Chapter 17

Chapter 17

I stare at Amilia’s phone number since this morning after breakfast. I couldn’t have the heart to break the news to her. She was so excited yesterday.

And now I have to ruin those expectations.

Fuck. I really don’t have a choice.

I gathered enough courage to finally swipe her phone number. A few rings later, her voice followed.

“Dylan, hi!” Her soft angelic voice rang through my ears.

The two are such polar opposites. Shit. It’s so inappropriate to compare them but I couldn’t help it and I don’t even know why.

“Ugh, hi.” There’s hesitation as I speak. “Ami, listen, can we take a rain check tonight? I have a sudden emergency with my… other job.”

“Oh.” She responded dejectedly. There was a short pause before she replied. “It’s okay. We can do it another time then.”

“I’m so sorry, Ami.” I ruefully said.

She giggles. “It’s alright. I know how much you give importance to your work. I mean there’s always next time. But I should expect a treat from you on that rain check, right?” She asked jokingly.

I chuckle. “Of course.” Even though we already agreed for another time, I still felt really guilty.

This time, I was completely in a full matching business suit. I was wearing all black except for the white shirt that was covered with black jacket. My neck tie was black as well.

I was waiting for her in the living room ten minutes before seven. For a second, a nearly impossible thought crossed my mind.

What if I meet my boss there? If he sees me, he probably thinks my side job was an escort. It’s unbelievable to see me hanging out with one of the wealthiest women in the entire world. Damn.

I shake my head rejecting the crazy idea. For heaven’s sake, I hope not.

“Enjoying your inner monologue, tesoro?”

I flinched at the sudden voice. I didn’t notice she was already here. Her arms crossed in front of her chest, her ample breasts almost popping out from the strain.

I stood agape at the image before me.

How can she keep getting more beautiful every time she wears something different?

She is still wearing her favorite color white. The gown is strapless and has a huge long slit up until her hip. I could see her entire long creamy leg. Her long hair is down in loose waves. She looks… enchanting.

I swallowed.

Oh my god. This woman…!

“I…”

She grins as she saunters gracefully towards me like a cat. I was completely mesmerized. I’m only able to wake up from the spell when I heard her speak. I’m surprised when she reaches to my front, our height matched. She was no longer taller than me.

To my amazement, she notices my observation. She chuckles. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to go out there to intimidate. I’m going to donate and of course, enjoy the night.”

She reaches her hand out and I slide my arm to cross with hers.

I expected a lot of people, especially men, to turn their heads to her. And that’s exactly what happened as soon as we had our entrance to the ballroom. I can’t help but feel embarrassed because even though the looks weren’t for me, I know I’m still included in their eyes. They’ll probably think how the hell that a simple poor man like me gets to escort the most gorgeous woman here?

“Hold your head high, tesoro.” I turn to her as she speaks. She was smiling resplendently at me. “After all, you are with me.”

Her statement warmed my belly and rose towards my cheeks. That was one good way to respond to her. Note the sarcasm. I couldn’t help that my heart felt warm as well.

A lot of businessmen have been wanting to have a conversation with Cara. As soon as she grabbed a drink from the waiter, men instantly surrounded her. I automatically stand protectively beside her. I’m surprised how natural it felt. I guess it was because I learned self defense. I mean, does that even make sense?

The men tried to talk to her about business, probably as an excuse to be with her. Surprisingly, Cara only listened and spoke a few words. She only shared that she is a CEO of her own company but didn’t disclose any information other than that whenever she was asked. She was wearing a full on fake smile.

“Do you want to dance?”

She looks at me and smiles at the men around us. “If you’ll excuse us. I promised my partner tonight for a dance.”

I see the hint of disappointment in their eyes as we walk past them towards the dance floor.

“I gotta hand it to you, tesoro. You have saved me back there.” She slips her arms around my neck as I put my hands on her waist.

“Yeah… I figured you needed a dance.” I don’t know why I was blushing. Seriously.

I close my eyes as I feel her breasts against my chest. Her waist is so tiny against my hands.

Shit. I feel like a creep thinking about these things.

“May I ask you a question?” I asked hesitantly.

“You may.”

“I know you don’t need saving…”

She cuts me off with a smirk. “You’re wondering why I didn’t use my special skills to drive them away. Tesoro, this is just more than an event. This is my cousin’s wife’s charity event. I need not only to respect that but also to act accordingly. It’s not easy being in the business world. Sometimes- or more oftentimes we need to endure a lot of shit.”

I suppressed a smile. How can she utter that word with elegance? It doesn’t make sense to me at all. The woman was so full of charms.

“Why do you always call me that?” I took advantage of the situation and threw questions I once thought of. She was being friendly and... ‘tamed’ tonight. I take it as a chance.

“You mean tesoro?”

Suddenly, I see someone familiar from afar. He stands directly from my sight. He’s talking to some other men and fortunately, he’s not facing this way. In a split second, I see Hudson’s face too.

Shit. Of course my crazy hunch would come true.

I swiftly twirl us around so my back is facing my boss and manager. Cara hitched her breath at the sudden movement.

“Dylan Ross, what are you doing?” She scolded me with a hint of amusement in her voice.

“Sorry. I just saw my bosses. I don’t think it will look good if they see me here.” I said embarrassingly.

“Why is that? Do you think it’s impossible for a man like you to be with me?” She teasingly asked while looking over my shoulder.

My shoulders slumped dejectedly. “I think you already know the answer to that.”

She studies me for a moment before speaking. “Hmmn. I’m going to need a drink.” She steps back from my hold. “Come on.” She reaches out her hand for mine.

We haven’t even reached the bar, another man appeared in front of Cara. He introduced himself as Bryson Valdez. He seemed to have studied the timing when to approach Cara with no other men pestering around. He took a glimpse to my direction while asking for Cara’s name.

I wonder if it was a warning so I could leave them. Too bad for him though, I only listen to her.

A waiter walks by us with a last drink on the tray. He stops the waiter and grabs the glass for her. Cara accepts the drink and clinks the glass against his as he offers a toast- leaving me out of place because I was the only one who doesn’t have a glass.

I know she grabs a lot of attention but somehow this guy annoyed me. At least the others didn’t give hints that I was unwanted.

He does have the looks but I wouldn’t say he’s really handsome. A lot of men here are better looking than him. He was as tall as me and older. He might be in his early forties. He has an air of arrogance like the rest of the people here. But he’s just slightly more annoying.

He makes a lot of effort to their conversation, talks about the event tonight and even brags about his work being the CEO and all of his company. Whatever. All of their talks just passed amazingly through my ear. I make myself busy trying to avoid my bosses’ sight.

Cara was the one who had to cut their conversation with an excuse of going to the restroom. He begrudgingly let her go. I couldn’t pass the look he was giving me though. He was envious.

Dude, if you only know.

I then noticed Cara who was acting a bit off. “Are you okay?” I inquired as I held her steadily.

“I should’ve sat this one out. I never liked attending parties.” She leaned against the wall just before the restroom.

Her statement surprised me. “The restroom is just up ahead. I’ll wait for you outside.”

She shakes her head. “No. It was just an excuse.”

I frown as I notice that something is wrong. “Are you sure you’re okay?” My concern rose as I saw her complexion. “Cara, you’re… red.” I touch her flushed cheeks. “And warm- actually, you’re hot.”

She smiles mirthlessly. “Franco.”