Because of the repercussions she had said he would face, he’d stopped. After all, he didn’t want to have the business he’d built for Sophia taken away from him by the very people she called family. Fighting with the Montels would have done no more than rack up monstrous legal bills and leave him feeling empty. Those two women were steadfast in their determination to keep Xavier away from Sophia, and he knew he couldn’t move a mountain. He’d have to make the mountain move itself.
Which is what he’d done in the years since seeing Sophia’s grandmother. He’d kept searching—albeit quietly—in the hope that one day his fashion line would draw Sophia to him.
And it had. Now he had to do something to get Sophia away from her evil relatives long enough to talk to her. Long enough to explain, to ask if she remembered him…and what they had created.
Xavier’s pulse sped up with that thought, and he wondered why, then, she hadn’t contacted him when she’d been able? Why hadn’t she reached out?
He would find the answers. And he would somehow get past the wicked glares of Sophia’s family to do it.
Sophia’s heart was in her throat, and she couldn’t get her hands to quit shaking. After practically falling on her face when she’d bumped into someone, she had straightened her shoulders and made the final steps to her table. Anne Marie’s bright, mischievous smile had almost made Sophia laugh. Almost. Then she’d looked at her mother and grandmother.
Their postures had been straight, their lips forming thin, prominent frowns. Elise had glanced at Xavier and then pointed a wrinkled finger to a seat. “Sit,” she’d commanded.
Sophia had sat.
And now she couldn’t sit still, not with him staring at her and making her insides twist and turn like a tornado in her stomach. Thank God her mother and grandmother had turned around in their seats to face the auction. At least they weren’t giving her the death stare anymore; although Sophia was pretty sure both sets of their eyes were pinning Xavier where he stood.
Why did they dislike him so much? And why were they so displeased with her?
“Oh my God,” Sophia whispered to Anne Marie as she gripped the linen napkin in her hand. “I can’t believe Xavier’s here.” The name rolled off Sophia’s tongue like forbidden fruit and sent a chill down her back.
Anne Marie leaned close to Sophia and raised a perfectly groomed brow. “I knew this night would be entertaining.”
Sophia’s mouth went dry.
“He looks upset,” Anne Marie commented.
Sophia nodded in agreement as she loosened the hold on her napkin, allowing color to return to her white knuckles.
Who could blame him if he was upset? His eyes, cold yet caring, locked on her like there wasn’t another soul in the room. He was no doubt confused about the first time they’d met. Heavens, Sophia was still beside herself. Which made that twitch in her stomach that much harder to deal with.
What was it about his eyes? Their blue depths tugged her down, and before she could swim for safety, they drowned her. She could stare at him forever. That pull, deep in her chest, made her want to jump out of her seat and run over to him again. To apologize for the night before. To wipe the frown off his face and kiss him until he smiled.
God. What had gotten into her?
Then he spoke. She closed her eyes.
“I’d like to welcome everyone to the charity auction tonight.” His voice cracked, not nearly as confident as the previous evening. “It’s a great pleasure for XS to bring a one-of-kind piece to the show.”
His tone, while hesitant, still hummed along her skin like a thousand little vibrations. Sophia opened her eyes to keep from falling out of her seat.
Xavier paced the stage, his steps quick, his movements jerky. “Charity is an important aspect of the XS mission, and this charity, Fortune for Future, is exactly the type of giving back our company strives to do. Those who are less fortunate than us—than you—deserve the chance for an education, for learning, to know that there is more to this world than poverty and the struggles that come with it.”
Sophia twisted her hands in her lap. There was a hard truth in his words. A truth she wondered if half the room understood or cared about.
“XS has always wanted to give back. To the community, the grass roots, if you will. It is the children that will mold our future.” He frowned briefly. “This organization’s main goal is to take those who are underprivileged and give them the education and life skills needed to survive in this world. I, for one, wish I would have had such an organization growing up back home. Feeling as though you can make a difference in the world—just a small difference—makes you feel very special. And that’s what I ask of all of you.”
He paused as he faced the audience.
“After you do your bidding here tonight and go to the comforts of home, ask yourself what you would be like if you didn’t have any material things. There are many people in this world who are like that. People who need help, guidance. Now ask yourself how you can help those people—the world—with just an idea, a simple action.”
A hint of a smile touched his lips. It was a small gesture that Sophia was certain most people missed, but there was spark there, something deep within Xavier that made him passionate about his words.
“The future is never certain,” he continued. “And while fate is a powerful thing, it can be changed. Give someone the tools to succeed, and, if they have the drive, they will.”
Xavier’s eyes found Sophia again. She held his stare for several silent seconds.
“Destinies aren’t set in stone—they are made,” he said.
A flutter of uncertainty settled in Sophia’s chest. His words…it was almost as if he knew what inner demons she fought.
“This charity gives the children what they need. Now it’s up to you to support that. XS proudly presents this piece for that purpose.”
A model, refreshingly curvy, strode onto the stage wearing the most marvelous dress Sophia had ever seen.
It was long and flowing with ease as the woman glided across the stage. The top, gleaming white, hugged her like a second skin. Capped sleeves and a sweetheart bustline looked bubbly, almost like silk clouds. It was cinched at the waist and cascaded down to a sparkling, magnificent blue skirt. The transition from white to blue was effortless, like it melded where they met. And Sophia was certain she’d never seen that shade of blue, so bright and glittering, in any painting or anywhere. The fabric folded and swished with each step…just like waves in the sea.
The sea.
Sophia felt a splash of spray on her face. The taste of salt on her tongue. The warmth of a man’s embrace.
Her eyes slid to Xavier, who now stood slightly off-stage with a hint of apprehension creasing his masculine features. He stared at her, then at his creation. Smiling briefly, frown lines wrinkled his tanned forehead, and he glanced once more at Sophia, locking her in her seat. There was so little space between them, but something told Sophia that a lot more than physical distance separated her and Xavier. A lifetime of differences.
“It’s beautiful.” Ann Marie’s voice floated into Sophia’s senses.
She snapped out of her trance. “Uh? What?” Her heart was pounding. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”
“The dress.” Anne Marie nodded in its direction. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yes.” Her voice held a hint of a quiver.
“It reminds me of the sea.”
Sophia’s whole body went numb. “The sea?”
“Yes, darling. The sea. Look at it. The colors, the waves, the movement. It was clearly meant to portray the untouchable beauty of the ocean. Can’t you see it?”
She nodded quickly. Of course she could see it. A little too well.
“He’s exceptional, you know,” Anne Marie said quietly.
Sophia sat up straighter. “Who?”
“Xavier. Creating this dress is like a dream—a fantasy come to life. Wearing it would be like wearing the unpredictability of the
ocean. I’ve never seen a designer who is able to capture life in a dress, Sophia.”
“Yes.” The answer was no more than a whisper because Sophia had lost her breath. Xavier captured life in his creations. Life that she could reach out and actually touch. A life that, until now, she hadn’t realized she craved. He was practically in her head and knew all of her dreams…all of her needs.
No. Not possible.
He was just brilliant. A million other women probably felt the same thing about his clothes. And a million other women probably swooned over him, too. Just like she was doing.
“Look at him.” Anne Marie nudged Sophia’s arm, and Sophia followed her gaze across the room to Xavier. “So strong, yet so vulnerable. Can you see it?”
Yes. Sophia saw more with Xavier than she’d ever hoped to see. A hint of something—a feeling—she’d never felt before. And it terrified her.
“He’s such a successful man,” Anne Marie continued. “He creates masterpieces with cloth and does philanthropy work as well. But look at him. Why does he always look so upset?”
Sophia tapped her fingers on the table. She took a hard look at Xavier. He was no longer staring at her, thank God, but now all his energy and emotions were focused on that dress. He watched it float across the stage, seeming to look through it, perhaps remembering something about its inception. His facial expressions changed every two seconds—from joy to sadness, from anger to hopefulness.
Sophia and Anne Marie both watched in astonishment as Xavier then abruptly turned from his creation, cast a quick glance in their direction, and strode away from the stage. Sophia’s heart skipped a beat when his broad frame walked by several tables over. He slid off his jacket and flung it over his arm as his eyes danced with unknown disappointment. Sophia wanted to reach out to him, and this time, the urge was too strong to ignore.
“I think you should go talk to him,” Anne Marie said with a devious smile.
“And talk about what?” Sophia said, trying to keep her voice low. “The way I acted last night?” She shuddered at the memory; it was all too clear. “I don’t know if he would even talk to me after I walked out on him.”
Anne Marie took Sophia’s hand and squeezed it. “Tell me, darling,” she said as she looked Sophia in the eye, “has anyone ever made you feel like he did in that short of time?”
Sophia shook her head. She couldn’t deny for a second that she wanted Xavier; her only concern was how badly.
“That says something all in itself. Break free inside like I know you want to. Do it, Sophia,” Anne Marie persuaded. “Go after him.”
“Him who?” Katherine interrupted.
“Xavier,” Anne Marie said before Sophia could stop her. Sophia tightened the grip on Anne Marie’s hand and shot her a disapproving look.
“The man at the podium?” Elise questioned. “The man we discussed earlier?”
“It’s none of your concern,” Sophia replied hesitantly but as politely as she could.
“Listen to me.” Elise turned to look Sophia dead in the eye. “Stay away from him. Fashion is beneath you. He is beneath you.”
Anger poured through Sophia’s blood faster than a flash flood after a spring storm.
“Mother?” Sophia clenched her teeth. “Do you feel the same way?”
“How was your dance with Evan, dear?” Katherine asked, changing the subject.
Sophia gave a look of frustration, remembering how grabby the man had been. “This isn’t about Evan. This is about Xavier. Do you feel the same way Grandmother does?” Her eyes danced between both women.
Katherine shifted uneasily in her seat but kept a pleasant smile on her face. “Yes.”
The word had been spoken so quietly, Sophia almost hadn’t heard it. “What?”
“I said yes,” Katherine repeated. “I’m afraid a man like Xavier is not what you need. Evan on the other hand—”
Sophia jumped to her feet. “Stop.”
Elise’s icy stare made her freeze. “Sit down, young lady. Do not make a scene in front of my friends.”
Though she felt like a dog, Sophia did as commanded.
“Please,” she said, her voice shaking, “would you both listen to me? All I want is to have a little freedom in my life. Something that makes me feel like me. You can’t force me into a man’s arms and expect me to go there willingly. Can you?” Her eyes focused on her mother, pleading with her to understand. “Please,” Sophia repeated.
“No.” Elise’s tone was stern, final.
Katherine nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry, dear, but Elise is right.”
Was Sophia imagining that her mother had actually sounded sad about that statement?
Elise tapped a gloved finger to the table. “Your father would be greatly disappointed if he knew you weren’t taking what you’ve been given seriously. He knew what it took to be successful and built a strong life for himself.” She cast a condescending glance at Katherine. “And your mother does as well. We know what is best for you—end of story.”
Sophia clenched her hands into fists. Moments before, she’d come to terms with the fact that no one would help her remember her past and no one would allow her to lead the life she wanted to lead. She would have to walk in the footsteps of those before her. That’s what she’d been raised to do. And she’d almost accepted it.
Almost.
Sophia picked up her wine glass and downed the remaining contents, thankful as cool liquid soothed her achingly dry throat. She rose from her seat, a bit dizzy but still focused. Her intense gaze bore down at her mother and grandmother, and she had a rush of adrenaline.
“I’m sorry to disappoint,” she said decisively, “but in case either of you haven’t noticed, I am an adult, and my life’s direction shall be solely based on what I want to do. The lesson you shall learn right now is that I have my own mind, my own body, and my own free will, and I shall do as I choose.”
Sophia threw her napkin down on the table and walked away from their stunned expressions. She felt a dash of freedom, something she had wanted for such a long time—and surely she’d just made Anne Marie pee her pants.
With her brave words echoing in her ears, Sophia went in search of Xavier.
Chapter Seven
XAVIER STEPPED OUTSIDE the glass doors that separated Hansom Hall from the rest of the hotel. He made his way through the lobby, not sure what to do. He couldn’t just leave the function, but he needed a minute…a breather. So instead of storming to his car and driving away, he wandered the Victorian hallways of the hotel, stopping at the Grand Staircase. And grand it was. It had been a long time since a sight, or a color, stopped him in his tracks. The bold red walls were contrasted by huge pillars topped with cathedral arches. The curvature of the stairs drew his attention up to enormous windows, bright blue and red floral carpeting on the steps, and intricate details in the stone. Breathtaking.
But not near as breathtaking as Sophia. He ignored the Hotel Guests Only sign and climbed the first set of stairs, stopping on the first landing to peer out of the molded glass. He sagged against the limestone window sill, wishing for a miracle.
He’d always ached for Sophia in only the way a man in love could, but a part of him knew his dream to hold her for an eternity might never become a reality. And after seeing her there—flanked on both sides by the very people who’d gone to great lengths to keep him at bay—he realized getting to her would be harder than he’d imagined.
The quietness surrounding him didn’t help to clear his mind. He shook his head. He couldn’t let it end like this. Tonight she’d been a few footsteps from his arms, but it had still felt like they were oceans apart.
He’d seen the spark of recognition in her eyes as she looked over his dress for the auction. She’d seen the past. She’d felt it. Of that, he was certain. And seeing her reaction to the dress created from a memory of her brought back so many others, ones he’d hidden inside, kept under lock and key, so as to not let his emotions rule his life. It stirred a cra
ving within him he’d tried to ignore for so long because he’d didn’t know if he’d ever get the chance to set it free, a deep and powerful need to have her with him, in his bed, night after night. A need to see her smiling up at him. To see her laughing and enjoying his company. He just needed her with him.
He withheld a growl. Who was he kidding? His emotions had always ruled his life. He’d built his company to show the world what a determined poor boy could do, to prove his worth to those who’d never believed. To remember her.
And now she was right there, just out of his reach.
If he went back into the ballroom and stormed over to her table, there was no doubt he would be rebuffed by her family and hauled away from her by security. He didn’t want to cause a scene, but if he took a risk, perhaps he could get Sophia to speak to him…alone. He needed to know if she felt what he felt, or if he’d imagined everything the night before.
A gentle, feminine cough caught his attention, and he half-turned to glance down the short flight of stairs. When he saw the tall silhouette of a woman in a curve-hugging gold and chartreuse dress and hair black as night, he blinked, certain his mind was playing tricks on him. She stalked toward him, stopping at the first step. The air was squeezed out of his chest as he realized she had come to him.
His angel.
His Sophia.
The soft lights overhead illuminated her face with beauty, and her milky skin looked radiant and ready to touch. Fighting back the urge to rush over to her, he angled his head and managed a small smile. This was the moment he had been waiting for.
And this time, he wasn’t letting the opportunity slip through his fingers.
Sophia drew a deep breath to steady herself as she ascended that first step. She looked over the strong features of his face, making sure her movements were confident and smooth. His brows appeared creased in concentration even though a slight smile played at his lips. His dark hair was tousled around his face, and his eyes shimmered. She climbed the remaining stairs, pausing at the edge of the landing.
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