Loved by You

by Sophia Knightly

“Nice,” he murmured absently. His eyes scanned the room for Piper. Where was she? Hadn’t she arrived with his mom?

  “Nice? That’s all you say after all the effort I put in?” Brie whined. “You’re wound tighter than your tennis racket.” She licked her lips. “But not for long. I’ll be happy to unwind you later,” she said with a throaty giggle.

  Ignoring her invitation, Roman gestured to the silent auction section. “All set for tonight?”

  Brie’s face fell when he didn’t take the bait, but she recovered with a confident smile. “Absolutely. It’s going to be a huge success.”

  Roman nodded.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard, but it was worth every minute.”

  “Thanks for pitching in. I appreciate—” Roman stopped in mid-sentence and stared at the entrance. Piper appeared in a dazzling dress that plunged at the neckline, baring a smooth expanse of delectable, creamy skin. The style accentuated her small waist and round hips to perfection. She looked gorgeous.

  His jaw dropped as hot arousal flowed through his veins like lava. He could practically feel her lush curves nestled in his hands, her skin soft and supple. His mouth went dry at the memory of their recent lovemaking.

  “Ahem.” Brie cleared her throat sharply. “Who is that big guy with your ex-girlfriend? He looks familiar.”

  Roman shut his slack jaw as his eyes narrowed on Piper’s date, a tall muscleman who looked a lot like Mom’s physical therapist. Damn, it was her physical therapist! Eric Built.

  What the hell was Piper doing with Eric? And why did she look so delighted to be with him?

  Speechless, he watched Eric put his large hand on Piper’s back and escort her inside. Eric’s hand slid to the small of her back at the indentation of her waist. The asshat’s expression was so self-assured it set Roman’s teeth on edge.

  This scenario had all the makings of a certain meddling busybody by the name of Sadie Spenser. She really was taking her role of matchmaker too far. First targeting unsuspecting widowers at cemeteries and now making introductions for his ex! Roman glared at his mother from across the room, but she was too busy flirting with Dean to notice him trying to get her attention.

  He remembered Piper had said that Sadie wanted to set her up with a great guy. He’d thought she was bluffing at the time. He never imaged Piper would take his mother up on her offer. She looked too comfortable with Eric; as if they’d already had a few dates. Fury shot through Roman and a black cloud of jealousy blurred his senses.

  “Hey, where are you going?” Brie’s hand shot out to detain Roman as he turned away from her.

  “To the bar.” He needed a drink bad.

  “I’ll go with you,” she chirped. “They’re mixing mean mojitos tonight.”

  It would take more than a mojito to get through this evening, Roman thought darkly.

  Chapter 22

  Roman arrived at the designated table with Brie in tow, his face somber. Piper’s heart leapt at the sight of him. He looked magnificent in a black tux and pristine white shirt that emphasized the strong, elegant lines of his tall physique. She barely got a “hello” out before his eyes settled on her with such ferocity it took her breath away. Her stomach did a somersault, and she lowered her gaze.

  Eric put his arm around Piper’s bare shoulder. “You look beautiful tonight, Piper,” he said loud enough for Roman to hear.

  “Thanks,” Piper squeaked out. She cleared her throat and suppressed a grin. “You look nice too.”

  Roman’s eyes blazed with possessive might. The Lion looked ready to charge at Eric.

  “Love your hair,” Eric continued, running his fingers through her long curls with an appreciative humming sound. “Reminds me of a gypsy.”

  Piper’s face warmed as she struggled not to laugh nervously. Sadie had to have coached Eric on how to rile Roman because Eric was laying it on thick, and Roman was responding as expected. Livid. He visibly bristled. With flared nostrils and legs spread in a wide-legged stance, his balled hands formed fists on his hipbones. He looked ready to take Eric down.

  Eric lifted a hand in greeting. “Hey, Roman.” He flashed an affable smile. “Good to see you, bro.”

  Roman gave him a curt nod, then slanted a direct look at Piper. Dark brows lowered, he pinned her with incendiary amber eyes.

  Expelling a shaky breath, she broke eye contact with him and glanced at Brie. Decked in a stunning fuchsia strapless gown, Brie glowed with excitement as she peered at the dance floor and ignored Piper.

  Roman drew out a chair and seated Brie before striding to where Piper and Eric sat. He shook Eric’s hand and leaned forward to kiss Piper’s cheek, nearly giving her cardiac arrest when he rasped in her ear, “You’re my gypsy,” and stalked to his side of the table, his back and shoulders rigid.

  Waves of restlessness rippled from Roman during dinner. Piper could feel his ire from across the table. She was equally annoyed. Why had he brought Brie as his date tonight if he planned to break up with her? The whole affair was convoluted and infuriating.

  Roman was seated directly across from Piper, and she could bet her last dollar that Sadie had planned it that way. His face remained stony throughout, except for firing a censorious look at his mother a few times during the tense meal.

  Sadie didn’t seem to notice Roman’s displeasure, or if she did, she was ignoring him. Her focus was solely on Dean as they engaged in lively conversation. She looked like a young girl on a first date, eyes sparkling and cheeks flushed pink as she chatted with Dean, absorbed in his magnetic persona. Dean’s arm was casually draped across the back of Sadie’s chair as he leaned in, captivated by her.

  Piper studied Eric. His good looks had exceeded her expectations and he was entertaining. Why would he be a willing pawn in what Sadie had planned for tonight—to make Roman so jealous he’d bust a gut? Was he genuinely flirting with her or going along with Sadie’s scheme? One thing was certain, Eric had self-confidence in droves

  She felt a gentle touch on her back, and turned to find Sadie contemplating her with a sly smile. “I’m going to powder my nose. Will you come with me?” She slanted a meaningful look, and Piper shot up instantly.

  As they headed to the ladies’ room, Sadie spoke in a low tone. “I didn’t want to announce this in front of everyone at the table, Piper, but I’ve separated your bracelet from the silent auction.”

  A trace of alarm stopped Piper in her tracks. She stared at Sadie, astonished. “Why don’t you want it in the auction? Is something wrong with it?”

  “Wrong with it? Of course not!” Sadie’s incredulous peal of laughter instantly assured Piper. “The bracelet is spectacular, but I don’t want to include it in the silent auction.”

  Sadie wasn’t making sense, yet she looked pleased as she huddled close and whispered, “Unbeknownst to anyone on the auction committee, I circulated a picture of your Man Eater bracelet to my friends and included it in the press release.”

  “And?” Piper prodded eagerly.

  Eyes alight, Sadie continued, “It created such a buzz that I decided to feature it in a live auction after the awards ceremony. That way your talent will be highlighted properly.”

  Piper exhaled her pent up breath. “That’s so nice of you. But I thought you were only doing a silent auction tonight.”

  “That’s what everyone thinks, including The Stinky Cheese,” Sadie confided with a wry twist of her mouth. “It was hard to keep her out of my business these past two weeks. All because Roman gave her the green light to be my helper. Helper, indeed! She was a total pain in the butt.” Her eyes flashed angrily. “I can’t wait to give Roman a piece of my mind.”

  “I’d like to give him a piece of my mind too,” Piper muttered.

  “When I take the podium tonight, I plan to wear the bracelet so it gets a lot of attention before I auction it off. Live.”

  “I am so touched. Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “It came to me as I was driving over. Why would I put suc
h an original piece of jewelry in with all the other donated items and allow it to get buried?” Sadie gave Piper’s waist a fond squeeze. “I want you to have your moment of glory tonight.”

  Piper’s heart squeezed with gratitude. She felt humbled by Sadie’s thoughtful kindness. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome.” Sadie paused, a smile tugging her lips. “By the way, what do you think of Dean? Handsome, isn’t he?”

  “He is,” Piper agreed readily. “Do you share a past?”

  Sadie’s eyes shined with a faraway look. “Not really. I used to have a crush on him as a teenager, most young tennis players did. When I finally met him at a charity event, he was recently divorced and I recently had widowed. I was emotionally in no place to date again and didn’t give him a moment’s notice. Funny, how life is,” she said after a thoughtful pause. “So much time has passed but the minute we locked eyes, I felt zapped.” She grinned. “We’re getting on like champagne and caviar.”

  “The perfect combination.”

  “Indeed.” Sadie tilted her head. “What about you, dear? Are you enjoying your date with Eric?”

  “I am. He is everything you said he was. Charming, good-looking and built like a Viking.” Piper exhaled a lungful of longing. “But he isn’t Roman. No one is.”

  “Agreed, though I may be biased.” Her eyes twinkled gleefully. “I have to admit I’m having a ball watching him seethe every time Eric flirts with you.” She regarded Piper with elevated brows. “You’re making his heart bleed.”

  Piper loved Sadie’s candor. “How do you know that?”

  “Please.” Sadie threw her head back and chortled. “I’ve got eyes, honey.” Her teasing mood suddenly evaporated as she grabbed Piper’s arm. “Don’t look now. Brie is heading our way.” With a gentle nudge at Piper’s back, she said, “Let’s go back to the table.”

  “But didn’t you want to go to the ladies’ room?”

  Sadie gave a blithe flick of her fingers. “That was to lure you away so we could chat.”

  As Piper and Sadie passed by, Brie pointed her nose in the air like a haughty princess and stepped in front of Sadie, blocking her way.

  “Sadie, I need a word with you about your opening speech,” Brie said, dismissing Piper.

  “I don’t need your help.” Sadie’s upper lip pulled back, revealing a crocodile smile. “I’ve done this sort of thing for years.”

  “Frank, the tech guy, is going to introduce you,” Brie persisted.

  “I already know that.” Sadie leveled a look at her that said, “Butt out of my business.”

  “He said you don’t want to read the teleprompter.” Brie crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “What’s that about?”

  “None of your concern,” Sadie said smoothly.

  Brie leaned forward, her eyes tapered to icy blue shards. “You’re making a huge mistake. This event means everything to Roman.”

  “It’s important to me too,” Sadie replied through clenched teeth.

  “If you don’t read from the teleprompter, you’re going to flub your lines.” She spoke slowly with a condescending air that infuriated Piper.

  “Go away. I don’t have time for your noise,” Sadie snapped. She stabbed an imperious finger toward the exit doors. “Why don’t you do all of us a favor and leave altogether?”

  “You’d love that, wouldn’t you? Well, I have every right to be here.” Brie’s cheeks flamed tomato red. “You’ll be sorry when you make a fool out of yourself and mess things up,” she jeered. “Don’t say you weren’t warned.” She gave a snooty toss of her head and stomped away.

  “Wow.” Piper stared at Sadie in disbelief. “Rude.”

  “She’s hopeless. But I’m not going to let her ruin my good mood,” Sadie said, though she looked a bit shaken by Brie’s insolence. “Let’s get some dessert.”

  Back at the table, the waiting staff served luscious raspberry topped crème caramel desserts and coffee. Sadie visibly relaxed in Dean’s presence. Piper caught her wily wink as she lifted her glass of champagne in a mock toast. Filled with admiration, Piper watched the pro charmingly recapture Dean’s attention.

  When the band segued from easy listening to dance tunes, Eric took Piper’s hand. “Shall we?” he said with a winning grin. “I hope you love to dance, because I do.”

  You love to dance? Piper wanted to crow. She did too. This evening couldn’t get any better.

  Holding her hand, Eric led her to the dance floor. Piper could feel Roman’s burning gaze on them. Her heart raced knowing he was watching them, but she kept her attention focused on Eric and didn’t look at Roman.

  By the time the song ended, Piper was lightheaded and impressed with Eric’s dance moves. He had enough rhythm to rival Bruno Mars. “That was so much fun, Eric. Where did you learn moves like that?”

  Eric winked. “Didn’t have to learn, they come naturally.”

  Piper chuckled. “I’ll bet.”

  The lights dimmed, and he drew Piper closer for a slow dance. Darting a peek at Roman, Piper nearly burst out laughing. Drumming his fingers on the table, he looked ready to implode and explode at once. His fiery eyes targeted Eric like missiles.

  The music died down, and the lead singer encouraged the guests to place their final bids on the silent auction items. Sadie murmured something in Dean’s ear before she rose from the table and made a beeline to the stage. Brie got up and followed her.

  Balancing on elegant, high-heeled pumps, Sadie carefully climbed the steps to the podium with a folder in one hand and her eyeglasses in the other. She fiddled with the microphone and then put on her glasses.

  The drumroll grew to a crescendo and came to a dramatic halt. Sadie’s face lit up with a gracious smile.

  Static from the microphones crackled in the air before a young woman’s voice resounded through the room. “Frank, is everything set for the Wicked Witch of the West? She’s going to be sorry she refused the teleprompter.”

  Oh no! Was that Brie’s patronizing voice on the mic? Horrified, Piper stared at Sadie, anxious to rescue her.

  Her eyes bulging with disbelief, Sadie swayed at the podium and clutched the edges. Shocked laughter rippled through the audience.

  Sadie’s hands flew to her face, crimson with embarrassment. “Good Lord,” she muttered. “Nothing like a hot mic backstage to get things rolling.”

  The crowd tittered nervously.

  She lifted her chin and forced her lips upward in the semblance of a smile. She uttered a comical long-suffering groan and collected herself as she faced the audience with grit.

  “Ladies and gents, it looks like I’ve been pranked. But no matter, nothing keeps ole Sadie down,” she quipped and carried on.

  Piper’s gaze swiveled to Roman. His features burning with wrath, he sprung from his seat and bolted toward the control room behind the stage.

  Chapter 23

  Roman flung the door open to the small control room, and found Brie huddled beside Frank, doubled over with laughter.

  He yanked the microphone from Frank’s hand and shut it off. “What the hell is going on here?” he thundered.

  Red-faced with shame, Frank shuffled his feet and looked down.

  “Gaad!” Brie’s hand flew to her chest, and she jumped backward. Blinking rapidly she squealed, “You…you scared me, Roman. Sadie refused to read from the teleprompter. We were just trying to figure out how to help your poor momma.”

  Was she kidding or just plain nuts?

  “By calling her a wicked witch?” Roman demanded.

  Brie’s face blanched whiter than chalk. “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t act innocent. Everybody heard you call her that,” he barked.

  “It was a harmless comment. I had no idea the mic was on!” Brie cried.

  “Shut up,” Roman snapped, cutting her off in mid-whine. He turned on Frank with deadly eyes. “You’re fired. Get the hell out of here!” he ordered.

  Head bob
bing violently, Frank backed away and scrambled out of the room.

  Roman swallowed hard to get a grip on his anger. “I’m disgusted with you, Brie. What would your father think if he knew what you just did? Thank God he wasn’t here to witness it.”

  Brie’s chin wobbled, and Roman clenched his teeth as he waited for tears to flow. She was an expert at turning tears on and off like a faucet.

  “You’re not going to tell Daddy, are you?” Her eyes pooled with tears right on cue. “He’s not doing well.”

  “Someday he’ll find out what you’re really like,” he said, ignoring her tears. “I wouldn’t break Vince’s heart by telling him what you did tonight. He doesn’t deserve a spoiled daughter like you.” He pointed a stern finger at her. “You’re going to apologize to my mother properly before the night is over.”

  “No.” Her mouth stiffened into a belligerent pout.

  “Did you just say no?” he asked incredulously.

  “You have no idea how mean she’s been to me. She hates me.” Brie ranted. “Just listen to my side of it,” she pleaded, wiping her tears with the backs of her hands.

  Roman lifted a halting hand. “Enough. We’re through,” he added in case she didn’t realize it. “I don’t want to see you again.”

  “You can’t mean that,” Brie wailed.

  “I do,” he said inflexibly. “It’s over.”

  With a gasping sob, Brie catapulted herself against his chest, nearly throwing them off balance. Bracing his legs wide, Roman caught her in his arms to break their fall.

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed against him. “I love you, babe,” she bawled, covering his face with unwelcome wet kisses.

  * * *

  From the banquet table, Piper watched Sadie as she effortlessly emceed the awards ceremony with grace and charm. She couldn’t believe how easily she had recuperated from Brie’s blunder. She longingly searched the room again for Roman. He couldn’t still be in the control room, could he? What was going on in there?

  She turned to Eric and said, “Excuse me, I’ll be right back. I need to make a phone call outside,” she said with an apologetic smile.