Chapter 46
Mac
I’m standing in the living room of the flat, finishing my cufflinks, because Eliza refused to let me see her dress before she was ready.
I hear the crack of the door, and I turn towards it just in time to see Eliza step out in the most gorgeous purple dress, her hair with a slight curl to it with the front pieces pulled back.
When she takes another step towards me, I notice the slit that travels right to the top of her thigh.
“Bloody hell,” I say as I drag my hand down my face.
“You like?” she asks as she does a little spin.
“Eliza, you look... I don’t even have the vocabulary to express how beautiful you look right now.”
She smiles and closes the distance between us. She takes my wrist and the cufflink sitting in my hand and helps me with the final sleeve before her hands slide up my torso and she pinches the collar of my shirt. “You look very handsome as well.”
“Don’t go talking sweet to me now, love. If you keep at it, we just might need to skip this gala.”
She pats her hand against my chest. “There will be none of that because I would like to show this dress off and I’d like for you take me for a spin on that dance floor at least once tonight.”
I smile. “As you wish.”
I offer her my arm, and she delicately slips her hand into the crease of my elbow.
I lead us downstairs where I ordered a car to wait for us.
I can’t believe the last six months have culminated into this very night.
This event where my father is to announce to the world that I’m to take over his position as CEO.
It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. In the last few weeks, though, I’ve started to wonder if what I really want has changed.
My father mentioned in passing yesterday me moving back to London, and I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more a sinking feeling sits in my gut.
The position can really be done from anywhere in the world.
It’s not tied to one specific office. And while a year ago if my father had told me the position required my presence in London, I would have packed everything and moved, now, I can’t.
I won’t. I gave into my father’s ridiculous demand of finding a committed relationship and I thought I had found the smart way out of it, a fake one, but I was the furthest thing from right.
I’m not willing to just do whatever my father tells me I need to do anymore.
Pleasing him is no longer my priority, Eliza is.
In any and every way, making her happy is my priority.
When we arrive at the venue, the people managing the door wave Eliza and I right in.
She takes in all the intricate detail as we make our way to the main room where the gala is being held.
My father went all out and hired an event planner for tonight to make sure it was night to never forget, and I feel like he’s accomplished that.
As we make our way through the tables in the main room, I notice all the heads that turn towards us, but they’re not looking at me, they’re looking at Eliza.
I don’t blame them, she’s the most stunning thing in the entire building.
My hand finds her lower back as though making my mark that she’s mine to everyone who might approach her, and she smiles at me over her shoulder.
I point at a table near the front, and we head straight there.
There’s an older couple already seated at the table, and they stand as we approach. They offer me their hands, and I shake them.
“Harry, Alice, this is my girlfriend, Eliza. Eliza, this is Harry and Alice. Harry’s on the board of my father’s company and a long-time friend of my father’s too.”
Eliza smiles as she shakes their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Not from here, I see,” Harry says.
Eliza shakes her head. “No, I’m from Vancouver. Mac and I met there.”
“Are you moving, too?” he asks, and we both look at him, not answering. Before either of us can say anything, though, someone comes and pulls him away.
The room starts to fill, more guests filtering in. I’m surprised I haven’t seen my father yet, but also knowing him, I’m sure he wants to make an entrance. A waiter comes by the table and offers us champagne, handing us each a glass.
Eliza holds her glass up to me, and I clink mine with hers. “To your success,” she says.
Before I take a sip, I lean forward and kiss her, thankful to have her not only with me today, but for everything over the last six months.
More people join our table, and Eliza and I are pulled into different conversations.
I keep my hand on her leg, though, needing some connection to her.
Her hand sits on top of mine, her thumb tracing over my knuckles.
The room quiets as the lights start to dim on the floor and the lights on the stage brighten.
My father walks out on stage, and applause fills the room.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming tonight. I know you’re all here for that announcement I promised you, it’s coming. We’re going to start our evening with dinner and live music, and I promise to reveal all later.”
Short and to the point. Exactly like my father. He leaves the stage and joins us at the table. He shakes my hand and kisses Eliza’s cheek before taking his seat beside her. He’s immediately pulled into conversation with Harry, and I finally have Eliza’s attention again.
“How are you doing?” I ask.
“I’m fine. All very innocent conversation.” She reaches up and adjusts my bowtie. “How are you? You feeling good about this announcement?”
I nod. “I am. I’ve worked my whole life for this, and now it’s within reach.” I run my thumb just under her bottom lip, not wanting to ruin her lipstick. “I’m just glad you’re here to celebrate with me. No one I’d rather have by my side.”
She smiles and leans in, kissing me softly and whispers, “Always.”
That word has my heart taking flight and my mind quickly flashing to the flat and the thing I made sure I stuffed in my suitcase for this trip.