Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 157273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
“Don’t worry, they’re not in the Company,” she teased. “Word of advice, if you think you’re supposed to know someone and you don’t, just tell them you’re a huge fan of their work, but don’t get specific.” She walked us around the edge of the three-foot-high stage, and to the bottom of a wide staircase flanked on both sides with art. “She should be out right about—there she is! Mission accomplished; I will see you later.” Anne walked away.
I looked up the staircase and tried not to swallow my damned tongue as Allie descended ahead of two men, looking back over her shoulder in conversation.
She was sheer perfection.
Her long black dress looked like it had been poured onto her curves, then gathered at the left side of her waist, and then—fuck me—sliced clean open from the curve of her hip to the floor, exposing the impossibly long line of her leg with every step. She’d pinned one side of her hair back behind her ear, and left the rest down, the waves brushing over the tiny straps of her dress and the heart-shaped neckline that lifted her breasts up like appetizers.
I was suddenly starving.
She faced forward, and her eyes flared as she saw me. Head to toe, her gaze raked over me in clear appreciation, her lips parting as she slowed her steps, pausing so we were the same height. “Hudson.”
“You look like a fucking dream, Allie.” A dream that, for the next few hours, I was not only allowed but encouraged to touch. I palmed her waist and tugged her against my chest, hovering my mouth inches from hers. “Truly breathtaking.” I brushed my lips over hers, careful not to smudge her makeup.
“Thank you.” A corner of her mouth tilted as I set her safely back on her step. “You look entirely too good in a tux to ever wear one in public again.”
Even knowing she was just playing the role, I couldn’t help but grin.
“Ugh. Especially when you do that.” She stroked my dimple with the tip of her finger.
“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.” The taller of the two men reached the bottom of the steps. The lights turned his silver hair and pale skin a pinkish hue. “Vasily Koslov, artistic director of the Metropolitan Ballet Company.”
“Hudson Ellis,” I replied, shaking his soft hand.
“Ah! Alessandra’s new boyfriend!” He gave a polished grin that made me think everyone in Allie’s ballet company went to the same smile class. “You’re the subject of quite a bit of gossip in the building. Hope you won’t mind when we steal her back come the fall.”
“Whatever makes her happy makes me happy.” Gossip?
“Now that’s the right answer when you’re dating someone as extraordinary as Alessandra.” He sent an adoring look her way. “Have to admit, I had my doubts when you said you were bringing someone. I know how you are in love affairs”—he lowered his voice playfully—“which is why I told Anna to make sure his card still said guest, just in case you changed your mind.”
My eyebrows rose. What a weird-ass detail to pay attention to.
“Anne,” Allie corrected him with a flash of teeth. “And Hudson and I go back over a decade. You could have put his name on the card.”
“No matter.” His gaze shifted to the left, and his smile deepened as he raised his arm. “Ah, my dear.” A woman with black-and-silver hair went to his side, her arm wrapping around his waist as his did hers. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Danica, the Company’s executive director. Dani, this is our Alessandra’s current beau. He’s a lifeguard or something.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Good thing my ego wasn’t fragile.
“Coast Guard rescue swimmer,” Allie clarified, her smile still sharp. “He jumps out of helicopters and rescues people when their boats sink.” She moved down a step and shifted her clutch to the other hand to lace her fingers with mine, and it was all I could do not to lean in and kiss the shit out of her. “It’s actually one of the hardest jobs in the world. Most people never qualify, let alone make it through training.”
“How remarkable!” Danica tipped her head my direction. “Do you save many people?”
“From time to time.” I nodded.
“He saved me,” Allie said, her thumb stroking along mine. “That’s how we met when we were kids.”
“Charming.” Danica patted Vasily’s arm. “Darling, we really should say hello to the Jemonds before the performance starts. They’re already chatting with Maxim, and they’re such big donors that it would be a mistake not to.”
“Duty calls.” Vasily smiled at Allie. “I cannot wait to have you back in the building and gracing the stage. This fall will be your triumph.” He glanced at the guy standing close to Allie, who appeared entirely comfortable occupying her personal space. “Both of your triumphs. I can’t express how much I’m looking forward to showing the world what you two have created.”