Page 50 of Catching a Con Man
“Of course.”
“Then that definitely helps.” Tyler reached for me, and I held him close. His forehead found the crook of my neck, and we just swayed in the brightly lit bathroom for a few minutes before he pulled away. “C’mon,” he said. “We better get started before Cameron garrottes us.”
We left the staff bathroom and headed down the corridor to the ballroom. It felt special to be hosting the gala in the place where we first met. We were strangers then, and had so many barriers between us. It felt amazing to be here again as ourselves.
Tyler had organised the whole thing, with minimal input from me or Cam, and the ballroom was decorated beautifully. Not only had he invited the rich and famous, he’d actually invited the owners of local charities and community organisers so that they could talk and network directly with those who might be willing to donate.
“I’m so giving you that promotion,” I said to Tyler. “I don’t care how many times you tell me you’re not qualified. I am not paying you enough for what you do.”
“Darling, you can’t afford what I’m worth.” Tyler joked, and then his lips turned down. I knew he was still struggling to come to terms with the money he now possessed and I did my best to make him feel comfortable with the language he understood best - making light of the whole thing.
“I bow down to your inherited wealth, my liege.”
“Oh, and you’re new money, I suppose?”
“I suppose,” I said. “I turned millions into billions. What have you turned your millions into?”
“A new children’s cancer ward in the local hospital…”
“Again?” I was incredulous. I had never known someone give away so much in as short a time as Tyler had.
“What else am I supposed to spend my money on? You don’t let me contribute toward bills for the penthouse, my company car is paid for…”
“Fine. You can pay the hot tub heating bill.”
“Thank you,” Tyler muttered. Then grinned. “I’m still building the cancer ward.”
“And I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“Less gawping, more action!” Cam shouted from the other side of the room.
“And what exactly is it you’re doing?” Tyler shouted back.
“…shut up.” Cam fiddled with a tablecloth and knocked over a glass as he did.
“First guests should be arriving in less than…” Tyler checked his watch. “Five minutes. I want to see big smiles, wine flowing.” He walked around and spoke to each waiter and waitress individually, addressing them by their names and talking them through the night as the minutes ticked down. He hadn’t forgotten his roots, and I hoped he never would. He kept us grounded.
Then the first guests started to trickle in, and it was time toschmooze.Though I did my usual fantastic job of extracting money from people using as much charm as possible, my eyes kept flitting to Tyler, who looked resplendent in his expensive burgundy suit. I was glad we’d managed to mess up his hair. He looked so much better when he wasn’t trying to look the part as much. It peeled away another layer, and it let him sway people with his authenticity.
In a lull in conversation, I looked toward the door. My mother had arrived, and on her arm was Harvey, the gentle giant of a man who ran the dogs’ home. She looked resplendent in her evening gown, and it looked like Harvey had made good on the coupons Tyler had sent out to the local charity leaders and bought himself a suit. It wasn’t like Harvey really needed to be here — I’d essentially given him a blank cheque to run the place since my father had stopped his donations out of spite — but it couldn’t hurt to make the right connections. My youngest siblings had proven time and time again that connections and publicity were invaluable.
Speaking of siblings…Cam was stood near the doorway, and when he spotted Harvey the glass of champagne dropped from his hand, splattering all over his shoes and the bottom of his trousers. He blushed, and when Harvey turned toward the source of the commotion, I watched the same pink creeping into his own cheeks.
Tyler sidled up next to me and jabbed my arm. “Hey, you seeing what I’m seeing?”
“Yes, Captain. You seem to be doing wonderfully.”
“I came to this gala last year to get millions. I think I managed. This year, I’m aiming forbillions.” Tyler grinned.
“So you really were just using me all along,” I joked.
“Totally. For your money, your cock and your heart. The problem is I’m giving all of that back to you too now, so I don’t think I’ve made all that much back from this deal…” he grinned.
The hall filled and we both did our best to chat to everyone who arrived. My mother wouldn’t stop apologising for the fact my father was still being stubborn and refusing to apologise, but I shook my head and ordered us more champagne. I could wait for the apology. Holden turned up with Michael, looking rather grumpy but every bit as prestigious as he should. Michael’s kimono drew looks from the attending crowd, but i thought he looked fantastic.
As the room filled and Tyler took to the stage to make his pre-dinner speech, I made my way to the front of the crowd. He took his notes from his pocket, cleared his throat, and looked across the crowd. When we made eye contact, I mouthedI love you.He winked back and suddenly I was the nervous one.
But I didn’t need to be. Because Tyler was wonderful. He always would be. And with a little luck, and the help of the heavy gold ring nestled in my breast pocket, he would always be mine.