Chapter 11: Lo and Behold

My eyes widened and mouth fell open at the sight of her. I hoped I wasn’t drooling because that would be a fucking nightmare. I looked down, just in case this was one of those horrible dreams where, all of a sudden, I was standing naked in front of a bunch of people, in the middle of a 25^th birthday party for the billionaire daughter of a multinational asset management company’s CEO. Nope. I was fully dressed in my dark grey suit and crisp white tailored shirt, tie and all. I let out a short but exaggerated breath and adjusted my collar as I stepped forward with my glass in my left hand.
“Felicity. Happy birthday.” I said, extending my right hand to hers. She raised her hand, and I took it comfortably in mine, raising it to my mouth and planting a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Wow, she smelt good.

“Thank you, Mr Waters.” She smiled, looking hot as ever. “This is my father, Vincent Baker.”

“Mr Baker, nice to meet you.” I said, with a firm shake. “Lovely home.” I had noticed how the manor stood proud, against the backdrop of the setting sun. There was no question that security was tight as I walked through the makeshift red carpet, via the side entrance. The sprawling gardens to either side were adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant blooms. She said this wasn’t her kind of party, but a part of me failed to see it any other way.

“Thank you, Mr Waters.” Vincent said. “Felicity, dear, I’ll leave you to your guests. I have some business I need to attend to. I’ll be back in half an hour.” Her dad seemed like the kind of man that would be engulfed with business at every ungodly hour of the day. Although, he was far more pleasant in person than I had anticipated.

“Sure, Father.” Felicity said, kissing her dad on his cheek and then turning to face me with an all too wide smile. Anticipation tingling through me. As the soft strains of a waltz filled the air, I wanted to offer her a dance, but there wasn’t anyone else on the dancefloor.

“Hey!” An athletic blonde girl, slightly taller than Felicity, and another, brunette, about the same height, but slightly plumper than the blonde, both arrived and greeted Felicity at the same time.

“Hey! Becca, Cyn!” She hugged the new arrivals with a smile so radiant, it lit up the otherwise dim room. “This is Declan Waters.” Felicity introduced.

“Hi, I’m Cynthia.” The brunette said, extending her hand to me.

“Declan, nice to meet you.” I took her hand in a firm shake and turned to the blonde who ignored me as she stared towards the doors.

“Hot, hot, hot!” She said, fanning her face then turning to me. “Sorry!” She fake-coughed, brashly. “I’m Rebecca.” She took my hand in a curt grip and retreated to looking at the man standing guard at the door. I looked carefully at him and noticed he was that Stalker guy, Felicity’s bodyguard. Clearly, this Rebecca chick was attracted to him. But what was he doing here? All the guests seemed to have undergone screening prior to entry through the iron gates and then further screening once through the guest entrance. Security in this place was tighter than the goddamned airports.

“Felicity! Darling, happy birthday.” An older gentleman came over and stepped into the huddle that had been created by Felicity, her friends and me.

“Uncle Jake. Thanks.” Felicity hugged and kissed him on the cheek. “You did donate, right?”

The man chuckled and nodded. “As much as my annual ski trip was, as always, love.” He pulled Rebecca into a hug of sorts. “Darling, I have to attend a quick meeting with Vin. I’ll be back shortly. But you’re making your own way home, right?”

“Yes, Dad.” Rebecca said. “Cyn and I will head back later.”

“Lovely.” He said, taking Cynthia into an embrace as well. “My gorgeous girls, look so grown up today.” He turned his attention to me, finally, and extended his hand. “Jacob Lowe.”

Shit! This was the partner? That meant Rebecca was the other hedge fund girl. “Declan. Waters.” I said, with a curt and firm shake of his hand.

“Good grief, from Waters Developments?” Jacob stepped back and looked me down then up again.

“Yes?” Was something the matter?

“I… here. I have an opportunity for you.” He handed me his business card. “Call my secretary on Monday morning. It’s about an investment or two.”

“Okay. Sure.” I said, to the back of his head as he walked away. He seemed like a tool. I was sure I didn’t even want to do business with him based on his attitude.

My attention swung back to Felicity. My patience betraying, I found myself wanting to pull her into the music-filled dancefloor. Taking her soft hand, I took the lead as giggling erupted from the two friends. “May I have this dance?”

Her radiant smile, her twinkling eyes and the entirety of her demeanour was in agreement to this out of tune step. As we glided across the dancefloor, I As we glided across the dance floor, I couldn’t help but marvel at her grace and elegance. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you.” A blush crept into her cheeks as she spun to the melody that filled the vast room. Not too long after, a crowd started forming around us, blessing the ballroom with its intended purpose. We fell into step together, our movements synchronized as if we had been dancing together for a lifetime.

“I hope you’re enjoying your birthday celebration?” I broke the comfortable silence that had settled between us.

“This isn’t really my kind of thing.” She smiled widely. “But for sure, it’s a million times more bearable thanks to you.” Her gratitude evident in every word.

I squeezed her hand gently. “Well then, let’s make the most of it.” I pulled her closer as we twirled across the floor. In that moment, as we danced beneath the glittering chandeliers and the watchful gaze of the other guests, I knew that there was something about her presence. I found a joy and contentment that surpassed anything I had ever known. A feeling that I would gladly spend a lifetime chasing.

The music slowed and guests retreated. We slowed to a stop and moved over to her waiting friends. As Felicity’s attention diverted to some other guests, I found myself drawn into conversation with her two best friends. It seemed as though they were scrutinising me with a mixture of curiosity and scepticism.

“So, the elusive Mr. Declan Waters,” Rebecca remarked with a playful smirk. “You’ve certainly managed to capture Felicity’s attention.”

I returned their smiles with a polite nod, unfazed by their attempts at humour. “I suppose you could say the feeling is mutual.” My tone remained measured and composed.

Cynthia was a brunette version of Felicity, with an all to similar mischievous glint in her eyes. She leaned in closer, her voice low with conspiratorial intent. “So, tell us, what is it about our dear friend that has captivated you so?”

I considered her question for a moment, choosing my words carefully. “She possesses a rare combination of grace and intelligence.” My gaze drifting to where she stood across the room, a vision of beauty amidst the crowd. “In the very short time that I have known her, she has managed to challenge me in ways that no one else ever has.” Nothing was a lie. Felicity had me questioning an array of things over the past week. Her aloofness towards her lineage of old money being the most compelling reason that I wanted to get to know her better.

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, a silent communication passing between them. “Well, you certainly seem to have made an impression.” Rebecca playfully winked.

I chuckled softly, a hint of amusement colouring my tone. “I suppose time will tell.” Our light-hearted banter put me at a bit of ease in this manor. With the reemergence of Felicity, her dad, Mr Lowe and the infamous Mr Stalker, her dad guested towards a three-tiered cake, linking arms and stepping towards it.

The music was replaced by the singing of the classic birthday song. I watched as the mesmerising birthday girl closed her eyes and leaned in towards the single candle on her fit-for-a-wedding cake. Her eyes opened, focussed on the task ahead of her as she blew out the candle and immediately turned towards her dad, taking him in a warm embrace.

Dinner was served and I found myself hanging back as the small crowd around me dissipated. Left was her bodyguard. “Mr Stalker.” I acknowledged him for the first time this evening, extending my hand.

“Mr Waters.” He clasped my hand firmly, his expression stoic.

Impressed by his dedication, I expressed my admiration. “Your commitment to Felicity’s safety is commendable.” Whilst seemingly unnecessary in this Fort Knox situation, I had genuine respect colouring my tone.

“It’s my duty.” His gaze had been constantly scanning the room with practiced precision.

Acknowledging the gravity of his role, I extended my gratitude. “Well, I’m grateful for your vigilance.” I admitted, understanding the invaluable role he played in her life.

He inclined his head, a silent acknowledgment of his unwavering dedication. “Rest assured, she is in good hands,” he assured me, his tone firm and unwavering. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, it was straight to the point.

I rejoined Felicity as the majority of her guests started dancing. The attention was no longer on her as the shift of the atmosphere went from a birthday celebration to an all expenses paid networking event.

“Does there happen to be a quieter room we can go to?” I asked, bold yet hesitant not to overstep. She smiled sheepishly, her eyes traversing the faces around her.

“Come this way.” She lead the way and I followed, hand in hand. It wasn’t long before I noticed another pair of familiar footsteps behind us. Aware that I wasn’t getting complete alone time with her, I let her lead me towards another reception room adjacent to the main hall. The atmosphere was more intimate, the lighting almost dimmer than that of the softly lit ballroom.

As we entered the room, the buzzing music mingling with the murmur of conversation and the clink of crystal glasses faded. She closed the door behind us, leaving her bodyguard just outside. Her hands started fiddling with the lapels of my suit. Whilst we were away from the prying eyes of the remaining guests, I was wishful that I would be able to steal a moment alone with her. The air crackled with anticipation as we stood facing each other, the distance between us charged with a palpable tension. Without a word, I reached out to cup her cheek, my thumb brushing against the soft curve of her jaw.

Her breath hitched at my touch, her eyes darkening with desire as she leaned into my hand, her lips parting in silent invitation. And in that moment, all pretence fell away, leaving only the raw, unbridled passion that simmered between us.

“That necklace looks beautiful on you.” I said, tracing my fingers along her gorgeous neck and down to her clavicle. She looked beautiful. “It’s nothing compared to your eyes, though.” I wrapped my hands around her waist and she pulled into me for a kiss. I lowered my head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Her eyes closed as my lips touched hers and, lo and behold, this woman was an enchantress. A collision of longing and desire that barely quenched our thirst. Our bodies pressed together, fitting like pieces of a puzzle as we lost ourselves in the heat of the moment. I was taken into a different universe where nothing else seemed real apart from her and me and this moment. I could feel myself harden on her and if I continued on this path, with my tongue down her throat, I’d end up tearing that dress of hers off. I reluctantly pulled away and caressed her lips with my thumb, wiping her smudged lipstick off of the side of her mouth. Fuck, I could kiss her again. Shit. I leaned back down and pulled her in again. Fuck the fact that her bodyguard was standing right outside. I wanted this woman. All of her. I pulled her closer and struggled at closing the distance between us as our mouths crashed together. I pulled and twisted and even tried to lift her over my bulge, but I got more frustrated as I failed to feel anything under the sheer amount of clothes between us. I pulled back as I knew this wasn’t the time or place to strip her. Barely in control of my breathing, I placed another small kiss on her lips one last time before we exited the room with her hand in mine.

Time seemed to stand still as we explored each other with a fervour born of newfound ardour, our hands roaming freely over each other’s bodies, igniting a fire that burned hotter with every touch.

And as we finally broke apart, breathless and flushed with desire, I knew that this was only the beginning of a love that would burn bright and unyielding, lighting the way through the darkest of nights. In each other’s arms, we had found solace and passion—a connection that would endure long after the echoes of the night had faded into memory.

Stepping out of the room, I looked at her bodyguard who pretty much knew what we were doing. His serious face was unwavering. I smiled. I had no idea what I should do. As I reluctantly lead Felicity back to the party, I relished the moment we were able to share.

The night waned and the last notes of music faded into the ether. The grandeur of Baker Manor seemed to envelop us in a cocoon of tranquillity, a sanctuary away from the outside world. Once again by her side, the echoes of laughter and conversation still lingering in the air, I managed to hint to my departure.

“Thank you for tonight.” Felicity said softly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude as she turned to face me.

“The pleasure was all mine.” I kissed her cheek, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” I acknowledged her friends, her dad, and her bodyguard as I made my way to the guest exit.