Chapter 7
On Saturday morning, Elizabeth woke up to the wonderful smell of cooked breakfast. Her flight wasn’t until the early afternoon so she spent a relaxing morning with Amber and Jess as they toasted her birthday with mimosas.
“Oh hon, I’m so sorry you’re missing your birthday to work.” Jess pouted. “I can’t believe he would do that at such short notice.”
“I know,” Elizabeth replied, shrugging her shoulders. “Apparently, Alison was supposed to attend, but couldn’t due to some part of the project she is working on which requires her to be in the US.”
“Oh well,” Amber injected. “We’ll just have to party hard and make up for it in a couple of weeks when you’re back from your parents.”
“Yes, speaking of your parents, Ambs and I are so sorry we can’t come next weekend.”
Beth looked at her friend, knowing Jessica was worried about Adam and the scan he was scheduled to have at the hospital that weekend. Beth also looked at Amber, who seemed to be going ‘out of town’ a lot lately.
“I know, it’s okay, Jess. Mum and Dad will miss seeing you both, but I’m sure they’ll be up here again in a few weeks so really; it’s fine.” She smiled at her friends and gave them both a big hug. It was time to get organized for the airport.
* * *
Edward collected her from home and drove the short distance to Heathrow. Theo had flown to Barcelona on Friday afternoon so she would be meeting him there. When she checked in, she was pleasantly surprised that Theo had booked her a first class ticket and whilst waiting for her flight, she enjoyed the perks of the first class lounge. Oh to travel like this every time, Elizabeth smiled to herself, completely awed by the whole traveling experience. It was probably a normal occurrence for Theo, but having never flown first class before, she was thoroughly enjoying the treatment.
When her flight was called, it was thrilling to board the plane and to turn left into the premier seating area instead of the usual right turn she was used to. She took her seat and was immediately welcomed by an air steward who brought her a complimentary glass of champagne. As it was her birthday, she indulged in a glass and sat back in her chair to enjoy her short flight.
They soon arrived in Barcelona and it now came without surprise for Elizabeth to find a driver waiting and holding up her name in the arrivals lounge. She couldn’t help but grin as he guided her to the waiting limo, which would take her to one of the most exclusive hotels in the City Centre. Only Theo, she thought laughing to herself, infused with her weekend excitement, feeling like a princess after her first class experience and now, this chauffeur-driven limo.
She sat in the back of the car and turned to look out of the window. It was a beautiful and warm day with skies as clear and blue here as they had been in London. When they reached the hotel, Elizabeth almost wanted to scream in delight, but instead held back, doing an internal happy dance. The hotel was magnificent, clearly the epitome of luxury.
Once she checked-in, the bellboy showed her to her suite on the fifth floor. He discreetly departed after ensuring she had everything she needed and Elizabeth stepped in the middle of the room and looked around. Joy bubbled through her as she grinned in approval; she had never in her twenty-two years experienced such opulence. She explored her room, thinking that Amber would have loved it too – the design was soothingly sophisticated with contemporary furnishings and decorative touches, the oriental heritage clearly visible.
She walked into the master bedroom, and giggling like a teenager, jumped onto the king size bed and couldn’t resist taking a selfie to show the girls. The master bedroom was huge, with a walk-in dressing area and a large glass-walled bathroom, fitted with a walk-in rain forest shower and deep soaking oval bath, which almost made her want to strip off right there and test it out.
The suite featured floor-to-ceiling windows, which allowed her a beautiful and tranquil view of the landscaped gardens below. From the separate living room, she was able to access a large outdoor terrace. Elizabeth couldn’t believe her luck, hands down, she felt like she had arrived in heaven. It was after four o’clock and a note was given to her at reception when she checked in, stating that she was to meet Theo at eight p.m. in the hotel bar. She would therefore take her time to have a languid soak in the tub before getting ready for the evening gala. Rummaging through her bag, she pulled out the only decent full-length black dress she owned and was just about to hang it up when she heard the doorbell to her suite. Not expecting Theo, she presumed it was the bellboy once again with perhaps more instructions for this evening.
Flinging open the door, she was faced with an impeccably smart and beautiful lady standing there. She gave Elizabeth a warm smile as she held onto a clothes rail with items hanging and covered up in garment bags.
“Miss Morgan, hello, I’m Claudia.” She shook Elizabeth’s hand.
“Hi Claudia, please call me, Beth. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, all fine, thank you, Beth. May I come in?”
“Um, yes, sure.” Elizabeth gestured with her hand, standing out of the way, puzzled as Claudia pulled the clothes rail in behind her into the living room.
Claudia began unzipping the garment bags and turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss Morgan, er, Beth,” she smiled as she corrected herself, “allow me to introduce myself. I’m a stylist and I work most exclusively with celebrities, but Theo contacted me as he is a friend of mine. I believe you are both attending a very important function tonight?”
“Yes, that’s correct.” Stylist? What was going on?
“Theo wanted you to have some extra choices of garments to sample. He mentioned that it’s a very formal affair and wanted you to see if you would like to wear anything from this collection, which I have personally selected. Going from his description, I’d say he has your measurements spot on.”
Elizabeth was stunned. Not quite sure if she disliked the fact that Theo had assumed she wouldn’t have anything suitable enough or unsure if perhaps he was just being really thoughtful and didn’t want her feeling under-dressed. She wasn’t sure how to take it. Sensing her hesitation, Claudia reassured her. “Beth, don’t feel insulted – trust me, the women at these type of gala’s are completely over the top as I’ve dressed quite a few of them in the past. I think Theo was being very considerate to you.” She raised her eyebrow, waiting for a response from Elizabeth.
“Okay, thank you for explaining, Claudia.” She thought about her dress hanging up in the bedroom and realized that if this was a very formal affair, then yes, she agreed reluctantly, her dress wouldn’t do. What the hell, she thought, it would be fun to wear a real designer dress. Smiling at Claudia with curious excitement as to what was in the garment bags, she agreed to try them on.
“Fantastic,” Claudia said efficiently as she opened up the three dresses she brought. “This is part of a new collection by an up and coming designer called Camilla Moretti.” The dresses were in different styles, but all full-length and came in the colours of a deep red, a jewel green and classic black. The expensive fabric felt exquisite to touch as she glided her hands over them, walking to her bedroom. Claudia followed her into the bedroom to help her with the zips and buttons. The first dress she tried on was the black one, which was understated, yet elegant. Claudia assessed her as she spun around and then after a few moments, she shook her head, unimpressed. She tried on the red one next, which also fitted beautifully. A little more daring than the black one, Claudia once again shook her head.
“It fits you beautifully, Beth, but you have been blessed with a voluptuous chest so I think you will agree that there is too much bust on display.” She winked at Beth, who flushed slightly as she stepped out of it. The final one she tried on was the jewel coloured green dress. As she stepped into it and stood in front of the full-length mirror, she saw Claudia behind, her grinning in approval.
“Yes, this is the one, Beth.” She clapped her hands enthusiastically and Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh. She spun around and ran her hands down her dress, which hugged her curves. The strapless top was corset like in nature as it accentuated her bust and pulled in her small waist even further. The fabric skimmed over her hips, giving her a full hourglass figure. Claudia loaned her some delicate diamond drop earrings and a slim diamond tennis bracelet which complimented and finished off her outfit. She felt amazing.
“Thank you so much, Claudia,” Elizabeth said gleefully, hugging her. “I feel like Cinderella.” This was turning out to be an amazing day.
“You’re most welcome, Beth.” Claudia returned the younger girl’s embrace, thrilled that her client was so happy. “One last thing....this Cinderella needs her glass slippers...or in this case, her Manolo’s.” She produced a delicate and beautiful pair of platform high-heeled silver sandals. Elizabeth stepped into them, the perfect fit, which added four inches to her petite frame.
“Well, my work is done here,” Claudia, said approvingly. “I’ll leave you for now. Feel free to freshen up, but in the next hour, your hair and make-up team will be here.” She started gathering up her things.
“Wait, what? Did you really say ‘hair and make-up’?” Elizabeth was shocked; this was too much.
“Yes, of course, Beth. You have that look of old Hollywood glamour and we’d love to bring that out this evening if you’ll let us?”
“Oh my goodness, this is too much. Thank you so much, Claudia.”
“Don’t thank me, Beth, just doing my job. You obviously have an amazing boss.” She smiled as she stepped out of her suite, pulling along her clothes rail. “See you in a little while.”
Elizabeth sat on her bed, completely shocked at the turn of events unfolding in front of her. From the first class experience, to this amazing room, her personal stylist, the beautiful designer clothes – she really couldn’t believe her luck. Who would think this was the same girl who four weeks ago was in Taunton, getting over a broken heart? If anyone could have predicted how much her life would change in a mere four weeks, she would never have believed it possible. It all came down to Theo, she acknowledged, for he had swept into her life like a whirlwind and made her experience and feel things she had never felt before.
She thought about him now and wondered how his meetings were progressing. Would he be thinking about her too? With a shiver of excitement at the thought of seeing him tonight, she got up off the bed and headed to the bathroom to fill up the heavenly tub. She selected a fresh scented bath oil and then got into the bath, lavishing the feel of the warm water and bubbles.
At exactly six o’clock, the doorbell rang to the suite and Elizabeth was once again greeted by Claudia who introduced the two other people standing with her.
“Beth, meet Natalia, she will be your make-up artist, and this is Felipe, who will be styling your hair. They are both part of my team.” They all greeted each other warmly and then followed Beth into the bedroom to start helping her get ready.
Almost two hours later, after being preened and polished to an inch of her life, Elizabeth stood in front of the full-length mirror. She gasped at her reflection, her hand flying to her mouth. Her long blonde hair was styled into soft waves, which tumbled over her shoulders, one side loosely pinned back with a vintage style hair comb, which showed off her dainty diamond earrings. Her face was made up beautifully, with the emphasis on her eyes. Smokey grey eye shadow with a hint of green liner made her emerald eyes, which were shining brightly, pop with colour. Her full lips were painted with a light pink shimmer to keep the emphasis on her eyes, and with the pale pink blush to accentuate her high cheekbones, Elizabeth barely recognized herself. Her dress hugged her curves, giving her a full hourglass shape and for once, Elizabeth was grateful for her cleavage, being able to fill out the dress perfectly. Spraying her favourite perfume into the air, she stepped into the cloud of jasmine scent as it delicately fell over her.
She felt incredibly glamorous and beautiful and, on the spur of the moment, asked Claudia to snap a photo of her, which she sent to James and the girls back home. Almost immediately, she received a text back from James asking her if she wanted to turn him, which made her giggle. She felt like a different person on the surface and, as she spun around in front of the mirror, she couldn’t help but think of her favourite childhood character, Cinderella, wistfully thinking how nice it would be to have a Prince waiting in the wings for her too.
Chapter 8
At exactly eight o’clock, Elizabeth left her room, her pale throw and clutch in hand as she walked to the lifts. Once downstairs in the main reception area, people turned to stare. She felt slightly self-conscious as she asked for directions to the cocktail bar, and when she got there, she paused in amazement and gaped at the stunning design. She had read a little about the hotel’s history earlier and noted that the ceiling was fashioned from original security boxes, which hinted to the building’s former use as a bank. The atmosphere was vibrant, with low tunes pumping in the background.
She scanned the room for Theo, and there he was, seated near the bar, scrolling through his phone. She made her way towards him, and as she got nearer, she slowed down as her pulse quickened. He looked stunning as he always did, but tonight, he looked irresistible. Formally dressed, he was wearing a black tuxedo, which looked hand-tailored and accentuated his physique. Her breath caught in her throat.
She neared him and as if sensing her, Theo looked up from his phone. His blue eyes met her green ones and Elizabeth stopped in her tracks. His gaze raked boldly over her, dropping from her eyes, slowly and seductively sliding downward. She froze as her senses leapt to life, her heart thumping erratically as her cheeks coloured under the heat of his gaze. He half stood, which she took as a signal to move forward and join him.
“Elizabeth, you look beautiful.” He spoke in a low voice and pulled out the seat next to him, gesturing for her to sit down. Being so close to him, she felt drugged by his clean and woody scent, hyper aware of her prickly skin. She smiled as she sat down. Was it her or did he look slightly ruffled too? She hoped he was encountering the same effect as well. Before she could say anything, a waiter swept up with the cocktail list, and noting Theo was having a scotch, she quickly scanned the menu and opted for a fruity cocktail. Then they were alone.
“Theo,” she started, “I don’t know what to say.” Using her hands she gestured at her dress. “This dress, the hair and make-up, the first class flight...my room.” She trailed off, looking away, suddenly overcome with emotion. The waiter arrived with her drink and she picked it up, needing a minute to gather her feelings. Theo reached for his glass at the same time and held her eyes, a faint light twinkling in the depths of his darkened blue eyes.
“Happy Birthday.”
She snapped her eyes back to his, shock registering on her pretty features. He offered her a sudden, arresting smile, revealing the dimple she had grown to love. “I do believe I looked over your HR file before recruiting you.”
“Oh, of course,” she retorted, smiling shyly. “Thank you, Theo. But really, this is too much. I feel like Cinderella.” She took a sip of her drink, blushing furiously at her childish comment. The warmth of his laughter sent shivers down her spine as she glanced at his mouth. She broke into a smile too, the drink relaxing her. “Sorry, that was pretty lame...,” she grinned, feeling alive with affection and delight.
“Well, Cinderella, finish your drink and let’s get you to the ball. And you’re welcome. It’s your birthday. Enjoy.” She giggled as they clinked glasses together and sipped her drink, enjoying the cooling effect of the ice as her skin felt alight.
She was briefed earlier about the reception and dinner they were attending so they made small chat over drinks. It seemed Theo wanted to know more about her and she found herself relaxing into his company, her feminine power giving her confidence to feel on the same level as him for once.
“So tell me about your family, Elizabeth. Any siblings?” He sat back in his chair, watching her intently.
“I’m an only child, my mother had complications with me and was advised not to have anymore.”
“Ah, I see, so tell me, were you a good girl growing up?” He teased her mischievously, but she could detect a seductive undertone to his question.
“A good girl? Well that depends on what you’re asking.” She felt bold answering his question, feeling a lurch of excitement within her. There was a tingling in the pit of her stomach as his smoldering gaze travelled over her face, searching her eyes for her meaning behind her words.
“I guess that depends on how much you want to tell me, Elizabeth.” His voice was as soft as a caress and she felt an overwhelming urge to be closer to him. Instead she cleared her throat, not quite sure where this conversation was heading. Noticing her discomfort, he smiled and changed the subject to a lighter topic. Soon after, it was time to leave.
“You look quite...stunning,” he murmured, when they stood, extending his arm so that she could tuck hers into the crook of his.
“Thank you,” she managed to croak out, and her feet felt like she was drifting along on a cloud. They walked through the hotel, and she was aware of the heads that turned to stare at the beautiful couple passing by. They were at the front when a limo appeared as if by magic. The chauffeur swooped around to open the door for her and she gracefully slid into the back seat.
“I do believe you are going to be the belle of the ball, Elizabeth,” he slid in beside her, helping her adjust the dress around her feet.
“Oh, please.” She tried to dismiss that compliment with a laugh.
“You don’t believe me?” His look was so galvanizing that it sent a tremor through her.
“I...I don’t know....I, maybe.” Her voice was low, breathless and husky, nothing at all like how she usually spoke. She felt like a princess in the company of her prince as she looked at him wide-eyed, her pupils dilated as she stared at him, riveted by his handsome face and the way he was looking at her. Without intention, a low moan escaped from her lips, barely audible but as loud as bells in her own ears.
Quickly coming to her senses, she turned away with horror as she heard Theo curse under his breath. She was mortified, her whole body was on fire, the blood running hot in her veins. She tried to throttle the dizzying current racing through her by taking a few deep breaths. They spoke at the same time.
“Elizabeth—”
“Theo—”
She smiled shakily, trying to break the tension, desperately wanting to change the subject. She cleared her throat. “Please, tell me more about the people we will be seated with.”
He took a moment before he answered, his tone changing and becoming cooler as he gave her the information she asked for. As he continued to speak, she tuned out, grateful for the distraction he was providing for his nearness was overwhelming. The scent of him, the way he spoke, his ridiculously sexy tuxedo, his air of authority. It was overpowering. An undeniable magnetism was building between them. For the first time in her life, she was experiencing feelings she had no control over. Her body ached for him.
The limo soon pulled up to another grand hotel and Elizabeth was whisked inside by Theo. The evening was in full swing when they entered the grand room, with beautiful people circulating, chatting in groups and drinking champagne.
When seated for dinner around the circular tables, Elizabeth was placed directly opposite Theo, but she was soon welcomed by the guests seated next to her and she charmingly joined in their conversations. Every now and then she looked up, feeling the heat of Theo’s gaze, their eyes locking before she would look away, flustered by the intensity between them.
She noted Theo was cool and collected, his presence commanding respect from those around him. Delicately sipping her champagne, supper was soon over so she took the opportunity to visit the ladies room. People were starting to congregate on the dance floor as the band started playing some soulful songs and she weaved her way in and out of the crowd. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she was pleased to see that her make-up was still holding up well – the only difference was her flushed face and her eyes, which were shining brightly. She walked into the stall to use the toilet when she heard the door open and two women came in mid-conversation. Just about to shut the door, she thought she recognized one of the women, but dismissed it and locked the door.
“Ana, did you see Theo? Can’t believe he’s here. Goodness, does that man get sexier by the year or what?” She laughed at her own joke as Elizabeth froze in her stall. The lady spoke with a slight Spanish accent, but it was clear to hear that she came from a well-educated background.
“Yes, I know. I saw him earlier – he looked more handsome than the last time I saw him. I can’t believe I let him go. And for what? Betraying him for Carlos was not worth it – I almost wish I could take that back...” Elizabeth heard her sighing to her friend and then heard the snapping and zipping sound of purses being opened, the silence indicating that they were retouching their make-up.
“I bet he would take you back – you just have to convince him. I mean look at you – it’s not like you didn’t have a hot sex life.” The other woman laughed.
Elizabeth desperately wanted to get out of there, a pain becoming evident in her jaw from where she was clenching her teeth so hard. Feeling a wave of possession overcome her, she was unable to believe what she was hearing. So that was why Theo was so mistrustful of women – because of this horrible woman. He had clearly been hurt in the past and Elizabeth felt her heart constrict with the deception that she must have put him through.
“Come on, let’s go,” she heard the women walking off and the sound of the door swinging shut behind them. Emerging from the stall, Elizabeth was slightly shaken. Wow, of all places to bump into Theo’s ex. Slightly dazed, she made her way back to the table, but Theo wasn’t there as most people were either mingling by the bar or on the dance floor. Picking up her glass of champagne and taking a few contemplative sips, she felt someone brush her shoulder. It was Luis. Immediately her face stained with colour, remembering her last meeting with him at the restaurant a few days ago.
“Luis!” She offered him her flushed cheek and he bent down, kissing both in turn . His tanned skin set off his white shirt perfectly and he looked very handsome. Elizabeth was flattered at his attention.
“Elizabeth, how lovely to see you again. May I say, you look utterly ravishing.” He grinned, openly flirting with her. She blushed at his compliment and lowered her eyes.
“Thank you, Luis. You look great as well.” His grin was infectious and she couldn’t help but widen her smile.
“Tell, me, has Theo deserted you?”
“Um...I’m sure he will be back soon.” She looked around, but couldn’t spot him.
“Well in that case, may I request the pleasure of your company for a dance?” He held out his hand with a flourish, slightly bowing which made Elizabeth giggle. What the heck, she thought, as she took his hand and they made their way to the dance floor. The band had just changed tempo to a slower song and Luis drew Elizabeth into his arms.
Although she felt slightly self-conscious about being so close to him, Luis acted like a true gentleman who soon put her at ease so she relaxed and had fun dancing together amongst the packed dance floor. He entertained her with stories about the guests, which kept her laughing. Coupled with the few glasses of champagne she had been drinking, she found herself really enjoying his company.
She had just burst out laughing at one of his jokes, when she felt her elbow being cupped, which in turn made them stop dancing. Blinking a few times, Theo was there scowling, standing in front of her and holding her elbow in his large hand.
“Sorry to break up the fun. It’s time to go, Elizabeth.” His voice was firm and curt.
“Oh, already?” There was still laughter in her eyes as she looked at him, her face flushed from both the heat and alcohol.
“Already,” he spat. “Excuse us, Luis.”
Luis gave Elizabeth a kiss on her cheek as she hastily said her goodbye. Theo guided her through the crowd, his hand still on her elbow, towards the exit. His face was dark with anger.
“Theo, is everything okay?” She tried to sober up as she noticed his change of mood. They were outside when he finally let go of her arm, the limo pulling up at the same time.
“Well, you tell me, Elizabeth. I leave you for a second and I find you cosying up and flirting with Luis.” The chauffeur swooped around and opened the door. Elizabeth got in the back seat, anger rising in her throat.
“What?” she protested. “I was certainly not cosying nor flirting with Luis – what’s the matter with you?”
“Me? Nothing’s the matter. I just expected you to behave professionally, not throw yourself at random men.”
Elizabeth recoiled at his words. Stunned, she felt tears sting the back of her eyes. Turning to the window, suddenly overcome with exhaustion, she took a deep breath.
“Look, Theo, I did nothing of the sort. I couldn’t find you, and then Luis asked me if I wanted to dance. That’s all.” She looked at him and noticed his rigid profile. Suddenly she felt herself completely sobering up. “Wait, are you...jealous?” She moistened her lips waiting for an answer.
“I’ve told you before – don’t do that.” He glanced at her lips, keeping his distance, but looked at her with dark intensity. “I didn’t like it,” he murmured.