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Sarah hated crowds. The alcohol was helping a little and everyone had been nice but her nerves hummed with dread. She skin on the back of her neck prickled as if someone were staring at her, but whenever she’d glance around there was no one there—at least no one looking at her. It was probably her fear. The time for her speech was drawing near.
“We should sit down,” said Peter. “They’re about to start.”
The president of the organization was moving to the stage. She nodded, letting Peter lead her to their table. A waiter came by and they placed their orders as the president started speaking.
She stared at the stage, smiling when everyone else smiled, but unable to concentrate on the speech. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t get up there in front of everyone. Her hand shook as she finished her drink.
Peter leaned near her ear. “You’ll do fine. Just look at me.”
She swallowed. Everyone was clapping and looking in her direction. She stood and headed for the stage, taking deep breaths and hoping no one noticed. She needed to calm down or she’d pass out. They’d notice that. Before she knew it she was on the stage behind the podium. She stared into the crowd. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.
People were smiling at her, but the longer she stood there, the more those looks started changing—surprise, confusion. If they looked at her with pity she’d die. Her gaze raced to Peter but it didn’t help. Panic clawed at her throat. She couldn’t do this. She was going to be sick. She glanced at the doors—her escape. If she ran, she could be there in a few minutes. Someone stepped out of the shadows into her line of sight. It was Nick. Her stomach dropped to her toes. She’d never thought she’d see him again. He was so handsome in his tux, the black of the suit matching his hair. He took a drink and his eyes roamed down her body, pausing on her breasts. Warmth pooled in her belly. His eyes locked with hers and he tipped his head.
She found her voice. She could focus on him—look into his eyes. She knew them. She’d seen them filled with lust and passion and desire. The man had seen her at her most vulnerable. He’d tied her up and had made her lose control and she’d loved every second of it. She stared at him as she spoke, her speech pouring from her and then everyone was clapping and the president was handing her a check. It wasn’t real. The real money would be electronically deposited into her account.
She thanked him and left the stage. She glanced at the doorway but Nick was gone. She looked around the room as she made her way to her table but he wasn’t there.
“You did great.” Peter hugged her before holding her chair for her.
“Thanks.” She wasn’t crazy. Nick had been there. “Did you see the guy at the back?”
“What guy?”
The waiters delivered their meals while another waiter came by and collected their drink orders.
“I...I thought I saw someone I knew.”
“Who?”
“No one. No one important.” She was going crazy. Next thing she’d be seeing Adam. Maybe, Maisie was right and it was time for her to talk to someone about this.