← Previous Affair With The Arrogant CEO Next →

Chapter 14: Chapter 14

12: The gala

On the night of the charity gala, Ethan stands in her living room, and she could hardly believe what he was saying. “So, what do you say?” He gave her a soft smile, hoping she'd say yes. “What happened to Madelyn?” Because the last time she checked, Madelyn was more than ready for the gala.

“She can't make it. She came down with a bad case of food poisoning.” He responded, still scanning through her pjs. “Oh. Still... I'm not sure if it’s a good idea for me to take her place. Don’t you think we’d be tempting fate. Or at least each other?” Ethan’s eyes roam over her body, yet again, and she was suddenly aware of how open and tight her crop was. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat. “Yes, definitely. But I can't seem to help myself. Besides, it was her idea.”

Isabella gaped her eyes at him. “Seriously?” She couldn't wrap a finger why Madelyn would do that. “She said you'd know what to do, since you helped her prepare. And it was ‘uncouth’ for Grayson Enterprise to have an empty seat at the table.” Isabella felt a fluttering in her chest that felt a lot like hope but...

Her mind races to come up with a reason, yet she couldn't. But somewhere deep down, she knew there’s no turning back if she gives in. “Ethan I'd love to be your date tonight.” His eyes lights up and sparkled out of the joy of her answer. “Really?” She nodded to him as she smiled. “Hell yes! Or something more appropriate for a fancy gala... most delightedly?”

“Honestly, I don’t really care if you're appropriate or not. I'm just glad you'll be there with me.” She felt her cheeks flushed but soon brushed it off before he could notice. “Soo... what exactly does one wear to a fancy event like this?”

“Funny you should ask... I thought it’d be nice if we matched tonight.” He excused himself and stepped out of the apartment. Ethan came back and presents her with a stunning gold gown that glitters as it catches the light. Her eyes glittered with excitement. “It’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful. Doesn't matter what you wear. But I do think you’d look particularly stunning in this.” He flashes her a mischievous grin before she entered her room to change. “If I'm going to be Ethan’s date tonight, I should go all in.” Isabella mumbles to herself as she eagerly strip off her clothes and wore the golden dress Ethan bought for her.

She examined herself in the mirror, feeling like she could hold her own at the party tonight. She steps out of her room and went back to the living room to show him. “You ready?” He asked before glancing at her.

“You tell me.” She twirled so he could take her in from head to toe. His gaze grows warmer as his eyes wander up her body, building to a fire by the time he reaches her face. “I was right. You're stunning.” He flashes her a soft, satisfying smile.

He takes two steps to cross the room, then runs his hands down the curves of her body. “Fits like a glove.” He whispered, moving his face dangerously close to hers. Her breath catches as their eyes met. “Ethan...” His finger strokes her cheek, then he clears his throat and steps back. She watch him go breathless. “We should head out now.”

Isabella nods to him. “Right. Don’t want to be late.” Ethan reaches for her hand and gives her a rueful smile. “That, and if we stay here a moment longer, I don’t think I'll ever be able to bring myself to leave.” He leads the way out of her apartment. “Come. The limo’s waiting for us.”

When they arrive at the gala, she steps out of the limousine with Ethan and were immediately taken aback by the flash of cameras from the paparazzi. “What! The press are even crazier than at your engagement party.” She muttered close to his ear, her pulse racing. “Just smile and nod. That’s what I always do.” He offers her his arm. Isabella smile and slip her arm through his, pressing herself into his side and scoring his warmth.

“Ethan! Ethan Grayson! Who's your date? Where’s Madelyn Jason?” The paparazzi bombarded them with questions. “She's got such style! Look at that dress...” Isabelle smiled. It was her time to flaunt. She smiled and strike a pose for the camera. “Give us a quote, darling! Who are you? Where’s Madelyn?”

“No comments. Now, if you'd please excuse us...” Ethan moves to shield her from the invasive throng, mouthing a silent ‘sorry’ as they step away from the mob together. “I can see why Madelyn prepared so much tonight. I didn't realise this party was such a big deal.” He gave a half smile and turned his head away. He stops along the path, and she almost bump into him. He turns and takes her hand in his.

“Isabella, I've thought about taking you out on a night like this for a long time. Now that we’re finally here, I'd like to focus on us, not Madelyn... because you...” He pauses as his eyes travel down her body, then back up to her eyes. “Are all I can think about. Deal?”

“Deal! No more Madelyn talk. Let’s head inside and enjoy the evening.” She spoke, excited.

They enter the ballroom and look around in awe at the elegant decor. Ethan's leads her across the room to their table, where his mother and step father were already seated. “Isabella? What a... delight to see you here.” Ethan's mother stared at Isabella’s dress for several moments. She never expected Isabella to show up, let alone to wear that stunning dress. “You look wonderful in that dress.” She complemented. Isabella smiled sheepishly as she thanked her.

“Where’s Madelyn?” Liam’s step father queried. “She wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home. Luckily, Isabella was free to help us fill the table.” He nods in agreement. “Lucky, indeed. You know how it looks to have an empty seat.”

Her eyes fall on the vacant chair across from her. “Are we expecting someone else?” Isabella asked and Ethan’s mother nodded. “Unfortunately, Liam couldn't make it at the last minute either. But never fear, someone would fill in the place.” Isabella nods before turning to Ethan and lowering her voice. “You weren't kidding about this empty seat thing.” He chuckles lowly and nodded. “Yeah, if you buy a table at an event like this, you're expected to fill every seat or you might get frozen out next time.” Ethan’s eyes go distant as he tracks a stranger from across the room. “That’s Kevin Bruno. I recognise him from Madelyn’s flashcards... why are we staring at him though?” Isabella spoke in a low tone.

“I've been trying to convince him to collaborate with us on a project, but he's notoriously un-schmoozable. Care to help me change that?” Isabella smiled as she nodded. “It’d be my honour.”

Ethan and Isabella made their way across the room, and she could almost see the moment Ethan slips into work mode. “Ethan, you're looking well.” Kevins commented, the moment Kevin was on his site.

“You too, Kevin. Isabella, I'd like you to meet Kevin bruno, a fellow technophile and unrepentant geek. I'm hoping he might brainstorm with me someday.” Kevin gives her a once-over, and Isabella was grateful that she took the time to look the part. “Pleasant to make your acquaintance. Do you work at the Grayson Enterprise?” Kevin was impressed with her appearance.

“Yes, I am the supervisor at the Grayson Enterprise.” Kevin gave her a pointed look from her head to toe and nodded his head to her. After more conversation, the music changes, and the dance floors starts to fill with couples. Ethan turns to her, eyes sparking as he extends a hand.

“Dance with me, Isabella? You’ve more than earned a break from all the shoptalk.” Isabella smiled and nodded to him. “I'd love to.”

He draws her out onto the dance floor, and her heart flutters as the two of them sway together in front of everyone. “I don’t really know how to waltz... or whatever you guys call it.” He grips on her waist with one hand and moved her closer. “Just follow my, lead. Or I could follow yours, if you'd prefer.” She chuckles softly. “Meaning what? If I twerk, you will too?”

He threw his head back laughing. “Yes, something like that.” Closing the gap between them, he leaned in so his lips could tickle her ear. “This is our night, Isabella. Not theirs.”

“In that case, follow my lead.” She twists her body to a beat in her mind, making sure to rub against Ethan with every little movement. “And what's this move called?” He asked, trying to figure out what exactly she was doing. “The Bella?” He braces his hands on her hips, following her lead. “I think I'll enjoy doing The Bella, don’t you?” He raised a brow, making her to giggle. “Yes. Definitely.” He said, agreeing with her opinion.

He spins her around, so her back was pressed against his chest. She smirks over her shoulder. “Are we doing The Ethan now?” He slowly runs his hands down her sides, savouring every touch. “Not yet,” he whispered, smirking at her. He spins her back around. She was breathless as she meets his intense gaze. “What is it?” She questioned. His eyes clearly telling her he has something to say. “Walk with me?” Ethan takes her hand and leads her to a secluded balcony, away from the gala.

The night was breezy and quite, almost like they were in another world. “Something on your mind?” He hears her voice after much silence. He joins her at the railing, and even with the distance between them, she could feel the heart radiating from his body. “Honestly? I just wanted you to myself for a while. Ever since we got here, the other guests have been swarming around you, drawn to you... not that I can blame them, especially in that gown.” Ethan’s eyes rove over her body, taking in every inch of her. She shivers as if she's completely bare before him.

“It’s not that special--”

“You are what makes it special. You've made this whole night special just by being here. It’s like you’ve grown up surrounded by all this. You’re in your element, and you shine.” An enchanting smile crossing his face. “You may think I belong here but you’re wrong. I've been working my ass off all night to impress everyone for you. I'm not in my element... I’m one mistake away from humiliating you.”

Ethan cups her cheeks in his hands and swallows heavily. She sees the stars reflected in his eyes. “Nothing you could do would humiliate me, Isabella.” He leans closer to her, eclipsing the night sky from view. His lips were just a breath away from hers. “What if someone sees--” he cuts her off immediate. “I don’t care.” His finger scoops beneath her chin, gently lifting her gaze to his. “Right now, all I care about is... you.” Her eyes scan his, but she sees nothing but condition there.

The practical part of her brain desperately shouts she pulls away, that he’s her boss, that he’s engaged, that she has to be mindful of the consequences. But the rest of her craves to know if he can feel the fire between them too, to know if she's irresistible to him as he is to her, consequences be damned. And right there, in that moment all she could do is give in.

“Ethan...” She closes the gap between them, pressing her lips to his. It feels familiar, like coming home. She slides her tongue along his lips. He opens his mouth in reply, moaning her name. “Isabella...” The sound shoots through her. She moves against him desperately, her kiss hungry and pleading.

The balcony feels like it’s on fire. Her head lulls back as Ethan trails his lips down her neck. His hands slide down her back until he could pull her hips flush against his.

He has never kissed her like that before, like he can’t get enough of her body, her taste... and she knew she couldn’t either. He traps her between his hard body and the railing, and there was nowhere else she’d rather be. Her pulse races as his hands finds the edge of her gown, sliding up just enough to stroke the soft skin of her inner thighs. His voice was think husky with need.

“Bella, I want you... but I can’t keep stopping myself. You have to be the strong one here if this isn't what you want, tell me to stop now.” She kisses a steamy path up to his ear, whispering. “What if I don't want you to stop?” He lets out a soft curse as he pulls back just far enough to meet her gaze. Her breath catches as she takes in his blazing eyes, he fore she sees there mirroring the heat coursing through her veins.

She takes a deep breath and step away from Ethan’s embrace. His arms immediately let her go, and she looks down on her feet. “Sorry, I shouldn't have...”

“Don’t apologize. If anyone should be sorry, it’s me.” He reaches out to cup her cheek, gently guiding her gaze back to his. “I am sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you. Shouldn't have...” He pauses and swallows hard, then continues. “... shouldn't have kissed you again it was reckless for me.”

The two of them fell quiet for a moment until the din of the party wafts up to her, breaking her reverie. “Well, there’s no reason to be reckless now. You should head back inside. I'll follow you in a few minutes.” Ethan nods, smoothing his clothes one last time. He reaches for the door.... Then turns back to her. “Isabella, I...” She shook her head. “It’s fine. I'll be fine. We can talk later.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “Oh... okay.... If you're sure.”

Whatever he was about to say, she was sure she doesn't want to hear it. Ethan hesitates for another moment, but she pulls her focus to the overlook as he slips back inside. The noise of the gala assails her through the open balcony doors, louder than ever. The real world is waiting for her. But she couldn't face it at that moment.

She leans against the railing and stare out at the stars, wishing the answer was out there. What was she going to do now?