She arrived at the offices on time for her hair and make-up appointments ahead of the ball and reception were expecting her. They sent her straight to the fourth floor where the most flamboyantly camp man she had ever met gathered her up in a flurry of air kisses and polka dots and swept her into his domain.
“What a gorgeous figure you have!” He trilled happily as he flicked through rails of gowns. His name was Dominic and Elise couldn’t help but smile as she followed him through the clothes. It was like stepping into Narnia. He heaped gown after gown into her arms, in a flurry of bright colours and expensive fabrics. When she didn’t think she could carry any more he escorted her into a screened off area and helped her into dress after dress. He had barely done most of them up before dismissing them and moving onto the next one.
Finally he sucked in a breath and stepped back to take in the full effect. Elise was so exhausted and hot from getting dressed and undressed so many times, she almost didn’t notice the look on his face.
“This one.” He said reverently. “Roberto Cavalli. The genius. Flatterer of women everywhere.”
“This one?” Elise looked down at the dress. It was a one shoulder asymmetric affair in sapphire blue velvet and satin. She had to admit it was gorgeous and her mind shied away from even daring to consider how much it cost.
“Yes. This one. Now...” he pursed his lips. “...shoes.” He drew the word out as he grasped her hand and dragged her, dress and all, into a separate aisle. “What size are you?”
“Six.”
“Excellent.” He perused a rack of shoes in various colours, checking sizes and holding some pairs up against the dress before dismissing them. Finally he settled on a gorgeous pair of sparkling silver strapped heels. Elise had to hold the dress up while he laced them up for her. “Perfect.” He grinned broadly, took her hand and dragged her off into another aisle to study accessories.
Half an hour later with a cluster of charm bangles, a deconstructed pearl necklace, a mother of pearl clutch, a new pair of almost invisible briefs and a jewelled hair comb, Elise was off to the sixth floor to the make-up department where they got people ready for photo shoots in the magazine. Dominic had allowed her to change back into her own clothes and the dress was busy being pressed and steamed for her return after she’d been to the studio.
They made her shower with expensive products and then she sat in a bathrobe in front of a giant mirror as they primped her hair and painted her face. By the time she was done she felt and looked a million dollars. Her skin had an alabaster perfection she’d never noticed and her hair was pinned up in loose curls, accented by the jewelled comb.
“You have two hours.” The make-up artist warned her sternly. “Then you must be back here, in your dress, ready for a touch up before Mr Stone takes you to the ball.”
“I feel like Cinderella.” She muttered as she accepted the warning and headed downstairs back out into the street. It was a warm day in the city so she took her time heading over to the studio, not wanting to get hot and sweaty or melt her make-up.
When she arrived, Mark kissed her on both cheeks. “You look amazing!” He congratulated her. “Is this for the ball tonight?”
“Yeah.” She blushed and was grateful for the air conditioning in the studio. “How are you doing?”
“Excellent thanks.” He grinned, ushering her into a large white expanse. “I’ve got another date this weekend and I’m pretty hopeful about this one.”
“That’s awesome news!” Elise was delighted for him. “Well, you have my number so you’d better call or text and let me know how it went.”
“I will.” He chuckled. “You’re like the fairy godmother of internet dating.”
Elise burst out laughing. “I don’t have a wand.” She protested jokingly and he shrugged.
“I’ll get you one.” He sat her on a stool and stepped behind his camera, focusing on her face. “I saw on your blog that you’re having a tough week this week.”
“Yeah.” She agreed quietly, all humour forgotten. “It was pretty brutal.”
“Brutal but necessary.” He reassured her. “I haven’t seen today’s post yet. How did it go?”
“About as well as could be expected.” She sighed. “I have to give him credit – he took it a lot better than I would have. He accepted it too. He could have brushed it off but he didn’t...he took it to heart and went into the counselling with an open mind.”
“That’s good.” He adjusted a light. “So you’re hopeful for him?”
“Yeah I am.” She smiled a little sadly. “I think it’ll be a few weeks before he’s really ready to let go and date again properly but I’m sure he’ll get there.”
“That’s good.” He smiled at her. “So...any idea who this Mr X is yet?”
Elise frowned slightly. “Not a clue.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “It could be anyone.”
“Is there anyone you are hoping it might be?” He asked with a cheeky twinkle and Elise chuckled.
“No.”
He stopped what he was doing and stared at her. “Why, you’re blushing!! Spill the beans!”
She giggled and shrugged. “I met someone. What can I say?”
“What’s his name? Where does he work? Come on, I want details!” He stepped behind the camera again as Elise laughed.
“His name is Nathan and he works at my local library here. I met him my first day in the city. He’s taking me to dance classes.”
“Really?” He seemed surprised by that. “What kind of dance classes?”
“Argentine tango first but maybe other kinds afterwards.” Some of the joy went out of her. “It depends what happens when I go back home. I only have another seven weeks here.”
“Well how serious is it?” He asked. “You must have some idea by now.”
“It’s serious.” A smile tugged at her mouth. “I love him to bits. Feels like we’ve known each other forever but three weeks isn’t long enough to know all there is to know about a person.”
“It’s long enough to know your heart.” He grinned at her. “It’s kinda sweet that you came here to fix our love lives and ended up fixing yours too.”
“I know.” Amused she let him make fun of her for a little while.
Eventually he stepped out from behind the camera. “That’s it.” He told her and her jaw dropped.
“That’s it? I didn’t even know you were taking pictures!”
He burst out laughing. “It’s a really quiet camera. The joys of digital.”
“Oh. I see.” She blinked, a little nonplussed. “When do I get to see the pictures?”
“Give me a couple of days at least.” He helped her down off the stool. “I’ll call you when they’re ready.”
“Awesome.” She checked her watch. “I’d better run. The make-up artist is like a drill sergeant. If I’m not dressed, present and correct within the two hours she gave me I fear I’ll be on the receiving end of a severe rollicking.”
“On you go.” He gestured her away. “I’ll speak to you soon.” She reached up to kiss his cheek and hurried out into the late afternoon.
She made it with a few minutes to spare and they brushed and polished her until she didn’t even look like herself any more. When Taylor came down to collect her looking dashing in his tuxedo he whistled softly through his teeth and clapped his hands together admiringly.
“You look incredible.” He complimented her.
“Looking rather fine yourself, boss.” She winked at him and laughed as he kissed her hand. “Do I need a coat or something?” She asked when he was done doing his gentlemanly thing and he shook his head, tucking her arm through his as they walked down the hall.
“No. The car is right outside and it’ll drop us off right at the door. A car will take you home later as well.”
“Thanks.” She allowed herself to be escorted into the back of a large luxury car and they pulled away from the kerb. “Where is this charity ball?” She asked as the city passed by and Taylor
looked up from his phone.
“Wembley Arena.”
“Oh my God!” She snapped her jaw shut as it dropped. “That place is huge! How big is this event?”
He grinned dazzlingly at her. “As big as it gets.”
Elise’s heart sank into her shoes when they arrived and she saw the bank of photographers and journalists arrayed by an expanse of red carpet that seemed a mile long.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be right here.” Taylor told her warmly as he got out of his side of the car. Elise was going to open her own door but there was somebody there already and by the time she’d swung her feet over the sill of the door Taylor had arrived to take her hand and help her out. It felt like arriving on another planet. She was so blinded by the dazzle of camera flashes that she was grateful for the hand Taylor placed in the small of her back to guide her about. “Keep smiling.” He whispered into her ear and she did as he suggested, pasting on a big smile as he shepherded her about, pausing here and there for photographers to catch posed photographs.
By the time they made it inside Elise’s jaw was aching and she was so blinded she had to stop by the doors for a moment to allow her eyes to adjust.
“You did great.” Taylor whispered to her. “Come on, we have to go and mingle.” He escorted her around, introducing her to various people from the magazine but also to several celebrities. When they actually sat down at a table to eat she was so dazzled and star struck she could barely string three words together and sat silently as she ate, a little dazed by it all.
After the dinner there was an auction and a few speeches, after which a band struck up playing and Taylor got to his feet.
“May I have this dance?” He asked her charmingly and she blushed, unable to refuse.
“Of course.” Taking the proffered hand she allowed herself to be led onto the dance floor and he took her in his arms.
“Do you know how to waltz?” He asked and she shook her head.
“I’ve seen it done but I’ve never tried it.” She admitted. “I know the count though.”
“You’ll be fine. Just start stepping back on your right foot and follow my lead. Be pliant in my arms and I’ll do the rest.”
“Okay.” A little dubiously she let him count her in and then allowed herself to be swept away into the throng of people.
At first it was awkward but after a few tunes she relaxed into his arms and they moved easily and gracefully around the floor. Taylor seemed to be nodding and smiling at everyone he recognised around them but Elise was too conscious of the hand pressed warmly in the expanse of bare skin below her shoulder blades. She’d never really understood before that the waltz was an intimate dance, a pressing together of two bodies moving in union. She was acutely aware of each bend and flex of his muscles as he moved her around and the scent of his cologne was heady in their tiny quiet space in amidst the crush of people. It was hard to resist the urge to lean her head against his chest and listen to his heartbeat.
“Are you okay?” He leaned down and murmured in her ear as they moved fluidly into their fifth dance. “I feel like I could keep going all night but if you’re tired we can stop?”
“No I’m enjoying it.” She turned to smile at him and her lips brushed his cheek by accident. She hadn’t realised he was still so close. He stilled slightly as the air between them heated. Their mouths were so close together...a kiss was only a hairsbreadth away and the electric frisson built until it was an almost tangible presence.
“Elise.” He breathed and it snapped her out of the spell.
“God, I’m sorry!” She flushed bright red and turned her face away. “I don’t know what I was thinking...Nathan! Oh my god!”
“It’s okay.” He laughed easily. “I don’t know what you were thinking but nothing actually happened. What Nathan doesn’t know can’t hurt him.”
“I’m sorry, it must be the champagne.” She continued, aware that he might feign amusement but he was breathing raggedly. What the hell had just happened? How did they go from being friends one moment to that almost raw hunger in the next? It made no sense. He was a great guy and maybe in another life, another world, they could be together, but she had made commitments in the here and now that she couldn’t ignore. She felt swallowed with guilt for even wanting to feel his lips on hers, on her skin, on her neck...the thought made the blood rush to her cheeks anew and she fought to regain her composure.
“Are we going to talk about this?” He asked eventually when she had been quiet for a while and she shook her head resolutely.
“No. There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Come with me.” He released her from hold and took her hand, leading her through the throngs of people swaying about on the dance floor. She thought about resisting but it might have looked a little odd so she allowed herself to be led to a small alcove behind some drapes.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” She repeated firmly before he could say a word. “I’d had too much champagne and I was carried away with the music.”
“That’s not true and you know it.” He challenged. “You wanted to kiss me as much as I wanted to kiss you.”
“It’s not going to happen Taylor.” She wasn’t going to lie and say she hadn’t wanted him but it was too messy to contemplate. “I’m with Nathan. We’re happy together. Whatever that was out there on the dance floor, it was a moment of craziness and it won’t be repeated.”
“I respect your views when it comes to Nathan but don’t discount me.” He said seriously. “I’ve got a lot of making up to do after what Anton put us through.”
“We’ve both got making up to do.” She admitted wearily. “I should have known you wouldn’t have just cut off all contact with me. I should have tried harder to call you. But all of that is as friends. As a professional, as a woman, as someone who can’t deal with complicated right now, I just want to be your friend. No more, no less. Can you give me that?”
For a long moment he studied her and then he sighed. “For now. Whatever happens or doesn’t happen, you’ll always have my friendship.” He raised her hand to his lips and laid a gentle kiss on the back of it. “Always.”
Chapter 10
“Hello?” She mumbled into her phone at 9 o’clock the morning after the ball.
“OH MY GOD! YOU’RE TRENDING ON TWITTER!!” Fern shrieked joyously at the other end.
“Huh?” Elise rolled over and blinked blearily at the clock.
“I said you’re trending on Twitter!” She sounded so ridiculously excited it took a couple of seconds for Elise to register what she’d said.
“I’m trending on Twitter?” She repeated dully and Fern sighed.
“Well kind of. Not you but it’s about you. Is your computer on?”
Elise closed her eyes and lay back on the pillow. “I didn’t get home until almost 4am Fern. No, my computer is not on.”
“Damn, did I wake you up?” At least she sounded contrite.
“Yeah but it’s okay. You can tell me about it.”
“Everyone’s guessing who Mr X is. There are pictures of you and Taylor all over the news this morning and they think it might be him.”
“Fuck.” Elise dragged a pillow over her head. “We made the news?”
“Yeah, you did.” She sounded massively amused.
“I’d better call Nate.”
For the first time Fern’s excitement dulled. “He won’t be angry will he?”
“I shouldn’t think so. He knows we’re just friends. But it might come as a nasty shock to him to see pictures of me in the papers.”
“If it’s any consolation you looked absolutely gorgeous. That dress was stunning.”
“I should bloody hope so considering it probably costs more than my monthly salary.” Elise grumbled, making a mental note to look up how much a one-off Roberto Cavalli gown went for.
“I saw a similar one on the net for just over two grand.” Fern admitted sheepishly. “I looked it up.”
“Well add in the shoes
and accessories and you probably have my annual salary, let alone my monthly one.” Elise slumped. “This is going to be a nightmare isn’t it? What are the papers saying?”
“They’re speculating that you and Taylor are an item, that he’s Mr X and that you’re the reason he and his brother had a bust up. Did he really break his brother’s nose?”
“Yeah.” She pounded a pillow in frustration. “Yes he did.”
“Can I come visit?” Fern started to laugh. “Your life is like a soap opera.”
“You’re welcome any time but don’t expect any drama. And could you please be a little less amused by all this?” Elise knew she sounded grumpy but Fern obviously didn’t realise what a big deal this was. “Taylor is a big man in the city. I’m a nobody. This could damage his reputation.”
“You’re hardly a nobody!” She protested. “You’re a published author with a blog that more than two hundred thousand people follow.”
“What?” Elise was floored. She knew a lot of the magazine readers checked her blog out but she didn’t realise it was that many.
“Look, I’ll let you get back to sleep but if I was you I’d turn the phone off and when you get up you should check your computer, okay?”
“Okay. Bye.” Elise ended the call, sent Nathan a text message telling him to just come over whenever because she was turning her phone off, switched the phone off and promptly went back to sleep.
She was woken just before midday by the buzzer and answered it in her pyjamas. “Yo.”
“Wow, someone sounds like they have a sore head this morning.” Nathan sounded cheerful which was good.
“No, I just woke up.” She pushed the button to let him into the building and slouched through to the kitchen to put the kettle on while she waited for him to come up.
“I’m surprised there aren’t any reporters out there.” He commented as he came through the door, taking over the coffee making from her so she could sit down.
“They probably don’t know where I live. I haven’t seen the news. Is it bad?”
He made a so-so gesture. “It’s not bad but everyone is talking about it. Why don’t you go get in the shower and I’ll make you some lunch? You can’t go to dance class looking like that.”
Summer Loving Page 15
