Chapter Sixteen
“I shouldn’t have let you out of the house with that goddamn dress,” Asa growled, taking his eyes off the road for the umpteenth time.
“You said it was a formal event and I should dress appropriately. I bet all the other women will be wearing even less than me,” Jamie pointed out.
“Maybe so but those aren’t my women. You are. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the night with you looking like you need to be bent over and fucked until you beg for mercy. I’m going to be walking around all night with a hard on.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“The only think you need to take is this dick,” he muttered sullenly.
“You said I looked beautiful when I came down the stairs.” And when he’d said it, she believed him. His eyes had lit up and he couldn’t stop staring at her.
Not only had Jamie ended up purchasing the red dress, she also got matching heels. Kat insisted that Jamie get a full-blown makeover. So, after purchasing her dress, Jamie had her hair washed and professionally styled. Her now flat-ironed hair crested over her shoulder in soft waves, while a strategically placed orchid shaped hair barrette was clipped into her tresses. Her makeup which had been professionally done, really brought out her eyes.
Asa had seemed to be at a loss for words when he’d seen the finished product, but his tune immediately changed when he caught a peek of the back.
For once, Jamie felt great about her appearance and she believed she could hold her own with any woman at the ball tonight. And the best part, was that she’d have her own prince charming.
“And I meant it. But I don’t like the idea of other men looking at you and wanting you.”
“Careful, or else I’ll think you were jealous.”
“I am,” he said without guile. His response surprised her.
Jamie laughed more so in surprise than anything else. “Asa, you have absolutely nothing to be jealous about. I’m going to the ball with you. If anyone should be worried, it should be me. You’re the one who always has random women throwing themselves at you. Remember what happened the last time we went out? The waitress took your order and forgot I was even there.” In most circumstances, Jamie would have thought the other woman was just being rude but Asa had that effect on people. He mesmerized them with his good looks and charm.
“She should have been fired.”
“It was an honest mistake. She was overwhelmed by your handsome face.” Jamie giggled.
“Don’t try to steer the conversation away from the point.”
“What is the point, Asa?”
“The point is, I don’t want a bunch of people eyeballing what is mine.”
“You know, I get all tingly on the inside when you get possessive like this.”
“Jamie…” he said in a warning tone.”
“Come on, Asa. What’s the big deal? I looked online at pictures of previous years balls and this dress seems to be in line with what the other women are wearing. I’m sure no one will be paying any attention to me. Besides, I’ve never been to one of these types of events before but I can already imagine how it will go. It will be a bunch of people making business contacts and rubbing elbows.”
“Jamie, you can’t be that naïve. You’re a beautiful woman, of course, men will be looking at you, especially in that dress.”
“Well, even if they do look at me, I’ll only have eyes for you.”
Asa grew silent and he flexed the muscle in his jaw. Jamie could tell that he was irritated with her and it made her feel bad that what should have been a nice evening out for the sake of raising money for a worthy event was starting off with a disagreement. And the more that she thought about it, the more annoyed she grew. She never gave him flack when women were constantly pushing past her to get to him, mainly because when they were together, he’d brush those other women off making it clear that he only wanted Jamie.
But here he was getting upset over a dress because of attention she might receive. “You know, Asa, you’re not exactly being fair. We’re not even at the ball and you’re making me doubt myself. I wanted to look nice for you so you can be proud of having me on your arm. But the way you’re acting, one would think I’m going to the ball in a thong and some pasties. You’re being unreasonable.”
He didn’t say anything at first and for a moment, Jamie didn’t think he would. Finally, he sighed. “You’re right, I’m being unreasonable.”
She was surprised that he’d capitulated. “You are?”
“Yes. You say that all these women throw themselves at me but in my mind, they don’t exist because there’s only you. But I warned you when we first got together that I’m a jealous man. I never was before. When I’d dated other women, I didn’t care if they received attention from the opposite sex, in fact my male ego kind of enjoyed being with someone who other men wanted. But, you’re different. You’re the one I’ve been waiting for since I existed. So, when I think of other men looking at you, I think that you may notice, too. And if that happens, you’ll realize that you can do better than me and I’ll lose you.” Asa kept his eyes trained on the road as he spoke.
That was the last thing she expected him to say. “Are you serious?”
“I wouldn’t joke about something like that. You think I’m so great but I’m not really. This is all a façade. You’re the only real thing in my life and I intend to do whatever it takes to keep you in it.”
She’d never heard him speak that way before. Asa sounded so vulnerable and insecure, two words she never would have associated with him yet she was seeing a side of him that touched something deep inside of her. Despite the fact that they’d been together for some months, there was still so much she had to learn about him. Asa was a man of layers and tonight, yet another layer had been peeled away.
“I don’t understand why you would think that. Asa, I think you’re wonderful. Like a dream come true. You’re a doctor and people look up to you. I’m the one who should have the doubts.”
“You see? I told you we weren’t so different. I may not have suffered through the same type of abuse you did, but I’ve definitely had my share of self-doubt. I was constantly put in a position where I questioned my own intelligence and self-worth. I know what it’s like for people to look at me and see what they want to see instead of who I actually am. And the truth is, I’m not this person you’ve put on a pedestal. But for you, I try to be the best me I can.”
Jamie wasn’t sure exactly what that meant but there was a raw quality to his voice that made her sad. She realized then that there was still so much she had to learn about Asa. Jamie reached over and placed her hand on his thigh.
“Asa, you have no cause to worry about any man catching my eye besides you. You’re the one I want to be with and nothing will change that.”
He lifted her hand in his and gave it a kiss. “Is that a promise?”
“Yes.”
“Even if you knew the real me?”
“I feel like I already know the real you.”
“Not really but you will, eventually.”
“Maybe I should have said that nothing will change my opinion of you, unless you hurt me.”
Asa shook his head. “Never that, baby. I would never hurt you. I only want to love and protect you.”
Did she hear him correctly? Did he utter the L word?”
“Love me?”
“Yes, love you.”
“You can’t just toss that word around so casually.
“I wouldn’t say it unless I meant it. And I do…love you, I mean. I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you.”
“You never said…”
“Because you would have run the other way.”
Would she have? If anything, she would have thought he was pulling her leg but these past months he’d demonstrated how deeply he cared for her. “I love you, too,” she whispered.
Without warning, he pulled over to the side of the road and unbuckled his seatbelt. He unfastened hers next before pulling her against him in a hungry, desperate kiss.”
When they finally broke it off, she gasped for breath.
Asa cupped her chin. “You better mean that.”
“I do.”
“Say it again.”
“I love you.”
“Again.”
“Asa, I love you.”
“And don’t you forget it.” He kissed her again.
Jamie had to fix her hair and makeup by the time they arrived at the event. As they stood outside of the ballroom, she rubbed her thumb across Asa’s lips. “You still had a little bit of my lipstick on your mouth.
“Thank you, although I wouldn’t have minded.” He winked at her and it made her heart skip a beat.
It was still hard to believe that she was here with this gorgeous man.
“Ready to go in?” He smiled at her.
She nodded returning his smile with one of her own. Jamie placed her arm through the crook of his as he escorted her inside.
The ballroom was located in a downtown hotel and it was elegantly decorated. There was a live band playing and hundreds of people scattered around.
She felt a bit anxious to be around so many people at once.
Asa must have sensed her unease because he leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Take deep breaths. You’re going to be okay.” He led her further into the ballroom where he was immediately approached by a fellow doctor at the hospital.
“Dr. Stansfield, it’s good to see you.” A tall, bald African-American man in a tuxedo approached. He was quite attractive but he wasn’t Asa.
“Dr. Cleveland. Good to see you.” He shook hands with the other man. “I hear you’re leaving the hospital soon.”
“Yes, I got another opportunity as the Director of Radiology at a hospital in Seattle. It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.” Dr. Cleveland turned his attention to Jamie. “And who is your beautiful date?”
“I’m—”
Asa wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed, cutting her off. “This is, Jamie. My apologies but if you’d please excuse us, I see someone I need to speak with.” He basically pulled her away from his baffled colleague.
When they were out of ear shot, Jamie pulled away from him. “What was that all about?”
“That was Dr. Cleveland, also known as Dr. Love around the hospital. He has a bit of a reputation when it comes to women. I’m surprised you never ran into him when you worked there.”
“I didn’t work on the Radiology floor except if I was needed in case of emergencies. Besides, even if I did, my position basically rendered me invisible. Most of the doctors ignored me and some of the nurses did as well unless they wanted me to clean something up. Are you already forgetting our talk in the car? You have nothing to worry about.”
“I saw the way you were looking at him.”
“How?”
“Like you found him attractive.”
“I’m not going to lie and say he wasn’t attractive but I was looking at him because he spoke to me.”
“You smiled at him.”
“So, I’m not allowed to smile? Look, I get it. But you can’t do this for the rest of the night. Otherwise, you’re going to drive yourself crazy.”
He sighed. “Yeah, I guess I’m acting foolish.”
Jamie looked around the ballroom. “Anyway, there seems to be a lot of people here. This is more than just hospital staff.”
“Yes, this is open to anyone who purchased a ticket. We usually get a lot local of celebrities; like that news anchor over there, a handful of politicians and basically, anyone who wants to be seen.”
“Oh, everything looks so nice.”
Asa nodded as he focused on a man with thinning blond hair approach them. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
“Well, I bought a ticket so I figured I’d show up. Besides, the last time I was here, I drummed up a fair amount of business. You wouldn’t believe how many of these types need the service of a private detective for cheating spouses and spying on business partners.”
“I can only imagine.”
“This must be, Jamie. I’m Derek.” He held his hand out to her.
Jamie looked at Asa first to make sure he wouldn’t make a big deal over his introduction.”
His hand tightened on her waist for the briefest of seconds but he didn’t say anything when she shook his hand. “I guess Asa must have mentioned me but I’m at a disadvantage.”
“I’m Derek. Asa and I are friends.”
“Oh, yeah, you’re the one he plays squash with occasionally. He has mentioned you after all. It’s nice to finally match the name to the face.”
“Likewise. He said you were gorgeous but that was an understatement.” Derek brought her hand to his lips.
“Easy,” Asa growled.
“Relax Asa.”
Asa frowned. “I think I’m getting a call.” He pulled a phone from the inside of his breast pocket. “Dr. Stansfield speaking.” He paused. “Yes, Pam. Where is Dr. Harland? Okay, hold on while I find a quieter spot for this call.”
Asa held the phone against his chest and turned to Jamie. “I’m sorry, but I have an emergency call, I need to take. I’ll be right back. Derek, keep an eye on her for me.” Asa kissed her cheek before leaving the ballroom.
Jamie giggled nervously. “Keep an eye on me huh? He makes me sound like a child or an errant puppy.”
“Well, let’s just say if I had a date as beautiful as you, I wouldn’t want to let you out of my sight either.”
“You’re flattering me. So, how did you and Asa meet?”
“I used to be on the force. I had worked a case where I needed to interview the medical staff at his hospital.”
“Oh, well, it’s nice that you two have remained friends all this time. You seem to be the only friend he’s mentioned.”
“As long as I’ve known him, he’s always been cautious around other people. But I need to ask…when you’re with him, do you ever feel like you’re in danger?”
“What?”