Forever Love (Arabesque)

by Norfleet, Celeste O.

  “Okay, seven o’clock. See you then.”

  Gia closed her cell phone and went into her bedroom. Hanging out late tonight wasn’t exactly what she had planned, but she did promise Val weeks ago that she’d go with her. She sat down on her bed and turned her television on to the weather channel. Midway through the evening’s forecast her cell phone beeped again. She picked it up and saw that it was another text message.

  Keith: Tonight?

  Gia smiled slyly, enjoying the private one-sided conversation. She bit at her lower lip, tempted by his single word. She exhaled the breath she’d been holding and shook her head. One typed word. Apparently that was all it took for her to abandon a promise to her friend and consider spending another night in his arms. Granted, if tonight was anything like the night before, she’d be dancing on cloud nine five minutes after seeing him.

  Tempted or not, of course she wouldn’t do it. Still, everything about him was so right it scared her. He was amazing. She lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She instantly began thinking about his touch and how he’d made her body feel. But that was the past. It wouldn’t happen again no matter how much she wanted it to.

  * * *

  Keith glanced up in the rearview mirror as he drove up to valet parking. This wasn’t what he had expected to do tonight, but he didn’t have much of a choice. He had given his word to his sister and brother-in-law and he wasn’t about to break it. He turned his music off and got out just as the valet parking attendant approached, handing him a ticket stub. He placed it in his jacket pocket and proceeded inside as cell phones and professional cameras flashed in his face.

  Keith followed the hotel’s signage pointing the way to the Philadelphia Knights Children’s Benefit Ball. The event started at eight-thirty and it was already getting crowded. He spoke to a few people and then continued to the ballroom’s entrance. An explosion of black and silver balloons arched across the double doors. He handed over his invitation and received a silver band around his wrist.

  “Hey, Grumpy, thank you for coming to support the kids.”

  Keith turned to see his sister, Prudence, walking up to greet him. He was still having a hard time getting used to seeing her rounded belly protruding out so far. But at six months pregnant, she still looked great. “Hey, Pru, everything looks amazing.”

  “Oh, stop lying. I know this place looks like a million other events at a million other hotels, but trust me, tonight is going to be very special. Are Drew and Jeremy here yet?”

  Keith looked around. “I haven’t seen them yet. But with all the women out front and in here, I’m sure they’re on their way.”

  Prudence hooked her arm in his and walked back toward the ballroom’s entrance. “I’m glad you came a little early. I wanted to talk to you about Dad. The news is getting a little rough. He’s getting attacked all the time. He says he’s fine, but I don’t know. Maybe it’s my hormones and I’m losing it, but I’m worried. Is he okay, I mean with the reelection? Is he gonna win again?”

  “He’s fine, Pru, and he will be reelected. Trust me. I’m doing everything I can to make that happen, but honestly the bottom line is he’s the best man for the job.”

  Prudence smiled with relief. “You don’t have to sell me. He’s got my vote and quite a few others,” she promised.

  “Good. Now how are you feeling?”

  Prudence rubbed her belly and smiled. “I feel fantastic. I’ve never been happier in my life, except Mother is driving me crazy.”

  “First grandchild,” Keith said.

  “I get the whole first grandchild thing, but she’s driving me nuts. Why don’t you get engaged and married? That’ll distract her for my last few months and I can get a little peace.”

  “Yeah, okay. I’ll make sure to do that,” Keith said, looking around as people began entering the ballroom. The event had officially begun. “Looks like it’s started. Shouldn’t you be playing hostess or something?”

  “Yeah, but right now I want to hear more.”

  “More about what?” he asked.

  “Does that comment mean you’re seeing anyone special and the possibility of marriage is on the table?” she asked. Keith just smiled. He seldom talked about his personal life, and that always drove Prudence crazy. She already knew he wasn’t going to answer her. “That’s okay. You don’t have to answer. I already heard about your drive to Thirtieth Street Station.”

  Keith looked at her quickly. “What did you hear?”

  Prudence chuckled, always enjoying teasing her older brother. “By the way, Mamma Lou’s here and you know what that means. As a matter of fact, I believe she’s got a nice surprise for you.”

  “What surprise?” Keith asked with concern. Prudence smiled and walked away. “Pru. Pru. Prudence, what surprise?” he repeated.

  Prudence chuckled while waving and heading to the front table. “You’ll see. Have a good time. See you later, big brother.”

  Keith stood a moment and just shook his head. Mamma Lou—that’s all he needed right now. An instant later he looked around as if he’d just been targeted. He knew she was coming tonight, but she’d said that she was focused on someone else, on Gia. His body suddenly tensed. The thought of Mamma Lou matching Gia with another man made the muscles in his neck tighten.

  He walked over to one of the bars and ordered a drink. He stuffed a generous tip in the glass jar, then leaned back and looked around aimlessly. He was losing his focus. It bothered him that Mamma Lou was playing matchmaker with Gia, he could admit that, but why it bothered him, was another thing altogether.

  Gia. The effect she was having on him was starting to concern him. He thought about her way too much. And every time he saw her, the feelings he had got stronger and stronger. For the last few days she was all he thought about. She was always there in the back of his mind and he knew exactly what that meant. No, he quickly denied it. This wasn’t happening to him. With his father’s campaign and his busy law practice, he didn’t have time for love. It was just a sex thing. But the truth was, he’d been thinking about her way before their night together.

  He saw his mother and father walk in and instantly thought about their love story. His father always said that he fell in love in an instant. One glance across a crowded courtroom was all it took. Keith smiled, remembering the first time he saw Gia. She took his breath away. And now his great-aunt was going to match her with someone else. It was just a physical release, he told himself again. But it didn’t matter, in his heart he knew better. He pulled out his cell phone and texted one word.

  He watched as his parents walked over to a table. He saw Mamma Lou talking with Prudence, Val and... He shook his head, only half-believing his eyes. Gia was here. His eyes locked on her instantly. The sight of her dressed in royal blue scorched a heated path straight down his body. Her hair was swept up, held by a studded clip. She smiled graciously and laughed with ease. She was mesmerizing and his fingers itched to touch her again.

  Just then, Rick Renault walked up to the small gathering. He shook hands with his father, then hugged his great-aunt, his mother, his sister, Val and with Gia he lingered too long.

  Rick had a serious reputation for breaking hearts. His romantic prowess with women was legendary. Like his brother-in-law, he was a quarterback with the Knights football team, and women of all races, ages and economical backgrounds usually fell head over heels in love with him instantly. The problem was, Rick was a serious player.

  Keith watched their interaction closely. Rick said something. Everyone laughed, Gia smiled and Rick looked right at her. Keith knew exactly what he was thinking. That was enough. He slammed his drink down on the bar, nearly tipping it over, and then he headed right to them. The arrowlike determination on his face was unwavering. He pulled out his cell phone and sent one last text message.

  * * *

  “Whoa, look
at this crowd. Are we late?” Gia asked.

  “No, we’re right on time. I guess all these people came early. O-M-G, look at this place,” Val said excitedly. She excused herself repeatedly as they moved around the massive crowd of guests looking for Prudence.

  “I know. It’s like the crowd is growing every minute. This is insane, all this just to see football players. It’s crazy.”

  “Not just football players, the Philadelphia Knights. They’re the champions. Okay, there she is by the entrance to the ballroom,” Val said. “Come on, let’s go, this way.”

  Gia followed as Val eased around the side and came to the table in front of the main ballroom. She called out and waved. A very pregnant woman turned, smiled and motioned her over. They hugged. “Hey, you’re here. Thank you so much for coming.”

  “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t have missed this craziness for the world. Look at all these people. I had no idea it was going to be this crowded. Here are our invitations. You remember my friend Gia Duncan.”

  Prudence nodded and smiled. “Sure, yes, of course. Hi, Gia. Val told me you were coming with her tonight. Thank you so much.” They hugged also. “You are gonna have a great time tonight. There are so many great guys here.”

  “Thank you for inviting me,” Gia said louder because of the noise around them. “It looks like it’s gonna be an awesome event.”

  “I hope so. It’s to raise money for the Knights Children’s summer camps. Come on, let’s go inside. Believe it or not, since the band started playing it’s a lot quieter in there.” Prudence walked over and handed the two invitations to the woman standing at the door and received two silver wristbands. Val and Gia put them on, and then followed Prudence into the ballroom. Inside wasn’t nearly as packed.

  Prudence led, Val and Gia followed. She introduced them to several football players and members of the stadium front-office staff. They laughed and talked and then after a while a man came up behind Prudence and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hey, babe, are you doing okay?”

  “Yeah, fine,” Prudence said. “You remember Val. And this is another friend, Gia Duncan.”

  Michael smiled the winning smile he was famously known for. “Ladies, welcome. You both look amazing.”

  “Hey, Michael,” Val said, hugging him warmly.

  “Val, what’s up? Thanks for coming. Gia, it’s good meeting you. Thanks for coming and supporting the kids. Now, I’ve already told the guys to be on their best behavior. I also told them that my wife had invited a couple of her friends, so there are a couple of guys dying to meet you ladies.”

  “Cool,” Val said happily. Gia just shook her head.

  “Come on, I want you to meet my great-aunt,” Prudence said. Val followed. Gia hesitated a split second. “Hey, Mamma Lou, are you having a good time?”

  “Yes, these football players are just as sweet as they can be. I can barely sit down when one of them isn’t grabbing me up to dance again. I’m having the time of my life.”

  Prudence laughed. “Great. Mamma Lou, you remember my friend Val from the wedding, and this is another friend—”

  “Gia, I didn’t know you were coming tonight,” Louise said.

  “You know each other?” Prudence said.

  “Of course, I’ve known Gia since she was a babe in my arms. She came to pick me up at the train station yesterday, but Keith was already there. And the funniest thing—”

  “Hi, Mamma Lou,” Gia said quickly while kissing her cheek. She needed to put a swift end to her train station comment. Of course she had seen Louise Gates as soon as she walked into the huge ballroom. An eighty-year-old woman on the dance floor with two football players was hard to miss. She thought about Keith’s matchmaking warning and immediately figured that the mystery man might be here, as well. The last thing she wanted was to be matched up. But right now she didn’t have much of a choice.

  Her cell phone beeped. She opened her purse and checked the text message, knowing exactly who the message was from. When she saw the one word her stomach twitched.

  Now!

  Chapter 14

  “Good evening.”

  The deep, sexy voice resounded right beside her. Everyone smiled happily. Gia looked up, stunned. She turned slowly. Keith was staring straight at her and he didn’t look happy. He looked menacing, but sexy as hell. Then, instantly, his expression changed as if it were never there. His family greeted him warmly with joyful hugs, loving kisses and unending smiles. He reciprocated generously. Gia watched as he took just a few seconds with each family member, but she could see they all felt special. Then he hugged and kissed Val like another sister.

  When he addressed her, she smiled, giving nothing away. “Hi, Keith, it’s good to see you again.”

  “Gia, how are you?”

  As soon as he spoke, her heart thundered and her knees went weak. Everyone watched attentively. She did her best to appear unfazed, but inside she was a category-five hurricane. “I’m well, thank you. And you?” she said as pleasantly as she could.

  He smiled and nodded. “I’m good. I’m surprised. I didn’t expect to see you this evening. I’m glad you came. We have a meeting next week in my office,” he said to the others.

  The words in my office nearly knocked her off her feet. She nodded repeatedly. “Yes, we do. We’re looking forward to it.”

  An instant sensual heat swept through her body when he leveled the last look at her. Then he casually turned to Rick Renault standing beside her. They shook hands and did the brother hug, joking briefly about the stunning women standing with them. Everyone laughed. She observed Keith and Rick. They didn’t seem like the best of friends, but it was obvious that they knew each other well.

  Keith had done exactly as she asked—he was professional. The man who had curled her toes the night before and licked her like a lollipop barely acknowledged her existence. Yeah, sure, it was what she had wanted. They were going to be professional in public, but now she wasn’t so sure she liked it.

  After a while the conversation changed to the weather, travel, family, sports and finally back to the benefit. Prudence excused herself to introduce Val to someone, and Marian and Blake moved on to mingle and speak with another couple. Mamma Lou, Rick, Keith and Gia were left talking about the amazing turnout and the beautiful decorations and dreamlike atmosphere.

  While they talked, Gia took the opportunity to look at Keith more closely. There was no other way to put it, the man was gorgeous. Wearing the perfect tuxedo, he oozed sex appeal and it fit the body she knew all too well with style, class and exceptional taste. No lie, he could have stepped right off the cover of any fashion magazine.

  Keith’s looking as good as he did, a parade of women passed by constantly. They openly stared at both Rick and Keith with one thing on their minds. Gia tried not to be affronted, but it was impossible not to take offense. They sashayed by wearing navel-dipped cleavage and dresses barely covering their butts. The statement was being made and it was impossible to miss. Keith and Rick were targeted. The women made their intentions known and it was obvious they didn’t care who either man was with.

  The tempo of the music changed to something much slower. A female singer took the microphone and began singing an old-school favorite. Her voice was smooth and promising. The lights dimmed and the dance floor filled with couples moving in to dance more intimately.

  “Gia,” Rick began, “would you like to dance?”

  Gia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything Keith answered for her. “Actually, Rick, the lady is with me this evening. I believe this is my dance.” He held his hand out. Gia took it, smiled at Mamma Lou, nodded to Rick and then followed Keith out onto the dance floor. He maneuvered them to the very center so that they were completely surrounded.

  Keith raised her hand, his thumb pressed gently into her palm. The
n he wrapped his arm possessively around her waist and drew her into his embrace. He caressed her bare back tenderly, making every nerve ending in her body quiver. She knew she needed to break this spell, but for right now this was all she wanted—to be in his arms just one more time.

  Several women turned in their direction. Some smiled with warm acceptance, others with envious green. But she didn’t care. How can you focus on anything else when your body is on fire? “Thank you for that,” she said, barely recognizing her own voice.

  “For what?” he asked.

  “Rescuing me. I have a feeling that Rick Renault is the man Mamma Lou wanted to match me up with tonight. She’s your aunt and I know she means well, but there’s no way he and I are compatible. We wouldn’t last a week in the same room.”

  Keith smiled inwardly. This was exactly what he needed to hear. And he knew she was right. Mamma Lou had completely missed the mark matching Rick and Gia together. They were complete opposites with absolutely nothing in common. Rick was also the least likely man to be matched with anyone. He was, by his own admission, professed to be a bachelor for life. But instead of saying anything, Keith allowed Gia to think otherwise. “You’re welcome.”

  “I love this song and she sings it really well. It always reminds me of what love is supposed to feel like.”

  “Have you ever been in love?” Keith asked.

  “No, not really. At least I don’t think so.”

  “If you don’t think so, then how would you know?”

  “When I think of love I think of being in perfect peace. Not that he will be perfect or anything like that, but he’ll be perfect for me. We’d be completely comfortable together. There’d be no need for secrets because everything would be open.”

  “What does that look like, the perfect man for you?”

  “I’d think of him all the time and I wouldn’t be able to stop smiling. Seeing him would make my heart skip a beat and my knees weak. His touch would both comfort and thrill me. And his voice would send shivers through my body. And...” she added, then stopped. She realized that everything she’d just said was exactly what she felt with Keith.