Illicit Affairs

Chapter 18

Tears welled up in my eyes and threatened to fall, probably enough to ruin my carefully applied makeup. What is going on with me? I never cry. I have not cried in years, and I'd rather face the public completely naked than to let anyone see me shed a tear. I prefer to be the one to make others cry.

I had hardened my heart over the years. It was the only way to survive in a cutthroat man's world. It was imperative that I not be seen as soft, otherwise, people may see that as a sign of weakness and think they could take advantage of, or discredit me. Yet here was this man: I've known and crushed on him for years. He's sweet and ridiculously cute, and he's suddenly making me feel things that I've always been afraid of. He's threatening to knock my walls down. He's making me soft. He has me wanting to be a better person and less of a bitch, and at this moment I am powerless to resist.

Yes, the whole evening was maybe a little cheesy...cheesy in a wonderful, I love cheese so much I'd like extra please, kind of cheesy. He'd gone out of his way to do all of these amazing things that I had missed out on while growing up in a sheltered, although lavish upbringing. He had given me something that all of my grandfather's billions could not buy.

It may be ten years late, but I was finally going to prom.

I blinked back my tears and smiled. "I would love to go to prom with you Ryan." I then held out my hand so he could slide the corsage with the attached wrist band onto my wrist. It was beautiful. Simple, yet elegant with 3 red roses and white babies' breath.

Then, he did something I did not think men did anymore: he lifted my hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. I was literally swooning by this point.

"Would you like to dance?" He asked, my hand still in his, and all I could do was nod, due to the huge lump in my throat.

He picked up a remote from the coffee table and after pressing a button, the room filled with the sultry sound of a Riley Green song.

Tonight, I ain't bringin' no wine
Tonight, I ain't bringin' no roses
Talkin' would take too much time, I think I just better show you
Just turn the lights down, let's get right down to it
As soon as I walk in the door
I don't wanna be out of line, but girl, I can't wait anymore

Well damn. This might be the shortest prom ever because he went and chose one of the sexiest songs ever for our first dance.

I melted into his embrace, letting the moment and the words of the song consume me as we swayed across the hardwood floor of the living room, the fairy lights catching his eyes making them sparkle and highlighting the swirl of blue, green and tiny flecks of gold.

I want you in the worst way, my hands are needin' your hips
Want the first taste of whiskey to be off your lips
So close all the blinds, lock all the doors
Put away anything that'll break
Baby, I need you tonight
Let's see how much love we can make
I want you in the worst way

Oh he's so not playing fair.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? I mean, you always look beautiful, but tonight...you look even more beautiful. Stunning." He said, sounding almost shy.

"Mr. Blaney, if you think all of this flattery will get you into my panties tonight, you could not be more mistaken." I teasingly scolded him.

"Are you playing hard to get Ms. Davenport?" He teased me back.

"Not at all. It's just...I'm not wearing any panties." I finished with a smirk. It was true. My dress was so fitted that even a thong was visible. So because of that, I decided to go without.