FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 26

East checked herself in the mirror taking extra care in the way he dressed. It was the Whitman's Gala Night today a black coat affair and he wanted to look his best. His dark brown hair was sleeked back with a slight lock falling over his forehead looking really suave and neat. Even his mustache was trimmed with the slight stubbles on his chin was perfect. His black suit with the ocean blue dress shirt molded against his body making him leaner but more masculine. His silk red striped tie perfected the suit. He was not the type to concern himself on appearances but it was this one night he wanted to look dashing wanting to catch Nicole's attention. That try as she might to deny her feelings East knew deep down inside she still loved him. She had proven it to him when she made love to him giving herself entirely to him. There were feelings in that love making not entirely from want. It was also the way Nicole took care of him when he was sick her care and concern for him was not purely play acting. That indeed there was hope for him. All he needed was ample proof that Kevin was never the right guy for her and open her eyes to the truth.

East felt on edge his hands cold. He was fidgety for what reason he didn't know why. Yes he was anxious about seeing Nicole but there was something else. East felt there was more to this night and usually his hunches were always right. Call it an omen of some sort but East hoped it was for the positive.

East arrived at the Hilton Hotel feeling nervous. It didn't help matters that Ben was joining him a bit later. The affair was lavished. The Hilton Ballroom elegant with big chandeliers casting a cozy glow on the place. The ambiance was for a corporate affair but was done with class. East felt a bit lost not unfamiliar with the people around him. He scanned the place and like a magnet his eyes settled on Nicole. She was talking to some people. She was a vision to East her beauty breath taking. She was in a maroon velvet gown with a V- shaped plunging back that showed off her smooth tanned skin. East just wanted to feel his hands rub her back and kiss every inch of her. The gown molded every curve of her body creating undeniable want in East. Imagining her in his arms naked as he nibbled every part of her. Her hair was down clipped elegantly with silver studded pins. He just studied her from afar just content to look at her. But as if she felt someone was watching her their gazes locked each from across the ballroom. She looked at him a flush creeping up her cheek sensing he was watching her every move. At the same time there was concern in her eyes seeing him alone in a corner.

Nicole felt a pull inside her sensing someone was watching her. She felt East's blue grey penetrating gaze right from across the ballroom. She couldn't help but see how dashing he looked. His black suit emphasized his broad shoulders but tapered to his lean muscled built. His dark brown hair with light flecks was sleeked back showing his handsome face that was all man yet had a certain boyish quality about him. His gentle blue grey eyes crinkled as he smiled at her from across the room. Nicole just felt like melting on the spot just by looking at him. Seeing the expression on his face he felt out of place not knowing what to do. Her heart went out to him wanting to introduce him to some clients they invited to the Anniversary. East could easily promote Tuscany to new investors. This was his element one Nicole knew he was good at without even trying. She also wanted him to feel relax and feel at home not some sort of outsider. She still felt protective of East even if she tried to hide it from him.

Nicole left the people going over to East with a welcoming smile on her face. Even the exchange they had previously seemed forgotten for a moment wanting East to belong.

Hi there Mr. Lonely she teased as her eyes twinkled at him.

East laughed boyishly. That obvious huh? Thought I'd just wallow in a corner then I saw you. Might as well enjoy looking at the beautiful girl in front of me.