The Chosen Heir (The Bolles Dynasty Book 3) (20 page)

Bridget thought of her family growing up. They were of little means, but there were happy. Her mother’s sister, who lived in London and took an interest in her, bridged the gap for her family. She was able to provide for her education and take her on trips. Not to mention encouraging a career path that would open up new possibilities for her. Would her aunt be proud of her choice to date William? Or would she cringe? Did it matter what others thought?

She thought about the high-strung socialite. “Do you normally bring the women you date to meet your mother?”

William sat on the sofa and appeared relaxed. “No. She is not interested in meeting anyone from my life unless the woman happened to have clout in the New York scene. Then she would be interested.”

She sat on the sofa close to him. “Why, if you were raised in this environment, do you not care more about finding acceptance here?”

He watched her closely. “New York can be an insane place. Growing up with parents who fought constantly, had shallow friends, and spent way too much time trying to impress others is not a life I wish to return to. It doesn’t appeal to me. I much prefer to be out in nature or playing sports.”

It was odd to be in New York with him. He seemed so at home in Dublin, it was hard to imagine this was his real home. “But you did take over the Bolles Financial Empire?”

He hesitated for a moment and then said, “Not in the way you think. When my father died unexpectedly, the investment bank was being investigated by the SEC and had to be closed. Fionn handled the problems and made sure that a set amount of money was placed in trust for me. I could only access it when I turned twenty-five.”

“How were you able to build a large company in a few short years?” She looked at him. “That is really impressive.”

He crossed his ankles. “I took risks. I launched a small investment group when I graduated college and used the Bolles name to attract money. Some of the money was invested overseas in mining operations, but I also bought and sold small companies in England and Ireland.”

She thought about the delicate balance of realizing great returns and investing into ventures that would fail. “Have you ever taken too many risks?”

William pulled her into his arms. “I don’t know if that is possible.”

As he kissed her neck, she wondered if their relationship was a risk for him. What type of reward could there be? He devoured her mouth and any coherent thought left her brain. She craved his touch and wanted to lose herself in him.

***

The next day was a blur of activity. She had arrived back to the hotel in time to take a rushed shower and get ready for the formal gala. Even though she shared a bedroom with William the night before, she placed her clothing in one of the other bedrooms and used the space to get ready. The gown she had brought from London was couture and had been given to her as a bonus for working hours and hours on a last minute launch.
 

Working in the fashion business had certain perks. If she had been in another industry, she wouldn’t have had something appropriate to wear. It took a serious amount of money to purchase couture. The illusion neckline bodice had a sheer halter top and featured a stunning display of twinkling bejeweled lace. The dress was designed to create curves with striped detailing that draped the full-length hem with glamour.

Adding four-inch stiletto heels and a generous amount of makeup gave her the look she wanted. Grabbing a hairbrush, she managed to create a decent bun with pins and hair gel, when she heard William knock on the door.

She looked up at him through the mirror as he walked into the room. He took her breath away. He looked polished and masculine in formal attire and it reminded her of the night they had met a year ago. It was a much different look then his cycling outfit or even a business suit, and he looked impossibly sexy.

“Are you ready?” He sounded slightly impatient, as if he wanted to get the evening over with.

Turning to him, she said, “You look fabulous.”

She watched his eyes rake over her and desire settle over him. Instead of seducing her, he turned and walked out of the room. Why was he stressed about going tonight? What wasn’t he telling her?
 

Walking in silence with him to the elevator, she thought about the evening ahead. She was eagerly awaiting the festivities. Working in the fashion world, she had dreamed of coming to New York and attending a black-tie event. She would see firsthand the gowns and accessories worn by the elite social crowd. There would probably be numerous gowns from Olivia’s spring line being worn.
 

“I notice the absence of a hat.”

The doors opened and she contemplated answering him. He knew so little about the fashion world. But it wasn’t worth an explanation, he wasn’t that interested in understanding the nuances of women’s clothing.

The event was being hosted in the Four Seasons Hotel so they made their way over to the ballroom. William was stopped several times and he chatted amicably and introduced Bridget. Their photograph was taken a few times in the foyer and William was at ease and didn’t try to distance himself from her.

Attending this event together was announcing to the socially connected New York scene that they were an item. Why had she thought that she would be able to fade into the background? Apparently the Bolles name drew interest and speculation. It was clear that everyone present knew who William Bolles was and wanted his attention.

A few times she tried to give him space, but he merely anchored her with his arm or held her hand. At one point, he whispered, “Trust me, you don’t want to be left alone in this crowd – they will tear you apart.”

She observed his mother from afar, but she hadn’t spoken to her yet tonight. The whole event was a fascinating show of wealth and privilege. She recognized many of the designer gowns and took in all the discussion about fashion. Many acquaintances sought William’s advice about the markets, but he mainly suggested that they grab drinks at some point.

He led her onto the dance floor and gathered her into his arms. She was enjoying the event and was surprised to see a strained look on his face.

She asked him, “Has something upset you?”

The memory of their first encounter came back to her. She hadn’t known him but based on his family name had treated him badly. Had someone this evening slighted him in same way?

He looked into her eyes. “This event reminds me of my father and the good he wanted to do in the world.”

What was she missing? “You must come to many events like this one.”

William hesitated for a minute, and said, “When he was alive, he started this event and it has continued on. He formed the charity. His idea was to find successful business people that had something to give back and then assign them to a charitable project. By the time I was ten or so, he would bring me to the different locations that benefitted from the funding. I found the formal event horribly boring each year, but I had no idea that he would leave this earth before I could understand the good it did.”

Her heart softened. She had been so excited by the fashion aspects of the event that she didn’t think about the deeper concerns. “I didn’t realize. I’m sorry.”

He pulled her closer and she could feel his breath and her body began to heat. “I don’t want you to be sorry. It’s refreshing that you find joy in this atmosphere. It is exactly what I need tonight.”

***

William caught sight of Olivia speaking with a group of people. There had to be more than five hundred guests tonight. Another set of doors had opened and guests were beginning to make their way to the elaborate dinner being offered.
 

He guided Bridget from the dance floor and they made their way to the front table. The room looked spectacular and the executive director of the charity was on stage.

Fionn and Olivia were seated with them. Bridget greeted them warmly and sat down. His sister was glowing and seemed rather pleased that he and Bridget were an item. He shook Fionn’s hand and sat between Bridget and his mother. He knew Diane wouldn’t be happy that Bridget had an association with Olivia.

Immediately, his mother whispered to him, “I hadn’t realized that Olivia had introduced you to your companion.”
 

“She has a name.”
 

His mother whispered, “Knowing you, she won’t be around long enough for me to bother learning it.”

He ignored his mother and asked Bridget if she needed anything.
 

His mother took the stage after the formal speeches and did a plea for more donations.

Olivia and Bridget became lost in discussing the ins and outs of the fashion industry. It seemed that many of the fashion icons were present tonight. William escaped to one of the bar areas with Fionn.
 

Fionn ordered two Jameson whiskeys and asked him, “How is everything? I know some of your investors are getting cold feet.”

No matter how established he became, Fionn would always be a step ahead of him. “There is risk involved in buying and selling companies.”

Fionn looked concerned. “What I’m hearing is that The Donne is a sentimental investment and bleeding you dry.”

He decided not to allow himself to become defensive. “There is truth to that.”

“Why don’t you cut your losses?” Fionn looked baffled. He didn’t believe in holding on to an investment for sentimental reasons.

“The Donne Resort and Golf Club is close to breaking even. It is going to be named as a destination for one of the major golf events next year.”

Fionn adjusted his collar. “Have they signed a contract?”

The bartender handed them each a whiskey and he took a large swallow.
 

He disliked Fionn checking up on him. He was no longer a kid and could handle his own troubles. “The course needs to be finished before the final commitment is extended. It will happen.”

“The timing is getting close. They could select another venue. I don’t understand your fascination. Do you plan to name the course for your father?”

He wasn’t interested in Fionn’s opinion. Fionn had been good to him, but his relationship with Oliver was complex and problematic. “Does it matter?”

“William, if you lose your shirt then it will matter. For better or worse, we are part of a family and your reputation does have an impact on my holdings.”

William rubbed the back of his neck. “So you are concerned about your bottom line?”

Fionn placed his drink on the bar. “No. I’m concerned about you. If you need capital, I can help.”

He shook his head. “I’ve liquidated other assets and am moving forward.”

His eyes widened. “You’ve sold your villa in France?”

Why did he feel so defensive? Something had to give if he was going to continue funding The Donne. “I did.”

Fionn placed his hand on his shoulder. “At some point, you need to consider London or New York. You can’t stay in Ireland forever if you intend to get to the next level. You need to face your adversaries and naysayers in the major markets.”

New York would take his soul. London he could deal with. “I have no interest in being in New York or London.”

Fionn looked pensive. “The naysayers bother you. That is the central issue. It’s not about achieving success, it’s about being proud of who you are and where you come from.”

Will took a swallow of whiskey. “It’s about success. Pure and simple.” He and Fionn had much different outlooks on life.

“You are no longer a boy, William. There is more to life than acquiring wealth. I see how you shut down when your father is criticized. Somehow you need to get past that.”

William placed his glass on the bar. “It doesn’t bother me in the same way anymore.”

Fionn held up his hands. “Then why are you risking everything for a golf course that you want to name after him?”

He had been asking himself the same question. “I’m not naming it after him. We played there often and I enjoy the memories. Is that such a problem?”

“It is if you are willing to lose everything. At the end of the day, he is gone.”

“There is a newsflash.”

Bridget and Olivia joined them and the conversation moved to other topics.

Bridget laced her arm through his and smiled up at him.

Olivia said, “Your mother is in her element. The executive director let us know that the charity did well this evening.”