Chapter Fourteen
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Stevie
T he entire week had passed in an overwhelming rush of activity. Between my day with Raven on Wednesday, my promotion at work on Thursday, and Caleb insisting on properly celebrating my first real career achievement on Friday—which had included an insanely expensive bottle of champagne, a bouquet of two dozen roses, and dinner at a five-star restaurant—it had been a whirlwind of events.
Today, Saturday, was the Inspired by Art Charity Gala. I’d spent the morning and afternoon with Valerie, doing our normal Saturday laundry and grocery shopping routine, and enjoying a session at the yoga studio in the building. Afterward, she’d helped me with my hair and makeup, had zipped me into my gorgeous, fitted, strapless red gown for the event, and then Jack had arrived to pick her up for their first real date night together.
She’d been so giddy it had been adorable. I, of course, couldn’t help but tease Jack about being a gentleman and getting my sister home at a respectable time, and he took it all in stride. I made Valerie promise to text me later so I knew what her plans were since I’d be spending the night with Caleb. I just needed to know whether she’d be at home or at Jack’s so I didn’t worry.
A short while later, Caleb arrived at the apartment, and as soon as I opened the door we both stared at one another in awe. I couldn’t tear my eyes off him because he was wearing a fitted black tuxedo and looked sexy as hell, and he smelled amazing wearing that expensive cologne I loved that made my sex clench whenever I got a whiff of it…like now.
But it was the reverent way that Caleb looked at me, his expression filled with so much appreciation and adoration that those emotions made my breath catch. I’d never felt so beautiful in my entire life. So confident that tonight, in a room filled with his peers, I was going to make him proud to have me on his arm.
But then those eyes of his darkened as they took in my blonde hair that Valerie had styled in glamorous waves reminiscent of a classic Hollywood starlet. His gaze retraced a path across the tempting red lipstick I wore, lingering on my mouth before dipping lower to my gown, most likely admiring the way the cut of the bodice lifted my breasts and gave me fantastic cleavage. How the waistline nipped in and the slit that exposed one leg to mid-thigh showcased the most stunning, crystal-encrusted, red strappy heels that Raven had insisted I buy. Seeing Caleb’s reaction now, I was glad I’d indulged.
“ Fuck me ,” he said in a low, sexy growl as he lifted his eyes back up to mine after cataloguing all the red encasing my body, a deliberate choice on my part. “Are you trying to make my dick permanently hard tonight?”
I laughed, secretly pleased that my ploy had worked. “Maybe.”
“Wicked girl,” he said huskily, a sinful smile curving his lips. “You’ll pay for that later.”
I grinned unrepentantly. “I certainly hope so.”
I grabbed my clutch and he took my hand, escorting me down the elevator and out of the building to where Dylan was waiting to drive us to the event. We settled into the back seat, sitting side by side, with him still holding my hand, his thumb absently stroking across my knuckles.
“So, is there anything specific I need to know about tonight?” I asked once we’d merged out into traffic toward the Meridian Hotel, where this evening’s event was being held.
He thought for a moment, then turned his head to look at me. “So, I already mentioned that Alyssa is going to be there. Last Sunday, when I dropped off Owen for the week, she told me she was dating an architect and he was coming as her date, not that I give a damn what she does in her personal life, so long as it doesn’t adversely affect Owen.”
His tone was harsh and I understood why. His concern for Owen superseded anything else. I also had a feeling she’d told him about the new man in her life, most likely to make Caleb jealous, but it was clear that he was not the least bit envious.
“She’s unpredictable, as you’ve seen, so we’ll just keep our distance,” he went on. “The ballroom at the Meridian is huge, and we’re seated with the Sterling family, who are all there to support Fallon. She’s contributing pieces of her artwork for the auction. Since she’s an artist herself, and owns a gallery downtown, she’s a big advocate of art programs, grants, and community-based art projects that support emerging artists.”
Having met Fallon through Raven, who was her sister-in-law, I smiled. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the art at the auction. I’m not a connoisseur by any stretch, but it’s fun to see all the different styles and how each artist expresses themselves.”
We arrived at the hotel a short while later and with my arm in Caleb’s, we headed into the ballroom, which had been transformed into a stunning vision of elegance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high, vaulted ceilings, while tables adorned with towering floral centerpieces and flickering candles created a warm, sophisticated ambiance. The air was filled with the soft melodies of a string quartet and everywhere I looked was a sea of tuxedos and jewel-toned ballgowns.
Yes, I was out of my element at this charity gala, but there was also something exhilarating about experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime— for me —occasion, and I soaked it all in, enjoying everything about the breathtaking glamour and grandeur of the venue.
We met up with Remy and Raven and spent the next hour mingling with other guests while I sipped on champagne and Caleb opted for a Dirty Dare scotch, neat. Raven and I chatted with Chloe while the men talked, and Samantha was there since she was married to Fallon’s brother, Dex.
I couldn’t deny that it felt amazing being on Caleb’s arm, how he introduced me to people I didn’t know and how they automatically accepted me because of who I was with—a man with wealth and power, who exuded such an undeniable magnetism it was difficult not to be drawn to him.
Never once did I feel self-conscious. I didn’t feel like an imposter. I felt like I belonged, and for tonight, I wholeheartedly embraced the feeling.
At the end of the cocktail hour, I glanced over at Raven and saw her looking at something, or someone, outside of our group, her eyes narrowed enough to make me curious to follow her line of vision straight to…Alyssa, who was surrounded by two other couples. The man standing next to her, whom she had her arm looped through his was a good-looking man in his mid-forties—her prestigious architect date, no doubt.
Of course I’d known it was only a matter of time before I saw her, and it was clear by the way she was speaking to other women, and how they glanced our way and laughed, that she was probably talking about me.
“She’s such a bitch,” Raven said, a little heat in her tone.
I glanced back at my friend, seeing her pursed lips and the glare she cast Alyssa’s way—looking like an adorable, protective little pit bull terrier on my behalf.
“As long as she keeps her distance, I’m fine,” I said, and I truly, surprisingly, meant that. I wasn’t going to let a few catty women ruin my evening with Caleb, at such a spectacular event.
Raven met my gaze, her eyes flashing a little fire. “If she stirs up any trouble for you, I have no issues kicking her ass.”
I laughed. “Oh, yeah, I’m sure that would go over really well at an event like this, but thank you. It’s the thought that counts.”
Raven smirked. “She’s probably beyond jealous that you look fucking fantastic in that one-of-a-kind gown that she knows Caleb bought for you.”
Before I could reply, I felt Caleb’s arm around my waist as he pulled me close to his side in a delightfully assertive manner for anyone to see. Then, he surprised me further by brushing his lips across my cheek. “Raven is right, you know,” he murmured against my ear, establishing more intimacy between us. “You do look fucking fantastic.”
His words thrilled me. I didn’t even care if the sweet kiss and his possessive actions were for show. Tonight, I let myself pretend it was all real.
Dinner was announced, a five-course meal followed by a few speeches from various benefactors in the art world, thanking guests for their generous donations and encouraging them to support the program further by bidding on the artwork at the silent auction.
Caleb and I headed in that direction, while the string quartet switched out for more lively dance music. We strolled through the area, taking in all the pieces of different artwork, from classic and modern paintings to elaborate sculptures to photorealism and more, discussing some of the offerings along the way. I found myself fascinated by all the various aesthetics and styles, but the one piece I was drawn to the most was Fallon’s bright and colorful pop art.
I stopped Caleb in front of her large, framed painting with colorful hearts around the word LOVE that seemed to leap off the canvas in a three-dimensional technique. I glanced at the piece of paper on the table in front of Fallon’s artwork. The bid was already up over seventy thousand, a drop in the bucket for any of these wealthy guests in attendance, but at least it was all going to a good cause.
Caleb studied the piece for a moment, head tilted to the side, before saying, “That’s quite…loud.”
I laughed at what he deemed a polite description. I knew it was nothing against Fallon, personally, but Caleb’s tastes were much more…refined.
“It’s funky and fun and very cool,” I corrected him, because while I could appreciate all the other artwork in the room, to me they were boring in comparison, not that I’d say that out loud. “ This makes me smile.”
“Well, I do love your smile,” he said, clearly trying to find a positive to the conversation.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Seriously, though, this is a piece that would draw everyone’s attention and start a conversation,” I said, before I decided to tease him a bit. “This artwork would look amazing in your living room. All those splashes of color would break up that monotonous, manly, navy décor and make things more interesting.”
The way he grimaced spoke for him. No way was he trading in his clean, streamlined aesthetic for something so quirky and fun.
We left the silent auction and returned to the main ballroom. We continued to visit with people he knew, and a few I was acquainted with, as well, while others enjoyed the upbeat music and danced. When a slow tune came on and the lights dimmed, it was Caleb who surprised me by leading me out onto the dance floor and pulling me into his arms.
I was keenly aware that Alyssa was also there with her date, far enough away that we wouldn’t run into them, but close enough for me to feel her eyes on me, which I’d noticed throughout most of the evening.
Ignoring her, I smiled up at Caleb, focusing my attention solely on him. “Look at you, taking the initiative to dance. I didn’t even have to twist your arm to get you out here.”
“I’ll admit, I had ulterior motives,” he said, tucking the hand he was holding against his chest, making our connection look and feel even more intimate. “I’ve hit my limit of socializing and this is the view I’ve been really wanting all night long.”
He made his point by letting his eyes flicker down to my lips, then lowering to my breasts, which had been plumped up, the upper swells spilling over the top of my gown since they were pressed against his chest.
I laughed lightly. “You’re such a predictable man.”
A wicked grin tipped up the corners of his mouth. “If lusting after you makes me predictable, so be it.”
We continued to sway to the slow, romantic song, and I laid my cheek against his shoulder, relaxing against him. Closing my eyes, I inhaled his arousing cologne, now mingled with the scent of his warm skin. I didn’t care who was watching as I basked in Caleb’s attention. It was a magical night I wouldn’t forget anytime soon.
As the last notes indicated the end to the song, I glanced back up at his face, recognizing the heat and hunger in his eyes. The way he held me so close, the press of his hard, strong body along the length of mine, narrowed everything down to just him and me in that moment.
“You ready to head home?” he asked in a low, husky voice.
That tone made me shiver, because I knew it was every indication of what awaited me once we arrived back at his place. His hands and mouth on my body, the kind of orgasms that were bone-deep satisfying, and him filling me up in ways that went beyond sex.
“I am,” I said, and nodded, already anticipating the second part of the night. “I just need to use the ladies’ room, and I’ll be good to go.”
Taking my hand, he walked me there, then released his hold. “I’ll be waiting over there for you,” he said, nodding to a spot a short distance away.
I walked into the lounge area, startled to see Alyssa there by herself, standing at one of the vanities, her back to me. I came to an abrupt stop. I’d had no idea she’d be in here or else I never would have put myself in a position of being alone with her.
But it was too late, and hearing me enter, she glanced up into the mirror in front of her, seeing me behind her in the reflection. Clearly just as startled by my appearance, her hands flinched, and the pills she’d been pouring into her palm from a prescription bottle scattered across the counter.
“Fuck,” she whispered in a panic, then more angrily, “ fuck .”
I watched her scramble to retrieve the white oval-shaped pills, her movements clumsy and her fingers not quite able to grasp the tablets. “Are you okay?” I asked, unable to ignore the situation.
“Oh, yeah, I’m fucking fine,” she snapped, her words a bit slurred as she managed to get the rest of the pills back into the bottle but struggled with putting the cap back on. “And do you really give a shit?”
It was obvious that she was either intoxicated by alcohol or high from pills, or both. And the thing was, if she was struggling with her sobriety, I did care, for Owen’s sake. But it wasn’t my place to express my concern, or question her, or anything else. However, it was something I knew I’d have to tell Caleb so he was aware of the situation.
Not wanting to engage with her, I started to walk past her to the restrooms, but she whirled around, stepping just enough into my path to make me abruptly stop or crash into her.
Her gaze flicked down the length of me, and not in a complimentary way. “I have to say, Caleb’s money went a long way in making you look like you belong in our world, but let’s be honest. Trailer park trash like you will never fit in,” she said, her words spoken slowly because of her intoxication, but they were no less cruel. “You can make yourself look pretty on the outside, but you can never erase how ugly your past is, and where you come from.”
Everything inside of me went stone cold at her insinuation, but before I could formulate a response, she continued.
“Does Caleb know that you were raised in a trailer park?” she asked, her lips curling up in an unflattering sneer. “That your father murdered your mother and is rotting in prison because of it?”
My stomach churned, because I realized that Caleb had been completely serious when he’d told me that Alyssa would probably hire a PI to check me out. It was something I hadn’t thought about since our initial discussion, but here she was, gloating over what she’d discovered.
A spark of glee lit her glassy eyes. “He doesn’t know, does he?”
The dread I’d been feeling must have shown on my face and I did my best to school my expression and remain cool under pressure. I’d never felt the need to tell Caleb about my painful past with my father because, honestly, the truth was mortifying and it had never factored into our temporary relationship. And if Alyssa thought something like this gave her leverage in the custody of Owen, her idea was flawed.
“Why does it matter?” I asked her, keeping my voice steady. “Caleb’s own brother is sitting in prison, which means my past certainly isn’t going to hurt Caleb’s chances when it comes to the custody case.”
“Oh, it doesn’t matter in terms of the custody case,” she said, looking pleased with what she’d discovered. “But once word gets out about where you come from, it’s going to make you look desperate to everyone else in our circle. Like a fucking gold digger who was looking for a better life and decided a man like Caleb could give that to you.”
I flinched at her words before I could catch myself, and Alyssa clearly took pleasure in that discomfort before she gave me one last triumphant look and walked out of the ladies’ room.
Logically, I knew what she said wasn’t true. I even knew that Caleb would never think such a thing of me, but if Alyssa spread the rumors and stirred the gossip, the last thing I’d ever want was to tarnish Caleb’s reputation because of my past or how my upbringing could paint me as a woman who was only with Caleb for his money. I’d never want to put that kind of speculation on him.
Those knots in my stomach tightened. I had to talk to Caleb and tell him the truth before he heard about my past from someone else and was blindsided by the skeletons lurking in my closet.
As wonderful as the night had been up to this point, it clearly wasn’t going to last.