I hadn’t anticipated he’d be here with a date.
“Yeah. Whoa. Do you think she’s an escort or his girlfriend?” the shorter one asks.
“Who cares. I can’t wait to be able to pull girls like that after graduation.”
I roll my eyes.
“Did you see Gideon Stone just got here?” the shorter one says.
“Yeah. Talk about a fucking monster. How much do you think that guy squats?”
“Four hundred pounds? Maybe more?”
More like five hundred, I think, flashing a memory of us at the gym earlier this week.
“Dude is a specimen.”
I giggle, knowing how true that is. They look back at me, a little embarrassed they had an audience.
In the stall, I take many deep breaths. Maybe I should have a drink? No. Tonight is about Gideon. I need to be fully present. Pushing the stall door open, I see Nikola washing her hands.
“Oh! Hey!”
“Dani! Cute dress!”
“Thanks!” I say, checking her look out. She looks incredible in a sleeveless, trouser leg jumpsuit with a halter neck and open back. It’s the type of look only a tall girl can pull off. “I miss working with you.”
“Too sweet. I’m not working with anyone new these days. Adam has me in an exclusive contract.”
Not surprising. He loves having his things be his and his alone.
Then she looks at me a little nervously. “Adam’s never asked me to join him at an event before.”
I do my best to keep my face in check. Nikola is Adam’s date. Are they dating? Is this a date for him or just arm candy?
“Oh!” I manage, trying to sound chipper. “I’m dating someone. He’s the guy getting the award tonight.”
“I told you. You’re a special girl,” she says, and I love the way she says that with her Russian accent. I am a special girl!
Exiting the bathroom together, she says, “You look beautiful. You don’t need my help.”
I still think Nikola and I could be friends, and I am happy she isn’t making this awkward.
“Want to get a drink?” she asks, gesturing toward the bar.
“No. I’m good.”
I make my way toward Gideon, who is already mingling. He kisses my temple when I stand beside him.
“Dani, Gideon,” Declan says, approaching us. Glancing at this look, I realize how Declan never wears business professional clothes. It’s always business casual.
“Nice shirt,” I point out, and he smirks. His hair is longer since I last saw him. I push down the thought that he’s growing it out because I told him I like his hair better when it’s long.
“We’re on a hiring spree. I’m focused on recruiting tonight,” Declan shares. “So, if you think anyone is interesting, send them my way.”
“Hey,” Gideon says to Declan as he starts to leave us. “We need another book to read.”
“I’ll send a few more to your places.” With that, he leaves us.
That was nice. A normal interaction with him.
“Self-help book club.” I roll my eyes. “Do you realize he’s getting us to join his cult?” I whisper, considering how it’s been nearly a month since my last drink. I’m never going to tell Declan these self-help books are actually helpful. They’ve given me a lot to think about.
I’ve been motivated to build healthy habits these days, replacing my nightly wine with tea.
The most shocking habit I’ve been cultivating is being an ‘early bird gets the worm’ type of person.
Dani Sommer, the morning person. Never in a million years did I think that would be me.
Going to bed around nine o’clock also makes it easy to not drink too.
Nikola and I lock eyes, and I tense up a little as she and Adam approach.
I’ve mentally prepared for this moment, seeing Adam.
But that doesn’t stop my pulse from quickening.
I didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response since he texted me about the cottage, although he keeps trying to get a response out of me.
Is bringing Nikola as a date another way of him trying to get a reaction out of me?
Our group exchanges the usual pleasantries, and I keep my smile polite as Adam studies me, his gaze flickering over my hand in Gideon’s.
He looks almost unsettled. I reach for a drink from a passing server but then pull back.
Drinking isn’t going to do me any favors tonight.
Gideon notices and skips a drink as well, squeezing my hand supportively.
Adam’s reaction is immediate; his eyes narrow, and I can tell he’s trying to figure out the why behind every move I make.
Needing a moment to collect myself, I step toward the windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Tonight is about Gideon, not Adam, and I’m not going to allow Adam to derail this evening.
Adam’s voice startles me. “How are you?”
“Good,” I say as emotionlessly as possible.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“I’m good.”
“That’s the second drink I’ve seen you turn away.” He tilts his head slightly, taking in my stomach, making me shift uncomfortably. “How far along are you?”
“Adam!” I whisper-yell. “I’m not pregnant.”
“Don’t lie to me.”
I know I’ve gained weight, and the accusation stings. “I’m not.”
“Good.” He grabs my hand. “I miss you,” he says softly, and I pull my hand away.
“Adam! Stop!”
“Do you miss me?”
“No.” I laugh, more out of shock. I’m done with this conversation. “By the way,” I add, pausing, “thanks for almost ruining my business. Turns out it was the best thing to happen, and I’m doing better than ever.”
“I never had any doubts,” he says with a proud smile.
Agh! “Just leave me and Gideon alone.”
“You love him?” he asks solemnly.
“Yes.”
“More than me?”
I roll my eyes, annoyed. “I don’t love you.”
“Sure.” He scoffs. “Whatever you have to tell yourself.”
Dick.
“Don’t get pregnant,” Adam says, before stepping away.
Channeling my maturity, I don’t scream at him. A hand touches my shoulder. “What?” I snap, then realize it’s Declan. “Sorry.”
“You good?”
“Clearly, no.”
“Adam’s been staying away from you, right?” he asks.
“Yes, this is the first I’ve seen him.”
“Good.”
I know that tone. “How fucking mafia, Declan.” I playfully nudge him, knowing he meant that he would handle Adam.
“Let’s get back in there. Don’t let him think he has any power over you,” he encourages.