CHAPTER NINE
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Greg.” I rested my hand on his arm and smiled. “If you don’t mind, however, I think I should mingle with some of the other men. Wouldn’t want anyone to get jealous now, would we?” I winked and walked away, my third champagne glass in my hand. I was starting to feel warm and tingly inside. I smiled as the atmosphere, alcohol, and situation, all worked to loosen me up.
As I mingled, the men were all very flattering. They complimented me every opportunity they had. It seemed like there was a competition between them to see who could make me blush the hardest.
Then, when I left a group of stockbrokers, I stopped dead in my tracks. Across the room, I spotted my former financier, Bruce. “Crap.” What was he doing here? Quickly, I tried to hide behind a group of girls, but they all walked away in a herd toward the bathroom. Bruce spotted me once more and I carefully stepped behind the ice sculpture. The dark-skinned individual was still on his phone.
I tried to engage him in conversation, hoping it would stop Bruce from approaching me, but suddenly, he was right behind me. “What do you want?” I asked, turning to face him. I knew he wasn’t going to leave me alone. I held my head up high, determined to keep my composure in front of this man.
“Haley, I just want to talk to you. The last time...”
“Look, if we’re just going to have the same conversation we had before, don’t waste your breath. I’m over it.” I lied, trying to remain convincing. I was still trying to handle the fact that I had crashed and burned, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. I wasn’t going to show him any weakness. “I just want to make sure you’re okay. I really do feel terrible about what happened.”
“If that were true, you wouldn’t have allowed it to happen in the first place.” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.
“You know I didn’t have a choice in the matter -”
“Well, neither did I when you left me out to dry.”
“I’ve bounced back, I could help you again.”
I held up my hand to stop him from continuing. “Don’t bother. I don’t need your money. Going forward, I’m going to handle things on my own. It’s the only way I know I won’t be swindled.”
“I didn’t try to swindle you.”
“Either way, depending on you only caused me to fail.” I said, my voice calm. “I need to do things on my own. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do.” Without another word, I stepped past him, rejoining the crowd. That’s when I saw him: Charles Branlon.
I froze in place for a split second before my eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape route.
I spotted Michael Grayson in the crowd and sighed in relief. He was one of the more charming and handsome men at the event. He had cute blonde hair and wore an adorable polka dot bow tie. Just like many of the other men in the room, he was a self-made billionaire with a real estate empire spanning all over the world.
“Haley!” He said, catching me in his arms as I stumbled forward in my attempt to avoid Charles. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. I just tripped.”
“Well, in heels like that, I’m not surprised.” He helped me up, his hand under my elbow to steady me. He had a friendly smile on his face. “Or was that an excuse to get in my arms?” He grinned moving closer to me, his breath against my neck. I looked up, our faces inches apart. “You know, I was hoping you’d come talk to me again –”
“Excuse me.” Charles suddenly interrupted with his hand on my shoulder, spinning me around so I would face him. “But do you mind if I join you two?” He asked politely, acting like a perfect gentleman.
Michael looked annoyed, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Fine.” He answered and I groaned inwardly. It seemed Michael was one of those guys who were just too nice to say no. I stood there, feeling awkward, knowing I couldn’t get out of the situation without coming up with a good excuse to leave.
“But please, continue with your conversation, I’ll get us something to drink.” Charles squeezed my shoulder before he left. I felt my skin crawl.
“Do you know that guy?” Michael asked.
“I used to. Briefly. A long time ago. Feels like another life…” I trailed off. “If you don’t mind, I need to go the ladies room.”
“Aww. Come on now. You used that excuse the last time you talked to me.” He grabbed my elbow and pulled me close. “Don’t let that guy get to you. A lot of the men here are complete jerks. Just ignore them.” He smiled at me and I relaxed a little.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I asked, my voice playful.
“Hmm?”
“Well, if I ignored men like Charles Branlon, I’d be more inclined to be with men like you, wouldn’t I? I have to say, you use your charm quite well.”
He laughed, fixing his bow tie. “Well, I have to find some way to compete with everyone’s good looks. It’s not easy being the sweetheart in a crowd of sharks.”
“I’m sure you do just fine for yourself…” I got closer to him, enjoying his kindness. “Besides, those glasses give you a rather cute nerdy look. I like it.”
“You think so?” He adjusted them on the bridge of his nose. “I’ve considered getting contacts.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think it would suit you…” I took off his glasses and looked at his soft, gentle face. “No. Definitely keep the glasses. You look much cuter with them on.” Carefully, I put them back on his face and smiled. “Trust me.” I kissed his cheek for good measure.
Behind me, someone cleared their throat. “Here we are.” Charles handed Michael a drink, a look of contempt on his face. I sipped my champagne, feeling triumphant that I had managed to push Charles Branlon’s buttons.