“Let me help you,” Mac volunteered.
“How gallant of you,” she said. “Perhaps the examination should be conducted in the bedroom, in case anything else needs examining, afterward.”
They popped up from the sofa and went into the bedroom. While Mac struggled with the hooks on Callie’s bra, she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands up his chest.
“It seems to me your chest is the same size...umm…perfect,” she said.
“But yours isn’t. Wow!” Mac said finally unfastening her bra. “Let’s package and sell whatever you’ve been eating. We’ll make a fortune!” Mac said, fondling her breasts then kissing her.
Callie led him to the bed and they raced to get out of their clothes. She was bolder than ever, touching him and kissing him, surprising and pleasing him as she turned up the heat. Then he eased her down on her back while he created a trail of fire on her breasts and belly with his fingertips, lips and tongue. His hand wandered between her legs, his fingers exploring tenderly, stroking her, bringing total surrender from Callie. They made love, fulfilling their physical needs and expressing their devotion to each other through their bodies. The two exhausted lovers lay back on the bed, happy and satisfied. Mac kissed her palm. She planted a tender kiss on his lips.
At eleven o’clock, when they turned out the light, Callie curled up and wrapped Mac around her. Feeling safe, sated and loved, she closed her eyes to dream about her Cinderella night. After all, her fairy godmother arrived already and made her magical dress appear. She had her prince, but where was she going to find mice to be her footmen?
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jason seemed crankier than usual on the Saturday of the ball, as if he knew Callie and Mac were going out without him. Ruth Emerson who lived next door agreed to baby-sit.
By four in the afternoon, Mac disappeared into the bedroom to put his tuxedo on. Ruth helped him with the tie. She told him how debonair he looked, but he wasn’t sure what she meant.
“It’s a compliment, Mac,” she said, laughing.
Callie disappeared into the bedroom. She took her time getting dressed because everything had to be exactly right. Her dress, turquoise chiffon over taffeta, rustled slightly. The top had a scoop neck, showing an abundance of cleavage, and was sleeveless. There was satin piping in the same color blue. The waist was fitted, and the a-line floor length skirt hugged her hips. The diamond earrings and necklace shimmered in the light. She wore silver sandals instead of glass slippers.
She let her chestnut hair fall loose with a slight curl to her shoulders. She placed a simple, narrow silver satin band across her head to keep her hair out of her eyes. After putting on her earrings, she fastened the diamond heart Mac gave her around her neck. Her eyes teared up as she fingered the beautiful piece, feeling his love flow from the gift right into her heart. It shimmered and glowed, hanging low on her neck, calling attention to her breasts, the perfect touch of elegance adding class to her allure. After a dab of perfume, grabbing her white faux fur short jacket and small silver handbag, she was ready.
A five thirty Jason ate dinner with Ruth in the kitchen. Mac paced, nervously checking his watch, they had to be there by six. Suddenly, this gorgeous young woman emerged from the bedroom, swathed in soft turquoise to match her eyes, shimmering with chic diamonds. Mac was speechless, she was stunning.
“I didn’t think you could look more beautiful than on our wedding day, but, my God, you do! Wow, Callie. Wow!” he said, his gaze running up and down her graceful form.
She smiled. In his black tuxedo, his tall slim frame looked sophisticated. He was more handsome than ever.
“You truly are my prince, tonight,” Callie said and she kissed him.
They each gave Jason a kiss on the top of his head, so they didn’t get too close to the mess formerly known as his dinner. Jason looked at them and howled jealously.
“He’ll settle down after dinner. We’ll play a little and read. After his bath, he’ll probably go out like a light. You two are certainly a pair from a fairy tale—a princess and her prince. You both look fantastic,” Ruth said.
Mac opened the door for Callie and they went off to the ball. The decorating committee completely transformed the gym into a magical ballroom with tiny white lights twinkling like stars in the dark ceiling. Painted scenes of an enchanted forest hung on the walls and indirect light sprang from brightly colored cardboard trees throughout the room.
Colorful paper flowers were everywhere with baskets of real flowers adorning each table. The tablecloths were pastel shades of pink, blue and green. Callie was captivated, she felt like Cinderella, with her prince charming in wonderland, but the sight of more than two hundred people she did not know stopped her. Suddenly, she was overcome by shyness.
When she turned and saw her reflection in a mirror before going in, she saw the image of a young woman looking like a princess with her sparkly diamonds, glowing skin and shining eyes, her confidence returned. She gazed up at Mac, easily the most handsome man in the room. He offered her his arm and his warm smile gave her courage. Here comes the new princess to meet her court.
There was a buzz as people turned to look at Callie, the dean’s new wife. Everyone wanted to meet her. Eliza smiled and waved from across the room where she stood with her boyfriend, Simon. There wasn’t a man in the room who didn’t envy Mac when Callie walked into the room. She was a vision of loveliness, beautiful, elegant and sexy. She had an innocence about her and a glow of happiness…she was in love and it showed.
John Lawrence came up to greet them immediately. Mac was an important figure in this event. He shook Mac’s hand and went to kiss Callie. But he stopped. The way she looked…he kissed her hand instead. She blushed with pleasure.
As they walked to their table, John said in a low voice,
“She’s going to be a great partner for you, Mac.”
“She already is, John. She already is.”
When they reached their table, Eliza came over and gave her a hug. Callie was happy to see a familiar face.
“You truly are a princess tonight. You’ve enthralled everyone here.”
“Why aren’t you sitting at our table, Eliza,” Callie asked.
“Tonight is business. John has a table, I have one, Mac has one, and the provost has one. Everyone is supposed to get friendly with these powerful folks and get them to contribute big bucks to the school,” she said.
“Can I help?”
“Are you kidding? The way you look you’ll captivate any man who dances with you. Dance with everyone who asks, love. Being friendly loosens up their purse strings,”
“But not too friendly,” Mac put in.
Callie and Eliza went to the bar, while Mac mingled with alumnae.
“Mac always gets plain tonic. He never drinks at these things. If you drink too much you might do or say something stupid and this event is important, besides, he is speaking tonight, too. As am I,” Eliza said,
Callie ordered a tonic for Mac and a coke for herself. She found him talking to a man by the table, she caught his eye and handed him the drink.
“Thanks, but I’m not drinking tonight,” he said, holding up his palm.
“I know. Eliza told me. This is only tonic with lime,” Callie said, proud of doing the right thing.
He smiled, thanked her, took the drink and introduced her to Matt Nelson, a local businessman.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Mrs. Caldwell,” said Matt, his gaze taking her in from head to toe.
“Thank you, Mr. Nelson.” Callie said smiling and squeezing Mac’s hand.
“We were talking about how the school can work with local businesses, Callie” Mac said.
“I don’t want to interrupt you, then,” she said and started to move away.
“Please save me a dance,” Matt said.
“I’d be delighted to, Matt,” Callie said, shooting a flirtatious smile at him. He almost fell down, grinning like an ape.
Callie introduced herself to
the women at their table.
“I know who you are,” said Diana Brown.
Callie looked at the woman and raised her eyebrows.
“You are all the talk. You’re Mac’s new bride and a hero in the drug dealer bust, aren’t you?”
“You’re right…I’m Mac’s wife…but I’m no hero.” Callie said.
“That’s not what I heard. You’re too modest. As a parent of a child attending Kensington State, I want to thank you.”
Callie got embarrassed and blushed.
“Please, it wasn’t me. The police did everything.”
“I’m glad you’re here. It’s nice to know the administration, and even their spouses, are dedicated to the safety of our kids,” she said squeezing Callie’s hand.
Callie gave her a hug.
When the huge buffet was ready, Mac was too busy to go through, so Callie made a plate for him. She sat and ate without him. Everyone at her table was friendly. They all asked what she was doing, what her field was, how she liked Willow Falls and Kensington State. The men couldn’t take their eyes off her. The women were glad she was married.
During dessert, John Lawrence spoke. Then Eliza. Then Mac. Callie was proud of him.
Mac excused himself to talk with John. Callie walked outside to get some air. She missed Mac. It was hard for her to be outgoing. Eliza watched her slip away and joined her outside.
“I miss Mac, tonight, Eliza,” Callie confided, looking up at the sky.
“I know you are used to having him all to yourself. But this event affects his future and yours. If Mac is going to be the president of this university someday, he must make a name for himself with the right people,” Eliza said.
“You’re right,” Callie agreed.
“To do that, he needs to be able to be away from you without worrying about your happiness. I know you are shy, but tonight rise to the occasion. Look at what we did; we turned you into a princess. All eyes are on you tonight… the men can’t get enough, they are all watching you,” Eliza said.
“You’re exaggerating,” Callie said, blushing.
“I’m not. Wait until the dancing starts, you won’t have an idle moment. Every man in the room wants to get near you. I know you’re young, but it’s time to grow up, Callie.”
“What do you mean?” Callie asked, offended.
“Don’t take this the wrong way. You need to come into your own. You’re smart, interesting and beautiful, use it. Charm these people the way you charmed Mac. Make them like you, you can do it easily. We all fell in love with you when Mac did. Use it now to help Mac and he’ll never forget it.”
“How do you mean?” Callie asked.
“Charm the men, be a little flirtatious. Be gracious with the women and talk up the school. Let them know you expect them to do big things to help the school be the best. You can have them eating out of your hand, Callie, if you try.”
“Is that why you went shopping with me?” Callie asked.
“Partly. I didn’t want you to come looking like a mouse because you didn’t want to spend money. This is the best investment in your future the two of you could make. Besides you should have the admiration you deserve, not only from Mac, but from the rest of the world. It’s time to step out of the shadows and into the sunshine, Callie. It’s time to take your place at Mac’s side as his truly equal partner. I know you can do it.”
“You’re right. Thank you,” Callie said and gave her a long hug.
“Go get ‘em, girl!” Eliza said.
When she went back inside, Callie felt stronger and she knew what to do. Mac was busy and she needed to be busy too.
You can do it. You’ll figure it out. Go ahead, Callie, she could hear Kyle whisper in her ear.
Between dessert and the music beginning, Callie made the rounds of all the tables. She introduced herself to people and showed an interest in them. She flirted and smiled at the men and asked the women what they did for a living. She traded recipes, opinions and funny stories. Callie turned on the charm. She was so engaged she didn’t look over at Mac once.
Mac watched her out of the corner of his eye. He was relieved to hear her laugh, pleased see her move from table to table without him.
* * * *
The music started with “Unchained Melody”, planned by Mac. Callie was talking when she heard the song and stopped because “Unchained Melody” was their song. She turned around and Mac was there to claim the first dance with his wife.
“I think this is our dance” He said, extending his hand.
“Our song!” Callie said, smiling radiantly at him. She placed her hand in his. He guided her toward him and put his hand on her waist, pulling her close. When their eyes met, Callie felt they were the only ones in the room. Mac held her close. They were the first ones on the dance floor and everyone applauded. Callie blushed, embarrassed and hid her face in Mac’s shoulder.
“No shyness, Callie. Be proud. Everyone here thinks you’re great. Enjoy it,” Mac said leading her around the floor and singing the words softly to her. Callie felt strong and beautiful. For a moment, she saw Kyle by the window, smiling at her and she knew he would be proud of her.
After the first dance was over, men claimed their dances with Callie. Mac stepped aside with a smile and went back to discussions of donations, new buildings and majors.
This was truly a Cinderella night for Callie as she enjoyed her favorite pastime, dancing. Even without the footmen, she was still the belle of the ball. Every man in the room under age seventy asked her to dance. She did the foxtrot with George Cameron, Class of ’75 and Chairman of Kensington Electric, the tango with Whit Ferguson, President of the Willow Falls Golf Course and Country Club and the Cha Cha Cha with Skip Patterson, Class of ’72 and Vice Chair of Valley Resorts. Some of the men held her a little too close, some had sweaty hands, but all of them were flattering, sweet and gentlemanly.
Callie enjoyed the dancing as the small band played song after song she loved. Maybe it was Eliza’s speech or the magical dress, whatever it was, Callie’s confidence grew and she relaxed, enjoying the attention. She realized they all wanted the same thing, continuing success for Kensington State. Callie got caught up in the cause and became a partner to Mac as she moved gracefully around the dance floor, laughing with, smiling and charming everyone.
Eliza and Mac grabbed a moment away from the others. They stood in the doorway, watching everything.
“She’s amazing, Mac,” Eliza said, watching Callie glide across the dance floor laughing and flirting, with Jacob Stonington, a major supporter.
“With your help she made this event a bigger success than I hoped,” he said.
“Me? I had nothing to do with it,” she said.
“Baloney. I know what you’ve done, both the shopping and talking to her. Thank you,” he said, giving her a hand a squeeze.
“You guys are family,” she said.
Even Cinderella’s evening had to come to a close. Although Callie wouldn’t turn into a scullery maid at midnight, the band had to go home. Mac, Eliza and John stayed until the last guest left. They all plopped down at a table when the room emptied out, except for the clean-up crew.
“Eliza and Mac, thank you for your efforts. This was a wonderfully successful evening. I’ve gotten several major commitments from people who were on the fence before. I want to give special thanks to Callie. Some of our biggest contributors will be talking about dancing with you for months to come. Of course Simon is always an asset, too. Those wives love you,” John said.
In the car on the way home, Mac and Callie shared stories about the evening. As Mac turned into their street, Callie said, “Before dinner, I overheard Annika Lawrence talking to Eliza.”
“Yes?” Mac said.
“Annika told Eliza John gave her a pink terry robe, thigh-high black stockings and black stiletto heels for her anniversary and she had no clue why!” Callie said, laughing.
Mac and Callie exited the car quietly. There wasn’t a sound on th
e street as they made their way to the front door. Mac clicked the key in the lock and slowly opened the door. When they walked into the living room, they found Ruth Emerson was asleep on the sofa. Mac woke her gently, paid her, and she went home. Jason was sound asleep.
“He’s gaining on us, Mac,” Callie said, tucking the blanket around the sleeping child.
“Yes, he’ll be up early and we’ll be exhausted,” Mac said, “but first I have something for you.”
Mac went into the kitchen and brought out a cold split of champagne. He turned the lights down low.
“Champagne! How lovely.”
“I wanted to celebrate our first night together at a major school event,” he said, “You were great tonight, Callie.”
He opened the champagne and poured out two flutes. They drank and talked for fifteen minutes.
“Finish up,” Mac said, taking her hand, his eyes glittering.
She swallowed the rest of her champagne and grinned as she recognized the glint in his eyes.
He pulled her to him, kissing her neck and unzipping her dress.
“I’ve been itching to get at you all evening. Ever since you walked out looking like…like…I wanted to jump your bones right here in the living room. Watching those letches drool over you all night didn’t make it any easier. They can drool all they want, I’m the one who is going to make love to you tonight,” he said taking her in his arms, after her dress slipped to the floor. He gave her his long, deep kiss, the kiss told her all she needed to know. This would be the perfect ending to a perfect evening.
“Come, my prince,” Callie said, stepping out of her dress and leading him into the bedroom.
They finished undressing. She kissed him and he pulled her down onto the bed where he made passionate love to her, claiming her as his own again, taking them both to new heights of sensual pleasure and ecstasy. Happy, satisfied and triumphant, Callie and Mac fell into a deep, sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms.
Chapter Twenty-Five
A Love Story Page 17
