Maybe it’d been during his college exams. The fate of his career had depended on their outcome. Although that had been years ago, this moment—tonight—felt similarly life-altering.
He wasn’t sure why, but in some way, the direction of his life hung on whatever happened tonight.
“It’s just a ball,” he told himself. An annual ball. It happened every year.
His plans for putting a makeshift Ever After Sweet Shoppe in Harmony Children’s waiting room were taken care of. He’d told his parents he’d be over tomorrow afternoon once the morning’s excitement was over. It would probably take that long for the kids and their hospital visitors to do their “shopping.”
Which meant he just had tonight. He had to find her, to spend more than a handful of anxious moments in an elevator with her.
Hawk locked his office and took the dreaded elevator to the second level. The bright hallway welcomed him, adorned with swags of pine set off by festive wreaths in the center and punctuated with holly berries. Each swag arrangement made an archway, a veritable, cheery forest of pine branches to wander through.
The ball had been recently relocated here in his corporate office’s adjoined conference rooms after he’d decided to add more people to the invitation list. With the increased invites, his team and Clary had been good enough to make the necessary adjustments.
The conference room exploded with a flurry of Christmas trees and fake snow. Tables that habitually occupied the rooms’ center during meetings were only along the sides, offering festive refreshments. Clary had nixed the usual orchestra in favor of a DJ, who would take up less space.
The room was packed. Men in debonair tuxes guided women in gowns of every shade—from glittering red to deepest sapphire—across the floor to the sound of I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
They’d started the ball without him, but that was all right. It wasn’t as though he’d been on time.
Hawk stalked past the refreshment tables, taking in the fountains dripping with melted chocolate and piles of fat strawberries just waiting to be dipped, the mouthwatering eclairs, the chocolate-covered pretzels, mini sandwiches, and drinks the color of cranberries.
He released a low whistle even he couldn’t hear. Clary had really gone all out for this. He spotted her near the DJ and speakers in a black dress with a clipboard under one arm and a finger pressed to her ear.
Hawk strolled along the sidelines toward her. Her red hair was in an elegant bun on the back of her head.
“Clary, you look wonderful. And you’ve done an incredible job with this tonight.”
“Thanks, boss,” she said. “So far, so good. You want to say a few words?”
He ran a hand along his neck and glanced across the gathered dancers. “Not now. In a bit.”
“You looking for someone?”
“Maybe,” he said with a sheepish grin.
Clary nodded as if she understood, though he wasn’t sure she did. He tucked a hand into his pocket and searched as he’d done since he arrived. For the brunette who’d helped him survive a too-long and yet not-long-enough spurt in an elevator.
Uncertainty made a muddle of his thoughts. It was entirely possible the woman wasn’t coming. Many people spent this time with their families. He began to curse himself for his foolish hope when his cell phone vibrated from within his suitcoat pocket.
Hawk slipped out into the hall, out of range of the speakers and their festive music. He doubted he could have heard the caller otherwise.
“Hey, sis,” he said, noting the name on his screen. “What’s up?”
“Sorry,” Gemma said. “I know you’re at your ball, but I wanted to give you an update.”
He didn’t like the caution in her tone. “Is everything okay for tomorrow?”
Gemma hesitated long enough to give him pause. “Do you want the good news first or the bad?”
“Always good,” he said.
She exhaled loudly. “All right. You’re all set with the hospital. I got a few volunteers to set up tables, including shelves to display your goods and a little cash register for the children to use to exchange their tokens for candy. Those kids are in for a serious treat when they wake up.”
Hawk’s ribcage swelled at the news. This was exactly what he’d wished for. “Perfect. It’s so amazing of you to help me last minute like this, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Anything for my big brother.”
“And the bad news?”
“I didn’t find anyone to man the register, the counter—anything. Everyone has plans, Hawk. It’s Christmas. You’re on your own to handle your little transactions with the kids.”
The news wasn’t as hard of a hit as he’d been expecting. Sure, it would be a challenge to help fifty-something kids, some in wheelchairs, manage their way through his stash and to play Store with them as they pretend-paid for their goods.
He couldn’t help them navigate the shelves and make their little play purchases, though. He’d intended for this to be a totally immersive game, to make them feel as though they were in an actual Ever After Sweet Shoppe. Someone needed to work the register, at the very least.
“It’ll be all right,” he told Gemma. “You’ve already done enough, and on such short notice. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
“Plan better next year,” she said with a smile in her voice.
“You’re right about that.”
“Merry Christmas, Hawk. I’m going to get the kids to bed before Santa kicks their butts for peeking.”
He chuckled. Her three small boys were wiggly and energetic. “Thanks again, Gem. Merry Christmas to you guys too. Hopefully, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Hawk paced a small circle in the hall after he hung up. With the entirety of his staff, surely he could find someone who might manage to help. But Gemma had said it—he hadn’t planned well. This was a complete, last-minute idea, and to ask anyone now wouldn’t be fair.
Maybe some of the hospital staff could throw on an apron and play sales associates, but they already had enough to do. He didn’t want to take anyone away from their regular duties, especially not when they were so important.
Who else could he ask? Not Clary. She was usually his go-to, but he couldn’t mention it now, not after all the work she’d done putting the ball together. She deserved the break she’d been looking forward to with her boyfriend and family.
It was Christmas. He could make this work, even if he had to walk each child through his makeshift shop one by one himself. Resolving to it, he reentered the conference-ball room.
A final sweep through the guests told him enough. His elevator girl wasn’t here. Might as well make his rounds and then head home for some rest. He’d need it once the morning came.
Hawk signaled Clary. In seconds, she joined his side.
“Speech time?” she asked.
“Might as well.”
Clary tapped a finger to her ear, communicating with the DJ, who waited for the right time to add a transitional break in the music. Hawk approached the microphone.
“Merry Christmas,” he told his employees. “This is a special time of year, and I wanted to thank you all for spending it here.”
He continued on, sharing his appreciation for their loyal service, thanking Clary and her team for such an immaculate event, and emphasizing how invaluable each and every one of his staff was. People applauded, but the looks on their faces said it all. Returned gratitude and appreciation radiated from every expression, filling him with pleasure. He’d always done his best to be a good boss, and moments like this made all the stress of the season worth it.
“Enjoy yourselves,” he said. “Make sure to take full advantage of all the refreshments, and have the best of holidays.” He held out a hand in salute for good measure and received another round of applause before the DJ kicked the music back into full gear.
Speech delivered, Hawk traipsed toward the ballroom’s main entrance while a mental list ticked through. His sisters had their
own families to be with Christmas morning. He could ask his parents, but they’d be expecting company once the siblings’ families held their personal celebrations and present-opening. The entire Danielson crew would be gathering. He couldn’t pull them from their preparations or their much-needed sleep.
Hawk wondered about Faye. He’d gotten her a job in his shop on Seventeenth for the season. She already had an apron and knew the ropes in describing products and helping customers make their decisions. Then again, she had all her grandkids too. How could he pull her away from her family?
He was so preoccupied with getting to the exit; he didn’t notice the woman leaving the coatroom until she rounded the corner and nearly crashed into him.
She wore no coat, despite the winter wonderland that had settled all over Westville. Then again, she’d probably just emerged from hanging it up.
Hawk couldn’t say he minded. It would have lessened the effect of her slim figure in the elegant dress that embodied winter itself, with its off-the-shoulder neckline and soft pink lace that hugged her slender silhouette like a sheath. A thin band tied around her waist, emphasizing just how small it was.
Her chestnut hair was coiffed and collected in waves over her right shoulder. The effect of her face was more startling than anything though. He’d seen those chocolate eyes, that thin nose, and those pouty lips in his dreams for days. She may as well have appeared by magic.
“You’re here,” he said.
Surprise flashed in her gaze. She shook the snow from her hair, displaying the briefest flash of silver heels before lowering the train she’d hoisted in one hand to keep it from dragging on the floor. The dress created a pool around her feet.
She dipped her head bashfully before noticing the direction he’d been headed in. “I am. And you? You’re leaving?”
“I—I was.” He felt like such an idiot. Why couldn’t he seem to form any coherent words? He didn’t have anxiety in a stalled elevator for an excuse this time.
They paused, staring at one another in the empty hallway. Tinkling music wafted through, swirling around them. Lights were bright, as though some of the fairy-tale of the dance hall had made its way out here.
Or maybe it was just her.
***
Hawk filled Ella’s vision. With the darkened hall behind him, lit by glittering lights, and pine swag wreathing along the ceiling every several feet toward what she assumed was the ballroom, everything else blurred. Her heart picked up speed.
His tux was black and white. Black slacks, white suit coat, and shirt, with a black bowtie. Hair slicked back, clean-shaven jawline, and blue eyes flashing, he was enough of a distraction to make her forget why she was standing there in too-high heels, in a dress that swam over her like silk, or why her inner hot-guy radar was going off the charts.
He probably didn’t recognize her. It wasn’t like he remembered everyone he rode on elevators with. Usually, she had it together, but in that moment she’d lose her own shoe if it wasn’t on her foot.
“It’s you, isn’t it?” he said again
“Me?”
He took another step. “From the elevator.”
Oh goodness. He did remember.
Ella’s throat closed. That had been such a singular instance. So brief, yet so recurring in her thoughts. She wanted to say something witty, something clever, something enchanting to keep him right here talking to her.
In an age-old gesture, Hawk strode to her side, ratcheting her awareness, until he stopped at her side and offered her his arm.
“I think I’ll stay a little longer,” he said, “if you’d like to dance with me.”
Heat blazed in her cheeks. She was captured in the intensity of his expression. Without taking her eyes from his, she answered yes by slipping her arm through his.
Ella felt like royalty as she glided through the tunnel of gleaming wreaths toward the ballroom. She’d never imagined this. Being met by Hawk at the door. Having him accompany her, having him ask for a dance and imply that she was basically the reason he’d changed his mind.
He was staying so he could dance with her.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Winter Wonderland was a complete cliché, but whoever had been in charge of decorations for this event had created a veritable North Pole of the ballroom. Ella couldn’t fathom how much time it must have taken to create hills of snow along the room’s edges or to decorate the lavish trees. The DJ, the swirling dancers, and the sheer energy of the room spiked her blood.
She drank in the sight until a different sense prickled along her skin. Tingling straight to her toes, Ella slid her glance upward to find Hawk admiring—not the surrounding area as she was—but her. Just her.
A muscle jumped in his jaw. He lowered his arm, allowing his fingers to graze down her skin until they found hers. She was putty under that look, under his touch. How had she ever thought of not coming tonight?
Hawk opened his mouth when a short woman with red hair and a flattering black dress approached. Her lips thinned, and she cast Ella an apologetic glance before interrupting.
“Hey, boss,” she said. “I’m sorry, but I wanted to run something past you before I headed home for the night.”
Hawk hesitated. He squeezed Ella’s fingers. “Save me that dance?”
Disbelief continued to razz her. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be. But not only had he remembered her, he’d completely devoted his attention to her the instant they’d met in the hall. Which meant their handful of moments in that elevator had had the same effect on him as it’d had on her.
Somehow her lips managed to respond. “You bet.”
Ella backed out of the line of dancers, opting to wait beside the refreshment table. Her living daydream didn’t last. In an instant, someone jerked her by the elbow.
“What do you think you’re doing here?” Pris snarled. She dazzled in a red, floor-length gown drenched with sequins. Her dark hair was sassy in a French twist, up away from her throat and leaving all the attention to her bare shoulders and pretty but petulant face.
Ella attempted to yank free. She didn’t want anyone to see her basically being assaulted by her stepsister, least of all Hawk.
“I was invited,” Ella said. “Just like you were.”
Pris’s grip on her bicep tightened, reminding Ella far too much of the way their mother used to do the same thing.
Pris pushed Ella against the end of the refreshment table. Ella nearly tripped on her dress’s train. Several dishes rattled at the impact.
“You’re kidding, right? Mom booked Highland Heights thinking you’d be there. I’d hate to think what she does to you when she finds out you’ve decided to come to a ball instead of doing your job.”
Ella’s heart beat like a rabbit’s under the heat of the confrontation. Whether she went to Stina’s assignment or not was none of Pris’s business.
With fleeting hope, she glanced around, hoping Charlotte might be nearby. Maybe she could signal her for a distraction. For help.
No Charlotte. Looked like she was on her own.
“Stina said midnight,” Ella said. “I don’t have to leave yet.”
Pris’s lip curled. “You think you can just show up here in a handmade dress and not have everyone see right through you?”
Pris’s insults were usually a well-aimed arrow, but this seemed like a pathetic attack. Anyone who saw the gown Ella wore would never have suspected it was homemade. It was clearly a lame attempt at an insult and a false assumption to boot. What did Pris care if she was here or not?
“Why?”
Pris’s brows proved they weren’t stenciled on. “Why what?”
Ella straightened her shoulders. She wasn’t sure where this audacity came from, but she was here, waiting for a dance with a handsome man who’d seemed star-struck by the very sight of her. She didn’t need to deal with Pris’s petty vindictiveness right now.
“Why do you want me out of here so badly? Why do you want to keep me out of your family ga
therings? Our family gatherings?”
Pris lifted her chin. “I can’t believe you still don’t get it.”
“You can’t be talking about Derek. That happened two years ago, Pris. We broke it off.”
“Yeah, after you stole him from me.”
“He made his choice.”
Pris rolled her eyes before her attention diverted to a good-looking man Ella recognized. Derek Cummins was in a tux, peering around the ballroom a few feet away.
Ella thought back to the email invitation. It had said to bring a single guest if desired. She should have known who Pris would invite. She was only surprised Derek had agreed.
Everything suddenly made sense. No wonder Pris was guarding the ball like a wounded killdeer. She didn’t want Derek to see Ella there.
The stepsisters clapped eyes on one another. Pris gritted out the words that screamed from her gaze. “I hate you. I’ve hated you since you stole him from me, and I’m not about to give you another shot.”
In their many—many—misunderstandings, Pris had never said the actual words. While Ella had known her stepsister had disliked her from the start, hate was an open slit straight into her chest.
Ella tried to force away the sting. She could tell Pris that she had no more interest in Derek, which was entirely true. But it hadn’t convinced her in the past. Why would it now?
Her attention veered to Hawk, who was nodding to the redhead before the two parted ways. He shot Ella a smile that had all the force of a lightning bolt. It kinked her insides.
She couldn’t leave, not now. Not when she hadn’t gotten her dance with him. Even if she ended up parting at midnight to work for Stina, she could enjoy a few dances, at least.
“Hate me all you want, but I’ve been invited tonight.” She attempted to worm her way past Pris, to join Hawk’s side before he approached and saw the unfortunate confrontation, but Pris pinched her arm again.
Words seemed to be failing Pris. In a moment of fury, she reached behind Ella, retrieved a glass on the table, and pitched its cranberry-colored contents at Ella’s face.
Ella And The Billionaire's Ball (Once Upon A Billionaire Book 2) Page 8
