More Than Friends

Part 47 (Tessa)

When we get back to the cabin, I rush to get ready for the gala. I go to the bathroom and tie my hair back into a fancy ponytail and put on some light makeup. I put on the fanciest dress I own and check myself in the mirror to make sure everything looks perfect before I reveal myself to Hardin.

"Tess? Hurry up in there! We're going to be late!" Hardin calls to me.

When I'm sure everything looks perfect, I leave the bathroom to go meet Hardin in the living room.

"Tess? Did you hear me? I said we're going to be-" Hardin turns around to see me standing in the middle of the room. "Wow. You look... stunning."

"You're not so bad yourself. You look so handsome in a suit," I say as I run my fingertips down his arm.

"I guess. At least it covers my tattoos. I'm sure those rich douchebags would hate to have me walk in there with them showing."

"I love your tattoos and that's all that matters." I smile, instantly calming Hardin.

"Seriously, Tess, you look gorgeous. There's no way I'm letting you out of my sight tonight," he laughs, but I know he's completely serious. "Shall we go?"

"We shall," I giggle.

When we pull up to the gala, I can't help but stare. The mansion holding the gala is the biggest house I've ever seen. There are so many people in fancy dresses. There's live music and tables and tables of fancy food.

The valet goes to park Hardin's car, but not before Hardin curses him out. "When I get my car back, it better be in perfect condition, with not a scratch on it. And don't even think of going joy riding."

"Let's go inside now, okay? You're making a scene."

"Sorry, but did you see the attitude on that guy? Not to mention he was clearly staring at your chest."

"No, he wasn't," I laugh. "He just didn't know where to look while you were swearing at him."

"I swear, he better not dent or scratch my car," Hardin continues as I pull him inside.

The music is playing loudly and people are dancing. Waiters are offering people champagne. This is the fanciest party I've ever been to.

Hardin and I walk around the mansion, until we find a free table. Before I sit down, Hardin offers to go get us some champagne.

As I'm about to sit down, I'm approached by an attractive guy about my age.

"Excuse me? I don't mean to sound too forward, but I saw you standing over here all alone, looking beautiful in that dress, and I thought it was such a shame you weren't on the dance floor. Would you care to dance with me?"

"Um..." Before I can gather my thoughts, Hardin strides over to us.

"Hey there, mate," he begins as he hands me my glass of champagne. "She's taken," he says rudely as he wraps his arm around my waist possessively.

"Oh, um..." the poor guy says, clearly embarrassed.

"What are you waiting for? Take a fucking hike."

I give the poor guy an embarrassed half smile and he gives me a small nod before turning to leave.

"What the hell was that?" I almost shout at Hardin.

"I don't know, Tessa. What was that? Why were you talking to some strange guy?"

"He was just being polite and asking if I wanted to dance."

"Yeah, I'm sure all he wanted to do was dance with you," Hardin growls.

"Why did you have to come over here and act like a caveman and embarrass the poor guy?"

"He's lucky all I did was embarrass him."

"You're unbelievable," I say and start to walk away from Hardin.

"Tessa! Where are you going?"

"Come find me when you're done being an idiot," I say and walk towards a long table with a buffet.

I'm picking at the mini quiches on my plate when Hardin finally walks over to me. "Look, I'm sorry, okay?" Hardin finally says.

"For what?"

"Acting like a caveman."

"Then why'd you do it?"

"I was jealous, okay?"

"But why? We've been together a month. You should trust me."

"I do. It's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"I've never been in a real relationship. I've never been with the same girl for a month. And I've sure as hell never been head over heels in love with anyone, like I am with you. I've never had anyone to treasure before you. I'm just scared someone is going to come along and take you from me."

"Oh, Hardin... They could try, but no one could ever take me from you. I'm in love with you. Only you."

"I'm so sorry for acting like that. I hope I didn't ruin our night."

"You're forgiven on one condition. Dance with me?"

Hardin takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. I wrap my arms around his neck. He places his hands on my hips as we sway side to side.

"I love you so much, my beautiful girl," Hardin says as he presses his forehead to mine.

We stay dancing like this through four or five songs.

"Tess? Everyone seems to be clearing out. I think it's time for us to leave."

"Okay, Hardin," I say as I open my eyes and pull away from him. "I had a really wonderful time tonight. Thank you for bringing me here."

"I did, too. Now let's go spend the rest of the night in each other's arms, alright?"

"Sounds like Heaven."