Chapter Fourteen

The next two weeks fly by, Kayden and I got settled into a good schedule. We bounced around from the hotel, our beach houses, and his home in Sugar Land. We tried to stay apart some nights, but all I did was toss and turn; my body craved Kayden, even when sleeping.

So now, unless he’s traveling for business, we spend every night we can together. I love it, nothing compares to falling asleep wrapped in Kayden’s arms.

Jacob and Zak have been great company when Kayden is working, and Brooklyn is in Vancouver filming. The last two Thursdays I flew into Los Angeles on Kayden’s Jet to meet with Eloise. I met up with Reagan and Rebecca both times for lunch before flying back to Houston.

My parents’ tour has been doing great, selling out at every stadium they’ve played. The Tuesday before Christmas they’ll be in Dallas, so Kayden and I plan on getting together with them for dinner, and then attending their concert.

Kayden doesn’t have much of a relationship with his father, and his mother is a doctor who travels around third world countries with Doctors Without Borders, so he agreed to fly to Tennessee with me to spend Christmas with my family.

My parents have Christmas Eve and Christmas day off, then its back on their tour bus to New York to perform in Time Square for New Year’s Eve.

The weekend after Christmas, Kayden is taking me to San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl Game. The Longhorns are playing Oregon State; it gives me another reason to shop. I have to get head to toe Longhorns attire to wear.

We’re leaving Friday night, going to the game Saturday, and then coming back that Sunday. I plan on spending all Sunday and Monday with Jacob and Zak before they leave to head back to Napa Valley, where Jacob runs a winery.

This will be my first college football game since I left college. I’m excited to experience tailgating with Kayden and all his old college buddies.

It’s hard to believe tomorrow is already the fifteenth of December, Kayden and I have been together three weeks, and every day he finds a way to make me feel special. From sending flowers, to just leaving cute love notes for me to find after he leaves for work. I love the random texts he sends me throughout the day: some totally off the wall funny that has nothing to do with anything besides making me laugh, to the sweetest, naughtiest texts I’ve ever received.

Last weekend Kayden took me horseback riding around his ranch, and we ended up at a beautiful clearing where he had Jax set up a picnic for us. It was the most romantic thing ever. We spent hours laying on a blanket eating, drinking sweet tea, and making love surrounded by the beautiful trees and wild flowers.

The Kayden I am falling in love with is not the same man I met in L.A. for his Envy interview; then he was this laid back cocky playboy, who didn’t seem to have a romantic bone in his body.

Now he’s the most romantic, sexy, charismatic person I know, he’s still rough around the edges but he is thoughtful, romantic, and the sweetest man ever. It’s hard to wrap my head around why someone would ever break his heart, because Kayden has so much love to give. Whoever the girl is, she’s an idiot. I also have to thank her; if it wasn’t for her lack of judgment I wouldn’t be with the man of my dreams right now.

Kayden has yet to open up about this ex who made him swear off dating for eight years. I hope over time, he will be able to talk to me and let me in. For now, I’m happy with what we have. He has been completely open about everything else with me. He even deleted all the girls from his cell phone and Facebook. He told me he doesn’t want me to have any reason to worry; he has eyes only for me.

I am extremely nervous about tomorrow, its Kayden’s annual Melody Knox Foundation Benefit Dinner. His mother is flying in to attend and then flying back to Haiti the next day. He mentioned in passing that his father and his fiancée Luanne will be there also. I wish I knew why his relationship with his father is so strained. I am so close with my parents; it’s hard to see Kayden not have a close relationship with his.

This will be our first official public appearance as a couple. I am preparing myself for the fire storm that is the Paparazzi. They’ve been like vultures circling a carcass the last few weeks. Following Kayden and I around Houston when we’ve gone out for dinner with Braxton and Mya, or out alone; they are everywhere. They’ve been waiting for me at LAX both times I have flown back.

Logan flew back to Los Angeles a few days after the incident at Drip, and since then, I guess moved into the Celebrity Rehab House. So things with him have been quiet, which has been nice. 

I’m nervous about coming face to face with Giselle; she loathes me…Well that’s putting it lightly. Kayden was her meal ticket to everything celebrity. Now that Kayden and I are dating, she won’t be accompanying him to all the events she normally would.

Kayden said she has always had this idea in her head of them becoming a couple, and marrying one day. Her father is always filling her head with pipe dreams, seeing nothing but dollar signs whenever they look at Kayden.

I’m preparing myself for a hostile confrontation with her tomorrow night, but desperately hoping she avoids me altogether. This benefit dinner means everything to Kayden. He set up the foundation in the memory of his sister, Melody, who passed away at the age of ten, from Leukemia; Kayden was just nineteen and it crushed him. He holds this benefit dinner every year to raise money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research.

The only thing keeping me from having an all-out panic attack and backing out of going is Mya. She has become a great friend and confidant over the last two weeks. Braxton has been on the road a lot with the Texan’s being in the playoffs, so a few times over the last few weeks we’ve gotten together for lunch in the city, and she has come out to Galveston to hang out with Zak, Jacob, and me.

Kayden let us use his speed boat since Zak has experience driving them, and we spent an entire day cruising around in the boat while Kayden was off dealing with business meetings at his Beaumont offices.

Brooklyn has been so busy wrapping up her job as a stunt double on a film set up in Vancouver that she hasn’t been back to Galveston since she left the first weekend of December.

She said she spoke with Jax and they discussed the situation between them, agreeing to keep things casual and see where they go.

She and Xander are still texting and Facebook chatting, but he’s already touring with his band and she’s afraid to get sucked into the dramatic life of dating a rock star.

She’s set to fly in Wednesday; the day we get back from seeing my parents in Dallas. I cannot wait to be reunited with my bestie.

~~~

Pulling into Kayden’s car port in front of his house, I park my Audi and head inside with my dress for tomorrow night. Kayden is still working and won’t be home until later tonight, so I plan on spending the rest of the afternoon reading my kindle by the pool and maybe go for a ride on Cheyanne.

I went to the salon this morning and got mani/pedi done for the benefit dinner tomorrow. I had picked up my dress in L.A. yesterday when I flew in to meet Eloise; I decided on a baby pink sheer dress, with crystal detailing along the plunging neckline. The waist detailing is exquisite: it has crystal beaded detailing that accentuates my hour glass figure, coming in tight under my bust, and flowing out at my waist. It’s elegant, but fun at the same time.

I am pairing it with simple diamond earrings and a tennis bracelet, a cocktail ring and my favorite rhinestone stilettos. I found the perfect little pink clutch with a rhinestone broach detailing.

Kayden decided on a black tux, with a pink accent handkerchief in his pocket to tie in with my dress. We are renting a limo for the evening with a driver, so that Jax can have the evening off.

Hanging up my dress in Kayden’s closet, I head downstairs to make myself a chicken Caesar salad. Grabbing my plate and a glass of lemonade, I head outside to the patio area to eat.

It’s seven thirty when Kayden finally comes through the door. Running to him, I jump up into his arms. “I am so happy you’re home. I’ve missed you all day!” I say giving him a long kiss hello.

~~~

We spent the evening lying in bed watching Ghost Adventures and Dead Files. Kayden’s creeped out by both shows, but I’m addicted to them. Every Friday since I moved here we’ve gone out, so it’s nice to just lie in bed, eat popcorn and watch television together.

Kayden, sensing my nervousness about tomorrow, suggests we take a hot relaxing shower before going to sleep. Showering with Kayden has got to be one of my favorite pastimes.

We spent the next forty minutes making love in the shower. After we finally got to washing ourselves, we brushed our teeth, and headed to bed. I feel a little more at ease, but can’t help this sinking feeling in my gut warning me that tomorrow will not be a fun day for me.

~~~

Kayden had a hair stylist drive in from the salon in Houston to do my hair for the benefit dinner tonight. I feel like a queen, which is ironic because that is what Reagan and Brooklyn love to call me and it drives me insane.

Today though, I truly feel like Kayden is everything I dreamt of and more. He has been spoiling me all day. He had one of the women from the spa at Knox Hotel come to give us both full body massages, and facials.

The hair stylist did an amazing job. She did a small braid from the front to the back pulling it into a curly bun with a light French braid down the crown of my head, adding a small pink rose flower hair clip to go with my dress.

I just finished slipping my feet into my heels when Kayden walks into the bedroom. He looks so handsome in his tux; it amazes me how he looks sexy in everything he wears. From his workout clothes to a full three-piece suit, he makes my heart skip a beat as my eyes take in the site of him before me.

Whistling, Kayden roams his eyes over my body, I twirl in front of him. “Like what you see, Knox?”

“Damn, you are absolutely breath-taking in that dress Savannah.” Walking over to me, he takes my hands into his; I see sadness in his usually happy eyes. Leaning down he presses a gentle kiss against my lips, resting our foreheads together. “You don’t know how much it means to me to have you by my side tonight.” Kayden says leaning back slightly to gaze into my eyes.

Pulling his hands over my chest I smile up at him, “Kayden, there is no place I’d rather be. I know how important today is, and I’m honored to be attending Melody’s event with you tonight.” Pulling down on his hands, I guide Kayden’s lips back to mine. Savoring one more kiss before we head out to the limo.

~~~

We shared a glass of champagne in the limo on the way to Knox Hotel. The event is being held there in the ballroom and we are staying in his penthouse suite tonight after the party.

Kayden had a hotel employee purchase all my favorite toiletries and had them stocked in his suite, and gave me his credit card to buy clothes and shoes to keep there for whenever we stay there spur of the moment.

I can see Kayden’s jaw working. He is nervous…Looking at his handsome face you would never be able to tell, but I can sense it, so I’m doing everything in my power to help him relax.

“Ready?” Kayden asks as the driver opens our door, a lightning storm of flashes is gathered outside of our limo. Reporters are lined up along the red carpet leading into Knox Hotel, ready to get their piece of us.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I grasp Kayden’s hand before we exit the limo. Resting his hand on the small of my back, he leads me towards the hotel entrance.

Kayden had to speak with reporters along the way, answering questions about the event. A few asked about our relationship, and Kayden gladly confirmed we are a couple. We posed for a few photos before we were finally able to enter the hotel.

The ballroom looks like something straight out of the nineteen-twenties; with white and gold accents on the tables. The center pieces are white and pink floral arrangements with gold sprayed crooked branches throughout the flowers. The chairs are all gold with cream seats and the table cloths white with light pink runners draped over them. The entire room is breathtaking.

When you first enter the ballroom there’s a gorgeous collage of photos surrounded by flowers that I recognize as Melody. I saw a few photographs of her around Kayden’s house. She was an adorable little girl, whose life was taken way too soon.

She had sandy brown hair like Kayden’s but with a red tint to it, and the same green eyes. She had beautiful bouncing ringlets, falling just below her shoulders. There are a few photos of her and Kayden out on a sail boat, and at one of his football games. You can see how much he adored her and how she looked up to and admired her big brother.

Walking further into the spectacular room, I spot Kayden’s mother as she approaches us. Lorelei is about the same height as my mother; roughly 5’6”. She has the body of a yoga instructor; with long toned legs and arms. Her red medium length hair is styled with elegant waves. She’s wearing a form fitting, red lace dress that stops just above her knees and has quarter length sleeves. Her red hair and red dress enhances her piercing blue eyes, making them pop out at you. She is very gorgeous and doesn’t look a day over thirty, even though she is almost fifty.

“So nice to see you mother, how was the flight?” Kayden asks, pulling Lorelei in for a hug, and kissing her cheek. His love for his mother shines around their embrace; it’s remarkable to see their interaction and mutual love.

He doesn’t really have any family around him besides Dixon and his aunt Ivy, Dixon’s mother; who he doesn’t mention much. I only know she works on the board at Beaumont Industries, while Kayden and Dixon run the company.

“Oh you know how those are, long and boring. I caught up on my reading to pass the time. I hated to leave when there is so much work I could be doing these two days away, but I couldn’t miss this for anything.”

Turning towards me, she extends her arms to pull me into a hug. “Why you must be Savannah, my son has told me so much about you.”

Pulling away from each other, she keeps my hands in hers, smiling at me with a sincerity and excitement in her eyes. “I am so thrilled to learn my son has finally settled down. Now let’s just hope you two will give me give me some grandchildren to spoil someday soon.” 

I let out a nervous laugh, and turn to look at Kayden, he’s blushing just as much as I am. “It’s nice to finally meet you Lorelei, Kayden talks about you all the time. I think it’s amazing what you and the other doctors you travel with do for all those people in need. I can only imagine how rewarding your work must be to you.”

“Why thank you sweetie. Yes it truly is, after losing Melody, I thought about all the sick children around the world that live in countries with no access to doctors and hospitals. Thinking of them sick and suffering when I could be doing something to help them, it just pulled at my heart. So, I sold my house, and for the last eight years traveled around the world with other amazing doctors.”

“My mother is the reason I started this foundation, I wanted a way to make Melody’s death meaningful. So by hosting this gala each year to raise money, we are constantly giving back to the hospital and doctors that treated her. Knowing that we are helping fund research to maybe one day have a cancer free world is a great feeling.” Kayden says proudly smiling down at his mother and me.

“I know my parents were more than happy to donate to the benefit tonight. They feel awful they couldn’t attend, but they had a show tonight in Seattle.”

After speaking with Kayden’s mom for a few more minutes, she excused herself to go mingle with the guests. We spent the next hour walking around mingling with the other guests.

I don’t know a single person here, so I was beyond relieved when I spotted Mya and Braxton coming through the door. We all made our way to the Hors d’oeuvre tables before finding our seats.

Dread instantly took over me when my eyes meet Giselle’s. She greeted me with a dry hello; her eyes boring into me as she judged every single thing about me.

She’s the definition of gorgeous; standing beside her will make anyone feel self-conscious. She looks like a Victoria Secret model with her skinny figure, and double D breasts. She has to be at least 5’10” with long blonde hair, and gleaming silver eyes.

I still find it hard to believe that she went with Kayden to all these events over the last couple of years, and they never once slept together. He is a man after all, and there is no denying she is beautiful.

I was never so happy to go look for our table. Kayden sensed the animosity, so after a polite ‘hello’, we excused ourselves. Dixon, Braxton, Mya, Lorelei, Kayden, and I were all seated at the same table. I was able to relax and enjoy the company without having to worry about sitting with complete strangers. The dinner is absolutely mouthwatering; I went with the fish and Kayden, of course, got the steak. The swing band played wonderfully in the background as we devoured the sensational meal.

We saw Victor, Kayden’s father and his fiancée Luanne a few times over the last few hours and neither man has attempted to speak with the other. You can feel the tension in the air whenever they come even remotely close in proximity to one another.

I wish I understood all this animosity between them. I can only hope given enough time Kayden will feel comfortable enough with me to share everything about himself; the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Taking a final sip of champagne, I excuse myself to freshen up. I’m re-applying my lip gloss when the door opens and Giselle walks in. Just wonderful.

“Having a nice time, Savannah?” Sarcasm floods her every word, she walks up to the counter next to me and begins touching up her makeup.

“Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Kayden has done an amazing job hosting this benefit dinner…well I better get back out there…” putting my lip gloss back into my clutch I turn to walk to the door but Giselle extends her hand clamping down on my arm, halting my movements.

“Not just yet.” I cannot believe this bitch is trying to pull a stunt here of all places.

Rolling my eyes and letting out a sigh, I turn around to face her. Pulling my arm from her grip, I rest my hands on my hips shooting a seething glare right back at the bitch better known as Giselle.

“One thing you need to learn quick Giselle. Never put your hands on me if you value them…because I will not hesitate to snap your wrist, if you ever grab me again.” I can’t help but smile up at her, as the smug look quickly dissolves from her face.

She may think she intimidates me, but I’ve dealt with far worse over my years in high school and college, girls in L.A. can be straight out catty bitches.

“Excuse me? You did not just threaten me!?” Slamming her clutch down onto the sink, her face glowing beat red I can almost see the steam exploding from her ears. “Is this how you speak to all of Kayden’s friends? If so, you are making a very big mistake. Kayden has known you what? Five minutes? He will toss you aside like yesterday’s trash, if you walk around threatening people he cares about!”

“Funny thing is, I don’t recall Kayden ever calling you a friend, more like an annoyance, that both his father and yours pawned off on him. He doesn’t even mention you at all so don’t flatter yourself Giselle. Kayden was never yours and will never be yours. I have no plans on going anywhere anytime soon so you better get used to seeing me around. I’m going to be with Kayden at every one of these events from now on.” I say raising my hand pointing at her, I am doing all I can to hold back and not bitch slap her; the audacity.

Her mouth falls open in utter shock as she takes a cautious step back.

After taking a moment to collect herself she takes a step towards me, poking me in the chest with her French manicured finger, “I wouldn’t hold your breath…Savannah.” My name spews from her mouth like poison. “I’ve witnessed Kayden go through girls faster than he goes through a change of underwear. He will grow bored of you, and when he does…I’ll be the one he comes back to!”

“Well I guess we will just have to see which one of us is right…” I reach up and grab her hand she’s been poking me with, to squeeze it between my fingers. “I will only ask you one more time to keep your hands off me. Tonight means everything to Kayden; I think you and I both know what it would do to him if we got into a fight, so stop this catty shit and. Leave. Me. The. Fuck. Alone. Go find another man to prey on because, honey, Kayden is done with you!” Shoving her hand out of my grasp, I spin around on my heels, and storm out of the bathroom.

It takes every ounce of strength I have in me to keep myself from turning around and going back in there to bash her face in. I’ve dealt with enough crap this past week that I don’t need to add Giselle to the list of pains in my ass.

Walking back towards our table, I set my clutch down and run my hand gently over Kayden’s shoulder. “Can I steal a dance with my amazing boyfriend?” I ask, looking down at Kayden’s heart stopping face. Every time our eye’s meet, it makes my heart skip a beat and my breath hitch.

“I would love to.” Taking my hand Kayden leads me onto the dance floor. Braxton and Mya follow suit and begin dancing to the music beside us.

Kayden is a magnificent dancer; I learned this quickly the first night we were together at Vertigo. With his hands resting at the small of my back, and my arms resting around his neck, we danced in time to the music. The world around us just falls away and it feels like we are the only two people in the entire world.

Our bliss was short lived when Giselle and Dixon, dancing beside us, decided to cut in.

She’s persistent, I will give her that.

“Mind if I cut in?” she asks us with a sweet and innocent tone. I cannot help but roll my eyes at her.

Kayden, of course, always a freaking gentleman, agrees to a dance with her. Shooting me a sympathetic look he takes her outstretched hand.

“May I have this dance?” Dixon asks extending his hand to me, with a devilish grin on his face. I can already tell from the few times I’ve been around him that Dixon not only feeds off chaos and drama; he thrives on it. So I can only imagine he loves everything going on right now.

Reluctantly, I take his hand and begin dancing with him, keeping my eyes glued to Kayden and Giselle. She has a smug look on her face as she watches me from across the dance floor. I would love nothing more than to throw my shoe at her plastic face right about now. She keeps tipping her head back and laughing at whatever it is Kayden is saying.

I swear that evil bitch is making my blood boil.

“Boy, if looks could kill Giselle would be fuckin’ dead right now!” Dixon chuckles into my ear.

Leaning back, I whip my glare from Giselle straight to Dixon.

“What? Well, forgive me for not being pleased to see my boyfriend dancing with that twit. She had the gall to come at me in the bathroom, spitting trash about Kayden and me. She has some nerve.” Shaking my head I throw a glance at Giselle, before turning my attention back to Dixon.

I’m trying to keep myself from fuming over nothing. Kayden is just being polite; he is mine. Giselle can dance with him all she wants. I know who he’ll be leaving with tonight and it sure as hell isn’t her.

“She has always had her sights set on Kayden. Giselle’s been trying for years to sink her claws into him. She’s convinced they are destined to be together.” Dixon says glancing over at them dancing.

“Yeah I noticed that,” I say dryly. “I think she loves Kayden’s money and power, not Kayden for who he is as a person. I, for one, am glad he never fell for her.” My eyes linger momentarily at them dancing. I’m just torturing myself. I turn my attention back to Dixon “They’ve always just been platonic, right?”

“As far as I know. Kayden has always told me they are just business associates. He has not an ounce of attraction towards Giselle. Doesn’t mean she hasn’t tried…many times, to seduce him. I gotta give it to the girl, she doesn’t give up easily.”

Letting out a sigh of annoyance I turn my attention back to Giselle, locking eyes with the she-devil, “That’s what I’m afraid of.”