He knew why.
* * *
Ellie smiled, stopped and spoke to several people as she got as far from Blake as possible. She needed to be alone for a few minutes. Just before she reached the staircase, Judi, her best friend, stopped her.
“Hey, who is that guy?” Judi asked.
“What guy?”
“That gorgeous, super delicious, crystal glass of red wine.”
She was looking directly at Blake Thorn. “Judi, remember, you have a date.”
“Yeah, but I’m not married to him, and having a date doesn’t mean I can’t look...and admire.” Her last two words were a growl. Normally, Ellie would have laughed.
“I take it you want to meet him?”
“Of course I want to meet him. Is he a new sponsor? I’ve never seen him before.”
Judi came to the gala every year as Ellie’s guest.
“What’s his name?”
“Blake Thorn.” Ellie felt an undefinable string that seemed to pull her insides.
“I guess it’ll have to wait,” Judi said. “Here comes my date.”
Judi walked away with a false smile on her face, and Ellie made it to the stairs. She rushed up them and went into the makeshift office, closing the door. Thankfully, the room was empty. She took a deep breath.
She’d rarely set eyes on him before, and not for lack of trying. She’d gone to see him in the past, but he’d been unavailable. To think, he practically accused her of mismanagement when he’d never seen a book or knew anything about how she coordinated and obtained funding for the gala. Ellie had never met someone so condescending, so ready to jump to conclusions. She thanked the powers that controlled the universe that he hadn’t been someone who was continually coming around to check on the foundation.
She thought it was unusual that Ellie had been with the foundation for three years and hadn’t met Blake Thorn, when the store he managed was within walking distance of her office. She’d organized and managed three fund-raising galas, and this was the first one he chose to attend. For some reason, Ellie thought Katherine Thorn had something to do with his presence there tonight.
Ellie could have done without him upsetting her evening.
Her watch vibrated against her arm. She checked it and saw the reminder that it was time for dinner. Simultaneously, a message appeared on the small screen. It was from the catering manager. Dinner was ready to be served.
Taking a deep breath, Ellie left the office, hoping she could reach the dining room without encountering Blake again. Unfortunately she didn’t get to completely ignore him. She was sitting with the Thorns.
Outside the ballroom, the crowd had begun to assemble. Soft bells chimed as the floor-to-ceiling doors automatically pivoted open on silent motorized hinges. The entire process was like a choreographed dance, and people flocked to see the dance of the doors as one patron labeled them. Ellie stood aside as the crowd surged in to find their assigned tables.
Surveying the corridor outside the ballroom, Ellie checked that everyone was inside. Going to the door, she watched as friends greeted each other and found their seats. Actually, she was delaying her own trek to the head table. Blake would invariably be there. She only hoped he was already seated between two members of his family and she would be free to direct her conversation to one of the others. She didn’t want a confrontation, and vowed to be civil and provide any of them with whatever information they needed.
As Ellie pushed herself away from the open door, someone came around beside her.
“I guess we’re the last to go in,” Blake Thorn said.
Her heart dropped.
“From the diagram, I see we’re at table number one.” He offered his arm as if she were his date and had been waiting for him.
Ellie knew she had no choice. If she refused to accept his offer, someone influential would surely be watching. She didn’t need any unwarranted rumors. And Blake was a blood member of the Thorn family.
She slipped her hand through his bent arm, closing it around his biceps. She refused to totally link herself to him. Her body had taken on a heat level of its own, and she knew it had to do with him. He didn’t know her and she didn’t know him, but she was reacting as if there was something between them.
And there wasn’t. There couldn’t be—now or ever.
He led her around the perimeter, where there was ample room for the two of them, giving her no need to extract her hand from his arm. At the table, the two seats waiting for them were side by side. Ellie somehow knew they would be, but she hoped someone had wanted him closer and saved a place for him.
Pulling her chair out, Blake acted the gentleman and helped her settle before taking the place next to her.
She acknowledged everyone and apologized, “I’m afraid I’ll have to be up and down several times to handle the program, so don’t wait for me to eat.”
Several heads nodded at her as they began with their salads.
“Ellie, you look sensational,” Rose said. She sat on Ellie’s left. “I’ve done some buying for the Logan Beach store, and I’ve never seen anything as fabulous as that dress.”
Ellie looked down. The dress was white with a rounded neckline that extended to her shoulders, showing only a hint of her upper arms. What made it stand out was it was dripping with Swarovski crystals. From the neckline to the hem, the crystals caught the light at every angle. When Ellie first put the heavily weighted gown on, she felt like a walking light beam, but the beauty of it made any drawbacks worth it.
“You’re tall,” Mrs. Thorn added. “You can wear something like that.”
“Like a queen,” Blake commented. “Did you find it in our store?”
Naturally, they all assumed she shopped at the House of Thorn. Ellie did on occasion, but she hadn’t in a while, at least not in person.
She glanced at him, shaking her head. “My sister is a designer. She designed and made it for me.”
“She’s extremely talented,” Rose said. “Who does she design for?”
“She has her own firm, but she’s always looking for more outlets for her clothes.”
“A dress like this is a one of a kind,” Blake said. “It would need to retail for...” He stopped and looked at her with keen eyes. “I’d say upward of ten grand. It’s got to have a couple of hundred crystals.” He lifted one on the arm of the gown. “And these aren’t your one-carat variety.”
Ellie wanted to pull her arm free, but that would damage the dress. She wondered if Blake always quantified things into dollars and cents. The dress would cost thousands of dollars. Her sister had spent a couple of weeks sewing the crystals on by hand. However, it hadn’t been the only thing she did in a day. Yet for someone to hand sew them on would increase the price dramatically, and then there was the designer’s rate. And she was happy to see her sister was a success.
“I’d still like to talk to her,” Rose said.
“I’ll get you her card,” Ellie offered.
“That’s it for business tonight,” Andrew Thorn, Blake’s father, said. Mr. Thorn rarely spoke, but when he did they all listened.
Dinner was served, and for a moment the conversation ceased. Ellie hadn’t eaten her salad, and when the plates were set, she was not served.
“Are you eating?” Blake asked.
“She never eats at these things.” Katherine spoke up. Her explanation seemed to tell Blake if he’d attended in the past, he’d understand these things.
“Dieting?” His brows rose.
“I’ll eat later,” she said without further explanation.
She then turned her attention to Rose and David, learning about their meeting and marriage. When dessert and coffee were served, Darlene signaled her from the side of the stage.
“I have to go now,” she apologized. “It’s time to begin the program.”
Smiles
followed her as she rose and moved toward the raised podium. The crystals clinked together, making the musical sound of someone running their hands through a chandelier. Her sister had done a far better job than Ellie dreamed when she asked about covering the dress with them.
Moments later Ellie looked out on the crowd. Her gaze went to Blake immediately, as if he was the person to focus her speech on. Nervousness accosted her, in a way it had never done before. Moving her head away from the microphone, she cleared her throat and turned back. He was front and center, so she couldn’t avoid his gaze or his scrutiny.
Ellie rarely prepared speeches. She had a good memory and felt that speaking from the heart was better than anything she could write out beforehand. She began her welcome and forced her attention to move over more of the audience than just the Thorns’ table. She must have spoken coherently since she heard laughter and surprise at several places. The laughter had her relaxing and seeing an almost smile on Blake’s face, which took away some of the tension. She introduced several of the girls sitting on the side, who were recipients of the Give It to the Girl Foundation.
“The girls and the foundation are lucky to have such a wonderful program chairperson. Vera Gordon, please stand.”
A redhead with a bright smile, sitting with the girls, stood up and waved a hand.
“Many of our programs have been suggested and developed by Vera. She’s committed to the foundation and committed to seeing that the girls have as many opportunities as possible.”
The room applauded and Vera resumed her seat. Ellie waited until the applause died down.
“I introduced the other board members earlier and the staff of Give It to the Girl. I held back on Vera because she was so instrumental in our surprise. But...” Ellie paused. “Before I reveal that very special surprise, I have one last appeal.” She smiled at the crowd. “I’ve given you a few statistics about our work and how important it is to girls. Many of you are our contributors and we thank you. However...” She paused with her hand in the air. A ripple of laughter went through the room. Obviously her next words were anticipated. “There is always more to be done. So if you want to stop by one of the volunteers in the back of the room...” Ellie pointed. Several men and women stood with their hands up, and the crowd shifted to see them. “They’re willing to accept your checks, credit cards or cash, if you carry that sort of thing.”
General laughter continued. When it died down, she added, “We’ll wait for you before we introduce our surprise.”
A buzz sounded throughout the room as people speculated on what she meant. Darlene and Ellie were the only people who had known the secret until this morning, when it was necessary to tell a few key people.
“Speaking of surprises,” Ellie said. The room quieted. “We have a very special guest to entertain you tonight. One of the graduates, one who came to us and we gave it to the girl, has volunteered—” Ellie didn’t have to finish. The applause started and then escalated until it drowned her out. Everyone knew whose name she was about to say.
Using her hands to gesture a lowering manner, she got them to quiet down. “Obviously, this lady needs no introduction. She said she wants to give back because Give It to the Girl changed her life. So, ladies and gentlemen, if you would move to the dance floor.” The pivoting doors to the left swung open. “Please join me and give it to the girl—Chantelle.”
The applause was deafening as the entire body rose to its feet. The adjoining room had been set up with both tables along the perimeter and a dance floor in the center. Chantelle’s signature song began to play, and the room emptied quickly.
Ellie left the stage. Blake stood at the bottom, offering his hand to prevent her from falling.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Good speech,” he responded. “I’m tempted to donate myself.”
She was unsure how to take that. Was he being serious or facetious? She didn’t know.
“It’s allowed,” she told him. Glancing at the back of the room, she saw a small crowd with the volunteer cashiers. “Those people are ready and willing to accept your contribution.”
Blake followed her glance, but when he turned back to her, he changed the subject. “You know, this event gets better and better,” he said.
Ellie braced herself for another comment on the cost. Cutting him off, she spoke first. “You haven’t been here in the past three years. How would you know?”
“I mean from what I’ve seen tonight. At every turn, there’s something new and unexpected.”
“Don’t bring up what Chantelle cost,” Ellie said. “I can assure you, she’s volunteering her talent. Her intent is true. She wants to give back.”
Ellie turned to walk away. She no longer wanted to talk to Blake, even if he was a Thorn. But Vera Gordon hampered her escape. Vera caught Ellie in a bear hug, smiling and talking enthusiastically, telling her how wonderful the event was going. Ellie smiled and nodded, concealing her true feelings for the man behind her.
“Hello,” Vera said, relinquishing her hold on Ellie and offering her hand to Blake. “I’m Vera Gordon.”
“Blake Thorn,” he said. “I hear we have you to thank for the entertainment.”
Vera grinned, glancing over her shoulder at where the crowd had gathered to listen to Chantelle’s concert. “We have seats reserved for you.”
“Thank you,” Blake acknowledged.
As Ellie tried to move around to let Vera take her place, Blake captured her arm and steered her to the seats Vera pointed out.
Ellie needed to be available to join Chantelle on the stage when she finished. Vera had abdicated that responsibility. While Vera was an outgoing person, she totally froze when she had to speak to a crowd this size. Speaking to the girls and presenting projects in a conference room was something she could handle, but not a crowd this size.
With a seat in the front row, Ellie was close enough. She kept her face trained on the woman onstage, but her attention was ten years back, on a lonely stretch of road that had collided with her present a few hours earlier, when Blake Thorn had entered Riverton Mansion.
She’d relegated him and that day to the past and hoped it would stay there. But sitting in the darkened room, with his arm only a few inches from hers, she doubted she’d ever be able to do that again.
Chapter 2
Blake’s brother André seemed to be having a wonderful time. He was dancing with Ellie, and she appeared to enjoy his company. She threw her head back and laughed at something André said. An emotion Blake hadn’t felt in years, and thought was dead to him, emerged. He lifted the goblet in his hand and took a sip of his wine.
“What’s up, Blake?” David came to him, clasping him on the shoulder. “Are you enjoying the night?”
Blake looked around for Rose. Since David met her a little more than a year ago, the two had rarely been apart.
“It’s a party,” he responded.
“You like parties,” David said. The wonder of him standing alone was evident to Blake.
“Not charity events. Not even our own.”
“You didn’t appear to dislike it during dinner,” David said.
“Or before.” Carter, one of the twins, joined in.
Blake turned and looked at his brothers.
“Don’t give me that look,” Carter said. “The sizzle between you two was practically visible.” He indicated Ellie. “However, you better get in there. André looks like he wants to replace you.”
Blake took a sip of his drink to buy time. His heart had kicked up a beat and his mouth was dry. “Not interested,” he said.
“I’d be interested,” Carter replied. “That dress alone is enough to get my attention.”
Blake suddenly wanted to hit his brother, or rather his cousin. Carter and Christian were twins, but they had grown up with him and his brothers after their parents died. They were more bro
thers than cousins, so none of the Thorn boys ever thought of them as anything other than brothers.
He looked back at André and Ellie. The music ended, and the two of them began to walk away. André cupped her arm and Ellie leaned into him. Blake’s teeth clenched. He made an effort to relax his jaw. What was happening here? He rationalized it was his brothers’ comments, especially David’s. Since he’d found Rose, he was a completely different man. Love had done that to him. But Blake wasn’t David, and love had not entered his life.
His glance went toward Ellie.
“Go on, Blake,” David said. “Go ask her to dance.”
“Yeah, man. Short of a full-on kiss, holding a woman in your arms for a dance is the next best thing for gauging her attraction to you.”
“And you do want to know about that, right?” David asked.
“I will go,” Blake replied. “Not because I want to dance with her, or that anything you have said or thought is true. I just want to get away from you two.”
Blake knew that was a lie as the words fell from his mouth. He set his glass on the table and then heard David and Carter’s laughter as he headed to the place where Ellie and André were standing. When he was ten feet from them, André saw him and turned in a welcoming stance. Ellie’s face turned to stone when she saw him. The smile didn’t move; her features remained unchanged. It was like the Botox had suddenly set, and she couldn’t move if she wanted to. Of course, there was no all-body Botox, yet her entire body could be compared to a statue.
“Blake,” André said, opening his arm to invite him into the conversation. Blake stopped in front of his brother. Ellie gave him a bright smile that never reached her eyes. “Ellie and I were just catching up since we haven’t seen each other since last year.” He laughed and so did Ellie, obviously at something that had been said before Blake joined them.
André leaned back and looked behind Blake. He followed his brother’s gaze to see Carter gesturing at him.
“Excuse me,” he said. “We’ll talk more before I leave.”
Love in San Francisco ; Unconditionally Page 2
