3. MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND

ELIANA

“Mmm,” I moaned softly as Scott's lips moved against mine, my fingers gripping his shoulders.

He pulled me closer, deepening the kiss until I forgot everything except the man in my arms.

I'd dreamed of this moment for years. I never imagined he'd finally kiss me back.

“Baby,” he murmured against my lips.

I melted at the sound of my name, wishing the moment would never end.

For once, I wasn't the little girl he'd always seen. I was the woman he'd chosen to kiss.

And I wanted more.

How it all started…

I lay on my bed, lost in thoughts of Scott, when a knock on the door snapped me back to reality.

Great! For someone whose romantic experience consisted mostly of imagination, my thoughts could be surprisingly vivid.

“Your dress has arrived, Eliana. Come try it on. Hurry, so we can make any necessary adjustments before the party!” Susan shouted through the door.

“Yes, Aunt,” I replied as I hurriedly brushed my hair. If I showed up looking like a mess, she might have a heart attack. She was obsessed with my appearance.

It was Scott's birthday. I hadn't seen him in a while, and I couldn't wait to see him again. Maybe now he'd see me differently—as a woman, hopefully. If not, then what I'd planned would make him change his mind.

I tried on the dress. It was lovely, stunning, actually, but it wasn't what I wanted. I wanted something daring, something that would make me stand out. I already had something in mind.

“You look stunning, my dear. You've grown into a beautiful young lady,” Susie praised me.

I couldn't stop myself from blushing.

“I'd have to keep my eyes open. I know a lot of boys would be chasing after you, but we're going to pick only the best.”

I smiled and agreed. Who was this we?

Who cared about boys, anyway? I only wanted Mr. Scott Blackwell.

“All right, go continue whatever you were doing. We'll be heading to Mr. Blackwell's party venue in two hours.”

“Yes, Susie.”

Continue what I was doing? No way. I'd never get anything done with Scott occupying my thoughts. I needed to get myself under control, at least before the party. Two hours until I got to see the man who starred in my dreams.

Two hours later…

“Eliana! Eliana! What's keeping you in there?” Susie kept knocking at my door, ordering me to come out.

“I don't feel too well, Aunt. I don't think I'll be attending. If I feel better, I'll ask Santiago to take me to the party.”

“What's wrong, sweetie?”

“My stomach... it hurts,” I replied, trying hard to sound as though I were in pain.

“I could stay with you if you want.”

Aww! So sweet of her, but no. That would ruin my plan.

“No, Aunt, go ahead. Enjoy the party and tell me all about it when you get home.”

“Fine. Call me if you need me. I'll be here before you know it.”

“I will. Thanks, Aunt.”

I waited for them to leave.

Then I changed into the black, sparkly dress I'd chosen. It was strapless, fitted to my body, and had a slit along one side. It was far bolder than anything Susie would have approved of.

I ordered an Uber. I didn't want anyone knowing I was at the party. I covered myself with a big, fluffy coat in case anyone saw me on the way out. Hopefully, they'd pay no attention to my hairstyle or heels.

Thankfully, I got out without being noticed, climbed into the waiting Uber, and headed to the venue.

I informed my friend Cassie that I was going to a party and asked her to tell my aunt I was at her place if she called.

I slipped on a mask and headed for the entrance.

“Your invitation, miss,” one of the security guards said, his gaze lingering on my outfit.

Good thing I'd forwarded a copy of the invitation to my phone. I showed it to them, and they let me in after wishing me a splendid evening.

Of course, I planned to have a very good evening.

I walked into the hall. Heads turned, and whispers followed me as I passed. It wasn't every day a woman arrived at a party wearing a mask and such a daring outfit.

Mr. Blackwell stood at the far corner, speaking with my dad. Approaching him right away would have been a terrible decision.

Suddenly, his gaze shifted, and our eyes met.

There was something in his expression I couldn't quite grasp—interest, perhaps.

Breaking eye contact, I accepted a glass of champagne from a passing server. I wondered whether Mr. Blackwell would look at me with the same intensity if he knew who I really was.

“Good evening, miss,” a calm voice said from behind me.

I turned to find a brown-haired guy smiling as he waited for a response.

“Good evening.”

“I'm Ashton Dexter. And you?”

I didn't care who he was, silly! I wasn't interested in his attention. Would he just move away already?

“Nice to meet you,” I replied, ignoring the fact that he'd asked for my name, too.

I was wearing a mask. Obviously, I didn't want anyone to know who I was. Duh!

“So, what is a beautiful lady such as yourself doing at a party all alone?”

He had to be kidding me! Beautiful? Half my face was covered, dude. He was probably more interested in my appearance than anything else.

“I prefer being left alone... that's why.”

I hoped he'd get the message and leave me the hell alone.

He continued talking. He simply wouldn't go away, and my patience was wearing thin.

“I believe the lady isn't interested in whatever you're saying,” a voice interrupted, startling me.

I couldn't believe it!

It was Mr. Blackwell.

His stare was so intense that I could barely breathe. He'd crossed the room to stand beside us. His gaze briefly swept over me before returning to my face, as though he were trying to figure out whether we'd met before.

Of course, he wouldn't recognize me. I was wearing a mask. I was safe.

“Have we met before?” he asked.

“Yes.”

That was true, but I couldn't tell him how or when, could I? Thankfully, I didn't stutter.

“Where?”

What should I say? I hadn't prepared a lie for that question.

“At an auction,” I replied.

It seemed Cassie's influence was beginning to rub off on me.

“I see.” He paused before continuing. “We could talk for a while, if you don't mind. There's a VIP room down the hallway.”

“Sure,” I replied a little too quickly.

I was already loving how this was going!

My heartbeat quickened as he led me away from the crowd. I couldn't believe I was finally getting the chance I'd dreamed about for so long.

The room was only a few steps from the party hall. He opened the door for me, and I stepped inside.

The place was lovely. It screamed luxury. I was used to luxury, but this was on another level.

I walked over to the bed and sat down, hoping to appear more confident than I felt.

“So, mind telling me your name?” Mr. Blackwell asked as he loosened his tie.

“I don't plan to reveal my identity just yet.”

I wasn't about to tell him my name and everything else about myself.

“What is it you want to talk about?” I asked, pretending not to understand, while my heart raced with excitement and fear.

He looked a little annoyed.

What if all he wanted to do was talk?

“I think you know exactly why I brought you here.”

He moved closer, his gaze fixed on mine.

“You've probably heard a lot about me—my reputation with women.”

I swallowed. I knew exactly what he meant, and I couldn't deny that his reputation had played a part in my plan.

“Are you denying it?” he asked.

“No! No, I'm not. I just...” I trailed off as his expression changed, his interest becoming impossible to miss.

Everything was going according to plan!

“Take off your dress,” he said quietly.