Page 10 of Kiss me Forever

“I’ll walk you back to the library,” he offers.

I quickly shake my head. “No, I need to make a phone call so I’ll say goodbye here,” I tell him.

He hesitates as if he wants to argue, but then he reluctantly nods. “I’ll see you at five on Friday.” With this, he turns and leaves. I take my time following behind him. When I’m sure he’s gone, I dial up Livie.

She answers on the third ring, sounding a bit harried. “I need your help,” I say.

I instantly have all of her attention. “What do you need?” I love that no matter what either of us are doing, we’ll drop it in an instant to be there for each other.

“Magnus invited me to a charity event raising money for low-income schools and I have no idea what to wear to it.”

She pauses for only a moment and then she chuckles. “I’ll have you looking like the most beautiful woman in the room,” she promises. “I know the perfect dress and accessories. Leave it all up to me.”

I knew I’d called the right person. “Thank you, Livie. I’m nervous. I’ll owe you big time after this.”

“You never owe me, but tell me more about the event and how this man talked you into going,” she demands.

I fill her in with the details, feeling a mixture of terror and excitement that I’ve agreed to go with Magnus. This man might just have more layers to him than I thought was possible. Is there a possibility that he’s not just a playboy? I shouldn’t go there even in my thoughts, let alone voicing this out loud, but I fear it’s already too late for me. I might be falling for an untouchable man. I might not get a choice in the matter though. I’m in it now and the only direction I can go is forward.

Chapter Six

Piper

My doorbell rings precisely at five on the dot, and my heart thunders as I take one last look in the mirror, adjusting a few tendrils of hair that Livie artfully arranged to frame my face. She left only twenty minutes earlier. I had to push her out the door. She wanted to stick around and see Magnus show up. I refused. I’m already too nervous as it is.

The red gown Livie brought me is hugging my curves, and far more daring than anything I’ve worn before, but I have to admit I love it and feel pretty. It’s paired perfectly with her borrowed jewelry, pieces I could never afford on my salary. This whole night is making me feel like a different person, which is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

I finally move to the door, forcing myself to take in deep breaths before I finally open it. Though it feels like an eternity since he rang the bell, it’s only been a minute. I open up to find Magnus standing before me in a tux, looking impossibly handsome in his tailor fitted outfit. I lose my breath as his eyes widen in delight and a slow smile spreads on his full lips.

“Piper, you’re absolutely stunning,” he says, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “No other woman will even be seen as they fade into the background.”

I give a nervous chuckle. “Thank you,” I say, not knowing what else to say. He seems quite pleased at having me as a date, and I’m eternally thankful to Livie. This is going to be a crowd of the rich and famous, and I’m well aware I don’t belong. “I don’t know if anyone will notice me when you look so good.” There’s no point in denying it. The man looks hot no matter what he wears but in this fitted tux, he’s absolutely breathtaking.

He simply smiles at me before offering his arm. I carefully place mine in his, expecting the zap of electricity this time. It doesn’t lessen the impact, but at least it’s not a shock. He helps me into his vehicle, then rushes around to the driver’s seat.

I’m subdued on the drive to the event, letting him lead the conversation as I tell myself not to panic. He talks about books and how excited he is to raise more money for the schools. I begin to relax as I hear the passion in his voice about this program. It will all be okay, and I won’t ever have to see any of the people at this event again after tonight so it doesn’t matter if I make a fool of myself.

We arrive at the grand venue, a historic mansion adorned with twinkling lights and elegant décor. The valet comes and opens my door, but Magnus quickly steps up to help me from the car. He then holds out his arm once again and we walk inside. I’m both excited and apprehensive as I take in the utter elegance all around me. There are chandeliers that most likely cost more than my vehicle, and decorations that scream elegance and money.

We move around as Magnus makes sure everything is where it’s supposed to be, and it doesn’t take long before the event starts to fill with hundreds of people surrounding us, all of them more glamorous than the ones before. I have to fight my anti-snobbery. My dress is stunning, but it’s reasonably priced. A person can look good, and feel good, without spending thousands while attending a charity event.

Soon, the opulent ballroom is filled with elegantly dressed guests, the sound of music mingling with the hum of conversation. Magnus’s hand remains on my back, a reassuring presence as we navigate our way through the crowd.

Many people approach Magnus, greeting him with either warmth or eagerness. It seems everyone wants to be associated with the man. If we were in a relationship, this would always be how it is. I don’t think it’s a life I’d like. I like attending this event, doing something out of my comfort zone, but I also appreciate the calmness of my small-town living. Magnus moves within the walls of the elite of the elite. It’s not a life for me.

Still, for this one night I’m the woman on his arm, and he introduces me to everyone who approaches, pride in his voice, never once letting go of my hand or having his palm on my back. He’s not ashamed to let the entire room know that for tonight I belong to him. I see many faces, especially women, giving me appraising looks, their smiles not quite reaching their eyes. I try not to let it bother me. I have to remember I’m the woman who’s glass is overflowing. Just because these people have more money than they know what to do with doesn’t make them better than me. I know who I am and I like the person I’ve become.

Soon, it’s time to sit down for our meal that I’m sure will be fantastic. Magnus brings me to a beautifully set table at the front of the room. I’m sure each person paid a pretty penny for their seat at the table. As much as it bothers me that these events have to occur in order to part these people from their wallets, I can appreciate that a lot of money does get into the right hands, the sloppy fingers of beautiful children simply needing a ladder to climb on their way out of poverty.

As we sit, I can’t help but notice the cool demeanor of the other women at the table. There are two other men, and three women, Victoria, Chloe, and Margarette. As they’re introduced to me the hint of condescension in their tones is more than obvious. I don’t let it affect me. They don’t matter to me. It does give me a bit of pleasure knowing that I’m bothering them though. They don’t understand why Magnus is with a woman like me, an ordinary woman with a dress from a department store. This makes me a bit happier. I grin at each one of them.

Victoria looks directly in my eyes, her makeup flawless. “So, Piper, how do you know our Magnus?” I have to fight not to laugh at the word our. She’s letting me know he’s a part of her world, not mine.

“I met him a year ago, and then we were reintroduced at my library when he was looking for a rare book,” I tell her.

“Your library?” she questions.

“Yes, I run a library in a small town outside of Seattle,” I tell her with pride. She might look down on this, but I value my job.

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