The lights in the lobby area blinked twice as people scurried to get inside the auditorium to their seats. David spotted Sabrina pacing near the double doors.
“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,” she said, relief washing over her face. Cocking her head, she seemed to look behind him. “Where’s Lauren?”
David scowled at her with narrowed eyes. Was she serious?
“Don’t play me the fool,” he muttered, calmly crossing his arms against his chest.
Sabrina looked up at him with wide eyes. “Whatever do you mean?” she stuttered, her voice a little higher than normal.
“I know what you told the hair and makeup team to do,” he responded through gritted teeth. “You deliberately sabotaged my evening with Lauren with your hideous little game. Well, I won’t have it.”
Sabrina laughed nervously. “Oh, come on David. It couldn’t have been that bad.”
“What are you, daft? So, you admit it?”
He watched as his assistant squared her shoulders and thrust her chin out with childlike defiance. “It was supposed to be a little joke. I wasn’t there, so I have no idea how far the girls took it.”
“Who did you assign?”
“The Cole sisters. But don’t take it out on them, David. They were only doing what I instructed….”
“And what did you instruct?” David interrupted with a loud voice.
“David, please. Keep your voice down. People can hear you.”
He fisted his hands by his sides, lowering his voice. “What… did you… instruct?”
Sabrina seemed to cower under his glare as if realizing she had made a morbid mistake. “I told them to give her the ugliest dress on the rack and to overdo a smoky eye, that’s all. I wanted to see if the girl had any gumption—if she would stand her ground and tell them to stop. If she allowed them do this to her, well, I have no respect for that kind of behavior, nor should you. Is she really the kind of girl you want to end up with? Someone who can’t take up for themselves? A wet blanket of a girl—”
“Enough!” David yelled. Several patrons looked their way as he leaned into her. “I should like to fire your ass right now for what you’ve done. This is inexcusable! I trusted you,” he whispered tersely. “Lauren trusted you—”
“Excuse me, Mr. Randle? They’re about to announce your award after the opener. Could you please take your seat?” a nervous staff member interrupted.
“Yes, I’ll be right in.” With newfound determination, he stood tall and expelled a long breath. With steady eyes, he looked at his assistant. “After I complete my due diligence and receive this award, I’m leaving.”
“What? You can’t! You have after show obligations—”
“I’m leaving. You will cover for me. In fact, you’re going to cover for me for the next few days. I have an unexpected emergency that I must deal with. I wish not to be disturbed. I will contact you when I’m damn good and ready, do you understand?”
“David, you’re overreacting!” Sabrina pleaded.
“Mr. Randle?” The staff member eagerly held the door open for him.
He strode by her in a steady walk. “I will not be accepting any calls from you until I’m ready.”
“Where will you be going?” she asked, trailing his coattails.
“None of your business.”
As he walked through the doors into the auditorium, his name was announced followed by a thunderous, standing ovation. He was receiving the GQ Man of the Year Award. This was a big deal; the equivalent of an Academy Award in the world of modeling. He quickly trotted down the aisle toward the stage, a huge, unanticipated grin spreading across his face, knowing he had made a decision that would perhaps change the trajectory of his life.
Chapter Eighteen
The snow started again, falling and swirling in gusts outside the hotel window. Lauren sat in the dark, on a chair with her legs pulled up to her chest, her chin on her knees looking out the window. She was humiliated and depressed, not sure if she should continue the relationship between her and David. She would never forgive herself if she somehow got in the way of his success. He was on the cusp of something really big and she had to admit, Sabrina was right. For him to be distracted by her might not be in his best interests.
Her eyes stung from having cried off and on since he left her alone in the hotel room. She swiped at the corners again, feeling deflated and tired. It took her over an hour to get all the heavy makeup off and the hundreds of pins out of her over-sprayed hair. She was mad at herself. Mad she had allowed two strangers to make her look like a fool in front of David. She recalled how they glanced at one another several times while applying her makeup and doing her hair. How they’d snickered, keeping her away from the mirror, encouraging her to be surprised with the final reveal. When she slipped on the ugly gray dress and felt the hundreds of pins on the back of her head, she knew right then she’d been had. Growing up in an acting family, she played the part of a grateful consumer, surprising both women with words of appreciation—a whole bunch of “atta-girls” and “great job”. She recalled them looking at each other as if perplexed by her reaction.
The hardest part was coming back to the hotel and the “walk of shame” she had to endure through the lobby. Several people eyed her with looks of disdain, almost horror at her appearance. She felt scorned in a way, for having put up with the mean girls who’d deliberately put her in this position. The look on David’s face when he opened the door was the final straw. She knew without a doubt that Sabrina Watson had set her up for the fall.
Her stomach growled, and she glanced at the coffee table that held an exorbitant amount of food David ordered for her, including a full bottle of expensive champagne floating uncorked in a bucket of melted ice. She looked away, feeling like she could throw up. Pulling her cellphone out of her pants pocket she scrolled through her contacts and hit her father’s number.
The phone went straight to voicemail making her shoulders sag even more. She waited for the beep.
“Hey Daddy. It’s me. I just wanted to hear your voice. I miss you.” She paused trying to keep her emotions in check. “I’ll try you later. Give mom my best.” She swallowed hard. “I love you.” Hitting the end call button, she lay her head on her knees, pursing her lips, trying desperately not to sob again.
When she heard the door click, she knew David was back. Pulling her legs a little tighter to her chest, she quickly wiped away the stray tears that seemed to come out of nowhere. The snow had let up, with only a few random flakes falling from the sky. His presence was obvious and she could feel the nearness of him behind the chair.
“Lauren…,” he started softly.
“Mmhumm?”
“Are you all right?” his voice was tinged with concern.
“I’m fine,” she whispered. The effort to turn her tired body to face him was too much. He knelt beside her. His jacket and bow tie were missing and she could barely make out his chiseled features from the light of the moon. His hand was suddenly on her thigh rubbing back and forth.
“You haven’t touched your dinner.”
She paused before answering. “I’m not hungry.” A sigh could be heard in the darkness as he squeezed her leg.
“A car is waiting for us downstairs. We’re leaving.”
She blinked several times, concern hitting her full force. It was the middle of the night. “What?”
A lamp clicked on, illuminating the space in the hotel room. When she looked up at David, he smiled down at her.
“We’re getting out of here.”
Letting go of her knees, she stretched in the chair. “Where are we going?”
His million-dollar smile took her breath away. “It’s a surprise.”
***
They arrived at La Guardia airport close to midnight. A security team ushered them into the private terminal and took their bags to the tarmac.
“Why won’t you tell me where we’re going?” Lauren asked. Back at the hotel, she hur
riedly packed her suitcase and shrugged on warm clothes for their late-night departure, not even bothering doing her makeup. Her clean hair hung in natural waves over her shoulders making her look like a young girl.
“I told you, it’s a surprise,” he replied with a definite glint in his blue gaze. The pullover sweater and jeans he’d changed into looked comfortable and hugged his body in all the right places.
When they boarded the private Lear jet, Lauren couldn’t hide the astonished look on her face. She’d never been on a private plane before. The sumptuous interior was nothing like the jumbo jets she always traveled on. The flight steward greeted them with a kind smile, offering beverages before take-off. Before she knew it, she was buckled in comfortably next to David, and they were speeding down the runway headed to God knows where. The cabin lights dimmed and after a hot cup of chamomile tea, her eyelids became too heavy, causing her to doze on David’s shoulder. At some point during the two and half hour flight, he laid a soft blanket over her. The hum of the white noise in the plane interior and his solid warmth lulled her into a deep sleep after the trying day.
“Lauren… Lauren, darling. We’ve landed.”
Her eyes fluttered open, and she tried to focus on David’s face inches from hers. “Where are we?” she whispered in a hoarse voice.
He grinned. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
The steward and captain stood by the doorway of the jet, offering pleasantries as they disembarked the aircraft to a black SUV waiting on the tarmac, mere feet from the stairs. The cold wind whipped at Lauren’s hair, biting her cheeks in the dark night. She could see a large billboard in the distance that read, “Savannah Hilton Head International.”
“We’re back in Georgia?” she asked, sliding into the car’s warm interior.
“Yes. We have another forty-five minutes of travel before we reach our final destination. It’s the middle of the night.” Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her. “Go back to sleep if you can.”
Too excited and wound up, she knew that sleep was out of the question. They were back in her home state of Georgia on the coast. Not knowing where they were headed was torture.
“Can you please tell me where we’re going now? I’ve been more than patient,” she pouted, running her hand across his chest. She could feel it expand as he took in a deep breath. His hand immediately went to her thigh, which he squeezed.
“And I thought impatience was my problem,” he chuckled, kissing the top of her head. “You’ll find out soon enough, love.”
The drive took almost an hour through the inky night. After crossing the marsh over a toll bridge with backlit signage, Lauren knew they were on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. They were heading toward the Atlantic Ocean, driving on dark streets, passing through several round-a-bouts under giant oak trees dripping with moss. Her eyes were wide with anticipation. Why Hilton Head? She didn’t have to wait much longer before she knew the reason.
The SUV stopped at a guard shack and they were given a pass to enter the private Sea Pines neighborhood. Massive homes dotted either side of the rich southern landscape as they traveled deeper into the gated community. They finally pulled into a half circle cobblestone driveway and were greeted by racecar driver, Brian Brady.
“Dude! This is such an awesome surprise!” Brian bear hugged David and patted him aggressively on the back. He looked like he hadn’t slept but a couple of hours.
Lauren hesitated before she grabbed David’s outstretched hand and exited the vehicle.
“Hi Brian,” she offered meekly, unsure of how to proceed.
“Lauren! So great to see you.” The two hugged cordially.
She stood and watched as the driver pulled their luggage out of the back. Breathing in the cold, salty air, she could hear the faint sound of the ocean in the distance. No doubt, Brian Brady lived right on the beach.
David palmed her lower back and escorted her inside the entryway of the impressive home.
“We’re imposing on their honeymoon?” she whispered, unsure if this was a good idea.
“Nonsense,” he whispered back. “They’re not even on their honeymoon yet. This is Brian’s beach house. I don’t want you to worry. I want you to relax and be your gorgeous self.”
She nodded and followed the men up a dramatic, curved staircase to the second floor where Brian showed them the spacious guest suite. The room was bigger than her entire apartment and featured a gas fireplace and a California king bed. The color palette was soothing, everything decorated in cream, taupe and shades of blue. She cocked her head and could see his and her vanities in the giant master bathroom illuminated under bronze pendant lights.
Brian stood before them with his hands on his hips. “Make yourself at home. If you want the gas logs off, turn the switch on the remote.”
“Thank you, my friend,” David said parking their luggage next to the bathroom door.
“No problem. Catherine will be so pleased to see you. She tried to stay up, but it got to be too late for her. I’m sure she’ll make it up to y’all in the morning.” He winked, his southern accent peeking through his tired voice. “Good night.”
“Good night,” they said in unison, watching him exit the suite, closing the door behind him.
David turned and drew her in for a hug. “I’m exhausted. Let’s unpack in the morning.”
Nodding into his chest, her eyelids felt heavy from the lack of sleep. “You didn’t have to give up your important work week to get me out of the city.” Her voice held a soft undertone.
“Yes, I did,” he replied, pulling back from her and looking intently into her face. The flames from the gas fireplace flickered in his stunning, blue eyes. “This was probably the best decision I’ve made in a very long time.”
His comment took her by surprise.
“I want to be with you, Lauren. And if I have to run away from a few obligations for a short while so I can have quality time with you, so be it.” He gripped her by the hand and guided her toward the giant bed. “The entire weekend is ahead of us with nothing on the books. After a good night’s sleep, our adventure begins.”
Chapter Nineteen
A dull, gray light seeped into the large suite through half-open plantation shutters, waking Lauren up slowly in the late morning haze. The sky was overcast and she could see the ocean beyond a cluster of tall pines and palms. Mesmerized by the rolling waves collapsing onto the sandy shore in a spray of white foam, she reached her hand behind her, and realized David wasn’t in the bed. She turned and stretched, spotting the clock on the bedside table. It was close to 9:45 a.m.
Voices could be heard from the kitchen area as she made her way down the curved staircase. Every few steps, she paused to admire the beautiful artwork and sculptures on display highlighted with focused beams of light she hadn’t noticed the night before. Large, white columns stood regal in the opening of the great room, and the back wall was a towering expanse of windows. The view was spectacular looking out onto a rectangular pool and a long, wooden walkway leading to the ocean amid the beautiful landscape. Lauren had always loved the seashore, especially the east coast beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Living in Valdosta, Georgia most of her life, she was less than two hours from the ocean where her family vacationed in rented condos every summer. Their condos didn’t even compare to where she was presently staying. Brian’s massive beach home was like something out of a magazine or movie.
Crossing her arms against her chest, she peeked her head around the corner into the massive kitchen. Brian and David were drinking coffee and laughing, perched on elegant barstools pushed up to a granite covered island in the center of the space. Catherine was cooking over the enormous high-end gas stove, and the smell of the food hit Lauren square in the face, making her realize how hungry she was.
“There you are!” David exclaimed, climbing off the stool, and embracing her. The scruff on his face was more pronounced than the night before, making him look extra handsome.
“There she is!” Catherine echoed, placing her spatula on the counter and jogging over to the two of them. She grabbed Lauren by the face and kissed her hard on both cheeks. “I am thrilled to have you here as our guest!” There was not a stich of makeup on Catherine Brady’s face, not even a trace of her trademark red lips. She was still strikingly gorgeous—her creamy skin a dramatic contrast to the dark curls spilling haphazardly over her shoulders. Dressed in a vibrant pink robe and house slippers, she seemed utterly content. “I’m being domestic and making pancakes. Would you like some?” she asked excitedly.
“Yes, please. I’m starving.”
“That’s because you skipped your dinner last night,” David’s voice rumbled in her ear. She rolled her eyes playfully as he pulled a bar stool out for her.
“Hey Lauren, good morning,” Brian greeted. “Did you sleep well?”
“Good morning, yes. Like a rock.” She smiled.
“Coffee, love?” David asked. It wasn’t hard to notice Brian wink at Catherine.
“Yes, please.”
The two couples leisurely ate breakfast in the gourmet kitchen, David doting on her every need. Catherine was animated, telling them all about what she and her new husband had been up to since their wedding in Atlanta four days prior.
“I can’t believe it’s only been four days. Seems like a lifetime ago,” Lauren said.
“That’s because so much has happened since that magical day,” David added.
Catherine leaned her elbows on the granite, propping her head on top of her hands. “You really do make a splendid couple. The world is going to go crazy when they find out.”
The Nearness of You: A British celebrity, standalone love-at-first-sight romance Page 12
