Chapter 26
Lizzy
Placing a final bobby pin in my updo, I secure the hair with half a bottle of hairspray. My makeup is done and all I have left to do is get dressed.
I slip on my black velvet dress. It’s a simple strapless, straight-across gown that flows to the floor.
My favorite part of the outfit though, is the sheer, high-neck shawl that goes on top.
It falls gracefully around me, ending just under my bust and flowing almost to the floor in the back.
It keeps the gown classy while elevating the look.
The gown cost more than I expected when paired with the heels I bought, so I refrained from purchasing any jewelry. The shawl doesn’t allow for a necklace, so it isn’t a big deal. I wear a pair of stud earrings I already own.
My reflection in the mirror is mine yet so different than how I’ve ever looked. I stayed true to myself by keeping my makeup light and sticking with a simple dress.
A knock on my door lets me know Bash is here. With how often he’s over, I’m tempted to make him a key.
Smoothing my hands over my dress one last time, I open the door. I beam at the handsome man in a tuxedo holding a bouquet of mixed flowers. It’s absolutely beautiful.
The hand holding the flowers goes lax and falls to his side. His eyes widen as he drinks me in, and by the time he finishes looking me over, his cheeks are rosy.
“You…” He clears his throat. “You look ethereal, angel. Absolutely breathtaking.”
Even though I’ve stepped aside to let him inside, he hasn’t moved from my welcome mat, too transfixed by what he sees.
“Thank you, Bash. You look handsome as well.” With his fitted tuxedo, he looks like a high-class man. His hair is perfectly done, and he smells amazing. Whatever cologne he’s using needs to make a regular appearance.
“I had to try hard to be worthy of having you by my side. But looking at you now, there’s nothing I could do to deserve you.
” Shaking his head, he finally enters my home.
He brings the flowers, already in a vase, to my kitchen and places them on the counter.
They look so out of place in my home, but I love them nonetheless.
He kisses my cheek lightly, careful of my makeup, then leads me to the nicest car I’ve ever seen. We get in the backseat, and a man who introduces himself as Steve chauffeurs us to the city.
Steve drops us off at the front of the hotel my gift certificate is for. I can’t help but feel the universe is giving me a sign. Tonight may end with Bash and me in a hotel room.
As we approach the front entrance, security guards let us through without even asking for identification or an invitation. When they nod and address, “Mr. Montclair,” I wonder how big of a company this is.
Before I can even take in the ballroom, a lanky man approaches us. He’s dressed in a tux as well, but his only highlights how nice Bash’s tux is.
“Mr. Montclair, just the man I wanted to see. I was wondering if you had an update on the new–”
“This is neither the time nor the place, Aaron. Let’s enjoy the party without boring our dates with work matters.” I don’t miss the way Bash addresses the older man by his first name. It’s a power move, and one that Aaron doesn’t like.
“How unusual of you to have a date. I’m Aaron Carter,” the man says, extending his hand to me. He emphasizes his name in a way that suggests I should know who he is, but I don’t.
“I’m Lizzy,” I tell him hesitantly. I don’t include my last name. Something tells me that tonight with all these eyes on us, I need to be careful about what personal information I share. I can’t have anyone digging into my past and finding that it doesn’t exist.
“Good girl,” Bash murmurs in my ear, sending tingles down my spine straight to my core. I don’t know what I did to earn his approval, but I’m glad I did it.
As I slip my hand into Aaron’s, we only make contact for a second before Bash is pulling my arm back into his.
“We need to mingle, but it was good to see you.” Bash dismisses the man, clearly ending the conversation.
“But what about–” Aaron Carter starts again.
“Give my office a call on Monday,” Bash calls from over his shoulder, already leading us away.
Once we’re out of earshot, I lean into Bash and under my breath ask, “What was that about?”
Bash grabs two champagne flutes from a passing server’s tray and hands me one. I sip the bubbly liquid and feel the warmth rush through me.
“He’s a sleazy man. The woman on his arm isn’t his wife, who’s at home with the flu.
He wants to get his hands on some new developments we’re creating, but those are already reserved.
He’s trying to come to me instead of my brother who handles big contracts because he doesn’t think I know the situation.
But I know everything that goes on.” With those vague yet descriptive words, he leads us on.
I’m introduced to so many people that I can’t keep them apart. I’m impressed when a young woman is introduced as the head engineer for Syndicate Enterprise. After talking with the beautiful woman, Bash leans down and whispers, “You know, women can be engineers too.”
I jab my elbow into his stomach causing him to wheeze in a breath. “I know that. I just didn’t expect a large defense company to know that.”
“We don’t discriminate. In fact, we have more women in our engineering and manufacturing departments than men. We’ve learned they tend to be more productive and creative.” I hum in agreement.
We’re stopped by the buffet making our plates when I hear a high-pitched squeal.
“Bash! I heard you’ve been hiding a girlfriend from us!” A curvy brunette girl in a stunning navy gown approaches. She’s practically shaking with excitement.
A man is by her side, staring down at her adoringly. The second he looks up, I instantly know this man is Bash’s brother. While older looking, they share the same eyes, sharp jawline, and proud nose.
Bash beams as he turns us to face his family. With a palm on my back and his plate in the other, Bash proudly presents me.
“Lizzy, these are Margot and Matthias, my brother and his wife. Guys, this is Lizzy, my girlfriend.”
Margot grins at me and pulls me in for a hug. “You have no idea how happy we are to see Bash with someone. In the six years I’ve known him, he’s never had a girl.”
I barely notice her pulling back as her words resonate in me. He’s never had a girlfriend before. I’m his first? But why?
When Margot steps back into her husband, I notice that he’s studying me, not in an uncomfortable way, more out of curiosity. I guess he’s trying to figure out who the girl is that’s finally won his brother over.
He shoots Bash a questioning look to which Bash returns with an indecipherable one. Margot pinches her husband’s side when she realizes he’s just been staring at us.
“My apologies. I’m not used to seeing my baby brother with a date. My interest is piqued by the girl who has him so enamored.”
The slight shake of Bash’s head that I’m not meant to see and the grin Matthias breaks out in is all the confirmation I need that Bash has spoken to him about me.
“It’s very nice to meet the two of you. Bash speaks so highly of y’all and of little Nico.” Margot’s eyes widen at my words then she turns to Bash.
“I really like her. Don’t be like your brothers and do something stupid,” Margot threatens. Matthias sputters a laugh so harsh and abrupt, we all turn to him.
“What?” Margot demands.
“Nothing you want to know. Just that Bash may take after his big brothers more than you realize.” There’s a twinkle in his eye that makes me curious. It doesn’t feel like a compliment, and the foreboding look he gives me is a bucket of ice water dousing me.
“Isn’t it time for your boring speech? Did you at least make it different than last year’s?” Bash jabs at his brother.
“Shit, it is. I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Matthias steers his wife towards the front of the room towards the stage.
“Not if I can help it,” Bash mutters. I know he loves his brother, but Matthias was certainly trying to rile him up.
“What did he mean by you take after your brothers?” The words tumble from my lips before I can stop them.
“My brothers all love their wives fiercely. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for them. I think Matthias could see how my feelings for you are similar to theirs.” He lifts my right hand to his mouth and kisses it.
My heart races at his slight declaration of love. I know he didn’t say the words, but the sentiment was there. And I realize I return the feeling.
“Maybe after this is over, we can use my gift certificate to get a room in the hotel.” When Bash remains silent, I add, “This is the same hotel at the trivia prize. Isn’t that crazy?”
When more silence ensues, I chance a glance at him and instantly wish I hadn’t. His face is pinched tight, his lips pursed as his jaw clenches. He’s warring with himself, and I can’t understand why. Why wouldn’t he jump at the opportunity to stay at a hotel for free with his girlfriend?
“Bash?” I whisper his name, needing something from him.
“I can’t.” His voice is a broken plea, begging me to understand. But I don’t. Because he’s rejecting me.
Matthias’s voice booming through the room is the perfect distraction, allowing us to fall into silence that for once isn’t comfortable. After his ten-minute speech is over, our conversation is stilted, awkward in a way it never has been before.
We leave soon after, and the car ride is just as uncomfortable. I wish I were able to get past this, but my hurt and embarrassment are too fresh.
When he walks me to my door, I don’t stop to kiss him. I’m halfway through my doorway when he reaches out and grabs my arm. He gently pulls me into him and cups my cheeks in his warm hands.
“Let’s not end tonight like this. We had an amazing time.
You were the most beautiful woman there, and I’m beyond lucky to have had you with me.
I wanted to go up to a hotel room with you.
More than anything. But I can’t. Not yet.
” His voice is soft and rough at the same time, filled with unconcealed need.
He leans down and tenderly places his lips on mine. He pauses, giving me a chance to pull away, but I don’t. Parting my lips, I welcome his touch. As soon as I do, he heaves my body into his and surrounds me with his arms. His scent overwhelms me.
I inhale his scent, and he devours me. All thoughts of hotel rooms vanish, my senses overwhelmed by Sebastian Montclair.
When we finally separate, gulping for air, he brushes a stray lock from my face and tucks it behind my ear.
“I’ll see you soon, angel. Sleep well.” He steps back, letting me go inside. Right before the door closes, I breathily tell him goodnight.
Only once my door is closed and locked do I hear his footsteps retreating. Exhausted, I undress and get ready for bed.
Walking out to the living room, I reach out to close my blinds but freeze.
There are two men standing in the park. It wouldn’t be odd, except that they’re both staring intently at me.
I hurriedly close the blinds tightly and ensure the windows are locked.
I even lock my bedroom door just to be safe.