The Winemaker's Dinner: Entrée (16 page)

“He excused himself, and so will I,” she said. “I’ll let you two chat.” Without waiting for a response, she slipped away. Halfway across the dance floor, she dared a glance over her shoulder and caught Damian eyeing her. A jolt of adrenaline left her feeling like a giddy high school girl. It was the same look Ivan flashed when he was feeling frisky, and she made a beeline for the closest bar. God, how she missed Ivan. If only he were here.

After another martini and a visit to the ladies room, she found her way to a group of people standing by yet another bar. She didn’t recognize them all, but she spotted a few familiar faces among the eclectic mix of other stars from the network, as well as PR gurus and the fashionistas who consulted with wardrobe. Many of them seemed eager to talk with her, and it was a change to be the one sought out rather than the one doing the seeking.

“Excuse me, miss.”

Jaden turned to find a waiter at her elbow.

“Compliments of Mr. Gris,” he added, handing her another martini.
That’s more like it
, she thought, her mind a bit fuzzy.
That’s the way you treat a lady. Maybe there’s some hope for him after all.

Is someone
feeling a little sassy?

No, someone
is feeling drunk.

Quelling the voices and turning back to her entourage, she continued to field questions about her show, her dress, and, of course, her hot co-host. As she chatted and laughed—it was a relief to speak with others in the business, those who really understood the pressures and demands of television—martini after martini found its way past her lips, each one tasting better than the last, though she wasn’t always certain where they came from. From time to time Damian caught her eye from across the room, and she couldn’t stop herself from smiling in return. He was taking such good care of her. What was Ivan doing right now? Who even knew. He said he was working, but she was smart enough to know there were no guarantees.

Suddenly Jaden’s thoughts surprised her, and she needed to clear her head. She excused herself from the circle of conversation and retreated to an empty table in the shadows. Oh, how she missed Ivan—his touch, his smell, the way he brushed her hair aside to look into her eyes as she woke in the morning. She pulled out her cell phone and stared at it for a moment. She needed to hear his voice, but it was the middle of the night on the east coast. What if she called and he didn’t answer? She’d only feel worse.
You don’t need Ivan right now. You’re perfectly capable of handling yourself. Be confident!
She returned her phone to her purse, and another martini appeared on the table in front of her—attached to the end of a very tan arm. Sparkling blue eyes bore down on her.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Why not,” she said, throwing her hands in the air as Damian took a seat across from her. Then he scooted the chair around. Even in her inebriated state, she knew this scenario had “bad idea” written all over it. But how could she resist such a cute puppy dog face? She held the glass in the air and examined the viscous liquid through heavy eyes. “I don’t know if I should drink this. I’ve had far too many of these little suckers already. Maybe I should just find Kevin and go home.”

“Is Kevin driving you home? I thought you had a driver.”

“He isn’t. I mean, I do, but I’m not sure.” The words she slurred sounded confusing even to her. She’d had far too much to drink, but it would be a shame to waste the martini in front of her. Jaden raised it to her lips and downed it in one gulp before slamming the glass onto the table. “What I meant was no, Kevin is not driving me home, and yes, I do have a driver waiting for me outside. So perhaps I should go.”

“What? It’s ten thirty on a Friday night, and you’re already calling it quits? I thought this was the time of night you Californians
started
the party.”

“Well, I’m not from California,” she countered.

He offered her the puppy dog look again.

“Fuck it! To a good time and a great night,” she announced, raising her glass to his.

Now sporting a victorious smile, he clinked his glass with hers. “That a girl.”

Her glass was empty, so Jaden flagged a passing waiter and secured yet another dirty martini. How many was that now—seven or eight? Maybe more…Friendly banter transformed into open flirtation. Damian was always overly familiar, but now she could see his charm. Perhaps she’d misjudged him. They sipped their drinks, throwing each other seductive smiles and risqué glances. Jaden knew she should just stand up and walk away before she said or did something stupid, but Damian’s infectious smile kept her glued to her chair.

“So how are things with the boyfriend? Ivan, isn’t it?” he asked. And before she could formulate an answer he continued. “Are you happy with the show? With me?”

She was caught off guard. He really seemed to want to know. His fake façade was nowhere to be found, and she could see him for who he was: a handsome, successful, charming overachiever who was doing his best to make her feel at ease. Feeling courageous, she decided to be candid. “At first I wasn’t happy with the idea of you being on the show, but I think you’re kind of growing on me. Granted, you’re gorgeous, but it was my show, my baby that I’d worked so hard for.”

Damian’s smile spread across his face. “I’m gorgeous, am I?”

“You know what I mean,” she slurred, slapping him on the shoulder. “Of course you’re good looking. That’s the reason Kevin hired you.”

“Ouch. Now
that
stings.”

The smile on his face belied the hurt in his voice, and Jaden felt a tinge of guilt. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Yes, you did,” he cooed as if he didn’t mind a bit. He took her hand in his. “But you still didn’t answer my first question. How are things with you and Ivan?”

She knew she should withdraw her hand. Something about this was wrong. But they were
talking
about Ivan. He knew she had a boyfriend. And his skin was warm, welcoming. Squeezing his hand, she stammered her response. “Things are great. He was supposed to be here this weekend, but he was called away on business. The distance can be tough, but we’re working through it. It’s just been way too long since…” She stopped talking, as if her mind had switched off in an emergency.

“It’s been too long since what?”

Was that his hand on her knee?
Damn!
Her mouth sprang back into action, and she was unable to prevent herself from finishing the sentence. The time for thinking rationally seemed to have passed. “It’s hard, you know? He’s in Miami, and I’m in LA. When we’re together the sex is great, but when we’re apart…Well, let’s just say I’ve replaced the batteries in my silver bullet more times than I care to count. And I suppose the same is true for him…”

“Jaden, you’re young. I still don’t understand why such a beautiful woman has limited herself to one man. You should be out there experimenting and experiencing new things, not waiting for a boyfriend who may or may not be out with another woman at this very minute.”

“I don’t know.” She sighed and shifted forward in the chair, her knees now touching Damian’s. “I don’t think Ivan would cheat on me. He’s not the type.”

He eyed her for a moment, then sprang into action. “Come on,” he said, as if making an important decision. “Let me drive you home. We can talk on the way.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” She looked around the tilting room, hoping to catch someone’s eye. Someone else needed to be part of this conversation. Where was Stacey?

“Please? I’d feel bad letting you go home alone.” His fingers brushed her leg, causing her to shiver.

Worried about
a missed opportunity?

No, she’s just curious.
There’s a difference.

No, no, no.
If curiosity is piqued
that implies doubt, right?

No, not necessarily.