DISCLAIMER: Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. The intellectual property including but not limited to all characterizations, plot lines, backgrounds and details belong to LoveEqualsEDWARD. Plagiarism is theft so please, no copying or reproduction of this work in any language is permitted without express written authorization of the author.
Okay, so I was dazzled. More than dazzled...I was mesmerized. What was it about that man which made me feel so weak in the knees?
Good looks? Check.
Charm? Check.
Sex Appeal? Check, check, check!
I suppose that one could safely deduce that he had all the makings of a bonafide lady killer. Lucky for me, he was clearly flirting, and I was totally attracted.
If only Alice could see me now. She'd be my personal cheering squad and would probably be telling me to 'go in for the kill' with this one.
---
Carlisle and I chatted animatedly as I signed my name in his copy of my book and intently clung to every word he said. Two things stood out in my mind from that conversation: One, Carlisle continuously supported the various charities which the CCF sponsored, and two (the more important one), he was a bachelor.
Hmmm. Great looking, single, and generous.
Not wanting to delay the book signing any further, I said, "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Carlisle. Will you be attending tonight's events?" I didn't want my attraction to him to seem so blatantly obvious, but I wanted to be sure that I'd be seeing him again.
"Now that I've met you in person, Miss Swan, I will most definitely be attending and hope to have the opportunity to chat with you more," he replied with that dazzling smile of his.
"I'd like that," I said as the traitorous blush made its reappearance.
Carlisle winked at me before walking away.
Letting out the huge breath I had been holding, I walked away fanning myself as it was evident that Carlisle's presence had caused my body temperature to rise a few degrees.
---
Once the book signing had ended and everyone had been escorted out, I gathered my things and made my way off the stage, heading towards the exit door to my left.
"I thought they'd never leave," a male voice said with a chuckle.
Startled by the unexpected presence, I gasped in surprise, and held my hand to my throat. I instantly recognized the voice, but I hadn't realized that I wasn't alone in the room up until that moment.
"My goodness, you almost gave me a heart attack, Carlisle! I thought I was all alone here."
He slowly made his way towards me in almost a predatory stalk, looking straight into my eyes and giving me a megawatt smile. I could feel a nervous thrill run through me as he approached and stopped less than a foot away from me. Couldn't help the goosebumps that covered my skin as I felt him practically devour me with his eyes. Had this been some other man, I would've found all of this a bit creepy. Instead, because it was Carlisle - the recent object of my desire - it was incredibly sexy.
"I'm sorry, Miss Swan. I didn't mean to startle you," he said with sincerity in his eyes. "I just wanted to ask if you'd allow me to escort you back to your hotel. And if I may be so bold, I'd also like to be your escort for tonight's events."
"Bella," I replied sort of breathlessly. "It's just Bella."
Oh, I wanted a bit more than to just be escorted...
He nodded and replied with a sexy smirk, "`Bella´. Beautiful."
He's doing it again; he's dazzling me.
"So, Bella, may I escort you back to your hotel? I have a car with a driver already waiting for us outside, and-"
Shaking my head, I quickly cut him off and said, "Thank you, Carlisle, but no need. I'm actually staying at this hotel, so I only have to find the elevator back to my suite."
He simply nodded in acceptance but remained silent. His eyes, however, never left mine. Something about his piercing, ice-blue stare that was both intimidating and inviting had me feeling desperate to say something in order to break the silent tension in the room. Carlisle was totally making me nervous - in a good way - and I had a feeling that he could sense it.
"Ummm, well, I really need to start getting ready for the dinner this evening, so…" I left my words hanging in the air, hoping he'd take the bait.
"Indeed Miss Swa- Bella. But I'd be honored if you'd accept my invitation to escort you to the event," he replied. "Is five-thirty okay for you?"
I couldn't help but notice the air of confidence in his voice, as if he was certain that I would agree to go with him. To be honest, I wanted to instantly say yes, but I didn't want to make it so easy for him.
"Actually, I've already made plans. With...someone else. So, if you'll excuse me..." I said, trying to hide the smile in my words. I then turned away and began to walk towards the rear exit. He, however, had other plans. I felt his hand gently grab hold of my wrist to stop me.
"Wait. Isabella...Bella. Please."
Hook, line, and sinker. Gotcha, Blue Eyes.
Ever so slowly, I turned around to face him, my brown eyes making their way up from the ground to meet with his beautiful blue ones.
Poker face, Bella. Poker face.
"Yes?" I replied in feigned innocence, almost unable to hide the smugness in my smile.
Without ever releasing his hold on my arm, Carlise pursed his lips and seemed to take a moment to gather his thoughts. Next thing I knew, his lips were pressed into my palm in a soft, slow, sensual kiss. I fought hard to keep my exterior composed, but inside, I could feel myself melt with my growing attraction to this man.
Damn, he's good.
"I guess we'll see each other at the event, then," he said with a smile as he turned and quickly made his way toward the exit doors behind him. I stood there, almost dumbstruck, as I watched him walk out and leave me there all hot and bothered. The worst part about that? I was certain right then - despite my seemingly collected exterior - that Carlisle knew exactly what he was doing and just how much he had affected me.
---
"Alice, how long have you known me?" I asked my best friend.
"Let's see...not including infancy...I'd say my entire life," she replied in a sarcastic tone. "Why? What's up?"
"Well, why would you send this outrageously sexy dress for me to wear tonight of all nights? Not only am I up for bids for a 'date' with what's most likely to be a rich and horny old man, but now I have to dress like a high-priced escort, too?" I said in an indignant tone.
"Relax, Bella-darling. Yes, the dress may be a little revealing, but sweetie, it's a Valentino, hot off the runway, and you will be the sexiest, most sophisticated babe in the house while wearing it. And...on the plus side, when the rich, horny old men get a load of you, they'll be falling all over themselves to bid as high as they can for that date," she replied, knowing that no way would I put up a fight after painting things that way. "Besides, it's all for charity, so you want to do everything you can to get as many bids as possible, right?"
She totally had me there. Hook, line, and sinker.
I could hear the self-satisfied smile in her voice, even though she was a whole ocean and continent away.
"But Alice, how in the world am I supposed to keep the girls from falling out of this dress? The plunge alone is downright obscene."
She sighed and said, "Bella, Bella, Bella...how long have you known me?" She'd taken my own words and given them right back to me.
"Please, Alice, just tell me what to do. I need to be at this party in forty minutes."
"`Kay, look in your lingerie bag. There should be a roll of double-sided body tape. Stick one piece on the inside of the dress and the other on your body, and voila! You'll have zero wardrobe malfunctions," she calmly replied.
"Alright. I'm going to trust you on this, Alice...but only because you're a professional...and because I've only precious few minutes to spare with no time to hunt down another dress!" I said in an exasperated tone. "Goodbye, Ali, talk to you when I get back."
I quickly hung up the phone so she couldn't get another word in.
---
After a few more minutes of primping (and taping), I was ready to go. I took one last look at myself in a full length mirror and was pretty impressed by how well I looked. Alice was indeed a rock star in her field and spared no expense in making me look like a million bucks for tonight's event. She even had a hairstylist/makeup artist colleague show up to my hotel room to help me look my very best.
My long, side-parted hair was done in lovely 1940s style waves and was pinned up on one side with a gorgeous antique brooch that was an exact replica of the one on my dress. It made me feel extra special. The makeup was extra special as well, from complementary shimmery nude shadow and jet black mascara framing my eyes, to the perfect shade of red finishing off my lips, giving me this whole "Brigitte Bardot-like sexiness," according to the stylist. As for my dress...yes, despite my reservations on the style, it really did hug my curves nicely. It was a gorgeous, black silk gown with a halter top and plunging neckline that was parted down to just above my navel, where it was adorned by an antique rhinestone pin and a front slit that traveled to mid-thigh on one leg.
The dress was definitely a little more risqué than I would've liked, but it did give me just the right amount of confidence I'd need for the evening, as the entire look was beautiful, sexy, and sophisticated. After all, Carlisle would be at this party, and I did want him to notice me.
So after one last spritz of my favorite perfume, I grabbed my beaded clutch, my faux fur shawl and key card, and made my way down to the lobby where Mr. Hart's driver awaited. He escorted me toward the fancy black limousine parked outside and held open its door as I made my way inside. Mr. Hart was already seated within.
"Good evening, Miss Swan," said Mr. Hart, all decked out in his own black-tie finery. "I must say that you are an absolute vision, and I know that many of our distinguished guests will be delighted to have the opportunity to bid on an evening spent in your company."
Ugh. That sounded really creepy coming from him. I hope he isn't one of the bidders. Or worse - the winning bidder!
I felt bile rise in my throat at the perceived double entendre in his comment. Luckily, I managed to save face by nodding and smiling politely, despite the longing I sensed in his words.
---
We made our way to the event in companionable silence, thankfully, and time passed by quickly as I looked out the car's window, admiring the history and architecture of the city around me. But soon enough, we had arrived at our destination, the famous Four Seasons George V Hotel. It was every bit as grand and opulent as Alice had mentioned, and by the looks of it, this event was deliberately held in such a lavish location in order to attract the deepest pockets in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Nonetheless, I was still worried about which "deep pocket" would have the "delight" of bidding high for a date with me in the name of charity.
"Shall we, Miss Swan?" Mr. Hart said as he offered his arm and escorted me toward the hotel's grand ballroom. I was awestruck as I took in the beautiful architecture, furnishings, and grandeur of the entire place. It almost felt as if I had walked into the Cinderella story. Here was Bella Swan, a simple girl from Forks, Washington, in this majestic place, and in the City of Lights, no less. All I needed was my Prince Charming.
"Beautiful," an alluring male voice said from behind us.
My heart stopped, and I instantly released Mr. Hart's arm as my eyes sought the source of that familiar voice.
Carlisle.
Leaning against a column near the ballroom entrance, he was dressed in the sexiest black on black tuxedo I had ever seen on a man. His thick blond hair was slicked back and styled like a proper 1940s gentleman's, with the matching Cary Grant smile and debonair style. A smile that made him absolutely handsome, charismatic, charming, and disarming.
Suddenly, my heart was pounding frantically in my chest, and my stomach tied itself into knots. I bit my lower lip, trying to conceal the huge smile that threatened to break out at the irresistible sight of him. I knew that I had been anxious to see him, but now that I had him a mere few feet away from me, I was beyond nervous and excited.
Mr. Hart stepped closer to me, gripping my arm almost possessively, and whispered in my ear as he gestured toward Carlisle, "I take it you've met Dr. Cullen?"
Doctor?
I slowly removed my arm from his grip and replied, "Yes, sir. Carlisle and I met earlier today. So, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go over and say hello." Besides, I really wanted to get away from the old guy. He had officially over-worn his welcome within my personal space.
Mr. Hart regarded me with a sly grin before saying, "As you wish," and made his way toward a group of men who greeted him cheerfully.
I sighed and turned to where Carlisle was standing, but before I could take one step in that direction, I found myself crashing right into his hard chest. He wrapped his arms around my waist almost instantly, keeping me steady. However, he held me so tightly that I could feel every inch of his body molding itself onto mine. Every inch.
Realizing that I remained in his embrace for much longer than was necessary, it dawned on me that his hold was not an attempt to keep me from toppling over, but instead a deliberate act - one that was not unwelcome on my part. So, in a moment of boldness, I placed my hands flat on his chest and slowly ran them upwards, wrapping my arms around his neck and leaning into him. I was drawn in by his appealing, masculine scent which was sinfully delicious.
Having our bodies in such close proximity felt incredibly intimate and inviting, despite being fully clothed. I could feel Carlisle's breath come in low, quiet pants, as his eyes drank me in hungrily. With his arms still firmly wrapped around me, he leaned into my neck and whispered, "You are a goddess among mortals, Bella. More beautiful than anything I've ever known."
I could feel his warm breath brushing past my ear, his lips only inches from me. Goosebumps rose all over my flesh as my heart continued to pound frantically in my chest. There was no way that I could hide the physical reaction that I was having to this man, and he was definitely not attempting to hide his.
Knowing that my emotions were clearly written across my face, thanks to the blush-that-never-fails, I looked away and smiled before once again gazing into his eyes and responding in almost a whisper, "Thank you, Carlisle. For the compliment. And for catching me." I wondered for a moment if he knew just how he had caught me.
Carlisle gently cupped my chin as he said, "It's my absolute pleasure, Isabella. But you can certainly thank me by allowing me to stay by your side tonight." This time, I simply could not contain my smile.
I was completely attracted to him.
I wanted him to notice me.
I wanted him to want me.
Mission accomplished.
---
Carlisle and I made our way through the grand ballroom as he warmly greeted many of the distinguished guests there. A list of Who's Who in the world's society pages, no doubt. He took the time to introduce me to each and every person he greeted, which I thought was nice, although unnecessary. However, the fact that he noticed the way the men regarded my appearance was not lost on me. The slight roguish smile that played on the corner of his lips was a dead giveaway, and I couldn't help but feel a bit like a trophy on his arm. But it made me feel secure and confident, so I went with it.
We spent the rest of the time at the party talking and dancing. Carlisle was just as suave on the dance floor as he was sitting down - if not more. He whispered most of the songs' lyrics in my ear as we danced, and I couldn't help but swoon each time he held my body closer to his. Whenever we took a moment to rest from the continuous dancing, he'd tell me all about his career, world travels, books he'd read, and people he'd met. I found out that he was thirty-two, a doctor, a philanthropist, and an accomplished author and lecturer. Carlisle was clearly cultured and well-educated. I was fascinated by him. The fact that he was incredibly good looking was just a very happy bonus, and as if things couldn't get any better, the man simply oozed sophistication and charm.
Icing on the cake.
To say that I was completely smitten was an understatement, and I silently hoped that our evening would continue until sunrise, as I was certain that I wanted to spend it him.
After a couple of hours of dining, socializing, and dancing, the music suddenly went quiet as a tall, voluptuous, red-haired woman approached the microphone on stage and cleared her throat before speaking in what sounded like a British accent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention, please. We are ready to name the winners of our silent auction for this evening's prizes, so if you would all take your seats, we will begin momentarily."
Carlisle laced his fingers with mine as he led me off the dance floor, and my heart squeezed for just a moment like a crushing school girl. Once we reached our table, he wrapped an arm around my waist and gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. I felt myself shiver in pleasure despite the simple contact. I wanted so much more from him than a chaste kiss at that moment, but anything more would have to wait. However, I realized that I hadn't just shivered because of my growing attraction to him. The night had been almost magical and Carlisle had been the reason for it. But the fact that I was soon to be auctioned off had me dreading having to spend any time alone with anyone other than him, and it was making me beyond anxious.
As if he could sense my sudden apprehension, Carlisle pulled out a chair and offered it to me, crouching at my feet, holding both of my hands in his. Bringing them to his lips, he gently kissed my knuckles before saying, "Are you cold, my darling? I can feel you shivering." His brow furrowed as he looked up into my eyes with concern. I bit my lip, pondering my reply for a moment.
"No, I'm not cold. It's just that...I'm...I'm suddenly not sure that offering myself as a prize for this auction was a good idea," I replied.
Carlisle let out a hearty laugh and said, "Don't worry, darling. I won't let any big bad wolf get to you."
I wasn't sure why, but his words were surprisingly comforting. At some point throughout that night, my slight feelings of intimidation around him had settled into feelings of comfort and security, and I was certain, right then and there, that I wanted to be with him for more than just one night.
"Carlisle, I...can we-"
I was suddenly cut off by my name being mentioned as the next prize, and I groaned internally.
"And the winner of an exclusive day in the company of best-selling author, Miss Isabella Swan is..."
I held my breath.
"The CCF, with a generous bid of 275,000 Euros, which will go to support the various children's charities overseen by it's sister entity!"
I immediately scanned the room, looking around for whoever it was that would claim the prize on behalf of the CCF.
What the heck was the CCF, anyway?
No one rose from their seat to claim the prize, so the red-haired emcee simply continued to name the winners of the next few prizes.
To say that I was puzzled was a great understatement. Carlisle, however, was the picture of calm and composure and never once mentioned anything about this confusing predicament. Instead, he listened intently to the rest of the presentation while he held my hand in his.
---
Before long, the red-haired woman approached us. As she approached our table, the woman reached out and took hold of Carlisle's unoccupied hand, lacing her fingers into his and effectively pulling him out of his seat and into an embrace. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck in a most familiar, intimate way. And although his one hand remained in mine, his other was wrapped around her waist as they both looked onto one another's eyes and smiled.
"Carlisle, darling. It's wonderful to see you here. Please say that you will holiday with us before you head back to America. You know that the South of France is not as much fun without your company," she purred.
Grrrr!
He gave her a wicked grin before releasing his hold on her and looking back at me.
"Victoria, I'd like you to meet someone very special. This is Isabella Swan, who has enchanted me enough to entertain the idea that she could one day wear the Cullen last name," he replied with a wink in my direction. I could feel the heat rising on my cheeks as I took assessment of his bold statement.
However, I must admit that I felt completely pleased when I looked up at that woman's horrified face. Her eyes practically bugged out of her head in surprise. Instantly releasing her arms from Carlisle's shoulders, she let out a loud, obnoxious laugh. She then turned to me and said, "Well, well, darling. It appears that you are indeed already a few steps ahead of the game, considering the amount of money that he just disbursed for one night in your company."
I looked up at Carlisle, feeling even more confused than before and angry at the woman's obvious dig. But I didn't want to make a scene there, so I chose to wait for Carlisle's reaction instead. However, to my dismay, he simply smiled and shrugged off her comment with an air of indifference.
Apparently not satisfied that she didn't get a rise out of either of us, Victoria turned to Carlisle and said, "Does Miss Swan know about you, darling? Does she know why you are so well-known in our circles?" She practically hissed the words at him, and for a brief moment, I caught a hint of anger in Carlisle's eyes.
"That will be all, Victoria," he replied coolly. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I'd like to spend the rest of my time at this party enjoying the lovely company of Miss Swan."
Victoria left us in a huff and made her way into the arms of a balding, wrinkly old man who pretty much ignored her as he continued his conversation with a group of other party goers.
Not being able to fake nonchalance as coolly as Carlisle had, I stood up with a start and grabbed my clutch and wrap.
"Isabella, what are you doing?" Carlisle asked with a look of confusion on his face.
I turned to him with a scowl and practically spat the words at him in anger.
"I don't appreciate what just happened and I certainly won't sit by and have some snooty, Botoxed hussy imply that you are paying to sleep with me while you stand there with your self-satisfied smile. So with that, sir, I bid you goodnight."
I turned away from him quickly and stormed towards the exit doors.
Before I could reach them, Carlisle wrapped his arms around me, lifting me inches from the ground, effectively keeping me from running. Once he was satisfied that I wasn't going to put up a fight, he put me down, and turned me so that we stood face to face once again. He smiled at me with a wicked grin, one that was equal parts dazzling me, pissing me off, and diffusing my anger.
I didn't want to read the surrender on my face, so I diverted my gaze from his and looked at the ground instead.
Cupping my chin in his hand, Carlisle sought my eyes once again before saying anything further. Once he was certain that he had my attention, he held my stare and said, "Isabella...Bella...I'm afraid that you are under some sort of misapprehension, and I do apologize for Victoria's comments. Clearly, she's jealous that you've captivated me in a manner that no other woman has been able to in a very long time, but I assure you that neither myself nor anyone else at this function believes any of what she has dared to imply about you."
And although I was fuming mad, I looked hard into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity.
"Go on," I stiffly replied.
"Bella, my darling, 'CCF' is the Carlisle Cullen Foundation. I am the head of CCF. And as such, I am the person who placed the bid and won the 'date' with best-selling author, Isabella Swan," he said with a chuckle. "I told you that I wouldn't let any of those big bad wolves near you, and I kept my promise. Besides, I couldn't stomach the idea of anyone in this room spending time with you any more than you could."
I was completely speechless, astounded, and secretly thrilled.
---
The limousine pulled up to the front of my hotel a little after three in the morning.
"Ummm...this is home for the next month or so," I said as I motioned toward the hotel's doors. "Part of my deal with Hart-Meyer is that I get to stay here in order to unwind, recharge, and hopefully be inspired for my next novel."
"I'd like to see you again, Isabella," Carlisle said quickly as he reached for my hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.
"You will. Tomorrow, as a matter of fact. You paid 275,000 Euros in order to ensure that," I replied in a teasing tone.
He reached over and cupped my cheek in his warm hand, making me shiver. Biting my lower lip, I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch, hoping he'd take it as a cue to kiss me, because I really, really wanted him to kiss me. And as if he'd read my mind, Carlisle leaned his body into mine and placed a soft but passionate kiss on my lips. I felt myself instantly melt into his arms as he embraced me tightly and continued to kiss me. I wrapped my hands around his jacket's lapel, pulling him in closer, desperately wanting to convey how much I didn't want the night to end. However, just as that thought passed, he broke our kiss, freeing me from his embrace, despite the fact that we were clearly breathless from the rush of desire flowing between us.
Once Carlisle managed to find his composure, he looked into my eyes and said, "Bella, as exquisite as you are, I want nothing more than to carry you up to your room and then wake up with you wrapped in my arms in the morning. But, even more than that, I want to treat you as the gem that you are. So I think it's best that I go back to my hotel - alone - right now."
The smitten sixteen year-old girl in me couldn't help but pout in disappointment, but I understood and appreciated that he wanted to take things slowly. In fact, it made me like him so much more. I mean, I hadn't dated a lot of men, but it had been my experience that most men wanted to score right away. Yet here he was, this worldly, gorgeous man who I'm sure could have his pick of women, and he was with me, in the most romantic city in the world, and was honoring me by not sleeping with me on the first night despite his desire to do so.
Swoon!
Part of me - that small, insecure part of me - was a bit let down and frustrated, but I was also elated and couldn't wait until we'd see each other again.
Smiling warmly at him, I said, "I understand. This night has been lovely, and it's only because of you. Good night, Carlisle." I reached over and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips before opening the limousine door and letting myself out.
As I walked toward my hotel's lobby, I heard him call out my name. I turned around to face him and watched as he exited the limo and made his way toward me. Not knowing what to expect, I stood there frozen, but smiled as I hoped he'd had a change of heart and wanted to stay.
Mere inches from me, he reached for my hand, and pulled me into his warm embrace. Almost instantly, his mouth connected with mine in a searing kiss that left me absolutely breathless.
"The future suddenly feels so full of promise," he whispered. "Good night, beautiful."
And with that, he released me and made his way back into the awaiting limo which rode off into the night.
Once again, big thanks to my two Project Team Beta girls for their keen perspective and for helping me fix the grammar boo-boos in this chapter.
