“Holy shit Elle,” Peyton said.
I stood there as the women unpacked the garment bags pulling out the most beautiful and expensive dresses I’ve ever seen. I tried on each one feeling like Cinderella. Peyton was giving me thumbs up at the dresses she liked. The tall woman applauded as I tried on each dress. The last dress I put on was a Badgley Mischka black strapless lace gown. I gasped when I looked in the mirror because I had never worn anything more beautiful. Peyton had a tear in her eye as she took my hands in hers and looked me over.
“You look absolutely stunning Elle.”
“It’s too much, I can’t accept this or let Connor do this for me.”
Camille walked over and handed me a pair of Jimmy Choo strappy heels. “Put these on dear and let the man buy you a new dress; trust me, if he did not think you were worth it, he would not have done this.” I looked at Peyton and took the shoes from Camille.
“Connors not a douchebag let him buy you a dress and definitely those shoes,” Peyton smiled.
I rolled my eyes as I stood in a designer dress and Jimmy Choos. I felt incredible. I grabbed my phone and sent Connor a quick text.
“Hi it’s me Ellery, thank you for the beautiful dress, but it is too much and I do not feel right accepting it.” Seconds later he replied.
“You’re welcome and it is not too much, see you at 6pm sharp.”
I smiled at Camille, “I like this one,” I said as I ran my hands down my body. She snapped her fingers signaling the other women to pack up the other dresses.
“Mr. Black will be immensely pleased you chose his favorite,” Camille smiled as she walked out the door. I stood in the middle of the room trying to figure out what Camille meant by his favorite dress. Did he go to the store himself and pick a bunch out for her to bring to me? Then I wondered if this was a habit of his for all his women.
“You’re overthinking Elle,” Peyton said as she unzipped the back of my dress. “Go put your other clothes back on; you do not want to ruin this before tonight. I’m going to call Roger and see if he’s available to do your hair and makeup, he owes me a big favor.”
I went to the bedroom and put on a pair of jeans and a tank top with a sick feeling in my stomach. My phone rang, and that familiar number was calling again, I ignored it and sent them to voicemail.
Peyton and I took a cab to Color Me Beautiful, a hair salon our friend Roger owns. We walked through the doors of the luxury salon as Roger spotted us instantly. He walked over and embraced me tightly.
“Oh girl, I heard about you and Kyle and I think he’s an asshole.”
“Thanks Roger I think he is to,” I lightly smiled. He turned to Peyton and gave her a warm hug.
“Now, tell me where you are going tonight and with whom.”
Peyton jumped in, “She’s going to a charity event with Connor Black.”
“The Connor Black? Hot and gorgeous millionaire Connor Black?”
I rolled my eyes, “Yes Roger, that’s the one.” He looked at me seriously.
“Elle, you do know about his reputation right?” I looked blank because I didn’t know anything about Connor except his one rule about sleepovers and that he didn’t like relationships.
“We are friends, nothing more.”
Roger waved his hand in front of his face. “Girl, Connor Black doesn’t have female friends; he has sex slaves, not friends.” I gulped and didn’t want to hear anymore. Peyton could tell I was feeling uncomfortable.
“I don’t care what he has; I’m going to this benefit tonight as his friend and nothing more.”
“Come on Roger, work your magic and fix up our girl so every guy at the event will be begging her to take them home.” I smacked Peyton’s arm as we followed Roger to his station.
I met Roger through Peyton. He used to work at the art gallery part-time while he was trying to launch his salon. He was a handsome man with brown spiked hair and just the right amount of facial hair outlining his oval face. He cut hair and did makeup like nobody’s business. He once worked as a hair stylist for Miranda Lambert, but gave that up to stay in one place and build a life with his partner George. I sat in the chair while Roger worked his magic on my hair and face. I never felt more beautiful as I did that day.
I stepped into my designer dress and Jimmy Choos and looked in the mirror at my lightly made up face and elegant curly up-do. For the first time, in a terribly long time, I forgot about all the bad in my life. I glanced at the clock, and it read 6:00 pm. I rolled my eyes as there was a knock. As promised, he arrived at 6:00 sharp. I opened the door as Connor stood there staring at me and taking in a sharp breath. The butterflies in my stomach started to flutter, and my heart started racing as I looked at him in his black tuxedo.
“Were you afraid I’d get mugged between my door and your car?” I smirked.
“Very funny Ellery,” he said.
I was surprised that he came to the door himself instead of sending Denny. I bumped my shoulder against his, and he managed a small smile. We got into the back of the Limo and Connor poured us a glass of champagne.
“You look beautiful Ellery; nice dress.” I looked at him, stomach still fluttering and heart racing.
“Thank you Connor I was hoping you would like this one,” I winked as he smirked and we held our glasses up to one another.
Chapter 11
The charity was for the Autism Speaks Foundation. It was to support the biomedical research for the causes and treatments of autism in children and adults. Denny opened my door as Connor came around the other side to meet me. He held out his arm and looked at me.
“Do you think you can behave yourself tonight?” I put my arm in his and smiled.
“I don’t know; I cannot make any promises.”
We walked to the entrance and stepped inside. The ballroom was breathtaking as were the people who attended. Connor led me over to a reserved table with his company’s name on it. I sat down taking notice of the pilasters around the room as well as the beautifully carved ceilings. The walls were painted in a beige color with mahogany trim as were the chairs that sat at each table. A band and dance floor sat in the middle of the room. Off to the side was a large wrap around bar that was complimented by the same mahogany wood and marble tops.
Connor went to the bar to get our drinks. Apparently, he didn’t have the patience to wait for the waitresses and waiters walking around the room with drinks on their trays. He came back with a glass of white wine for me and a scotch for himself. Even as beautiful as the ballroom was, Connor was the most beautiful person there, and I could not help but stare at him. He lightly grabbed my elbow and escorted me over to a couple who were staring our way. Even the slightest touch of his hand sent my body into convulsions.
“Good evening Connor,” the older gentleman said as he shook his hand.
“Hello, Robert, I would like you to meet Ellery Lane, a friend of mine.”
He took my hand and lightly kissed it, “You have beautiful friends Connor.”
I gently smiled at his comment and looked over at his wife who was eyeing me up and down.
“This is my wife, Courtney,” Robert smiled.
“Nice to meet you,” she smiled at me.
Courtney was extremely attractive, and she was about 25 years younger than her husband. Robert put his arm around Connor and walked him over to the side whispering so we could not hear. Connor shook his head, and the two of them came back to where we were standing.
“What was that about?” I asked.
He looked at me at strangely for even asking, “Just business.”
He lightly put his hand on the small of my back and escorted me back to the table while he excused himself to the restroom. I was taking in the beautiful sound of the band playing soft melodies as Courtney came over and sat next to me.
“So, you’re Connors new toy,” she remarked. I looked at her trying to absorb what she meant.
“Connor and I are nothing more than friends.”
She shook h
er head, “Right, well I’m only saying this for your own sake, woman to woman because you seem like an innocent and nice person, stay away from Connor Black.”
I narrowed my eyes at her then looked around to see if Connor was on his way back. “Why would you say something like that?” I asked.
“Because Connor will use you till he emotionally breaks you down and physically wears you out; then he will toss you to the side like a piece of trash.” She got up from her seat and put her hand on my arm, “Just some friendly advice.”
She walked away and left me sitting there pondering her words. The way she spoke led me to believe that she was a victim of Connors. I did not want to think about it as I got up and headed to the bar for another glass of wine. I glanced over to the side where there was a small hallway and raised my eyebrow when I saw Connor talking to the same woman who slapped him at the club. His eyes looked angered as he grabbed her arm and led her out of sight. My stomach tied itself in knots, what the hell was I doing here? I don’t even know anything about this man I was with.
I was standing at the bar when a gentleman approached me. “Hello, I’m Andrew, I was wondering if a beautiful woman such as you would like to share a dance with me?” I looked around, and Connor was nowhere to be found, the nerve of him just to leave me alone like this.
“It would be my pleasure,” I smiled.
I didn’t mind dancing with Andrew; he was handsome with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was tall, and as he put his arm around my waist, I could feel his strength. Before we had a chance to finish our conversation, Connor came up from behind.
“Excuse me Andrew, but she is here with me.”
Andrew looked at Connor. “Mr. Black, I apologize I did not know she was yours.”
He stepped away as Connor took his place. His? I’m not his or anybody else’s. Connor stared at me as he put his arm around my waist and took my hand in his, “I leave you alone for a minute and you go off and start dancing with strange men.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, “You leave me alone to go disappear with the woman who slapped you at Club S.”
His look turned to fire, “You saw that?”
I shook my head, “Yes, I think a lot of people saw that.”
“So, let me get this straight, you saw me before you found me drunk outside?”
“Yes, I was sitting at the bar, why?”
The corners of his sexy mouth curved up, “Interesting.”
I cocked my head at him, “What’s interesting?” Then it hit me. “Oh I get it, you think I had my eyes set on you from the start.”
He wickedly smiled at me, “Your words Miss Lane, not mine.”
I rolled my eyes and leaned into him, taking in his alluring scent as I whispered in his ear, “You are a delusional man Mr. Black.”
“Why this specific charity?” I asked.
He looked at me and took in a breath, “Why not?” I dropped the subject about the woman in the hallway and where he disappeared to, but I would not let this one go.
“Why though?”
He stopped looking at me and looked straight into the crowd. “It’s just a charity my company is involved with, why is it so important that you know a specific reason?” His words came across cold, almost as if he didn’t trust me enough to tell me.
“Just forget I asked,” I kept my eyes straight ahead refusing to look at him.
“You’re mad,” he spoke.
“You’ll know when I’m mad Mr. Black,” I responded.
The song ended, and we walked back to the table that was now filled with some associates from Black Enterprises. Connor went around and introduced me to some of his staff. I glanced over at the next table, and there she sat, the beautiful tall woman from the club. Her straight, jet black hair sat just above her shoulders, and her tanned skin glowed beneath the ballroom lights. She sparkled in her silver long dress and silver high stilettos. Diamonds took their place in her ears and neckline, and she did not miss a beat when it came to applying makeup. She was a stunning woman, and she kept staring at me, or should I say glaring at me.
Dinner consisted of Filet Mignon or Fish. Connor took the liberty to order me the Filet since he felt I needed to put some meat on my bones as he so kindly put it. During dinner, a man stepped up to thank everyone for coming and thanked Black Enterprises for donating five hundred thousand dollars to the charity; everyone applauded.
I excused myself to the restroom as I heard someone call my name. I turned around and froze when I saw Dr. Taub coming out of the men’s bathroom.
“Ellery, fancy meeting you here,” he said.
“Dr. Taub, I am here as someone’s guest and would appreciate it if he did not see us talking.” My stomach felt sick, and my heart was beating faster.
“You haven’t returned my calls or rescheduled your appointments. You need to finish our sessions Miss Lane; it’s important and you know it.”
“Dr. Taub,” I whispered as I looked around to make sure no one, especially Connor, saw us talking, “I will, just give me some time please.”
“Time is not on your side Ellery, it is important you schedule your appointment.”
“I cannot talk about this here, please Dr. Taub.” He walked away shaking his head.
I walked into the restroom and checked my hair and makeup. I glossed up my lips, and as I opened the door to step out, I was startled to see Connor standing against the wall with his arms folded. He glared at me as I spoke, “Uh, hi? Why are you standing there like that?”
“Because you have been gone for quite a while and I was checking to make sure you are ok. I was giving you five more seconds before I was opening the door and coming in after you.”
I walked away from him, “Wow, stalker much?”
I heard him sigh, “I’m not a stalker for the last time; I was concerned for your safety.” I rolled my eyes; he had safety issues, and it was starting to annoy me.
We walked back to the table, and as we passed the “one” next to us, Connor looked over at the tall beautiful woman. She smiled at him.
“Are you ready to leave?” He asked.
“I am if you are.”
He smiled, and we walked outside where Denny was waiting for us. He stopped and turned to me, “I’m going to have Denny take you home, I have something I need to wrap up here.” He took my hand and lightly kissed it, “Thank you for coming with me tonight; I hope you had a good time.” His lips were warm on my skin, but I too was focused on the fact that he was not coming to drive me home.
I looked into his eyes, “I had a wonderful time, thank you for inviting me.”
He nodded and opened the door. I slid in the back seat and waved goodbye trying to hide the disappointment in my eyes.
“Good evening Miss Lane," Denny said as he looked in the rearview mirror. “Hi Denny,” I replied as I looked out the window.
Chapter 12
The night air was exceptionally warm for September, and I wanted to do something other than go home to an empty apartment. “Denny, could you please drive me to the beach?”
He looked up in the rearview mirror, “Sorry Miss Lane, but my orders were to take you straight home.”
I politely smiled, “Denny, either you can drive me to the beach or I will call a cab the minute you drop me off at home. Mr. Black does not own me nor does he have the right to tell me what to do. I do not care if he told you to take me home; I’m telling you otherwise. Now, please drop me off at the beach.”
“Fine Miss Lane, if you say so,” he sighed.
“I do say so and if Mr. Black has a problem with it, then I will deal with him.”
I took off my shoes and carried them as my feet hit the soft warm sand. The ocean looked beautiful at night with the moonlight shining down, illuminating each wave that pushed its way to the shore. I threw my shoes down and ran to the edge of the water. I laughed as the cold water stung my feet making me feel alive and exhilarated. The peaceful sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the sweet smel
l of the salt water was enough to let me escape into a world of my own, a world I created. I was enjoying the serenity of my world when I heard, “What the hell do you think you are doing?” I sighed for I knew all too well that angered voice. I turned my head to see Connor standing a few feet away from me.
“What are you doing here Connor; don’t you have things to wrap up?” I considered the possibility that his wrapping something up involved sex and the tall beautiful woman.
“I’m here because you didn’t make it home and forced my driver to disobey my orders,” his voice sounded angry.
“Well, it was such a beautiful night, and I wanted to be here; it’s my favorite place.”
“There’s a time and place for here Ellery and now is neither.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m not done here yet, and I’m not leaving.”
He raised his voice, “Ellery Lane let’s go.”
Who the fuck does this man think he is? “Don’t be so grouchy and if you want me to go then you will have to catch me,” I laughed as I started running down the beach.
“For fuck sake Elle, you’re pissing me off,” he yelled as he started chasing after me.
I turned my head and looked behind me as he was catching up; I swear I saw a small smile escape his lips. He was a good runner, but he had an advantage, he wasn’t wearing a long dress. I started to run out of breath and slow down as he came up from behind me, picked me up and put me over his shoulder. I kicked and screamed, “Put me down Connor Black.”
“Not a chance, you will just run again, and I’m done playing games.”
Out of breath I said, “I won’t I promise, anyway I’m out of breath if you couldn’t tell.”
He gently put me down, and I sat on the sand. He looked down at me shaking his head as I held out my hand for him to sit next to me.
“I’m not sitting in the sand in this tuxedo.”
“Live a little Connor, life is too short,” I said as I stared out into the moonlit water. He sighed and sat down next to me.