Chapter 17
Chapter seventeen
Ben
We have booked the best band available in London within a year’s notice, The Tones. They play an eclectic mix of music, from classic ballads to rock. These things usually start like a royal gala and end in someone dancing barefoot with a tie around their head.
My heart is pounding. I cannot believe Melissa trusted me with this, letting me have a considerable influence in the organization. When I see the room, the pride I feel is immense.
Bex’s gaze flies around the room, absorbing our surroundings. I know she has never been anywhere like this, being more comfortable at the local bar and the places she knows well. I stand beside her quietly, waiting for her to speak, to say something. She just smiles at me like an idiot.
“So, what do you think?” I ask softly. I‘ve been touching her since we left the apartment, either guiding her along or holding her hand like I am now. It feels perfect, her hand in mine. She takes another sweeping glance.
“It’s stunning, Ben. I can’t believe you organized all this.” She waves her free hand at the surroundings, then her eyes light up. “Lilies,” she squeaks when she sees the centerpieces. “Oh! They’re my favorite.”
The excitement in her eyes is breathtakingly beautiful. I picked them for her. Of course I did. But instead of saying anything, I just smile and squeeze her hand.
We haven’t spoken much since leaving the apartment. When she walked into the living room, I practically swallowed my tongue. She looked incredible, as if she had just walked off a movie set.
The more time we spend together, the stronger my feelings have become.
Tonight, it was as if I saw her for the first time and could appreciate her unique beauty.
If Amy hadn’t been there, I’m not sure I would’ve held back.
All I could muster was a smile, a compliment, and a declaration that it was time to go.
Navigating the stairs in her sky-high heels had been interesting.
Bex rarely wears heels, and they are never as high as the ‘fuck-me’ shoes she has on tonight.
Her grip on my arm was cutting off my circulation as we walked down the stairs from the apartment; she was giggling to herself in the process and swearing at the offending footwear.
The Bentley sat at the curb, waiting for us.
It was a kind gift from Melissa. She knew tonight was incredibly important to me, and not because of the ball.
Her excuse was that she wanted to treat me because of all my hard work.
The truth is, she wanted to be involved in impressing the girl. The girl she knows I want so badly.
“I thought you said the taxi was waiting?” Bex asked, looking up and down the road, obviously confused.
“It is,” I replied simply, gesturing to the waiting car. Her scream must have been audible back in the apartment.
“This?” she gasped excitedly. “How? Why? Fucking hell!”
I laughed and wrapped my arms around her, kissing her temple. She froze briefly in my arms, clearly taken aback by my affection. Then she softened.
“Thank you. This is going to be a special night,” she whispered.
Now here we are at the first-ever Riley Foundation Ball.
Bex’s first-ever black-tie event. I lead her over to the table plan.
We’ve been allocated seats at the top table alongside Melissa and Eamon.
Melissa took full charge of the menu and seating arrangements; she was able to organize all that from the comfort of her home while recovering from her last treatment.
The chef even had samples of food sent directly to her door. She had kept the final menu a secret, so no one knew what was being presented, not even Eamon.
Scanning the guest list, I see that everybody who is anybody in the medical community is coming tonight.
There are also a good number of celebrities and influential people as well.
For our first event, the guest list is far better than expected.
I’m hopeful we will raise a good amount of money tonight.
Warm arms wrap around my waist from behind, and I turn to see Melissa beaming up at me.
“Ben, my boy, what an incredible job you have done with the room.”
Eamon is standing next to his wife, gazing at her with pride.
For a woman who has been to hell and back this year, she looks fantastic.
Her hair and makeup are understated but polished, and she is wearing an emerald-green evening gown that complements her voluptuous figure.
However, her broad, beaming smile is the most attractive part of her outfit.
This woman is genuinely happy to be here.
Her eyes move from me to Bex, who is standing quietly beside me. “You must be Bex.” Bex holds out her hand, and Melissa ignores it while pulling her into a huge hug.
“You look beautiful, my dear,” Melissa enthuses. “Ben has told us so much about you. It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person.” Melissa winks at me cheekily, and I feel my face flush. She takes Bex by the arm, leading her away. “Come now, my dear, you’re sitting next to me.”
I watch her lead away my gorgeous date and feel as if I am being set up. Eamon shrugs. “Come, boy. Let’s get a drink. I think you might need it.”
The room is filling up with guests. I’ve shaken hands with more people than ever before. Eamon introduces me affectionately as his colleague and Melissa’s right-hand man in The Riley Foundation. There are lots of congratulations and kind words regarding the ball.
Bex has been nowhere to be seen since Melissa pulled her away. We find them at the table, sitting and chattering away like old friends. Melissa has Bex’s hands in hers as I slide into the seat on the other side of her. Bex’s face is animated and full of laughter. She’s been having fun.
“Where have you been?” I prod Bex gently in the ribs.
She looks at me warmly. “Oh, just hearing all about what a wonderful man you are. Melissa thinks the sun shines out of your ass. I told her you leave your socks lying fucking everywhere.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I think we need to get her started on some medication again, Eamon.” Melissa gives me an evil look, then sticks her tongue out playfully.
The MC takes his place on stage. He’s a short, tubby man with bright eyes and a balding head. His tuxedo strains a fraction across his stomach. There’s a chorus of dresses swishing into their seats. Then, a hush falls over the crowd. After taking a sip of his water, he begins.
“We’re here today to celebrate the first-ever Riley Foundation Ball.
” The audience bursts into applause, and excitement buzzes around the room.
“You’ve all paid enough to be here, so you can expect tasty food and goodies.
But understand that you were only invited because you have deep pockets, and we expect you to empty them before the night is out. ”
Everyone laughs, the mood high. The MC invites everyone to drink freely while enjoying their meals.
Our table is filled with medical professionals and Foundation supporters.
Across from us, a suave man in his thirties is charming the ladies on either side of him.
Melissa sees where my eyes are directed and leans toward Bex.
“That’s Edward Brown. He’s the kind bank manager who helped with the financials.
Single and quite a catch.” I give her a warning look.
She smiles sweetly, but continues. “Single, as I said, but he’s looking for someone special.
I could introduce you later if you like?
” Bex glances from Melissa to me, then across to Edward, who catches her eye.
The bastard’s been listening and takes his chance. Standing quickly, he walks around the table and crouches down between Melissa and Bex.
I can’t hear what he is saying, but I can see the way his eyes roam over her body. He lifts Bex’s hand and kisses it softly.
“Till later,” he murmurs, then returns to his seat.
The evening continues smoothly. Everyone is enjoying themselves. The food was delicious; Melissa nailed it with the menu of duck confit, fillet steak, and dark chocolate mousse in crystal glasses. Bex is glowing, ad I’m struggling to keep my hands to myself.
Edward sidles back to our side of the table, pulling a seat up between Bex and me. He turns his back to me, focusing fully on her, whispering in her ear. My jaw tightens, and I tap him on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, do you mind not interfering with my date?”
He turns around in his chair. “Your date?” He looks confused. “Melissa said you were both just friends. That she’s here as your platonic plus one.”
I blink, thrown. That I was not expecting.
“Well,” I stumble. “Yes, we are friends, but we’re here together.”
He looks at me as if I am an idiot. “So, you’re not together then?”
I glance at Bex. She’s silent.
“Guess not,” I snap, standing quickly, then I stalk off toward the bar.
Sipping my whiskey, I sit on the high stool and look out over the ball. The party is in full swing. The music fills the room, and people are dancing merrily. A hand touches my arm, and I turn to see Bex’s concerned eyes looking me over.
“I’m sorry,” I say quietly, embarrassed by my outburst. She smiles, then wraps her arms around me.
“It’s okay. I kind of like the fact you were jealous.”
Everything else fades. We hold hands, our eyes locked as the rest of the world falls away. The urge to pull her closer, to close the distance between us is almost unbearable. My fingertips ache to feel more of her.
Taking her hand, I lead her to the dance floor. It feels so natural, so right. I’ve wanted this for over a year. And now it’s happening.
Across the room, Melissa is watching, her face bright with quiet satisfaction.
This night is turning out to be unforgettable, and I’m finally going to get my girl.