Chapter 9

Cathy dressed with the utmost care. The annual Christmas gala was always held on the Saturday before Christmas Day, and it was fabulous. The event was artfully arranged by the powerful ‘wives’- African American women married to the movers and shakers and powerhouses.

The event was twofold. It was an excuse to go all out and be lavish, getting as many celebrities in one place as possible. It was also geared towards raising money for the less fortunate, not only in America, but several third-world countries as well.

Leesa Wellington and Kelly Takahashi spearheaded this particular charity, which guaranteed that it was something one could not afford to miss.

The Royale Palace was owned by a member of the Elite Club and the date was always stamped in stone. Invitations to the event were sent out from as early as September and RSVPed promptly to ensure that one is on the coveted guest list.

It was also an incredibly formal event and an opportunity to talk business and make deals. The food was catered by several different high-end restaurants and the guests could look forward to having their taste buds tantalized by the varied cuisine.

The first time Cathy attended, she had been so dazzled and overwhelmed by the setting, which had it not been for Justin by her side, she would have bolted.

But over the years, she had learned to take it in stride. Besides, she was at a place where she rubbed shoulders with these powerful women and could call some of them friends.

Monique Romano was not only her employer, but she was also a friend and Cathy admired her. Along with the clique of black women who had made their profound marks in society.

Because of the way she had been feeling lately, she had decided to go all out. The dress was new and one of her own designs.

It was a mixture of orange and gold, the material a shimmering concoction that was as soft as butter and deceptively simple. It looked ordinary, except for the dazzling color, until it settled over the skin, where it hugged and molded every inch of flesh.

Her generous breasts were showcased. Because of the close fit, it was impossible to wear any underwear at all. To make up for the lack, Cathy had on a nude-colored teddy that she had also designed.

She had spent two hours at the salon, getting her almost waist length hair, shampooed, deep conditioned and clipped as well as the blonde highlighted and the result was stunning. Her makeup was flawless, the orange lipstick enhancing the shape of her full bottom lip.

Stepping back from the full-length mirror, she eyed herself critically from head to the toes of her designer boots and nodded in approval. She needed the boost of self-confidence and to hell with Earl. She was big, black, and beautiful and no one was going to make her regret that she wasn’t.

*****

Her effort was well worth it when she appeared downstairs, and Justin caught his first glimpse of her as she descended the stairs.

She laughed softly at the dazed expression on his beautiful face and felt a glow of pleasure at what his expression indicated.

“Good God!” He breathed, automatically coming forward to take her hand. “You are…” Words failed him as he continued staring at her. “Darling, marry me and let’s make exceptionally beautiful children together.”

She laughed harder, turning around to give him the full effect.

His eyes narrowed as he took in the lush curves. “Wait, are you naked under that thing?”

“I am wearing a flesh-colored teddy.”

He grimaced. “How am I going to keep the men from mowing me down to get to you?” He complained as he tucked her hand through his arm. “And your perfume! Is it Allure?” bending his head, he sniffed appreciatively.

“You know your scents. Ready?”

“Wait.”

“Why?”

He turned her to face him, his expression sober. He was wearing black, the silk sweater and pants unrelieved by a superbly cut dinner jacket that sat well on his lean frame. His dreadlocks were brushed and twisted into complicated knots that flowed to his waist.

Framing her face between his palms, he sent a sober expression towards her.

“If I ever hear you complain about being less than beautiful, I am going to kick your ass. Darling, you absolutely take my breath away.”

“Thank you.” She smiled that dazzling smile that had his heart skipping beats.

“This is one of those times that I wish to God that I was straight.” He said feelingly.

“You say that all the time.”

“And tonight, I really mean it. I am sticking close to you.”

“Byron will be there, remember?”

They made their way out the front door to where his Porsche was parked at the base of the porch steps.

“Why didn’t he pick you up?” Justin asked as he opened the door for her.

“I asked him not to. I wanted to go with you.”

He gave her a shrewd glance, before slamming the door shut.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, he secured his seatbelt before commenting. “You did not want him taking you home.”

She shrugged self-consciously.

“I have tried Jus, and it’s not working.”

Leaning over, he kissed one smooth cheek. “It’s not your fault darling. The man just does not do anything for you.”

“I keep wondering what the hell is wrong with me?” She murmured impatiently. “He is a nice guy and willing to please. Why don’t I feel anything for him?”

“Because you cannot command love. The heart wants what the heart wants.”

“I suppose.” Shaking away the melancholy, she forced a smile. “I am not going to think about anything negative. Not tonight. Tonight, I am going to dance, mingle with the rich and famous and drink tons of champagne. And oh, I have not eaten anything since breakfast, because I intend to take advantage of all that sumptuous cuisine.”

“Remember when we only had soggy rice puddings and that awful tasting potato salad?” He flashed her a grin as he negotiated the traffic on the highway. Justin had connected his phone to his car and the sounds of Christmas melodies permeated the air.

“We have come a very long way from that awful place.” Leaning her head back against the padded rest, she closed her eyes briefly.

“We have. You were the one who always encouraged me, reminding me that we would get out and make something of our lives.” He glanced at her as he shot through the lights. “You lit into me when I wanted to give up. I was such a spoiled entitled brat.”

“I was not having any of that attitude.” She recalled with a smile.

“You were pretty mean.”

“Had to be. You were such a damn girl.”

“I hated you and loved you at the same time.”

“I know.”

Taking his hand off the console, he twined his fingers through hers. “You saved me.”

“If you are going to cry, I am going to bail and hitchhike.”

He shot her a retiring look. “You are such a bitch.”

She laughed, bringing their clasped hands to her lips, and kissing his. “I love you.”

“I know.” Squeezing her hand, he let go, so he could navigate the traffic leading into the hotel parking lot. “And we are here. Hell, it is going to be a crush.”

*****

Earl had not wanted to come. He would have much preferred burying himself in work, instead of being out in public. He had not been out much, except for business luncheons and dinners and only because it was required of him.

He knew Diana was disappointed that he was not taking her up on her invitation which had gone from nonverbal to verbal.

“I know you have not been with anyone since our breakup, and I also know you said we are over where that is concerned. But we are both alone, it could just be physical, that’s it. Just sex to alleviate the buildup of tension. I promise not to read anything more into it.”

But he had firmly declined. He did not have the heart; the inclination wasn’t there. He was restless and unhappy, more so than ever. And he realized the source, but did not want to acknowledge it. If he was being honest with himself, he was missing someone he had never met and that was the entirety of the matter.

He would make his obligatory appearance tonight, mingle and drink some champagne and then head back to his lonely apartment. Diana was his date, and she was thrilled to be attending the event of the year. She was also hoping he was going to change his mind.

Diana, looking very lovely in emerald, green, was constantly at his side, even when he went to the bar. He was half listening to a Texan oil man touting on about his well coming in, when he noticed the commotion at the entrance. Lifting his head idly, he was transfixed as much as most of the men in the room when the couple came walking in.

He recognized them immediately, realizing that the male was Justin Moncrieffe the model and the woman with him was some designer who had been photographed on billboards all over town. But there was something nagging him about the woman. What the hell was it? He wondered as he continued to stare at them.

She was also with some other guy, who was perhaps her date. After giving the man a cursory disinterested look, his gaze flitted back to the female.

“Earl.”

Tearing his gaze from the enchanting figure, he smiled at the petite woman who was demanding his attention.

“Monique. How are you?”

“Wonderful.” She touched his arm briefly. “I would have been very disappointed if you had not turned up.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” He lied charmingly.

Flicking a glance at Diana, she returned her attention to him. “Your company has been very generous to the cause and the girls, and I would like to personally thank you.” ‘The girls’ as she referred to them, were actually the very powerful wives of some of the richest men in the world.

“No thanks are necessary,” he told her smoothly.

But her attention was on something over his left shoulder.

“I don’t think you ever met my friend and our very prolific designer.”

He turned to see the woman coming towards them and felt his heartbeat quickening.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Cathy, you look ravishing.”

The name struck him and even without her speaking, he knew instinctively that it was her!

“This is Earl Drummond…” Introductions were made, but the two people did not hear the rest of it. He saw when she made the connection, saw when her eyes widened as she stared at him accusingly. When he spoke, his voice gave him away.

He extended a hand to her, and he had a feeling that if it would not have called attention to them, she would have refused to shake it. But as soon as contact was made, she withdrew her hand as if touching something vile. Turning away from him, she spoke to Monique, deliberately introducing Byron as her boyfriend.

His head lifted to see the model staring at him contemplatively, eyes skimming over his face, knowingly. He knew that the man was gay and wondered what his relationship was with her. He had to get her by herself to explain – explain what? That he was a damned coward and had ended something that could have been wonderful?

He almost reacted when she turned away and went into the opposite direction with the two men.

“Byron, could you give us a minute? I need to discuss something personal with Cat.” Justin gave the man no choice as he steered Cathy over to one of the sofas tucked under the towering windows in the hotel ballroom. Snagging two flutes of champagne, he handed her one as he took his seat next to her.

“It’s him.”

Gripping the slender stem, she nodded, seeing no need to pretend that she did not know what he was talking about. “Did you know?” She whispered.

“Of course not! My God, what the hell was someone like Earl Drummond doing on a dating app?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Justin turned around so that he was facing her. “He was as poleaxed as you were, Cat. The man looked like he had swallowed a trout. He could not keep his eyes off you.”

“He is a prick.

“That he is. And he is also with that shallow bitch, Diana.”

“I don’t care.”

“Only you do.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She repeated. “Even if I had hopes that I could be with him, that is out of the question. He is a multi-billionaire.”

“So, what the hell?”

She simply stared at him. “I cannot believe you are asking me that question.”

“The man is obviously taken with you, and I have a feeling that before the night ends, he us going to want to be alone with you.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Cat…”

“I mean it Justin. I do not want to talk to him.”

“Okay, fine.”

And she spent the night making sure she avoided him. As soon as it looked as if he was making his way towards her, she would drag either Justin or Byron onto the dance floor.

At one point she was talking to Leesa, Kelly, Monique, and several others and out of the corner of her eye, she saw him coming towards her. In desperation, she seized the arm of Liam Moses and demanded that he danced with her.

His blue eyes stared at her in amusement, a charming smile tilting his lips. “Darling, as much as I am flattered at being dragged so unceremoniously on the dancefloor, I have a feeling you are not seized with a sudden desire to feel my body against yours.”

“Not unless I want to be murdered by your beautiful wife.”

He nodded thoughtfully as he executed the dance steps. “And she would resort to murder too.” He glanced over to where the love of his life was drinking champagne with some of the other wives and felt desire stirring in his loins. God, he loved her! Glancing down at the woman in his arms, he grinned. “So, want to tell me what’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Try again.”

“It’s…, I am assuming you know Earl Drummond?”

His eyes lit up with understanding.

“I do. We happen to play tennis and golf every other weekend.” His eyebrows arched. “Why are you avoiding him?”

“Who says I am?”

He merely stared at her unblinkingly until she looked away. “We were chatting online until he decided that he wasn’t interested.”

Liam’s head lifted to seek out the man who was standing at the edge of the dancefloor staring at them with a frown.

“I would not quite say he isn’t. He is glowering at me as if he wants to rip my throat out.”

“That’s his problem.”

“And also, mine. I happen to have some investments with him and would not want to jeopardize our friendship. But perhaps, I should give him something to worry about.”

“What are you doing?” She squeaked. Before she could say anything else, he was kissing her full on the mouth.

“There. Now I am officially in his bad books.”

“We are not involved.”

“Oh darling, I think you are.”

*****

Cathy was a bundle of nerves. She had spent so much time and effort trying to avoid Earl that it had taken the enjoyment out of the night. By two hours in, she was exhausted and depressed, and ready to go home.

She had insisted that both Byron and Justin as well as Teresa, who had arrived late with a guy she had started seeing, should stay and enjoy themselves. She had called an Uber and went home.

She had trooped upstairs, undressed, taken a quick shower, removed her makeup and plaited her hair in one thick braid that was now lying over her left breast.

The silk robe she had on partially covered her nakedness and she was seated on the sofa directly across from the towering tree, the lights blinking on and off and dazzling her eyes. Justin had called her twice to check on her and Byron had wanted to know if she needed company.

She had told him no, that she was going straight to bed. What are the odds, she wondered dismally. Earl Drummond? The Earl Drummond.

She was about to get up and make herself some tea when she heard the doorbell. “Justin.” she muttered. “I am going to kill him.”

Marching towards the front door, she did not bother to peep through the security, before pulling the door open. Her breath stopped; her body turned rigid as she stared at the tall dark-haired man standing on the porch.

Her mouth turned dry, and she felt all the saliva disappearing. He was delicious looking. From the crown of his ink black hair to his broad shoulders covered in immaculate black.

“I would like to come in.” His familiar deep voice had her knees going weak. It was the same voice that had haunted her for weeks.

“How did you know my address?”

His sensuous lips curved slightly, his gray eyes wandering over her face.

“Your friend Justin gave it to me under extreme duress. It’s freezing.”

Stepping back, she allowed him entry and watched as he shrugged out of his cashmere jacket.

“Where is your date?”

“Still at the function. Yours?”

Without answering, she turned and led the way into the living room.

Standing in the middle of the room, she watched as he took in the tree, the decorations and the fire in the hearth.

“You are into Christmas.”

“Very. What are you doing here?”

He heard the censorious tone and barely stopped from grimacing. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he rocked back on the heels of his Italian loafers and stared at her.

“Had your fill?”

Her sarcastic tone nearly made him smile. Ever since he knew she was Cathy who had been plaguing his very existence, he had been consumed with getting near her. The minute they had been formally introduced, his world had quickly dwindled to just her and he had forgotten about Diana.

He also knew she had done everything to avoid him, and his frustration had known no bounds. After frantically looking around the room, he confronted the model and demanded to know where she was. The man had been very hostile and told him off.

“Leave her the hell alone.” He hissed. “You treated her like crap, by not calling her back and ghosting her. She has moved on, and I will not have you hurting her again.”

He had been unaccustomed to that kind of dressing down and it had been instinctive for him to lash out at the man, but he needed something from him desperately, so he had remained humble and practically begged for a chance to see her.

“I need to explain.”

“Mind if I sit?”

She shrugged and remained standing. The lights from the tree and the glow from the fire allowed him to see right through the flimsy robe she had on, and desire and passion hit him like a ton of bricks. Turning away abruptly, he sat down before his knees gave out.

“Can you sit as well?”

She stared at him as if she were about to argue and then conceded.

“I am sorry.”

Her eyes widened.

“Now I can sleep happy.”

“I deserve that.” Clasping his hands between his thighs, he stared at her broodingly. Her face was scrubbed free of makeup, and she looked like a teenager on her way to a sleepover. “I want to explain why…”

“You ghosted me.”

His mouth tightened. “Yes.”

“This better be good.” Settling back in the chair, she crossed her spectacular legs and tugged at the hem of her skimpy robe. “Don’t let me stop you.”

Dragging his eyes away from the gaping bodice of her robe, he turned his head to look in the flames from the fire. And tried to gather his thoughts. Seeing her tonight had almost sent him to his knees. It had also cemented what he had been afraid of.

He wanted her in the most elemental and frightening way he had ever felt in his life. He had been a fool to stop the communication, and he was hoping he was not too late.

She was hostile now, but he had to try and get her over that.

“Well?”

Her sultry voice dragged him back to the present. “I was afraid.”

Her tapered brows lifted. “What?”

Wiping his damp palms on the immaculate crease of his trousers, he repeated the words slowly as if needing to enunciate it so she could understand.