Charlie picked me up exactly two hours later and I stared at how gorgeous he was in his black tux. His thick wavy hair and pretty blue eyes captured my attention like no other man, or maybe it was because he was six feet of solid muscle and for tonight at least, he was all mine.
After I locked my front door and turned around, I caught his simmering gaze and the hunger in his eyes as he took me in. His eyes raked me over again as I watched and I clutched my purse tighter, needing to hold onto something, especially when his eyes lingered on my low scoop neckline.
“You look absolutely stunning,” he said.
“And so do you,” I said, returning the compliment.
He held out his arm for me to take. “You take my breath away.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you were able to make it on such short notice.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Friday is my second favorite F word.”
I laughed and tried not to conjure up any naughty images of us fucking right there on the damn floor.
He smiled. “Sorry. Just trying to break the ice.”
Smiling, I slipped my hand into the crook of his elbow. I had a pretty dress with Prince Charming on my arm. Truly, I felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball.
Our drive to the castle was punctuated with laughter and much talking, with not one awkward silence between us. We were just old friends, reconnecting as we reminisced about the past. I felt entirely at ease with him, as if I’d known him for a million years. Maybe not quite as long, but it sure as hell felt like it. I missed this, missed him more than I thought and my anger at him leaving so abruptly slowly slipped further away.
Once we reached the estate, Charlie scrambled around in his shiny shoes to open the door for me like a perfect gentleman, flashing his movie star smile at me. I couldn’t help but return a gleaming one and we stepped away from the car as the valet slid inside to park it
I gazed up at the intricate details of the building, all those dark, decorative, hand-carved stone walls and the enormous, ornate windows. I was fascinated by the multiple layers of arches, the decorative stonework, and the massive buttresses. The gothic beauty of the grand place took my breath away, and it was definitely an irresistible magnet to the eye. If it wasn’t so chilly tonight, I’d ask Charlie if he wanted to take a stroll through the vineyard around the back.
As we walked up the gravel drive to the main doors, the wind picked up and I shivered beneath my thin shawl. Charlie’s arm immediately shifted to my shoulders and pulled me into his warmth. It would have been just like old times except for him sweetly kissing the top of my head as we walked. His hand rubbed my arm, warming me and I leaned into him, helpless to resist.
The estate sparkled with glamor as we walked in, and my eyes were wide as I took in our stunning surroundings. The host led us down a long candlelit corridor before we were directed up a winding, spiral staircase, into a grand, majestic courtroom. Our voices echoed in the hall, the sound carrying up to the high, vaulted ceiling with a pointed arch. Amazed, I spun around and admired the breathtaking arches and long benches, carved with intricate gothic designs. Medieval armor, shields, swords, and red velvet curtains with tassel tie-backs adorned the walls to the left. On the other side of the room, embroidered tapestries, stitched with the family crests of arms, were on proud display and I clapped my hands together, happy I took Tammy’s advice and came out tonight. The ballroom sparkled with countless chandeliers and candles lining the walls. I glanced around at the soaring ceilings and historic architecture. From vaulted ceilings and decorative candelabras to arched windows and mirrored wall accents, I was blown away. It was incredible and romantic. A perfect night for me to spend with Charlie.
Guests were entertained by the renowned dance troupe “Glitter and Dance” along with other performers. I wasn’t sure about dancing at first, but after the first few songs, and several glasses of champagne, Charlie took my hand and chuckling, dragged me out onto the dance floor. We danced the night away as we enjoyed the spectacular surroundings of the 19th century and was designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, one of the most influential figures in architecture. Charlie swung me out and pulled me back in close, holding me to his chest as we swayed to the music and my problems of the day melted away into the night.
Considering the theme of the event, of course there were guest appearances by some big names in the world of animal welfare. We listened to speeches and wonderful stories about people who had saved precious creatures who were so close to death’s door. All the while, we sipped more champagne, laughed, talked, and danced.
When Elvis began to croon his famed “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Charlie reached for my hand and led me back to the dance floor. We held each other close under the glittering chandeliers, gazing into each other’s eyes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Charlie was a skilled slow dancer, swaying perfectly to the beat of the music, the love songs of prior generations.
I wanted to be just friends with him, but there was so much more brewing just beneath the surface, and I didn’t think either one of us could deny it. We had tried to bury it for years, but I still felt intoxicated by him. Back then, he was so young and carefree, a wild beast I was sure I could never tame, but now I wondered if I could. I’m not so sure, I thought. Maybe I shouldn’t even try. Unfortunately, when I looked into his eyes, my heart began to beat with demands of its own, as if he was casting some spell on me, one I couldn’t possibly fight. I could see the chance he wanted with me. The chance at a future together. It was in his gaze, the warmth of his skin, the subtle way his body shifted against mine as we moved across the dance floor. It was in everything Charlie did.
I could feel the warmth of his breath and the heat of his gaze as he held me close. “I should’ve never left,” he said quietly and our feet came to a stop. “I don’t even know why I did anymore.”
His gaze burned into me and a flame sprung to life deep within my body. “You wouldn’t have been truly happy here, without at least seeing what’s out there. You were too wild to settle down in a small town like this.”
He lifted my chin and looked even more deeply into my eyes. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on, not till right this minute.”
A shiver shot through me, causing me to tremble atop my dangerously high, spiky heels. “I’m sure you’ll be ready to leave after two years,” I said. “You’ll be ready to run and never look back.”
He held my gaze firmly. “Not if I find the right person here.”
“Did you really miss this place?”
“I didn’t know how much I missed it till I came back. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, I guess. I walk down the street, and everyone knows my name. I have lots of friends and family here, and something about that feels good. I have a nice home and a business to run. Maybe I could make a real home here in Blue Ridge.”
“We would love to have you back,” I said, having trouble catching my breath.
“I’ve missed all of you so much.”
“I missed you too,” I admitted and hoped he saw just how much in my eyes.
“I know I hurt you when I left.”