Page 62 of Arrogant Heir
For just a flash, I forget this is a fake date, and I almost believe he’s in love with me.
CHAPTER38
Jamie
The car draws up smoothly outside the Rochester Hotel in Mayfair and the driver opens the door for me.
‘Ready?’ Damian asks, touching my hand. ‘It’ll be mayhem on the way in with the press. Just smile and stay close to me.’
My heart pounds at his words and I wonder what awaits us, but I’m grateful for the warning. I step out of the car cautiously in my razor-sharp stilettos, gently clutching the edge of my dress where it splits to reveal my thigh.
Damian appears at my side, and I take his arm proudly. I may only be his fake date, but I’m going to enjoy it. The cameras flicker and flash, and I feel like a celebrity attending a Hollywood event. My smile is genuine as we pose for photos. People call out his name and I hear someone shout, ‘Tell us the name of your mystery girl.’ The red carpet lays before us and after a few minutes of smiling in various directions for the photographers, Damian catches my hand and whisks me down the carpet and through the hotel entrance.
He turns to me inside. ‘Okay?’
I nod. ‘Yeah, but how do you deal with that all the time?’
‘You get used to it. It comes with the name,’ he says casually.
His solicitous manner touches me. He’s not how I presumed he was at all. I steal a sideways glance at him in the opulent lobby. He looks so dashing in his tux and crisp white shirt. He’s clean shaven now and my breath catches in my chest as I remember how he kissed me. The smell of his aftershave lingers on me from being shoulder-to-shoulder in the car, and the closeness of him is like torture. Is my post-orgasmic glow obvious for all to see? I’m still hungry for his touch.
Staff cluster around us, clamouring to greet Damian and buzzing about to make sure we have all we need. He is friendly and gracious, just like he was that day in the store. I love that about him. He can be slightly forbidding, one-on-one, which I know now is just a protective shield, but he treats his employees with respect. He’s effortlessly dignified, and it makes me appreciate him even more.
The way Simon interacts with his colleagues has not always impressed me, and especially how he treats his poor assistant. He talks to her like she’s his minion and I told him so. He got slightly better when I was around, but I dislike I had to tell him at all. Just because he makes a lot of money and is a big shot at his firm, doesn’t mean he should treat people like he’s superior in every way.
Life at Greystone is a wonderful eye-opener for me. From all the bad press about wealthy people, it’s easy to presume they’re all the same and don’t give a shit about anyone. But I haven’t witnessed any of the Rochesters talk to their staff in a manner that isn’t courteous. In some ways, Greystone is more likeDownton Abbeythan I expected, and in others it’s an inspiring example of the super-rich living in modern luxury and employing a contented staff who are suited to the work. Albert and Bessie’s cheerful faces float into my mind, and I know I’ll miss popping into the kitchen to see them for a chat and a cuppa.
Yes, the Rochesters have been a lovely surprise, and none more than Damian. My heart is warm and fuzzy as I enter the ballroom. Holding his large, warm hand makes me feel safe as we’re shown to a beautifully decorated round table.
‘This is the table always reserved for the family,’ Damian whispers in my ear.
I turn and spot Sebastian striding towards us. The brothers pat each other on the shoulder, and Sebastian kisses me hello on the cheek.
Sebastian looks just as dashing as Damian and the pair of them could be Parisian male models. ‘I bet you two have broken some hearts,’ I tease. We sip champagne and natter as more guests find their seats and the lights slowly dim.
‘No date, then?’ Damian asks Sebastian.
Seb shakes his head slightly. ‘I can’t face the hassle that comes with dating. You two pretending to be together is a genius move. If I’d have thought of it first, I’d have asked you myself, Jamie.’
Damian’s brow furrows at the remark. He turns to face his younger brother. ‘Grandfather won’t like it when he hears you came alone. You know his rule about the charity ball.’
‘Don’t sweat it, big brother. I cleared it with him, and he said he preferred me to show my face rather than not come at all. Remember, I’m only the spare. It’s you everyone’s watching.’ Seb shrugs his shoulders and winks at me mischievously.
There’s no trace of bitterness, just a natural observation. His mannerisms are so similar to Damian’s. Anyone could guess they were brothers at a glance.
‘So how long are you two going to keep up themystery girlfriendcharade?' Seb asks, looking from one of us to the other, before drinking from his champagne flute. ‘Marian mentioned you’re no longer engaged,’ he adds, shooting me a sympathetic look.
I shift in my seat and try to stop a blush creeping over my cheeks. I’m relieved I told Damian the truth or he would have found out like this.
‘Jamie’s been kind enough to help me out after the recent unfortunate press coverage,’ Damian shoots his half-smile at me and my heart flips.
‘I’m his fake date just for tonight,’ I say, with bravado I don’t feel. I’m not sure why, but something propels me to lay out the terms of our deal. Maybe because I feel so vulnerable, and I don’t want Seb jumping to conclusions.
‘Oh cool. Great idea. I’m jealous he nabbed you first. I’d love to take you to an event I have coming up, but it’s more than our lives are worth if we’re both seen out with you! It’ll give the press fodder for the next decade, and we’ll never hear the end of it.’
I smile and take it as a compliment, but I notice a shadow cross Damian’s face.
Sebastian leans over to us in a conspiratorial manner. ‘Caspian has a fake girlfriend arrangement, you know. He says it’s the perfect solution to the Rochester dating problem.’