SAVANNAH
“You look wonderful!” Anya exclaimed as she entered the room. I’d just finished putting on everything—the elegant evening dress, makeup, accessories, and the super pretty Dior shoes Mika provided me. But I couldn’t help but admire her looks tonight, too. She chose the charcoal dress.
“Wow. You look damn sexy. I mean, even with the baby bump.” Seriously, she was a goddess. I’d only noticed her small delicate face now that she lifted her hair.
She stroked her belly. “Thank you. Well, this is the sexiest part.”
“Have you seen Rafe?”
“Still with Julian.” She clicks her tongue. “There’s this last-minute thing they must do, but he told me he’ll see you at the party. They’re already dressed, so I’m here as your chaperone.”
How could I not love her? I could tell how precious she was.
“Oh, God, no. I should be your chaperone.”
We laughed.
“Come on. Party’s already going.”
Even though I was anxious about how Rafe would introduce me to everyone, this excited me at the same time. Eager, I followed Anya.
As we got down the stairs, I was instantly blown away by how they turned the mansion’s hall into a lavish event venue. The orchestra was playing a piece of lively waltz music. The place was brimming with tables and chairs in black and gold skirting, and red-suited servers holding trays of glasses and cocktails were roving across the hall. I assumed most of the guests in glamorous dresses and designer suits were already there, but the place was very organized. A few guests were dancing in the front, including Benjamin and the birthday celebrant, Rachel, while the videographers were filming them and some photographers pacing around the place.
“There you two are!” Adam and Carter approached us, coming from a gang of young girls who probably were escaping from.
“Dance with me.” Adam snatched my wrist and dragged me with him.
“Hey! I should wait for Rafe.”
“Don’t worry. He won’t mind.”
I glanced in Anya’s direction. “How about Anya?”
“Carter will take care of her.”
Adam took me to the dance floor, which was quite far from his parents. He immediately grabbed my hand and carefully brought his other hand to my waist, with a space between us.
“I want to know more about the only woman Rafe brought home,” he said.
“Or fleeing from those girls.”
“You got it.” He flashed out a cocky smile. “So, Savannah. What do you like about Rafe?”
“Is that the actual question? I like everything about him.”
“That’s too general. What do you like about him the most?”
I couldn’t help a smile. “Well, he’s… Apart from being too attractive, he’s really attentive. I feel like… I’m one of the most important things in the world to him. It’s hard to explain.”
“Mm. That doesn’t sound like Rafe at all, but yes.” He spun me around and brought me back. “When he wants something, he can be really dedicated. Is he aware he’s like that?”
“I think so.”
“Then you’re all good. You trust each other. Sorry about the other night, by the way.”
“You don’t have to apologize. Those things happen.” I nodded as I spoke. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Dad is many things, but being a doting father isn’t one of them.”
“I think he’s okay. I spoke to him, you know, not that I have a say about it, but he’s trying.”
“Well.” He looked around. “We wouldn’t have this kind of life if it wasn’t for him. I like being rich.”
I beamed. “That’s true.”
Adam and I finished one more song when Rafe finally showed up.
“Sorry, I’m late. Mind if I cut in?”
“No, of course, man.” Adam patted his brother’s shoulder. “It’s nice to know you, Savi.”
I nodded. “You too.”
Adam left the dance floor and greeted some people I didn’t notice watching us at the corner.
“You’re getting along with everyone,” Rafe observed, bringing me to his arms, against his warm body that felt like my personal space. My home. He glided his arms around my waist, and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
“Am I?” I crooned. “You look beautiful, and you smell so good. But you’re so workaholic. It’s your mom’s birthday.”
“You know, if you weren’t here, I’m still probably stuck upstairs by now.”
“So this is you trying?”
“This is me adjusting.” He lowered his head and crushed his mouth on mine hungrily, as if we hadn’t kissed since forever.
“Hey.” I cut off the kiss, chuckling. I felt like drowning… in a good way. “People are watching.”
“Let them watch. You’re my girlfriend.” He pulled me closer. “Baby, you look ravishing. Am I in heaven?” He grinned.
I patted his chest. “That’s really cheesy.”
He laughed with me, and it sounded so delicious I instantly pictured myself on his lap when I finally had him alone for myself later. He’d been swamped half of the day. I already missed him so badly.
“I’m not cut out for it, then. Come. Let’s greet my parents.”
When we finished dancing, Benjamin and Rachel were already in the crowd of people, welcoming important guests, and giving hugs and kisses. The people they were talking to now were broadcasting personalities and media tycoons. I spotted Emilio and Jocelyn, too.
“I’m glad you found the time to attend my wife’s special day.” The one Benjamin was shaking hands with now was an anchor at CBB news: Jesse Marshall.
“Oh, no, Ben,” the woman with Jesse spoke, “It’s a common tradition that we attend our closest friends’ special occasions.
“That’s right,” Jesse agreed. The woman he was with must be his non-celebrity wife.
“Kate invited me to her birthday just two months ago, darling,” Rachel reminded her husband.
“That’s right.” Benjamin turned to the Estrellas. “And Emilio, of course. I’m glad you chose my son for your new endeavors. It’s a pleasure we’ve finally joined ventures.”
“Thank you for inviting us. Your son and his girlfriend, Savannah, have been hospitable to us.” Emilio shook hands with him, too. “Happy Birthday, Rachel.” Jocelyn squeezed Rachel’s hand.
“Thank you for coming, everyone. It means a lot. I hope you have fun tonight,” Rachel told everybody. “There’s dance, plenty of cocktails and food, and new people to meet!” She clasped her hands. “Isn’t this lovely?”
“Indeed, it is. This feels like home,” Jocelyn said while looking around. “But speaking of lovely, where is my lovely couple?”
Only then did they notice us.
“There they are,” Benjamin announced.
“Good evening, gentlemen, ladies,” Rafe greeted them with another series of handshakes. Lastly, he kissed his mother’s cheek. “Happy birthday, mom.”
“Savi, sweetie.” Jocelyn cupped my face. “You look so beautiful. It’s fantastic to see you here. Well, of course, you’ll be here.”
I gave her a brief hug. “How are you?”
“I’m very good. I heard you and my Sofia have reconciled? Is that right?”
“Um, yeah, something like that. But we’re adjusting.”
She touched my chin. “That’s fine, my dear. Healing takes time.”
“Isn’t my future daughter-in-law fantastic?” Rachel joined our conversation.
“Future daughter-in-law?” Kate, the news anchor’s wife, queried with widening eyes.
“Yes. Rafe finally listened to me and brought this beautiful girl.”
“Good heavens! I almost thought Rafael wasn’t into girls,” Kate remarked, studying me. “I’m sorry, Rachel.”
“Well, he’s not.”
“Oh, gosh.” I touched my reddened cheeks. “Happy birthday, Rachel. You look really amazing,” I said, then hugged her.
“Thank you, Savannah.” Rachel kissed my cheek and then studied me. “Oh, darling, you look lovely.”
“Thank you. Oh, Rafe and I have something for you.” I opened my small purse, drew out the small velvet box I kept inside, and handed it to her. “We picked it up. He said you will love those.”
“Really?” She took it, untied the gold ribbon, and opened the box. “Earrings! Are these peonies in diamonds? These are really pretty. This must cost a fortune.”
“Actually, it was Rafe who paid for it,” I admitted, “but I chose the design. It’s custom and the only one in the world.”
“I love it!” She hugged me again. “Thank you, Savi. You know what, I think this suits my dress better. Can you hold this for me, honey?” She gave the box back to me and started removing the earrings she was wearing.
“Good job,” Kate inserted. “Rachel always fancies good jewelry.”
“So I’ve been told,” I said, smiling as I watched Rachel wear them.
“I remember the ones we picked in Switzerland,” Kate went on, checking out the earrings. “It’s a nice ring with a blue stone. She loves it, too. Maybe I should’ve chosen a bracelet.”
“And you have an eye for beauty, Savi,” Jocelyn commented. “I think I shall invite you and Rafe to my birthday next year, too.”
I touched my chest. “We’ll be honored.”
Rafe’s hands slipped into my waist again to announce himself. “Hello, ladies. Hey, Mom. Is that your new favorite now?”
“Thank you, thank you! They’re gorgeous.” Rachel showed her son her ears and embraced him.
“They look perfect on you, mother.”
“Thank you. Very well, I don’t want to keep you here and enjoy the party!” She spread her arms. “A band will sing for us for the rest of the night, so the dance floor is available until feet get sore.” Rachel giggled. “I’ll be greeting a few more guests.”
“Have fun, Mom,” Rafe said. “I’ll be with Savannah and make sure she eats something. See you around, ladies.”
“See you around,” I said, too.
Kate waved her hand at him while Jocelyn was still smiling. Rafe then led me toward the buffet.
“Is that alright? I mean, leaving them?”
“These people aren’t just here to eat or dance. They have their own agendas.”
“Like what?”
I didn’t know what made him laugh, but he shook his head simultaneously. “Like making connections. This is their chance.”
Rafe found a place for us near the buffet and pulled a chair for me.
“Like how?” I asked as I sat.
“Like my mother makes sure I meet someone. A daughter of a billionaire tech owner or a daughter of someone she knows. It’s actually good you’re here.”
“She won’t do that now that she met, right? Even if I’m not with you next time?”
“What made you think I won’t take you the next time?” There was a ghost of a smile playing on his lips.
“I’m…” My mouth parted open. “I’m just saying that theoretically.”
“No.” He stared at me. “She won’t do that.”
I sighed in relief. “Alright, um. Let’s get food, I guess.”
“I’ll get some.” He stood again. “And what would you like to drink? There are cocktails and juices.”
“A cocktail, please.”
He chuckled. “Right away, ma’am.”
I watched Rafe march to the bar while some people approached him. He spoke to one of the servers and pointed in my direction.
“Hello.”
I shifted my attention to the woman’s voice standing at my side. She had long, straight, raven hair that made her look like a shampoo model on TV.
And wow. She was gorgeous and rather tall, about five-eleven at most. She had a beauty queen vibe all over her.
“You must be Savannah,” she said softly.
She was probably one of Rachel’s relatives. A niece, maybe. “Yes, can I help you?”
She pulled a chair, sat across from me, and reached out her hand. “I’m Erin. Rafe’s friend…”