Chapter 7
I held the tux up to myself in front of the wall mirror. It wasn't me. Setting it aside, I dug around in my closet, and found my dress uniform. I know it was a tux kind of affair, but it just didn't feel right especially after meeting Eli. It seemed like a great way to honor the small soldier's memory so I showered, shaved, and dressed, hoping Zoe wouldn't be too disappointed.
After last nights dinner, I was even more nervous about the gala tonight. We talked about our fake relationship, and what it would entail. The more we spoke about it, the easier it became. I felt like we had been falling into a sense or normalcy, and that scared the shit out of me. We both knew that once tonight was over, we would go our seperate ways. My offer on the house was accepted, and things would go back to the way they were.
A soft knock pounded on my door, shaking me from my thoughts. Straightening my tie, I opened it slowly, my jaw dropping as I did. Zoe stood before me in a sky blue strapless ball gown. It was fitted in the bodice, and had a semi full skirt giving her the classic cinderella illusion. Her hair was pulled up into an intricate bun, her neck, and collar bone beautifully exposed. “Wow.” I said, mesmerized by her beauty.
“Back at ya soldier.” She said, giving me the once over.
“I hope you don't mind. I uh, wasn't feeling the tux.” I said, adjusting my tie once again.
“Not at all.” She said, taking a step forward to fix my tie herself. “There.” She said, patting me on the chest, when she'd finished. “You'll have to drive tonight.” She laughed. “There's no way this dress will fit in the Chevelle otherwise.”
“Shall we?” I asked, offering her my arm, and together we walked down the large staircase, and out to the garage. I opened her door for her, and helped stuff her dress inside, ensuring it wouldn't drag. I caught a glimpse of her shoes, before shutting her in and smiled to myself. Even they, mirrored Cinderella's.
It was a warm night, and when we arrived at the venue, I was starting to think I was a little out of my league. The place was enormous, and resembled a manor that you'd see on some classic television show. There was even valet parking. After helping Zoe from the car, I passed the keys off to one of the young men eyeing him warily.
“You can drive a stick shift right?” Zoe asked, glaring at the kid over her shoulder, as I ushered her inside. My hand resting at the small of her back. The material of her dress so thin, I could almost feel the silk of her skin beneath it.
“Everything will be just fine, Babydoll.” I said, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
Her response was to rest her hand on my hip, letting it drop just low enough to give my ass a quick pinch. A small giggle escaped her, so I kissed her there again. At the exact moment, a photographer snapped a photo, capturing the two of us, smiling. He then handed Zoe the polaroid, and she thanked him, passing the picture to me. We looked good together, she fit perfectly against me, and I found myself smiling as I tucked the image safely into my shirt pocket.
“Zoe!” A tall leggy blonde squealed from across the room, waving frantically in our direction. “You look amazing!” She gushed, when she got closer. “And this must be the boyfriend we've all heard so much about.” She said, raising her eyebrows up and down.
“What do you mean heard all about?” Zoe asked.
I ran my hand up and down her back in a comforting motion, letting her know that whatever was coming next, we could handle it. “Hello.” I said, extending my other hand out towards the woman in greeting. “I'm Wes, and you are?”
“Oh!” She squealed again. “Your voice melts like butter! I'm Sharon Winters. I'm Zoe's boss. When David mentioned Zoe was involved with someone I never imagined you looking like this.” She added, with a blush she didn't even try to hide. “Of course Sarah from the real estate office did mention those gorgeous blue eyes of yours Wes.”
“Thank you Ms. Winters.” I said politely, “Zoe was just about to introduce me to some prospective benefactors, if you wouldn't mind excusing us.”
“Of course, my apologies. Have a wonderful night you two.” She crooned, before turning her attention towards the next couple entering the estate.
“You alright?” I asked, leaning down and whispering into her ear.
“You handled her pretty well back there.” She said, sounding a bit surprised. “I have no idea what David, or Sarah have been saying. I'm sorry I dragged you into this.”
“You didn't drag me anywhere, Babydoll. Let's go get some drinks.”
“Alright.” She agreed, and together the two of us made our way towards the open bar. I ordered a beer, and she had some kind of fruity concoction that smelled like coconut. I realized then, that it wasn't the drink, but her, she had an exotic scent all her own and when someone took the seat beside mine, I pulled her down onto my lap inhaling deeply. Her breath hitched in surprise, and when my lips brushed the crook of her neck, I felt the goosebumps gather there. “You smell amazing.” I said against her prickly skin, and she sighed, melting against me.
“I see you're taking advantage of the free booze.” A voice boomed from behind us. I recognized it instantly as David's, and as much as I didn't want to let Zoe go, I eased her down my thighs until her feet were touching the floor. I stood then, lifting her into the seat I'd just vacated, before taking a few purposeful steps towards him.
“I see you've forgotten your plus one.” I quipped, looking around the room. Zoe, along with a few others sitting around the bar laughed, enticing an angry look from David. He quickly brushed if off though, walking directly past me, and towards Zoe. I watched her stiffen when he approached, and before he had the chance to reach for her hand, I was there. A physical buffer between the two. I felt Zoe's hand reach for mine, and give it a light squeeze, letting me know that she was alright. I exhaled, stepping aside, her hand still in mine.
“You look beautiful tonight Zoe.” David said. “Save me a dance?”
“Sorry David. I promised them all to Wes.” She said, standing up beside me.
“Tough break man.” I said, slapping him on the shoulder, before leading her to the dance floor.
Zoe and I found our place on the dance floor amidst the other couples, and it quickly began to fill. She placed her hands on my shoulders, and mine were resting on her slender waist. It felt like a middle school dance, so with a mischevious grin, I pulled her against me. She laughed, relaxing in my arms as her hips followed the sway of mine. “Where did you learn to dance?” She asked, looking up at me.
“One of the group homes I stayed in. They thought it would be something I might need someday. Guess they were right.” I answered, dipping her just as the song came to an end.
She laughed, as I brought her back up, and into me. Everyone turned to face the stage, clapping as the band set their instruments down, and the principal made her way towards the mic. She made a speech about celebrating the arts, and paving the way for new minds. She told a bit about each teacher on the staff, and their goals and accomplishments, and by the end she herself had managed to snag a few donations.
Zoe worked the room, her arm looped in in mine as she addressed every wealthy couple in the room. The way her eyes lit up when she spoke about her students made me think of Eli, and just how lucky he was to have a teacher like her. I was here as her arm candy tonight, and it didn't bother me one bit. I answered a few questions of my own from a few army vets, and even met a battalion chief who knew one of my old platoon leaders. All in all, the night was going better than either of us could have anticipated.
When the band announced the final song of the night, I pulled Zoe away from her friends selfishly needing to hold her one last time. When my arms wrapped around her, I let my hands roam a little, resting just above the ass that I had been captivated with since day one. She giggled, nuzzling her nose against my neck, resting her head on my chest. Her eyes were closed, and she had never looked more beautiful. “Thank you, for tonight.” She said, her lips whispering against my neck.
“It was my pleasure Babydoll.” I smirked, noting that the endearment truly fit her.
“Wes?” She asked softly.
“Zoe?”
“Take me home.”