Chasing Circumstance Page 4

  The car came to a stop, and moments later, Jeffrey opened my door and took my hand to guide me out. “Knock ‘em dead, Miss Amia. You’ll be just fine.”

  “Thank you again, Jeffrey.” I smiled through my nerves as I stepped onto the sidewalk in front of Trades Hall. It was a magnificent, historic building and the ball was to take place in the Great Hall within its walls.

  Stopping at the door to check in with the attendants, I was handed an exquisite black and silver mask with crystal accents.

  “What is this?” I questioned the usher as I accepted the mask.

  “This is a masquerade ball, Ma’am. All guests are required to wear one. Please, place the mask over your eyes and Aaron will escort you into the ball.” He motioned for a second usher to accompany me to the ball room.

  I placed the mask over my eyes and pulled my hair over the elastic band so it was hidden under my curls. “Thank you, Sir.” I offered a slight curtsy to the attendant.

  “It is my pleasure, Ma’am, and may I add, you are the picture of grace and delicate beauty.”

  Blushing slightly at his compliment, I looped my arm through Aaron’s and walked with him down a long hallway and into the Great Hall.

  It was brilliantly decorated with white and silver strips of silk flowing from the center of the ceiling out to the walls and down to the floor. There was a grand chandelier in the center of the ceiling with hundreds of lights dancing through the crystals that hung around them. The orchestra was set up at the far end of the hall and was playing a mix of light adult contemporary music. A bar sat on one side of the room and a buffet on the other. People were mingling throughout the room talking, laughing, and dancing.

  I scanned the room for Stuart, but the masks made it difficult to pinpoint him. Turning to thank the attendant for the escort, I walked toward the bar. A drink was called for to help calm my nerves.

  “May I have a French 75, please?” I smiled at the bartender as I ordered my drink.

  “Coming right up, Miss.” He turned away from me to mix it. I nervously looked around the room again for Stuart. “Here you are,” the bartender said as he handed me my drink.

  “Thank you.” I accepted it and tried to tip the bartender.

  “No gratuity is necessary, Miss.” He waved off my money and turned to help the next patron.

  I saw a group of people gathered around a man across the room. The part of his face that was visible looked a bit like Stuart so I made my way over in that general direction. I stood near the group and eavesdropped on their conversation.

  “Yep, tomorrow is the big day. We’ll be releasing our newest software package to the world. It will aid in the organization of multiple multi-media files and make for quicker access.” I recognized his voice immediately. It was Stuart.

  “Who’s handling your campaign?” A random voice from the crowd questioned him.

  “All I’ve been told is its some big wig from Millian’s based out of New York. I tried to get them to keep it in house, but I guess that the owner of Noraprise and the owner of Millian’s are friends from way back. We’ll see tomorrow if I was right or not.” Stuart laughed with the crowd of people around him.

  “I’ve heard of Millian’s. They’re rated pretty highly.” A female spoke up in answer to Stuart’s reply.

  “I’ve heard the same thing. I used to know someone that works there.” I thought to myself, ‘Used to know? Really?’

  Stuart continued, “I’m not one to trust word of mouth though. I prefer to go with my gut, and my gut is saying we should have stayed in house.” Stuart sounded a little cocky to me, but maybe my personal feelings were getting in the way. Either way, this was going to be even more difficult than I had anticipated.

  I stepped closer to the group. “Tell me, Mr. Cairns, why does your gut tell you that you should have stayed in house?” I softened my voice to try to disguise it.

  “We have very talented people in our office that I am sure were up to the task, and I don’t see why we have to farm out our work. Local jobs mean local pay.” Stuart looked directly at me as he spoke. “You seem familiar, do I know you?”

  “No, I do not believe that you know me.” I wasn’t lying. He didn’t really know me. If he had, he would have known that my love for him had been real.

  “Excuse me folks, I do believe I am going to get this beautiful woman a drink and get to know her.” Stuart stepped away from the crowd and stood in front of me. “Are you sure we don’t know each other?” He touched my hand as he spoke.

  “Define the word ‘know’, Mr. Cairns. Does anyone, truly, ever know someone?” I wondered how long it would take him to recognize me. How had he not put the clues together?

  “Amia? Is that you?” He whispered my name as he reached for my mask.

  I pulled away from him and smiled. “Mr. Cairns, this is a masquerade ball for a reason.”

  Recognizing my voice, Stuart said, “I… I… I can’t believe you’re here.” He sounded shocked as he stumbled over his words. “You’re really here. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I thought Jo would have made the trip herself.” We walked to the bar to get another drink. I think he needed one more than I did, but I was curious to see how this was going to play out.

  “I was sure you would have been told who was coming in from our office. I started to reach out to you so many times, but I just couldn’t make myself do it. Stuart, is this going to be awkward?” I ordered another French 75 and sipped at it as we spoke.

  “No, it’ll be fine. I’m just a bit shocked that you’re here.” He drank his Scotch in one swallow and asked for another. “Listen, Amia, I’m sorry about…”

  I cut him off before he could finish. “Don’t be sorry, Stuart. It was what it was, and there is no going back, no changing it.” I stood close to him and kept my voice down so that our conversation remained private.

  “You look incredible.” Again, Stuart drank his Scotch in one swallow. “Would you like to dance?” I could tell he was very nervous.

  “I would love to.” I set my glass on the bar and accepted Stuart’s hand. As we walked out onto the dance floor, he spun me around and into his arms. “I didn’t know you could dance.” I was surprised by his ability.

  “There are a lot of things we never took the time to get to know about each other.” He pulled me tight to his body.

  “We? I’m not the one that…” My words were stopped by Stuart’s kiss. I felt myself melt into him and his arms tighten around me as though he were holding me up.

  “You’re here now. This moment is real. Let’s just focus on this.” He spun me around, and after pulling me back into his arms, he kissed me once again.

  “Mr. Cairns, do you believe it is acceptable for you to take such liberties with me?” I smiled as I flirted. All thoughts of getting even flew out the window.

  “I don’t see you stopping me, Miss Durant. Nor do I hear you complaining.” Stuart laughed and then jokingly said, “Now shut up and dance with me.” He held me tight as our bodies swayed to the music. When the song ended, we each got another drink and made our way to a table in a quiet corner.

  “Where are you staying?” Stuart sat across the table from me.

  “At the Blythswood Square Hotel. Jo booked the penthouse suite for me. I arrived yesterday morning.” My hands shook slightly as I sipped at my drink.

  “The penthouse suite? Well, Jo’s spoiling you, isn’t she?” Stuart reached across the table and held my hand.

  “I’m worth spoiling.” I winked at him as I replied.

  “So I see. You know, I was hoping it was you that would be coming, but I was afraid of being let down.” He looked down at the table.

  “Why would you hope for such a thing? You were the one that ended this, Stuart. You were the one that made it quite clear that you used me and that I meant nothing to you. I was merely a bandage to help you heal.” I pulled my hand away from his and finished my drink. “I think I need another one.” I stood to acquire my fourth drink.<
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  “Please, sit down. I’ll get it for you.” Stuart stood and looked into my eyes as he spoke. “I’m sorry, Amia. I was in a bad place, and I took it out on you. Can you forgive me?” He smiled softly at me.

  “Forgiveness is not an issue. Make this one a double, please.” I sat back down and returned the smile. I wanted to tell him there was no issue because he didn’t deserve my forgiveness. I wanted to tell him that it was not an issue because I didn’t give it enough thought to justify it, but now that I was here, I didn’t know what I was feeling.

  “I’ll be right back.” I watched as he walked away. I felt overcome with emotion and took a deep breath to settle my nerves.

  We spent the rest of the evening at each other’s side. Stuart introduced me to his associates and friends and told them I was the representative from Millian’s. I noticed the shock on some of their faces when he explained who I was and realized that he must have told them about me when we were a couple. In between chatting with groups of people, we danced, laughed, and talked until the ball was over.

  “It’s midnight. Does this beautiful princess turn back into Cinderella?” Stuart kissed my hand.

  “I’m afraid so. That is unless her Prince Charming would like to escort her back to her palace.” The alcohol had chased the nerves from my brain, and I found it easier to speak my mind.

  “It would be my honor. Let me call for a taxi and we shall be on our way.” Stuart smiled at me again.

  “No need for a taxi, my chariot awaits us.” I put my arm through his and we walked outside to where Jeffrey was waiting for me.

  “A limousine? You really are spoiled.” Stuart laughed when he saw my car and driver.

  “How many times do I have to tell you I’m worth spoiling before you’ll believe it?” We stopped at the side of the car and waited for Jeffrey to open the door. “Thank you, Jeffrey. Back to the hotel, please.” I got into the car followed by Stuart.

  The ride back to the hotel was deafeningly quiet. He held my hand, but no words were exchanged between us. It was as though we had said everything we needed to say at the ball.

  After arriving at the hotel, I thanked Jeffrey and reminded him of my appointment the next afternoon. “Should I be expecting two for the journey, Ma’am?” Jeffrey asked as he closed the car door behind us.

  “You should have no expectations whatsoever. Goodnight, Jeffrey.” I took Stuart by the hand and led him to the private elevator that brought us to my suite.

  When we reached the top floor, I told Stuart to make himself at home, and I excused myself to change out of my gown and into more comfortable clothing. Entering my bedroom, I thought of what Jo had told me and began to leave on the lingerie I was wearing under my gown, but I decided against it and opted for sweats and a t-shirt instead. I didn’t want to appear presumptuous. A part of me was hoping that maybe we could work things out. I thought about how badly he hurt me, but now that I was here, now that I saw him face to face, I felt differently. When I finished changing I washed my face, took my hair down from the top of my head, grabbed a robe, and went back out to the living room to join Stuart.

  “Here, I thought you might like to change and feel a bit more comfortable.” I tossed the robe to Stuart.

  “Thank you. You look, um… comfortable.” He smiled as he began to disrobe in front of me.

  “Thanks, I am. You know, if you would like to shower or have privacy, the bathroom is through there.” I pointed toward the bedroom.

  “No, thank you, I’m fine. What, are you afraid of seeing me naked?” Stuart laughed as he took off his jacket and shirt.

  “Not at all. I was simply trying to afford you the same comforts of home.” I sat on the couch after making us each a drink.

  Stuart, now wearing only his boxers and the robe I gave him, quickly joined me at my side on the couch. “So, Cinderella, what now?”

  “Now we finish our drinks and enjoy each other’s company.” I swirled the ice in my glass and smiled a soft smile at him.

  Stuart finished his Scotch in one swallow. “There, I’ve finished my drink. Now, come here so I can enjoy you.” He reached his hand behind my neck, wrapped my hair into his fingers, pulled me close, and kissed me. I could taste the Scotch on his tongue as it penetrated my lips.

  “What are we doing?” Giggling, I pulled away from him.

  “We’re doing what comes naturally to us. We’re doing what we were destined to do.” I could see the honesty in his eyes as he spoke.

  I pushed all thoughts from my mind and allowed myself to live in the moment… This perfect moment. I felt the warmth of his breath against my lips as they met in the most splendid of kisses.

  Bit by bit, Stuart pushed me back against the arm of the couch. He shifted himself so his body was fully atop mine. As his hands moved under my t-shirt, I found my body pressed so tightly against his that I could feel his heart beat against me. I noticed that with every kiss, it became more and more rapid.

  Stuart pulled me away from the arm of the couch and I sat up to face him. My breasts lifted and fell as the material of my t-shirt caught under them when he pushed my shirt up and over my head. He then stood, took me by the hand, and helped me stand as well. He kissed me softly before slowly dropping to his knees in front of me. After fumbling with the knot in the drawstring of my sweatpants, he pulled them down my legs and kissed his way over my bare skin until he reached my feet. Placing his left hand on my calf, he freed each foot, one at a time, from the coiled material that had gathered around them. I now stood before him wearing only my white, cotton, boy short styled panties.

  “I thought you seldom wore panties.” His words became almost inaudible as his lips moved against the cotton.

  “Seldom, yes.” As I whispered my answer, I lifted my hands from my sides and clutched his hair, directing him to stand in front of me. “Kiss me, Stuart. I need to feel your lips on mine.” Closing my eyes, I got lost in his kiss. Our tongues played peek-a-boo through our lips, and I felt my limbs grow weaker with every kiss. Stuart swept me into his arms and laid me down on the couch once again. He stood before me, and I watched with great anticipation as he opened the robe he was wearing. His muscular upper body was slowly exposed as the robe tumbled to the floor.

  Passion engulfed my senses, forcing me to get off the couch, sit on my knees on the floor and pull him close to me. Any rational thought left in me was carried away as the scent of his skin overtook my sensibility. My nails scratched their way down his ribcage until they met the elastic band of his boxers. Carefully, I inched them away from his hip bones and tasted the sweetness of the flesh that was exposed. I could not wait any longer. I slid his boxers down his legs, pulled them from him completely, and tossed them behind the couch.

  “Well, I see the pictures you sent me online were true representations of what you have to offer a woman.” I looked up into his eyes to gauge his reaction to what I was about to do.

  “I told you, I don’t lie.” Stuart offered a sly smile as he spoke.

  “Let’s not talk right now. After all, it is impolite to speak with your mouth full.” My mind screamed, ‘Don’t lie? You mean like when you said you loved me? Wanted to marry me? Wanted to adopt children?’ Once again, I pushed the thoughts from my mind and focused on what was in front of me. With my hands on his thighs, I kissed my way up the muscles of his right leg, lingered over his manhood for just a moment, breathing my warm breath across it before kissing my way down his left thigh.

  “Don’t tease me, Amia.” Stuart’s anticipation was growing right along with the rest of him.

  I slowly licked my way up his massive, hard shaft. As I reached the head, my tongue encircled it, making him grow even harder. My soft, wet lips wrapped around him and I felt the muscles of his legs stiffen as he pushed himself deeper down my throat. Just as I was truly getting into what I was doing, he pushed me away.

  “You need to stop. It’s been so long, I don’t know how much longer I can hold off.” Stuart looked embarrassed a
s he spit the words out.

  “Oh, we’re just getting started, Lover.” I stood up, pushed him onto the couch and straddled him. With my hands on the sides of his face, I kissed him a long, deep kiss. I wanted him to taste himself on my lips, on my tongue, and to never forget the flavor.

  Sitting straight up, I positioned my breasts in front of his face. With one hand on the side of each tit, I lifted my nipples to meet his lips. Stuart took my unspoken direction very well, and lightly bit at each nipple, tracing circles around them with his tongue. My skin tingled with pleasure as I watched him enjoy my offering.

  Pulling away, I whispered against his ear, “Tell me you want to please me.”

  “I do, I want to please you. I want everything that is you.” His words fluttered against the supple skin of my neck.

  “Then come with me.” I stood, took him by the hand, and walked into the bedroom. I lay at the foot of the bed with my legs on the padded trunk that sat at the end of it. Playfully I said, “Kneel before me and show me how much you want to please me.” I opened my thighs to expose my cleanly shaved pussy and invited him to taste it.

  “Oh my God, Amia, you are more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.” Stuart played along and knelt before me. “I will worship you as the Goddess you are.”

  Lifting my ankle to his mouth, he began to kiss his way up my leg. The wetness of his tongue followed by the warmth of his breath caused goose bumps to rise on my skin. He stopped and softly laughed when he saw my reaction to his attention. I rose off my back onto my elbows and winked at him. He continued with his journey like a hunter stalking his prey. When he reached the pinnacle of my thighs, he buried his tongue in the softness of my flesh, and I writhed against his mouth, making him taste all of me. He needed to know what he had been missing.

  Waves of pleasure washed over my body and made my legs quiver as Stuart gently licked the folds of flesh between my thighs. His lips and tongue focused on my clit and forced the orgasms to continue until juices flowed from my body. Stuart then pulled away from me and sat up as he put on a condom. Even in the darkness of the room I could see his face glisten with my essence.