Chapter 19

At the gala, Eve was a sight to behold as she interacted with the celebrities and walked the red carpet. She felt like a star and it all seemed so natural to her. For the first time, she felt comfortable in this high society setting. It differed greatly from the local social scene. Here, no one was treating her differently. She assessed it to the fact that they figured she was one of the wealthy elite, not just a low level assistant.

As they entered the ballroom, Adam took Eve around the room, chatting up celebrities and high-profile guests. It was like the flip switched from casual Adam to now being Mr. Cool. His suave side was back with his big toothy grin and his charming conversation took the lead. Eve was almost taken aback by this side of him. He had always been very hot and cold, but tonight he was a different person. He pretended to hate these types of events, but here he was, having the time of his life. He was the life of the party and definitely not who he had led her to believe.

After a while of this behaviour, Eve started to realize this was a side of Adam she had never seen before. A fake facade of his true self. It was almost unnerving to her how he was treating her like a trophy, rather than his girlfriend. He was showing her off like she was one of his prize pony's.

Adam was talking to a pro basketball player coming off as very arrogant. He was hinting that the man should hire him as his agent, bragging about his business and his luxurious lifestyle, making Eve sick to see this side of him. Excusing herself from the conversation, she pulled Adam to the side. The ball player was obliging in the conversation, but seemed uncomfortable and glad she broke it up. Quickly, the celebrity player rushed away to avoid talking to the man any longer.

"Adam. What has gotten into you? You're not yourself tonight. You are embarrassing me. Please stop with the business talk and bragging about everything."

Adam got mad fast. Grabbing her arm and taking her out of the ballroom to a hallway, he started yelling at a quiet tone, not to be heard by others at the party.

"Don't ever do that while I am talking to a potential client. You don't understand these people, Eve. You have to look and act like you have it all figured out. These people will eat you alive if you don't. If you expect my father to hire you, you better stop playing Miss sweet and innocent and realize it's a dog eat dog world in this business."

"Adam, I don't know who you are right now. I don't like it. I came here to spend time with my boyfriend. Not be on a date with this self glorified sports agent. Get this straight right now. I am your girlfriend, not some eye candy to be on your arm for the night. Got it!"

Adam stepped back in shock that she stood up to him. "I… I'm sorry. You're right. Can we just go back to the party? No more work talk, I promise. We will just have fun tonight."

"Yes, but first…" She grabbed his face and kissed him hard.

Adam pulled her to him, smirking against her lips. He started to tease her lips with his tongue to deepen the kiss, and she moaned into his mouth, sending shivers up his spine. Once they were breathless, he pulled back, looking her in the eyes.

"Oh. I see. My girl wants my full attention tonight. Why didn't you say so? You're not mad about me talking with potential clients. You want all my attention on you. Is that it?"

Eve bit her lip, playing with his tie. She leaned in, whispering in his ear, running her lips over his earlobe to entice him. "Maybe. I was thinking maybe tonight we could go to your place."

Adam's eyes turned more seductive and dark. "My place?"

"Yes. I was thinking I could…" She ran her hand over his chest. "Stay over?"

"Mmm… I like the sound of that. How about we get back to the party for now? I still haven't danced with my lovely lady." Adam ran his thumb down the side of her cheek and across her lips. "I can't wait to have you in my bed."

"Dance with me." Eve pulled him back to the party.

After a while, they were chatting with Greg and his date de jour. Eve was trying her best to not strangle the annoying girl. Even Greg wanted to ditch her. The girl was the most vapid person they had ever met.

"Adam! There you are." Drew ran over, pulling Adam to the side. He stopped for a moment, looking at Jessica. One of his ex girlfriends that he had a quick fling with that didn't end so well. Jessica glared at him, chomping on a piece of gum. "Crap. Hey Jess. Adam, we need to talk."

Adam stopped him, leaning over to Eve. "Excuse me for just a second, babe."

She nodded, and he stepped away, leaning into his brother, talking in his ear. His eyes went wide, looking around the room.

"SHIT! Okay, thanks." Adam went over to her, saying, "Eve. We have to go. I can't explain. It's a family thing, but can we go?"

Greg looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. "What's up, man? She's having fun. Relax."

"Greg's right. I don't want to go yet. I'm having fun. Can't we stay just a little while longer? We just got here."

Adam shifted around, looking panicked. "Eve. I have to go. I'm sorry. Greg, can you take her home?"

Drew grabbed him, pulling him away from the group. "Adam! Come on! Let's go! We have to go, now!"

Greg took Eve's hand, not liking what he was seeing. They looked like they were running from something and needed to get away fast. It was time for the overprotective big brother side to step in.

"I'll take Eve home," he said. "Let her stay. She can hang out with us." Finally, Greg looked around to find Jessica flirting with some celebrity. "Well, she can hang with me. I guess my date has other plans."

Adam kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry. I really am. I have to go. I'll call you tomorrow."

Eve wasn't sure what to think but agreed, "Okay."

Adam stopped, taking her hand in his and looking her in the eye. "I'll make this up to you. I promise." He kissed her and turned on heals rushing away with Drew.

Greg went over to her. "What the fuck was that?"

Eve didn't know what to say, so she just shrugged. She had never seen Adam this way. He almost looked… scared. The Adam she witnessed tonight was a different man. One minute he was the sexy man she started to have feelings for. The next, he was almost cold and intimidating. Other times, he was disconnected and secretive.

In her mind, she thought maybe it was just the fact she didn't have much experience in relationships. Tonight she was thinking maybe Greg was right to be cautious. She felt relieved that tonight wasn't the night she would give herself to him. She needed to know more about him before she took that step.