Chapter 23
Haven and Skylar
Haven entered the ballroom, not much in a party mood.
All she could think about was seeing Skylar tomorrow.
He had texted, letting her know that he’d made arrangements for them to fly to Phoenix at nine in the morning for an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon.
Then later, they would take a closer look by helicopter.
They’d be staying at a villa close to the canyon tomorrow night. On Sunday, they would get up early and go hiking, then experience the glass skywalk and Grand Canyon Railway. After this weekend, she’d definitely be able to mark the Grand Canyon off her bucket list.
She was packed and ready to go. Skylar’s text had been detailed, listing everything she would need for their weekend excursion.
The hotel’s shuttle service had taken her to one of the shops in the area to purchase everything she needed, including a pair of hiking boots.
Skylar had called earlier to say his jet would arrive later tonight, and he would see her in the morning.
Although they had talked each night, she still missed him and could hardly wait to see him again.
The ballroom was crowded, filled with medical researchers, and people mingled while uniformed waiters and waitresses circulated with drinks and trays of food.
In addition to the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies, owners of corporations that sold medical products and equipment, and medical research physicians, Haven had been told that this time around, the junior executives of pharmaceutical companies had also been invited.
That meant her boss, Addie Lowery, was here tonight.
She hadn’t spoken to the woman since Addie had suggested that Haven’s relationship with Skylar could be beneficial to Marimar.
Evidently, Addie had accepted what Haven had told her, that her relationship with Skylar was none of Addie’s business.
Gramma Dora had always said that it was best to shut down some issues immediately.
It let people know that you could not be manipulated.
Haven glanced around the ballroom. Tonight’s affair was a lot dressier than previous ones. She looked around, admiring all the women dressed in beautiful gowns and men in tuxedos. There was even a live band for dancing.
Many people had stopped to compliment her on her gown. She’d bought it the last time she and Asia had gone shopping together. It was a beautiful cerulean blue, and Asia swore the shade highlighted the color of her brown eyes.
Haven smiled when she saw Janice and Carolyn standing with several other medical researchers, and she decided to join them.
The two women still sometimes cautioned her about Skylar, but for the most part, they were just glad she was happy.
Skylar’s nightly calls had helped Haven feel secure, and she guessed it showed, because Janice and Carolyn were more relaxed around her.
She no longer cared what anyone thought…
though she was beginning to get annoyed with Chastain Gibbs.
The twenty-six-year-old woman was also a medical researcher, but she had the advantage that her father owned the pharmaceutical company where she worked.
She was the least liked in the group because she flaunted her wealth and made it known that being a medical researcher was only a temporary job for her, since she would one day be the CEO of Gibbs Pharmaceuticals.
“That’s a beautiful gown, Haven,” Carolyn complimented.
“And it looks stunning on you,” Janice added.
“It is rather nice,” Chastain said with a tinge of sneer in her voice.
“Dad had mine flown in from Paris just for this occasion. He wanted me to look beautiful in case Skylar Kingston makes an appearance tonight.” The group fell quiet, as most people had heard about the attention Skylar had given Haven during the last social function.
Carolyn tried to change the subject, but Chastain had the nerve to look at Haven and add, “Skylar Kingston is a very wealthy man. I do hope you aren’t getting any ideas that he could in any way be serious about you.”
“On the contrary,” a deep, husky male voice said from behind. “Haven can get all the ideas she wants. Because I’m definitely serious about her.”
Skylar was here! Haven glanced around and smiled when she saw him. She hadn’t expected him to come tonight. Like the parting of the Red Sea, the group divided, giving him a straight path to her. He looked so good in his tux, and as he moved, his hair seemed to flow around his shoulders.
When he reached her, he smiled and said, “Hello, sweetheart,” then leaned in to brush a kiss across her lips.
“Skylar, I hadn’t expected you to come tonight,” Haven said, overjoyed at seeing him.
“My meeting was canceled, so I instructed my pilot to get the jet ready. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to fly here to be with you,” he said, placing his hand at Haven’s waist. Then, roaming his gaze over her, he added, “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thanks.”
Then Skylar turned around to speak. “Good evening, everyone.”
Skylar noticed everyone returned his greeting except the woman who’d been taunting Haven. She moved forward, coming to stand right in front of him. When he felt Haven tense, he tightened his arms around her waist.
“Mr. Kingston, I don’t think we’ve met,” the smiling woman said, extending her hand. “I’m Chastain Gibbs. My father is Timothy Gibbs of the Gibbs Pharmaceutical Group.”
He shook her hand, though he didn’t let go of Haven. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Gibbs.”
Chastain’s smile widened. “I’m hoping that we can find the time to chat privately and even dance a few times later.”
Skylar couldn’t believe the nerve of this woman. “Sorry, that’s not possible. The only reason I’m here tonight is for Haven. All my time belongs to her.”
Anyone else would have quickly gotten his message, Skylar thought.
Evidently, not a woman who was probably used to getting whatever she wanted.
She tried again. “Surely, Haven won’t take up all your time.
Why settle on the ordinary and miss out on more worthwhile opportunities? ” Chastain Gibbs said.
This woman was something else. Even some of the other women’s jaws had dropped at her maliciousness. He didn’t like it when Haven called herself ordinary, and hearing another woman describe her that way lit a fire within him.
Pulling Haven closer to his side, he said, “Maybe I need to make something clear to you, Ms. Gibbs. There is nothing ordinary about a woman like Haven. She is a rare and precious jewel. And I’m just smart enough to see it.
I also see that you are fake, calculating, and manipulative.
I don’t tolerate people like you, Miss Gibbs. Do I make myself absolutely clear?”
Total embarrassment filled her features and the woman could only nod. Obviously, she had assumed that with all his wealth, prestige, and manners, Skylar couldn’t be merciless if the need arose. He had just proven her wrong.
At the sound of the band starting up, he said, “Excuse us, everyone. Haven and I are about to share a dance. Our first of many tonight.”
Taking Haven’s hand in his, he escorted her to the dance floor.
Skylar drew Haven into his arms as strains of a slow beat drifted around them. He smiled down at her.
“Sorry about that. Sometimes I have to let out a side of me I would rather hold in. But Ms. Gibbs rubbed me the wrong way,” he said.
“No apologies needed. She’s been deliberately rubbing me the wrong way all week. I know what you and I share is unique, Skylar.”
And Haven truly meant it. She couldn’t explain it. All she knew was it felt right, and it was good and wholesome.
“I realize that some women can be totally ruthless,” she added.
“And when I encounter a woman like that, I have found the best thing to do is quickly put them in their place,” Skylar said.
She nodded. Her Gramma Dora would have loved him. Then, because she wanted to put the episode with Chastain from her mind, she said, “You look especially handsome tonight, Skylar.”
“Thank you, Ms. McGuire. And you look beautiful. There is not a woman here tonight who can compare.”
He gave her some of the sweetest compliments. “Thank you, Mr. Kingston.”
As he’d said they would, they danced the night away.
Whenever they were on the sidelines and others approached, he kept his arm around her waist and proudly introduced her as his girlfriend.
The first time he did so, she realized that she’d never been introduced that way…
by anyone. It made her feel special. And he didn’t leave her side the entire night, something Haven knew didn’t go unnoticed.
She even managed to be polite when Addie came up to say hello.
“Are you ready for a wonderful weekend?” Skylar asked as they shared the last dance for the night.
“I am. And I got everything on the list you sent me.”
“Good. And I’ve cleared my calendar of meetings, so I will be able to work from my penthouse for the next two weeks. That means you will see more of me.”
“I’m going to love that.”
“When you leave here, are you flying directly to Chicago?” he asked.
“No. I want to check on my grandmother’s house in Tifton. I’ve arranged to be there a week.”
“Do you mind if I tag along?”
She tilted her head and looked at him, surprised. “You want to come with me?”
“Yes. Your grandmother was an important part of your life, just like Dad was an important part of mine. I told you a lot about my life with him when we visited my childhood home. I’d like you to do the same for me.
I want the chance to feel close to the woman who helped make you into the person you are. ”
She smiled. He really was the best. “I’d love it if you came to Tifton with me.”
“I’ll talk to my pilot about flying us there. Then when you are ready to return home, he’ll fly you to Chicago.”
“You would do that for me?”
“Yes, sweetheart. I would do anything for you.”