by C. C. Piper
“Really? You were on campus?” If Richard had passed me on the sidewalk would I have noticed him? I might have noticed that an unusually hot man was strolling around Cal State, but I wouldn’t have given it a second thought after that.
It was Richard’s personality, and his generosity that was making me fall for him.
“Yes. I was there twice last month.”
“Good. We’ll say I applied for one of your scholarships. If we said you met at the restaurant where I work, everyone would think I’m trash and out to get your money.”
“Chrissy. You are not trash.”
“I don't think I am. But people you know would. If they thought you met me while I waited on you at a diner, they would think I seduced you or tricked you, and that I’m out to raid your bank account.”
Richard was silent for a long time. He rubbed his hands over his face before sighing.“I hate that you’re right about that. But you probably are.” He turned back toward me and put a hand on my knee. “I want you to be cordial to everyone at my party. But if someone treats you badly, please let me know.”
“I can handle it. I’ve been judged a lot in my life. It will be just fine.”
“I have no doubt.” He squeezed my knee gently. “But I’d like to know.” He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “Enjoy your visit.” I let him kiss me, then I turned to kiss him goodbye on the mouth. “Thank you again,” I said.
Inside Bella’s room, I spotted the array of stuffed animals and balloons I’d caught a glimpse of on the phone. I hurried to her bedside to hug her. She grabbed me, but she was more interested in talking than embracing.
“Look at these toys!” She pointed at the pile of at least thirty brand-new stuffed animals. “I heard the nurse say that whoever paid for this room sent all these toys too. She said it was a denefactor.”
“A benefactor.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s someone who gives money.”
“Your rich restaurant boss? Right?”
“Right.” I didn’t like misleading her. When I found out who had donated this, whether it was Richard or the Wish Maker, I’d find a way to explain it to her without giving away details she was too young to hear.
I crawled onto the bed with my sister. We hadn’t ever spent a night apart until she got sick.
“Wanna see my doll that turns into a dog?” She shoved the dog into my face.
“Sure.” I drifted while Bella presented each new toy and described its function, from slime, to magnetized beads, to sequined pillows and packages of mystery dolls.
As she talked, my heart swelled. I loved her so much.
And Richard had done everything he could to help her.
I loved him too.
It was probably too soon. And it probably wasn’t smart, but what I felt for him moved beyond affection. It moved beyond fondness or respect.
I was in love with him.
16
Richard
After the day I’d spent with Chrissy — sailing, taking the helicopter to Catalina, and having lunch on the island — hosting a party was the last thing I wanted to do. But I had no choice. The invitations had been issued, the caterer had been paid, the orchestra had been booked.
If I canceled, my investors would not be pleased.
I wasn’t a natural host, but my father had created this tradition of holding an annual party to honor our investors, and I was committed to upholding it. I would normally avoid the house until the last minute, leaving all the preparations to the staff. But tonight, I wanted to go over the details myself. I found myself wanting to make sure the house was ready.
The difference was because of Chrissy. She had changed my entire outlook on life.
Before I met her, I was content to work and hang out with Travis. That was the extent of my day. I didn’t have fun. I didn’t date. I didn’t share a connection.
Chrissy’s perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds was inspiring. I figured telling her that would be patronizing, but I hoped she was able to feel my admiration.
I had told her tonight would be a test. In truth, I had been trying to put some space between us, for my own sake. I was in too deep. If she decided to end the trial, I’d be crushed.
For me, there was no test. It didn’t matter to me how she behaved. If she chewed with her mouth full, or if she got drunk and shouted curse words, or if she threw a drink at my biggest investor, it wouldn’t affect the depth of my feelings for her.
I would still want Chrissy in my life.
I was looking forward to her joining me tonight. I wished we were still out on our date, but since we weren’t, the next best thing would be making her happy with a pleasant party.
The joy on Chrissy’s face when we pulled up to the hospital had been the reaction I’d hoped for. Seeing her smile was becoming addictive. I found myself wanting to make her happy all the time.
I knew she would conduct herself appropriately, as best she could. I hoped none of the guests were rude to her. I had a feeling she wouldn’t tell me unless I made it a direct order for her to obey.
I didn’t want her feelings hurt. And I wanted her to enjoy herself. And if I was honest, I wanted to impress her. I didn’t want to consider it, but it seemed likely that I was falling for her.
Going out of my way to impress a woman was new to me. I knew women liked the way I looked; they always had. But I’d never tried to impress a woman with my actions or my appearance. It seemed like a tedious exercise. Chrissy was here for my money, not my looks.
But I couldn’t suppress the urge. I wanted her to like our dates. I wanted her to like my party. And I wanted to look nice for her.
All of my tuxes looked the same. They were all custom made by the same designer. But I picked out the newest one and put it on. As I was finishing with my cufflinks, Travis called.
“Hey man, how’s it going? Where are you? I just stopped by your office and you weren’t there.”
I opened the photo app on my phone and looked at a selfie Chrissy and I had taken on the sailboat. “I’m at home. Getting ready for the party.”
“You hate those things.”
“Chrissy’s coming to this one. So I wanted her to feel at ease.”
“Ah, the new chick! Did you get what you wanted?”
“It’s been good. She’s settling in. She quit her other jobs, and she’s going to go back to class next week. So I’ll be getting her a driver of her own.”
“Dude. That’s the boring stuff. Give me the juicy details. Have you popped her cherry yet?
The photo of Chrissy with her blonde hair tied into a bun, and her cheeks adorably sunburned while she ginned into the camera made me smile. And her happy grin made me feel guilty. Why had I told Travis what I’d wanted in my companion? Now that I knew Chrissy, I regretted ever making that demand. Yes, being the first man to possess her body had been heady. But it wasn’t important. If she’d been with twenty men, she’d still be the same dedicated, hard-working woman she was. “I’m not going to discuss that with you.”
“You have!” Travis made a whooping sound. “You dog. What was it like?”
“Stop it.” I put a little steel in my voice. Friend or not, I wasn’t going to allow Travis to talk about Chrissy like she was a piece of meat. “You are not to tell anyone how we met. I don’t want to embarrass her.”
“I wouldn’t, man. The Wish Maker would have my balls in a vice if I did that. Damn though. I want a meeting with the Wish Maker. I don’t know why you get to plow a tight virgin cherry and I get nothing. ” Travis laughed. “So you like her?”
Travis’s vile description of the intimacy I’d shared with Chrissy made me sick. I had brought it on myself, by telling Travis that I was planning to make such superficial demands. Now I wanted him off the phone. “Yes. I owe you for taking me to the club. I didn’t have any hope when we visited the club, but it’s been worth it. I have to go. I’ll see you later on this evening.”
“Dude. You
really do like her, don’t you?”
“Yes. I’ll tell you once more. Do not try to embarrass her. She is sweet, and kind, and hard-working. And yes, I have feelings for her. I want to make her life easier. I want to take care of her. She’s so independent, but she’s feisty too.”
As Travis started making kissy sounds, I hung up the phone.
For the first time in my life, dread wasn’t the only emotion swirling through my head at the prospect of guests filling my home.
I would be seeing Chrissy soon. I had chosen a very specific dress just for this occasion. It was a very different style from the fitted cocktail dresses she’d worn until now. I couldn't wait to see her in it.
17
Chrissy
In the shower, I added extra conditioner to my sticky hair. Despite having my hair in a bun on the sailboat and in the helicopter, it was tangled from the sail boat ride, and was still full of salt. My arms were a golden tan, and my cheeks were red from the sun.
When I came out of the bathroom, still wrapped in a towel, a mannequin stood in the center of my room.
The figure wore a strapless ball gown with layers and layers of pink tulle for the skirt. The bodice was covered in pink sequins. It was the most gorgeous dress I’d ever seen. I’d seen glimpses of fancy dresses before on television, for the Oscars and the Golden Globes, but I’d never allowed myself to indulge in admiring them the way other women my age did. Before meeting Richard, wearing a fancy dress wasn’t within reach for me, so there had been no point in looking.
But now I had one of my own right in front of me. I ran my hand across the sequins, letting them tickle the palm of my hand.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I opened the door to see a woman around my age standing there. “Hi,” she said. “I’m Jean. Mr. Boswell hired me from the cosmetology school to do your makeup and hair.” Behind her, an older woman appeared. “I’m Carolyn. I’m an event planner. I handle all of Mr. Boswell’s parties here at the mansion. I’m going to go over the schedule for tonight, and any etiquette you might need.”
I sat in a office style chair that Jean brought with her, and Jean got to work. She was a little slower paced than Loren from the Wish Maker’s club. Loren had been efficient at transforming me during my time at the club, but it was kind of Richard to hire students and give them opportunities to work outside of school.
While Jean smoothed on lotions, foundations and powders, Carolyn explained the details of the evening to me.
“The number one rule is to not get drunk.” She tucked her clipboard under her arm and pointed her pen at me. “Don’t even get tipsy. You may have one drink and sip it slowly throughout the evening.”
“I will be happy to follow that advice in the future. But I won’t be drinking tonight. I’m not twenty-one yet.”
“That’s never stopped anyone else, but I’m glad. It makes my life easier. Half my career has been spent trying to mitigate the bad decisions rich people make while blackout drunk.” Carolyn fanned herself with her clipboard for a minute.
“Next, don’t chew gum. Also, do not chew with your mouth full. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Don’t eat during conversations with people you don’t know.” She took a moment to chew on her pen cap. “Don’t take your shoes off. If your feet hurt, tell me and I’ll get you some flats. Stand up straight, do not slouch. You will not have your phone. Richard has already contacted the hospital to let them know to contact me. If your sister needs you, I’ll find you immediately.”
I was impressed that he’d thought of that.
“You will be expected to dance. Richard will guide you; don’t worry about that part. The music will be made up of an orchestra. If someone jumps into the pool, do not join them.”
I bowed my head as Jean began curling my hair. “Does that happen a lot?” This was not a casual gathering of friends. It was a formal cocktail party with business associates. The thought of someone jumping into the pool was funny, but I definitely wouldn't be anywhere near that.
“Often enough that I feel the need to mention it.”
I could handle all of that.
“If someone asks you about your religious preferences or your political affiliations, tell him or her you’d like to hear more about theirs, or get yourself away.”
“I can do that.”
“Good. Last year someone insulted the prime minister of Ireland’s most recent speech, and one of the guests threw a piece of cake at him.”
“Richard didn’t tell me these parties get rowdy.”
“I try to keep as much crazy from Richard as possible.” She gave me a big smile. “That’s what he hired me for.”
“In that case, thank you for the advice.”
“You’ll be fine.” She patted me on the shoulders. “I’ve got to get downstairs. Jean, fabulous work.” With that, Carolyn was gone. Jean continued curling my hair while I sat back and enjoyed having someone do it for me.
Finally she was done. She bent down next to me and turned the chair.
“Now you can look,” she said, pointing to the large mirror.
I gasped. I looked like a princess. A small portion of my hair was pulled up on top of my head, with curls cascading down onto my shoulders. The pale pink of the dress made my blonde hair stand out.
My eyes looked bluer and bigger than usual. My cheekbones were highlighted with a faint pink, and all of my skin glowed.
A diamond necklace sat right at my throat.
Jean helped me step into my ball gown. She helped me pull on white gloves that showed off my new tan.
“You are exquisite. That is the only word for you.”
Carolyn reappeared in time to thank Jean and sent her home. “Let’s get you to Mr. Boswell. He’s going to be beside himself when he sees you. He’s waiting for you in his study.” Carolyn took me to the office, which I’d never seen before. When we got there, she hugged me. “You are stunning. And you are sweet, and kind. Remember that, all night.” She reached up and touched the side of my face. “It was so lovely to work with you. If everyone was like you, my job would be so easy.” She lowered her voice. “I’ve worked for Richard for a long time. He’s a good man. I’m so glad he’s found you.”
I appreciated her honesty. “Thank you, Carolyn. I feel a lot better knowing you’ll be around during the party.”
She squeezed my hand one last time and left. Richard’s door was cracked. I put my hand up to push the door open, but stopped when I heard his deep voice. He was on the phone. If he was still working, I’d wait outside for a few moments until he was done.
His voice rose, but he wasn’t talking about work. He was talking about me.
“... She is sweet, and kind, and hard-working. And yes, I have feelings for her. I want to make her life easier. I want to take care of her. She’s so independent, but she’s feisty too.”
I was moved. He didn’t say those things for my benefit. He didn’t have to say anything for my benefit. From the things he said, he liked me for more than my virginity, and my willingness to submit to him; he’d noticed parts of my personality.
I waited until he was off the phone, then I knocked on his door.
“Come in.”
I came into the room slowly. The ball gown gave the appearance of gliding.
Richard gaped at me for a moment before recovering. “I’m speechless. You don’t even look real,” he said.
I put my hand on his cheek. I wanted to thank him, but I knew he wouldn’t like it that I’d overheard his conversation.
To my surprise, he closed his eyes and leaned in.
I couldn't thank him for what he’d said on the phone. But I could talk to him. “I —” My voice broke, and the words froze in my throat.
He frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. I wanted to tell you something.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve fallen in love with you.”
Dammit. I hadn’t meant to confess that. I had only meant
to say how much I appreciated his kindness toward my sister, to let him know that I cared for him beyond the money and security he could offer me.
He didn’t seem put off though. His green eyes were fixed on me. “I’m going to kiss you.”
His lips met mine. I needed him inside me. I wanted to show him, with every part of me how much he meant to me.
His mouth was warm, and he tasted of mint, mixed with whiskey. I straddled him, taking care to pull the skirt of my gown up so I didn’t crush it. He lifted me, fancy gown and all, still holding onto me, laid me down on his desk. His hands disappeared under the pink tulle. “These are in my way.” He pulled my panties down, tugging, ripping them from my body. I felt the cool air as he exposed my body.
“You aren’t going to wear panties tonight.”
He moved away, folding them away in his bottom desk drawer. “You’ll be bare beneath this dress. I’ll know all night that you’re naked for me under this dress.”
I shuddered. I would never have considered leaving my room without panties on. But now it sounded like the hottest idea I’d ever heard. “Yes. You could put your hand under my dress and touch me there, if no one was looking.”
His eyes darkened. “Keep that kind of talk up and we won’t make it to the party.” He rubbed his face across my chest. “You turn me on, so much.”
He leaned back, unbuttoning his tuxedo pants. His erection pressed against his boxers. “Look what you’ve done to me.”
I did look. I reached one hand out, ready to touch his arousal.
He clasped my hand in his before letting go. “No. I don’t want to finish like that.”
As he got his hand between my legs, he groaned. “You’re wet.”
“It’s because I want you.”
“Chrissy.” He groaned again. “You can’t say things like that.”
I didn’t feel like I was good at bedroom talk yet, but the few things I said affected Richard. I vowed to keep trying.