After a few moments he asks if I’m ready. With a nod we head down stairs to the limo the guys rented thinking it would be fun to ride around for a little bit before we head to the ball. We are quiet as we head into the elevator. Standing there chest to chest with our arms around each other is all we need at the moment. Simply being together.
Jeff and Amy are already in the limo when we arrive, since it picked them up at their house first. Brooklyn and Carver arrive at the door just as Gavin and I are seated inside. The men look so handsome in their black tuxes. Amy is wearing an elegant simple white sleeveless long babydoll dress. Her dress is as classical as she. Brooklyn’s dress is a stunning backless formfitting white satin dress. It is cut low in the front without showing too much of the goods with the bodice covered in crystals. She really is stunning. We make a good looking group.
A devilish grin spreads across Jeff’s face as he hits a button on the back control panel. Next thing I know old school rap and the popular hits from the 90’s along with a few more recent popular songs pour through the car’s sound system. Laughter erupts and we do our best to remember the words to the songs we used to know by heart. It’s not long before the stories of our youth associated to these songs are being told. Some are funny, some are embarrassing but they are ours and we wear them as badges of honor. The sounds of Nickleback’s‘Rockstar’fill the back of the car. Amy, Brooklyn and I share a smirk before belting out the lyrics terribly off key and as loud as possible. Our horrible rendition is completed with the playing air guitar and drums. Soon the dismayed looks on the guy’s faces subside and they join in the fun. We continue butchering the songs playing and sharing stories as we end our time riding around before making our way to the fundraiser.
~~~
The Physician’s Black and White Ball is held in the event center at Rockstein University. This is the very same event center where Gavin and I reconnected just over a year ago. The hall is decorated beautifully. Tables are covered with a black or white table cloth and opposing color napkins. Candles and flowers cover each table. An incredible buffet is set up off to the side along with a full serve bar. A large dance floor is setup in the center of the room with an orchestra set to the side to finish the full experience. A silent auction is set up in one of the meeting rooms off the main reception area for the items and services that have been donated by area business to help raise more funds. The ball may be called the Physician’s Ball but it is open to both hospital and university employees along with influential members of the community. Dr. Asher told me he and his wife will be attending tonight. It will be nice to see him as I haven’t seen much of my department head and mentor over the last month since I’ve either worked from home or been confined to my office. No, no one is making me stay in my office but it is a bit of a hassle since I have security accompany everywhere on campus. However that is a subject I will not focus any of my attention on tonight.
Gavin rests his hand on my lower back and places a soft kiss to my temple as he leads me to our table. He always seems to know when I need that extra little comfort. I love this protective gesture. He definitely knows how to make me feel safe. Our table is made up of Jeff and Amy, Carver and Brooklyn, Gavin and me, Maggie and Noah, Brooklyn’s sister and brother-in-law and Anton and Rosa, friends of the guys and Maggie from the ER.
Conversation during dinner flows freely. The atmosphere is pleasant and upbeat. Periodically speakers take to the stage to update the amount raised so far, share a story about how the funding has helped save a life or start a program to better educate or help the public based on the need of the community. Before long, Jeff, Gavin and I take the stage to share the attributes and progress of Strengthening Our Future. A portion of our funding is coming from the money raised tonight. I leave the majority of the speaking to Jeff and Gavin. Even though I do not have a problem speaking in front of a room full of college students, I do not like public speaking in general. I avoid it whenever possible. Luckily for me, these guys have no problem charming the pants off the crowd so I have to speak very little. When we are done Gavin helps me off the stage while the orchestra starts playing. Leading me to the dance floor, Gavin enfolds me in his arms for the first dance of the evening. Many ball-goers stop by to discuss Strengthening Our Future or congratulate us on our engagement and pregnancy. Apparently, our love story has been the talk of the hospital and university. This actually makes me blush a little to know so many people are aware of our story, but the hospital and university really are a tight knit community.
“May I cut in?”An endearing voice asks from behind me.
“Be my guest.”Gavin happily agrees.
I turn to find Dr. Asher’s hand extended to me. Placing one hand in his and the other on his shoulder he begins to glide me around the floor. There is something about this man’s presence that makes me feel so comfortable. While he hasn’t yet reached my grandparent’s age he definitely reminds me of the grandfatherly type. We discuss how the Strengthening Our Future project is progressing along with the happenings in the rest of the History Department.
“Ok, dear, now that we have all the business out of the way I want to know how you are doing.”He says with such warmth in his voice I cannot help but adore him.
“I’m well. I still have my moments. I wish we knew where Kat is hiding. It scares me not knowing.”
“I know, dear, but you have a good man. Just be there for each other. Trust in him.”He says to me with a wink.
“You know, Dr. Asher, I’ve wondered about something since the conference last year. Will you answer me honestly?”
“Of course, I would have answered you honestly last year, too.”
I look at him curiously.“You knew then, didn’t you? You knew about Gavin and me and our history. That’s why you stopped me from leaving the conference during lunch, introduced us and sat me next to him?”
“Yes and No.”The confusion must be written all over my face because he chuckled and continued.“I didn’t know anything in particular. I overheard Jeff speaking to someone on the phone–which I assumed was Gavin–while we were waiting on Gavin to arrive. He was quiet late, actually. The conversation, though one-sided, was clearly about someone from the past. Once Gavin finally arrived he wasn’t completely there. His attention and focus wasn’t what I’d seen in the previous meetings. He was just off.”I nodded letting him know I was with him. Though, my heart hurts a little thinking about how standoffish I was with Gavin then.
“Anyway, we had a quick meeting once he arrived. After we were done, I wasn’t standing far away while he and Jeff spoke, privately. I notice his attention had left the conversation and he was staring off into the crowd. When I followed his line of sight I saw his gaze focus on you. Throughout the rest of the morning I watched the two of you staring at the other when you didn’t think anyone was watching.”A warm smile crossed his face as he looked down at me.“Hayden, honey, people without a serious history do not watch each other with the longing you two had in your eyes. I took a chance. My dear, I’ve known you for a long time. You were so closed off anytime anyone discussed relationships around you. I saw something in your eyes that day that I’ve seen in my wife’s eyes and it made my heart hurt for you.”
My eyebrows knitted together as I stopped dancing and stared at Dr. Asher. He chuckled, patted my back and continued to lead me around the dance floor.“It was love for someone you cannot have. My wife and I were high school sweethearts.”This part I did know. Mrs. Asher has always gushed over marrying her high school sweetheart and how much they loved each other, so I’m kind of lost on what he’s talking about.“I went to college and she stayed home preparing a life for us. Halfway through my freshman year, I decided I didn’t want to be tied down. Subsequently, I broke her heart. I would see that same look you had every time I went home to visit. We were apart for a couple of years before I realized the thing I was missing most in my life was her. We were married six months later. I thank God every day for my Nancy.”Tears prick the cor
ner of my eyes as I listen to Dr. Asher speak of his wife with so much love and happiness. I’m so grateful he took a chance that day.
Walking up to Dr. Asher and me, Gavin scowled when he saw the tears in my eyes. Wrapping an arm around my shoulders he pulled me to his side. His other hand lifts to my face to search my eyes.“Hey, what’s going on? Why are you crying?”His voice is soft and soothing.
Dr. Asher clapped Gavin on the shoulder. As he stepped away heading back to Mrs. Asher, he smiled his wide proud smile saying,“Congratulations you two.”
Never taking his eyes from mine, Gavin watched as I blinked back the tears I was trying to prevent falling.“I’m good, Gav. Happy tears. Damn hormones.”I said quietly laughing, feeling like an idiot for not being able to control my emotions lately. Gavin pulled me to his chest and kissed my head. We headed back to our table, chatting, laughing and dancing with our friends for the next couple of hours. Shortly after I yawned Gavin asked if I was ready to head home. Realizing how tired I was becoming I nodded and we headed to our car. The guys had each dropped off their cars to the event center earlier since we only had the limo for the trip here.
The ride home was short but peaceful. Gavin held my hand. Every so often he brings it to his lips to kiss my knuckles. When we park in our spot he quickly jogs to my side to open my door. I’m not sure how or why but something changed in Gavin’s look as he shut my door. Gone was the sweet loving look in his eyes replaced with something more carnal. Before I know what’s happened he has me pinned against the SUV. His body pressed to mine, his hands against the vehicle on each side of me effectively trapping me in. His lips crash onto mine, turning me into putty in his hands. My body screams when he goes all hot alpha male on me. Leaning down with his forearms under my thighs he picks me up carrying me to the elevator. Once inside Gavin enters our code quickly then presses me against the wall. We are all lips, tongues and hands during the short elevator ride. Thank goodness he kept his mouth to the bare skin already exposed by the dress. I think the building’s security team will already be getting a good enough show through the security cameras. Once the elevator doors open, he has me back in his arms carrying me to our door as I desperately try to get his jacket off and shirt unbuttoned. He tore at the thick straps tied at the back of my neck while his lips never left mine. We were in a frenzy to get our clothes off; to be skin to skin. It was like we hadn’t been together in years. My body was on fire. I needed this man more than I need my next breath.
Somehow Gavin got the door unlocked, bursting through before his jacket hit the floor. Next, I shoved his dress shirt off as he finally got the tie at my neck undone. He let my feet hit the floor before turning me around, easily pressing the front of me against the door, not putting too much pressure on my baby bump. Brushing my hair to the side, his movements slowed as he trailed his lips from my shoulder to my ear.“I have to have you, now.”My body breaks out into goose bumps when he whispers in my ear like that. Need surges through me causing me to tremble. His hand trails down the bare skin of my back, following the path of the zipper on my dress. A soft moan escapes me as his fingers lightly trace the edge of my lacy boy-shorts from one side to the other across my back.
Turning me back to face him the fire in his eyes is so intense it makes my belly flip as my panties are saturated. Picking me back up he carries me to the island, setting me down on the edge before continuing to lick, suck and taste my neck and chest. His tongue follows the swell of my breast then back to my neck as his hand slides around to unsnap my bra when his body freezes. Stopping my attempts to get his pants unbuttoned, I look up into his face. His eyes still blaze with fire but no longer of lust, but now full of menace. Gavin’s body remains ridged. A mask fell over his face I’ve never seen on him before. Anger doesn’t even begin to describe the emotions radiating off him.
Fury.
Rage.
A deadly wrath.
Gavin looked as if he was going to kill. These are emotions–not only have I never seen out of him–but scare the hell out of me. His arms drop from around me.
“What’s going on?”I hesitantly whisper as I hop off the island but he doesn’t answer. Looking over my shoulder I see the beautiful crystal vase full of black and white calla lilies he surprised me with earlier is no longer sitting on the island but now laying in a smashed mess across the room. My body is still trembling but now for a very different reason; terror.
Holding his body tight he growled out through gritted teeth,“Go to the bedroom, lock the door and stay there.”
I wanted to argue but Gavin’s narrowed eyes, stone face and clenched jaw was scary, murderous even. Movement on the balcony caught my attention. Trying to focus on the movement and get my brain to function at the same time was impossible. It wasn’t until the evil eyes from the balcony landed on mine locking me in place did I realized what I was seeing. As the dark figure streaked across the balcony my body went cold. Gavin’s body heat was no longer there keeping me warm. Instead he was running across our great room toward the balcony. Toward the dark figure that streaked across the balcony in front of our wall of windows. Fear and dread washed over me. I was suddenly sick with the realization; Gavin was going after the intruder. I faintly heard Gavin yell at me to go now, to call Detective Beston.
“GO! NOW!”he shouted.
My body shook. It took a minute for me to comprehend what he yelled at me. When the realization of the situation finally hit me–I was standing in my bra and panties, someone had broken in, again and Gavin had just taken off outside after them–I darted to our bedroom and quickly dialed Detective Beston. My heart raced. The blood pounding in my ears was so loud I could hardly hear the phone ringing or when someone picked up on the other end. I’m in shock as the many scenarios of what could happen to Gavin raced through my mind. What if there was more than one person? What if they attacked Gavin? What if…Oh God, what if they hurt Gavin? My body trembled so violently it was difficult to hold the phone.
Faintly, I hear Detective Beston’s voice. He sounded so far away.“Hayden?”pause,“Hayden, is that you?”
My voice shook as I reply the best I can.“S-S-Somebody b-b-broke in. G-G-Gavin…after them.”I couldn’t control the fear. I couldn’t make myself stop shaking.“F-F-Flowers…broke…Gavin…Oh, God…Gavin…”
“Ok, honey, try to calm down. I’m on my way. Are you at home?”
I nodded my head forgetting he couldn’t see me.
“Hayden, stay with me. Are you at home?”
“Yes,”I weakly mutter.
“Ok, we’re on our way. Have you changed your codes since the updated ones I received at the beginning of the week?”Detective Beston’s voice was clear and calm unlike mine.
“N-N-No.”My teeth chattered reminding me I was still half undressed. Quickly, I grabbed Gavin’s hoodie and my running pants I wore earlier today and struggled to get them on.
“You said Gavin followed them, right? Where’d they go? Where are you?”I could hear sirens but I wasn’t sure if that was through the phone or from outside.
“Roof, I think. I’m locked in our room.”Nausea rolled through my body while I whispered,“It was Kat.”
Chapter 30
Gavin
I had the taste of my girl on my tongue when we arrived home now it’s the taste of blood. I’m fucking done. This shit ends tonight. She will no longer mess with our lives. With that thought and rage pumping through my veins, I tear through the balcony door and up the fire escape to the roof. Once on the roof I scanned it for Kat but didn’t see her. Shit, there are plenty of places up here to hide.
“Kat! I know you’re up here. Where are you?”I growl into the darkness. Not expecting her to answer me, I start searching the rooftop for her but it is dark making it hard to see without much light up here. My body is ridged, fists clinched at my side. I’ve never wanted to hurt a woman before, but now? Now, all bets are off. She’s tortured my family too long. This shit ends tonight.
I hope Hayden listen
s and stays locked in the bedroom. The thought of Hayden makes me think of all the shit Kat has pulled. She’s put us through hell. The notes, pictures, the terrified look on Hayden’s face each time we had to deal with the bullshit Kat creates.
Leave Gavin Alone! He Is Mine. I Thought I Got Rid Of You Once.
I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. I can’t be with you. She wins, again.
A menacing growl comes from somewhere close. It takes me a moment to realize it came from my own throat. I’ve had to live through almost losing Hayden twice since this bitch intruded in our lives. She did her damage in high school and I have to live with the choices I’ve made because of her interfering but no more.
I warned you. You are mine. You shouldn’t have called the fucking cops. She’s dead.
The pictures: Kat and Trix, Hayden and I on the couch making love.
My blood boils as they assault my mind. She was in our home. Invaded our private moments.
“Kat!”I bellow.
Hayden’s pregnant…my baby
Hayden and our child are my life. She will not touch my family.
These thoughts and images run on a loop in my mind. I’m not waiting for the cops this time. I’m finding her myself and stopping this.
I turn to the left when a rustling sounds comes from our private side of the rooftop deck. I whirl around to try and see where it’s coming from. My back is too the door that leads to the roof when I see a dark shadowy figure hiding by one of the posts for the gazebo. The potted tree next to the post helps hide the figure. Slowly, I step toward the figure, my already racing heart speeding up.“Kat, come out.”No movement. I squint hoping to confirm it is actually her.
“Kat, is that you?”There isn’t a response so I try again calming my enraged tone.“Kat, I know it’s you. Come out and we’ll talk.”Still there’s no response so I stand still and watch, waiting to see if she moves.
I’m trying to keep my voice even. Keep the anger out but it’s hard. Right now I want to rip her apart. Taking a deep but silent breath, I try again,“Kat, I know you’re over by the gazebo. I want to help you. I promise I’ll make this better.”I hear what sounds like a gasp come from the area of the dark figure. Trying to remember my crisis training and make this about helping her and not focus on my rage with her, I continue on,“I can’t help you unless you come out and talk to me. I’m here for you.”
Lilies Page 31