Bad Boys of Romance(11)
JENN
“Thanks so much for all your help today, boys. I really do appreciate it.”
They all give me grins and chin lifts as they file out the door. All, except one. Switch. He stands in front of me and my stupid body can’t help but inch closer to him. His palm comes up to rest on my jaw and I can’t tear my eyes away from his. No words are spoken, but they don’t need to be. It’s almost like I can feel what he’s trying to convey.
“Are you all coming tomorrow night?” I ask softly.
“Yeah,” he confirms.
“Good.”
He leans in, stepping closer so our bodies touch and a shiver ripples through my body. His whispered words tickle my ear as he speaks, “Can’t wait to see you in a dress.”
I feel the loss of his heat as he steps back, my body instantly turning cold. I stand stunned for minutes after he leaves without another word.
***
“Jenna! You look absolutely stunning. Wow, girl!” Glenda gasps as I walk up to the bar before the ball.
“Thanks,” I say, nervously running my hands over my gown, making sure there are no wrinkles.
My hair is pulled to the side, clasped in a messy bun just below my ear. My makeup is light everywhere, except around my eyes where the grey shimmer powder gives a seductive look while making my eyes pop. My dress is gorgeous; floor length, the lightest of light blue and strapless. It skims my body, giving the illusion of curves when I don’t have any. I tug at the chiffon wrap draped over each of my elbows and give Glenda another smile.
“You look lovely, as well, Glenda.” Even the bar staff have dressed up tonight, forgoing their usual uniform of black shirts and black pants for gorgeous satin knee length dresses embroidered with Joe’s Bar just above the left breast.
“What can I do for you?”
“Nothing, I just wanted to double check that everything is ready to go?”
“Yes. All set. The bar’s stocked and everyone is ready to go.”
“Fantastic. I better go check in with the head waiter.”
“Jenna, have fun tonight. Try to relax. You’ve done all the prep, this night will be amazing, but don’t miss it because you’re stressing out.”
“I’ll try not to,” I laugh, knowing there’s no way I’ll be able to relax until the end of the night and I know it’s been a success. “You have a good night, as well, Glenda. You deserve a stress-free night.”
After checking in with the catering team, I busy myself making sure all the donations are set out for the silent auction.
The prizes that have been donated are absolutely amazing. The community really outdid itself.
“You look like you need a drink,” Melissa says, handing me a glass of wine. “Sit.”
“Thanks,” I reply gratefully, taking the drink and bringing it to my lips.
So good.
“You need to calm down! Tonight will be perfect, Jenna. Sit back and enjoy your hard work.”
I watch the door as people begin filing in, dressed to the nines, the men in suits and the women in stunning ball gowns.
“I should go check in with the security team,” I mutter, attempting to stand. Melissa grabs my arm and pulls me back down.
“The security guys know what they’re doing,” she laughs shaking her head. “Relax,” she raises her eyebrows at me.
“Fine,” I give her an eye roll.
***
“Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of Joe’s Bar, I would like to sincerely thank you for coming out tonight. I would also like to take a moment to say an extra special thanks to Jenna Mason for all her hard work in putting together such an amazing event. Also, to Melissa Roth for creating a magical room tonight, the Mayhem Motorcycle Club boys for being our major sponsor, Grinners Catering team for serving us delicious food and all of the generous businesses that donated items for the silent auction.
Without further ado, I’d like to invite the stunning Jenna Mason onto the floor to kick off the fun part of the night – the dancing,” the Emcee laughs. “Jenna will be accompanied by Hunter Cruz, from the Mayhem Motorcycle Club. Please, give them a round of applause.” He bows and walks off stage.
The lights dim and I walk out in to the center of the dance floor, acutely aware that all eyes are on me. I try not to fidget as the music starts to play.
My teeth sink into bottom lip. Who the fuck is Hunter Cruz, and where is he?!
I hear movement from behind me and I turn, gasping as Switch walks toward me. I can’t take my eyes off him. It’s the first time I’ve seen him all night. He’s wearing black jeans, with a white button-down shirt and his black leather vest over that.
My mouth waters.