CHAPTER ELEVEN

Elena

I try my best to keep my mind on the task at hand. But Adam - as he has graciously allowed me to call him - keeps watching me. Even with my back turned as I serve drinks to the next table, I can feel his gaze on me. Dancing with him was something else. Armando looked so pissed when he saw me on that balcony. Adam saved my butt. I have no right to be anywhere near him, but he doesn't care.

"Elena," Tiana sings as I enter the kitchens for another round of drinks. "You have been so naughty."

"Oh, shut up," I say, shaking my head as I take my tray and walk to the double doors that lead to the dining hall. And again, Adam immediately looks at me. Try as I might, I can't hold back a smile. Because he's a nice guy. A gentleman. Not a jerk like I would have thought. And he taught me to slow dance!

"Elena."

His voice breaks into my thoughts and I turn to him with a smile.

"What can I get you?" I ask, remaining as professional as possible.

"Actually," he motions to where his father is sitting. "My father would like you to join us."

I sputter as the tray is whisked out of my hands, a chair set behind me, and I'm now sitting in between Adam and his sister? I notice Tiana passing the table, winking as she carries two trays. So she's the one who took my tray. Sneaky.

"Elena," says Señor Mendez with a handsome smile. "I'm glad you could join us."

"Um," I hesitate; even though he is my boss, I am still here to work. No matter how much I like sitting here.

"You're our guest," he chuckles, "relax. You deserve it."

"I've hardly done any work as it is," I mumble as Adam places a champagne glass in front of me.

"There's always tomorrow," Adam says, leaning close as he moves his mask away from his eyes. "Or the day after . . . Have a drink and enjoy the time off."

I bite my lip and lift the glass, looking at the bubbles rise to the surface of the light amber liquid. Sighing, I bring the glass to my lips and take a small sip. My eyes grow wide as the bubbles awaken my senses. I've had champagne before, but nothing that ever tasted like this. It's fruity and makes me want to move. Champagne is supposed to be mild on the alcohol, and it is, but it's still waking me up, and relaxing me. I return the glass to the table and glance around. I spot Tiana standing at the side of the room, waiting to be of help to anyone who calls. Beside her is another waitress, but I've not introduced myself to her yet. She's scowling. And looking right at me. Tiana smacks her and sends me a smile.

I look away. My gaze falls on Adam's sister. She's talking with the guy next to her. He only has eyes for her as he listens, nods, and plays with her hand in his. I then turn so I am facing Adam and his mother.

"I knew that dress was perfect for you," she says, nodding with approval. "And with that mask! Muy linda."

I blush, "Gracias," I say.

"And to think I did not know my son had that mask."

I reach for my glass and take a long sip. My head feels slightly buzzed now. Probably because I do not make it a habit to drink. A glass of sangria now and then is fine, but it's still rare. Adam's parents get up and Mr. Mendez leads his wife to the dancefloor. I catch Adam looking at me, again. His amazing eyes searing into me and pulling at me. I feel flushed and need to get some air. But I can't get my limbs to move.

"Why are you so nervous?" Adam asks, leaning forward with his hand on the back of my chair.

"I'm not nervous," I reply, probably a little too quickly.

"I think you are. Is it because of my presence? Or are you still worried about people thinking you are playing a game for your job?"

"Um. . ." I hesitate, my chest rising and falling faster with every breath. "It's more of your presence, I think."

"Interesting, I have an equal effect on you that you have on me."

"How do I affect you?"

"You make me . . . You make me want to show you off. But in a respectable manner."

I close my eyes, sighing in . . . I don't even know! I'm frustrated and shocked and . . . Ugh!

I rise slowly and excuse myself. Adam rises as well, but I don't stop him. I walk towards the kitchens and when I enter, despite how I want to ignore it, everyone who is not in the dining room is staring at the man who entered with me.

"As you were," Adam says; it sounds almost like a question but is more of a suggestion and a twinge of 'duh'. Which, oddly enough, is making me feel a little better. But not quite. I don't know how I feel about this. I move forward, not looking anywhere else, but where I'm going. I end up in the employees' lounge. And then everything begins to feel like a movie. Well, more like a silent film.

I turn around to politely ask Adam to let me be, but the look he's giving me makes me stop. Much like earlier, there's this look in his eyes. A look that can suck me in. I'll get lost in those eyes and never come back. What is my deal tonight?

"Elena," Adam says as if he was meant to say my name. "I do not mean for you to be offended, nor for you to lose your job. I said there is something about you . . . Something that I like. And I want to get to know you further."

I can't find my voice. I feel like the Little Mermaid when she's trying to express to Prince Eric what happened to her. I'm waving my hands around like a maniac, but not making a sound. Adam finds this amusing. He takes my hands and steps closer to me.

"My offer for dinner still stands," he says, squeezing my fingers. "I do not believe it will harm your position. And I feel that if I let this opportunity pass, someone else will step forward. I'm not prepared to let that happen. Give me a chance, I promise it will be worth it."

The look in his eyes stills me. His words ignite my being. I feel compelled to accept. Despite my reservations.

But I don't.

"I'm here to work," I say, shaking my head. "Whatever pay I get is going back to my family. My parents are having a hard time and my father is working insane hours. My brother is home from the military. I would be living there now if I hadn't gotten this opportunity. While I am flattered, I cannot accept. Not for what people would think, but for my family. And I already mentioned my previous relationship ending recently."

I pull my hands away, though I am reluctant to do so. And I walk away.

***

I regret walking away. I regret not accepting Adam's invitation to dinner. But there's nothing I can do about it. It's late, and the gala is coming to an end. I've managed to do my job and serve the Mendezes' table without losing focus. Without letting Adam know he still has an effect on me. He doesn't appear phased by my rejection. Only more determined. I should be worried.

I've been put on table clearing duty. All the guests linger, but they are all dancing or standing near walls in conversation. Adam is talking with Andrea and the other guy with them. And then there's the tall blond that keeps trying to fondle Adam. While I have no claim to the man, I am insanely jealous. And he knows it.

"Everything alright, chica?" Tiana asks, moving to stand next to me, pretending to help me clear plates. "You look like you're ready to kill someone."

"I do not," I protest, but I know my denial would only confirm it. "Okay, maybe I do want to murder someone. But I don't know why."

"Hmm . . . Ah. I see."

I look up at Tiana and she's looking at Adam. I gently smack her arm, forcing her to stop staring.

"Stop it," I hiss through clenched teeth. "He can't know I regret rejecting his dinner invitation."

"You rejected his dinner invitation!" she hisses back, smacking me this time. "Elena, eres estupida? Are you? Because that's the dumbest thing you've done in the time I've known you."

"No soy estupida, really. I wasn't lying when I said I am here to work. But I do regret it and I just want to claw that's woman's eyes out."

"So march over there and tell Adam you'll meet at the cafe on Sunday. Then walk away. That's it. Fate will take care of the rest."

"What cafe?" I ask, sighing as I accidentally spill a glass of water on the table cloth. "I haven't been around yet."

Tiana smiles and whispers something in my ear. I listen to what she says. And I may still have my reservations, but she's right. I'd be stupid to pass this up.