All Novel JR
20
Silence hung between them for a moment, tension crackling in the confined space of the car. Chandler sighed softly, his gaze softening. “I’m sorry, Elena. I didn’t mean to catch you off guard. I guess I was just desperate. We can get another room if you would prefer and then I’ll drive you back home in the morning.”
Elena’s frustration began to subside as she observed Chandler’s earnest attempt to make amends. Despite her initial vexation, she recognized his thoughtful intentions, but she still didn’t like that he’d booked only one room. Softening her expression, she nodded slightly. “Okay, we’ll figure it out. Just wish you’d told me earlier.”
Chandler glanced at her apologetically, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I know, and I’m truly sorry. I just… I wanted you to like me, but if after tonight, you still don’t want to go out with me, then I’ll back off”
He said it flippantly, but there was an edge to his words. Elena stared at him for a moment. If she told him about the way she used to feel about his brother right now, he’d shut down instantly. If she told him about the crush she had on his brother years ago, would he still feel this way about her? She was sure he wouldn’t. If she told him that for years, she’d looked at his brother like the perfect man, the prototype of everything she’d wanted, but the men she’d dated had always come up woefully short in comparison.
Not smart enough. Not sweet enough.
Not kind enough. Not … Elijah enough.
Here was a man who was the exact opposite of his brother in every single way she could possibly list, and there was something different about the way she reacted to him that was completely different from the way she had ever felt about anyone else…. Not even Elijah. He made her feel edgy. Like there was a vibration starting somewhere deep inside her body, spreading further and further until she was sure he’d be able to see it on the surface of her skin.
After taking a deep breath, she laid her hand on top of where his was resting on the gear shift. Chandler’s eyes snapped to Elena’s, then down to their hands. His skin was warm and rough.
“I like you just fine, Chandler,” she told him quietly. “I just don’t know you at all.”
His eyebrows lowered over his eyes as he studied her suddenly serious demeanor. “Then why don’t we do something about it and get to know each other,” he said back, his face leaning closer to hers in the quiet confines of the car. His eyes fixed on her mouth. “You’re going to drive me insane before this is over, aren’t you?”
His statement snapped the tightening cord between them, and Elena sat back, flattening herself against the door of the car. What was she doing? She squeezed the small on her lap and looked away, “Let’s go inside, Chandler,” she said. “I think we are already late,”
————-
The grand ballroom of the hotel was aglow with shimmering lights, casting an ethereal ambiance across the space. Elena and Chandler stepped inside, the buzz of laughter and conversation enveloping them in a symphony of social energy. Elena suspected that he’d noticed how nervous she was, and just before they walked in, he slipped her hand into his. Elena had glanced down at their hands, and then at him, but she didn’t pull away. She needed it in fact. Chandler, in his tux, exuded confidence, guiding Elena by her hand as they mingled through the elegantly dressed crowd.
“Don’t fidget,” he murmured close to her ear, and his warm breath tickled her, “You look amazing,”
Spotting a couple of familiar faces, Chandler led Elena towards them, a warm smile gracing his lips. “Hey, there’s Adam and Sarah. Let me introduce you,” he said softly, glancing at Elena to ensure her comfort.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Adam, a distinguished figure with a welcoming demeanor, greeted them warmly, extending his hand. “Chandler, good to see you! And who might this lovely lady be?”
Chandler beamed, gesturing towards Elena. “Adam, Sarah, this is Elena. Elena, meet Adam and Sarah, colleagues from the marketing department.”
Elena smiled graciously, feeling a touch of nerves as she exchanged pleasantries. “Nice to meet you both.” She said,
Adam’s eyes crinkled with a friendly charm. “Oh, it is indeed. Finally I get to meet Chandler’s special lady and I am not disappointed. You see, Chandler’s always had a good eye for beautiful things. It’s wonderful to meet you, Elena.”
Elena felt very awkward at his statement and assumption, but she didn’t correct him. This wasn’t the time, so she kept quiet and smiled. Chandler on the other hand didn’t look like he had any intention of correcting Adam either. In fact the way he looked at her when Adam made his comment didn’t help one bit. He kept beaming at her and Elena was sure that to everyone who saw them, they looked like a new couple smitten by each other. She was seriously beginning to feel like this was part of his plan all along.
Sarah, an elegant woman with a kind demeanor, chimed in, “Absolutely! Chandler never introduces us to anyone. Sometimes, I think I’ve never met anyone so boring. We’re glad you could join us tonight.”
Elena’s cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and gratitude, touched by their warm welcome. “Thank you. I’m delighted to be here.”
Chandler, sensing Elena’s slight unease, placed a reassuring hand on her lower back, offering silent support. His touch was light, but she wasn’t expecting it, and of course her body reacted, in a way that she liked and hated at the same time. It felt good and for a moment, she leaned into it and let her body relax. It felt good and assuring to have him there with her… To have her back now that she was feeling nervous.
The party went on and conversation flowed effortlessly, blending introductions with lighthearted banter, as Chandler adeptly guided Elena through the social maze. With each introduction, Elena felt more at ease, her initial nervousness gradually melting away in the warmth of the friendly atmosphere. Chandler’s thoughtful introductions and the genuine reception from Adam and Sarah eased her into the company party, transforming the once intimidating sea of faces into a gathering of potential connections and new friendships.