Hot Coffee (The Hollens)

Chapter 46 (Autumn Gala)

Emma's POV

It had been two weeks and I hadn't heard from Ethan. He didn't called or text me or even bother to

show up at my apartment. I couldn't help but wonder if I had pushed him away completely without

knowing. I knew what I said to him was hurtful, but I did apologize in the end and I tell him how I really

felt. Of course, I didn't want to lose him so soon, but something was telling me to stay away from him a

while longer.

I had agreed to Roger's asking me to attend an evening event with him. He had been asking for a week

so I finally gave in and told him that I would accompany him as a friend. I elaborated on the term

"friend". I knew he was attracted to me, but I wasn't about to complicate my life with two gorgeous men.

Working as the receptionist at the complex was going well, so far. Roger had coached me on

everything I was to know and I'd caught on pretty easily. I was a fast learner; that was one thing I

admired about myself.

I stepped out of the shower and towel dried my brown skin. I moisturized with my Jergens lotion then

put on a black lace underwear before I put on stockings that blended well with my skin tone. I always

wore stockings when I would be wearing a dress. It was a habit.

I brushed back my hair in a low ponytail and tamed my baby hairs. I put on my favorite color—a black

dress— and a gold body chain, as an accessory, together with my gold clutch purse. I did very light

makeup since I was still new to it and didn't want to mess up my face. At times like these I'd wished

Halley was around.

I looked simple but I thought I looked beautiful.

I met Roger out front on the pavement. His eyes popped open when he saw me.

"Wow, you look stunning," he complimented. "All eyes will be on us tonight."

I blushed, returned his compliment and slid into the car. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

We drove out of Manhattan and down the streets of Brooklyn.

We arrived at a really outstanding building with a gold carpet at the entrance. Paparazzi lined the

exterior, snapping pictures and shouting at the famous people attending.

Roger took my hand in his and we walked passed the commotion and entered into what looked like a

ballroom. Huge chandeliers and soft lighting made the room glow. Tables were neatly arranged with

settings of white and gold. There was a stage with a microphone and band instruments and people

were already in place playing soft, soothing music. The atmosphere was breathtaking. I was

mesmerized and speechless.

Roger led me to a table in a far corner. A server came and gave us each a glass of white wine. I sipped

on it slowly, remembering what had happened at the function in Miami.

"How were you invited to this event?" I asked Roger.

"Oh, the COO of the company is my sister. She told me to come along and said I could bring a friend,"

he answered.

I gave him a warm smile and sipped on the wine again.

About thirty minutes later, when the rich and famous had stopped taking pictures and talking with the

press, the room was filled.

"A pleasant, good evening everyone, and welcome to the annual Autumn Gala of Hollen Tower," a host

said over the microphone, getting everyone's attention and almost making me spilled my wine.

Bloody Hell!

"So, without further adieu, let's put our hands together for the Chief Executive Officer of Hollen Tower,

and the man of the hour, Mr. Ethan Hollen!"

The room erupted with cheers and claps as he walked on stage with a bright, pearly smile, wearing a

sharp black suit with a gold shirt dress shirt and gold tie. His gold Rolex was visible. His hair was tamed

neatly slicked back on his head. He looked absolutely delicious; my mouth watered for him instantly

and my kitty was doing something so heated and unusual that I had to cross my legs to restrain myself.

I was so happy that I was seated at the far corner of the room. The other guests were hiding our

appearance and he didn't look interested in scanning the crowd for any familiar faces.

He spoke for only five minutes then walked to the corner of the stage and raised the gold curtains

behind him, revealing a casino setup, a buffet table with a wide range of many different foods and

chefs, dance floors with neon lights, and arts and crafts like paintings and drawings.

Everyone made a beeline to the stage and over to the other side, including Roger and me.

I cast my eyes in the crowd, hoping not to run into him.

"Are you okay?" Roger asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," I tried to smile and look unworried.

"Wanna get something to eat?"

I nodded.

We headed over to an Italian chef who gave us a nice serving of some fancy dish I couldn't even

pronounce. It smelled delicious though and I couldn't wait to get back to the table and have it in my

stomach.

"Hey, I see my sister over there with her boss. I'll introduce you," said Roger.

I squirmed as I looked over and saw Ethan talking to a woman; they seemed to be having a heated

argument because his eyes were already dark. I knew whenever he was upset or was on the brink of

becoming angry.

"Um, I'll meet her later. These shoes are starting to kill me. I need to sit down and eat."

"Okay. You want me to come with you?"

"No. You should say hi to your sister."

I made my way back to the sitting room area and the table we had previously occupied. I unbuckled my

heels a bit so my feet could breathe.

I took a bite of the food on my plate and immediately felt relaxed. The food was everything. I took a sip

of another glass of wine when Roger came and joined the table.

"I told you that you could talk with your sister," I said without looking at him; my eyes were fixed on the

plate.

"I don't have one."

"But you said that the COO—" I cut myself off as I looked up and noticed who I was actually talking to

— Ethan.

He was staring at me hard, which made me uncomfortable.

I suddenly lost my appetite as fear was now latching in my stomach. The fork fell onto the plate with a

cling.

"Why so nervous?" he asked me, taking my glass of wine and sipping on it. He still looked handsome,

though he was angry.

Words couldn't find their way out of my mouth as I was face to face with him and he wasn't taking his

eyes off me. I placed my hands onto the hem of my dress to wipe away the sweat they were producing.

"Hi, Ethan," I finally managed to say.

He arched his eyebrows and moved his eyes to the opening of my dress. He gave a small sly smile

then his expression turned cold again.

"What are you doing here with that guy?"

"I... only accompanied him as a friend."

"The same guy you told me isn't an influence on you."

I wasn't in a mood to get into it with him; it wasn't the time or the place for that. I remained silent, but

gave a sly smile back to him.

He got up and left the table, taking my glass of wine with him.

I couldn't believe that asshole— that sexy, mouth watering asshole.

I watched as he walked away. He passed a group of women, about my age, and they smiled and

pointed at him as he disappeared out of sight to the other room.

I continued eating my food and waved to a server for another glass of wine, but I was given a glass of

water instead.

About fifteen minutes later, Roger came back.

"Sorry to keep you waiting sweetie. How was the food?"

"Delicious."

"Great. So are you ready to leave?"

I looked at my wristwatch. We'd only been there less than two hours, what was the rush?

"The night is still young, Roger."

"Oh, it's just that something came up and I have to leave."

"Oh." I was bummed that I had on a new outfit and barely spent time in it; but I was relieved that I was

getting away from Ethan.

I took my purse and stood.

Roger led the way and I followed suit but was stopped in my path by a firm hand pulling me backwards

onto something hard.

"Leaving already, Emma?" Ethan asked softly in my ear in a very seductive tone; his minty breath sent

shivers down my spine as I laid against his hard chest.

Roger turned to Ethan, making small steps toward us.

Ethan's eyes locked onto him, daring him to make one more move or to say something stupid.

"Emma—" Roger began but was cut off by an eager Ethan.

"Don't you worry about her. She's in my hands now, but you can leave," Ethan said firmly.

Without another word, Roger glanced at me and I nodded to him in approval to just leave.

Ethan threw his arm around my neck, pulling me even closer to him, marking his territory without taking

his eyes off Roger.

Roger turned on his heels, again, and disappeared toward the exit.

I exhaled heavily.

Ethan turned my face to his. His eyes sparkled, becoming grey and friendly again. He claimed my lips

with his, kissing me passionately.

I gave in almost immediately. I'd missed him so much.

"I love you," he said between kisses and led me back to his private booth.