Chapter 1: The Meeting

Winnie

"I belong here no matter what Mother says.," I look around the LaBelle One Hundredth Anniversary Gala with the same defiance that made me leave Los Angeles five years ago.

My brother, Rick, and I used to talk about the one hundred anniversary gala for LaBelle like sports analysts discussed a game. So it intrigued us that someone from our family could create an automobile company that could last one hundred years.

I step into the gala. The enormous ballroom is decorated as it would have been one hundred years ago.

I smile with glee. That was my idea.

So were the pictures of the early automobiles and concept cars strategically placed around the ballroom. I still can't believe we were competing with the big three automakers. Heck, I still can't believe we're still competing with them.

People prefer LaBelle vehicles over most foreign-made cars. Besides, they are dependable and beautiful and...

My shoulders slump. I look down at the gold and ivory-tiled ballroom.

I think of how much I've missed living in Columbus, Ohio.

Yes, I want to work in the marketing department.

However, Mother won't let me. It's not her company, but she seems to control everyone there.

My black heels make clicking sounds on the floor. Soft music plays.

People file into the ballroom room.

Most of the guests, however, are already mingling.

Nervously, I glance down at my dress.

I wanted the black silk dress that puffed out at the hips. It was beautiful, and I think it fits with the anniversary.

However, my best friend, Faye, convinced me to go with this one. It's an emerald green, form-fitting, strapless dress with a split on the left side.

I played with my gold necklace three emerald stones as I walked.

My long, red hair is twisted upward with a clip on it.

"Champagne, madam?"

A waiter suddenly appears. He smiles and points to his tray.

I nod my thanks and take a champagne glass.

Rick is immediately in front of me. He's chatting with an older gentleman.

I make my way through the crowd looking for Daddy. I'd love to see him.

Daddy stands proudly in a crowd of people. He's a tall, husky man with bright red hair.

We're French on our Daddy's paternal side.

Hence, the LeBelle name.

However, Daddy says it only takes one redhead to change things. So, for us, that redhead was my grandmother Ada.

I smile, excitedly walking toward the crowd.

Suddenly, I stop.

When I see Mother, I almost don't recognize her. She's aged in five years.

Her dark hair has touches of silver. Wrinkles make her look a quarter of a century older than forty-five. Yet, she still wears the same dismissive expression.

I backpedal as fast as my heels can take me, so Mother doesn't see me. Then, suddenly, I can't breathe.

My emotions are on a rollercoaster ride of turns and ups and downs. I'm not ready to talk to Mother right now. However, I'm becoming more emboldened to join the family business on my

terms.

I head towards the far end of the ballroom, and my nerves settle. I turn and glance to my right and relax. Then, as I bite my bottom lip, I watch an uber-sexy man with brown hair slicked back and parted on the left side.

He's talking to an older man. They look related. However, the older man has a more olive complexion and black hair.

My attention returns to the sexy stranger. He laughs, throwing his head back.

Gosh, he has the deepest dimples.

His blue eyes sparkle with an intriguing mischievousness as he talks.

I like his broad shoulders.

D*mn, he reminds me of some athlete. Maybe a boxer or quarterback. He reminds me of all those Ohio Stae frat boys, too. Those frat boys wanted a good party and a place to crash after the night's festivities ended.

Andrew flashes in my mind. An hour ago, remembering Andrew would have made me leave the gala.

Why am I so intrigued?

No, the better question is how good is he in bed.

Sh*t, I feel a sexual excitement rush of heat between my legs, thinking about how well he'd perform in bed. He'd probably like me on top.

No, he'd take the most dominant sex positions. He looks like the type.

What the hell?

I'm back in Los Angeles for a few hours, and already I'm obsessed with sex.

What's wrong with me?

Faye would be so proud.

I sip my champagne, still looking at him.

I don't hide my interest, giving the sexy stranger who couldn't see me a saucy look.

Suddenly, our eyes lock.

His mischievous blue eyes sparkle with amusement as he watches me.

My hazel eyes widen.

He winks at me.

I gasp.

An older woman touches his arm, which makes him look down.

Leave. Leave. I tell myself.

However, I stay rooted in place.

The sexy stranger takes a step toward me.

"Is that my wayward daughter or a hologram?"

I turn to find Mother standing behind me with her hands on her hips and that d*mn dismissive look on her face.