Lizzy
Placing a final bobby pin in my updo, I secure the hair with half a bottle of hairspray. My makeup is done and all I have left to do is get dressed.
I slip on my black velvet dress. It’s a simple strapless, straight-across gown that flows to the floor. My favorite part of the outfit though, is the sheer, high-neck shawl that goes on top. It falls gracefully around me, ending just under my bust and flowing almost to the floor in the back. It keeps the gown classy while elevating the look.
The gown cost more than I expected when paired with the heels I bought, so I refrained from purchasing any jewelry. The shawl doesn’t allow for a necklace, so it isn’t a big deal. I wear a pair of stud earrings I already own.
My reflection in the mirror is mine yet so different than how I’ve ever looked. I stayed true to myself by keeping my makeup light and sticking with a simple dress.
A knock on my door lets me know Bash is here. With how often he’s over, I’m tempted to make him a key.
Smoothing my hands over my dress one last time, I open the door. I beam at the handsome man in a tuxedo holding a bouquet of mixed flowers. It’s absolutely beautiful.
The hand holding the flowers goes lax and falls to his side. His eyes widen as he drinks me in, and by the time he finishes looking me over, his cheeks are rosy.
“You…” He clears his throat. “You look ethereal, angel. Absolutely breathtaking.”
Even though I’ve stepped aside to let him inside, he hasn’t moved from my welcome mat, too transfixed by what he sees.
“Thank you, Bash. You look handsome as well.” With his fitted tuxedo, he looks like a high-class man. His hair is perfectly done, and he smells amazing. Whatever cologne he’s using needs to make a regular appearance.
“I had to try hard to be worthy of having you by my side. But looking at you now, there’s nothing I could do to deserve you.” Shaking his head, he finally enters my home. He brings the flowers, already in a vase, to my kitchen and places them on the counter. They look so out of place in my home, but I love them nonetheless.
He kisses my cheek lightly, careful of my makeup, then leads me to the nicest car I’ve ever seen. We get in the backseat, and a man who introduces himself as Steve chauffeurs us to the city.
Steve drops us off at the front of the hotel my gift certificate is for. I can’t help but feel the universe is giving me a sign. Tonight may end with Bash and me in a hotel room.
As we approach the front entrance, security guards let us through without even asking for identification or an invitation. When they nod and address, “Mr. Montclair,” I wonder how big of a company this is.
Before I can even take in the ballroom, a lanky man approaches us. He’s dressed in a tux as well, but his only highlights how nice Bash’s tux is.
“Mr. Montclair, just the man I wanted to see. I was wondering if you had an update on the new–”
“This is neither the time nor the place, Aaron. Let’s enjoy the party without boring our dates with work matters.” I don’t miss the way Bash addresses the older man by his first name. It’s a power move, and one that Aaron doesn’t like.
“How unusual of you to have a date. I’m Aaron Carter,” the man says, extending his hand to me. He emphasizes his name in a way that suggests I should know who he is, but I don’t.
“I’m Lizzy,” I tell him hesitantly. I don’t include my last name. Something tells me that tonight with all these eyes on us, I need to be careful about what personal information I share. I can’t have anyone digging into my past and finding that it doesn’t exist.
“Good girl,” Bash murmurs in my ear, sending tingles down my spine straight to my core. I don’t know what I did to earn his approval, but I’m glad I did it.
As I slip my hand into Aaron’s, we only make contact for a second before Bash is pulling my arm back into his.
“We need to mingle, but it was good to see you.” Bash dismisses the man, clearly ending the conversation.
“But what about–” Aaron Carter starts again.
“Give my office a call on Monday,” Bash calls from over his shoulder, already leading us away.
Once we’re out of earshot, I lean into Bash and under my breath ask, “What was that about?”
Bash grabs two champagne flutes from a passing server’s tray and hands me one. I sip the bubbly liquid and feel the warmth rush through me.
“He’s a sleazy man. The woman on his arm isn’t his wife, who’s at home with the flu. He wants to get his hands on some new developments we’re creating, but those are already reserved. He’s trying to come to me instead of my brother who handles big contracts because he doesn’t think I know the situation. But I know everything that goes on.” With those vague yet descriptive words, he leads us on.
I’m introduced to so many people that I can’t keep them apart. I’m impressed when a young woman is introduced as the head engineer for Syndicate Enterprise. After talking with the beautiful woman, Bash leans down and whispers, “You know, women can be engineers too.”
I jab my elbow into his stomach causing him to wheeze in a breath. “I know that. I just didn’t expect a large defense company to know that.”
