of my fears just kept melting at seeing the pure joy in his eyes, feeling his hands on my hips.
“I’m at your mercy, Mr. Winchester. Do your very best.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Laney
“This is incredible,” I murmured when we entered the ballroom, taking it all in. The high ceiling with sophisticated golden lighting devices was just exquisite, as were the small opera-style balconies full of tables. A dozen more tables were spread around the room, circling the dance floor.
“Thanks,” Cole said.
I’d only ever seen these types of events in movies or a TV series. Despite its grandeur and elegance, the room wasn’t intimidating at all. I felt welcome.
Tess waved at us from the family table next to the stage. She was alone for now. We headed toward them but stopped a few times on the way for Cole to greet guests and introduce me. I loved being on his arm and getting to know his world a little better, being part of it.
“How did you come up with the idea for these events? They’re so grand. You even have car service and valets, and your family is so down-to-earth. At least, from what I’ve seen.”
“Hunter and I rub elbows with a lot of the guests in our business, so we’ve learned what makes them tick. Or in this case, part with their money for charity. We start by donating a huge amount, and then they follow suit.”
“That’s smart,” I said as we reached the Winchester table.
“You look gorgeous, Laney,” Tess exclaimed.
I motioned for her to rise from the table. “I want to see your dress properly.”
She stood, twirling once, and I nodded appreciatively. Tess was absolutely radiant in a bright red gown with a heart-shaped cut. She seemed to have more blonde strands than before. Her hair was styled in elegant waves.
“You’re stunning,” I said.
“What did you do to your hair? I love it.”
“A blowout with a brush.”
“You’re real good at it. I look like an electrocuted cat whenever I try that.”
“It’s a simple tutorial on YouTube. I’ll send you the link.”
“Thanks.”
Thankfully, I’d been blessed with naturally thick, shiny hair that somehow resisted the daily abuse of being tied up and sometimes covered in a plastic cap. For tonight, I’d used one of those huge round brushes to straighten it and give it volume at the same time. I loved tutorials in all forms. I could of course have gone to a hairdresser, but it was faster to just do it myself. After Cole and I sat down, Josie and Hunter joined us. Ryker and his wife, Heather, and daughter, Avery, arrived soon after.
“Heather, I know we just met, but you need to tell me where you got your dress,” I exclaimed. It was dark blue, princess style with a silver thread at the waist.
“Thanks. I’ll show you their website later in the evening. That energetic kid who just ran to the children’s corner is Avery.”
“Nice to meet her too.”
“Let’s all sit,” Ryker said.
A while later, Isabelle, Ian, and Dylan joined us. The guys each hugged me, and Dylan whispered in my ear, “Thanks for looking out for Isabelle.”
I squeezed his shoulder lightly, smiling when I pulled back.
“Okay, everyone. Since we’re all here, let’s go through the plan tonight.” Tess touched the iPad in front of her, lighting up the screen. “So, I’m going to participate in the raffle. Who else is up for it?”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“If one participates in the raffle, each of their dances is being bid on,” Cole explained. “Typically all of us from the family participate.”
Wait a second... Did this mean Cole was going to be dancing with other women the whole evening? Hell, no. I pressed my lips together, looking around the table. Okay. I didn’t want to be selfish, especially since this was for a good cause, but still... Hell, no.
I was debating the best way to bring this up when Hunter burst out laughing.
“Your girl here is being territorial,” he exclaimed. Peering sideways, I realized Cole had been watching me. The tips of my ears felt hot, then my cheeks too. Damn, I probably looked like a tomato.
Ryker grinned. “Welcome to the club, Laney. Don’t worry, one of the signs in this group that someone is serious about their better half is being territorial. Own it. Live it.”
Hunter chuckled. “That’s right. It’s why out of all of us, Tess is the only one who still participates in the raffle. Lucky Isabelle, Ian, and Dylan have agreed to step in for us.”
Isabelle wiggled her eyebrows. “Even