Saving Forever - Part 3 (11 page)

Chapter 16

Where had the time gone? It felt like only a couple of months ago she had just signed the contract with Forever Hope in Atlanta and then had agreed to the Diamond Gala for her father’s birthday. It seemed like only yesterday but it also seemed a long time had passed since she had flown to New Zealand with Elijah.

Her thoughts moved to him. She wondered what he was doing right now. Probably in surgery or doing rounds. She highly doubted he had the day off. She didn’t think he ever took time away from the hospital. Would it be different if she lived in New York? She had thought about it several times over the past few weeks. The key train of thought always ended on what she would do when her contract ended in Atlanta. Part of her wanted to move back here while the other half preferred to run and hide.

She pressed the gas pedal when the car behind her honked for her to go. She’d been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed the light change to green. She checked the GPS knowing she was heading in the right direction but wanted the confirmation. The last time she drove to Elijah’s place it had been dark and snowing. March was not proving to be much warmer than Christmastime, but at least the sun was shining.

Her phone began buzzing so she pulled over in a parking lot to check the caller ID. There were a million things to organize today and tomorrow. She wanted everything perfect. Whoever might be calling could need confirmation on the flowers, tables or food.

“Hello?”

“Charity?” Her father cleared his throat.

“Hi… Dad.” She didn’t need any pressure from him right now. She rolled her eyes to the roof of the car.

“I was wondering if I could invite two more colleagues for tomorrow night. I know it’s last minute, but they flew in for a pro-bono surgery and I’d like to invite them to come. If it’s okay with you… and if there is still room.”

She smiled. He sounded nervous, like the way she felt when trying to ask him something. “It’s fine. Could you email me their names so I can add them to the guest list?”

“Fantastic! They both offered to purchase their tickets and already wrote a check to cover the cost.”

She shook her head. Of course they had. “No problem. Just shoot me over an email with their names so I can get them on the list and sitting at a table.”

“Will do.” He coughed and cleared his throat again. “Charity?”

“Yes?” Why did he sound so anxious?

“You’ll be dressed up at the gala tomorrow, right? You won’t be in the kitchen or organizing things from the sidelines?” He exhaled a loud breath into the phone. “I’d like you to be there.”

If it was anyone else, she’d have thought;
Ahhhh cute
. However, coming from her father it sounded kind of weird. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. “I’ll be there.” She planned on working and organizing right from center court. She had gone over the list of doctors coming with Elijah the other night over the phone and had him fill her in on the big honchos and the little ducks. She spent the next hour looking the main ones up on the internet and memorizing who was who so she would know something about each one if her father introduced her to them. “I’m in New York now. Just flew in actually. I will let you know if there is anything I need once I get setting up. Are you working today?”

“I’m just finishing up. I’ll head home shortly so you can call me there if you need me.”

“Okay. Everything should be good to go. Just make sure you are ready on time tomorrow night—”

“I’m never late!”

She inhaled and let the breath out slowly. “I’m sure you are very prompt. I’m not saying this to you as your daughter. I’m saying this to you as the person you hired to do the gala. I have a white limo coming to pick you up at the house at seven-thirty.”
That’s all I was trying to say, Dad
.

Silence on the other end of the phone was her response. Had she surprised him? She smiled. The man on the other end of the phone always knew what was up. Kind of like her and guessing Christmas presents and… oh shoot, she was turning into to her father!

“I had planned to be at the hospital til it was time to head over. Can you get the limo to pick me up here?”

She blinked. Surprise! “Dad, why don’t you take an hour to yourself? Go home, eat dinner, shower, get dressed and relax for a bit? Then you don’t have to worry about your car either.”

A sigh from her Dad echoed through the phone. “I guess I can do that. There are a lot of doctors and nurses off tomorrow night. The hospital doesn’t stop because of a silly party.”

She bit her tongue to stop herself from throwing a comment back about his “silly party”. He had asked for this. She hadn’t offered. A thought occurred to her; could he be nervous about tomorrow? The man was the image of composure. If you were looking the word up in the dictionary, you would find a picture of him right beside it.
But maybe…

“Fine. I’ll head home,” he said.

A beeping noise came through the line, warning Charity she had another call.

“Will you be riding in the limo as well?”

“I can’t. I’ll meet you at the hall.” She paused, wanting to get the other call but also wanting to make her Dad all right with tomorrow night. If he called in sick or did a runner, the whole gala would be a mess. He’d miss seeing all the work she had done. That wasn’t going to happen. “Do you want me to get Elijah to ride with you?”

“You don’t have to do that. If he…”

“He would love it. He can have a few drinks if he wants then.” Or whatever. “I’ll get the limo to pick him up first and then come get you.”

“Alright then. Since he needs a lift, it works out perfect.”

She smiled at his excuse. “Sounds good. I gotta go, Dad. I have another call coming through. See you tomorrow.”

He hung up without saying good-bye.

She switched to the other caller who had a private ID. “Hello?” No answer. “Hello? This is Charity Thompson, hello?” She looked at the phone and set it down. She must have taken too long with her father and the other caller hung up. They could leave a message and she would check it when she got to Elijah’s.

Just as she pulled out of the parking lot, a horn honked loud and hard at her. She jumped in her seat and slammed on the brake, looking around. A car sped dramatically around her. A flash of blonde hair followed by the infamous finger pointed in Charity’s direction. She blinked in surprise. The car had been travelling in the opposite direction from the way she planned to turn and she wasn’t even close to it. Why they beeped their horn made no sense. Had someone been behind her, they would have nailed her. “Crazy New York drivers,” she muttered and pulled slowly out, double checking both ways and waiting for absolutely no cars in sight.

She headed to Elijah’s place and carried her dress and suitcase to the front door. Elijah had left a key for her in the mailbox. She unlocked the door and turned off the security system as soon as she stepped inside. The house was clean and smelled of Pine Sol but she could also smell Elijah’s cologne. She went back to the car and grabbed the rest of her stuff.

Unsure of where to put all her stuff, she settled on the spare room that probably worked as a guest room. She laid her suitcase on the bed and hung her dress in the empty closet. She smiled. Only a guy could actually have a closet that had nothing in it. That would never happen in any house she lived in.

She checked her phone as she walked to the kitchen to see if she could make a sandwich of some kind. Julie had messaged to say she couldn’t wait for tomorrow and attached a picture of her dress. Charity smiled. She missed her friend and it would be fun to have a few drinks and a laugh with her tomorrow night. She replied back that Julie and Simon should meet her and Elijah for brunch on Sunday. She’d have to tell Julie about Alex buying the Have a Heart Valentine’s Dinner ticket. She wouldn’t believe it.

Her phone rang just after she sent Julie the message. It was Elijah this time.

“Hi gorgeous! Did you make it in okay?”

“I’m at your place, stealing your bread and making myself a peanut butter sandwich.”

His chuckle rumbled through the phone and vibrated against her ear. She loved the sensation it gave. “I do have meat in the fridge.”

“I saw that. Peanut butter just sounded good.”

“There’s English muffins in the freezer. I like peanut butter on a toasted one for breakfast.”

“Good to know. Oh, I asked Julie if she and Simon wanted to do brunch on Sunday. Is that okay?”

“Sounds good. I’m in on nights Sunday. I’ll finish tonight around seven. Do you have plans for this evening?”

She could hear the sly smile in his voice. “Want me to see if we can get reservations for the Twisted Cork? Or we could hit a couple of dance clubs.”

“Or we can have dinner at my place and you could dance for me.”

“Are you hinting you want me to have a nice warm dinner waiting for you when you get home? I’m not the happy homemaker kind.”

“I’ve seen your place. I agree.” He laughed. “I was more thinking about the dancing part. I’m trying to figure if I know anyone who could get a pole installed this afternoon in the living room.”

“Pig!”

“I know. I’m just kidding.” He chuckled one more time. “But I do like the way you dance.”

“Then I’ll save you a dance tomorrow night – after the gala.”

“Hmmm… I like the way that sounds.”

She popped a grape into her mouth as she washed a handful. “How would you like to take a limo to the gala tomorrow night?”

“Can we fool around in the back?”

“You can. But it’ll have to be with my Dad.”

“Huh. What?”

“I’ll have to be there early, but I rented a limo for my father.” She wasn’t about to tell Elijah that her father didn’t want to go in on his own. “I just figured it would save you driving and we can get a lift back in it at the end of the evening. Drop my Dad off and…” She let the sentence trail off so Elijah could come to his own conclusions.

“I’m in. Sounds good to me.”

“You’re awesome.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

She smiled. He was the easiest guy in the world to talk to. The sexy accent and hot body didn’t hurt either. “I need to jet. I have a million things to get done. Want to call me when you finish work? I can make us something to eat here. Might even try and snag an apron at the caterers.” She knew exactly where his mind would go with that. She was thinking the same thing.”

“I think that would be a great idea.” His voice changed from the teasing tone to a more professional one.

She laughed. “My father walk in the room?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll let you go then. Just think about an apron, thong and black lace bra.”

He groaned and covered it with a fake cough.

“Have a great day!” She giggled as she hung up the phone.

Chapter 17

The day flew. Charity rushed to each location and finished at the hall. Louis and his wife had done an unbelievable job. The inside of the building had been transformed into something magical. From the wooden floors, the intricate carvings and paintings and the millions of little lights hanging from the ceiling alongside the extravagant chandelier, Charity had never seen anything more beautiful. She suddenly couldn’t wait for tomorrow night.

She found her way back to Elijah’s place close to seven o’clock. She picked up a steak and mushroom pie from the old baker her mother used to go to. The owners were English and made pasties and pies that she still remembered from when she was a kid. Her mother had a knack for finding little hidden gems all over town. Charity made a mental note to try and remember other places and write them down. The first two on her list would be the butcher she used at Christmas and the baker now. She giggled as she turned the oven on. She had the butcher and baker, and now she just needed to find a candlestick maker.

Checking her watch and phone, she saw Elijah had sent a message to say he would be another half hour. She had enough time to shower and change. She slapped her forehead. She had meant to get an apron. Guess that idea was out the window now.

She showered and changed into a long cotton dress with black, blue, and white stripes. It was completely casual and still a little dressy at the same time. It hugged and curved her body without feeling too tight. It wasn’t an apron, but at least she had the thong and black lace bra to wear underneath. She smiled, feeling giddy as she headed back to the kitchen to check on the pie. Elijah made her feel pretty and sexy. She liked the effect she had on him. It worked both ways.

“Charity?” Elijah called out just as she pulled the pie from the oven.

“I’m in here.” She set the hot plate on top of the stove to cool a moment.

“It smells good in here.” He came into the kitchen and closed his eyes as he inhaled. “Really good. Kinda smells like home.” He walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her hard on the lips. “I missed you.” He nuzzled her neck.

She snuggled against him and went to let her fingers find their way on his neck and hair. She laughed when she clocked him with the oven mitts instead. “Oops, forgot I had these on.” She shook them free and they dropped behind him. She ran her hands over his chest and around to the back of his neck. “How was your day?” It seemed like they were playing house and it was the natural thing to say.

“Long. Glad to have a bit of time off.”

She stepped back and let her eyes wander from his handsome face down to his feet and back up again. He wore jeans and a white T-shirt. It looked good on him.

His head cocked to one side. “Are you checking me out?” He grinned, obviously not minding her blatant stare.

“Maybe…” She winked at him. “I’m trying to decide if we should eat first or try something else out on the dining table.”

His eyes grew big as his brows popped up. “Seriously?” He reached for his shirt.

She stopped him. “Let’s eat first. I’m all game for building up an appetite but my tummy’s about to start growling and –”

“’Nuf said. Let me wash my hands and I’ll grab the plates.”

They sat at the table, talking about their day as they ate the pie. Afterward, Elijah pushed his empty plate away and leaned back in his chair. “Everything set for tomorrow?”

“Mostly. Just the final-day prep that’ll keep me at the hall for most of the day.”

He nodded and sat quiet for a while.

“What’s up?” she asked. “You look so serious.”

“Do I? Sorry. I’m just… I’m looking forward to tomorrow night, but I’m also kind of bummed.”

“Why?” She had a feeling she knew the answer because she had been thinking the same thing the past while.

He flashed her a sexy smile. “Forget it. It’s nothing.”

She breathed in air and exhaled disappointment. If he didn’t want to talk about them (their relationship) then she had no intention of pressing it either.

He stood and carried their plates to the dishwasher. “Do you want a glass of wine?”

“Sure.”

He returned with two glasses and she followed him to the couch.

“Want to watch a movie or something?” she suggested.

Elijah flipped the television on and went through the guide to find the pay-per-view movie channels. They settled on the latest Spiderman movie. Charity watched Elijah from the corner of her eye. He seemed preoccupied. Could it be because of her? Or something from work? Or because the gala meant she was finished with the excuse for coming back up here? What if he wasn’t interested in a long distance relationship and didn’t know how to end it? Somehow that didn’t seem right, but it didn’t stop the doubt and worry from entering her mind.

She faked a yawn and stretched, then snuggled up against him. Elijah put his arm around her and kissed her forehead. She moved and laid her head down on his lap, stretching her legs down the length of the couch, purposely letting her dress slip up against her hips just high enough to let her thigh show a little. She hid her smile, when a few moments later, he shifted and she felt him grow hard.

She rolled over, purposely brushing against him. “Feel like screwing around?” She couldn’t believe her boldness. What was with her? All she could think about was him inside of her. She could feel herself getting wet at the thought. She was turning into a slut around him, but at this point she didn’t care.

Elijah scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He set her feet on the ground and kissed her hard. She reached for his shirt and pulled it off. There was a primitive need between them that needed to be sated; something that both of them felt but couldn’t put into words.

She pulled her own dress free as he unbuttoned his jeans. They were naked and pressing against each other’s bodies with raw need. She didn’t want this to be over. She wanted it to last forever. They were so good together – emotionally and physically. So why did she feel like their relationship needed saving when it didn’t? She kissed him harder and tried pressing closer into him.

His erection slid against her thigh. Her thoughts centered on it and how good it felt inside of her. The back of her knees met the edge of the bed and she let herself fall back against the coolness of the sheets. Elijah spread his legs as he moved on top of her, his lips never leaving hers.

She could feel her lips and skin burn from the five o’clock shadow he had grown. She liked the roughness and moaned when he moved to her breasts to suck and tease them. Her nipples stretched toward him, wanting more. “Please,” she panted, “now!”

His hands spread on each side of her shoulders and he met her gaze. “Look at me,” he commanded.

She stared into his gorgeous blue eyes, wondering if it were possible that they could have turned even bluer. She gasped when he entered her. Her body wrapped around him and clung to every inch of him.

Elijah stopped moving whenever she closed her eyes. He didn’t use words, but his body forced her to meet his gaze. She bit down hard on her lip to stop herself from crying out. He moved in and out of her in a frenzied motion, building a burning desire inside of her that needed to be quenched. One of his hands moved down and his fingers teased her center of pleasure as he continued to move inside of her.

She knew he was fighting the urge to come. She could feel it in the movement of his hips and his eyes betrayed his hot desire. Tiny muscles quivered as tremors erupted deep inside as she exploded. When her lips parted to cry out, she felt Elijah stiffen and jerk hard inside of her as he came. The fantastic sensation lasted longer than any time she could ever remember.

He dropped beside her, both of their bodies glistening with sweat.

Neither of them spoke.

Eventually, his arm found its way around her. They drifted off to sleep with the lights still on.

Charity awoke, and at first she thought it was still night. Then she remembered that at one point she had woken up earlier and padded into the bathroom, naked and barefoot. She had turned the lights off when she returned and somehow managed to move Elijah to the top of the bed to the pillows and under the sheets.

The brightness indicated that now had to be morning. She checked her watch with one eye open. Seven in the morning. For once, during an event, she had a little extra time to sleep in. She moved her body closer to Elijah’s, enjoying the feel of his naked warm skin against hers. Her back lay against his chest and his steady breathing sent wisps of warmth on her shoulder and neck.

She relaxed against him and tried to drift back to sleep, but her mind began picking through the list of things she had to do today. Several hotels in the area were hosting guests. She should probably give them a call or stop by to make sure the little welcome bags donated by local businesses had arrived. The checklist went on and on. She finally gave up on sleep and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Elijah. She shouldn’t have worried. He didn’t budge or even change his breathing as she slipped into the shower and then out of the room to the guest room where her clothes were. She wouldn’t have minded spending the day in bed with him. However, duty called.

She checked on him once more before deciding to leave him a note before she left. He looked adorable with one arm hugging her pillow and the other thrown over his head. She yearned to crawl on top of him, trace his tattoo with her tongue, and work her way down to wake him up. She smiled as he continued sleeping, oblivious to her thoughts. She would get her way tonight, after the gala.

Dress and make up in tow, she put everything she needed into the car and headed out. She might have time to head back and get ready, but if not, Julie and Simon lived closer to the gala’s location and she could rush over there if she needed to.

The day flew by. She knew it would, but had not expected the hours to whip by. In the end, she had to nip over to Julie’s to get ready. She called Elijah to let him know and he laughed, saying he was already in the limo heading to her father’s house. That only made her rush more. There was no way she would let her father arrive before she was back at the building.

She made it just in time – by about ten minutes. Enough to see the place already filling up and people gushing about the building and how gorgeous everything looked. As much as she wanted to pull a Tiger Woods’ fist pump she resisted, knowing her gold dress would not handle the pressure.

Charity mingled near the door, keeping an eye on the front entrance for the limo and greeting everyone as they walked by. There were a lot of people. Her father had earned the respect of everyone he must have met. She smiled, proud of his hard work and achievements. She had a speech to do later on to introduce him. If she had the courage, she might even admit that out loud to everyone here.

Julie and Simon came through the line. “You look stunning!” Julie hugged her. “I wish I had your body. I want that dress.”

Charity hugged her friend. “It’s yours after tonight. Thanks for letting me crash your place to dress in record speed.”

“Anytime. And I’m totally stealing your dress.”

The limo pulled up to the curb outside. “Guest of honor has arrived. Gotta go do my thing.” She gave Simon a quick hug and laughed when he kept hold of her arm as she tried to rush to the door. It took several tugs before he winked at her and finally let her go.

“Sorry about that. My cufflink must have snagged on your bracelet,” he teased.

She pointed to her eyes and then to him several times and gave him a mischievous smile.

Elijah stepped out first wearing a black tuxedo. Most of the male guests had come in black or white tuxedos. However, Elijah wore his better than anyone already there. It cut in the right places and showed off his physique without any effort. He was the David Beckham of doctors. She smiled at the thought.

His eyes found hers as if drawn by a magnet. He smiled and nodded at her. His face wore a professional expression that looked amazing on him.

A man stepped in front of Elijah and blocked the view Charity had of him. It took a second to realize it was her father dressed in a tuxedo that made him appear twenty years younger. He looked distinguished and handsome.

He stopped and spoke with people as they waited in line to check their coats. Charity sprang into action and had them skip through the line.

“Hi,” she whispered to Elijah as she went to hand him a coat tag and remembered he wasn’t wearing one. “Guess you don’t need this.”

He shook his head and glanced around quickly before planting a fast kiss on her lips. “Been wanting to do that since I saw you from the limo. Wasn’t sure you would appreciate me leaping over people or knocking them out of the way to get to you. Everything good?”

“It’s all perfect. Nothing could go wrong that hasn’t been planned for. Wait til you see the building inside. It’s beyond amazing. It’s going to blow my Dad away.”

She left her father, greeting friends and fellow doctors as he made his way inside. He looked beyond pleased with the amount of people attending, and he had barely entered into the hall. Even with the crowd, there was still plenty of space to move around and nobody appeared to be crowded. It was the perfect location.