Page 38 of The Write Knight

?“Looks like someone is feeling feisty tonight,” Miles leans in and whispers in my ear. The warmth of his breath caressing my neck sends sparks through my body.

?“Well, it is my birthday, after all, and Sarah insisted we start the celebration early with a bit of bubbly.” I’m pretty sure she could sense my nerves throughout the whole apartment and wanted to give me a bit of liquid courage, especially since the Knight men are so important here in New York. I will be on the arm of one, making me a target for attention tonight. Just thinking about it makes me start to fidget with the clutch in my lap. Miles notices and rests his hand over mine. He takes his other hand and slides it up to cup my cheek, then turns my face to look at him.

?“Take a deep breath, baby. I know this is very new for you, but I want to show you off to the world. I’ll be right by your side. You have nothing to worry about.” He gives me a quick kiss and turns his attention to Sebastian, asking him a question I didn’t hear because I was in my own little world. I notice that Sarah looks stunning in her white gown. I told her she could use it as a wedding gown one day when she meets someone, and she gave me this look, as if to say I was crazy. I just laughed and went back to getting myself dressed.

?The car begins to slow, and I realize we have already reached our destination. We are in line to be dropped off at the red carpet. There are so many people everywhere with cameras snapping and spotlights that can be seen from outer space. My anxiety begins to rise because I hate being in large crowds. Usually, if I have to be in them, I act like a wallflower and stick to the outskirts to avoid conversing with people that I don’t know. Miles doesn't understand how uncomfortable I am with this. He grew up in the limelight, and I’m sure he is used to all the attention that comes at these types of engagements. I, on the other hand, am out of my element. I look from the window to Sarah, and she is already looking at me. She can see the panicwritten across my face. She leans over and places her hand on my shoulder.

?“Look at me, Lizzie. Take a deep breath. You look stunning, and you are here with Miles. Just relax and try to have a pleasurable time. I’m sure there are many women who would trade places with you in a heartbeat, so be proud that he chose you,” she whispers and gives my shoulder a squeeze, as the car comes to a stop in front of the main entrance.

?Thomas comes around to our door and opens it, letting Miles climb out, buttoning his tuxedo jacket as he stands. Then he leans over and offers me his hand with a megawatt smile on his face.Damn, this man is hot!I slide my hand in his, and his firm grasp on me gives me the strength to step out of the limousine.Deep breaths, Lizzie.As I stand, I can hear people shouting Miles’ name from all directions with their cameras and phones out to capture our every move.

?Miles puts his arm out for me to take and leads us toward the entrance. Blinding flashes continue as we make our way up the red carpet. We are asked to pause several times for pictures, and Miles obliges, while wrapping his hand tightly around my waist and pulling me close to him. I can’t help but look up at him and smile. He looks down at me as well, giving me a wink. Then he places a kiss to my forehead in front of everyone. I can’t believe he really is claiming me in public.

?“Miles, who is your date?” one camera man shouts.

?“Mr. Knight is she your girlfriend?” another yells, with a microphone pointing at us.

?My heart starts drumming in my chest. So many people are shouting at once and no one is getting answers; it’s making them seem desperate. I feel like one of them might be crazy enough to jump over the rails, separating us, to get the inside scoop. Miles just moves along, holding my hand and waving to people as we pass.

?Finally, we are through most of the chaos and climbing the stairs to the entrance of the ballroom. Lifting my gown, I try not to fall on my ass as I hold my clutch in the same hand, which is proving to be a bit complicated. I am clearly not used to this sort of fancy lifestyle, but I hope it doesn’t show. The last thing I ever want to do is embarrass Miles in front of all these people.

?Stepping inside the Cipriano Wall Street ballroom takes my breath away. The beautiful architecture along with the Winter Wonderland theme makes the space stunning. There are several extravagantly flocked Christmas trees all around the room, decorated in only white and silver. The whole interior is decorated much the same, and it gives the space a very Christmassy but glamorous feel. There are high top tables scattered around the walls and circular dining tables in the middle of the room with white, linen tablecloths, adorned with magnificent, magical-looking center pieces, close to a stage where a band has begun playing music.

?Pulling me away from my perusal of the ballroom, a server comes up to us offering champagne in beautiful crystal flutes. Miles hands one to me, and then takes one for himself. I quickly down the contents in one gulp and place the flute back on the tray, grabbing another in its place. Miles looks down at me with concern in his eyes, and I feel like I’ve already done something wrong. I guess I shouldn’t have done that, but I needed something to drown the nerves that are bubbling up in my belly. The server walks off to greet more people, and Miles pulls me off to the side of the room where no one has gathered.

?“Lizzie, talk to me. What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” he inquires, while stroking my hand with his thumb.

?“I’m sorry. I just…” closing my eyes, I try to think of the best way to explain. Looking back up at him, I continue, “I’m just nervous. This has all been so much. I know how much this event means to you, and I am trying to fit in because I don’t want to embarrass you. But it's so nerve wracking with all the attention being on you and indirectly on me because I am here with you. It’s just a lot to take in. I’m sorry, Miles.” I close my eyes again, willing my tears not to fall.

?“Lizzie, first of all, I told you never to apologize to me. I meant that. You especially don’t ever need to feel sorry for telling me what you are thinking.” He pulls me closer and rubs his hand down my back in small, comforting strokes. He lifts my chin up to look at him as he continues, “Second, I didn’t really give you an option of coming. I’m an asshole, Lizzie. I was so worked up, wanting you to have the perfect birthday that I didn’t stop to think that maybe you wouldn’t feel comfortable with all the attention. I am truly sorry.” He lets out a deep breath and pulls me right up against his body, muscles tense beneath his jacket.

?“This isn’t your fault, Miles. You didn’t know, and you’ve made my birthday feel like a fairytale. I even got to dress up for a ball at the end of the day,” I say with a little chuckle, hoping it will relax him a bit.

?“Please forgive me, Lizzie. We can leave just as soon as I make my speech. I never want you to be uncomfortable.” He runs the back of his hand up and down my cheek.

?“No! I want to do this with you. I was just shocked is all. I wasn’t prepared for being bombarded on our way in here. That was intense!”

?“That’s understandable. I should have warned you, and that’s on me. You are incredible, you know that?” he whispers the last part in my ear, kisses the side of my neck, and calmly soothes the fear from my body. Miles instills comfort and safety in me. I’m not sure what it is about him, but it calls to me, and I can’t help but be entranced by it.

?“You’re not so bad, yourself,” I thankfully respond. Hecan tell he’s helped me over my panic. He cups my face in his hands and places a soft kiss on my mouth. He groans at the contact, and I can’t help but agree. He feels so good pressed against me.

?“Come on,” he suggests, grabbing my hand and kissing it quickly. “Let’s find our table. It should be right up front.”

I feel relieved we were able to talk about what was going on in my head. I’m thankful he can already tell when something isn’t right with me, and I don’t feel like I have to bottle things up with him. I can be an open book, and he will still accept me. It’s such a strange but welcome feeling.

We arrive at the table where Sarah and Sebastian are already sitting. Miles pulls out a chair for me, and then seats himself. He scoots my chair closer to him, which makes a small screeching sound, but he just shrugs his shoulders and puts his hand on my thigh. He kisses my forehead, taking a sip of his champagne. I look over at Sarah, and notice she has a huge smile on her face, watching the interaction between Miles and me. I can’t help but blush.

?“I was wondering where you both ran off to,” she ponders aloud. Before I can say anything, Miles answers for me.

?“I wanted a moment alone withmygirl before everything begins,” he enunciates as if it’s the most casual thing in the world to call me ‘his girl.’Swoon.

?Sebastian clears his throat and places his champagne flute down on the table before speaking. “I have been getting to know Sarah, but I don’t know much about you. Tell me about yourself, Lizzie.” Before I get a chance to respond, Miles and Sebastian are out of their seats, buttoning their tuxedos, and smiling at an elegant older woman approaching the table. Without an introduction, I know this is their mother. Anyone can see the resemblance a mile away. Another roundof butterflies erupts in my stomach. I didn't know I would be meeting their mother tonight, although I should have known. I didn't even think about it. The men take turns leaning down and giving their mother a sweet peck on the cheek. Miles leads her toward me as I stand.

?"Mother, I would like to introduce you to Elizabeth Brighton. Lizzie, this is my mother, Amelia Knight." I reach my hand out to shake hers, but she surprises me by pulling me into a tight hug. A smile dusts my face as this woman embraces me. When she releases me, I speak up.

?"It's so nice to meet you, Mrs. Knight," I say with more confidence than I feel.

?"Please, dear, call me Amelia. You are even more stunning than my son let on." I give her a small smile and look at Miles, who has a huge smile on his face. He gives me a wink that makes my knees feel weak. I glance back at his mother and see her smiling with her hands laced together. I get the feeling they’ve had a deep conversation about me, which makes me both excited and nervous. Miles takes his mother's hand and leads her to her seat on the other side of the table.

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