Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance (Tales of the Guardian)

by Brianna Merrill

  Eventually Emily got up and began getting ready. It was only four thirty and she didn’t need to shower so she busied herself with other details like painting her toenails and giving herself a manicure. She hadn’t done any pampering in a while.

  She spent a little more time doing her hair and makeup than usual. She still preferred to wear very little makeup but she took more care putting it on. She swept her hair up in a full twist and used a jeweled comb to finish it off.

  Standing in her walk-in closet she looked her dresses over with a little more scrutiny.

  “What has gotten into me?”

  Whatever it was, Emily liked how it felt. There wasn’t any guilt connected to her giddiness; it was like a weight was taken off her chest. She was beginning to realize that just because her mother was gone, it didn’t mean Emily’s life was worthless. She needed to accept that her life would never be the same. It is okay to miss her mother, as long as she didn’t ignore all the other things and people surrounding her. Living life more fully was what her mother would have wanted. A bold idea for Emily. It was different than what she had grown accustomed to these past two years, but it made sense.

  She scanned her dresses once more and decided on a black tea-length gown that gracefully swept over her shoulders with form-fitted cap sleeves. The material came to a slight scrunch at one side of her waist and accentuated her fit and curvy figure. The dress was a gift from her father for Christmas, in hopes that she would wear it to his company’s New Year’s Eve party. Emily had backed out at the last minute and her father had graciously accepted. This would be the first time she wore the dress and she knew her father would be pleased.

  Emily finished off the outfit with some red peep toe pumps and a simple diamond pendant necklace. She gave herself a long look in the mirror. Satisfaction beamed from her eyes. It was going to be a good night.

  When they arrived at the Hilton they made their way to the ballroom, guided by the music that flooded from the open doors. Emily’s father had arranged for some popular Big Bands to perform. It was a good change from the normal orchestras he usually had at these events. The motive was to get people to actually dance this time. There was also a silent auction that was taking place for various items throughout the room.

  Emily spotted the waiters carrying around the hors d’ oeuvres, she was glad she had followed Rob’s advice and eaten a large lunch. She glanced around but didn’t spot him. It would be difficult to find him amidst the sea of black and white tuxes.

  “He said he would have something that made him stand out, what on earth did that mean?”

  Emily took her seat at a small round table that was near the dance floor as her father excused himself to make sure everything was going according to plan. She glanced around at the décor. The ballroom was outfitted like a club in the 1940s. It was elegant, with a trace of modern spunk. The event planners had really taken the Big Band theme and run with it.

  Emily was content to just sit and listen to the band. They played beautifully and she always appreciated good music.

  About fifteen minutes later Emily searched the top of the stairs toward the entrance. Rob was nowhere to be found as she did a full sweep across the room over her right shoulder. She focused back on the band as they began to play the song that made Louis Armstrong famous, “What a Wonderful World.”

  “I knew I would find you,” a familiar voice commented from behind. She started to turn around but Rob was faster. In one long stride he was in front of her.

  “Is this seat taken?” Rob gestured toward the chair next to Emily. There were only four seats surrounding them, and she knew that she and her father were the only two assigned to the table.

  “I think it has your name on it.”

  “Good. That works out well for me then, doesn’t it?” Rob sat down and in the same movement placed a flower directly in front of her. It was a small white short-stemmed orchid, cut for a tux or suit pocket.

  “Is this what’s supposed to make you stand out?” Emily felt a little bashful. She could tell where this was going.

  “Yes as a matter of fact it is. But I am giving it to you so the spotlight can be yours tonight.” Rob reached over and delicately tucked the small flower behind Emily’s left ear.

  “Thank you Rob. It’s beautiful.”

  “Almost as beautiful as you.” He smiled.

  There was that comment on her looks that she knew was bound to come from Rob. Although this time it didn’t seem as corny or annoying to her as it had in the past.

  Completely embarrassed now, Emily muttered another, “thank you,” and turned back to the band. Something had changed between them today. She definitely felt different toward Rob, but she wasn’t sure how strong her feelings were or even what they were.

  “So what is your father up to?” Rob broke the silence.

  “Oh, the usual. Making sure everything’s on schedule. You know he hires these people to organize and throw these events, but I don’t think he is capable of fully giving someone the reins on a project. No matter how well things are done, he still thinks he’s needed.” Emily explained.

  “Sounds like James,” Rob replied.

  They continued with light conversation, picking up where they had left off at lunch. After a little while Rob stood.

  “Can I get you anything?”

  “Sure. I haven’t had a Shirley Temple in a while and they’re my favorite.”

  “A Shirley Temple it is then.” Rob turned and made his way to the bar.

  Emily returned her attention back to the band. She noticed that a few people had come out on the dance floor. She watched an older couple move carefully across the floor. It was obvious to her that this cute pair knew what they were doing and enjoyed every minute of it.

  As she watched the dancers glide across the floor she spotted him. There, directly across the dance floor, in a perfectly fitted tux stood Alexander. His thick wavy hair was almost an exact match to the black of his jacket. His green eyes were so bright they completely stood out in a room of black and white. At the moment it was the only color Emily could see. His eyes were locked on hers and he immediately began to make his way over to her. His strides were smooth but quick and he was standing in front of her before she was able to catch her breath.

  “Hello, Emily.” His soft baritone voice made Emily’s heart skip a beat.

  “Hello,” was all she could stammer.

  Alexander gave a soft chuckle. “You look surprised to see me.” He raised his eyebrows in question.

  “Yes, I guess I am.” Emily really thought she would never see Alexander again. She lived in New York and rarely bumped into the same stranger twice.

  “Is it a good surprise or a bad one?” Alexander questioned.

  “Oh of course it’s a good surprise. I just have to say I didn’t think I would see you again.”

  “Well it seems as though fate has stepped in and here we are seeing one another again.”

  Rob arrived with the drinks in hand. The question and concern were apparent on his face.

  “Here you go Emily.” Rob placed the drink on the table.

  “Thanks Rob.” Emily glanced in his direction, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. She bit her lower lip, stalling; she wasn’t sure how to start the introductions. But just when she had gathered the courage, Rob beat her to it.

  “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Rob.” He stuck out his hand.

  Alexander accepted the handshake and responded, “I’m Alexander; it’s nice to meet you.”

  “So, are you a friend of Emily’s?” Rob blurted out boldly.

  “Yes. She and I met this past Monday when she was taking her violin to be restored.” Alexander then turned back to Emily. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I didn’t realize you were here with someone.”

  “Oh, I’m here with my dad, Rob is a close friend. He’s often the one who keeps me company at these things.”

  Emily didn’t have to look at Rob to know that what she
said hurt him. But it was the truth. She wasn’t here with Rob and she didn’t want Alexander to leave. He was right, fate had placed him in her path again and she wanted to find out why.

  “Well then, I am sure Rob won’t mind if I take over keeping you company for a short time and escort you out on the dance floor.” Alexander and Emily both turned to Rob for approval.

  Rob tried to appear confident. “Yeah that’s alright with me; I guess I should have asked her to dance sooner.”

  “Yes, you probably should have.” Alexander took Emily’s hand and led her to the dance floor.

  Just then the band began a new song, only the pianist kept the beat. The man with the microphone began to sing.

  “I can only give you love that lasts forever,

  and the peromise to be near each time you call…

  And the only heart I own, for you and you alone,

  that’s all… that’s all.”

  The rest of the band now began to play and the melody was soothing and slow. Emily recognized the lyrics of the song, “That’s All.”

  Alexander now had Emily in the middle of the dance floor. He raised her hand so that their arms formed a delicate V-shape. He took her other hand in his and slowly placed it on his shoulder. His arm circled her waist, and in one smooth motion, began to lead her in a circular dance pattern.

  Emily’s heart had not stopped pounding since Alexander’s sudden appearance. Now she found that it was slowing, as if to match the pace of the song. She felt relaxed and safe with Alexander this close.

  Emily looked up. “You should know that I haven’t danced in a quite a while.”

  In fact it was over a year. The last time Emily was on a dance floor was at her cousin’s wedding and against all of her protests she still had to dance the traditional slow dance because she was a part of the wedding party. Emily worried she would trip over her own feet or step on his.

  “I wouldn’t have guessed; you move very gracefully.” Alexander smiled; his green eyes seemed to sparkle. “You still seem a bit shocked to see me.”

  “I am. I was actually just wondering what it is that brought you here tonight.” Emily had to know what common thread they might have that would allow them to meet like this.

  “Well it would seem that I am here to save you again.”

  “Save me?” Confusion showed on Emily’s face.

  Alexander let out a burst of laughter.

  “Who is it that I need to be saved from?”

  “That guy over there.” Alexander gave a quick nod in Rob’s direction.

  “You mean Rob?”

  “Yes, he seems a little too friendly for your own good.”

  It was Emily’s turn to laugh. Alexander was definitely quick-witted.

  “So besides saving me, why are you really here?”

  “That’s what I do. I’m here to protect and guard someone.” Alexander explained

  Now that made perfect sense. There were certainly many high-profile people at this event and that would explain why he had the physique of a body builder and no problems pummeling her attacker.

  “You’re a body guard,” Emily stated.

  “I guess you could call me that.”

  “Won’t you be in trouble since you aren’t near whomever it is you’re here to guard?” she asked.

  “Oh, they’re as close as I want them for now. Besides I’m supposed to stay out of sight for the most part. My job has a lot to do with secrecy and not being seen.”

  “Oh I get it. Your secret is safe with me.” Emily gave a reassuring smile.

  “That’s good to know.” Alexander led them in a full spin and then back to the pattern of steps they were circling in before.

  “I’m glad I got to see you again Emily.” Alexander’s voice deepened and she could hear his sincerity behind it.

  Emily’s stomach came to life; it felt as though it was doing flips.

  “I’m happy to see you too.” She knew her color had to be bright red. No matter how dark her skin, the intense heat she felt in her cheeks could not be hidden.

  Emily looked down from his gaze, hoping to mask her embarrassment.

  “Have you heard anything about your violin?” Alexander inquired.

  “No, he hasn’t called yet. But he did say it could take two weeks.”

  “Have you made arrangements for someone to go with you to pick it up like you agreed to?” Alexander reminded her.

  “No, not yet. I guess that part slipped my mind.” Emily waited for the scolding.

  Instead Alexander surprised her. “Maybe I could go with you.”

  “I would like that.” Emily had wanted him to offer to go with her the very first time they met, but she knew that was unrealistic. She still didn’t know him that well, but for some reason it didn’t matter to her.

  “How about next Saturday? I can meet you outside your building,” Alexander offered.

  “I don’t know if it’ll be ready by then.” Emily gave a little shrug with her shoulders.

  “Well, if the violin is ready we will go get it. If it’s not we’ll go do something else.”

  “Is Alexander asking me out on a date?”

  “Okay that sounds like a plan.” Emily still felt like she was blushing.

  The song had come to an end. Only then did she realize that they had stopped moving and were now just standing there.

  “I believe my time is up.” Alexander slowly let his arms fall away. “I must get back to being invisible. Thank you for dancing with me. It was the highlight of my night.”

  “Do you have to leave so soon?” Emily sounded a little more anxious than she would have liked. But it was hard to hide her emotions when she was around him.

  “Yes, sorry about that. But I will see you again, you can count on it.”

  She nodded. “Next Saturday, then. Should we say ten a.m.?”

  “I will be looking forward to it.” Alexander gave her hand a light squeeze and then walked away.

  Emily watched as he weaved his way through the crowds of people and then he vanished from her sight. Just like that, there one minute, and gone the next.

  Chapter 4

  * * *

  Familiar Things

  The ring of her cell phone sent Emily dashing out of the bathroom, her hair dripping wet, her bulky robe causing her to trip and stumble. She clumsily fumbled with the phone to hit the right button in time.

  “Hello?” Emily answered the phone slightly out of breath.

  “Good morning. Is this Emily Wallace?”

  “Yes, this is Emily.”

  “This is Mr. Hunt from the music store.”

  “Oh, hello Mr. Hunt, how are you?”

  “I’m fine thank you. I got your message this morning about your violin. I am sorry but it won’t be ready today. The soonest I will have it done will be Tuesday. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Yes, that’s fine.” Emily responded. “I know when we first spoke you had estimated at least two weeks, but I was running some errands today and just thought I would check to see if it was ready.” That wasn’t completely the truth but Emily didn’t feel like she needed to explain the details to Mr. Hunt. “It’s no big deal there’s no rush at all.”

  “I should have it done Tuesday, if you want to plan on picking it up then.”

  “That would be wonderful. Thank you so much, I’ll see you Tuesday.”

  “Goodbye.” And the phone went silent.

  Emily was not disappointed. This meant that she and Alexander would do something else as he had suggested. It also ensured he would accompany her again when she did go get the violin.

  “What is it about him that has me so captivated?”

  The emotions Emily experienced when she thought of Alexander felt so foreign. The excitement grew in the pit of her stomach; as though a permanent grin would spread across her face if she didn’t suppress some of the feelings that had taken root. She didn’t understand why she felt these things aside from the fact that she had never expe
rienced them before. Alexander was still somewhat of a stranger, yet she could not deny the feeling like she did know him, like he was an old acquaintance or even friend.

  “I wouldn’t feel that way if he were some weirdo or criminal.” Emily reasoned as she went back to drying her hair.

  It was Saturday morning and she was going to meet Alexander in one hour. After her hair and makeup were done she made a beeline for her closet. Emily had done a little shopping this past week in anticipation for today. When she had come home from the charity concert and went to put her dress away she quickly determined that she didn’t have any casual clothes that were cute enough to wear around Alexander. After all, most of her clothes appeared to be more like tattered sacks that were poorly fitted and hung awkwardly.