“Sickening isn’t it?” A voice whispered next to her and she jumped. She turned and saw Richard next to her.
“Oh hi.” She smiled at him, while wondering how he had the ability to keep sneaking up on her. “Yeah, your family is beautiful.”
“Yes, it seems almost unfair to have so much money and good looks.” Richard studied her face. “How long have you and Ben been dating.”
“Oh, well, we’re not really dating.” She mumbled her words, not really sure how much to say.
“You’re not a paid guest are you?” He looked at her quizzically with a raised eyebrow.
“A paid guest.” She repeated his words until she finally understood what he meant. “No, no. I am not a hooker.” She gasped at him. “I work with Ben at the firm.”
Richard looked at her in surprise. “You’re a lawyer?”
“No.” She bowed her head. “I’m a secretary.” She looked him in the eye. “And a darn good one too.”
“I see.” He smirked. “I didn’t think you were a lawyer. You don’t have the look.”
“What does that mean?” She said annoyed.
“You should know. You work at the firm. What do most of the women lawyers look like to you?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She turned away from him, even though it crossed her mind that he was paying her a compliment.
“Louise, you made it down.” David rushed over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “And may I say mam, you are looking divine.” He spoke in a country accent and she laughed.
“Save the drama for the stage David.” Richard grinned at his brother and they both laughed. Louise saw Ben staring at them from the corner looking displeased. She didn’t understand why he didn’t just come over and talk to them.
“Would you like a drink Louise?” Richard offered.
“Yes please. A Malibu Sprite, if you have it.”
“We have the best stocked bar this side of the Atlantic.” David laughed. “I’ll have a scotch on the rocks big bro.”
Richard walked away to get their drinks and David moved closer to her. “You are the sexiest woman my brother has ever dated, do you know that?”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.” Louise grinned at David and stifled a groan as Ben finally approached them.
“Good Evening Louise.” He nodded formally, his floppy blond hair falling in his face. She wished he would cut his hair; he was too old to be looking like a Justin Bieber wannabe. “I’d like to introduce you to my dad.” He turned around to call his dad over but the man had already left the room. “I guess he went to finish up some business, I’ll introduce you later.”
“Ok.” She smiled at him, wishing he would just go away.
“So Louise, may I touch your hair? It looks so soft.” David placed his hands on her hair and ran his hands through it. “It’s beautiful.” He leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “And long enough to pull on during sex.” He stepped back and grinned at her and she smiled back with a flush on her face.
“I don’t think that’s appropriate David.” Ben looked at his brother in hostility. “You shouldn’t just feel up a woman’s hair, like that.”
“Better than grabbing her tits.” David winked at Louise and she felt a spark run through her. She’d love it if he would grab her tits.
“David!” Ben grabbed Louise’s arm and dragged her across the room. “Don’t bother listening to him. He’s a belligerent ass.”
She smiled politely and tried to not look back at David. She started daydreaming about having a sexy escapade in the garden with him. He seemed the sort that was down to have some fun. She hadn’t had sex in a year at least and was totally down for sleeping with a hunky actor. Not that she’d ever had a one-night stand before but where had her modesty gotten her? Nowhere far and she didn’t want to give up her second virginity to Ben. Not when she could be with his far hotter brother if she played her cards right.
“Dinner’s served.” A maid walked into the room and everyone followed her to the dining room. Louise was impressed by the grandeur of the room. The chandelier looked to have been made from real crystal and the cutlery was solid silver. She found herself placed between David and Richard at the table and she was happy to see that Ben was all the way on the other side of the table.
“So Louise I hope you aren’t a vegetarian.” Richard laughed as a rack of lamb was brought out along with a roast chicken.
“Oh wow, that’s a lot of meat.” Louise looked at all the dishes making their way to the table. She rubbed her stomach as it growled and laughed. “I guess you have you answer.“
Richard looked at her stomach and smiled. “It’s rare that I find a woman who actually likes to eat.” He paused and leaned in towards her. “Most gold diggers try and keep a skinnier figure than you do. I applaud you for breaking out of the mold.”
She gasped with shock and looked at him as he stared at her knowingly. “Excuse me,” she hissed as quietly as she could.
“Don’t think you’ll be getting any bucks out of Ben, honey. He doesn’t have any access to the family millions.”
“How dare you.” She narrowed her eyes at him as she spoke. “I’ve a mind…”
“Hey what are you two whispering about?” David interrupted their conversation and squeezed Louise’s knee.
“Nothing. Louise was just telling me of her plans to move up at the firm.” Richard’s voice was easy and smooth. He sounded genuinely friendly and Louise wondered if she had imagined the whole thing. “She’s such a hardworking girl. Lot’s of ambition.”
“Oh.” David sounded bored. “Let me tell you about the new movie I’m trying out for.” Louise was happy to listen to David babbling on about some new horror flick he was trying out for because she was able to turn away from Richard. She knew she would have felt a lot more hurt if she were actually interested in Ben. But she didn’t plan on seeing any of these people again and so she was able to brush it off as best as she can. Dinner was a long affair and she noticed Ben trying to make eye contact with her several times. She kept her attention on David and found herself laughing at his jokes and commentary on life as an actor.
“I love your laugh.” He leaned in and whispered as his hand ran up her thigh beneath her dress. “Though maybe I shouldn’t be saying that.”