Chapter 18
Time seemedto be passing by at warp speed. The night of the ball arrived, and I was getting ready at Pearce’s. I decided to wear my hair up in a messy bun at the nape of my neck. I was fairly good at this, not great, thus a little anxiety kicked in as I pinned it up. My belly fluttered as I thought of all the wealthy people that would be attending tonight. I would be a million miles out of my element. Every time I thought about it, my hands trembled, which didn’t help my hair at all.
My makeup was finished. I had vacillated over wearing mascara, but I still couldn’t bring myself to do it. It brought forth awful memories of Fred and Barney and that made me want to hurl too.
I stepped into my gown and then my stilettos. I said a prayer about not face-planting, zipped up my dress, and put the new diamond studs in my ears. The last thing I did was clasp the diamond bracelet on my wrist and I instantly felt myself become wet. That bracelet had become Pearce’s new toy d’choice. Every time I looked at it, my body surged with desire.
I scurried out of the room before I did something that would make us late.
I took my time walking down the stairs, and when I reached the living room, Pearce turned and froze. He didn’t move for such a long time I began to worry.
“Christ, Alexia. I’m not sure I can take you anywhere looking like that.”
“Is it that bad?” He had me worried my hair wasn’t right or something was off.
“Bad? Jesus, you’re so fucking beautiful I honestly don’t know if I can keep my hands off you. I’m not joking, sweetheart. I’m tempted to tell you to go and change.”
“But I don’t have anything else to wear.”
“Then maybe we shouldn’t go.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No, I am not kidding. Come here.”
I walked over to him and, well, he didn’t hold anything back. He backed me against the wall, and it was hard, fast, and rough. I was thoroughly satisfied when we were done.
He rearranged my gown, making sure everything was in order while I tucked and zipped him back in. I went to the bathroom for a quick check and off we went to the ball.
* * *
I’d never beento such a fancy affair in my life. Pearce oozed sex appeal, dressed in his tuxedo. Justin also looked amazing, and Terri looked gorgeous. She was dressed in red, and with her black hair and blue eyes, her gown complemented her coloring perfectly. She and Justin made a stunning couple.
Pearce literally would not take his hands off me. I almost had to pry them away when his father asked me to dance. I had to lean over and whisper in Pearce’s ear, that it would be most difficult for me to dance with his father if Pearce wouldn’t let my arm loose.
Taking my hint, he relaxed his grip and off I went with Henry, praying I wouldn”t smash his toes.
“Alexia, you look quite beautiful tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Pearce react the way he does around you.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I smiled.
Henry continued, “He’s not one to become smitten with a woman. You’ve enchanted him I believe.”
I smiled again.
“Susan and I are amazed by his behavior.”
Okay, this was getting a little uncomfortable.
“May I say something, Henry, and I hope I don’t offend you?”
“Please do.”
“Your son is the most amazing man I’ve ever known. I wouldn’t care if he were a janitor at the local elementary school, I would feel the same way about him. I’ve begged him not to go overboard where I’m concerned because, frankly, most of this stuff makes me very uncomfortable. I love Pearce. That’s all I wanted you to know.”
“Alexia, I already knew that. It’s written all over your face.” He smiled then and I felt better. “I was only telling you those things because he doesn’t act like this with just anyone. He loves you too. It’s obvious in everything he does.”
Then I beamed.
“I hope you two are very happy.”
The song ended and he escorted me back to Pearce, who looked ready to pace the floors.
“Honey, calm down. I was only with your dad.”
“Dance with me.”
“Okay.”
He took me out on the floor, and after a moment, I asked him, “Is there anything you can’t do?” He moved with perfect rhythm and grace.
His face turned very serious, and he said, “Yes, I can’t marry the woman I love because she’s not ready yet.”
“Oh.” I felt my breath leave my body. “Pearce.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll wear you down eventually.” He smiled. “Like I said before, I’m here for the long run, babe.”
I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him. It was probably a huge mistake, because we ended up locked in each other’s arms, making somewhat of a spectacle out of ourselves.
I whispered into his mouth, “We’re gaining an audience.”
“Aw, fuck ’em,” he responded.
He steered me back to our table. The rest of the night was spent either joking around with Justin and Terri, dancing, or having an intimate conversation in some small alcove where we were lucky enough to escape.
Terri and Justin looked like they were getting a little close. Pearce looked at me and made an executive decision to leave. We snuck out while everyone was dancing to a popular song and headed home for a romantic rest of the night that included me wearing Pearce’s favorite bracelet.