Matt turned around; his eyes were glazed, as if he already had a good buzz. Those gorgeous blue eyes perused over my body slowly and I realized he didn’t seem to recognize me. I wasn’t sure if I was turned on by that or thoroughly insulted. He slid his hand around my waist and pulled me towards him looking down at my face.
Who the hell just grabs a random woman at a wedding like that — or anywhere for that matter? A player. A guy who can pick out any woman he wants because he knows he’s so good looking he’ll get her. Despite my thoughts, my heart sped up and my stomach had fits of butterflies flitting around.
Shit. I despise him, don’t I? Yes. He’s a player, smug and gets everything he wants at work and…I’m sort of engaged. I just wish his hands didn’t feel so fantastic wrapped around my waist. I swallowed, trying to gather some strength within me to talk to him without wavering.
While I was debating this in my head, Mr. Williams went ahead and spoke, his hands still resting on my hips, his beautiful blue eyes staring into mine. His full lips were close to mine and the scent of him mixed with vodka made my sex clench.
“Damn, you’re beautiful. I know this sounds like a tacky pick up line, but have we met before? I swear I’ve seen those gorgeous eyes of yours before.” The corner of his mouth turned up slightly as he added, “They remind me of the heavens just after an amazing rain storm over the ocean.”
Why did my knees just want to buckle? That’s the corniest line I’ve ever heard and I bet he’s said that to more than his fair share of women. Despite those thoughts at the back of my mind, my heart still picked up. I needed to remind him quickly who I am before we both say things we might regret. Although, the thought of how incredible his lips would taste entered my mind as I tried to tear my gaze away from his full mouth. Aubrey’s words of just letting loose for one night kept creeping into my thoughts. I needed to make that thought disappear quickly.
Putting an end to this charade quickly, I smiled and answered, “You have seen them before. I’m sure you also felt like I was the storm.” He licked his lips as his mouth curled up on one side, revealing such a sexy arrogance that made my insides have their own storm — wanting him and distaste for him.
His right hand curled around to the small of my back, slightly caressing me as he rubbed his fingers delicately. “If I’ve met you before, I think I’d remember.” His other hand slid up to my face and he smoothly slipped a gathering of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered around my lobe and then glided with the softest touch along my neck, just at the top of my cleavage, leaving me craving for more of his touch.
Our eyes were locked now and my heart was pounding, my breathing increased and I had trouble remembering why I disliked him. I was suddenly aware that my mother could be nearby and see the exchange. I needed to stop this...whatever it was. Although my body wasn’t wanting this to stop. I’ve never been so breathless for a man, including Charles. I tried my best to dig down deep in order to break our locked gaze and changed my tone to set things right. “You see me every day at work. I can see that you’re also lacking memory skills. Maybe I can sign you up for that class too.”
Bingo. His eyes flashed immediate recognition as his eyes grazed over me again in total surprise.
“Hargrave?” He removed his hands immediately and stepped back, looking my entire body over again. “Damn, you clean up really nice. What happened to the glasses?” He was still perusing my body, which should have made me feel naked, but all it really did was make me feel incredibly sexy. Empowering.
“They’re only for reading, so I usually wear them at the office.” I glanced around the room hoping to gather my wits about me and at the same time let him know he doesn’t affect me.
“Well shit, I like the way you look without them.” I turned my gaze back at him, lifting my brows and giving him a questionable smirk. “Although the glasses give you that bitchy sexpot look.” He turned up the corner of his mouth with that sexy smile and I couldn’t stop staring at his lips. He must have noticed because he licked them so seductively and slowly. All thoughts of being strong were vanishing and thoughts of being his for just one night were taking over.
Trying to break my stare, I smiled as I repeated, “Bitchy sexpot?”
He smiled back at me and returned his hand to my waist. “Don’t give me that look. You know exactly what you do to all the guys at the office.”
Surprised, my eyebrows raised and my mouth dropped open. “I…what do I do to what guys at the office?”
That corner of his mouth turned up again and then his tongue ran along his lips which, of course, my gaze returned to. He briefly looked away before looking back into my eyes. “You know exactly how you turn on all the guys at work. Walking around like you own the place. That sway you have with your hips.” He leaned in and whispered, “I have an instant hard on for you, especially when you’re pissed off at me.” His nose barely touched my lobe and his hot breath telling me how I turn him on, immediately gave me flutters of excitement. He pulled back, giving me that sexy smile and looked as if he were about to kiss me. I ran my tongue along my lips in anticipation, wanting to taste him so badly.
“I…,” I wasn’t even sure how I was going to respond before I was interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Vanessa. I’m so glad I’ve found you,” my mother said.
I closed my eyes in both annoyance and embarrassment, while my stomach rolled with nervousness that she might have seen my “almost” kiss. “Mom.” She took her stance close to me almost blocking Matt, but still sort of including him.
“Introduce me to your new friend,” she ordered in her condescending voice. I exhaled a deep breath knowing this was not going to go well. Although that might bode well for needing to distance myself from the excitement I seem to be feeling for him. Hot sexual thoughts filled with want and desire.
“This is Matt Williams…,” I started to introduce him, but interrupted me before I could tell my mom that he works at my company.
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Hargrave.” Mr. Williams held out his hand with that charming smile. His voice was dripping with charisma, trying to impress her.
“Mr. Williams.” My mother briefly nodded her head and ignored Matt’s outstretched hand. “I was just coming over to let Vanessa know that her fiancé just called.” She turned towards me and gave me a glare, hinting that she obviously noticed Matt’s hands on my waist and saw our lips so very close. “Charles said he would be more than happy to have brunch Sunday morning to further discuss your wedding plans.” As she stated this, she eyed Matt with distaste. She stressed fiancé making sure he heard that word loud and clear before continuing. “Vanessa will be a doctor’s wife soon.” She added in for good measure.
I felt like I was twelve years old the way she was making sure to let him know about my nearing nuptials. “Mom. I…Mr. Williams doesn’t need to know all this.”
Mr. Williams picked up on my insecurity. He crossed his arms across his chest and had a stupid grin on his face as he stated, “Sure I do. Please. I’m intrigued about Ms. Hargrave’s fiancé.”
“Charles Radcliffe is going to be a cardiac surgeon,” Mom stated proudly. Her head held high as a peacock ready to display her feathers. “He’s not accompanying Vanessa to this wedding because he’s on call.” My mom glared at him daring him to say something about Charles.
Mr. Williams again seemed to pick up on that and his eyes were dancing with desire to antagonize my Mom. “Forgive me, but he can still go out when he’s on call. Beepers and cell phones are the latest craze.” His smirk was evident and I’m not sure if my mom picked up on that or if she was just appalled that I was even speaking with the likes of Mr. Williams.
“He needs to remain close to the hospital,” My mom snapped, stressing the importance of Charles’ job.
Mr. Williams’ nodded his head while pressing his lips together. He still had that look in his eyes. He was having fun. “Hmm. That does seem much more important than accompanying his,” his eye
s grazed over my body while he licked his lips again, “stunning and quite beautiful fiancée to a romantic wedding in a fantasy setting. If Ms. Hargrave were my fiancée, I’d never let her attend any wedding alone.” He finished his perusing of my body, his gaze finally landed straight into mine and heat rose through my body. My cheeks flushed as I swallowed. I was flattered by his statement, but unsure if he said it to antagonize my mother or if he really believed that about me.
My mother’s expression turned dark as she snapped, “Well, thankfully, you’re not her fiancé.” She glanced back at me, pulling her chin up and said with arrogance, “Vanessa and Charles will have a much more extravagant and elegant wedding.”
Mr. Williams was clearly amused by this whole interaction. “Really? Where will that be?”
Aubrey and “Clark Kent” walked up to where we stood. Aubrey glared at my mom and I could tell she went into protective mode. “I think Dr. Hargrave was looking for you. He mentioned he received a call from the hospital.” Aubrey made sure to position her shoulder in front of my body, slightly blocking my mother. Clark seemed to pick up on the tension in the air between…well, all of us. Mr. Williams still had that smug smirk on his face, his eyes dancing with mirth.
“Vanessa, your father and I can give you a ride home,” My mom stated to me having to peer around Aubrey.
I was just about to speak when Aubrey spoke up for me. “She has a ride home with me. We drove here together.”
Clark then spoke up, wrapping his arm around Aubrey. “Yeah, I’ll be giving them both a ride.” He clearly did not mean in a car. I cringed knowing my mom would be on full alert by that comment. Hopefully, she completely missed his insinuation.
“Clearly, you need to come with us, Vanessa. It seems Aubrey plans on becoming inebriated and taking part in other,” she leered at Clark, “activities.”
Aubrey was about to speak up, when I decided that I needed to say something to my own mother. I usually try to avoid confrontation with her, but this was going to create a full fight between us if I didn’t stop it. “I’ll be fine, Mom, really. I can always take a cab home,” I told her, hoping that might diffuse the situation.
Mom nodded, slightly taken aback that I dismissed her. “Well, don’t stay out too late. I’m sure Charles will try to visit you tonight.” She clearly said that for the guys’ sake because Charles never visits me, unless we schedule it. She knew that bit of information and it was clear to me she was making Charles out to be the good guy in this, as always. I wish I could tell her that we decided to take a break from our relationship. Unfortunately, I’d never have that type of relationship with her that I could tell her without repercussions. The thought saddened me.
Aubrey made a small choking noise, which made both guys look at her. “You’re kidding, right? Charles? Visit?”
Mr. Williams’ quirked up his eyebrow in that sexy yet annoying way. “Why would you say that?” He seemed quite amused by this whole conversation. Meanwhile, I was completely mortified that everyone was discussing my private life – in front of me. Yet all I could do was stand there, listening.
Aubrey was more than happy to clarify. “Charles never visits. He’s pretty much married to his j…”
I cut her off, “He’s just terribly busy. That’s all.” I glared at Aubrey. I was horrified that Mr. Williams had such a huge glimpse into my personal life. I’m sure that will affect how he views me at the office.
My mother glared at me. “Vanessa, may I see you for a moment, please.” I glanced quickly to Aubrey, who rolled her eyes. I stepped away from the small group as I followed my mother.
“Vanessa, I’m very concerned about who you are associating yourself with. You’ll be a doctor’s wife soon and you need to make sure your involvements aren’t with people with such…characteristics. You wanted a career and I’ve come to terms with that. But you still need to remember your place within our society.”
I took a deep breath so that I wouldn’t say anything I would regret. Anytime I’ve spoken out of turn has always come back to haunt me with her. She has a way of twisting anything I say and making me feel even more inadequate. “I understand Mom. I really do. Aubrey and I are just going to hang out for a little while and then head back home. We won’t stay too much longer. I’ll take a cab back if things get out of control.” I gave her a small smile of assurance. At the age of twenty-eight, she still had the power to make me feel like I was twelve years old. I’ve always craved her acceptance and oddly, I was still seeking it at this age.
She gave me a wary look, as if she didn’t believe me, then turned on her heel to leave. “Goodbye Mom,” I muttered under my breath.
I took another deep breath before turning back to Aubrey, Clark Kent and Mr. Williams. Honestly, I didn’t want to return to our group just yet because I knew they were probably watching me. I decided to go use the restroom to freshen up and try to gather my wits from being completely embarrassed in front of Mr. Williams.
While I was in the bathroom stall, I overheard a couple of women chatting in the lounge area. One was giggling about her fiancé and chatting incessantly about how she couldn’t wait to be married. I couldn’t help but listen to their conversation and at the same time wondering why I wasn’t so excited about marrying Charles. Why wasn’t I so thrilled and talking about him with such affection as this woman was? Why had I just asked him for a break from our relationship? What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just enjoy such an amazing man, the man my mom had just described to Matt Williams? And…why didn’t Charles bring such excitement to me as Matt Williams had just now?
The more I thought about Charles, the more I felt like an absolute bitch. Who has the perfect man and just throws him away? Or rather takes a break from him. I should just break off our engagement so he can go about his life and meet someone who can really appreciate him.
I left the bathroom stall and stared at myself in the mirror. I glared at my reflection when the sparkle of my engagement ring drew my eyes down to it. I continued to stare at it as I moved my hand back and forth, watching the sparkle glint throughout the room. It was such a gorgeous ring. I lifted my hand to inspect it more closely. The perfect solitaire. Perfect cut that made it sparkle…perfectly.
Tears sprang to my eyes and my chest felt tight. I don’t deserve this ring. I don’t deserve such an amazing man. I don’t deserve such a perfect future. I looked back at my reflection and only saw a fat teenager with frizzy hair. I had worked so hard to erase the memories of seeing that reflection. I worked hard to push aside those feelings of self-hatred. And here they were, popping back up because I have the perfect man in my life?
Clicking of heels on the tile floor became louder as I heard, “Vanessa?” A sudden sob choked from my throat knowing I needed Aubrey more than anything right now. I quickly wiped my tears and I rushed toward Aubrey, almost crashing into her. Aubrey briefly pushed away to look at my face. She looked relieved to find me, but her expression changed immediately when she noticed mine.
“Are you okay, Vanessa? What’s wrong?”
I wanted to tell her, but wasn’t sure if I could get the words out. I really didn’t want to cry about Charles anymore, but all my feelings were just welling up in me and I felt like I couldn’t stop them.
“Vanessa?” I heard Aubrey repeat my name, prompting me to talk to her. My lips trembled as tears began to stream down my face.
I shook my head, feeling ashamed and stupid for my thoughts. “Charles. I was just thinking how I don’t deserve someone like him,” I choked out in between sobs.
Aubrey pulled me back by my shoulders and gave me a faint smile as she brushed my hair from my shoulders. “You’re wrong Vanessa. You deserve better. You deserve to have a man who wants to please you with more than just things. You keep telling me how perfect he is, but he’s really not if he just focuses on his apartment being clean, or his life being in order. That’s not what makes a good life, Vanessa. You deserve romance…to be swept off your feet. You deserve to e
njoy life with someone instead of trying to fit into his life. That’s all this is Vanessa. He’s just an extension of your parents. Your life with him will be nothing more than them trying to continue to mold you into what they want you to be. Stop trying to fit into their world and create your own.”
She lightly took my left hand and ran her fingers over my engagement ring. She started to pull it off, but I tried to stop her. I looked into her eyes and she shook her head. “You’re broken up, for now, at least. You’re going to test it out. You’re going to be your own person. Not Charles’ fiancée.” She tugged again at the ring, slipping it off my finger. She took it in her hands and placed it into her clutch.
“Matt’s still out there. You’re going to go out there and just enjoy being a single woman, free from your parents’ hold. Free from Charles’ hold. You have nothing holding you back.”
I shook my head. “I have my work policy that says no intercompany dating.”
“You’re not at work, Vanessa. I’m pretty sure no one else is here from your job either.” Her slender hands gripped each of my shoulders and squeezed firmly. “Clark mentioned Matt needs a pick me up and you really could use one too. You don’t have to fuck him, just have fun and flirt.” I rolled my eyes as fear gripped me of attempting to seduce a man. Sexuality doesn’t usually come naturally to me. “Don’t give me that,” she continued. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you were getting hot for him. I know sexy body language when I see it and you were giving him signals too.”
“I was not!” I blurted out.
Aubrey smiled. “So don’t sleep with him, but at least have fun with him. He’s probably a great time. His friends sure seem to be.” She got behind me and turned me toward the mirror. She began to run her fingers under my hair, fluffing it to make it full and then she gently gathered it over my shoulder, making my slight curls fall down my cleavage. Then she got in front of me and began to fix my makeup, pulling my lip-gloss from my purse and applying it quickly as I continued to sniffle. She stepped back to admire her work and smiled. “God, you’re so sexy and beautiful and you don’t even realize it. Fucking annoying,” she whispered the last part as she gave me a grin.
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