Liam
"I can't believe you dragged me to this." I glare at Jake.
"Would you relax, have some champagne and enjoy yourself." He says gesturing to the scene in front of us.
"I can do all those things in the comfort of my suite".
Jake showed up at my hotel this evening and insisted we go to this charity event. I don't even know what it's about but I know he does.
Jakes childhood wasn't easy. He never knew his parents. He lived in foster care for a long time before he ran away. He started living in the streets when he was only 15.
He doesn't talk much about that time but from what he shared I know it was rough. He got involved with some nefarious people and did some things he's not proud of in order to survive.
Now that he has the money, he's all about giving back to the less fortunate. It's one of the things I admire the most about him. Underneath all the goofiness he's a solid guy.
It's been a week since my father's funeral. I've spent all my time secluded in my hotel room pondering on what to do.
Should I just hand over the company to Linden and walk away? I don't owe my father anything but it still feels wrong to let his legacy fall. Whether I want to admit it or not, It's my legacy as well.
A waitress walks past us and I see Jake eyeing her.
"Please don't tell me you brought me here so you can get laid".
He shifts his eyes to me and chuckles, "we're here to cheer you up, get you out of your head. Me getting laid is just a bonus."
I restrain myself from rolling my eyes. "Only you would try to pick up women at a charity event".
I start walking towards the bar, "I need a real drink".
Jake follows behind me. When we reach the bar I ask for a glass of bourbon.
"Speaking of getting laid, I see a lot of potentials for you to release some of that tension. You're grumpier than usual". He says as we both lean on the bar counter facing each other.
"Thanks but I think I'll pass." Jake ignores me and continues scoping the place.
The ballroom is filled with men in suits and women dressed to impress. These events are usually an excuse for rich people to dress up and show off. They spend as much money as they donate.
"What about her? She looks like your type."
I take my drink from the bartender and turn to the woman in question. When my eyes fall upon her, I pause with the glass to my mouth.
'Is that who I think it is?' Before I can reply to Jake, her eyes meet mine from across the room and she smiles.
She excuses herself from the couple she's talking to and starts walking towards me.
"Liam Hayes!. Is that you?" she smiles as she gets closer.
She looks nothing like the awkward teenager I remember. If it wasn't for her blue eyes and those dimples, I wouldn't have recognized her.
I stare at her stunned. She's dressed in a short black dress that accentuates her tiny waist and shows off all her curves, her black hair flows down her back in waves.
Her smile draws my attention to those heart shaped lips which would look perfect wrapped around my… 'Wow, where did that come from'. Jake elbows my ribs to get me out of my stupor.
"Kara!"
She goes to give me a hug. Her scent dances seductively around me. I inhale deeply and blood rushes down below. I pull back and put some much needed distance between us.
"My condolences for the loss of your father. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral." she says with a sad face.
"Thank you".
Jake clears his throat beside me.
"My apologies. Kara, this is my partner Jake". Jake holds his hand out for Kara to shake it.
"Jake Anderson and by "partner" he means business partner." then he winks at her. Something uncomfortable stirs in my stomach and I clench my jaw.
She laughs at his attempt at humor "nice to meet you, Jake".
"So, how do you two know each other?" Jake asks.
"Kara and I grew up together." I tell him.
"I didn't think you would remember me without my braces." she smiles at me and I find myself smiling back.
Our gazes lock and hold for a while. "So, how long will you be in town?" she asks to break the tension.
"I'm still finishing up with my father's estate, so I don't think I'll be leaving anytime soon." I tell her.
While we're conversing, a woman approaches us. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to interrupt". She smiles at me then turns to Kara and whispers something in her ear. She nods and turns back to us.
"Hello and who might you be?" Jake asks the woman. She doesn't seem impressed by my friend so she ignores him. Kara breaks the awkward silence. "This is my friend Leslie".
"Ah! beautiful name for a beautiful woman." It takes everything in me not to resort to juvenile actions like rolling my eyes at Jake.
"Excuse my friend he has no home training. I'm Liam Hayes and this is Jake Anderson." Recognition passes through her eyes at hearing my name and she shares a look with Kara I can't decipher.
"Nice to meet you both. Do you mind if I steal Kara for a while?" She asks.
"Of course," I reply reluctantly.
"Why don't we catch up some other time?" Kara pulls a card out of her purse and hands it to me.
"It was good seeing you again, I hope you both enjoy your evening." She turns and walks away. My eyes follow her until she disappears into the crowd.
I turn to see Jake staring at me with a pleased smile on his face.
"Shut up," I grumble.
"I didn't say anything." he replies smugly.
"Yeah, but you where thinking it." I glance at the card in my hand
'Kara Linden'.