Dance

"Artemesia is that you?"

I turned my back and there he was, Colton smiling from ear to ear as he looked at me from head to toe.

Of course he is invited to a party like this. I mean it is not really a party but come on who are we kidding?

It is a party for wealthy people but they disguise it as a charity ball to not feel any guilt that they are wasting a lot of money to this party and convince themselves that they are helping the poor.

"I can't believe it, you are here!"

"Yeah, I can't believe it either."

"What? Of course you are Braxton's secretary so you are supposed to be here."

Ah yes, I'm the secretary. The secret secretary that no one knows about until I was hired. I don't even know it myself.

"You know my offer is still open if you like to resign from Braxton's company. I could pay a much higher salary."

"It's okay Colton, I'm good."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Colton." I chuckled.

"My name sounds good in your lips." He said as he licked his lips.

"And my first taste sweeter when it hits your face." A baritone said behind me.

I looked behind.

"Chill, Braxton!" Colton laughed.

"What's with you and Artemesia huh?"

Braxton didn't answer him but he glared at Colton.

My eyes remained on Braxton, he fixed his hair which is brush up now, he is dazzling with that kind of hair style. He looks so elegant, prim, proper and handsome.

He looks respectable, not that he is not respectable but it just… it fits him well. Especially in an event like this.

Colton was about to say something but a blonde girl grabbed his arm and pulled him somewhere else.

I gasped a little when I felt his warm breath on my ear.

"You are late," Braxton said behind me.

That is such a sensual way to say I'm late! Damn it. Why did he have to say it like that? Or am I the only one thinking that it is sensual?

I gulped.

"It doesn't even matter that I'm late."

It's true! It doesn't even matter that I'm late. No one is expecting me to come, they are expecting Braxton to come but not me. I'm nobody to these people.

"That is not an excuse."

"And I don't need to reason with you Mr. Bentley." I turned to him.

I swallowed hard. I didn't know he was so close to me! Our faces almost bump into each other if I didn't step backward when I saw him.

I took a deep breath as I stared into his beautiful eyes.

"I'm here to help you not to fight with you."

His eyes went down on my lips. My heart beats fast.

Damn it. What is going on?

Warmth crept to my cheeks.

"You are an hour late, yet your lipstick is still smudged over your lips." He said as he touched my lower lip, removing the smudge out of my lips. There's a tingling sensation when Braxton touched my chin.

I stood there, appalled while Braxton left and talked to a group of older men like nothing happened.

I was stunned by what he did.

What the hell just happened?

What is going on with Braxton?

Why is he so… sensual tonight?

Or is it just me?

Damn it.

What is going on with me? I need a drink right now!

I didn't glance at Braxton's direction. I looked for the drinks. I immediately grab a bottle of champagne and drink it. I fanned myself. It's getting hot here even though there's a cool breeze of wind.

It's getting hot because of Braxton.

I shook my head to get rid of the thought.

Nope. I'm not going to think about that.

I won't.

Why would I?

Maybe it's just his way to you know… tell me things.

Or maybe he is drunk! Yes! That's the best way to put it. Maybe he had a little bit of alcohol that is why he is acting like that.

I'm sure Mossy will like this place, he is into this. He likes socializing so much because he is so good at it.

The charity ball starts and I haven't seen Braxton since our interaction. I didn't know where he was going. One thing is certain, he is busy with his associates. Of course men like him are always busy.

I wandered around the garden trying to entertain myself. The charity ball is not that boring but I'm not into this kind of thing. They talk all about business. Maybe I should mingle with all of them so one can teach me about business. So I can grow it when my songwriting doesn't live up to anything.

I looked for Colton, luckily he was with other people. I was about to walk up to him when all of their heads turned around. That made me do the same.

As soon as I turned around I knew my mouth flew open. My eyes reamines on her. Her beaming eyes and her sweet smile dazzles everyone. Her perfect white teeth is enough to shine the whole fucking event!

How the hell did it get so white?

Now I want to know who her dentist is!

I scanned her. She is wearing a tight off shoulder blue dress that hugs her perfect hourglass body.

Damn.

Now I get why Braxton wanted to impress her. She is prettier in person!

Everyone is also amazed with Monica's beauty. I heard people say 'oh' multiple times and some are whispering talking about her.

Though I can hear them because they're whispering turned into loud chit chats.

"Wow!"

"Is that the girl? The heiress?"

"Yes I heard that's the girl. Her name is Monica. I didn't know she was this pretty!",

"Right? I thought her pictures were just photoshop but look at her! She is even better in person! Is she even real?!"

"She's making me feel insecure now!"

"Ugh! I want to be like her!"

Those are the few things that I heard people talk about while they are watching Monica strutting elegantly on the red carpet.

"She's so gorgeous."

"Yes she does." Someone said behind my back.

My eyes widened when I turned around and found Colton looking over my shoulder. I didn't know that I said it out loud.

Damn it.

Even Colton is blown away by her beauty!

I looked for Braxton in the crowd and there he was. Standing with his business partners. His gaze is towards Monica's direction who's looking like a model and a princess at the same time. He was in awe of Monica's beauty.

Who wouldn't be?

I looked away when he was about to turn his head. I stared at Monica.

Damn she's a real beauty. I can't take my eyes off her.

"Hey she's gonna melt if you continue staring at her!" Colton jokes.

"Oh nah… no. I'm not staring at her! It's just that she's really beautiful."

"Everyone in this garden know how beautiful she is Artemesia." He chuckled.

"But you are more beautiful!"

I lightly hit his arm. "Tsk. That is a bad joke Colton. I'm not even close!"

"Don't tell me you are insecure?" He asked.

"No I'm not. I adore her beauty, that is way different compared to insecurity."

"Well, just know that in my eyes you are beautiful." He smiled and winked at me.

I can't help but roll my eyes. Colton really knows how to make someone feel special. He is good at it.

He even tickles my waist!

"Stop it Colton!" I laughed at him.

He roared in laughter, everyone threw glances at us.

"Shh…" I shushed him. He is getting a lot of attention.

I stopped laughing when they dim the light and there's a light in the center. It's the signal for everyone to start dancing!

People make their way towards the middle. Making way for everyone who wanted to dance.

I pursed my lips as I tried to vibe with the slow music they were playing. I lick my lips and look around.

"You wanna dance?" Coltosln asked me.

I immediately shook my head. It's not like I'm not good at dancing. The truth is, I'm the best at dancing whatever music it is, whether slow music, upbeat or what. I can dance to it but I don't think showing my good dancing skills here would help at all. It's better to keep it to myself.

Besides, I don't want to get their attention. I wanna keep it low-key.

"Are you sure you don't want to dance?"

I nodded at Colton. "Yes, I'm sure. Ask somebody."

He used his puppy eyes on me.

I shook my head. "No Colton. I'm not in the mood to dance." I chuckled.

I rejected him nicely.

"Tsk. You are hard to get Ms. Vena." He teased me.

My eyes remained at him. He never called me Ms. Vena. The only one who calls me in that formal way is Braxton.

"Alright I'm gonna go and look for someone who would live to dance with me." He said.

"For sure they will love to dance with you, just don't step on their toes," I said.

"I won't." He laughed as he walked away.

I can't help but smile at Colton's antics. He is really nice but you can never be sure with him when it comes to love. Don't give your heart to someone who looks so handsome and sweet enough to break it.

I glance at the certain stage. My eyes caught Monica standing and looking at the people dancing.

Hmmm…

Why is she standing there waiting like a mushroom?

She's a beauty!

She's supposed to pick from all the guys who will ask her for a dance? And why no one's asking Monica?

Aren't they good enough to ask her?

They're all freaking scared? Is that it?

Damn it. That's how pretty she is! She intimidated every guy that they didn't even ask her out to dance!

Well at least Braxton doesn't have a competition at all.

Wait a minute…

I delved my eyes around the crowd. Where the hell is Braxton?

I turned around and saw him stealing glances at Monica's direction.

Oh damn it. What are you doing Braxton?

Why aren't you asking her to dance?

They haven't talked a little! Why hasn't someone introduced the two of them?

I glance once again on Monica's direction. She's smiling, flashing her pearly white teeth.

Damn it. I think behind that sweet smile she's wondering why no one is asking her to dance.

My eyes traveled towards Braxton's direction. Our eyes met yet to eye. My head tilted, eyes wide open. I'm tilting my head few times towards Monica's direction but he doesn't seem to get my signal to ask Monica.

Damn it.

I thought he is good at business deals but he doesn't even understand what I'm saying!

Finally he looked over Monica. He slightly shook his head.

What does he mean no?!

Is he crazy?!

"Final dance everybody." The announcer said.

'Damn it, ask her out!' I mouthed to him.

He sighed and walked towards Monica's direction.

Gosh! Good boy! I actually thought he wouldn't make a move.

My heart thump faster as I watched Braxton talked to Monica. My hand grip tigther on my purse as he introduced himself.

Monica reached for his hand to shake it as she smiled to him.

Good small talk but he should ask her now or they won't dance and the perfect evening won't happened. This is the perfect event and time for them to meet and get to know each other.

It's a very romantic way to meet.

Braxton nodded as he let go of her hand.

Monica tucked a strand of he hair behind her ear as she talked to Braxton who is towering over her, even though Monica is tall enough like a model, Braxton is way more taller.

I but my lip, waiting for Braxton to held her hand and lead to her to the dance floor.

My brows furrowed when he threw a glance at my direction. My eyes widnened when he turned his back Monica and walk over my direction.

Damn it. What is he doing?