Chapter 11

After being interviewed several times, Jensa entered the banquet hall and slipped her coat off hanging it up, not believing how beautiful the décor was. Lights streamed and hung and a beautiful staircase lead down to hundreds of tables. Smiling, Jensa slowly began descending, lifting her gown a little so she didn't trip on it. Boy wouldn't THAT be embarrassing. When Ken spotted Jensa Talverson, he excused himself from the reporter he conversed with and quickly made his way to her.

"Miss Talverson." He greeted, extending his hand to help her down the last few steps and raised hers to his mouth, pressing a kiss to the back of it. "You look...exquisite." He said, taking in her dress, jewelry, hair and makeup. She was almost underdressed, but the elegance and unassuming beauty she possessed made her the crown jewel of the night.

"Mr. Anderson, how lovely seeing you again." A blush crept in her cheeks when he kissed her hand again as a breathtaking smile crossed Jensa's lips. She looked around the banquet in sheer reverence. "No, this place is exquisite." She corrected softly, giving him a quick onceover and instantly missed Taker more than anything. Jensa hid it well though. "You don't clean up so bad yourself."

"I have my moments." Ken smiled, ducking his head almost shyly before looking back up at her. He didn't see a date with her and a tiny frown creased his brow. "Did you...bring a guest?" He asked tentatively, inwardly sighing when she quickly shook her head, wondering why not because she was stunning. Jensa probably had men lining up to...He let that thought slide and extended his arm to her. "May I escort you around?" He asked hesitantly. "Maybe introduce you to some people?"

Her blue eyes glittered back at him and Jensa nodded, taking his extended arm deciding it wouldn't hurt anything. It's not like she would go to bed with Mr. Anderson. He was just showing her around since she did not have a date.

"Thank you."

Jensa proceeded to meet everyone involved with the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, shaking hands and whatnot. She glided across the floor, used to wearing heels, everyone telling her how incredibly generous she was for donating that amount of money. Jensa waved them off dismissively and thanked them, stating repeatedly it was for the children.

Ken made sure to introduce her to the right people, also making sure the amount she had donated wasn't allowed to come up. That would be announced later in the evening when everyone was seated, knowing it would be one hell of a story. Jensa handled everything so graciously, not faltering once under any of the questions or the flattery heaped on her. If she wasn't definitely out of his league, Ken might've made a play for her. He was about to relinquish her when his name was called, gently turning her around.

"Smile!" The photographer chirped.

After the flash went off and the photographer was on his way, Ken started blinking rapidly. Jensa blinked a few times as well, not expecting that as the photographer went on his way, snapping pictures left and right. She was introduced to a few more people before it was time to be seated. Seated at the front at her own table, causing a blush to creep in her cheeks, Jensa sat down with ease, sipping some champagne Mr. Anderson had been kind enough bring her.

"Welcome ladies and gentleman to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Charity Ball!" The announcer boomed throughout the banquet, everyone clapping. "Now then, before we begin the festivities, we have a very special guest among us this evening. Her name is Jensa Talverson and this lovely young lady donated an unprecedented amount of money to this wonderful organization. $365,000,000 dollars! Miss Talverson, please come up onstage and say a few words."

A spotlight lit her up as everyone began clapping thunderously, causing her to stand up to bow her head, the brightest smile on her face, even though it was nothing to her. Nodding, Jensa left her table and walked up the stairs slowly, lifting her gown a little so she didn't trip. Standing at the podium, Jensa looked out at the massive crowd, the smile never leaving her face.

"Thank you." She softly said in the microphone, feeling her heart ready to leap out of her chest at any given moment.

Taker had actually gone out and bought a suit. Not a tuxedo simply because he knew he would look like a fool in one. It was a black suit with a black undershirt and a black tie. Knowing he was going to be extremely late, he had showered and shaved. Well, he actually trimmed his goatee off until it was just on his chin, sighing ruefully, pulling his hair back into a low sleek tail. At the moment, he stood against a pillar just off of the stairs, not wanting to interrupt the proceedings or draw attention to himself and get kicked out. He watched as she made her way to the podium, his heart doing a funny leap in his chest when he saw just how beautiful she was tonight.

Before Jensa could open her mouth to continue, something caught the corner of her eye as 3 children came walking up, 2 girls and a little boy. They couldn't have been any more than between the ages of five and seven. The boy was in a crisp black tuxedo, looking absolutely adorable with a bald head and blue eyes. The girls were in citrine gowns, both of them bald as well, one with warm brown eyes, the other grey.

"Children, don't you have something to give Miss Talverson for her generosity?"

The little boy took a deep breath, holding the plaque and stepped forward, looking at the beautiful lady before him. "Miss Talverson," He said into the microphone, his sweet voice carrying. "We are from St. Jude's and would like to give you this and say thank you."

Tears filled her eyes as Jensa bent down to where she was level with them, smiling from ear to ear. "Thank you."

She couldn't even find the words and hugged all of them, trying not to let the tears fall as they stung her eyes. The children were escorted offstage and back to their table. Dabbing her cheek with her finger sniffling, Jensa finally stood back up, holding the plaque and looked out at the crowd, quickly composing herself.

"I would like to dedicate this award to my deceased grandmother, Willow Talverson because, without her, none of this would be possible. Please keep donating and helping this wonderful organization because the children are indeed the future. Thank you." It was short, sweet and to the point.

The crowd erupted in applause as Jensa walked down the steps, looking at her plaque and decided it was going in her living room, wiping a few more stray tears away. Keeping to the shadows as the master of ceremonies began listing off the night's events and performers, Taker recognized several famous names. This was definitely not his scene, but...Jensa was here, which made all the difference.

Sticking as close to the wall and out of people's way the best he could, Taker made his way to her. Coming to a halt at her side, he carefully crouched down since she was now back at her table. He knew her well enough to know she was struggling to hold back tears, indeed a few had even fallen and reached out to grasp her hand, squeezing gently.

Jensa had been so lost in thought staring at her award that she didn't see someone creeping up to her, until she felt a hand grasp hers. Jumping slightly, Jensa's head whipped up, blue eyes widening at the sight of Taker. He was actually there in the flesh. Jensa's jaw dropped, covering her mouth with her hand as the tears began falling and felt her heart fill with unconditional love for him.

"You came." She whispered, leaning into his soft touch as he cupped her face, placing her own over his.

Setting the award on the table, Jensa hugged him tightly around the neck clinging to him. Taker held her tightly against him, not caring who watched and pressed his lips to her hair, careful not to damage her. Finally, he gently disengaged her arms from around his neck and moved to the empty chair, knowing it had been meant for her guest. Him, who had been a jackass and not come with her from the get-go like he should've. However, Taker was here now and better late than never, he hoped.

"You were beautiful up there." He murmured raising her hand to his lips, planting a lingering kiss to it, his eyes locked with hers.

"Thank you, god I'm so glad you're here." Her eyes shined, not able to stop smiling now and gave him a onceover. Taker looked delicious in all black and Jensa could not believe he was here with her. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

He was late, but the important thing was he came and watched her accept the award from 3 of the sweetest kids she'd ever met in her life. Jensa knew right then and there she loved Taker more than anything, more than the air she breathed. He showed her just how much he cared about her by showing up.

Now Ken knew he definitely didn't have a shot at her and smiled, having known he never really did either. So, her date had just been running late and, truth be told, -the public relation's professional in him suddenly surfacing- Ken mentally sighed in relief that the guy HADN'T been with her for the first part of the program. He just wasn't photogenic in the sense that was needed for tonight's atmosphere.

Because Taker loved her, -he admitted it to himself- he had come and out of love, he was going to stay and try to enjoy himself. Well, he would enjoy himself as far as the company went simply because it was Jensa. Her eyes were only for Taker, nobody else, and Jensa blinked when he asked her to dance, a song flowing through the speakers that fit her feelings for him perfectly. Standing up, Jensa allowed Taker to guide her to the dance floor, feeling his strong arms wrap around her waist, arms reaching up to wrap around his neck, never taking her eyes from his. Matt Kearney was one of the performers for tonight as he began singing 'All I Need'. Taker was all Jensa needed and wanted, sighing in contentment.

That was simply disgusting. She had actually gotten with that big burly biker who had the audacity to...Randy rubbed his nose, still harboring anger over that. He was here; naturally, he was wealthy. He had donated of course, but not because he cared all that much. Sure, it went for a good cause and all, but he was more interested in the tax break he'd get as well as the praise for 'being so generous'. Over $300,000,000 dollars, so THAT'S what his darling ex was worth. And to think, he had let her get away. Maybe it was time to renew their relationship. Not tonight of course, no, that would be bad considering all the press.

Jensa was totally lost in the song as Taker twirled her around expertly, wondering where on earth he learned to dance, not questioning it. When he dipped her, her heart lodged in her throat and moaned as his lips softly caressed hers, pulling her back up with flushing cheeks. After the song was through, Taker and Jensa went back to her table for a breather, laughing when he pulled her to sit sideways on his lap.

"So, what do you think of my dress?" She asked in his ear, giggling when he growled, tightening his arms around her and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Jensa wanted to tell him she loved him, but not yet. She would wait a little longer and shut her eyes briefly, hoping the bubble didn't burst between them. After a moment, he held her out at arm's length, gently nudging her into a standing position between his legs, his emerald green eyes sweeping her over. Slowly. She looked astonishing, by far the most beautiful woman in the room, but Taker also knew he was very biased.

"You're gorgeous, Jen." He said softly, pulling her back down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her once more, smiling when he felt her head once more rest on his shoulder.

"So are you, Taker." She murmured softly, snuggling, just wanting to be with him and nobody else.

This night was perfect after all and that made her smile. They stayed for a few hours, dancing and talking to people. Mostly Jensa did the talking, introducing Taker as her boyfriend, refusing to leave him out in the cold. People took to him easy enough and Jensa was astounded by how smooth Taker was with everyone. Jensa finally bid everyone good night before walking up the stairs, arm in arm with Taker and her plaque in the other.

Taker had brought a cab, which was something he never wanted to repeat, ever. So the sight of her limousine was a welcome sight indeed. A motorcycle simply wasn't a good deal in a suit, not if he wanted to keep the suit in perfect condition. Taker knew she'd of never managed it unless Jensa removed the dress, which he then thought wasn't a bad idea at all.

"Happy?" He asked as they walked out of the building, welcoming the fresh air and inhaled deeply.

"Immensely, I know this wasn't easy for you, Taker." Jensa stopped, turning to face him, eyes shimmering under the full lit moon and stars, their eyes locked. "Thank you so much for coming." Standing on her tiptoes, Jensa hugged him close before passionately kissing him, pouring every feeling into it she could muster up and only broke it when both of them were breathless. "Come on, I want to make it up to you."

Taker blinked, not expecting that and kissed her forehead. "You don't have anything to make up to me, Jen." He rumbled, a laugh in his tone unable to hide it. "I do, I should've came with you instead of pussyfooting and then showing up at the last minute. That was wrong of me, especially on such an important night in your life. Forgive me?" He stared down at her intently, resting his forehead against hers.

"There's nothing to forgive, Taker. You showed up, that's what matters and means most to me. You were there for me..." She sighed gently, caressing his face with the back of her hand. "You got up the courage to come here even though you weren't comfortable with this atmosphere...for me. You did this for me, do you have any idea how incredible that is?" Jensa cupped his face in her hands and brought his lips to hers, brushing them softly. "You didn't have to come, but you did. Now come on, I want to get out of this dress and I know you're dying to get out of that suit."