perfectly seasoned and prepared steak.
“I do,” he replies, cutting a much larger bite of his filet mignon.
When he doesn’t elaborate, I feel a touch annoyed, but I’m unable to ask more questions because I’m drawn into conversations around the table.
After everyone dines on filet mignon, lobster tail, and steamed vegetables, our plates are collected, and tiramisu is delivered. As dinner wraps up, I realize I’m having a truly great time. I always enjoy our annual gala but having Matthew beside me has made the night truly remarkable. He’s so charismatic and easy to talk to, once he loosens up and relaxes. Tonight, I’ve seen him more relaxed in a social setting than ever before.
By the time the speeches commence, I’ve all but forgotten about the awkward meeting between my date and my father. All eyes are on Edith as she recounts tales of recent adoptions, of the smiles and tears shed by joining a pet with their forever home. “I’d like to take a quick moment to introduce the hardworking volunteers who help ensure our shelter runs like a well-oiled machine.”
She goes through the volunteers and gets to me last. “I want to give a special thank you to Kyla Morgan, who also helped spearhead tonight’s fundraising event. We couldn’t have done this gala without her extensive knowledge and expertise,” she says, waving a hand in my direction.
I smile widely, feeling a blush the same color as my dress creeping up my neck, as everyone gives me and the rest of the volunteers a round of applause.
“I encourage you all to visit the auction tables to see some of the amazing, donated items, and in a few moments, Poppin’ Johnny will take the stage and provide musical entertainment for the evening. Dance, have a few drinks, and enjoy our magical event. On behalf of all of us at Boston Cares Shelter, thank you for your support.”
Everyone applauds Edith as she steps away from the podium and returns to our table. The delicious desserts are consumed as the band begins to play. The mood is light and cheerful, and as the attendees start to mingle once more, I can’t help but finally relax and just enjoy this moment.
“What’s that smile for?” Matthew asks, returning mine with a small one of his own.
“It just turned out to be a lovely night,” I tell him, as we snatch glasses of champagne from a passing waiter.
“It did,” he replies, clicking my glass with his own in toast. “I’m happy to be here with you, Kyla.”
“I’m glad you’re here too.”
Something must flash across my face. “Did you not think I would?”
I shrug, turning my attention for a moment to someone greeting Matthew as he passes. My date doesn’t pay the man any attention, however; just keeps his eyes on me. “I guess I was prepared for you to have to work. You’re so close to closing another business deal.”
He swallows hard and cuts his gaze across the room to where my father and his team are still sitting and laughing. “The deal is almost done, and even if it weren’t, even if there were delays and renegotiations that required my time, I’d still be here with you tonight,” he says, stepping forward and sliding his thumb across my cheek. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than by your side, Kyla.”
His words are barely above a whisper, but ring loud and clear. I almost open my mouth right there and tell him I’m falling in love with him. Instead, I opt to save that for later. He’s wanting to talk tonight, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe he’s ready to share the same declaration. I see it in his eyes, or at least I think I do. There’s definitely something there, something that’s been growing with each passing day. I feel it in his touch and in the way he made love to me last night.
He reaches out and brushes his hand against my arm, causing goosebumps to race across my body. “This dress,” he starts, shaking his head, “it’s going to be the death of me, beautiful. You’re a vision.”
I lean into his touch, needing to feel closer. Even though my feet are already sore, I go up on my toes. “Wait until you get to peel it off me later, Cowboy.” I give him a sassy smile and wink, which makes him groan.
“Devil woman.”
I bark out a laugh and sip my champagne, the bubbles tickling my throat. “Just giving you something to