25. BODI
25
I ’m nervous as fuck, and I’m never nervous.
I slowly breathe out a heavy lungful of air while the car arrives at the theater.
But the thing that irks me is that I don’t know why I’m nervous. I don’t know why my hands feel damp, and a thousand butterflies jitter through my stomach the closer the car drives me to the venue.
This is not the first charity ball I’ve attended, nor is it the first of my own foundation. But for some reason, I have a feeling this will be a memorable one, and I can’t stop Kayla’s bright face from appearing in my mind.
She instructed me to get to the Event Studio by myself because she still had to sort out some things. It makes sense since she organized the entire event. But I was pouting like a little boy, because I was looking forward to arriving with her on my arm.
I like having her on my arm, period.
When I exit the car, I pull my black tux straight before entering the building.
Inside, a red carpet is draped over the small steps that lead to the main hall and cameras flash my way. I’ll never get used to this. I’ve been shot by paparazzi numerous times, kind of a byproduct of being best friends with Governor Jensen’s son, but actually posing on a red carpet feels so extremely stupid to me.
If the amount of media attention wasn’t amazing for the foundation, I’d skip this whole part and enter through the backdoor.
I hold still for a moment, giving them their time to snap their shots until my heart stops, my gaze stolen by the vision of a woman I’m growing more obsessed with every day.
She’s wearing a blush pink silky dress. One that falls over her curves with an elegance that is mesmerizing. A slit shows off her long and luscious legs, and the sweetheart neckline highlights her slender neck and tempting yet tasteful amount of cleavage. Her brown hair sits in a long braid, maintaining her curls for the night. Her delicate skin begging me to stain it with kisses.
She looks breathtaking.
My jaw drops to the floor, and I anxiously bring my feet forward with a smug grin splitting my entire face. When our eyes lock, she lights up like a damn chandelier, and the image engraves itself in my brain like a tattoo.
Mine .
That’s the only thing crossing my mind.
Mine to hold. Mine to flaunt. Mine to take home. Mine to undress. Mine to fucking cherish. Even though I’m fully aware she’s anything but mine.
She gives me a short wave, chuckling at my gaping look, I’m sure, and I shake my head.
“Well, say something!” she presses when she’s almost within my reach. A small and playful scowl sits on her face.
“You look...” I huff, trying to find the words that will do her justice. But considering my silence, the only conclusion I come to is that there are none. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything more beautiful in my life.”
The corners of her mouth lift once more, and with big steps, I close the distance.
When my hands connect with her hips, I shove her further inside, away from the camera’s before I pull her against my chest, shamelessly pressing my lips against hers.
Her sweet honey scent intoxicates me, creating a craving inside that can’t be stilled with a single kiss, and eagerly I take her cheeks in my hands. Slowly, I push my tongue into her mouth, wanting to feel her breath merging with mine. To taste her, like she’s the last drop of water in the world.
“Bodi, people will see,” she hums against my lips.
“Let them.” What am I doing?
“There are people from KPI inside.”
“ Now you want to be cautious?” I tease, nibbling her lip.
“I don’t.” She giggles, a sound that makes the guy in my pants stand even taller than he already was. She’s right, though.
But she tastes too damn good. A feral moan vibrates against her throat, and she breaks our connection, laughing, as I connect my forehead with hers. My eyes stay fixed on her parted lips.
“You are the prettiest girl here tonight,” I tell her.
“You haven’t been inside yet.”
“I don’t have to. I already know.” Because I don’t see anyone else if Kayla is around. Lately, I don’t even see other women when she isn’t around. Which is a whole other problem I’ve been pushing to the backburner for weeks.
“You look really handsome yourself.” Her hands move up and down the jacket of my black tux.
“Thanks, but I look like an old man compared to you.”
“A very sexy old man, though?” she jokes, and I lock my lips with hers again, breathing her in.
“My date!” a familiar voice barks behind us, and I look over her shoulder while never letting go of her cheeks. “Dad?”
I release Kayla from my grip, and I guide us forward, my hand on the small of her exposed back, out of the corner I pushed her in. My father shuffles forward with Sheila on his arm, but she’s the one leading him instead of the other way around.
He’s wearing a tux that shows off his broad shoulders, even though it’s clear he has lost a lot of weight over the past week. I know he’ll never be the same, but when I look closely, look through the surface of his pain, he reminds me of the dad he once was. The one who could still take care of me and give me advice.
It’s a memory I can hardly remember most days, but now that it’s here; it burns my heart in a way I thought I’d never feel again.
Kayla’s hands enclose my wrists. “I’m sorry, babe. I hope you won’t be mad, but, well, it’s an official charity ball . I needed a date,” she says in a tone that has me glancing at her, amused. “I even got you one.”
She nudges her chin at Sheila. “Sheila agreed to be your date. Since I’m already taken and all.”
That little minx.
I bark out a laugh before I let go of Kayla to wrap my father in a tight hug.
“Hey, Dad,” I whisper against his shoulder.
“Son.”
“Are you okay?”
“G-great!” he stammers. “Tha-tha-thank you invite. Mom be p-p-p-proud.”
A lump forms in the back of my throat as he struggles with his words, and I hold on to my father even tighter, grateful he’s here.
“But how?” My gaze moves back and forth between Sheila and him.
Sheila looks completely different from when she’s in her usual work scrubs, wearing an elegant black dress that flares out on the bottom. Her red hair is up, showing off the classy pearls around her neck, and she topped it off with red lipstick.
“You got a girl that can work miracles.” Sheila gives Kayla a side-eye, and I follow her gaze. “She convinced Dr. Grant not to say no right away. She persuaded him to look this morning at how your father was feeling and if he was capable of coming. He gave us two hours if I would accompany him.”
“Which basically means I put a knife to his throat.” Kayla gives me her best ninja impression, slicing the air with her hands.
This girl never ceases to amaze me.
Never in a million years did I expect my father to ever set foot in one of our events ever again. At least not standing on his legs himself, and especially after how much his condition is growing worse every day.
But here he is.
Because one pesky, gorgeous, mad, fucking minx of a woman decides to not listen to doctor’s advise weeks in advance. Because she’s strong headed enough to not take no for any answer, until she’s explored every option possible.
“You’re crazy. Thank you.” I tug her against my chest, peering into her blue eyes. There is silver reflected back at me, the moonlight dancing in her gaze, hypnotizing me, while a weird feeling ripples through my chest. A feeling that seems to occur more often lately. Something that scares the shit out of me, but I want to hold on to all the same.
She shrugs. “He should be here.”
“You’re right. But you’re the only one who’d be able to pull it off.”
“You sell yourself short, Bodi McKay.” She stands on her toes, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
“Bodi!” my father calls out behind me. “My date!”
I let go of her as I throw my hands up, placating, hiding the laugh that wants to escape. She’s mine, but I don’t mind her being his just for tonight.
“Sorry, babe.” Kayla grins, then links her arm in my father’s. I watch them shuffle inside with a content feeling, doing my best to remember this moment.
“She’s something else.” Sheila comes to stand beside me, her voice smooth and comforting, like always.
“Don’t I know it?” Kayla laughs at something my father says and the sound of it makes my heart jump. “Is Dr. Grant really okay with this?”
Sheila gives me a tentative look. “I need to be honest with you. Your father’s condition is deteriorating rapidly.”
“His speech?” I question, referring to his lack of forming full sentences.
“Normally, dementia gets worse over time, but Terry seems to be getting worse, really fast. Faster than we expected when he first arrived. In the last few days, he’s had issues with his speech more often, but not the entire day. Dr. Grant gave permission because he looked good this morning, but this afternoon your father couldn’t get dressed by himself. Dr. Grant’s shift was already finished, but there is a chance he would’ve reversed his decision if he saw him like that. I decided to not tell him, because I know it would mean a lot to your father. The joy in his eyes just now tells me I was right. I want to give him this. And you. ” She places her hand on my arm. “Just enjoy this moment.”
The lump in my throat grows as I nod. His lack of speech has hit a new level of low today and it worries the shit out of me, but there is nothing I can do about it right now. At least he’s here and he can see the growth of our foundation with his own eyes before his brain stops registering stuff completely. Sheila is right. If this is the only time he can be here, I need to enjoy it.
I suck in a breath, then exhale loudly before offering her my arm. “Shall we?”
“Gladly.” She takes my arm, and I put my hand on hers. “Thank you for doing this, Sheila.”
“Don’t worry about it, Bodi. Your father deserves a night out. And besides,” she says, grinning, “so do I.”
***
No other man would be able to steal Kayla away from me and get away with it unscathed, but my old man pulls it off. Gratefully, Kayla made the table settings, making sure she’d have me on her left and my dad on her right. And secretly, I’ve been resting my palm on her thigh the entire night while she entertains my dad as much as she can.
When the starter arrived, it became really clear my dad wasn’t able to eat another bite without being spoon-fed, and an uncomfortable sensation filled my stomach. Quickly, Sheila asked to switch places with the woman sitting on the right of my father. But Kayla brushed her away, literally.
“He’s my date,” she said, a little offended. Without giving us a second glance, she started to feed my father with the patience of a nun while she kept chatting to him as if he’d be able to reply at the same pace if she just kept going.
The entire sight affected me deeply, and I exchanged a few flustered looks with Sheila, who was as stunned as I was.
“Can you keep an eye on my date?” Kayla asks with a wink as she gets up.
“Of course. Where are you going?”
She ignores my question before she takes off to the stage. I watch her swaying hips moving from side to side, luscious as ever, then lean to the side to take my dad’s hand in mine.
“Are you having fun, Dad?”
I indicate the jerk of his neck as a small nod, and I straighten my back.
“Good evening.” Everyone in the room claps as Kayla takes the stage. I can see how her cheeks are flushed, while she swallows through the awkwardness of standing in front of a crowd. Pride fills my chest. “Thank you all for coming. First, I’d like you all to give a round of applause to the guest of honor tonight.”
I sigh, knowing I have to get up to say something, but I’d really rather stay here, watching how she glows under the beaming light. Like my north star.
“He’s very special to me,” she continues, shooting a jolt of excitement through my chest. “He’s handsome, well, actually, drop dead gorgeous.” The crowd laughs. “But he’s also the kindest, most lighthearted man I’ve ever met. Give it up for Terry McKay!” She blasts out my father’s name and everyone snaps their heads toward me in confusion while I smile at Kayla.
She winks, and I stand to help my father up, his eyes glistening. When they realize who he is, everyone stands, clapping their hearts out. My father takes his standing ovation with a grin pulling on the corners of his mouth before I gently sit him down again and the room settles.
“Oh, you didn’t think I was talking about Bodi McKay, did you?” Kayla feigns shock, resulting in another laugh from the group of people. “But you’re right. I guess he deserves his two minutes of fame. Please, give a warm welcome to the founder of the Ava McKay Foundation, Bodi McKay!”
Chuckling, I get up, buttoning up my tux as I make my way to the stage. When I walk up the steps, I narrow my eyes at Kayla, pursing my lips to hide my smile. She steps back and I get behind the microphone.
“Thank you, Kayla. Can I get an applause for the lovely lady who made this all happen?” Loud claps echo through the room, and I wait until it’s simmered down. “Thank you all for being here tonight. When my father and I started this foundation in honor of my late mother, our dream was to one day hold a charity ball that would be the biggest event in the city. I think we succeeded.” The crowd cheers. “I can’t tell you how much this means to us. With the help of a great team, we’ve built a foundation that now has three affordable rehab centers in three different states and a next one ready to be built. My chairman, George Davis, will tell you more about these in a minute. But before he does, I wanted to officially open the silent auction. If you step onto the patio, you will see various objects that are kindly donated by people and companies all over the city. Including one from myself. Feel free to spend as much money as you can miss and please keep in mind that whatever amount we’ll raise tonight, I will double it out of my own pocket.”
Kayla gasps beside me.
“Now, please give a warm welcome to George Davis.” George gets up, eagerly taking the stage with big strides while I grab Kayla’s elbow to direct us back to our table. It’s tempting to drag her to a corner, and kiss her senselessly, but I remind myself she’s my father’s date so I lead her back to our table instead.
My urges will have to wait until we get home.
“You’re going to double it?” she hisses in awe.
“I am.”
“Bodi,” she whines, puppy eyes in place. “You are amazing.”
I laugh, and we both sit down to listen to the speech George is about to let loose.
My arm slips around her waist, and I press my lips to her temple. My PDA is something I need to rein in, but it’s becoming more of a challenge every day.
“ You are amazing, baby. This event? You nailed it.”
“Thank you.” She gives me a shy smile.
The second course arrives when George is done with his speech, and I bring my mouth flush with her ears. “I can do this one.” I glance at my dad’s plate.
“Are you kidding me?” she scoffs. “He’s my date. I’ll take care of him. You take care of Sheila.” She taps my leg, then puts her focus on my father’s steak as she starts to cut it.
“I’d rather put my focus on you,” I flirt.
She snaps her head toward me with a scowl that doesn’t meet her eyes.
“You wait your turn, McKay.”
I drag my teeth over my lip, wanting to kiss her for the attention she’s giving my father. If she gives him even a fraction of the special feeling she gives me every day, I know my father is having the time of his life. The glint in his eyes tells me he is, and I’m so grateful for it.
For her.
I do not know how the hell I’m going to keep this up. How can I keep her in every single way possible? Every day I’m reminded that her working at KPI one day will be an issue. Someone will find out, and it will ruin her reputation for every other publishing company in the city. Hell, maybe even in the country.
I don’t want her to leave KPI, but I also don’t want her to get her own apartment, and I don’t see how those two can stay as they are until something blows it all up.
Something like my heart.
We make it through the entire dinner, and when she drops my dad’s spoon on his plate, she turns to Sheila.
“Is he allowed to dance?”
My eyebrows move up in curiosity while Sheila’s do the same, and we exchange a look.
“Err, sure?” she drawls.
I turn to Kayla, placing my hand on her neck before she can get up.
“Baby,” I huff, not even knowing what to say. The effort she’s making has my heart expanding to excruciating proportions, blowing up in an entirely different way, and I don’t know how to stop it. I don’t know if I can stop it.
Kayla meets my gaze in anticipation, her mouth sitting in a kind smile.
“You don’t have to do this,” I offer.
A warm smile brings the corners of her mouth up, her lips moving close enough to mine for no one to hear what rolls off her tongue next.
“I don’t want to get emotional, and I hope this doesn’t stain your good mood, but this might be the only chance I get to dance with your father. I want to do this, Bodi.” Without waiting for my reply, she turns to my father.
What the fuck do I even say to that other than ‘ give me my fucking heart back, please ’?
“Terry, would you like to dance with me?”
“Y-y-ess.” Though it comes out of his throat as a stutter, the tone of his voice is firm and strong, and she helps him up, before they shuffle to the dancefloor. The floor is empty, and curious glances are thrown at them from every table.
I can’t believe she’s actually doing this.
My eyes stay fixed on the two people that make me smile, savoring the moment with a swollen throat because she’s right.
This moment will never happen again.
A shiver trickles goosebumps down my arms when Kayla and my dad stand in the middle of the dancefloor. She brings his hands to her waist, then places her arms on his shoulders, and when they start to sway to the music, the people start clapping. In the back of my throat, a lump forms, along with a lightheadedness that both frightens me as it comforts me.
Sheila’s hand falls over mine and our gazes tangle for a moment.
“Girls like her are rare.”
“I know.”
“Don’t lose her.”
I tear my eyes away, my chest expanding as I take in her words and look to the dancefloor again.
I don’t want to, but I also don’t know how to keep her.