Page 67 of Elite Connections: an LGBTQ Romance Charity Anthology

Why am I so nervous?This is going to be a piece of cake. From everything I’ve witnessed since we arrived in Milan, Eden loves Raven. So why wouldn’t she sell her the company?

Swiping the last of my lip gloss over my lips, I give myself a once-over in the mirror.

The purple dress is stunning. I’m glad I saved this one for tonight. I’ve never felt so beautiful in my entire life.

I keep waiting for all of this to unravel. For me to say something stupid and let the cat out of the bag that this is all fake.

But is it?

My feelings toward Raven are anything but fake. Every touch, every glance. All of it feels very, very real. And the thought of this ending?

It has my heart squeezing in my chest.

“Are you ready, Blair?” Raven’s voice calls from the bedroom, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“One second.”

Butterflies are threatening to explode out of me. I want everything to be perfect tonight for Raven. I’ve seen the work she puts into her job. The love and care. She deserves to be the new owner of traveLLin’.

Taking one last steady breath, I step out of the bathroom and am stunned speechless.

Raven is hands down one of the sexiest people I’ve ever seen in my life. But tonight? Tonight, she takes my breath away.

The black dress clings to her every curve. The short length shows off her long legs, and the way it dips between her cleavage has me drooling.

“Wow.”

“You like?” She does a spin in those same red-soled heels that I love seeing her in.

“Like?” I close the distance between us. “I love.”

Every strand of hair is perfectly coiffed into place, a fun and sexy fauxhawk to go with the vibe of the event tonight.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.”

She wraps her arms around my purple dress, pulling me in close.

“I have to say, you were right.”

“Yeah?” Raven quirks a perfectly manicured brow at me.

“This dress really is incredible.”

She leans in closer, pressing a kiss to the corner of my mouth. “And it will look even better on the floor tonight.”

My fingers dig into her arms as I turn my head to capture her lips.

I want every piece of Raven West.

How is it that a fake relationship could turn out to be the most real thing in my life?

“We really don’t have time for this.” Raven is breathless as she pulls her mouth away from mine. “We can’t be late.”

“Is anyone really on time to a big event like this?” I wipe the smeared lipstick from her mouth.

“When there will likely be a big entrance by Eden and Laney? Yes.”

I fight a groan. This is everything the two of us have been working toward. I want it for Raven almost as much as she does.

“Only a few hours, Blair. I promise.”

Latching our hands together, we make the short walk from the hotel to the villa.

The grand palace is lit up on the outside, welcoming everyone here. The gardens are in full bloom as music thrums through the space.

It’s the place to be tonight.

“Before we go in…” Raven stops, pulling me back into her. Her fingers toy with the necklace she gave me. Something I don’t know I’ll ever be able to take off.

“You okay?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being here with me.”

“It’s the whole reason I’m here.” Maybe if I keep reminding myself of it, I’ll start to believe it.

Because she’s the reason I’m here. Not for some sale of a company. Her. Raven. I would do anything for her.

And tonight? That’s to help her win this bid.

I slip my mask into place, watching as she does the same.

“Right. Well…thanks anyway.”

I want to tell her that I’m not here for the reasons she thinks I am anymore. That over the last few weeks I’ve fallen for her. The person that she is, not the one she shows the world.

But I can’t.

Because as soon as we land in Seattle on Monday, this thing is over.

We’re done. My contracted time with her is up.

And that thought pains me more than I can ever tell her.

“Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight,” Eden welcomes us. “I can’t tell you what your being here these last few weeks has meant to me. It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of you.”

“Holy shit. Is she doing it now?” Raven whispers next to me.

“I think she might be.”

Raven grabs my hand and holds tight.

“TraveLLin’ is my baby. While Laney and I never had children, I nurtured this company into what it is today. That’s why it’s been so hard for me to hand over the reins. And why I wanted to make sure I was giving it to the right person.”

Murmurs break out in the crowd. The energy is high. This is what everyone has been working toward while we’ve been here.

And it all comes down to one person.

“All of you have a vision and would do well to lead this company. But there is one person who has truly shone these last few weeks.”

“I think I’m going to be sick.” Raven drops her head on my shoulder.

“Raven West,” Eden’s voice booms. “I am thrilled to be the one to tell you that West Investments has won the bid for traveLLin’.”

“You did it!”

“She said my name?” Raven is in shock. “That was my name, right?”

“Babe, you did it!” Cupping her jaw, I drop kisses all over her face.

“Raven, if you’ll join me on stage.”

“Go!” I shove her toward the stage, wanting her to have her moment.

People swarm her, pushing me to the side.

She’s swallowed up by the crowd, and it’s in that moment, I know I’ve lost her. This was Raven’s goal. And now that she’s got it?

I’m no longer needed.