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ChapterThirty-Three
ONE MONTH LATER
Jonathan
Dammit, I’m late. The Saint John’s Alumni Scholarship Fundraiser is tonight in New York City. Emelia flew in a few days early so she could spend time catching up with Sonya. Meanwhile, I’ve had to keep myself chained to my desk in Boston, and even today, I missed my first flight because of a meeting that ran late. Though it wasn’t the original plan, I’ll meet Emelia at the fundraiser instead of accompanying her there.
The event is taking place in the ballroom of the Baccarat Hotel. Up in our suite on the 49thfloor, I get ready quickly, using the mirror in the bathroom to assist me in tying my bowtie. Emelia’s makeup and hairbrush are strewn about the counter. A large black jewelry box is open and empty beside the sink. I smile, thinking of how surprised she must have been to find the necklace waiting for her in the room upon her arrival.Enjoy New York,my love, the accompanying note read.
My jeweler sourced the necklace for me while on the hunt for Emelia’s engagement ring. I want something antique and timeless, preferably a stone from Scotland, which will take a while to find, so I’ve already started the search. Emelia would think I was insane if she knew I was already preparing a proposal. Or perhaps not. We’ve talked about our life together, the future we want to share.
We’ve adapted to the newness of our relationship quickly.
Being together at the office, while awkward at first, has proved extremely convenient. We eat lunch together every day and ride to and from the Banks and Barclay building when my schedule allows. I never overstep my bounds with her in public, but on occasion, when I can’t help myself, I call her into my office and satisfy my urge to have her. I know how much she loves it because she’s not shy about letting me know. Still, it never seems to be enough. I need a constant reminder of her. A wedding ring on my finger will help that, I think.
The fundraiser began nearly an hour ago. The dinner portion will begin shortly, and I’ve left Emelia alone in a room full of wolves for long enough. I’m grateful she at least has Emmett and Alexander, though as of late, the former is far more reliable than the latter.
I finish with my tie and straighten my tuxedo jacket before heading out the door. The elevator ride takes longer than I’m accustomed to. The hotel is packed with Saint John’s alumni. In the lobby, I nod toward people I recognize and ignore invitations to chat as I make my way to the ballroom.
The lights are dim enough that it won’t be easy for me to spot Emelia in the ballroom right away, a fact that annoys me. I’m impatient. I have been all day. This is the longest we’ve been apart in weeks. Emelia has been by my side every day since we returned from Sonya’s wedding. If I have to visit the Belle Haven Estate, she accompanies me. If I have to put in extra time in the office, she often stays too, working or reading in my office. She’s slept at her apartment only once and phoned me before bed, regretting her decision.
I round the room and continue the tiring routine of slipping past acquaintances until I finally lay eyes on her.
She’s an absolute vision in her emerald green dress, the one I helped her pick knowing she would be wearing it along with her new necklace. It’s a choker made of oval-cut emeralds and marquise-cut diamonds. My jeweler purchased it from an antique jewelry dealer in Switzerland. It dates from the 19thcentury.
She’s standing alone, perusing the auction items. I reach her just as she’s finishing putting her name down beside a $250 opening bid for a dinner for two at Marea, seated at the chef’s table. By the end of the night, I have no doubt the meal will go for well over ten thousand dollars, perhaps even twenty. I’ll be sure to loop back later before I leave to ensure we get it.
“I’ve always wanted to eat there.”
My voice surprises her.
She drops the pen and turns around, her eyes alight with excitement. I lean in for a kiss before telling her she looks beautiful, and my hand stays on her hip as I tug her away from the auction table. I’ll keep my hand on her all night, I know it. These few days apart have been too hard.
“The necklace…Jonathan.”
Her tone sounds reproachful as she reaches up to touch an emerald.
“It’s an heirloom. I couldn’t pass it up.”
She rolls her eyes teasingly. “Big jewelry collector, are you?”
“It’s a new hobby.”
“Well it’s beautiful, obviously. Just what I would have picked for myself if I had several more zeroes at the end of my bank account.”
I laugh and lead her toward the bar so I can grab a drink. I ask her if she’d like anything, but she shakes her head.
“I’ve already had a cocktail and I ate a light lunch. I should pace myself.” Her eyebrows furrow as she glances over my shoulder at something. “Who’s the woman talking to Emmett? She’s beautiful.”
I turn and follow her gaze across the room to find my friend standing before a petite brunette wearing a strapless black gown. Emelia’s right; she is beautiful, feminine but with an edge, similar to Emelia in that way. She barely comes up to Emmett’s shoulders, but she doesn’t look the least bit intimidated by him. Emmett, meanwhile, looks mesmerized.
I study her features for another moment before giving up. “I don’t recognize her.”
“Really? I’d like to meet her, whoever she is…Emmett looks like he wants to swallow her whole.”
I chuckle.
“His date?” she wonders.
