Chapter Nine
Waking up in her daddy’s arms had been unexpected. The fact she’d fallen asleep had been wondrous. However, seeing the morning light streaming in through the window that morning had been disastrous, especially since she’d been almost an hour late to work. Jenna was sore all over, the ass plug now driving her insane. At least he hadn’t increased the size, as he’d mentioned more than once. That would come later. Every time she moved, the plug shifted, pushing against her muscles, creating quiver after quiver.
“I want you more than any woman I’ve ever had.”
The words remained burning in the back of her mind. Then she remembered she’d told him she loved him. “Ugh.” Of course, her words were issued in the throes of passion, but Jesus. What had she been thinking? Still, they’d made love several times after that, including in the pool. His body was as demanding as his mind, his needs outweighing any concept of rationality. When she was with him, time simply didn’t matter. She shuddered from the delicious and very wicked thought.
Thank God the day was coming to an end. She was going to go home, open a bottle of wine and kick her feet up. She glanced at the clock, giddy that it was almost five. As she turned off her computer, easing all her folders into a neat pile, she heard the sound of her phone. Groaning, she snagged it from her purse, smiling at seeing her bestie on the line. “Camie. Happy Friday.”
I was spanked and fucked last night over and over again.
As if she could mention a thing regarding the details.
“I’m going to pick you up at seven. I hope you have a snazzy dress to wear. Make certain it’s elegant and tasteful. Not that your clothes aren’t tasteful, but this is a very special event and I need everything perfect,” Camie rattled on.
“What are you talking about?”
She exhaled into the phone in an exaggerated fashion. “I thought you might have forgotten.”
“Forgotten what?”
“That you’re my date tonight for the Arts Council dinner? The huge function that Mark couldn’t attend. Remember I asked you at lunch?”
No, she didn’t remember a thing. “I can’t.”
“Please don’t tell me you have a date with the mystery spanker.”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “No, he’s unavailable tonight, but I have other things to do.” I have a life. Right. She had the television and copious amounts of wine.
“You have to go. You just have to. I need support. This is what I’ve been working on for almost six months and I need you in my corner. God, the truth is, I need a miracle. If this event goes south, my career is going with it,” Camie insisted.
Jenna vaguely remembered the question being asked and her willingness to go, but she’d been under her daddy’s spell at the time. “Fine. What kind of fancy dress are we talking about?”
“Something long and slinky. This is black tie.”
“I’m going to kill you. I hope you know that.” She had two long dresses in her closet and neither one of them was appropriate for anything but a wedding and that might be a huge maybe given the frou-frou material.
“Just find something that’s sexy as hell, but—”
“Tasteful. Conservative. I got it,” Jenna huffed.
Camie laughed nervously. “This will be fun. Trust me.” She hesitated, a strangled sound popping from her mouth. “Well, I hope like hell it’s fun. Yes, I’m certain it will be.”
“Said the spider to the fly. You owe me, my BFF.”
“Are you certain that you weren’t going to your hunk’s house tonight?” Camie teased. “A little spanking refresher?”
“Death to you. Death. I’ll be ready.” As she ended the call, she sank further into her chair. Where in the hell was she going to buy a dress this late and for her budget? What budget? She had two hundred dollars in her bank account to keep her going until payday. Pulling out the credit card was going to have to do. Great. If she focused on paying off her tremendous student loans, let alone her credit card, she might be free of debt when she was eighty.
Ten minutes later she was inside of her favorite outlet style store, searching the racks for anything appropriate. She was almost desperate and running out of time. When she happened on a long, gorgeous plum-colored piece, slinky in all the right places, she squealed like a little girl. Thank God she had the perfect shoes to go with the heavenly dress. She rushed toward the checkout, realizing that she hadn’t let her daddy know of her change in plans. At this point, she had zero time to even text him. She’d accept his punishment later.
Tossing the bag into the car, she jumped inside, praying to God that she wouldn’t get a ticket on the way home. The satellite radio on full blast, she kept her speed just above the limit as she made twists and turns, swerving around other vehicles as she jammed down the accelerator. She knew nothing about the Arts Council or what Camie had been doing as of late. They rarely talked business. Shame on her.
The traffic was horrific, especially given it was a Friday but by the grace of some God, she made it home just after six. She was panting as she attempted to freshen up, including a quick shower and new makeup. At that very moment she noticed the bite mark on her neck. “Fuck.” She’d spent the entire day at work, passing by the other assistants and managers and hadn’t noticed the slight purple color. Where the hell was her cover-up stick?
Five solid minutes later, she managed to locate it and prayed. This wasn’t the kind of event she should attend looking like a teenager in heat. “Thank God.” She had to admit, the savage beast in her master was sinful.
At precisely six-forty, she stood glaring at her reflection. The dress was perfect, highlighting every one of her curves, but her hair… What the hell was she going to do with her hair? The best she could come up with was a sweeping bun, messy in all the right places, strands falling in her face. She stood back, brushing her hands down the front then decided to be a little more festive. Adding glitter and some darker eyeshadow, she twisted back and forth, satisfied that she looked the part.
Whatever the hell that meant.
She had to dig through her drawer to find an appropriate shade of lipstick, finally settling on passion purple. The slick glossy effect was exactly what she needed. She heard the knock on her front door as she dragged her heels out of the closet, skipping toward the entrance, her clutch in her hand. As she threw open the door, she realized she’d know instantly if she was on the mark or a garish piece of trash.
“Oh. My. God. You’re stunning.” Camie shook her head. Dressed in fire engine red, the buxom blonde was sophisticated and beautiful.
“Mark is going to hate himself for not going with you tonight.”
“Let’s hope so, bastard. Oops,” Camie mumbled as her eyes twinkled. “Don’t tell on me.”
“Not saying a word,” Jenna insisted, holding up her hands.
“There will be scores of photographers there, so I can certainly throw this in his face. Come on, girl. Let’s go party.”
As they settled into Camie’s SUV, she eased back, wishing this could be something she attended with Dominick. She bit her lip to keep from moaning and touched the bite, self-conscious as hell.
“And how was your night? You have that freshly fucked look.”
“Fantastic. And no, you’re still not getting details. And no teasing.”
“You’re such a meanie.”
Jenna fidgeted, bursting at the seams to say anything. “I will say this. He has the biggest cock I’ve ever seen.”
Camie chuckled. “No fair. By the way, he was at the restaurant the other day, wasn’t he?”
Jenna couldn’t fight off the laugh. “Yes, he was.”
“That’s what I thought. I hope you can tell me all about him one day. And not just about his stunning physique either. You have me so curious.”
“I will. I promise.”
They were halfway to the event when Jenna realized that she’d left her phone at home. She opened her mouth to try to convince Camie to turn around then thought better of it. One night wasn’t going to do anything. He would understand her predicament. Wouldn’t he? Besides, he’d mentioned he was going out of town for the night on business. He wouldn’t have time to miss her texts. Nope. She hissed under her breath, her thoughts drifting to what could happen if he found out. She wouldn’t be sitting for a solid week.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” What was she supposed to say? “I was just supposed to text him. I forgot.” The words were blurted out before she could stop them. What was this, confession time?
“He really has you wrapped around his finger. Doesn’t he?”
“You don’t understand. What we share is everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“A father figure?”
Hearing Camie issue the words made her grimace. “Authoritative and yes. You know I’ve craved that my entire life.” She thought about the lies she’d told him. Why? Why had she invented details about her past? Embarrassment.
Camie took a deep breath. “I understand you think he’s the right guy, but what do you really know about him?”
“We’ve been through this.”
“Honey, I’m not pushing you, but you follow everything he commands you to do. Right? You don’t go anywhere without letting him know. My guess is you text him before you go to the bathroom. That’s not normal. What is going to happen if you have a job where you travel? Or what if you couldn’t get ahold of him? Is he going to be nasty and mean to you?”
“It’s not like that and Daddy isn’t that strict. He’s amazing.”
Camie mumbled under her breath. “Daddy isn’t that strict. You should hear yourself. I will make this promise. If he hurts you after everything you’ve been through in your life, I swear to God, I will kill him with my bare hands.”
Jenna leaned closer, batting her eyelashes and laughing. “That’s my big sister and I love you for that.”
“I’m serious. I don’t like how demanding he is. I just read…”
“What?” She glanced at her friend, her gut churning. “What did you start to say?”
“Nothing.”
“No, what?” Jenna insisted.
“Ugh. When you ran off to the bathroom, I looked at your phone. I know. I’m sorry. Actually, no, I’m not. I wanted to see who this guy was.”
Had she put his name on her phone? Shit. She’d used Dominick. But no last name. Thank God. “You invaded my privacy.”
“Because you refused to tell me anything. That’s never been you. Keeping secrets makes me nervous for you.”
“You had no right to search through my private things. None. I wouldn’t do that to you!” Hearing the manner that she was snapping at her friend gave her pause. She’d never been nasty or rude to Camie in any way. Her bestie had been with her through thick and thin, making certain she had everything she needed during a time no one seemed to give a shit. “I’m sorry for snapping at you but I want this more than anything I’ve wanted in my life.”
An awkward tension settled in.
Camie tapped her fingers on the steering wheel as she made a series of turns. “Jenna. I know that. I’ve known how much you wanted a family all your life. You just can’t create one. You’re going to find the right man and fall in love one day for all the right reasons. Not because he fits the fantasy. You know I’m right.”
The words hit her hard. She’d lied to Dominick about her family. There was no family unit, no one to visit in Florida even if she wanted to. She was nobody to no one and the reality suddenly hit her as hard as it had years before. “I know that. I’m not trying to. Just trust me for once. Okay?” Camie was the only person in her life that she considered family to any degree.
Sighing, she patted Jenna on the leg. “Fine, but take it slowly. Okay? Please?”
“I will and I am. We’re not a couple or anything. I’m not certain he wants to be seen with me in public. He had me sign some papers.”
“Papers?”
“You know. A nondisclosure so I wouldn’t tell the world anything about him. I only know so much anyway.”
Camie’s mouth dropped open. “I can’t fucking believe the audacity of this man.”
“Don’t give me that. Imagine if his public found out he has some young chick on the side he’s spanking every third day or so.”
“Doesn’t that bother you just a little bit?”
Jenna shrugged as the downtown came into view. She hadn’t really thought about whether it bothered her until now. “We have an arrangement. Nothing more.”
“And you’re in love with him. Does he know that?”
She bit her lip, the nervous tension in her jacking to a high level. “I kinda told him last night.” Hearing Camie’s intense sigh, she shrank further into the seat. “He might not have heard. We were… Well, it was after making love.”
“Perfect.” Camie shook her head.
Okay, so she was hoping Dominick would take her on a date at some point, but what they shared was all about the moment.
They rode in silence until Camie turned into the parking lot. “How about this. Why don’t you just enjoy the celebration? There will be a lot of eligible bachelors here. The rich of the rich, if you know what I mean. High society.” She laughed, even though the sound was clipped.
“I’ll try. What is your role tonight?”
“Making certain all the little details are in play. I can’t fuck this up. Just be my shoulder to cry on if it does,” Camie stopped the engine, her face almost white.
“Chunky Monkey ice cream and wine?”
“That’s my girl. You’re on. God, I hope that doesn’t need to happen.”
Jenna was almost overwhelmed as they walked into the Hotel Jefferson, the five-star hotel reminding her of the glamorous forties. The long staircase, lined in gilded gold and red carpeting, swept down the middle of the foyer to the lower level. There were beautiful statues and tapestry, reminiscent of decades before. She hadn’t been to the hotel in years, and had only walked through, admiring what she’d never been able to have. Everywhere there was beautiful art, paintings and sculpture, dazzling pieces behind sparkling glass cases. “This is amazing.” She walked closer to one of the paintings and bit back a gasp. The four-thousand-dollar price tag certainly caught her eye.
“Wait until you see the ballroom. The budget was over fifty thousand dollars for decorations and I spend every last cent of it making everything festive. Some of the artists are here tonight. Crazy and eclectic bunch. Come on. I need a drink. Cocktails in the downstairs lobby, my girl,” Camie said under her breath, faking an accent.
She giggled with Camie as she headed down the stairs, taking their time as if making an entrance. There were already dozens of people milling in the elegantly decorated space, waiters in white coats serving champagne and musicians in the corner playing a light jazz tune. This was everything she couldn’t have, and she would indeed enjoy the evening as if she belonged here.
But you don’t, and you never will.
“Champagne first. Then I’ll take you on a tour before things get started.” Camie pulled her by the arm, grabbing two glasses of bubbly as the very handsome waiter gave them a most lurid smile.
“Yum. I already like the hired help.”
“See, I told you there would be hotties here.” She lifted her glass. “To new adventures.”
“I like that.” Jenna smoothed down her dress, wondering if the forty-nine-dollar price tag showed in her selection. There were women dressed to the nines, their shoes costing more than she made in an entire week. She suddenly felt out of place and very small, even frumpy. “What is this for?”
“We are highlighting the local artists and twenty percent of the proceeds go to charity. We have all the major players here tonight, even a few representatives from Fortune 100 companies. Last year, we raised over one million dollars for charities. We hope to top that tonight. Anyone who is in the up and coming or the already here list will be in attendance but it’s all the artsy types. You know. Weirdos.” Camie kept her voice low as she navigated them out of the lobby. “Come on. Let’s check the ballroom to make certain everything is in order.”
“I had no idea how important this was.”
“You and my husband. Damn the man.”
They linked arms as they walked down the hallway, landing in front of closed doors. As they walked, they passed by several shops, the spaces lined with beautiful and no doubt very expensive things. She thought about what Camie had said on the drive over. She’d lied to Dominick, the one thing she’d told him she couldn’t tolerate. Why? Because she was completely embarrassed that she was an orphan, abandoned at birth. She’d been almost adopted twice, until the prospective parents found out who or what her parents had been. The conservative men and women had run far and fast away from her, certain she was a bad seed.
Being shunned her entire life had been difficult, something she thought she’d never have to face again. Jenna stood back as Camie threw open the doors. She had to blink several times to understand what she was seeing.
The Egyptian setting was incredible. From the tablecloths to the napkins, the tiered coverings lining the ceiling and walls, everything was elegant yet whimsical. Candles were lit, flicking from all the tables. She moved behind Camie, turning in circle after circle, feeling like the ugly Cinderella who could never attend a ball of this type.
“I think this will do,” Camie said as she gripped Jenna’s arm, laughing.
“You did all this?”
“I coordinated. Huge difference, but the theme for the dinner was my idea. I thought the colors would work for fabulous artist types. What do you think?”
“Utterly amazing.”
“I am so glad my best friend approves. Just let me check on a few things. Stay right here.”
Jenna remained in the same spot, keeping her purse clutched to her chest as the musicians began to play. She wrinkled her nose as she made certain that there was no one else in the room then turned in circle after circle, pirouetting as she gazed up at the ceiling, mesmerized by the intense colors. She threw out her arms and smiled, enjoying the moment, wanting so many fabulous things in her life.
“You fit right in,” Camie said.
Jenna slowed down, realizing she’d covered a good third of the room in her less than fantastic dancing skills. “Not really, but a girl can dream.”
“Maybe you’ll find Mr. Right tonight. You never know.”
“You mean among the weirdos?”
“Could happen.” Camie laughed. “Everything seems to be in order. We can go back and enjoy the festivities. At least for a little while.”
They chatted as they walked the hallway, heading back to the lobby. By the time they rounded the corner, she could see a solid one hundred additional people had arrived, with more streaming down the grand staircase. Now, she wanted to crawl under a rock, more uncomfortable than she’d ever been. She clutched her champagne as she trailed behind Camie, who knew several of the arriving guests, greeting them with kisses and handshakes, completely comfortable with the surroundings.
Jenna kept the lump in her throat as she was introduced and at least no one picked at her, figuring out she didn’t belong here. After almost thirty minutes, she’d started to relax, even enjoying the meet and greet portion, her sinful mind allowing her to preen in her pretty dress. And there were a number of seemingly eligible bachelors who noticed.
“I’ll be right back,” Camie said as she squeezed Jenna’s arm before moving off.
She moved toward the edge of the lobby, close enough to the bathrooms in case she had a case of nerves, and enjoyed people-watching. Swaying back and forth to the music, she sipped on her champagne, grateful Camie had yanked her out tonight. As she hummed to the beautiful tune, she couldn’t help but smile. At least seeing all the beautiful people gave her thoughts regarding the future—when she finally made something of herself.
Her little voice was pushing her, trying to get her to move along, engage in conversations with someone else. She held her head high, her smile as polished as possible and ventured further into the crowd. Then a late arrival caught her eye. Shrinking back, she held her breath. There was no way. A look-alike. She took tentative steps closer, smiling as she milled through the crowd.
Stopping short, she held her breath. Dominick was standing only fifty feet from her. He was even more gorgeous in his tailored tuxedo and perfectly coiffed hair. His face was beaming, as if he had no cares in the world. Why had he lied to her? Why couldn’t he have simply told her he had an event that she in no way should attend with him?
The answer was easy enough. He would have been ashamed by her. Well, wasn’t this a crock of shit? Instead of being embarrassed she was angry, much more so than she would have guessed. Her rational mind reminded her that they weren’t a couple, but the irrational baby girl who’d just spent an entire night with a man said something else entirely. Gritting her teeth, she was ready to walk right up to the bastard when she felt a tug on her arm.
“Come on, sunshine. Let’s get our seats early.” Camie followed her gaze. “What’s wrong?”
“Not a goddamn thing.”
“Whoa. What in the world happened while I was gone?”
Jenna turned sharply, feeling the heat of rage in her face. “Nothing. Doesn’t matter. You’re right. Let’s find our seats as well as another glass of champagne.” She marched ahead, making certain she sucked in her tummy and held her head high. She would give him a piece of her mind later. Whenever they got together next. Well, if they got together again. Shit. This was nuts. She had no hold over him. Probably business. Yes, that’s it. After all, he was alone. She managed to snag another glass of champagne, guzzling almost half as she walked down the hall.
Camie caught up with her at the entrance to the ballroom. “Good God, woman. Who was that guy?”
“Nobody. Really.” She smiled. “How about that table?”
“That’s perfect. Come on.”
The seat Jenna selected allowed her a clear shot of the double sets of doors. She licked the rim of her glass, trying to concentrate on the fabulous band, even though she darted her gaze toward the doorway every few seconds.
“Was that mystery man?” Camie asked as a waiter approached.
“Just someone else I thought I knew, but I was wrong.”
“Uh-huh. Two very large glasses of cabernet.”
Jenna tossed a look in her direction. “But just so you know. I hate all men.”
Camie had a sly grin on her face. “I’m with you on that one.”
She drummed her fingers on the table, waiting until Dominick entered. At minimum she’d make certain he noticed her.
The room began to fill, guests continuing to mingle before securing a seat.
“That’s Winston Parker. Last year, he was our biggest contributor. I’ve heard he’s worth three hundred million,” Camie whispered, nodding toward the door. “And that’s Maggie Washington and yes, a true descendent. She owns several estates in Virginia. Look at Jeffrey Winters. Not a bad catch, if you ask me. Never been married and he’s definitely on the up and coming list.”
Jenna aimlessly looked in the direction Camie was pointing. “He’s younger than I am.”
“He’s actually thirty-two but has a baby face.”
“I prefer real men with broad shoulders and muscles in all the right places. Chiseled faces and even salt and pepper hair. Men of power and influence.” She closed her eyes, imagining Dominick in all his glory.
“Do you mean like that fine-looking gentleman over there?” Camie nudged her.
She refused to look right away, lost in memories of shared passion.
“Shame he’s got his own private party.”
Jenna’s eyes snapped open. “Where?”
“Isn’t that the man you noticed before? I can’t tell who he is at this point, but the woman he’s with is Stephanie Kannaday. She’s on the board of the Arts Council and worth several million dollars herself. She’s considered one of the most eligible bachelorettes in Richmond.”
She shifted then when she wasn’t able to see clearly, rose to her feet.
“What is going on? Do you know that guy?” When Jenna didn’t answer, she eased to a standing position.
Jenna couldn’t breathe as stars floated in front of her eyes. There was no doubt she was looking at Dominick and the woman was beautiful, stunning in fact, her diamonds sparkling from across the room. After Dominick eased a chair from under the table for her, he leaned down, obviously whispering something in her ear. “No. No. No.”
“Honey, is that who you’re talking about? Your daddy is Dominick Asbury?” Camie leaned further over the table, absolute disdain in her tone of voice. “Oh, shit.”
The engaging woman tilted her head, locking eyes with Dominick and there was that moment, the very one she’d seen in far too many romantic movies, where the action was telling. They were indeed a couple. When Dominick kissed her on the cheek, his lips lingering, she lost all feeling in her arms and legs.
“Oh, Jenna. Honey, I’m so sorry.”
Somehow, she found herself walking around the table, moving at a steady pace. She heard Camie calling her once, but she was focused, a smile on her face, her eyes never leaving the man she’d allowed herself to trust. The closer she came to Dominick’s table, the more people noticed her, admiring gazes and nods of approval fueling the fire in her belly. Only when she was less than twenty feet from him did he finally notice her, his eyes opening wide.
Dominick rose to his feet, glancing down the length of her, his lips painfully pursed.
Jenna walked closer until they were standing only two feet apart. Finally, his date realized that there was someone standing behind her.
“Dominick. Who is this?”
She half expected for Dominick to answer that he’d never seen her before.
“Give me a second, Stephanie,” Dominick said very clearly. “Jenna. I can explain.”
Every person at the table remained silent, their eyes locked on the exchange.
Inhaling, she wanted to end the evening with a glorious whiff of his exotic cologne, the same one that had lingered over her naked body for several hours. Debating her options, she simply leaned over, wrapping her hand around his filled wineglass and right in front of him, she took a languishing sip, savoring the flavor. When she pulled her hand away, she smiled, seeing the lipstick stain. “Don’t bother. Ever.”
There was no satisfaction in her heart being crushed. There was also no remorse in her actions. As she walked out of the room, holding her breath to keep from crying, she realized she was likely to be alone for the rest of her life.
And for the first time, she was perfectly fine.