Cousins In Love: An Alpha Bad Boy Romance (Book 3)

by Lisa Lang Blakeney

  The goal is that after I slide into the Spanx (and I think my system is working), that I'm going to hopefully glide right into my new, one-size-too-small gold dress; which I purchased for an autism fundraising gala that I'm attending tonight. Juliette is on the planning committee for the event and invited practically the entire city of Philadelphia. Including Roman.

  Although we've exchanged several polite chat messages and had three brief phone calls, I haven't actually seen Roman in almost two weeks. I feel like my insides are drying up and not just from the obvious lack of sex, but from way more than that.

  I miss his touch. The way his eyes rake across my body whenever he sees me. I miss our late night phone calls. The fun, flirty ones. Not the few we've had lately where all he asks me is if I'm okay, and if I need anything. I know I'm the one who actually requested that we take a little time apart, but I'm seriously starting to regret it.

  I'm nervous because both Roman and Jade are going to be at the gala tonight, and I'm way past Jade's forty-eight-hour deadline for telling Roman about the email. He hasn't said anything to me about it yet, so I know that she hasn't spilled the beans yet. But I know she's not going to hold out for long.

  While I seriously considered faking the flu to get out of going tonight, Juliette would have been crushed. She worked really hard on this event and is very excited for everyone she loves to experience it with her. I can't let my drama get in the way of my aunt's big night.

  I hear a light knock at my front door, and I know already that it's Sloan. Juliette was kind enough to extend the invitation to her as well, so we've decided to meet up and ride together. We'll take an Uber car tonight, so that we both can drink. It's open bar and neither of us wanted to pass up free top shelf liquor.

  "You're early, and you're not dressed." I notice as I open the door for Sloan.

  "Obviously because I'm getting dressed here, silly. I wasn't going to ride over here in my brand new Givenchy gown. Plus I still need to finish my make up for Christ's sake."

  "You bought a Givenchy dress for tonight? Uh, we aren't getting ready for the senior prom or my wedding," I comment snidely as she walks in rolling a small suitcase behind her. I bought my dress for one hundred and twenty-five bucks at TJ Maxx. I've never even heard of the designer.

  "Bitchy much? What crawled up your ass?"

  "I'm just a little nervous I guess."

  "About what?"

  "I've never been to a formal event like this."

  "What are you talking about? All it is, is a party with better food and drinks."

  "And Roman."

  "Are you two still on a time out? What the hell is he still angry about? Because you didn't want the Viking guy to hear you in the throes of passion? Honestly, I don't see why you bother with the Dark Knight. Oh wait, scratch that, I know why you bother. He must be banging the hell out of you."

  "You're so vulgar."

  Sloan laughs out loud, "I know."

  "We're not arguing. We're just on a time out. At least we won't have to deal with any awkward introductions tonight."

  "What awkward introductions? What are you talking about?"

  "A lot of Juliette's friends are going to be there tonight. People she serves on boards with. So I was a little concerned about how she would have to introduce us to them. As her niece and stepson? Or as her stepson and his girlfriend? I mean there are a variety of ways she could go about it, and none of them seemed like a good look for me."

  "Yeah, especially when they see his hand on your ass all night," she smirks.

  "You're not helping."

  "It's a moot point anyway. You guys won't be up under each other tonight. I won't allow it. You're my date tonight. So don't get all stressed. When you stress, you start sweating, and then you'll frizz up that perfectly flat ironed hair of yours."

  "Actually I probably already broke a sweat trying to get these damn Spanx on."

  "I say let all of your jelly jiggle. That's what I do," Sloan chuckles. "I'm going totally commando under my gown. It's not healthy that you're squishing all of your internal organs together like that in that thing. I talk to a lot of doctors in my work, and they all agree that corsets, girdles, or any other sort of medieval waist training device are all completely unhealthy for the female body."

  "You work with doctors that write prescriptions for Viagra everyday. None of them even work with women, Sloan."

  "That's not the point. They're doctors! They studied the human body for like a million years," she argues.

  "This is all easy for you to say. You are some sort of genetic freak. You don't jiggle, and you'll never have to worry about jiggling. Both of your parents look ten years younger than they really are, so chances are that you'll still end up looking like a supermodel when you're a hundred years old."

  "Feed me Seymour," she eggs me on with a pretty lame Little Shop Of Horrors reference. "Tell me more about my superior genetic code."

  "Oh forget it," I laugh. "Let's just finish getting ready."

  "I can't wait to see how the Dark Knight acts tonight. Will he act civil and make idle chitchat with you, will he cry about how much he misses you and follow you around like a puppy all night, or will he throw you a cold glare and smack your ass when you walk by."

  "Be quiet."

  Honestly I'm not sure what to expect from Roman tonight myself, but my plan is that he takes a look at me in this dress and drags me home by my hair, because he can't wait to get his hands all over me. That would be the ideal scenario.

  "There's no way that wildebeest will be able to keep his distance from you tonight. I can't even believe I agreed to go with you to this thing. I'm going to be a third wheel once again," she gripes.

  "Third wheel." I grin. "Who said you're a third wheel? Juliette told me that both Kings were invited too. I'm sure they'll be there with Roman."

  "I can get my own dates thank you very much. I just didn't think it was appropriate for me to ask anyone, because your aunt invited me. Not me and a plus one. From what I've heard, this event has been sold out for at least a month."

  "Oh calm down. It's just one of the King brothers. It's not like it's a real date."

  "Ugh," she complains. "Don't get me wrong, those Kings are totally hot, and I don't mind flirting with them on occasion, but you know very well they're not my type. Especially that loud one who thinks he's hot shit. There's not enough time in the world to teach that thug enough social graces to make the evening bearable."

  "Well maybe it's a good thing that one of them come. I don't know what tonight's going to be like, and I don't want you sitting alone while Juliette drags me around working the room or something."

  "Really?! I'm the bitch who taught you how to work a room thank you very much. I will never be sitting alone in a room full of men. Especially men with money. You know I speak their language, and of course it doesn't hurt that they all find me extra interesting, because I'm so exotic looking," she grins.

  "Whatever, crazy. You're just going to have to make the best of it if one of the Kings shows up. They're Roman's best friends and you're mine. You're going to have to get used to them sooner or later."

  "Do I really?"

  "Stop being a snob."

  She slams her foundation brush down on the counter.

  "Oh, guess what I forgot to tell you!"

  "What?"

  "Another one bites the dust. The guy I met at the bar when we went out for my promotion, just texted me to say that he was in a committed relationship."

  "Wow."

  "Like he didn't know that shit when he was salivating over my boobs all night. Something really weird is in the air, Bitsy. If I can't make something happen tonight, in this dress, with no panties on? Then I fucking quit."

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  The gala is way more amazing than I thought it would be. In fact it's almost magical. No wonder wealthy people are so happy, if they party like this all of the time.

  Juliette's planning committee thought of every detail, and
I can definitely see my aunt's touches reflected in the beauty of the room. The decorations throughout the event space are elaborate but modern. Long yards of soft, white fabric are draped strategically across the high ceilings. The lighting from the art deco chandeliers bathes the room in a soft and romantic luminescent glow. She once told me that everyone looks five years younger in twilight. So this is definitely her handiwork.

  There are also pockets in the room where she has strategically positioned spotlights for press photo opportunities. There's lots of media here, and I notice that my aunt takes a great interest in bringing the right people together in those areas.

  So far I've watched from a distance as she's connected two different local news anchors with several city politicians, she has the founder of the sponsoring autism organization posing and shaking hands with the mayor, as well as a professional football player holding up a picture of a child to the cameras. I think I read somewhere that the guy is a popular offensive lineman for the Eagles, and his child is on the autism spectrum.

  Watching my aunt in her element has been awe inspiring, and I realize without a doubt that while she's a socialite force to be reckoned with, she would have made an even more amazing lawyer. She definitely commands a room with her presence. Not to mention that Uncle Joseph does as well in his tailored suit. When he's by her side they are by far the most formidable couple in the room. A power couple. Neither of them overshadowing the other, but both truly working the room in tandem.

  There are three balcony-like levels to the totally open event space which allows you to peek down to the first level where the stage is set to showcase two very different local bands. And don't get me started on the food. The food is amazeballs! There are buffet stations on each floor. Each one featuring a different cuisine with servers ready to help fill your plate. One station is serving homemade mini pizzas. Another offers the biggest array of fresh sushi I've ever seen. Then there's a different station offering you your choice of a Philadelphia favorite, hot crab fries or sweet potato fries served in paper cones.

  I'm breaking all kinds of carb rules tonight. Well I'm trying to, but these damn Spanx aren't cooperating. The more I eat, the more they continue to roll down over my pouch. I'm literally ten seconds away from shimmying out of these things in the bathroom and stuffing them in my purse.

  My aunt has been so busy tonight, that she really hasn't had time to introduce me to anyone. I totally understand it. Hey, I'm just glad to be here. And then there's Roman. I thought he'd try to stick close to me because we haven't seen each other in so long, especially once he saw me in this dress, but I called this one completely wrong. He's still keeping his distance.

  "You look beautiful, Elizabeth." Was his simple greeting to me after giving me a soft peck on the cheek.

  "Thanks." Was all I could manage to squeak out in response. Stunned by his aloofness. Crushed that he hasn't seemed to have missed me the way I miss him. The way I crave him, cried over him. Do either of us even remember what we're fighting about?

  Evidently Roman knows quite a few major players in the city, and he has been making polite conversation all night with many of them while avoiding any meaningful conversation with me. Several look like familiar, local politicians that I've seen on television. If I had to guess, a few of the other men he's talking to give me the impression that they're lawyers.

  And then there's the other guest he's been chatting with. A striking blonde with long legs, wearing a curve hugging, strapless black dress with a dramatic, long slit up the side. Sort of Angelina Jolie styled. She exudes a brand of confidence, maturity and worldliness that I simply don't have. Not that I'm comparing. All right, maybe I am a little.

  She also seems to be hanging onto every word that Roman is saying to a short stocky man whom I've never seen before. Forcing herself to laugh at the funny parts. Looking pensive when he makes a serious comment. Can't he see that this woman is practically panting over him? Oh God, I need to stop watching, because it's starting to annoy the hell out of me. I have the sudden urge to kick her in the shins.

  And his too.

  "Are you going to stare at him the entire night?" Sloan asks as she walks up on me from behind, startling me for a moment. We lost each other earlier in the evening when she became engrossed in a conversation with some doctor she knows and I went to the restroom.

  "I'm not staring."

  "You totally are. Stop giving your power away to the asshole."

  "He's not an asshole."

  Yes he is.

  "Did you have the crab fries?" she asks as she absently munches on a few.

  "I already had like two mini pizzas and a plate of sushi. I can't eat another bite because of my evil underwear. They're so tight they're making me nauseous."

  "That sucks for you. I told you that you should just let it all jiggle, but if you're not going to eat any of the crack fries, then why don't you have a drink. They're really good, and you know I'm not big on fruity drinks, but this thing I'm drinking with the fresh strawberry puree is orgasmic. You have to try one. It will change your perspective. You won't even care anymore about what the Dark Knight is up to after two of these."

  "Why'd you say up to? He's not up to anything. He's just talking," I say probably more to convince myself than her. They're definitely doing more than just talking. I think I'm watching Roman do his version of flirting.

  Sloan snickers. "Talking to a woman that looks like she wants to eat him alive."

  "Shut. Up."

  "Aww, you definitely need a drink, Bitsy Boo. Come on let's head over to one of the bars and find a cute bartender for you to flirt with. You know you want to."

  "Speaking of flirting. Have you bothered speaking to Cutter even once tonight? You didn't mind flirting with him when you first met, and now you're totally ignoring him?"

  Turns out that both of the Kings brothers didn't make it, only one did–Cutter a.k.a. The Loud One. No sign of Jade either. I don't know whether I should be relieved or worried that she bailed on coming tonight.

  "Calm your panties. I spoke to him briefly."

  There's clearly a story behind that, but I'm not interested enough to ask her further about it; I'm too preoccupied with blondie. I take another long glance over at Roman who catches my stare with his own. His onyx eyes aren't dancing tonight like they usually do when he sees me, but instead are hard and intense.

  We've been polite and cordial for two weeks with each other, and it's been awkward and painful. I just want him to yell at me, curse me out, or something. Anything that lets me know how much this space we're taking affects him, and how much he misses me, like I so desperately miss him.

  The blonde by his side gives me a once over after she notices our eyes locked. Then she touches Roman's shoulder and whispers something in his ear, which breaks our connection. He nods his head at me (whatever that means), slips his hand behind her waist, and they walk away.

  I'm two seconds from either balling my eyes out or kneeing Roman in the balls when my ride or die chick steps in.

  "Like I said, let's get you a little liquid courage to give you a minute to think this through, and after a drink or two if you want to kick blondie's ass then I'm down. You know I've always got your back."

  I don't even respond to that, but instead just start walking. I should have opened my mouth and said more to him. Just end this. Could’ve, would’ve should’ve.

  On our way to the bar we run into Juliette.

  "Hi, sweetie." My aunt pauses once she notices my watery eyes. "You okay?"

  "I'm having a great time," I say with strained enthusiasm. "Everything is beautiful tonight. You really outdid yourself."

  "Thanks, sweetie. Listen I ran into someone you know downstairs."

  "Someone I know? Who?"

  "Mr. Lambert."

  My Mr. Lambert from the investment group?

  "Really?"

  "It's truly a small world, but his wife and I attend the same spin class over on 14th Street. It didn't take long
for us to figure out how we knew each other, and now that they know that you're my niece, Mr. Lambert seems to be interested in taking a second look at School Bucks."

  "I don't know, Auntie. They already turned me down flat, and I don't really have any great sales numbers to show him right now."

  "I know they turned you down, sweetie, but some time has passed, and I'm sure that he could take a second look at your proposal. People don't always score a win the first time around."

  "You didn't ask him to take a second look, did you?"

  "Absolutely not, but understand something, Elizabeth. Getting ahead in business is not always about aptitude or fairness, it's mostly about connections. Who you know. I've watched Joseph build his business over the years strictly through meeting the right people. I've planned several big events like these, because I've solidified deep relationships in the community with people who continually support whatever I do. That's what you're going to have to do too with School Bucks.

  "All the great press in the world isn't going to do what having one good person with some connections in your corner will do for you. Joseph and I are those people for you until you find your own, or we can be if you let us. I can't guarantee that I can make people fall in love with your app, but I can definitely send people your way to give you the opportunity to make them fall in love."

  "Well said!" Sloan says while saluting us with her martini glass.

  My Spanx feel tighter than they've been all night. I'm suffocating literally and figuratively. I'm not in the right frame of mind to do this, but this is an opportunity I can't pass up. I need to walk the walk, if I'm going to talk the talk about being an independent business owner. This is a second chance to make this happen.

  "All right, where is he?" I ask while sucking in my stomach.

  "First floor. He's sitting at a table on the right hand side of the room near the stage with his wife. Her name is Mary Lambert."