The Billionaire's Masquerade: Betting On You Series: Book Two (10 page)

When packages arrived on Thursday evening, she felt like a child on her birthday. Not that she’d had that experience as a child. Her birthdays had barely been acknowledged, a fact she’d always tried to ignore. As soon as she signed for them, she rushed to her bedroom, laid them on the bed, and contemplated which one to open first. Trent only let her know everything would arrive, but had refused to give her any more information. It wouldn’t be long now before hisplan for her was reveale
d
—
she could barely control her excitement.

Elaine opted to start with what looked like a shoe box. She removed the lid and the layers of white tissue paper to reveal a pair of four-inch red and black leopard-print stilettos. Holding them up in front of her, only one thought came to mind.
Wow.
Though Trent was several inches taller than she, Elaine was happy he hadn’t chosen anything higher, or she wouldn’t survive the night. There are women who seem to be able to not only stand and walk in them, but also dance in them. She wasn’t one of those women. Her legs got wobbly just thinking of wearing six-inch heels. Elaine placed the shoes back in the box.
One down, two to go.

The second largest box was a round hatbox. This was going to be what allowed her to act freely with Trent at the ball. A gold, satin ribbon sealed the box. It was almost too pretty to open.
Almost.
The satiny tissue slipped away to reveal one of the most beautiful things she’d ever laid her eyes on. She gasped with surprise. The mask, entirely outlined with gold and red gemstones, would cover most of her face, only exposing her eyes, lips, and chin. Extravagant. Elegant. Large black feathers adorned the right side, curling delicately to the left and slightly forward. Soft feathers cascaded over the edges.
Magnificent.

Given the shoes and mask, she couldn’t imagine what he had chosen for the dress.
There’s only one way to find out.
Placing the mask gently back in the box, she proceeded to open the largest box. Her hands fumbled with excitement as she lifted the lid.
Oh my God!

Slowly she lifted it out of the box and held it up in front of her. Sleek red satin slid over her fingertips. The beautiful mermaid-shaped dress had a sweetheart neckline, and elegant ruching from the bust until it began to flare just above the knee. Layers of black lace escaped from inside a slit, enhancing the flare farther. A trail of black appliqué
meandered around the flare and up the left side of the gown to her hip. There was another band of black appliqué
below the bustline that would emphasize her fullness.

Elaine had attended many formal events in the past; she’d never seen anything as beautiful as this dress. Had Trent seen this dress and imagined it on her? Did he know the colors would suit her complexion? Why did he make such an extravagant gesture?
Do I mean more to him than I think?

She hung the gown on the outside of her closet door. This was not a gown to be hidden away.

She cleared the boxes from her bed and sat staring at the dress.
It is going to be impossible to sleep.

Her cell phone rang. Jumping from her bed, she ran to the living room to pick up the call. “Hello.”

“Hi, Elaine. You sound out of breath. Hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Lizette said teasingly.

“No, I was only putting things away in the other room.” She hoped the disappointment at hearing Lizette’s voice wasn’t apparent. It was the deep, sexy rumble of Trent’s voice she wanted to hear right now.

“I was calling to confirm you’re still coming Saturday night for dinner.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” She was looking forward to getting together with Lizette and Jon, but right now it was hard to focus on anything past Friday night with Trent.

“Great. I’ll let you get to bed; you sound tired.”

“Yes, I am. Say hi to Jon for me and have a good night.” Disconnecting the call, she walked back to her bedroom and then it hit her, she really was tired. It had been an emotional day. Pulling off her clothes she climbed in between the cool sheets, and turned off the lamp on the nightstand.
Call him? Text him?
She wanted to thank him.
Tomorrow.
Surprisingly she easily faded into a deep ever-so-needed sleep.

The next morning Elaine woke fully rested and ready for the day and night ahead. She took a long, hot shower and decided not to turn on the computer. She picked out some nail polish and headed for the couch. Before she could sit, the buzzer rang for her door. Eleven o’clock. She wasn’t expecting anyone.

Using the intercom, she asked, “Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Elaine Manning.,” a woman’s voice answered.

“This is Elaine.”

“Mr. Davis sent me.”

Elaine buzzed her in. Trent hadn’t mentioned anyone coming on Friday. When she opened the door, there was a tall woman carrying what looked like a table of some type and a bag. “Please come in.”

“Thank you, Ms. Manning. Is there a place you would like me to set up?”

“Set up what exactly?” Elaine asked.

“The massage table.”

Massage?
She showed her where she could set up and within minutes was on the table enjoying a perfect Swedish massage. This was a new treat.
This beats flowers!

Perhaps I should do this more often. Her hands were incredible.
Meg, the masseuse, pulled out an envelope as she was folding her table. “I was told to give this to you when I left. Have a good day.”

Elaine waited until she was alone before opening it.

I wanted to make sure you had a stress-free day. I would have told you about this,

but I know you like secrets. More to come.

See you at the ball.

Trent

She laughed softly.
She had a secret for him, too.
Elaine finished the bottle of water the massage therapist had given her and decided she would attempt her nails again. As she opened the polish the buzzer rang again.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Elaine Manning. Mr. Davis sent me,” a man replied.

What now?
She buzzed him in and waited by the door. When she opened it she found a young man in a baseball cap, jeans, and a T-shirt standing there. He handed her a paper bag then left promptly. She smiled as she recognized the logo on the bag. It was from the local Italian restaurant she’d become acquainted with over the last several weeks. Reaching in the bag, she pulled out an antipasto salad.
He’s starting to know me too well.

Elaine was sitting at the kitchen table, finishing her food when the buzzer went off again. She looked at the clock, 2:30 p.m., and she really couldn’t afford any more interruptions since she still needed to get ready.

This time she just buzzed them in. Within minutes there was a knock on her door. Nothing could have prepared her for the three people at her door, carrying all types of equipment.
What is he up to now?

“Let me guess, Mr. Davis sent you?”

“Yes. Where would you like us to set up?”

“What exactly are you here f
or?”

One of the ladies replied, “I will be giving you a manicure and pedicure. Maurice is going to do your hair, and Sue will be doing your makeup.”

He’s thought of everything.
She led them to an area in the kitchen where they began their regimen. As she was getting her pedicure, Maurice used a number of products on her hair, making it a mass of curls even greater than her natural ones. It was almost five o’clock when Sue finished her makeup. “Ms. Manning, I will help you get into your dress when you are ready.”

Brides don’t even get this treatment.
She was embarrassed having Sue there, but happy for the help once she started getting in the gown. When she was in and zipped up, she turned to look in the mirror.
Wow!
She had never worn makeup like this. Her eyes were dramatically smoky, with shades of red and gold shimmer mascara. Her lips were red with a gold glitter outline to match the mask. She felt it was almost a crime not to be seen looking like this.

The door buzzed again. She looked at the clock, 6:00 p.m. She thanked them for their remarkable help as they left. She informed her driver she would be down, grabbed the mask, and headed out the door.
Why had he done all of this today? He knows I’m attracted to him—hell, I keep ending up in bed with him. So, why such lavish attention? It’s one night. One ball.
She’d never been so spoiled in her life. No one had ever tended to her every need.
Have I even sent him a text to thank him?
Today had been amazing. More than amazing. She actually felt . . . cherished, which could be placing too much emphasis on what this really was. Perhaps
this is how he treated all women in his life.
Don’t even think it.
Everything had been perfect, and she was not about to let doubts or jealously spoil it. He may have made today all about her, but she had her own set of plans for him later that evening.
Oh yes, tonight is going to be all about you, Mr. Trent Davis
.

***

It was something he had never done for another woman. Doing something like that before would’ve only given a woman the wrong idea. Which is why he had always kept his distance, never let them spend the night. But things with Elaine were different. He wasn’t worried she was with him for what he could give her. She was the only woman he’d met who refused to be with him. Maybe that was what was keeping the relationship exciting. When he heard about the Masquerade Ball, it presented the opportunity to bring the excitement to a whole new level. He wasn’t sure how long it was going to last, but he intended to enjoy the ride.

Trent received the text from her driver,
ETA five minutes
. That was perfect timing as he had only just entered the ballroom himself. He had chosen to wear a tuxedo from Giorgio Armani with a matching top hat. His mask was similar to Elaine’s except his was silver with black gemstones and no feathers.

From where he was standing he had a full view of the entrance. As if on cue, the doors opened and the sexiest woman he ever laid eyes on entered.
Damn, I could take her home.
He was glad he was not wearing a tuxedo with tails, or his desire for her would’ve been hard to hide. She stopped at the entrance, and he watched her scan the crowd. Then she made her way in slowly, walking through the crowd. Instead of heading his direction, she went the opposite way. In a sea of tuxedos, the men all looked alike.

Unfortunately he was not the only man who had noticed her enter. Almost immediately a man in a full mask had come forward, bowed, and offered her his hand to dance.
Hell no!
Trent pushed his way through the crowd, not even taking the time to say excuse me.
I’m rude, deal with it.

Before Elaine even had a chance to accept or reject the other man’s offer, Trent appeared behind her and gave him a glare that said
back the fuck off.
The man stopped in his tracks, gave a short bow again, turned, and went on his way.

Elaine turned and faced him. Their eyes met, his still dark with jealousy. As she smiled, the tension within him left. He was actually dumbstruck, looking at Elaine up close. There were no words to adequately express how incredible she looked. She was stunning. This time she extended her gloved hand to him. He raised it to his lips and kissed it before escorting her to the dance floor. Holding her close he said, “There are no words to adequately express how incredibly stunning you look.”

Her sweet, sexy smile graced her face, and he felt like the luckiest man in the room. “Thank you,” she mumbled, clearly a little overwhelmed too.

The sweet scent of her filled his nostrils as their swayed to the music. One song stopped and another began. She felt right in his arms, and as much as he was reluctant to break his hold, he knew she might need a break. He would then have an easier time talking with her, although as delicious as she looks, talking was not really on his mind. “I’m ready for a drink, how about you?”

“Yes, please.”

Walking off the dance floor holding hands, they made their way to a waiter where Trent grabbed two glasses of champagne and handed one to Elaine.
Wish it were a beer
.

“Thank you for all the wonderful surprises today. I felt very spoiled.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed them.”

Elaine ran her hand down her dress to smooth it. “This dress is amazing. You chose well.”

“You would make anything look good.” Trent wished he could see her facial reactions to his comment, but the curve of her lips said she liked it.

As they sipped champagne, a photographer made his way around taking pictures of couples. “We should move,” Elaine said.

“Why? The point of the mask is to free us to do whatever we want to do.” Trent took her glass and put it and his on a passing tray. Taking her hand he led her back to the dance floor and spun her around before pulling her back up against him. “And what I want to do is hold you.”