22. Ember

22

EMBER

I had no idea what to expect when walking into the ballroom. Yes, ballroom. It looks like I time warped into some kind of mid century, European debutante ball and the setting feels the same. Except for the extravagant gowns and tuxedos that everyone is wearing. Those are modern, gorgeous, and colorful, and I have never been happier that I trusted Cruz on the dress he picked out for me.

Hudson hasn’t left my side since we came in. I’m sure he senses my hesitation, since I’ve never done anything like this before, and he’s been doting on me since we left home. It’s been, well, perfect, actually. Even though this is his first time going to one of these with this team, he mentioned he’s been to some in the past, so he’s been at ease. Or at least it feels that way.

“Here’s when all the high rollers come out,” he leans in, whispering in my ear. “The team is going to get called up there. It’s all just for looks, but we’ll be up there while they offer up whatever they are auctioning to raise money for the foundation. Everyone starts throwing their paddles around and trying to outbid each other. Usually, it’s fine, but sometimes you get two people who just can’t stop and it’s pretty humorous to watch.”

I’ve only ever seen one of these on TV, in a movie, so this should be interesting.

Someone walks onto the stage, a gorgeous woman in a strapless red pantsuit with long, wavy brunette hair. Hopefully, she’s just some kind of host for the hotel and doesn’t work for the team, because, wow. I could see her being a distraction for all the guys.

“Good evening, everyone! I’m Bailey Lester, the Seattle Smashers public relations director, and we are beyond thrilled that you could all make it out tonight!” Her voice is much more enthusiastic than the look on my face, especially when she invites the players to step onto the stage and she greets each of them nonchalantly, except Hudson. With Hudson, she wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a longer than usual hug.

I’m not typically a jealous person. Ever, actually. So, why the hell does she make me feel like a murderer in the making? Maybe she’ll slip on that stupid red high heel and fall off the stage.

“Hey there,” a voice, and a soft touch to the side of my arm, rips my gaze away from the stage.

The man now standing next to me is tall, as tall as Hudson. His sandy brown hair and blue eyes are light and friendly, and I smile in return. “Hi.”

“Are you bidding tonight?” he asks, as his gaze trails down to my hand, seeing no paddle, but eyeing the elegant and quite sparkly ring on my finger, and I’m suddenly very happy that Hudson gave me the ring earlier tonight.

“Gosh, no.” I huff out a giggle. “I’ve never even been to one of these before. I’m completely out of my element.”

“You look like you fit right in.” His eyes meet mine, and I can’t tell what is happening here. Is he just being friendly or is he trying to flirt? He feels familiar, like I’ve met him before.

“Have we met before?” I ask.

“No, I definitely would have remembered that.” He grants me a friendly wink as he smiles, then tips back the rest of his glass.

“Would you like to grab another drink at the bar?” He nods to the empty glass in my hand, and when I look down, I realize I must have finished my champagne without realizing it.

“Actually, my husband is up there and I should probably wait,” I reply back to him, pointing at Hudson on the stage.

“I know all the guys up there; it’s all good. We can just sit down and get off our feet while they get through the auction.” Since my feet are already killing me, that actually doesn’t sound half bad, and this guy doesn’t feel threatening.

“I’m Henry,” he offers his hand, and I slide mine into it.

“Ember,” I reply with a smile as we turn around and head toward the bar.