Chapter 43
CHAPTER 43
APRIL
I stare at myself wide-eyed in the mirror.
“Wow.”
I look at the intricate and beautiful up-do David has masterminded. Soft curls framing my face.
Claire has painted my nails and done my makeup.
“Thank you, both. I…”
Claire steps forward and squeezes my shoulder. “You’re welcome. It’s been a pleasure.”
We’ve spent the afternoon chatting. They are a husband-and-wife duo, who often work with the Frazer women for events, and know Caleb’s sisters and mother.
“Now for your dress.”
Claire takes a dress carrier out of the wardrobe.
It feels like they’ve been pampering me for hours.
Claire unzips the bag, and I gasp. It’s one of the dresses I tried when Chloe came around. I had rejected it, citing I would never have anywhere to wear it.
Where the hell is Caleb taking me?
The man is full of surprises .
David leaves while Claire helps me get into my dress and heels.
My eyes fill when I catch sight of myself in the mirror. The scarlet mid-calf dress hugs my figure, flaring out at the bottom. It accentuates my figure perfectly, and the heels give my legs extra lift and shape.
“All set,” Claire says, stepping back. “Here’s your clutch. Although I’ve set your makeup, there’s powder and a lip tint in there. This is a wrap in case it gets a little chilly later.”
I take the small bag she holds out, and the silky wrap.
“Thank you,” I say again. Unsure what else to say or do.
Claire smiles, “Have a wonderful evening.”
I make my way downstairs, careful not to fall. Four-inch heels and stairs are a liability for someone who is used to dance shoes and trainers.
I pause when Cal steps into sight.
I freeze at the look on his face.
We stand staring at each other.
He is wearing a black tuxedo.
The man looks good in anything he wears, with his broad shoulders and trim waist, he steals my breath.
“April, you look?—“
His words are breathy, and his eyes darken as he drinks me in.
I continue down the stairs, drawn towards him.
He meets me at the bottom.
“You look radiant,” he whispers, his face inches from mine.
“You look incredibly sexy yourself,” I say, the breathless sound of my voice surprising me. “So where are you taking me?”
He steps back and smiles.
“A surprise. Mason is here, ready and waiting. ”
He turns and holds out his arm, I slide my hand through the crook of his elbow.
“Lead the way,” I say, excitement bubbling in my stomach.
Never before have I had anything like this. It is something that only happens in the movies or in books. Not to a broke dancer whose life is in chaos.
We meet Mason by the car.
“Evening Mason.”
“Evening, Ms April,” he says, smiling widely when he sees me.
Cal helps me into the car, before handing me my passport.
“You’ll be needing this,” he says, grinning.
“Cal—“
I stare at him, taking the passport he is holding. Luckily it was in my handbag when the fire happened, so escaped with me.
He says nothing, instead he takes one of my hands and raises it to his lips.
“To us, and this evening,” he says, setting more butterflies loose in my stomach.
The trip to the airport is quick. Mason drives us onto the runway, and we pull up alongside a private jet.
My eyes dart to Cal’s, only to find him watching me with a strange expression on his face.
“This is our family jet,” he explains. “It makes it easier to get from A to B.”
Of course it does.
Although, who am I to complain?
Since walking in Caleb's front door, I’ve been lost for words, and now I’m about to experience flying on a private jet.
Mason opens the door, and Cal helps me climb out. We are greeted at the steps by a beautiful woman in a uniform.
“April, this is Claudia. She flies with the family.”
“Hi,” I say.
“Evening, Ms Wilson. It’s lovely to meet you. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
We enter the plane, and a combination of different seats is available. We take a seat at the table.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Claudia asks.
Cal turns to me. “Champagne?”
“That would be lovely,” I say smiling up at Claudia.
I’m beginning to feel like I’m caught in a dream. Is this how Cinderella felt when her fairy godmother turned up, and she found herself heading to the ball?
Claudia returns with two glasses of champagne.
Cal takes them both, passing one to me.
“To an evening to remember,” he says, clinking his glass to mine.
I find myself drowning in his eyes.
“There is little to no doubt about it,” I tell him honestly, taking a sip, savouring its sweet flavour.
When this dream finally comes to an end and we part company, I will forever have these memories to sustain me of my time with this man.
We land in Paris and are met by a limousine. Cal has gone all out. He still refuses to tell me where we’re going, and I’ve decided I’m happy to sit back and enjoy the ride. Simply spending time in this man’s company is enough, and as Samuel encouraged, I’m going to enjoy every moment while I can. No regrets.
We pull up outside a restaurant and once again, Cal takes my hand.
We’re led to our table, where the ma?tre d' pulls out my chair for me. Only when I sit down and look up do I realise the restaurant overlooks the Eiffel Tower in all its nighttime glory. It stretches high into the sky, its lights shining over Paris.
I clasp Cal’s hand over the table as we finish our main course. I have never tasted food like this, and I doubt I will again.
“I don’t know what to say,” I tell him truthfully. “This whole day. It is not what I expected when I got up this morning.”
“As long as you’re enjoying yourself,” he tells me. “I wanted us to get away, have an evening where we can be Cal and April again.”
“Can we ever be those two people again?”
They were an illusion.
“I believe we can be what we choose,” he tells me drawing my hand to his lips.
If only life is that simple.
I look into Cal’s eyes and wonder what he would think if he knew how I raised the money for the dance studio. Will he look at me the same way?
I know he won’t.
So, for now, I push it to one side and enjoy the sex and the time I am spending with this man. I'll protect myself because my past choices will come back and destroy my present, so the only thing I’m left with are the memories, like so many times in my past.
“Hey, a penny for your thoughts,” Cal asks, his hand touching my cheek .
I give him a shy smile. “I’m just overwhelmed. This is…”
His face breaks into a grin. “Not the end—there is still one more surprise.”
“Cal,” I say, unsure my heart can take much more of his thoughtfulness. I quirk a brow instead. “And how are you going to top the most beautiful food, with the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower?”
He sits back, my fingers still intertwined with his.
“A beautiful woman once told me she always dreamed of watching Swan Lake.”
My throat constricts as the words leave his mouth, my eyes welling. I blink rapidly as he sits forward, cupping my cheek in his warm palm.
He remembered?
“Tonight is the opening night of Swan Lake at The Palais Garnier.”
I bite my lip to prevent the sob that threatens to escape, shaking my head.
Cal sends me an understanding smile.
“I wanted to do something for you.”
He stands and I join him.
Then I pull him back and wrap my arms around his neck. My heels mean I don’t have as far to reach, so I place my lips gently against his.
“I don’t know what to say,” I tell him when I draw back.
“Not a thing,” he replies, capturing a tear I am unaware I have shed. “Come on, our seats await.”