You're The One (Very Irresistible Bachelors #1) - Layla Hagen Page 0,67

nothing more than to let him. I wanted to belong to this man every way there was.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Hunter

The first gala event of the season took place a few evenings later.

“How do I look? Is this okay?” Josie asked, twirling in front of me as we were getting ready. She was wearing the white-and-silver dress we’d bought on that shopping spree. The one that had driven me crazy with lust even back then.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Your voice sounds a bit growly. Is this too revealing for you, husband?” She twirled again, giving me a view of her exposed back, all that soft skin on display. The dress was long enough that it reached the floor, but the plunging back was just killing me.

“Are you teasing me?”

“Yes, sir, I am.”

“You look too fucking beautiful. But... it’s... if we go to the event with you wearing that, I’ll have to fight off men for you. You’re not wearing it.”

“Then why the hell did we buy it?”

“Because you look absolutely gorgeous in it.”

“See? I have to put it to good use.”

“I have an idea. You can wear it just for me. In here.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s a waste of a dress. Right... when I asked your opinion, I just meant if it’s appropriate for the caliber of the event. It’s the first Ballroom Gala of the season. But I won’t change it because you’re jealous.” She tapped her ring. “This will keep men at bay. Also, you’re the host of the event. Everyone will know I’m your wife.”

“How? You’re not sharing my last name.”

She rolled her eyes at me. “If I had a penny every time you said that. Now, come on. Or we’ll be late. I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be.”

“This is a huge thing. How did you get the idea?” she asked once we were in the back of a car. We were arranging transport for all the guests.

“Had been reading about Bill Gates, and how he convinced various high earners to donate to causes he’d donated to himself. It’s much easier if you have skin in the game. Plus, if you gather everyone in the room, the social pressure to make generous donations is higher.”

“You’re devious.”

“But it works.”

“Smart man.”

“Besides, it was an opportunity to have a joint project with my cousins. It’s a lot of fun.”

“I can tell.”

I started organizing these the same year the company made the Forbes 500 list. It was a way of giving back, of supporting those who hadn’t had my opportunities and my luck.

I’d known what it was to fall from the top. To have everything and then almost nothing. Those hard years had changed my view of the world.

“Everything okay? You’ve been quieter than usual,” Josie said.

“Just... thinking about my speech.”

That wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. My dad’s birthday was today, always a day when I could barely keep all my emotions in check. She clasped her fingers with mine. My heart rate sped up. It was a small gesture, but it was as if she knew it would calm me down. As if she felt I needed it. All my cousins were at the venue, at the organizers’ table.

“Come on, the raffle will begin right after your speech,” Tess said.

Instead of simply inviting one to dance, you had to buy a ticket for the person you wanted to dance with. There was a raffle for every dance—only men bought tickets for the first few rounds, and only ladies for the next ones. All the money went to charity, of course, though this wasn’t the main donation, just provided an element of surprise and kept everyone laughing and guessing.

When we were brainstorming ways to keep the balls entertaining and unique, Tess came up with the idea, citing Gone with The Wind as inspiration. I had no idea what the movie was about, but Tess talked our ears off, and before we knew it, we’d all agreed to it. It proved to be a success.

“I’m thinking we should also participate in the raffle,” Ryker said. As organizers, we’d stayed out of it because we had plenty to do.

Skye laughed, but Cole nodded in appreciation. “I’m with you, brother.”

“I’m sure I’d bring in the most tickets,” Ryker continued.

Cole cocked a brow. “When I’m competing against you? Ha! No chance.”

Josie looked between the two of them. “Well, well. The Flirt vs. the Charmer. I’d pay money just to watch that.”

Tess clapped her hands. “We don’t have time for brainstorming now. Hunter, your speech. And by the way,