The Cinderella Obsession

by Carew, Amber

  But only for a brief fling. A temporary aberration on his part, no doubt.

  She couldn’t say ‘yes’. A relationship between them--even short term--would never work. They were just too different. He wanted different things from a woman than she could offer. But she couldn’t say ‘no’, either. Not when he’d gone to so much trouble, worked so hard to please her. She’d never had anyone give her this much attention before.

  "If you’re worried about having something to wear, I have the perfect thing for you--a little something in green, as I recall. The woman who helped me pick it out looked absolutely stunning in it."

  Maybe … just a few dates. It couldn’t hurt and … so it wouldn’t be forever. What was wrong with a short term relationship? After all, most people started off with all the anticipation and awkwardness of not knowing where it would go. With Nick, there’d be no guessing, and no disappointment. What was wrong with making memories to last a lifetime?

  She drew in a deep breath.

  "Yes, Nick. I’d love to go out with you on Friday."

  Chapter 8

  The next two days went by far too slowly for Vanessa. Nick behaved as a perfect gentleman while at work, giving her space, probably afraid of scaring her off. Twice she stood outside his door, on the verge of going inside and calling off the date, but courage--or sanity--failed her. On Friday afternoon at three o’clock, Nick declared the rest of the day a holiday, insisting she leave and do whatever she needed to get ready for their big night.

  "Not that I think you need a lot of time to make yourself beautiful," he teased, his eyes twinkling, "but I’d like to think you want to fuss a little for me."

  Once at home, she did fuss, taking a long, luxurious bath in an herbal scented tub. Relaxing with a novel in her hand--one of her favorite romance-fantasies by well-known author Tricia Wallen--she sank into the sensuality of the experience, warm, luxurious water and passionate words.

  By seven o’clock she sat waiting for Nick, dressed, made-up, and ready for a romantic evening. He arrived right on time and when she opened the door, he whistled a long wolf-whistle. She twirled around in front of him.

  "Do you like it? A very nice man bought it for me."

  "Oh, really. I’d be jealous if I didn’t know him so well."

  He stroked her bare shoulders gently and nuzzled her neck. She wanted to melt against him, feeling again the warmth of the bath and the heat of the passionate fictional lovers she’d read about. He nibbled her ear lobe and she did melt.

  "Oh, Nick, don’t do that. If you keep doing that…."

  He nibbled again and she felt his cheek tighten in a smile against her own.

  "I … I …" Her voice dropped an octave. "… can’t be held responsible."

  "Oh. I like the sound of that."

  He set her on her feet and she realized she’d been clinging to his lapels. She smoothed the wrinkles from the soft wool as she drew in deep, slow breaths, trying to get her lungs to function properly again.

  "Don’t worry about it," he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead, his warm breath lifting the fine hairs at her temple.

  She felt the rippling effect clear down to her toes.

  "You know, you do look absolutely wonderful."

  "Thank you, sir." She curtsied as deeply as she could manage in the fitted dress. "So do you."

  And he did. She gave him the once over, dragging her gaze up and down, noting the splendid cut of the black tuxedo, the knife-sharp pleats striping his white shirt. He’d even chosen a cummerbund and bow tie in a green to match her dress.

  He cleared his throat, obviously affected by her exaggerated appraisal. "Thank you. And if you want to actually go to the party, you’d better stop doing that."

  Her gaze flickered to his and she grinned. "If you insist." She walked over to the coffee table to pick up the green velvet evening bag that had been delivered with the dress.

  "By the way, I’ve got something to complete your ensemble. I borrowed these for you to wear this evening," Nick said, as he snapped open a black velvet box. "What do you think?"

  A huge teardrop-shaped emerald pendant, surrounded by glittering diamonds, lay nestled in a cozy bed of velvet. Vanessa stood dumb struck as he drew the diamond chain around her neck. Tingles danced along her spine when his fingers lightly brushed her nape as he fastened the clasp.

  "They’re … they’re gorgeous, but I can’t wear them," she protested feebly. She dragged her fingers over the cool stones, the facets smooth under her fingertips. The necklace cozied into her collarbone in such a satisfying manner that she hated the thought of taking it off.

  "Vanessa, I told you they’re just on loan. I knew you’d be uncomfortable accepting such an extravagant gift."

  "True, but … what if I lost them? What if the clasp broke and they slipped off without me noticing?"

  Nick’s gaze dipped down to the deep cut of her dress, a sweetheart line curving over her breasts. "There’s only one place they could go, and from what I see, they wouldn’t get too far. I’d certainly be willing to help you look for them." His eyebrows quirked up and down in a comedic imitation of Groucho Marx.

  "Nick, you’re incorrigible."

  Laughing, he produced the matching earrings with a flourish. She plucked one, then the other, from his hand and flicked them on.

  "What about these?" she asked, flicking her jewel bedecked earlobe.

  He kissed her shoulder, right beside the strand of diamonds. "Stop worrying. They’re insured."

  Nick picked up the green velvet cape draped across the back of the couch, another of his gifts, and swung it around her shoulders.

  They rode to the party in the back of his limousine, Vanessa’s excitement rising with each mile. When they arrived, Vanessa felt like a princess as Nick took the cape from her shoulders and gave it to the coat-check clerk. The green dress Nick had given her was every bit as lovely as the gowns the other women wore.

  He offered his arm and she tucked her hand into his elbow. Nick looked devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo and she saw the admiring glances from other women as he escorted her to the banquet room.

  "Nicholas, darling, how are you?" A statuesque blond in a red, figure-hugging sheath glided toward them. She clutched his upper arm and kissed his cheek, branding him with scarlet lip marks. "Oh, darling, so sorry," she said as she plucked his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the lipstick from his cheek, rubbing slowly and sensuously, pressing her breasts against his upper arm as she leaned into him. When she finished, she stroked the cloth back into his pocket.

  "Erika, meet Vanessa, my date."

  "Oh, yes, of course. A pleasure," she oozed in a sickly-sweet voice, giving Vanessa only a cursory glance. "She’s not one of us, is she, Nicky?"

  "One of us?" Vanessa asked, appalled at the woman’s rudeness.

  "Well, yes. I know anyone who’s anyone in Toronto." She placed a red-taloned hand on Vanessa’s shoulder. "Oh, don’t take it the wrong way, dear. I assume you’re new on the scene, that’s all."

  "Erika, why don’t you go stir up trouble somewhere else," Nick suggested.

  "Trouble? Oh, darling I haven’t really caused any trouble between you and Jesse here, have I?"

  She looked a little too hopeful.

  "Her name is Vanessa," Nick responded, "and, no, I don’t think you’ve done any damage I can’t undo." He looked Vanessa straight in the eye. "I hope all she’ll think is that I know some very rude people."

  Nick led Vanessa away, leaving Erika with a scowl marring her carefully made-up face.

  In truth, the woman’s comments had stirred up some unwelcome feelings in Vanessa. She knew she didn’t belong here, but she’d tried to push aside her feelings of inadequacy in this crowd by focusing on Nick and the attention he gave her. After all, what Nick thought was the only thing that was really important. The only problem was that the blond shark had made her feel like an impostor. How long would it take Nick to realize how badly he had chosen his d
ate? At what point would her insecurities come out in some embarrassing way?

  In contrast to her first encounter with one of Nick’s friends, the people who shared their table were very pleasant, making the dinner conversation quite enjoyable. Vanessa didn’t notice what she ate, excited at having Nick by her side, knowing she was the envy of every woman here and looking forward to the dancing afterward. She loved to dance--and she kept remembering the feel of Nick’s arms around her at the masquerade ball.

  "Suzanne?" Nick addressed the woman sitting beside Vanessa. "The last time I saw you, you were telling me about a big project you were working on."

  The woman plopped her knife and fork down and smiled brightly. "Oh, I haven’t told you yet, have I? I got it." She looked at Vanessa. "Nick’s talking about a deal with Pure Essence, the big perfume company. They approached our firm--I’m in advertising--and they asked specifically for me, saying they were very impressed with a campaign I did for a leading jewelry store chain."

  "Oh, that’s wonderful," Vanessa praised, hoping no one would ask her what she did. So far, at this table, she’d met a bank president, a successful architect, and a plastic surgeon.

  "Well, it’s a great boost for my career." The woman talked happily about her job for a while, which bored Vanessa a little but she listened attentively. "I’m sorry, I tend to get carried away sometimes," the woman apologized after a lengthy monologue. "So what do you do, Vanessa?"

  Vanessa cringed. "Well, I…."

  "She’s involved in various charity groups," Nick interjected, placing his arm around her shoulders. "She’s especially interested in animal groups, so be careful what you say about fur coats."

  He smiled at Vanessa, a charming, heart-warming smile that should have heated her blood, but the thick layer of ice that had flash-frozen around her heart at his comment refused to melt.

  Why had he said that? The only reason she could think of was that he must be embarrassed by the fact that his date was a lowly secretary. She didn’t even realize he knew about her charity involvement. But then, it could be a fabrication on his part. Charities were an acceptable, even encouraged, pastime for the wealthy. The others would assume she was rich enough that she didn’t have to work.

  "Oh, Nick, you know I don’t believe in buying furs either," Suzanne responded. "Goodness, Vanessa, where do you find the time?"

  "She makes the time. Vanessa is the most efficient person I know."

  The band started a sensuous waltz, drawing the guests onto the dance floor.

  "Vanessa, will you dance with me?" Nick asked.

  He led her to the floor and, as she felt his arms go around her, she fought the waves of longing.

  "Nick, why did you lie to Suzanne?"

  "Lie? I didn’t lie."

  "You told her I’m involved in charities and…."

  "Well, you are." He swept her around the floor, swirling among the other dancers.

  "How do you know?"

  "I’ve seen the postings you’ve put up on the bulletin board requesting emergency donations for the Wildlife Federation, asking for volunteers to help with a craft sale for that group that helps abandoned animals, seeking people to foster sick birds, to--"

  "Okay, okay, I get the idea." She felt the frozen shell over her heart crack a little. He’d actually read those postings--and noticed her name as the contact. "The thing is, you led her to believe I spend all my time doing charity work."

  "I didn’t lead her to believe anything. If she jumped to that conclusion, it’s not my fault." He twirled her around, then glanced down at her face. "Vanessa, what’s really bothering you?"

  "It’s just that … well, I assume you don’t want anyone to know I’m just your secretary."

  "You’re not just my secretary." He pulled her close to his body, sending a thrilling heat spiraling through her. "You’re much more than that."

  "But you wouldn’t want your friends to know that your date doesn’t have some exciting, high-powered career," she persisted.

  "Vanessa, I only stopped you from telling Suzanne what you do for a living because I thought…." He slid his hand down her back, drawing her even closer. "I was afraid you’d be embarrassed, that you wouldn’t feel like you fit in."

  "Oh, Nick," she said, resting her cheek on his shoulder. "I don’t fit in."

  He stopped dancing and pulled back from her, staring at her face. Suddenly, he took her hand and pulled her across the dance floor, to a dimly lit room down a quiet corridor off the main reception area.

  He spun her around to face him and, hands on her shoulders, stared at her intently.

  "Vanessa, you can fit in anywhere you want. You don’t think any of these people are better than you are, do you?"

  "Well, I…."

  "They aren’t," he stated with conviction. "The work you do is excellent and you enjoy doing it. That’s all anyone can ask of their career. Half these people can’t say the same thing."

  "Nick…." She felt herself flush, pleased and embarrassed by his praise.

  The fine wool of his tuxedo brushed against her bare arms and shoulders as he pulled her into his arms and held her close. "I just wanted you to enjoy this evening without having to worry about what people thought of you." His hands skimmed across the exposed skin of her back, sending trickles of pleasure down her spine. "I wanted you to feel special, Vanessa."

  "Nick, you’re awfully sweet, but--"

  "Because you are special." He lifted her chin and claimed her mouth in a kiss. The trickles turned to shudders, transforming her bones to supple rubber. She melted against him in a fluid wave of compliance. His legs, slightly apart, cradled hers, helping her remain upright.

  When their lips finally parted, Vanessa had to catch her breath as Nick smiled at her, then nuzzled his lips across her cheek.

  "I can’t seem to get enough of you, but this isn’t the time or place. Come on, let’s go back and enjoy the rest of the dance."

  Nick kept her to himself for the remainder of the evening, either dancing or chatting at an intimate table. Whenever someone came to join them, he would talk for a few minutes, then politely excuse himself as he’d draw her away. He touched her constantly--an arm around her waist, a hand on her shoulder, a quick caress of her cheek. Soon people took the hint and left them alone.

  Somehow he worked a spell of magic around her in true fairy tale fashion and she could almost believe there’d be a happily-ever-after.

  Until the stroke of midnight.

  "Nick, I’m sorry to interrupt you two love birds but it’s time for the presentation."

  Vanessa looked up to see Suzanne standing beside Nick. "Presentation?" Vanessa asked.

  Nick pulled away from her reluctantly, stroking her cheek before he broke contact entirely, sighing. "Yes, the business part of this evening, I’m afraid. It’ll only take a few minutes, I promise. Wait here for me, all right?"

  She nodded. He brushed a quick kiss along her cheekbone and strode away. As he withdrew, his warmth became a sweet memory leaving her skin pebbling in protest. She watched him with a half smile on her face. She’d never had such a wonderful evening in her life.

  What would happen when they left tonight? Would he invite her back to his place? Would she spend the night in the warmth of his arms, making love until dawn? It might not last forever, but why not grab all the happiness she could in the time they did have together?

  Nick approached the dais where a silver-haired woman in a royal blue gown stood waiting for him.

  Suzanne sat beside Vanessa. "You must be very proud of him. With the work you do with charities, I’m sure you must feel he’s a kindred spirit."

  Vanessa knew she could never carry off the scam of pretending she knew what was going on without giving herself away, so she simply nodded, her smile bright, and showed great interest in the speeches taking place at the front of the empty dance floor.

  The chairperson’s announcement that the proceeds of the evening totaled over eight hundred thousand dollars
triggered polite applause around the room. She went on to joke that this made things easier on Nicholas Powers’ bank book, because last year he had promised to ensure that the final total this year reached one million dollars by donating a check for the difference.

  Nick smiled and took the microphone, then talked about the wonderful work the committee had done in organizing the affair and how the money would be put to good use building a cancer research facility at the hospital. Vanessa couldn’t concentrate on his exact words because she was totally bowled over by the amount of money he had pledged.

  Two hundred thousand dollars.

  The number kept fluttering through her mind like an errant butterfly. What did she possibly have in common with a man who could pull out his check book and write a check for over two hundred thousand dollars? She thought of all the work she and the other volunteers had done to organize a huge craft sale to raise funds for the Humane Society. They’d been thrilled when they’d raised twenty-three hundred dollars, yet here Nick marched up to this woman and handed over almost a hundred times that amount without blinking an eye. Pushing aside the pang of jealousy at how easily the organization had benefited, she concentrated on the fact that Nick was a wonderfully generous man to give so much to a worthy cause

  "That Powers sure likes to show off," a masculine voice behind her muttered to his companion. "He couldn’t care what charity he’s giving to as long as it gives him some free publicity."

  Could it be true? Had Nick donated the money in the hopes of boosting his business rather than in the true spirit of giving?

  Vanessa peered sideways at Suzanne. Engrossed in the speeches, she showed no indication of having heard the man. She glanced at Vanessa and smiled.

  "Nick is wonderful, isn’t he? He loves to help people. If he sees someone in need, he tries to help out. You know, he told me about this woman that works for him--she’d been out of work for a while and he felt sorry for her--so he told me he wanted to do something special for her. He knew she wouldn’t accept charity, so he was trying to figure out how to give her a nice evening out. He thought he might arrange for her to win a dinner for two as a door prize at a company event so she wouldn’t feel awkward. Isn’t that sweet?"