Page 120 of By His Vow
They’re bigger than I think they ever expected. But it works for them. And other than nights like these, Dad was always proud of his friend’s achievements.
The master of ceremonies starts with the smaller awards. While most of the room falls quiet, our table seems to continue their conversations, as if what is happening on stage right now is below them.
It annoys me that Michael ensures our attention is on him as he tells some bullshit, chauvinistic story. All the while, the woman—Martha—sitting beside him smiles up at him like he’s just hung the moon. Clearly, she only cares about the size of his wallet—or something else, gross—or she’s just plain stupid, because if Kingston or Miles were telling a story even close to the one he is right now, then I’d have long ago stabbed them with the knife the server forget to collect on his last pass.
I respect Michael as a businessman, every now and then as a father, but right now, as a human being, and a man, he’s fallen very short of the mark.
Turning my attention to the stage, I listen as someone gives a thank-you speech. It’s not exactly exciting and the man isn’t going to win any awards for public speaking any time soon, but he’s obviously proud of his achievement and his joy brings a smile to my lips.
“Do you know him?” Kingston whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Nope. Would rather listen to him than your father right now, though,” I whisper back.
“My father and alcohol don’t mix very well.”
“So I see.” It’s not the first time I’ve experienced Michael under the influence, but usually, I have the pleasure of being at a distance.
“As soon as we can get out of here, we will,” Kingston promises, making me sit up a little straighter.
“I can’t wait,” I murmur.
“Here you go,” Kian says, appearing beside me with Miles next him, their hands full of drinks.
“Thank you,” I say when Kian hands me a new glass of champagne before handing one to his date. She’s…exactly the kind of woman that the Callahan brothers usually entertain. She looks good on his arm and is done up to the nines, trying way too hard with nothing of any interest to talk about. Safe to say, the two of us won’t be building a friendship anytime soon—not that I suspect I’d get the chance, even if she wanted to. She’ll be out of favor come morning, I’ve no doubt. It’s how they roll. New day, new woman.
“Having fun?” Miles asks with a knowing wink.
“Best night of my life,” I deadpan.
“Who’d have thought a life with KC would be so thrilling, huh?”
“Hey, I know how to give out thrills,” Kingston argues.
“And the less said about that when it involves my sister the better.”
“Aw,” Kingston muses, nuzzling my neck right in front of my brother. “She loves my thrills, isn’t that right, baby?”
Miles’s jaw pops with irritation as he watches his best friend manhandle me.
“There isn’t enough scotch here tonight for this.”
“What?” Kingston laughs. “You started it.”
“And on to our last award for the evening,” the master of ceremonies says.
Proving that they all are half listening, a hush falls around our table.
“The prestigious Hospitality Industry Leader is…” He goes on to explain just how competitive the award is and how so many of the businesses in attendance tonight deserve it, but the moment he begins noting the successes of the winning business, it’s more than obvious who it’s going to. Again.
“Once again, I am proud to award this prestigious achievement to…” He pauses for dramatic effect. “Callahan Enterprises.”
The room erupts into applause as a spotlight illuminates our table, ensuring every single set of eyes turns our way.
Michael preens in his achievement, but he doesn’t get up to accept his award like I’m expecting him to. Instead, it’s Kingston who moves.
But he doesn’t stand, oh no. He shifts his chair back a little and reaches for me. My heart jumps into my throat.
Oh god, no. Please do not do this now.