look forward to.”
He wraps his left hand around my hip and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Oh, sweetheart, I’ve thought of nothing but how I’m going to get you out of that dress all night.”
With a coy smile, I hand off my glass to my date. “Would you mind holding this? I’m going to use the ladies’ room.”
He takes the glass and leans forward, brushing his lips across my cheek. “I’ll be right here, waiting.”
I turn and head for the hallway, a little extra swing in my hips. I can feel his eyes on me like a caress, pleased I chose this particular dress for the night, knowing it has him tied up is the icing on the cake.
Hopefully, later this evening, when the dress finally comes off, I’ll share the secret I’ve been carrying. I’ll tell him finally that I’ve fallen in love with him.
Chapter Twenty-One
Mason
I take a sip of my champagne, enjoying the hell out of the view of Kyla walking away. The back of that dress—It’s hard-on inducing. I’ve had trouble keeping myself from getting an erection from the first moment she spun around in her penthouse apartment. I’ve been thinking of it—and her wearing it—almost nonstop since.
When she’s completely out of sight, I turn my attention back to the room. I imagine there are a handful of people here I should know—or who my brother probably knows. Many wave, a few tip their heads as I pass, and I’ve even witnessed a few glares sent in my direction. At least my brother is consistent with pissing people off. I wouldn’t expect anything less.
What I wasn’t expecting was seeing Jerald hugging Kyla when I turned around and was introduced to her father. I probably looked like an idiot, standing there with my mouth hanging open and trying to catch up. I clearly missed the part in my brother’s packets of information that gave that key piece of information.
My question is why? Why wasn’t the connection noted more clearly in the paperwork or even mentioned when Matthew and I were talking about her? Why not just tell me he was dating the daughter of the man whose company he was buying?
Something doesn’t settle well in my gut, and as I continue to people-watch while I wait for Kyla’s return, the alcohol drops heavy in my stomach with dread. I have a feeling there’s a big piece of this puzzle that I’m missing.
Deciding I need something positive to focus on, I turn back to the doorway, hoping to catch the first glimpse of her as she returns to the ballroom. There are many people milling around, but it’s one particular person that catches my attention. He’s tall and well dressed in an impeccable tuxedo, and the moment his eyes meet mine, my heart skids to a complete stop in my chest.
Matthew.
I instantly turn around and head for a doorway. It leads to a back hallway, one that doesn’t have any attendees hanging around. When I know we’re alone, I turn and wait for him to join me. Matthew smiles deviously as he approaches, but I don’t share his excitement. Actually, I feel like I could throw up. My twin must have snatched a glass of champagne from a passing tray as he made his way through the ballroom and downs half of it before he even gets close to me.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I harshly whisper the moment he’s within earshot.
“Good evening, brother. I got back early, and thought I’d take in the gala. I was invited, after all.” He takes another sip, a much smaller one this time. “You know, as Kyla’s date.”
The hairs on the back of my neck all stand up. “That’s bullshit,” I growl, glancing around to make sure the hallway is still unoccupied.
Matthew finishes his glass of champagne in one final swig. “I’m here to save you from making a mistake.”
“A mistake? You don’t think walking in here as yourself is a bad idea?” I seethe between gritted teeth.
“I purchased my ticket as Mason Wilder.” He smirks that cocky grin I’ve always known.
My throat is so dry, it feels like there’s sand coating it. I step forward, close enough now that I could reach out and touch his chest if I wanted. “All right, Matthew, what’s up?” I ask quietly, still careful not to draw any attention, in case someone happens upon the hallway.
“I won’t let you tell her and mess up your life. You need this money, Mase.”
“So…what? You think