by R. F. Allie
Landon pressed a kiss to my cheek and left me in front of the door wondering what he possibly meant by that.
“About time you came back and explain this circus."
Jude pushed to his feet and strode towards me once I walked through the door.
“What’s going on?"
I asked
“Boo is that you?"
Ryan came in the living area holding two tuxedos followed by Jenna.
“I’m sorry guys; I forgot to call you back. Are you close to getting ready?”
“Oh my god Boo."
Ryan grinned
“What’s wrong Jude?”
”Oh ignore him. He’s just being a pain in the arse.”
Ryan spoke with a faulty British accent, and Jude glared at him.
“What’s with the accent?”
I asked, amused.
“We got the invitations; the charity will be Casino Royale themed.”
Jenna announced.
“Yeah, and Ryan here, thinks he’s Daniel Craig in James bond”
Jude followed, seemingly annoyed by the whole thing.
“Let him have his fun, you know he loves plush events.”
I argued.
“Damn right. Plus, who am I to miss on an occasion to wear one of these? “
He said extending the tuxedos
“You like them? Do they fit?"
I asked
“Like them?”
Jude snorted.
“He’s been all shades of crazy for an hour, those are Brioni, Boo. I really didn’t expect this when I accepted to go; it’s just too much.”
Jude said
“Are they expensive?”
It didn't really mean anything to me, I shrugged
"Oh you're hopeless! Danny wore those during his most important events."
Jenna condemned, still fully aware of my father’s wardrobe.
"Those are the best suits you can find, all kinds of expensive, worn by all the James Bonds, and made of the finest fabrics."
She explained
“Oh ok."
I was stunned by the act of generosity.
”So it's suitable for the party."
I breathed out, trying to hide my disbelief.
I poured myself a much needed glass of wine and gulped it down. I thought about the expensive things Landon had sent for my friend and I agreed with them that they won't keep any of it; even Jenna got a Badgley Mischka beautiful strapless chiffon blue gown.
I wondered what I was getting, then what he’d said before he left me outside the room. I didn't know much; except for the certainty that it was probably going to be a night to remember. I calmed down after my second glass of wine. I was ready for tonight, I was going to make it count, and after all I had nothing to lose. Well maybe one thing, but it was my choice and I was feeling ready for it; especially after we’d established some points about the kind of relationship we were going to have.
I was going to do it for me. It was time for a change of skin; I had to quit being scared of everything it involved.
And the good news was, if he does it as breathtakingly as he gave me my first orgasms, I'll get a win over so many bad stories I’d heard from so many girlfriends.
I got into my room and went through my clothes; I chose some fitting underwear courtesy of Jenna and a mini medallion tie-neck dress, then head for the shower.
I got out of the bathroom, got dressed and pulled everything into my purse. I took a sharp breath and decided on another glass.
I head back outside. I heard a woman’s voice, and saw a brunette with bright eyes standing next to Landon and Jenna.
“Hey C., this is Mindy, she's here for our hair and makeup."
Jenna introduced our guest and I extended my hand to the woman.
“Hello."
I said smiling at her.
“Actually Clea is going to get ready in my apartment. We will meet you in the lobby by eight thirty.”
He said not taking his eyes from me
“Oh okay, you should get going then and I should get ready."
Jenna said cheerily.
”Oh, and thank you for the beautiful clothes."
“Don’t mention it; I hope you'll enjoy your evening."
He gave her a light kiss before he took my hand and walked us outside.
“Thank you."
I murmured once inside the elevator
”It's really generous, but you still didn't have to"
“Nonsense!"
He said.
“That’s what money is supposed to be for.”
“What? Offering obscenely expensive clothing to strangers?"
I retorted dryly.
He looked at me in total bewilderment.
“That’s what you think you and your friends are? Strangers?"
“Well, they don't really know you now, do they?"
I argued.
“And neither do I, for that matter."
He turned and held my chin, bringing me at eye level with him.
“So you would let a stranger do what I do to you?”
I flushed.
“Well…"
“I am no stranger Clea; you keep wounding me."
The hurt echoed in his voice
I slapped myself mentally for what I said.
He really didn't feel like a stranger. I just felt the recurring need to defy him and I was more than a little puzzled by him; by the way he affected me. His generosity toward my friends, I was not used to all that.
“I’m sorry, you're not a stranger, I wouldn't let a stranger do what you did to me, nor would I take a flight across the country scheming and looking for him.”
I said truthfully and wrapped my hands around him.
“But as I’d said; I'm not used to this kind of generosity, other than from those three crazy persons"
He caressed my hair and nuzzled at it.
“Hopefully, you'll get used to include me in your circle of trust."
“But just to be safe, let’s make it a rule.”
He suggested.
“A rule?”
I repeated, bemused.
“Yes, you will never turn down any gift, no matter how big or small.”
“Can we address a veto?”
I threw in, not feeling comfortable with the idea of any more presents of any kind.
“Nope.”
Landon interjected. He felt so young and carefree.
“Can I address a Veto on that?”
I added with a smile.
He raised a beautifully shaped eyebrow, signaling the obvious answer.
We got inside the apartment to find Calvin standing with a loud-laughing Italian and a middle aged lady wearing a blue and navy skirt suit. They stopped talking when they saw us. Calvin avoided my gaze.
Soon I was under a loop, the two strangers touching my hair my skin.
“Beautiful hair, but no control, too much volume."
Antonio had his fingers through my strands
”Very misbehaving Mi Amor."
I shrugged, glaring at Landon for putting me in such an uncomfortable situation.
"Well, I'll leave you to it."
Landon gave me a swift kiss; his lips trying to hide his amusement. He disappeared up the stairs, leaving me with two mad persons, speaking their own language, about my hair, my skin, my body; they exchanged numbers that translated perfectly to my measurements.
“You’re a 5'7 right?"
The woman asked me.
“No I think its 5'6"
She nodded and head to another room.
“You can start Antonio, I'll be back."
She said.
“Follow me? Yeah?"
Antonio said walking through one of the rooms. It was another bedroom, nothing like Landon's, very modern decoration, a big beautiful quilted white bed, and glass night stands on beautifully designed wrought irons. Delicate baby blue crystal organza drapes hang from the ceiling, giving a beautiful s
hade addition to the view.
Antonio had his equipment settled on the top of a table in front of a mirror. He sat me down and started to work on my hair.
I got lost in my thoughts, apprehending the charity event, his father and friends, and being exposed to Landon's crowd. I was accustomed, as to how to behave in that type of events, but it had been a long time. Almost like another life. I was glad my friends were going to be around.
But what really worried me, was what was going to happen after the party and how it will go.
“Hopefully nothing like the last time you tried"
I muttered to myself, brushing off the memory of that awful night.
I didn't want to think about it, it had to be different, and it felt nothing like last time. It felt right.
It was true, that I didn’t know much about Landon, but I was certain about how gentle and passionate he could be. He makes me feel special. I was his ‘Ad Hoc’, his exception. Every time I was around him, I could see it in his eyes, the way he looked at me and talked to me.
He had the choice; he didn't have to look for me after last night. Or way before that, back in New York when he’d first kissed me at the club; and he didn't have to come to my house. He wanted to; he wanted to see me and do all those things, and even after the way I left him last night, he still came looking for me, and decided on a relationship, with me.
He had been generous to the people I loved most, and to me.
Yes, that time would be different... It had to!
“Bellissima!"
Antonio's voice got me out of my trance and turned me back to face the mirror. I blinked at the reflection in front of me. I looked nothing like I’d expected, the man had me thinking he'll go crazy and I'll have to go and fix it on my own. My tan was natural, peachy and glowing. Thin-lined brown eyeliner beautifully shaped my too-big-eyes.
My hair was flawless, faked in shorter curly strands, and two twisted strands secured with a hidden pin.
“Thank you Antonio, this is perfect."
I said ginning at him.
“Prego Bella, you like?"
“A lot, thank you."
I stood and gave him a hug and he gave me three-Italian-style-kisses.
“Now go, time for dress."
I went to see Melinda in the other room; it looked very much like the other one. An exact replica.
She was watching a collection of beautiful gowns that would make Ryan go head over heels. She noticed me and gestured to the dresses.
“What do you think, like any of them?"
She asked.
I walked to the bed and looked at each of the pieces. I’d noticed some of the brands, but saw no tags.
Probably offensively expensive.
“They will all fit you perfectly, just go and try them on."
I didn't need to; I knew exactly which one I was picking. The only one that spoke to me.
It was an ivory strapless metallic dress in a sweetheart neckline; it fell into a discreet mermaid shape.
I picked it up.
“This one.”
I announced.
"Well you're easy to work with, I like that."
She said smiling for the first time.
"Now, the shoes, I'm thinking nude platforms."
She strode to a suitcase at the other end of the room and got me six inch nude suede pumps, and I fell in love with them. She nodded and excused herself after offering to help. I locked the door and walked back to get ready.
I sat on the bed and stared at everything around me.
It was all so surreal.
I opened my purse and got my things out. I wouldn’t need the bra, the dress held a corset, but I got the rest out and put some moisturizer.
I started getting dressed smiling and thinking about the moment he would see all of it. When I got to the dress, I instantly regretted not letting Melinda stay for help.
Thirty breathless minutes later, I took a look at the mirror and puffed my relief. I’d never felt nor looked that way. I hoped he will like it, added some lip-gloss, and then slid it with my phone in my little clutch.
I got out and walked to the living room and froze; Landon was talking on the phone; I only got a glance of his back, but still lost my breath; his broad shoulders covered in a white tuxedo jacket. All dark lean and enticing.
I looked at the kitchen and saw Calvin standing with Melinda. I walked to them.
“You look stunning Miss Dane."
Melinda said with an appreciative nod.
“Mr. Davis is waiting for you in the foyer Miss Dane."
Calvin interjected, still avoiding my gaze
“Thank you Calvin, I wanted to apologize for earlier, and I don’t like that we’re back at Miss Dane."
I stated trying to get him at ease.
After all it wasn't his fault and I hated making him uncomfortable.
“No apology necessary, Miss Clea.”
He offered a kind smile.
I turned back and found Landon standing at the door; if I couldn't breathe earlier, I was positive I stopped getting any kind of oxygen altogether. He looked dashing; three button tuxedo, a black vest and bow-tie and a white shirt. His hair just the way I loved it, disheveled, freshly shaved and smelling like heaven.
His hot gaze traveled all over me, sparkling eyes.
“You look divine baby"
He breathed and I flushed at the endearment in front of the two other people standing behind us.
“Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself"
I beamed at him.
“Shall we?"
Landon offered his hand and I took it,
“Yes we shall"
He turned to Calvin and asked him to get the car ready and Zee to drive Melinda home. I thanked her and we said our goodbyes.
We rode in the elevator and he held my hand the whole time, squeezing it from time to time.
“Don’t be nervous, it will be fine, just enjoy yourself with me and your friends, and the moment you want to get out, just say the word"
“I’m not nervous."
I lied; I really was, mostly about the party now, the rest I was excited about.
“Rule number two Clea."
He turned facing me and I looked down.
“Okay, I lied, I'm nervous; and you look more than not so bad."
I blurted out and start laughing at myself.
He laughed and kissed me
“See, I knew all that already."
I was relaxing by the second.
“Oh did you now Mr. Davis?"
“I most certainly did baby."
He gave me a wicked smile and walked us out of the elevator. I was looking around for my friends, but we were stopped by a woman, Landon presented her as the hotel manager, she gave me a fake smile and talked with him in codes, he asked her to send him updates.
I got a glance at Ryan and Jude smooching and Jenna laughing, they all looked fairly elegant, we walked to them. Landon didn’t let go of my hand.
“Guys! You look fabulous."
I grinned at them
Jude stood and took me in a hug.
“Look at you Boo! You are breathtakingly sublime."
He said pressing a kiss to my cheek
“We do look fabulous, don't we?"
Ryan stood and Jenna bowed next to him.
We walked to the limousine and I glanced at Landon.
“Too tacky?"
I laughed at our inside joke and followed the boys. The ride wasn't long, we talked and thankfully Jude wasn't on edge and cool with Landon.
The charity took place at a manor, the interior looked like a real casino; gambling tables with croupiers, slots machines, everything was perfect. Men in tuxedos and women in beautiful gowns. The moment we got in, people walked to Landon and he had to excuse himself.
Jenna and Jude stopped one of the waiters for some champagne, and offered Ryan and me sparkling flutes.
We started walking around. The charity was fo
r the children of the night, I knew little about the cause, but heard about it when a group of student during freshmen year raised money for an organization with a bake sale. I remembered that the disease was genetic; children couldn’t get out in the sun, because even the slightest amount of sunlight would cause their skin to burn. It also increased the risk of cancer.
“They are raising money for research; apparently a specialist in Sweden made a breakthrough. That would be great, the climate change is hurting our cells by the day, and helping people with this disease would be an astounding improvement in science, especially since, in the recent years, it started affecting people in Africa. As if they needed that, on top of everything else."
Jenna explained.
"I'm glad I brought money to play."
She said
“Oh shit I forgot my checkbook in my purse."
I scolded myself.
“Hey it's ok, I can lend you some."
Jenna offered. I thanked her, and then we all head to get some playing tokens.
Jenna, of course stood unbeatable. All those long hours playing poker with my dad, had paid off over the years. I tried my luck at the blackjack; I doubled twice then chose not to gamble anymore for the sake of the charity. I gave the winning tokens to the hostess assigned to take the donations and made my way to the bar with Jude. We ordered our drinks and he sat me on one of the barstools.
“You enjoyed your day Honey?”
I asked him sipping my tasty fruity cocktail.
“Yes. I was in definite need for a massage, and that race was a great adrenaline boost.”
"I’ll second that. It was amazing."
I said cheerily.
“Things definitely changed since the afternoon between you and Mr. Davis.”
He commented, eyeing me curiously.
“Are you guys dating?"
I shrugged and smiled.
“Wow.”
Jude breathed out.
“Ok. That’s a good thing; I mean you’re happy, right?”
I shook my head yes and hugged him.
“Oh; he’s going to invite you guys to taste some exceptionally tasty burger.”
I announced.
“A lunch date around a burger? Sounds like fun to me."
“Apparently, it’s not just any burger. Landon actually calls it the best..."
“The best burger on the planet."