by Kay Edwards
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was the last party of the season before Christmas. Wendy stood beside Stefan comparing notes when a voice behind them drew their attention.
“I see your boss finds you just as comfortable to look at as I did.” Kyle Jamison snickered.
Stefan put his arm around Wendy. They turned and looked at Kyle.
Kyle took his time looking at Wendy. He started at her feet allowing his eyes to settle on certain areas of her body. He knew he was making her uncomfortable. That was his intent. When he finally looked at her face, he was not surprised to see the tears in her eyes. His voice was soft. “You are stunning.”
Wendy looked down at her hands. She leaned against Stefan knowing he would not let this man hurt her.
Stefan glanced at Kyle. “I don’t understand men like you.”
Kyle was curious. “I’ll bite. What kind of man am I?”
Stefan looked down at Wendy. Anyone looking at him could see his love for her written all over his face. He glanced back at Kyle. “You had a great employee. If you had not pushed her, you would have had a great friend. I don’t understand a man that thinks it is ok just to take. I don’t get a man that would believe that it is ok to force any human to accept their advances. You looked my fiancée up and down to make her feel uncomfortable and as you said she is stunning. You, however, missed what truly makes her striking. Wendy is sweet and kind. She is more than a beautiful face.”
Wendy glanced up at Stefan. When he touched her cheek, she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. When she opened her eyes, it was apparent she loved Stefan just as much as he loved her. She whispered softly. “I love you.”
Stefan smiled at her gently. “I love you too.”
Kyle glanced at the people around the couple. He knew he had a reputation for being a womanizer. At that moment, he realized it may cost him some clients. Wendy had left him and started working for Stefan Felix. As Stefan became fond of her, it seemed so did a lot of their mutual business associates. He knew it was time to save face even if he was not sincere. “I apologize for my rash behavior. Please accept my congratulations on your engagement.”
Stefan watched Kyle walk away. He glanced down at his future wife. “Thank you for trusting me to keep you safe.”
Wendy smiled up at him. “Thank you for keeping me that way.”
Eve Cantu spoke from behind them. “I bet you he is kicking himself now for pushing you away. He lost a few of my contracts because of your work.”
Stefan and Wendy turned. Wendy smiled at Eve. “I can’t wait to see the finished product with our latest venture.”
Eve grinned. “I can’t wait either. I may have to take a week and enjoy it. We are pleasantly busy this year.”
Wendy and Eve continued to talk while Stefan continued to look for his set of clients. He had to agree with Wendy. He was ready for Christmas. He looked forward to the boys and Wendy spending the holidays with them at the estate. Spying one of the people on his list he smiled down at the women. “I’ll be right back.”
Eve watched him go. She smiled at Wendy. “How did you do it?”
Wendy was not sure what Eve meant. “How did I do what?”
Eve chuckled. “Since his wife died Stefan Felix has been one of the most sought after bachelors in New York City. I’m trying to figure out how you managed to draw his attention.”
It never occurred to Wendy to lie. “I didn’t do anything. It just happened. Not in a fast way but slow. He was my boss. Then Stefan and I became friends. I’m not sure it could have happened any other way. I didn’t trust him at all after dealing with Mr. Jamison. I guess he took the time to earn it. If I have, to be honest, I took the time to gain his trust too. He is more than just a Felix. He is Stefan.”
Eve smiled at Wendy. “You are unique to look at it that way. I refuse even to think of marriage because of my money. Men seem to be more drawn to that than they are me. I wish there were more people like you.”
Wendy was thoughtful as she spoke. “I have learned one thing. I have always assumed money meant no problems. I learned that everyone has problems. It is just a different set of them. It may be hard, but if you open your heart to true love, you will never regret it. I love how it feels when we are spending time with each other.”
Eve shook her head. “I think I’ll stick to the occasional romp.”
Wendy blushed understanding her meaning. She whispered softly. “You are worth more than that.”
Eve glanced at Wendy. She could see the pain in the woman’s eyes. “You care about what I do?”
Wendy nodded. “I don’t see just exits differently. I see people that way too. I want something better for you than just giving yourself away. You were not made for that. You were made to be cherished.”
Eve thought about what Wendy had just said. She didn’t feel judged by Wendy. She felt cared for. She smiled. “I will think about what you are saying.”
Wendy nodded. “If you ever want just to talk I’ll listen. God does love you. If you give Him a chance, He will love you more than you have ever thought possible.”
Eve glanced at Stefan and then back at Wendy. Wendy’s frankness put Eve at ease. “You and Stefan have never been with each other have you?”
Wendy blushed at the idea. She giggled nervously. “No. We are waiting for our wedding night.”
Eve felt off about her ‘romps’ for the first time in her life. “You really are an interesting person.”
Wendy laughed. “I have been told that a time or two. I guess I just don’t see it.”
Eve chuckled. “I think that is why you are likable. You really don’t see it.”
Wendy glanced up as Stefan walked over to her. She smiled at Eve. “I guess our girl time is done for now. I mean what I say. Call me if you need to chat.”
Eve surprised even herself by giving Wendy a quick hug. “I will do that. You two have a great Christmas.”
Wendy watched her leave. When she felt Stefan’s hands on her shoulders, she leaned back against him. “I wish people could see how beautifully broken they are. God loves them so much.”
Stefan kissed the top of her head. “I will never get tired of hearing you talk like that. You really are something else.”
Wendy watched as Malcolm and Liam talked. She chuckled. “Malcolm is totally falling for Carla. She is not being easy about it either. She does not trust him at all.”
Stefan glanced down at her. “He is sincere.”
Wendy nodded. “I know. Carla just needs to see that. Stefan, she and her sister had a very rough life growing up. Carla will not trust just anyone. It has to be earned. Whoever wins it will find her worth it. She has a pure heart.”
Stefan rested his chin on top of her head. “Can I tell him that?”
Wendy didn’t see anything wrong with that. “You can. Tell him to show her his gentle side. She will come around. She may not admit it, but she is attracted to him too.”
Stefan had another idea too. “We can always do a movie night. We can invite Sabrina and her boyfriend Crystal and the kids and then Malcolm.”
Wendy giggled. “Are you being a matchmaker?”
Stefan chuckled. He realized he probably was. “I guess I am.”
Wendy turned in his arms. “I think it is cute. I suppose it is just one more thing for me to love about you.”
Stefan shook his head. “I suppose your silence is going to cost me?”
Wendy’s laughter floated to those around her. The couple was unaware of their audience as they interacted. She cocked her head to the side. “I’m thinking chocolate will be a good place to start, but you have to admit this is big. I may need some gummy bears too.”
Stefan laughed. “You drive a hard bargain. I’ll have them for you in less than twenty-four hours.”
Jessa chuckled as she spoke. “You two really need to
tone down the cute factor. You make the rest of us look boring.”
Wendy turned with a grin on her face. “I have been keeping you in the loop. You aren’t allowed to complain.”
Jessa hugged her friend. “You are right. I can’t complain. It is interesting watching people when you two are together.”
Wendy was confused at Jessa's statement. “How so?”
Jessa laughed. “When you giggled at Stefan the people around you were giggling too. I really think you have endeared yourself to quite a few.”
Wendy glanced around. “People are watching us?”
Jessa nodded. “They sure are.”
Stefan rolled his eyes. It was apparent Wendy was getting ready to say something outlandish. He was not left waiting.
Wendy looked at Stefan. “I should make my rapping debut. I have an audience and everything.”
Jessa snorted with laughter at the look on Stefan’s face. She decided to back her friend up. “I think that sounds fabulous.”
Stefan shook his head. “Just what she needs…”
Wendy and Jessa talked a bit longer before it was time to leave for the night. Stefan guided his soon to be bride toward the limo. Glancing around, he had to admit Jessa was right. People were watching. He was glad that he and Wendy had committed together as a couple to avoid the appearance of evil. These parties were not just a place to do business now. They were also a place to shine the light of Jesus to lost souls.
