A Reason to Stay

by Melissa Ellen

  “Were they making out or having sex?” Thoughts swirled through my mind.

  “I don’t know!” she said flushed, “As soon as I saw them kissing, I took off. I didn’t stick around to watch!” she squeaked, exasperated.

  I sat there silent, taking it all in, trying to piece together everything Valerie and Rhett had told me. Everything brought me to one conclusion, and it only infuriated me.

  “You never said anything to Rhett about any of this?” I asked a little too harshly. I needed to calm down.

  “No! What was I going to tell him, Ava? I have no proof of anything.”

  She was right. I was just making assumptions. I looked over Valerie’s shoulder, seeing Vivian coming back towards us.

  “I’m sorry, Val. I’m not mad with you…I’m just so angry with that…that bitch…Thank you for telling me.”

  “No problem, just promise me you won’t say anything. She has brought nothing but misery to my brother, and I can’t stand to see him hurt more,” she whispered seconds before her mother approached. I nodded my promise, but I wasn’t sure I could keep it.

  “Well girls, did you find anything you like?” Vivian asked us, oblivious to the fact we had been having an intense conversation.

  “Yep! I want these!” Valerie said with more excitement than necessary as she held up some jewelry she had in her hands. We finished our shopping before leaving to meet Rhett and Charles for dinner.

  CHAPTER 15

  New Year’s Eve day, Vivian had arranged for all of us girls to have a spa day in order to get ready for the party. I was plucked, pampered, and primped all day long. It was all supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenate us for the night ahead, but after moving from massages, to the steam room, to getting our nails done, eyebrows threaded, make-up applied and our hair twisted, curled and put up on our heads, all I wanted to do was take a nap when it was all said and done.

  I lingered in one of the beautiful guest rooms, slipping into my dress and the sliver stilettos I had selected, wanting to change without the intrusion of Rhett, so I could surprise him. After putting on the diamond earrings that Nana had given to me, I stepped back, looking in the full length mirror, feeling confident and sexy. There was a knock on the door. I cracked it open, finding Valerie waiting outside the door, looking gorgeous. Whomever the lucky guy was she was trying to impress was going to be knocked flat on his ass when he got a look at her.

  “Hey, are you about ready? Everyone is waiting.”

  “Of course, sorry!” I opened the door the rest of the way to leave the room.

  “Holy shit, Ava! You look hot! Rhett is going to have a heart attack.”

  “That’s the hope,” I grinned at her as I walked out of the room.

  Our heels clicked as we walked down the hallway to the main living room, where Rhett and his parents were waiting. Rhett and Charles had their back to us, looking out the window, discussing business in low voices. As we approached, Vivian’s eyes turned to us, her mouth turning up into a sweet smile as she tapped Rhett on the shoulder.

  He turned slowly towards me. My procession halted seeing him in his black tailored tuxedo that fit his masculine body so perfectly. I was instantly engulfed with lust, wanting to strip him naked out of that form fitting tux.

  A smile formed and his eyes hooded over as he perused my body from head to toe, taking in the dress I was wearing.

  The dress had skinny straps with a plunging neckline of silver sequence that stopped at my waist, flowing into white chiffon that barely touched the floor with my stilettos on. The chiffon had a slit up the leg, stopping just above my upper thigh. The slit’s only purpose being to expose my bare leg since the chiffon was loose, flowing as I walked.

  The plunging neckline revealed more than I normally would be comfortable with as it was made for women a little less endowed than me. It was worth it to see the look on Rhett’s face, though.

  I observed my man as the pleasure in his eyes disappeared with the realization dawning on him of the pleasure I might bring to other men’s eyes. His face went from awe to eyebrows pinching together. I fought to hold my laughter in, biting my bottom lip. This only seemed to rile him up more.

  His family watched as Rhett strode towards me. He pulled me into his arms, his hand gliding to my back where he touched my bare skin, realizing the back of my dress was non-existent…well, at least until above my butt where the chiffon started.

  He let out a guttural growl into my neck as he kissed it and nipped at my ear. I wasn’t sure if it was growl of pleasure or displeasure, maybe a little of both.

  “You’ve been naughty,” he whispered in my ear, so only I could hear. “You know what this dress is doing to me.” He pressed my body closer to his hips, so I could feel his hardened length.

  I bit my lip harder, so I wouldn’t release a whimper of pleasure in front of his family. He leaned back, looking into my eyes, seeing the desire in them. He smiled. Knowing he was driving me just as mad as I was him. He stepped back, holding my hands out to my sides, his eyes traveling up and down the length of my body one more time.

  “You look beautiful,” he said loud enough now for everyone to hear as he smiled at me.

  “And sexy as hell!” Valerie added from behind us, earning her a warning and disapproving glare from Rhett. She rolled her eyes at him as his parents joined our side.

  “Ava, your dress is gorgeous.” Vivian hugged, air kissing me to keep from messing up her make-up and getting lip stick on my cheek.

  “Yes, you look stunning,” Charles also gave me a kiss on the cheek. “All of you ladies look amazing tonight,” he added. “Should we head out? The car is waiting downstairs.” He led us with a wave of his arm.

  The New Year’s party was being held in the ballroom at The Vivian Hotel. As the limo pulled up along the curb to wait in the line of limos, I noticed the large number of people and paparazzi flanking a carpet that had been rolled out for the guests’ arrival. The on-lookers were being held back by velvet covered ropes and a few security guards.

  It hadn’t dawned on me that the paparazzi would be here. I should have known with New York’s most elite gathering here tonight to celebrate. I suddenly felt self-conscious, worried about exiting the limo. Rhett held my hand tight, leaning into me, kissing me on the top of my head.

  “Are you ready?” he asked as the limo arrived at the carpet. I looked up at him smiling, nodding my readiness. The limo driver opened the door and Rhett’s parents and sister exited first. Rhett helped guide me across the limo towards the door where he stepped out first, straightening the lapels of his coat before turning to me. Beaming with pride, he offered his hand. I took a deep breath before taking his hand, slowly stepping out of the limo.

  The noise of the crowd that had been muffled by the limo overwhelmed me. Everyone was yelling Rhett’s name, trying to get him to look at them, so they could snap his picture. Questions were being thrown at him, asking who I was. Rhett kept walking with my arm in his, ignoring the chaos as if we were on a lovely Sunday stroll. I on the other hand didn’t know what to do. I was looking every which way, flashes of light blinding me everywhere I turned, panic taking residence until Rhett squeezed my hand to turn my focus on him.

  I looked up at the man who’d quickly and unexpectedly stolen my heart, locking my eyes with his as he guided us the rest of the way inside. Knowing I was a little shaken up by the whole experience, he pulled me to the side of the lobby to let me gather myself and calm my nerves. He rubbed my shoulders as I took slow breaths, trying to subdue the slight panic attack.

  “Are you okay, babe? Do you want to sit down?” His face filled with concern.

  “No, I’m fine. I just need a minute. I’m not used to all that,” I waved my hand towards the door. He pulled me into an embrace, helping my body to relax as it melded with his.

  After a few moments, I pulled away and looked up at him. “Thank you. I’m sorry. I’m ready now.”

  He stroked the back of his hand down my face. �
�Don’t apologize.” He leaned in, giving me a small kiss on the lips before taking my hand, walking us through the hotel towards the ballroom.

  I admired the beautifully decorated hotel, realizing it had his mother’s touch.“The Vivian. Named after your mother?”

  “Yes,” he glanced down at me as we walked, “It was a wedding present from my father. She worked closely with the architect and interior designer to complete the project.”

  “She has a really good eye for it. Maybe she should have been an architect or designer herself.”

  “I think at one time she might have chosen that path had her life not led her a different direction. You remind me a lot of her, you know,” he smiled at me.

  “I think that is the highest compliment you could ever give me,” I beamed back up at him.

  He kissed the back of my hand and then moved his hand to the small of my back to guide me into the ballroom. With his hand pressing against my bare skin, he gritted out, “You know this dress has the potential to get me into a lot of fights tonight.”

  “That was kind of the point,” I grinned, unashamed as we walked through the lavishly decorated ballroom. “Maybe next time, you won’t force my hand.”

  “Ava… At some point, you’re going to have to allow me to take care of you the way I want to.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not,” I winked at him as we watched his friends approach us.

  Riley and Adam stood before us, looking devastatingly handsome in their tuxedos. Rhett, Riley and Adam were a triple threat to any girl’s sanity, and I was surrounded by all of them.

  “Whoa, Ava… you look… fantastic,” Riley gave me the once over and then a hug in greeting.

  “Hands,” Rhett warned his friend.

  Riley ignored it, laughing at Rhett. “I know she’s yours, man,” he teased Rhett. “You do realize if you dress like this, Ava, you may end our man here in jail for murder.”

  I laughed at Riley’s joke, knowing sadly it might be true. My man was possessive, and he would take anyone out that he had to, even if it was his longtime friend. Adam greeted me without touching me, not wanting to provoke Rhett further.

  “You guys want to join us at our table?” Riley offered, signaling towards a table where Serena and Aubrey sat close, gossiping and staring daggers at me. It was the last place I wanted to be sitting, and I hoped Rhett didn’t agree for us to.

  “Actually, I promised Val we would sit with her and my parents tonight.”

  Oh. Thank. God. Relief washed over me. I would have to thank Valerie later for getting her brother to promise that beforehand.

  “Yes, you’ll want to keep an eye on her, after all, it looks like her secret crush is already making his move,” I teased Rhett while looking over at Valerie, who was getting close attention from a young man.

  Riley laughed, knowing Rhett’s protectiveness didn’t just include me. It extended to his little sister, too.

  “What is this - see who can land me in jail faster?” he asked, pretending to be hurt while eyeing his sister from across the room.

  “You make it too easy, man,” Riley responded, laughing and clapping Rhett on the back. “We’ll catch up with you two in a little while.” Riley excused himself and Adam as they made their way back over to Serena and Aubrey. I watched as they both walked away, my curiosity piquing.

  “Have any of them ever dated?” I asked Rhett casually. He followed my eyes to see who I was referring to.

  “No, we’re all just friends that grew up together.”

  “Never friends with benefits?” I smiled at him. Seeing his face turn serious, I realized I was in dangerous territory. He was assuming I was making reference to him and Serena. “I’m strictly talking about the four of them,” I said apologetically. His face softened. I let the subject drop as he took my hand.

  The first few hours, we spent going around the room as Rhett introduced me to a number of people that I would never remember. It seemed everyone wanted a chance to speak with Rhett and his parents. All the boring small talk and me having to plaster a smile on my face was exhausting. I didn’t know how he did it. There were a few people we met that I genuinely liked and enjoyed a conversation with, but most of them were pretentious and just being nosey to find out who I was.

  Serena kept her distance for the most part, only approaching once to put her grubby little paws on Rhett as she said hello. It took every ounce of me not to clock her in her little, pretentious, button nose. I was still reeling from everything Valerie had told me.

  As the night went on, the music turned from slow classical to dance music to help keep the party vibe going. We took to the dance floor, staying close to Valerie and her friends. Adam and Riley joined us with two lucky ladies of their choosing.

  Rhett’s hips moved with mine, having a hard time keeping his hands off of me. He was making the heat between my legs build as he jived his body against mine, stroking his hands up and down my sides. Between the champagne, the music and his touch, I was having a tough time fighting the urge to take him on the dance floor, spectator’s eyes be damned.

  As the music slowed, Rhett spun me around in his arms, moving us into a slow dance as he nuzzled his face into my neck, placing delicate kisses along it. I looked over at Valerie, who was snuggled up in her crush’s arms, looking like she was in heaven. I smiled at her happiness until I caught sight of little lover boy’s hands roaming south to her butt.

  I went to turn Rhett and me on the dance floor, trying to hide the view from him, but it was too late. Rhett had spotted the boy’s greedy hands. Shit. I pulled back from Rhett, giving him a warning glare before interrupting Valerie and the boy to pull her to the bathroom with me.

  “Val, I need to go to the restroom.”

  “Okay?” she drawled, confused.

  “Come with me,” I demanded through clenched teeth.

  “But I don’t have to-” I grabbed her hand, interrupting her before she could finish, tugging her off the dance floor.

  “Ava, what the hell? I was kind of enjoying that song.”

  “Yeah, I saw and so did your big, protective, older brother. I’m trying to keep lover boy from being pummeled. You can thank me later.”

  “Oh… I guess I was just lost in the moment and forgot where I was.”

  I laughed at her, shaking my head, knowing exactly what that felt like. I linked her arm with mine, walking her towards the restrooms. “Let’s go freshen up.”

  We entered the bathroom where only a few ladies were at the sinks, fixing their make-up. “Actually, I think I have to go after all, now that we’re here,” Valerie entered one of the stalls.

  I moved to the vanity to fix some of my hair that had fallen from dancing as the other ladies exited the restroom. As the door closed, I heard the clicking of heels of another woman entering. Serena watched me as she moved beside me, taking her lipstick out of her clutch.

  “Enjoying the party?” she asked, not looking at me as she applied her ruby red lipstick and popped her lips. I didn’t bother answering her. Instead, I just glared at her through the mirror. “Well, I sure hope you’re enjoying it, because your time with Rhett will be over soon enough. So enjoy it, while it last.” She used her finger to touch up the edges of her lips as she spoke.

  I was pissed. I was beyond pissed. I was enraged and it took every ounce of me to not beat her to a bloody pulp. I glanced over my shoulder, noticing that Valerie had become very quiet as to not let Serena know there was anyone else in the restroom with me. I figured I would use it to my advantage.

  “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked, turning towards her, my arms crossing over my chest, defensively.

  “Oh, dear.” She pouted her lips, pretending to be concerned as she spun to face me. “You didn’t think you were special did you? Rhett always has a different woman that he keeps around until he gets tired of them and throws them away like the trash they are. You’re one of many, dear,” she crooned condescendingly, facing back towards the mirror as she
fluffed her hair.

  “And what?” I huffed in disbelief, “You think you are special to him?”

  “I don’t think. I know I am. I was his first and I will be his last. He can have his fun for now with all the little skanks, like yourself. But make no mistake, he’ll always come back to me.”

  “And how do you plan to make that happen, dear?” I mocked. “Do you intend to keep lying to him? Do you plan to trick him into another pregnancy scare?” Her face turned to me, eyeing me suspiciously. That got her attention. “Oh yes, Serena. I know. I know everything. I know you secretly slept with Adam, and I know the baby was really his. I also know you planned the whole thing to trap Rhett,” I said with the most confidence I could muster. I didn’t really know anything, but I wasn’t going to let on that I was bluffing. I wanted to trick her into a confession.

  Her confident façade dropped momentarily. Fear replacing it before she quickly recovered, trying to hide what she’d revealed. That one second was all I needed to confirm what I had thought. She didn’t have to say the words. Her little facial slip had exposed the truth. “I have no idea what you’re referring to. It’s obvious you’re demented and grasping to whatever you can, so you can hang onto Rhett.”

  “I’ll tell him, Serena,” I threatened, my eyes narrowing.

  “Be my guest. He would never believe you over me,” she said with a final batting of her eyelashes. “Well, I’ve wasted enough of my time on this pointless conversation. Enjoy the party,” she said, walking out of the restroom.

  As the door closed, Valerie came bursting out of the stall to me. I gripped the edge of the sink, releasing the tension that was holding my body rigid.

  “I can’t believe that crazy bitch!” Valerie screamed. “Do you really think the baby was Adam’s? It’s too bad she didn’t admit to it!”

  “I wasn’t for sure, but I am now. Even though she didn’t admit to it, I could see it on her face.”

  “We have to tell Rhett,” she said angrily, clenching her fists at her sides.