Smoldering Embers

by P. M. Briede

  Everything in my body stopped. For what felt like forever there was no heartbeat, no breath, no thought. When my mind finally started again it was running at warp speed. Was that really the question? Was I reading into its implication? When he finally noticed that I was no longer beside him but, in fact, now behind, he turned to face me. He was closing the distance between us when I heard his drawling voice penetrate through the barrage of questions. “Come now, Charlotte, we have a deal.”

  Looking into his face, I saw that I’d read the implication and intent correctly. This was an opening to gauge my feelings about a date. And Paige would tell me my opening to ask him out. “I’m going with Wesley to a fundraising event for Governor Wyatt.” Yes, I’m a chicken.

  He was now directly in front of me and I had to tilt my head back quite a bit to look into his eyes. “Your oldest friend Wesley or perhaps your boyfriend Wesley?” His eyes were probing and I thought I again saw a bit of jealousy just below their surface.

  “I don’t think our deal extended to follow-up questions.” Unfortunately my response came out a little more breathy than I intended when caught in his intense stare. In an effort to cover it up I pulled my eyes and head down and leveled them at my car. “This is me,” I said as I walked around him to open my door and put my things inside.

  “Fair enough, I’ll drop it for now seeing as how your lack of response means that you probably don’t know yourself which serves my purposes currently.” Damn but he was forward and completely spot on. “But as you have held up your end I can’t in good faith let you leave without holding up mine. What’s your question?”

  “Right!” After closing the door and spinning towards him, I leaned back against my car and crossed my arms over my chest. I was determined to not get distracted and make sure to take in every response that he was sure to try and hide.

  “I’m a little afraid about what’s to come, Charlotte. You look so serious!” he teased.

  “I am, Olivier. Here’s my question. Why is it that you keep insisting that we’ve never met before yet acting like you’ve known me forever?” You’d have thought I’d punched him. You could actually hear the air as he sucked it into his lungs. He took a step back and I honestly thought that he was going to run. I put on a wicked smile. “Come now, Olivier, we have a deal.”

  He closed his eyes and started nodding his head. When he opened them again there was a fire in them and the Cheshire grin returned to his face. “So we did. Absolute truth, huh?” I nodded in response.

  Ever so slowly he approached the car, opened the back door, and hung my dress inside. Closing the door, he placed his hand just inches from my head, putting his face directly in front of mine. He brushed away a piece of my hair that had fallen across my eyes. “I want to see you.” His body was millimeters from mine. The heat I’d imagined it would radiate in my dreams was matched in reality. “First tell me why you’re so sure we have a past?”

  “You’re so familiar, Olivier.” He smiled and drew his body closer to mine. His breaths fell heavy on my cheek. “I feel safe with you. I feel like I can trust you. That you’ve earned it. Which makes no sense if we don’t.” Why had I admitted all of that?!

  “What doesn’t make sense?” he asked in a sensual tone and with a penetrating gaze.

  I couldn’t take it anymore and tore my eyes from his. I stared out over the parking garage but was really searching the deep recesses of my mind for an answer. “I don’t know. I don’t take easily to people. I don’t dislike them or anything. It just takes me a while to be comfortable with them. But with you there was just this instant, unexplainable connection.”

  “Could it be that we’re kindred?”

  I pushed him away and laughed. “Seriously? I don’t believe in love at first sight.” He cupped my face and brought it back to his. His whole presence radiated such passion that I thought I was going to have a heart attack when his fingers trailed down my neck, across my shoulder, and along my arm not resting until he pulled out my hand and clasped it against his chest above his heart. I could feel its rapid beat and knew he’d felt the shudder that tore through my body. “You believe that, don’t you?” He smiled after I nodded. Then he leaned into my ear and seductively uttered the absolute last words I expected to pass through his lips. “We have met before, Charlotte. You just weren’t meant to remember.” Before I could even process what he’d said he was gone.

  * * *

  Two hours later I found myself at the Southern Oaks Plantation, still reeling from Olivier’s revelation. Even though I’d felt its truth in my gut it was still a shock to have it confirmed. I had just stepped into the foyer when I spotted Wesley in front of the doors to the ballroom. His smile when he saw me lifted my cloud of anxiety, and I felt calmer. Nodding his head towards the coat check, we both headed in that direction.

  What had Olivier meant when he said I wasn’t supposed to remember? It didn’t make any sense. And why couldn’t I remember?

  “Evening, Charlotte.” Wesley’s voice slowed the wheels of my mind. I needed to put Olivier aside and focus on him and this event. He kissed my cheek. I took the tag from the valet as he stepped behind me and reached around to remove my evening coat. I forcibly tucked Olivier and my questions in the pocket of my coat to be retrieved later.

  I thanked Wesley over my shoulder then side stepped out of his way so he could give my coat to the valet. I headed towards the doors to the ballroom to sneak a peek inside. When I noticed that he hadn’t immediately followed, I turned back around to find him frozen halfway between the coat check and myself. “Something wrong, Wesley?”

  He didn’t speak as he closed the distance between us. His attention was so riveted that when he bumped into another guest, he apologized, but words were the only acknowledgement that was offered. My face flushed because his stare was so consuming; I felt completely exposed and vulnerable. There wasn’t an inch of my body that hadn’t been caressed by his eyes. When he reached me, I caught his elbows and lightly pressed against them while taking a small step back to smile at him. “Don’t you think we should join the others?”

  That seemed to penetrate his thoughts as his face lost a bit of its intensity. He glanced around frowning as if perplexed to see all the people milling around us. He looked back at me with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry. I must have been completely swept away in the moment.”

  “What moment? All you did was take my coat.”

  “Yes, but when I turned around I realized that it wasn’t my friend who’d shown up for this event but the most breathtaking woman I’ve ever seen.”

  I slapped his arm and turned away, embarrassed by the burning sensation I no longer felt just in my cheeks. I hadn’t been going for breathtaking; I’d worn a simple fitted blue dress. It had a boat neckline and three quarter length sleeves with a pencil skirt that stopped just below my knees. It clasped at the neckline in the back around a cut out. I paired the dress with a pair of grey three-inch pumps, a silver clutch, and simple diamond stud earrings. I had thought I looked completely appropriate for a fundraising event, and wouldn’t draw attention. I guess I was mistaken.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to dress unsuitably.”

  He stepped back in front of me, and I saw his amusement at my embarrassment. He brushed my hair off my shoulder. “Don’t apologize, you’re absolutely not unsuitable. In fact, I’m wondering how I’m going to get any work done when I’m going to have to steer you away from the very people I’m supposed to be talking to.”

  “Why’s that?”

  He lowered his voice as he leaned into my ear. “Look around, Charlotte. I’m not the only one who can’t take my eyes off you.”

  We’d entered the ballroom, and he was right about us being stared at, but the reason for it was still to be determined. Wesley had run the previous election campaigns for the governor, and it had been about the same amount of time since his last serious relationship. When he’d broken up with his fiancée eleven years ago he rebounded by throwing hims
elf into his work to make a name for himself in politics. He’d dated, but that was about it. Given the career he’d carved out for himself, it was just as likely that people were staring because I was with him at all and not because of how I looked.

  As we approached a table at the front of the room, an older couple stood and came around to greet us. “I was wondering where you’d run off to, son. I’m glad to see, that for once, it was for a good reason.”

  “Yes sir, I’m inclined to agree with you this time. Governor, let me introduce to you my oldest and dearest friend, Charlotte Grace. Charlotte, this is Governor Alexander Wyatt and his wife, Regina.” I shook their hands and was struck by how handsome they were. They were at least twenty-five years older than Wesley and I. He was about Wesley’s height with salt and pepper hair and a build that was neither slim nor heavy. She was a few inches shorter than me with short auburn hair, pale skin, and a petite frame.

  After the introductions, Alexander turned to me. “Please excuse me, but I have to steal Wesley before the speech. We’ve been disagreeing about some changes I want to make, and it’s time for me to throw my weight around.”

  “Yes, of course, Governor, I understand.” I turned and smiled at Wesley, but his eyes had taken on a grave edge and I could tell he wasn’t pleased at this announcement. To ease his conscience, I smiled. “I’ll be all right.”

  “You see, son, she’ll be okay. In fact, Regina!” he hollered even though she was standing right behind him. “I know you won’t mind looking out for our girl here until I return Wesley to her.”

  “Of course, dear. We’ll be old friends by the time you both get back.” Her voice was reassuring.

  “You sure you’ll be all right?” Concern was still etched on Wesley’s face.

  “Yes, now go and do your job. Remember I do have a small bit of experience at these events.” I gave him an encouraging shove after Alexander and then turned my back on him to face Regina.

  “You’re the widow, aren’t you dear? The one whose husband was a mayor in Idaho? That’s the experience you’re referring to, isn’t it?” This was not the opening I’d expected, and her questions were coming in at a rapid fire. “I’m sorry but Wesley did say you’d grown up together, so I just assumed you were used to southern hospitality. How long have you been gone?”

  I laughed in spite of myself. Typically these types of personal questions from a relative stranger unnerved me, but she was right about southern hospitality. Rather than be offended I took this in stride and answered her questions since her interest seemed genuine.

  “Wonderful! Wesley said that you had a sense of humor. You’ll have to excuse my familiarity. He’s talked about you so much over the past year that my husband and I feel like we know you. We only have daughters, you see, so Wesley has become like a son to us over the years. There was a time when I entertained the idea of trying to make that more official. I now see why it never worked.”

  This time I couldn’t hide my astonishment at where she’d trailed off. “Beg pardon? What do you mean?”

  “Oh, don’t mind me; sometimes I say just whatever pops into my head.” She chuckled and waved her hand before continuing. “I was so glad to hear that you’d filled the freshman class at Armstrong for next year. It’s one of the successes Alexander is going to highlight in his speech tonight.”

  The amount of intimate knowledge she had about the school and me was confusing, so I patiently waited until she paused for a breath. “I’m happy to hear that you’re pleased with the progress we’ve made at the school, but it has been a complete collaboration. I must admit though I am amazed by how much you seem to know about it.”

  “I’m on the board of directors, dear.” She paused to look around. “You’re the disagreement between my husband and Wesley.”

  “Me?” Good God, why?

  “Alexander wants to recognize and introduce you tonight during his speech.” She got distracted when some other guests approached us. They talked and she introduced me to them, but I was too busy scrutinizing the last part of our conversation to pay any real attention to them. That explained the gravity in Wesley’s demeanor when Governor Wyatt mentioned changing the speech. He knew that I wouldn’t want that kind of attention.

  Suddenly I was engulfed by an unexpected heat akin to a fever. My palms got clammy. Sweat beads grew on my upper lip and brow. Regina was talking with someone who was standing just behind me. I could hear her voice but it sounded far away and muffled. When she motioned between me and the newcomer I assumed she was introducing us. I turned a forced smile to a woman who sneered at me in response. But that wasn’t the most shocking thing about her. She introduced herself, and her voice! I’ve heard it before! Before I could place where or ask her, she locked eyes with me. A light flashed through her green eyes and she whispered “forget.”

  I blinked and the room came back into focus. “Are you alright, Charlotte?” Regina asked with concern.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Though I didn’t know why my hands we so sweaty. I looked around confused. “Weren’t we just talking to someone?”

  “Yes, I was just informed that it’s time for Alexander’s speech.” She led me to our table and motioned to a chair next to her. “Right here dear, you’re next to me. Wesley should be out in a moment but after the speech I need to discuss something important with you, so don’t let him monopolize all your time.”

  I didn’t get a chance to answer because Governor Wyatt walked out and approached the podium while other members of his staff joined our table. When Wesley slid into the seat on my other side, I turned to smile at him and saw that he looked defeated. I knew that he’d lost the battle to keep me out of the speech.

  “Please don’t worry. Regina prepped me.” He nodded and sat back into his chair, but the grim set in his eyes and mouth didn’t recede.

  Governor Wyatt’s speech was typical for a fundraising event. I knew the drop in was coming when he mentioned the school, turned, and gestured towards our table. “So everyone, please make sure to acquaint yourself this evening with, whom I promise you is Armstrong Academy’s greatest treasure, Charlotte Grace.” Out of habit, I smiled and stood, graciously accepting everyone’s applause. When I sat back down I gave Wesley what I hoped was a reassuring smile. In answer, all he did was take my hand in his.

  After his speech, Alexander joined us at the table and the conversation was light during dinner. Other than thanking him for his kind words and unnecessary recognition, I didn’t say much. Wesley didn’t either. Given the stolen glances at us by everyone else at the table and the complete avoidance of any mention of the school, I assumed that emotions had run high concerning the speech. I plastered on a smile that didn’t register my inner turmoil.

  When dinner was over and everyone stood to mingle with the contributors. Wesley grabbed my elbow to steer me aside. “I can have my aide take you home if you want.” He was facing me but not looking at me. I could tell he was searching for the aide.

  While it was absolutely what I wanted, I knew that Wesley would get into a lot of trouble if I disappeared after having a room full of paying constituents instructed to acquaint themselves with me. I straightened my shoulders and affected a tone of mock seriousness. “Look at me, Wesley.” His eyes widened in recognition from the week prior on my patio, and I saw him focus on me instead of through me. “I don’t need a white knight. I know the drill and while I’ll admit I’m not thrilled at the prospect, I am going to turn these lemons into lemonade. The school benefits from this kind of press and I’m not going to throw it away by leaving. So I insist that you stop sulking about what can’t be changed and help me maneuver through the swarm to get the most out of it.”

  Finally, I could see the tension seep out of his body. He smiled at me conspiratorially. “You are absolutely right. We’ll turn this around on Alexander’s head.”

  * * *

  “I still can’t believe it, Charlotte. Alexander said that you were delightful and that everyone just adored you
. If you’re going to continue to make me look so smart, I must insist on you remaining my plus one.” Wesley was driving me home. Other than the speech, the evening held many highlights for Wesley, the school, and me. One of which was the item Regina had wanted to discuss.

  As we were walking out into the foyer to get our coats Governor Wyatt and his wife had approached to thank us and say goodnight. When Alexander pulled Wesley away, Regina apologized to me for the drop in, and said that though her husband wouldn’t do the same to Wesley, he was sorry if he’d caused me any discomfort. She then quickly transitioned to the school by offering to sponsor a charity event on Valentine’s to benefit the scholarship fund. She was thinking a dinner theater that showcased the talents of the students and staff.

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” I warned him. “I might be too busy. All the networking tonight might have just filled my social calendar.”

  He chuckled, and we continued talking about the inroads we’d made the rest of the way to my house. It wasn’t until we reached the porch that I realized it was now or never. Time to turn this “plus one” into that date I’d promised to Paige.

  “Everything okay?” he asked as we stepped up onto the porch. “You seem nervous.”

  I took the coward’s way out and put the keys in the door. “I’m fine. Thank you for the evening.” Paige is going to absolutely murder me! But I didn’t know what to say or do.

  He placed a hand over mine to stop me from opening the door. “Charlotte, something’s wrong. What is it?” His voice was pleading and gentle. When I didn’t answer, he turned me to face him. “You were laughing and happy all night, even when you had every right not to be. What happened between the car and here to change that?”

  I opened my mouth to tell him the truth but the words I’d intended to say weren’t the ones that came out. “Nothing’s wrong, Wesley. It’s just been a very long and tiring day.” Fully committing to the lie, I smiled up at him.