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THE DAY FLEW. CHARITY rushed to each location and finished at the hall. Louis and his wife had done an unbelievable job. The inside of the building had been transformed into something magical. From the wooden floors, the intricate carvings and paintings and the millions of little lights hanging from the ceiling alongside the extravagant chandelier, Charity had never seen anything more beautiful. She suddenly couldn’t wait for tomorrow night.
She found her way back to Elijah’s place close to seven o’clock. She picked up a steak and mushroom pie from the old baker her mother used to go to. The owners were English and made pasties and pies that she still remembered from when she was a kid. Her mother had a knack for finding little hidden gems all over town. Charity made a mental note to try and remember other places and write them down. The first two on her list would be the butcher she used at Christmas and the baker now. She giggled as she turned the oven on. She had the butcher and baker, and now she just needed to find a candlestick maker.
Checking her watch and phone, she saw Elijah had sent a message to say he would be another half hour. She had enough time to shower and change. She slapped her forehead. She had meant to get an apron. Guess that idea was out the window now.
She showered and changed into a long cotton dress with black, blue, and white stripes. It was completely casual and still a little dressy at the same time. It hugged and curved her body without feeling too tight. It wasn’t an apron, but at least she had the thong and black lace bra to wear underneath. She smiled, feeling giddy as she headed back to the kitchen to check on the pie. Elijah made her feel pretty and sexy. She liked the effect she had on him. It worked both ways.
“Charity?” Elijah called out just as she pulled the pie from the oven.
“I’m in here.” She set the hot plate on top of the stove to cool a moment.
“It smells good in here.” He came into the kitchen and closed his eyes as he inhaled. “Really good. Kinda smells like home.” He walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her hard on the lips. “I missed you.” He nuzzled her neck.
She snuggled against him and went to let her fingers find their way on his neck and hair. She laughed when she clocked him with the oven mitts instead. “Oops, forgot I had these on.” She shook them free and they dropped behind him. She ran her hands over his chest and around to the back of his neck. “How was your day?” It seemed like they were playing house and it was the natural thing to say.
“Long. Glad to have a bit of time off.”
She stepped back and let her eyes wander from his handsome face down to his feet and back up again. He wore jeans and a white T-shirt. It looked good on him.
His head cocked to one side. “Are you checking me out?” He grinned, obviously not minding her blatant stare.
“Maybe...” She winked at him. “I’m trying to decide if we should eat first or try something else out on the dining table.”
His eyes grew big as his brows popped up. “Seriously?” He reached for his shirt.
She stopped him. “Let’s eat first. I’m all game for building up an appetite but my tummy’s about to start growling and –”
“’Nuf said. Let me wash my hands and I’ll grab the plates.”
They sat at the table, talking about their day as they ate the pie. Afterward, Elijah pushed his empty plate away and leaned back in his chair. “Everything set for tomorrow?”
“Mostly. Just the final-day prep that’ll keep me at the hall for most of the day.”
He nodded and sat quiet for a while.
“What’s up?” she asked. “You look so serious.”
“Do I? Sorry. I’m just... I’m looking forward to tomorrow night, but I’m also kind of bummed.”
“Why?” She had a feeling she knew the answer because she had been thinking the same thing the past while.
He flashed her a sexy smile. “Forget it. It’s nothing.”
She breathed in air and exhaled disappointment. If he didn’t want to talk about them (their relationship) then she had no intention of pressing it either.
He stood and carried their plates to the dishwasher. “Do you want a glass of wine?”
“Sure.”
He returned with two glasses and she followed him to the couch.
“Want to watch a movie or something?” she suggested.
Elijah flipped the television on and went through the guide to find the pay-per-view movie channels. They settled on the latest Spiderman movie. Charity watched Elijah from the corner of her eye. He seemed preoccupied. Could it be because of her? Or something from work? Or because the gala meant she was finished with the excuse for coming back up here? What if he wasn’t interested in a long distance relationship and didn’t know how to end it? Somehow that didn’t seem right, but it didn’t stop the doubt and worry from entering her mind.
She faked a yawn and stretched, then snuggled up against him. Elijah put his arm around her and kissed her forehead. She moved and laid her head down on his lap, stretching her legs down the length of the couch, purposely letting her dress slip up against her hips just high enough to let her thigh show a little. She hid her smile, when a few moments later, he shifted and she felt him grow hard.
She rolled over, purposely brushing against him. “Feel like screwing around?” She couldn’t believe her boldness. What was with her? All she could think about was him inside of her. She could feel herself getting wet at the thought. She was turning into a slut around him, but at this point she didn’t care.
Elijah scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He set her feet on the ground and kissed her hard. She reached for his shirt and pulled it off. There was a primitive need between them that needed to be sated; something that both of them felt but couldn’t put into words.
She pulled her own dress free as he unbuttoned his jeans. They were naked and pressing against each other’s bodies with raw need. She didn’t want this to be over. She wanted it to last forever. They were so good together – emotionally and physically. So why did she feel like their relationship needed saving when it didn’t? She kissed him harder and tried pressing closer into him.
His erection slid against her thigh. Her thoughts centered on it and how good it felt inside of her. The back of her knees met the edge of the bed and she let herself fall back against the coolness of the sheets. Elijah spread his legs as he moved on top of her, his lips never leaving hers.
She could feel her lips and skin burn from the five o’clock shadow he had grown. She liked the roughness and moaned when he moved to her breasts to suck and tease them. Her nipples stretched toward him, wanting more. “Please,” she panted, “now!”
His hands spread on each side of her shoulders and he met her gaze. “Look at me,” he commanded.
She stared into his gorgeous blue eyes, wondering if it were possible that they could have turned even bluer. She gasped when he entered her. Her body wrapped around him and clung to every inch of him.
Elijah stopped moving whenever she closed her eyes. He didn’t use words, but his body forced her to meet his gaze. She bit down hard on her lip to stop herself from crying out. He moved in and out of her in a frenzied motion, building a burning desire inside of her that needed to be quenched. One of his hands moved down and his fingers teased her center of pleasure as he continued to move inside of her.
She knew he was fighting the urge to come. She could feel it in the movement of his hips and his eyes betrayed his hot desire. Tiny muscles quivered as tremors erupted deep inside as she exploded. When her lips parted to cry out, she felt Elijah stiffen and jerk hard inside of her as he came. The fantastic sensation lasted longer than any time she could ever remember.
He dropped beside her, both of their bodies glistening with sweat.
Neither of them spoke.
Eventually, his arm found its way around her. They drifted off to sleep with the lights still on.
Charity awoke, and at first she thought it was still night. Then she remembered that at one point she had woken up earlier and padded into the bathroom, naked and barefoot. She had turned the lights off when she returned and somehow managed to move Elijah to the top of the bed to the pillows and under the sheets.
The brightness indicated that now had to be morning. She checked her watch with one eye open. Seven in the morning. For once, during an event, she had a little extra time to sleep in. She moved her body closer to Elijah’s, enjoying the feel of his naked warm skin against hers. Her back lay against his chest and his steady breathing sent wisps of warmth on her shoulder and neck.
She relaxed against him and tried to drift back to sleep, but her mind began picking through the list of things she had to do today. Several hotels in the area were hosting guests. She should probably give them a call or stop by to make sure the little welcome bags donated by local businesses had arrived. The checklist went on and on. She finally gave up on sleep and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Elijah. She shouldn’t have worried. He didn’t budge or even change his breathing as she slipped into the shower and then out of the room to the guest room where her clothes were. She wouldn’t have minded spending the day in bed with him. However, duty called.
She checked on him once more before deciding to leave him a note before she left. He looked adorable with one arm hugging her pillow and the other thrown over his head. She yearned to crawl on top of him, trace his tattoo with her tongue, and work her way down to wake him up. She smiled as he continued sleeping, oblivious to her thoughts. She would get her way tonight, after the gala.
Dress and make up in tow, she put everything she needed into the car and headed out. She might have time to head back and get ready, but if not, Julie and Simon lived closer to the gala’s location and she could rush over there if she needed to.
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THE DAY FLEW BY. SHE knew it would, but had not expected the hours to whip by. In the end, she had to nip over to Julie’s to get ready. She called Elijah to let him know and he laughed, saying he was already in the limo heading to her father’s house. That only made her rush more. There was no way she would let her father arrive before she was back at the building.
She made it just in time – by about ten minutes. Enough to see the place already filling up and people gushing about the building and how gorgeous everything looked. As much as she wanted to pull a Tiger Woods’ fist pump she resisted, knowing her gold dress would not handle the pressure.
Charity mingled near the door, keeping an eye on the front entrance for the limo and greeting everyone as they walked by. There were a lot of people. Her father had earned the respect of everyone he must have met. She smiled, proud of his hard work and achievements. She had a speech to do later on to introduce him. If she had the courage, she might even admit that out loud to everyone here.
Julie and Simon came through the line. “You look stunning!” Julie hugged her. “I wish I had your body. I want that dress.”
Charity hugged her friend. “It’s yours after tonight. Thanks for letting me crash your place to dress in record speed.”
“Anytime. And I’m totally stealing your dress.”
The limo pulled up to the curb outside. “Guest of honor has arrived. Gotta go do my thing.” She gave Simon a quick hug and laughed when he kept hold of her arm as she tried to rush to the door. It took several tugs before he winked at her and finally let her go.
“Sorry about that. My cufflink must have snagged on your bracelet,” he teased.
She pointed to her eyes and then to him several times and gave him a mischievous smile.
Elijah stepped out first wearing a black tuxedo. Most of the male guests had come in black or white tuxedos. However, Elijah wore his better than anyone already there. It cut in the right places and showed off his physique without any effort. He was the David Beckham of doctors. She smiled at the thought.
His eyes found hers as if drawn by a magnet. He smiled and nodded at her. His face wore a professional expression that looked amazing on him.
A man stepped in front of Elijah and blocked the view Charity had of him. It took a second to realize it was her father dressed in a tuxedo that made him appear twenty years younger. He looked distinguished and handsome.
He stopped and spoke with people as they waited in line to check their coats. Charity sprang into action and had them skip through the line.
“Hi,” she whispered to Elijah as she went to hand him a coat tag and remembered he wasn’t wearing one. “Guess you don’t need this.”
He shook his head and glanced around quickly before planting a fast kiss on her lips. “Been wanting to do that since I saw you from the limo. Wasn’t sure you would appreciate me leaping over people or knocking them out of the way to get to you. Everything good?”
“It’s all perfect. Nothing could go wrong that hasn’t been planned for. Wait til you see the building inside. It’s beyond amazing. It’s going to blow my Dad away.”
She left her father, greeting friends and fellow doctors as he made his way inside. He looked beyond pleased with the amount of people attending, and he had barely entered into the hall. Even with the crowd, there was still plenty of space to move around and nobody appeared to be crowded. It was the perfect location.
Charity let Elijah go grab them a drink and watched her father mingle. He brushed off the birthday well wishes and chatted with each person who stopped to talk to him. She was amazed at how he knew everyone’s name and made them smile or laugh. He actually had the ability to let go of the image of the over-controlling man she always assumed he was.
“Why are you smiling?” Elijah asked as he handed her a glass of champagne.
She pointed her glass at her father. “He seems quite comfortable for someone who sounded like he didn’t really want to have a party.”
Elijah chuckled. “He’s a very talented man. He knows how to control a room, whether it’s an operating one or a boardroom –without even trying. He’s doing it now.”
“And enjoying himself!” Charity clinked her glass with his. “Happy sixty-fifth to my father and seeing if the man actually retires.”
“Cheers to that.” Elijah glanced around the room with an appreciative smile. “Looks amazing, but then again I never doubted you.” He winked at her and then frowned at something behind her.
“What’s up? Is it the champagne fountain?” Charity turned around. Nothing seemed amiss.
“Never mind.” Elijah shook his head when she turned back to him. “I thought I saw someone I knew, but I don’t think it’s them.”
Charity elbowed him lightly. “I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of people here you know.”
Julie race walked over to them with Simon not far behind. “This place is unbelievable!” She hugged Charity and then Elijah. Simon and Elijah shook hands and went over to see another doctor Simon wanted Elijah to meet. “You and Elijah seem to be doing pretty good,” Julie said quietly so no one else could hear them.
“We are. I just hope things keep going well after tonight. It’s going to suck not having to fly up here to plan the gala.”
“I’m sure you two will work something out.”
Charity noticed the sound system guy setting the mike up on the stage. “Excuse me Juls, I have to introduce the guest of honor now. Find me later, kay?”
“Of course!” Julie went off to find Simon as Charity headed up to the stage.
She spoke with the sound manager and clipped the little microphone he gave her to her dress before walking over to the podium.
“Good evening everyone!” She called out and the room grew quiet as faces turned to her. She glanced out into the crowd and found her father about halfway across the room, strategically trying to make his way up the center. She made a mental note to thank him later for that. She turned to address the audience. “I need to say a few quick words before we settle down to eat and enjoy this evening. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Charity Thompson. I am the lucky gal who gets to be Doctor Thompson’s daughter.” She waved to her father and motioned him to come forward. “In case you don’t know who the amazingly gifted Doctor Thompson is...” She covered her mouth like she was whispering to everyone, “He’s the reason we’re all here tonight.” She winked and straightened. “Dad has got quite the list of achievements he has checked off over the years.” She pointed to him as he made his way up, amid claps on the back and more handshakes. “The man became a doctor two years before anyone else his age, skipping classes not because he was bored but because the man is unbelievably smart. I wasn’t around at the time but I’m guessing he did it to impress the ladies.” She waited for the chuckles to die down. “It must have worked because he caught my mother’s gorgeous eye. They married and had me.” She curtseyed. “And in the years which followed, he managed to save a hospital, along with numerous lives – too many to count, but I’m willing to bet a few of them are here this evening.”
A loud “Here, here!” came from the back of the room.
Charity waved in the direction it came from and watched as her Dad came to wait patiently at the side of the stage. She beckoned him forward. Now came the hard part. She swallowed and pushed through. “My father lost his wife, and I lost my mother along the road that brought us here today. She would have loved this building; this gala, all the people here, and most of all, she would have loved my father. He’s a good man, and I’m proud to call him Dad.”
She walked the few steps between the two of them and hugged him tight. He returned the hug with the same strength. “Happy birthday, Dad.”
The crowd erupted in clapping and Charity handed him the small microphone so he could talk.
She nearly stumbled down the steps when her father spoke. “Thanks, Charity. My daughter spent months planning this gala and has turned this evening into a gem. She has a real gift and I’m extremely proud of what she’s done.”
Charity turned around at the bottom of the small set of stairs to look at her father. He smiled and nodded at her. The truth shone clearly in his eyes. Then he winked and flipped back into the role of speaker. Charity smiled, already knowing he would throw out some kind of punch line or something. She grinned. The evening had turned out perfect.
“I don’t tell her that enough,” her father said from the stage. “So I’m telling her now, in front of all of you so I can use all of you as backup the next time she wants to disagree with me. Can you all make sure to give me your cell phone numbers before you go?”
Charity laughed and shook her head. She strained her neck and stood on her tippy-toes, trying to find Elijah. She finally found his handsome face on the other side of the stage, where he stood leaning against the wall. She didn’t want to cut across so she made her way toward the back, passing a woman digging through her large purse with her head down, oblivious to the speech her father was making. Charity whispered, “Excuse me,” as she passed in front of her and continued her way around to Elijah. She had to move sideways as she made her way around several chairs set up near the walls by the dinner tables.
A loud crack erupted from somewhere near the back of the room as Charity squeezed by a chair. She jumped in surprise. Did someone drop a crystal vase? She had a millisecond of a moment to try and look just before something stung her just under her breast. Her hands tried to swipe the culprit—probably a bee—away. She stared at her hand in surprise.
It was covered in something red.
Blood. Her blood.
