26. Aaron
Chapter twenty-six
Aaron
I ’ve never been to a fashion show before; my only experience comes from watching them on TV.
From that, I expect something mildly interesting—just a backdrop to support Bella’s big moment.
Oh, how wrong I am! The music blares through the speakers, shifting effortlessly from punk rock to jazz, techno to classical, creating an electrifying atmosphere that perfectly complements the stunning outfits the models strut down the runway.
Each beat ignites the crowd, transforming the experience into something far more exhilarating than I ever imagined.
The vibrant atmosphere buzzes with clapping, laughter, and cheers, and I eagerly await each new design as it’s announced.
The models radiate joy as they strut down the runway, clearly enjoying the spotlight. The energy is so infectious that when the show comes to an end, I’m genuinely disappointed, wishing it could go on forever.
“That was fantastic!” I exclaim to Ellen as the models return to the runway, showcasing their opening outfits once more.
Ellen, clapping and whooping, nods.
When the cheers die down, she leans closer to me. “All of Bella’s work paid off. I’m so thrilled for her! I love the range of designs she has.”
“Me, too,” I agree fervently. “I’m going to have to beg her to design me a couple of suits for my publicity events.”
Ellen gives me an approving look, then wags her finger in my face. “Just so long as you know you’re going to have to properly compensate her for her time and effort.”
“Just as you’ll properly compensate her for your wedding dress,” I shoot back.
“Of course! Now that we’re on the same page, how much are you going to invest in getting her clothing line started up?” Ellen smirks at me.
I frown. “She’s looking for investors?”
“No. But there will be people eager to give her their money after tonight, especially since she’ll be under Imogen’s brand to start with,” Ellen explains. “Clothes don’t just make themselves. It’s going to take quite a bit for her to put on more shows and launch her line.”
“Especially considering that she wants them ethically made and affordable,” I murmur, understanding Ellen’s meaning now. “Then I’ll have to talk with my investment advisor about it.”
I’m truly grateful that Ellen and I ended our relationship on such a friendly note, allowing us to be friends. If things had soured, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get to know Bella—and I would have missed out on the love we share.
At the close of the show, Bella and Imogen speak again.
When Bella takes the mic, she clears her throat. “We have a special after-show surprise. Imogen and I have donated money to a charity running tonight. Anyone who wants to can attend the Castleton dance.”
Surprise ripples through me.
“We’ve paid for your entrance, so you just tell the event organizers you’re coming from the Imogen-Bella fashion show. If you wish to donate further, they have the information at the dance itself. I hope to see you all there!”
I turn to Ellen. “Did you know about this?”
She shoots me a sly look. “Do you really think you’re the only one I told to make a grand gesture? Mike and I practically have a matchmaking business going on here! We even warned you that we were going to play Cupid with the two of you—complete with arrows and everything!”
I’m startled and delighted all at once, bursting into laughter.
Bella weaves through the crowd, her face alight with excitement. She wraps her arms around me in a tight hug, radiating joy.
“That was amazing,” I gush, holding her close.
She buries her face into my neck. She’s shaking, but I know it’s pure adrenaline.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
She releases me, and then she and Ellen leap into the air, squealing with delight like kids at a carnival. I can’t help but laugh at their infectious enthusiasm, feeling the joy of the moment wash over me.
I’m not sure how many guests from the fashion show end up at the charity dance, but the place is buzzing with familiar faces. It’s even better than I imagined; we dance, laugh, and truly have a blast.
Throughout the night, people approach Bella to congratulate her on her stunning designs, and more than once, I catch Imogen watching her with a look of unmistakable pride.
I can’t help but wonder when they arranged the donation to cover entrance fees for all their guests. Was that Ellen’s clever tactic to coax Bella into coming here in the first place?
It wouldn’t surprise me if it was.
Finally, Bella and I find ourselves back on the dance floor, surrounded by a soft glow of dim lights that cast a warm halo around us. Her bubblegum-pink lipstick glistens like a playful promise, drawing me in as we sway together, lost in the rhythm of the moment.
Each glance we share feels electric, igniting a spark that dances between us like the music in the air.
“Your ploy worked,” I tell her. “We’ve received a huge increase in our donations. Castleton is going to have more money than they know what to do with.”
“Maybe,” Bella says with a sly smile, “they can get a second road into town so they don’t get locked in by a landslide again.”
“Maybe! But where’s the fun in that for you and me?”
As the night winds down, guests begin to leave, raving about how wonderful the evening was. Finally, it’s time for us to go.
Ellen and Bella share a tight hug before she departs with Mike, both of them waving goodbye.
I make my way to Bella. “I take it you’re not heading home with Ellen?”
“No, she insisted I practice asking for help more.” Bella rolls her eyes but can’t help grinning. “So, will you help me out and give me a ride home?”
“Of course.”
I offer her my arm, and we leave together. The night is cool and clear. Even with the streetlights, the sky is alight with stars.
Bella lifts her face to the sky, her eyes closing as she takes a deep breath. Her lips look incredibly inviting, and I find myself nearly leaning in to kiss her.
Not yet, I remind myself as we stroll toward the car.
“I feel like I could sleep for a week, but somehow, I know I’ll never sleep again,” Bella sighs, gazing out the window as we drive toward her apartment, the city lights twinkling.
“I totally get that,” I reply, stealing a glance at her. “So much has happened tonight that I’m exhausted, yet I’m still buzzing from how successful it all was.”
We chat animatedly about our triumphs, recounting the excitement and joy of the evening, laughter bubbling up between us like sparkling champagne.
As we arrive, I park the car and walk her to the entrance of the apartment building, the night air cool and refreshing around us.
As she fumbles with her keys, I gently cup her face, turning her toward me. The anticipation in her eyes makes me grin.
“I love you,” I say, echoing the words I spoke earlier.
“I love you, too,” she replies, her voice soft and sincere.
She leans into my touch as I trace the curve of her cheekbone with my thumb, feeling the warmth of her flushed skin deepen at my caress.
“I love your creativity. I admire how you pushed through so much this past week to finally take a risk on yourself. And despite everything, you’ve risen again, refusing to let the past hold you back.”
Her bubblegum-pink lips curve into a radiant smile with every word, illuminating the night around us.
Our breath mingles as we close the gap between us. Our lips touch, softly at first then with deepening passion.
My hand cups her cheek, tender and reassuring. Bella’s fingers comb slowly through my hair. My scalp prickles at her touch. It’s as though I’ve never been touched before.
When we break apart, breathless, we search each other’s eyes.
“Ellen is staying with Mike tonight,” she says.
“Is she?”
Bella nods. “Want to come up?” Her eyes sparkle. “Not as friends.”
I laugh, twining my fingers through hers. “That sounds wonderful.”