Chapter 7 #2
Tobin’s gaze shifted to her reflection in the body of the R44 Raven II they’d be taking to the gala.
She ran her fingers along the satin peak lapels of her black fitted tuxedo jacket, which barely concealed her small, pert breasts, and dipped just below her sternum, showcasing her skin and the very edge of her most elaborate tattoo as the ink cupped under and around her left breast. Her pants were fitted and cropped just above the ankle, emphasizing her heels and the length of her legs.
The added lift the shoes gave her butt was not something she regretted.
“No,” she murmured. “I figured this might be the last time I get to dress up before a baby. I just wanted to feel good.”
Eddie dragged her eyes lasciviously over Tobin’s body. “This outfit is laced with intent, Blur.” Her voice hummed, lyrical and warm. She cocked a scarred eyebrow. “You look half edible…”
“My primary intention is to feel good—and to be your escort. I am at your service tonight, madam. Anything beyond that remains to be seen.” Tobin opened the starboard door and slightly bowed, offering Eddie her other hand to assist her into their box office.
“Oh no, you don’t! Wait right there, you two!” Erik hollered, hustling out from the hangar.
“Shit,” Tobin and Eddie muttered in unison.
“Hang on, I’m coming, too!” Mike huffed from behind, lugging a bulky camera.
“You two aren’t getting out of here without a picture,” Erik called, hustling closer.
“You look way too hot not to, and we can use it on the socials. And since you refused to let anyone else join you tonight, I’m counting on you, Tobin, to get pictures of Eddie when she accepts the award.
” His glare landed on Tobin, who returned it with equal measure. “I’m serious. Pictures. Good ones.”
“Fine. But hurry. These shoes weren’t made for standing.” Tobin closed the helicopter door and shifted her stance, striking a pose next to Eddie, their hands fashionably resting on their hips.
“Say cheese,” Mike said, snapping several photos from different angles.
“Those shoes may not have been made for standing, but I bet you won’t be able to stop the staring tonight, Cap! Legs for days!”
“I’ll stop you from staring if you keep opening your mouth, Mike,” Tobin shot back, but couldn’t hide the faint blush warming her cheeks at his compliment.
Erik shook his head, smiling, and lightly jabbed Mike in the ribs, trying to corral him from both his commentary and the photo shoot.
“All right, all right. I’ll stop. All joking aside, both of you look stunning.
You’ll be catching glances all night. Have fun, eat, dance and don’t you dare bring this chopper back here until at least one a.m.!
We’ll hold down the fort,” Erik said as he opened the starboard door for Eddie while Mike helped Tobin on the port side.
“Thanks, gents. Your chivalry raises the esteem of your gender,” Eddie said with a playful salute as they backed away from the helicopter.
Moments later, they were enroute to the hospital.
Tobin had acquiesced to Harrow, letting her style her long dark locks into deep waves that framed her face and draped softly over her breasts, softening the hard lines of her lapels.
She doubted she’d keep her hair down the entire night, but Harrow’s efforts made her feel elegant in a way the tux alone did not.
The tux she wore was stunning. When she draped the jacket over her shoulders while Harrow worked her hair, her only thought was staying warm. But when she moved to put her shirt on underneath, Harrow stopped her, a knowing smirk on her face.
“It’s obvious she’s gotten under your skin. Let her see a little more of it—let her come to you. And then see if you still want to silence whatever this is.”
Tobin tried to argue, but her resolve had faded.
She’d been kidding herself, trying to suppress the curiosity and desire that had bloomed since her flirtations with the doctor.
Her dreams were evidence enough, and her talk with LoLo had left her shaken and confused.
LoLo’s directive hit her soundly in the heart.
A heart that she wanted to try opening again.
Just thinking about Grier forced adrenaline into Tobin’s veins.
Was she making a mistake? Derailing her carefully orchestrated plans?
No—this was a risk, and it was thrilling.
She imagined walking— no, strutting—over to the doctor, initiating the flirtations this time.
Maybe she’d catch her by surprise. Or perhaps she should bide her time, letting anticipation build as they weaved in and out of each other’s sight all night, then cut in during a dance and literally sweep her off her feet.
The possibilities made her pulse quicken almost as much as the fantasies that had consumed her all week.
The chopper touched down on the helipad, but before Tobin could disengage her harness, Eddie’s hand rested lightly on her arm. “Please try to have fun tonight, Tobin.”
Caught off guard, Tobin turned toward Eddie. Eddie’s stormy eyes held her in a steady, imploring gaze.
“We’ve worked hard for this,” Eddie said. “You’ve been with me through every growing pain and growth spurt that brought us here. This award is as much for you as it is for me. I want to celebrate you as much as I want to celebrate Parrish Aerial.”
Tobin didn’t know what to say. Eddie, thankfully, didn’t wait for an answer.
She nodded once, imparting a finality to her statement, obviating a response.
“Now, be a gentlelady and come offer me your hand.” Tobin unbuckled and made her exit, deciding movement was safer than whatever might come out of her mouth.
The hospital had sent an escort to guide them through the halls to the atrium where the gala was held. Tobin slid her hand comfortably into the crook of Eddie’s arm as they passed through the doors.
The atrium was breathtaking. The lights had been dimmed, with floating chandeliers casting soft amber light over the guests.
Three walls of glass offered unencumbered views of the stars over Lake Aether, flanked by steep cliffs and shadowed woods.
The hospital occupied one of the region’s most coveted locations, and the view emphasized why.
Tobin and Eddie stopped, staring in silence from sky to water.
Just as Eddie tugged on Tobin’s arm to find their assigned table, Tobin felt the unmistakable sensation of eyes following her.
She instinctively looked across the atrium where she met familiar amber eyes, framed by tendrils of chestnut curls around a heart- shaped face…
and a gaping mouth. Tobin returned her piercing gaze, hungrily observing as the doctor snapped her mouth shut and ducked behind the nearest guest.
Eddie followed her line of sight, stopping beside her as Tobin abruptly halted their movement. “Subtle,” she mused.