“I’m Sierra Monroe…uh, Mr. Whitfield’s new employee,” Sierra said, stumbling over her words a little. Sierra’s nervousness could be felt by everyone. Damien felt a bit of guilt over not explaining where they were going.
“Mr. Whitfield. Ha! That’s amusing. Don’t worry about formalities here. It’s a four-year-olds birthday party,” Trinity said as she took Sierra’s arm in hers and started leading her up the large entrance stairs.
Damien followed behind, not too sure he liked his new employee getting cozy with his best friend. He didn’t want his business and personal life to mix. He certainly didn’t want his plans for revenge to come anywhere near Trinity. For one thing, she’d throttle him, for another, she’d talk him out of it. He wouldn’t be able to stand the conflicting emotions of trying to do the right thing for his deceased mother, and trying not to hurt Trinity.
“Come on Damien. Let’s get a drink while the ladies finish setting things up. Don’t worry, you’re not the last arrival,” Drew assured him.
Damien watched as Trinity led Sierra to the kitchen. He shouldn’t have brought her to the party. He should’ve just had the limo drop her at the jet and made her wait on him. He hadn’t realized how uncomfortable it would make him to have her alone with Trinity. He should’ve known she’d try and befriend Sierra. That’s just how Trinity was. She instantly liked everyone, and unless they did something to not deserve her trust, she gave everyone the benefit of the doubt.
He accepted a glass of wine from Drew and downed half the glass. He had to refocus and get his head back in the game. He wouldn’t let unwanted emotions get in his way.
The Andersons had to pay for what they’d done.
“How’s business, Damien?” Derek, Drew’s cousin, asked.
“It’s been good. I’m heading over to one of my vineyards in Australia right after the party. The land next to my largest property just came up for sale. The man knows I want it so he’s trying to charge twice what it’s worth. He’ll be singing a different tune by the time I leave.”
“I have no doubt he will,” Ryan piped in with a laugh. Damien figured he’d better tone down his voice. His emotions were a bit out of control.
“I have to say I’m glad you’re best friends with my wife, and not a mortal enemy. You tend to get quite the predator’s gleam in your eye when you’re talking about something you want,” Drew said with a laugh.
Drew’s cousins both nodded their heads in agreement while joining in the laughter. Damien looked around the room, realizing how uptight he was acting. He forced himself to smile while relaxing his shoulders. He could let down his guard for a couple hours, being among men he trusted.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starving, and if I’m not mistaken it smells like Jasmine’s in the kitchen cooking up something delicious,” Damien said as his eyes darted toward the door.
“You’d be correct. Let’s drive them crazy until they cave and give us an appetizer,” Derek said with a gleam in his eye.
The men walked from the den, letting the incredible aroma filling their nostrils lead the way. When Jasmine cooked, the entire neighborhood opened their windows just to get a sniff.
“Smells delicious, Honey. I could smell it all the way in the den,” Derek said as he wrapped his arms around his petite wife.
“Are you trying to sneak some food by shamelessly flattering me?” she asked as she turned and kissed him on the chin.
“Of course not. I just couldn’t seem to resist touching you,” he quickly replied as his hands moved down her back and quickly swatted her butt.
Damien shifted on his feet, the moment feeling awkward as he watched the two of them flirt.
“I thought this was a children’s party, not a swinger’s festival,” Damien said, trying to break up the intimate scene.
“Damien,” Trinity scolded him, but there was a smile across her lips.
“Fine, you boys can have a snack, but you have to either go back to the den or out by the pool,” Nicole jumped in. “Seriously, Jasmine, behave. You’re making me want to drag my husband to the nearest bedroom.”
“I’m okay with that,” Ryan quickly said with a predatory gleam in his eyes.
“Don’t you dare touch me, Ryan Titan. If you do, the kids will never get their cake,” Nicole said as she darted around the kitchen island.
“Fine, we’ll go,” Derek said with reluctance as he pulled away from his flushed wife.
“See you soon,” Trinity called as she blew a kiss to Drew.