Determined: To Win (Determined Trilogy Book 3) (5 page)

“Oh, Samantha.” He pulled me into him and kissed my hair.

“You know they’d be so proud of you, right?”

I felt him tense up ever so slightly. It was in rare moments like this that I think I loved him the most. Sure, I adored the smart business man and the consummate bedroom-god, but seeing this—seeing his humanness; well, the rare nature of it definitely made it the most precious. I could have selfishly stayed there standing with him forever, but I knew he had obligations to attend to that evening, so after a few minutes, I pulled back from him.

“Come on, Chief, we will talk more about this later. I promise. For now, we’ve got a gala to attend. And you’ve got a girlfriend to show off.” I smirked, trying to bring him back to the here and now.

That seemed to do it. His expression returned to normal and he stepped back, surveying me again from head to toe.

“You are an incredibly beautiful woman. Do I tell you that enough? Because you are. The most beautiful woman in the world.”

I pulled him back into me and flashed a demure smile.

David couldn’t resist my expression and started to lean into me, but I put my hands on his chest and stopped him. “Uh, uh, Chief.” I shook my head and pointed to my mouth. “This beautiful woman has lipstick on.” His eyes darkened as he looked at me.

“Hmm. Beautiful and cruel, interesting combination.” He pulled me in closer and lowered his voice. “I should warn you. Denying me will only increase my need for you. I hope you are ready for that.”

“It’s what I’m counting on.” I said, pleased that the bedroom-god was making an appearance.

He shook his head at me, and released me, taking one last look at my dress before motioning to the door. “Shall we?”

I nodded and grabbed my clutch, eager to start the evening.

6

The ride to the gala was short. While I was leaning against him in the backseat, David pulled out a phone I hadn’t seen before.

“What is that?” I said, pointing at the silver plastic contraption. It looked cheaper than the phone he normally used.

“Burner phone,” he said, glancing at it quickly before pulling another out of his pocket. “Here, one for you, too. Use it when you call me. You can still use your regular one for your family and Carrie and everyone.”

I took the small silver phone and stared at him.

“What are you, a drug lord? Why do we need burner phones?” I asked cautiously as I flipped open the phone. David had already added his number, as well as what I presumed were pre-paid numbers for Elliot and Thomas.

“Seems we are still having some issues with our friend,” David said, carefully. I looked over at him, and from his expression, I knew he meant Brian. I must have made a face, because he quickly added, “Please Samantha, don’t fight me on this. I’ll explain later. Let’s not let it ruin our evening. How was your day? Did everything go well with Gina?”

I frowned at his blatant attempt to change the subject. Brian was supposed to be gone and no longer a problem. Normally, I wouldn’t give up the topic so easily, but I did want to ask him about Gina. Maybe he could give me some advice. He was, after all, pretty good at business and dealing with people. I put the phone into my already crowded clutch and turned back to him.

“Oh, I don’t know. It was fine most of the day, but towards the end I overheard her on the phone, and she was going ballistic. I think she was talking to her ex-husband. It kind of freaked me out. I haven’t heard anyone get that mad,
ever
. I guess I’m just worried, you know, what if she freaks out on me like that? I guess I’ve been spoiled with Curtis at the gallery.”

David pulled me in close to him and nuzzled his chin against my head. “You know you don’t have to stay there if you aren’t happy Samantha. You are so smart. If it’s not the right fit, you can go somewhere else. You don’t owe her anything.”

I looked up at him, and I was speechless.
Huh.
I was someone who was used to trudging through mud to get what I wanted. I hadn’t ever thought about avoiding the mud completely.

I exhaled. “You’re right. Maybe I’ll put out some resumes tomorrow, just in case things with Gina don’t work out.”

“Or you could…”

“Don’t even say it.” I knew where he was going. Suggesting that I stay home and become his kept woman had become a running joke between us. And it wasn’t my favorite.

“That’s my girl.” He kissed my head and looked down at me. “Now, are you ready to be paraded around, Ms. Feminist?”

I pretended to scowl at him, but I couldn’t hold the face. He was too charming.

The gala was being held at the Fairmont, an ornate turn-of-the-century hotel perched high up on Nob Hill. As Elliot dropped us off at the curb, Thomas exited the passenger side door to accompany us. The steps up to the hotel were covered in a deep red carpet, and paparazzi—an unusual sight in San Francisco—were flanking both sides of us. They called out to David for photos, and he obliged. As he got in to position, I started to step aside but he pulled me back with him. I flashed an objection with my eyes, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Once he pulled me up next to him, he turned slightly and whispered, “I want everyone to know.”

I looked up at him, and caught the embers in his eyes. I understood. The photos were part of showing me off. David, despite not dating anyone seriously, had always had a variety of socialites on his arm at these functions. I realized this was a crucial step toward being seen as at least an equal to those women. Not by David, but by the circles in which he socialized. I settled into his arms and smiled politely at the battery of flash-bulbs before he finally whisked me up the stairs and inside.

And what an inside it was. I had passed the Fairmont Hotel many times, but had never had an excuse to go in. The entrance to the building was filled with chandeliers, enormous bouquets of flowers, and throngs of beautiful people, dressed in sequins and silk. Almost immediately upon entering, David was inundated with people wanting a moment with him. He handled them with consummate grace, skillfully introducing me and weaving gentle banter into the conversations. Throughout, he held me tightly at his side, gazing down at me, lovingly, as people complimented him on his beautiful girlfriend. It was rare that I got to see him in his element, and it was very arousing. I was lost in him, in awe of him.

That’s why I was so surprised when we turned and practically ran into Jenna.

“Hey Sam! Hey big brother!” A short ball of energy wrapped in ivory satin reached out and hugged us both.

“Hey Jenna. I didn’t know you’d be here,” I said carefully, my eyes looking over at David to explain the sudden appearance of his sister.

He looked back at me unapologetically. “My family is coming this evening. I bought a table, and thought it would be nice if they joined us.”

Jenna grinned. “Don’t be mad Sam, it’s going to be so much fun.”

She was probably right. Usually I was all on my own at these things, forced to make small talk with some rich housewife next to me at dinner. But I liked the Keith’s. They were good people and we got along great. This
was
good news.

“No, I think it’s awesome. I’m so glad you guys are here,” I said, smiling at Jenna.

“David, I’m going to steal Sam so we can get some champagne. I hope that’s okay. We’ll meet you at the table for dinner.”

David seemed reluctant to let me go, but I shot him a hopeful look, and he agreed.

“Okay. Just don’t get into any trouble. I will see you ladies in a bit.”

“Oh, don’t worry, we will get into lots of trouble!” Jenna called back behind us, dragging me across the lobby toward the bar. “Ignore him. He can be such a fuddy-duddy. Let’s have fun.” She ordered two glasses of champagne, and we clinked to celebrate our newfound freedom.

“So, are you all really here tonight?” I asked, peering out into the crowd. There were a lot of people there, and the entire Keith clan could have been hidden easily.

“Yep, we’re all here. Dad and Julie were off talking to one of his old buddies from the hospital and Jake … I don’t know where Jake went.” She scanned the room.

“I’m right here.” A deep voice intoned behind me. I whipped around.

“Oh, hey Jake. You scared me. How are you?” I asked. “Can we get you something to drink?”

“I’d love some champagne,” he said, deadpan.

“Yeah, right kiddo. You know you aren’t twenty-one yet,” Jenna replied with the assurance of an older sister. “How about a soda? Or a Shirley Temple.”

Jake did not look amused. A sophomore in college, he was in that awkward stage where his body and emotional maturity were still trying to catch up with each other. I knew he could be congenial—funny even; I’d seen it before when I’d hung out with David’s family. But I’d also seen the brooding remnants of teenage angst, and tonight that was what was dominating. He pushed a big lock of shaggy hair out of his face and surveyed me with his eyes.

“Nice dress, Sam.”

Jenna cut in “Don’t be gross, Jake.”

“I was just trying to pay a beautiful woman a compliment,
Jenna
.”

I could sense an imminent fight. I didn’t want David’s night to be ruined with squabbling siblings, so I stepped in.

“So, Jake. David tells me you are thinking about majoring in design?” Jake went to UC Davis, and their program was well-respected.

“Yeah. It’s a good way to meet chicks,” he said as he stared down Jenna.

“Oh, well, that’s nice.” Luckily at that moment the lights in the lobby flashed and indicated it was time to head to the ballroom for dinner. Jenna linked arms with me, and we followed the mass of people headed toward the great hall.

Inside, we found our table and David’s dad and his wife were already there. I stopped and gave them both hugs before sitting down.

“It’s so good to see you guys.”

“It’s good to see you too, Sam,” Jack said. “How is your sister doing? Because if they aren’t treating her well down there at El Camino, I can make some calls.”

He was, of course, referring to the accident she had been in. “Thank you but don’t worry, David has already taken full advantage of both his and your connections,” I assured him. “Erin’s got an amazing doctor. They say she could be out of the cast in under five weeks.”

“That’s fantastic,” Jack replied. He was about to say something else when Julie, his wife, cut in.

“Speaking of David, have you seen him? We’ve been here for half an hour and haven’t seen him yet.”

“Last I saw him he was in the lobby. An older woman with a white hair and big glasses was talking to him.”

Jack groaned and started to stand up. “Probably Geraldine Quinn. She’s a notorious flirt. I better go save him.”

Julie put her hand on his arm. “Don’t you dare. David is a grown man. He can take care of himself.”

“Who can take care of himself?” I felt a hand on the small of my back and looked behind me. It was David. “Sorry I’m late. What are we talking about?” he walked around to the other side of the table and kissed Julie on the cheek.

“You actually. And Geraldine Quinn,” Julie offered.

“Ah. Yes. She’s in the process of re-writing her will so that the hospital is the sole recipient. She wants to it to fund an endowment for the oncology department.”

“Oh, that’s great, David,” Julie said. Everyone else murmured agreement, even Jake managed to break out of his bored haze long enough to seem pleased with the news.

After everyone was seated, waiters dressed in black made rounds with the first course. And despite the opulent surroundings, the meal took on the familiar feeling of a family dinner. Jenna and Jake continued to jibe each other, and Jack and Julie teased and flirted with each other. They were really cute. I found myself hoping that David and I were still as in love as they were after so many years.

As the second course arrived, David cleared his throat and addressed the table. “So, did Samantha tell you we are moving in together?”

I froze and tried to shoot him a look.
No, David, I did not
. I felt flushed, and I knew I had to be turning a dark shade of pink. I couldn’t believe he tossed this piece of news out so casually.

“No way!” Jenna was, of course, the first to respond. “That’s so great!”

I turned toward her and smiled tightly before looking over at Jack and Julie.

“Well,” Jack started solemnly, “I think that is just wonderful news.” His face broke out into a huge grin. “Congratulations, you two.”

David started to smile. It was nice to see. I could tell he relished his fathers’ approval.

Julie interjected. “I believe this calls for a toast.” She held up her glass, and the rest of the table followed. “To Samantha. You are a dear to take him on.”

“Ha ha.” David shook his head.

Julie grinned. “No really, best of luck to you both.”

“Here, here,” Jack added.

As we all clinked, I leaned over to David and whispered in his ear, “A little heads up next time?”

He turned to face me and tried to suppress his grin. “Samantha, I’ve never been known for my patience.” He glanced up at the ceiling and then back at me. “Rugged handsomeness sure, but patience, not so much.”

“Rugged handsomeness?”

“And wry wit.”

I laughed. “Oh, okay. Don’t forget bossiness.”

“That’s not generally a positive descriptor.”

“I thought we were going for accuracy.”

His eyes darkened as he sat back in his chair. “Eat your dinner, Samantha.”

Throughout the evening, David gave me as much attention as he could. Despite it being meal time, we still had more than our share of people stopping by the table to say hello. Lucky for him, it was an even mix of men and women. And he did an expert job of showing off how much he valued me, bringing me into conversation, and introducing me to everyone. He really was quite good at navigating these events.

As the main course was being cleared, a balding man with glasses stopped by.

“David,” he said, as they shook hands.

“Ted, glad you could make it. Are you and Arlene having a good time?”

“Oh, yes. You know Arlene, she’s social butterfly, and this is her kind of scene. I’m just headed out to get a little air before dessert. But I wanted to stop by and meet this woman you keep talking about.” He looked over at me as he spoke.