Hot Coffee (The Hollens) novel Chapter 46

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. 

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.