Chapter 10

His resolve to hang onto his sanity throughout the evening took a distinct nosedive shortly after he arrived at the lavishly decorated ballroom of the Royal Hotel. The room was crowded with not only friends and acquaintances, but executive members of the corporate office as well.

The invitations had been sent out several weeks ago and the people had been RSVPing almost immediately. The acquisition of Southern was a big deal, something the press had been salivating and reporting over since negotiation had begun.

Hayes had been placed under a microscope since the passing of Johnathon Marsden's sudden heart attack, which had forced him to prematurely step into his father's shoes.

He had worked tirelessly to prove himself, and he would like to think he had. Before Camelia came back into his life, the company had been of the utmost importance to him, but now it was just a responsibility.

Smiling and greeting people, he kept his eyes out for her. He was just talking with some of his executives when he saw her coming into the room.

Even from across the room, he could feel her presence as if she was standing next to him. His fingers tightened on the slender stem of the glass, his eyes wandering over the alluring shape of her curves clearly outlined in the dress she was wearing.

Tearing his gaze away from her, he acknowledged the man to his right who had engaged him in conversation.

"I am telling you, Marsden," William Grayson drawled, his Texas accent thick. "We are seeing the coming of a new era. Space travel is becoming more popular these days. Ever thought of investing in that sort of thing?"

"Not right now, no. I don't think the company is that progressive. In the future, perhaps."

The man eyed him beneath shaggy white brows. "You have taken that company of yours a long way. I knew your daddy and Johnathon Marsden was an excellent businessman and would have been very proud of you.

I read about the problems you had with that damned airline, and I admire the way you dealt with the problem. We old timers have a difficult time letting go of the old ways."

"That was not the main issue." Hayes found himself turning to look for her and what he saw had him stiffening. He had promised not to approach her or even give a hint that they were seeing each other, but he was finding it very difficult not to march over there and tear her away from the guy who had his hands all over her.

"Hayes?"

"Yes?" Taking a deep breath, he turned his attention to the man talking to him. "I apologize–"

"No need." He nodded his white head to the corner of the room. "Acquaintance of yours? I must say she is quite lovely, isn't she?"

"Yes. I- er- Would you excuse me?"

"Sure. Sure." The man gave him a knowing smile and a wink. "If she was mine, I would be doing the same thing."

Before he could formulate a plan to intervene, he was intercepted by Simone. "I know we are not together anymore, but we can at least be civil, don't you think?"

Forcing himself to turn around and face her, he stopped.

"Simone." He inclined his head coolly.

"You are upset," she observed.

"I wonder why? Was it because you confronted Camelia at her place of business and told her some very spiteful things? You have been very busy. What's next? You go to the press and tell them everything you know about what happened between me and her when we were teens? Should we expect a tell-all article in the Tattler?"

"I would never–"

"Wouldn't you?" Steering her away from the crowd, he forced a smile to his lips when he realized they were being observed.

"You hurt me," she hissed. "What did you expect me to do? How did you expect me to react?"

"Evidently, just the way you did." He released her arm. "Look, I have no right to scold you about anything. I was the one who hurt you and I am apologizing for it again. I led you to believe that we could have something together and that's on me. I am not going to ask you to understand any of it, but I am hoping you will, one day."

"And you are still not together, are you?" Simone asked him bitterly, looking over to where Camelia was in deep conversation with several people.

"That guy attached to her side like a leech appears to be more than an acquaintance, and you are over here, doing nothing about it." She relished the tightening of his jaw as he looked over to where they were.

"We agreed to keep things discreet for now."

"You mean she wanted it that way, and you had no choice but to agree." Simone shook her head. "She really has a hold on you, doesn't she? She says jump, and you ask how high."

His eyes glittered as he stared at her. "Be very careful, Simone. I can and will tolerate so much and no more."

"And I have to toe the line, don't I?" Her eyes flashed. "Because you and your precious company hold all the cards. Daddy warned me to be courteous, and I am trying my best to be." Taking a deep breath, she handed him her glass of champagne. "See you around, Hayes."

Camelia was so acutely aware of his presence that she could barely concentrate on the conversation going on around her. The apprehension she felt on her way here about how people were going to receive her had been dispelled. Leesa Wellington and Kelly Takahashi had seen to it that the uncomfortable questions were not being asked.

Other than one from Brandy Taylor, a washed-up former actress, about the rumors that had been circulating regarding her parents, which had been it. And Leesa had told the woman firmly, before Camelia could respond, that both parties were dead, and they should be left in peace.

But how she wanted to be with Hayes. He was right. They could face whatever it was together, and it does not make any sense whatsoever for them to be hiding their relationship. She did not want to hide the fact that she was with him. If the furor starts again, then so be it.

Meanwhile, James Gallagher was hanging onto her as if they had made some sort of promise to each other and one look over at where Hayes was standing showed her that he was having a difficult time dealing with it. It was the same thing for her.

Excusing herself politely, she put away her champagne glass and threaded her way over to where he was.

He saw her coming and the smile that curved his lips had her hastening her steps.

"Hi," she murmured, holding out a hand.

"Hi yourself. Are we supposed to be doing this?" he asked, taking her hand.

"I was standing over there with that guy clinging to me and decided that I would much prefer to be with the man I love, and damn the consequences."

His eyes flared at that, his fingers clinging to hers. "That's funny, I was over here thinking about how much I wanted to knock him on his ass for touching what's mine."

She grinned at him. "I have to confess that the glower on your face had me trying to prevent a scene. Wanna dance?"

"I would love to." He led her onto the dance floor and ignored the attention they were garnering. "I am afraid we might be bombarded by the press soon after this. Are you prepared?"

She nodded, sliding her hands up his chest and over his shoulders. "You were right."

"About what?" Having her in his arms in public was making him giddy and he could not stop smiling.

"About us not hiding." She moved closer to him, her body fitting him like a glove. "We spent so many years away from each other, and whatever happens, we should face it together."

The expression on his face was fiercely tender. "Who do I have to thank for this turnabout?"

"I looked over and saw you and I could not stay away. I love you, Hayes, and I want the world to know. I also do not care about them bringing up the past."

His hands were rubbing up and down her back slowly, igniting her desire. "Shall I tell you what the reward for such a bold action is, or would you like me to show you?"

Linking her hands around his neck, she tilted her face up to his. "I was thinking it's time I reacquaint myself with your bedroom suite."

He felt his heart thundering inside his chest at the import of that statement. "It has been redecorated over the years." he told her hoarsely.

"You mean, no more posters hanging on the walls?"

"They are now stuffed in some drawers." His hands tightened around her waist. "I looked at it just recently and realized it needed a woman's touch. Any recommendations?"

"I might have a few. Only tonight would not be the appropriate time for that."

"Why not?"

"Because I have a much different use for the place."

He was becoming so hard; it was getting uncomfortable. "I would ask you what, but I can pretty much guess what it will be."

She moved suggestively against him, sending darts of fire throughout his body. "I think it has already started. How soon can we leave?"

"I think it's going to be now."

*****

Stacking his hands behind his head, he pleased himself by watching as she strolled the length of the room, examining the artwork on the silken wallpaper. Her hands clutched the sheets she had draped around her. Dark brown hair that he had managed to tangle up streamed past her shoulders.

"This belongs in a museum." she murmured, standing in front of the Jackson Colby painting. "Why is it hanging on your bedroom wall?"

"It will go there eventually. Lights on twenty percent."

"What-" she broke off as the shadows in the room disappeared, allowing her to see the collage of photos on the opposite wall. She stared in amazement, taking in the different poses. Most of them were of the two of them.

Hayes standing behind her, with his football helmet, half on his mop of unruly blonde hair and holding her from behind. One where she was sitting on his lap in the park, another one with them going to the movies.

There was one with her sitting in class, her chin propped on her palm, and another with her lying across his lap while he leaned against the trunk of a very large oak tree. There were others.

He watched in silence as she studied them in minute detail before turning to look at him. An indulgent smile touched his lips at the dazed look on her exquisite face and the tears in her eyes.

"You kept them."

"I did."

"I gave it to you just before- just before that thing happened with my parents."

"And I told you that it was the best gift I ever received." Easing himself up, he sat against the pillows and stretched his hand out to her. "Come here baby."

Swallowing the thick lump in her throat, she moved toward him, trailing the cotton sheet behind her. Placing her hand in his, she allowed him to tug her in next to him.

"I never thought you would keep it. I have several things belonging to you."

"The football jersey?" Lifting her chin, he wiped at the tears trickling down her cheeks.

"Your class ring and this." She touched the necklace she was still wearing. "And an old t-shirt you left at the house."

"I have a couple of underwear that belong to you."

She looked at him in shock. "You don't."

"I do." he grinned at the expression on her face. "Torn at the waist and a little worse for wear, but I could not bear to part with them."

"Where?"

"Why? You don't believe me?" he asked, cocking a brow at her.

"No, I don't."

"Calling me a liar, my love?"

"I am afraid so. Show me and bear in mind that even though it has been more than a decade, I will know if they are mine."

"Ms. DeWinter, are you accusing me of keeping other women's underwear as trophies?"

"Prove me wrong. Go on."

He gave her a wounded look that had her grinning. "I hope you know that I am never going to forget this."

"Still waiting here."

Sliding off the bed, he made his way to a small safe in one corner of the room.

"A safe?"

"Where else would I keep them?" he asked airily as he tapped in the combination. The door slid forward, and she caught a glimpse of several documents, some cash, and a sealed bag. Taking the bag out, he left the door open, and walked back to the bed, and handed it to her.

"Go ahead." he invited.

She unsealed it and took out the items one at a time. Her eyes flew to his face as she placed five of her panties on the bed between them.

"Well?"

She touched a black lace one with a torn waistline. "I was wearing this when we first made love," she whispered achingly. "You promised to buy me several more and you did."

"You said it was one of your favorites."

"And this one–" She held up the raspberry-colored lace. "My birthday–"

"When I impregnated you," he finished hoarsely. "Only, I didn't know it then."

"Why?" she whispered. "I left, and you didn't know if I was coming back. Why keep all of it?"

"The same reason, I imagine, you kept my things. Hope that one day we will meet up again. And I wanted something of yours to keep." He lifted her chin. "When you left, I would use your underwear to get me off. The scent of you was still on them, and it was enough to get me hard, enough to bring me to a climax."

"Hayes–"

"That's how much I had hoped. How much I thought about you. You were constantly on my mind, Cammy. There was never a day that goes by when I was not thinking of you, even when I was hating you."

Pushing the article of clothing away, she went into his arms and just stayed there, wrapped against him.

She was so overwhelmed; she had no idea what to say. In the past, the intense passion between them had frightened her, but she was learning to accept it. Learning to appreciate a love so rare, so pure and so fine that it made her humble.

"Hayes?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Make love to me."

"With pleasure."

*****

"You majored in French." Camelia felt as if her entire body was drenched in sensations, wonderful ones. He had worshiped her body with his hands and then his mouth, and now she was collapsed half on top of him, trying to get her breath back.

"Hmm." His eyes were closed, his hands running up and down her back slowly. His own body was still racked from the aftermath of what they had just experienced together.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you continue with the language?"

His eyes popped open to stare at her. "Why wouldn't I? Oh." He chuckled in understanding. "You thought because it was the language we spent much of our time studying, I would have given it up."

"Something like that." Propping her chin on her folded hands, she stared at him. "It was our language; we used to converse in French when we were in bed."

"I couldn't give it up." He cocked a brow at her. "I am assuming it was the same for you. You had a penchant for languages."

"Which is why I am fluent in four of them, including English," she told him loftily. "I worked for the UN at one point but did not enjoy it much. I did an internship after I finished college and wanted to continue that career path, but my heart was not in it."

Lifting a hand, he brushed back tendrils of hairs from her forehead, his expression sober.

"What is it?"

"I need to ask you about the time you spent in Europe. I came looking for you. When I discovered you were gone, I came looking for you. There was no trace, it was as if you had vanished into thin air."

"Where did you look?"

"Paris. We always talked about our love for the city. Venice, Pompeii, Spain, and Crete."

Her eyebrows lifted. "All the places we said we would revisit."

"Yes. I spent six months searching for you without a trace."

"We were in London, at first, because my aunt has some distant relatives there, and I had started spotting right after the funeral." Her expression became bleak. "I probably should have gone to a doctor, but we were in such a hurry to leave that we didn't think about that. The scandal and your mother–"

"Yes." His mouth tightened. "What I cannot understand, and I hate to bring this up again, but I have to. What I cannot understand was why you never called. Why put me through that loss?"

She shook her head, a look of regret on her face. "I thought about what my dad did, and I started looking back over my life and there were signs I should have noticed, probably did notice, but I ignored them. I was spoiled, and rich, and entitled.

I always got whatever I wanted, the best clothes, the best everything. I was popular, and when I met you, I thought my world was complete. When my world came crashing down, I was in a state of shock, and I did not want to put my burdens on you.

Look, I am sorry, Hayes, but I really was thinking of you. You had your entire life ahead of you. The name Marsden carries a lot of clout, and I did not want to spoil it. In hindsight, I realize that I wasn't doing any of us any favors by doing so. I would like you to understand why I did what I did."

"When you look at me like that, you think I will forgive you for anything, right?"

"Something like that."

"You would be right. I am inclined to be magnanimous seeing as how you shattered my despondency by making the first move in coming over." He smiled fleetingly. "Any regrets?"

"I don't know." she told him truthfully. "I did it on an impulse and I know that Celeste is going to be on me like white on rice to try and get the scoop. She has been blowing up my phone since I left."

"What will you tell her?"

"The truth. And then she is going to want to get the inside scoop. Being with someone of importance in society is going to blow wide open. We will be stalked by reporters with the morbid fascination of celebrities, especially celebrities with a scandal attached to them.

I am the daughter of a salacious tragedy, and people never get tired of hearing different versions of the story. I kept thinking when it first happened that if we had not gone out that night, I would have been a target as well. Would Daddy have turned the gun on me? I would like to think otherwise, but that scenario haunted me for years."

His heart twisted painfully inside his chest as he stared at her. She had been through so damn much and was still standing. He had no idea how. "I don't think so," he responded quietly, wanting desperately to assure her.

"He loved you very much. In fact, I remembered how much he was urging us to go and have a good time. You recalled how he told us not to hurry home?"

She nodded slowly, the recollection coming back to her. "He was almost hurrying us out. He gave me money to buy anything I wanted. He told me to stop and have dinner at a nice restaurant and don't worry about curfew. He had it planned all along."

"I am sorry, darling," he told her hoarsely.

"No." She shook her head. "It's easier to deal with now. I find that I can talk to you about it and not fall to pieces."

"I am here," he whispered, pulling her into his arms. "I promise I will be here for everything."

"I know," placing her head on his chest, she closed her eyes as his arms wrapped around her.