Genre: Romance
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer : Standard disclaimers apply. The characters belong to Shalz R.
Chapter 10: Part Two : The House Warming Party
They just looked at each other, until she realized that they were still standing in the doorway. Realizing this, she ushered him in, a bit embarrassed at the situation.
"Please come in, Sir."
"Thank you." He said as he came in, and sat down.
"Nice house. You keep it well!" he said trying to find something to say.
"Thank you sir. It's not mine actually. It belongs to Mr. Zachary. I'm a tenant here."
"Well, I came to see… ask… uh.. that is.. Your work is really very good, excellent. Um.. Why did you leave the party so early?" he said finally coming to the point.
She watched him as he tried to form a sentence. It was funny to see him do what he did to other people.
"Sir, I'm really sorry, actually I was tired and wanted to rest. I met Carlton and told him that..."
"Yes, I know. Carlton told me. Actually I came down late and … I came to take you to the party!" he said surprising himself, and her too for that matter.
"Sir?"
"Well. I'd like it very much if you would come. The guests want a tour around the house to see the renovation and who is better to lead it than you!"
"Thank you very much Sir, but I really am very tired!" she said trying to get out of this situation.
"I would really like you to come." He said sincerely, and his sincerity showing in his voice and eyes. How could he tell her that she was the only person that he invited!
Taken aback by his sincerity, she smiled, "Sir, I would really like to come, it's just a little late now! Umm.."
"Its alright. I have come to pick you up. I'll wait right here while you get dressed."
"That's the problem!" she muttered under her breath.
"I beg your pardon!" he asked, vaguely aware of what she said.
"Oh nothing Sir!"
"Is there a problem!" trying to be helpful.
"No, Sir. No problem." Embarrassed, not knowing what to say.
"Well, if there is a problem, maybe we can find a way!" he said helpfully.
"No. Sir. Really no problem."
"Ms. Stephens!" he pressed.
"Sir, uh.. I don't know..", she felt he would not go away until she told him, "Sir, really I can't go to a party like that one. It's so big, and umm … I really can't be there!"
"What is the problem? It's my party. I'm inviting you! I want you to be there!"
She sighed, "Sir, I cannot go to that party. It's beyond my reach to … to be there."
He still looked at her, waiting for a clear explanation, even though he had an idea what she was referring to. "Sir, I …" she said looking very embarrassed, "I don't have anything good enough to wear to go to that party." She said finally, her eyes tightly shut in embarrassment.
He felt rather embarrassed himself, for pressing her to reveal such a detail. He stood up. "Ms. Stephens. Please come with me." He said deciding that he would take her to the party.
"Sir!"
"Please. I insist."
"Sir, I cannot go to the.."
"I'm not taking you to the party. Please. You can shut the doors and all; I'm waiting for you in the car." he said and without giving her a chance to say anything, he turned and left the house.
"But…" she said as she saw him go… "Great! I can't go and.. What do I do now! Where is he taking me? He said he's not taking me there." She hurriedly closed the lights and doors and rushed out to the car where he was waiting. Jean opened the door for her; she stood for a moment thinking, and then slowly and quietly sat in with him. Jean got in and they moved. Apparently he had been instructed where to go.
She sat quiet for sometime, but then couldn't contain herself. "Where are we going?"
He made no reply. She tried asking again but decided against it, and sat quietly, feeling a little strange that she had actually come with him, without much resistance. But she couldn't see how she could have wriggled out of it. It made her feel awkward that this hit movie star actually came to her house to take her to a party in his house.
They took a turn towards a highly posh marketplace. The car stopped in front of one of the biggest department stores. Stephens was amazed as Jean opened the door for her and Ian led her in.
She felt out of place in this huge and extremely expensive place. What was more she had come in the same worn out jeans and t-shirt she was wearing. She felt uneasy with all those odd stares she was getting. Ian went up to an attendant standing on the counter, talked for a while, and then called Stephens to follow them. Stephens followed them quietly. Anything to get out of that area!
They got into an elevator that took them some floors above. Where they got out was a floor full of beautiful dresses. Stephens just stood there dumbfounded! What did he have in mind for her?
The attendant took Stephens along with her while Ian waited in a lobby. Some dresses were brought and Stephens was asked to select the one she liked. She just stood there looking at them; unable to decide, she looked at Ian. Ian seeing that she had trouble deciding, got up from his place and picked an evening gown. It was a beautiful lilac, evening gown, with amethyst straps for shoulders, off-shoulders full sleeves. The attendants took the gown and with it Stephens to a dressing area. There she was dressed up in the gown. Few minutes later, a hair stylist and beautician entered. They got themselves busy with her. Matching shoes and jewellery and other accessories were brought in and she was adorned with it. As she was being done up, she felt strange that Ian was doing all this for her!
Finally, her 'dressing-up' was complete. The dress fitted her just right, beautifully showing off the curves that her loose t-shirts and straight cut business suits hid so well.
She felt a little nervous as she stepped out of the dressing area. Ian got up when he saw her coming out; his eyes froze on her as she walked towards him. How could anyone look so beautiful! He smiled a bit.
The bag of her clothes was with the attendant, who carried it with her as they stepped into the elevator to go down again. As they came out, she again got the stares from the people who had earlier seen her in jeans and t-shirt; the bag was handed to the chauffeur. The door was opened for her and she sat down next to Ian. The car drove them back.
* * *
Mrs. Maxwell was getting very impatient. Ian was missing yet again. Carlton who had seen him last said it had been around forty-five minutes since then. Most of the people from the Maxwell household were looking out for him. Even little Sera and Evan! Dianne was getting suspicious that he had gone because he had seen Samantha. She could not understand why rest of the family was snubbing Samantha! All she knew was that as soon as Ian saw them, he turned and hadn't returned.
* * *
As the car pulled up, Ian told Stephens to be ready. They got out of the car in the front of the doors to the hall. He led her inside and she followed in quiet nervousness. She did not know what to make of this. How will she handle this? What will Mr. McKenzie say? Why was Ian doing this?
To that question even Ian did not have an answer. He simply did what he felt he should have done. He led her to the office, from there to the gallery, which led to the party grounds.
Outside, everyone was looking out for him. All the reporters, most of the guests, servants, and of course the Maxwells. When they were just behind the door, Ian turned to Stephens.
"Ms. Stephens, I should tell you that outside everyone would be waiting for me. As soon as we step out the cameras will start to flash. Please bear with me for sometime, till all that goes on. After that I will introduce you to guests, and then would request you to take us to the tour of the house. Alright?" She nodded. "Good. Don't be nervous!"
"Sir, I've never done anything like a tour!"
"Don't worry. Wherever you will falter, I'll be there to help. I will always be with you." Then stopped abruptly just as he realized the implication of what he had just said. Stephens also became flushed with embarrassment. Without another word, he gave her his hand, and she took it nervously. He held her hand gently as he opened the door and led her out.
Just like he had said, the cameras started flashing, the reporters caught up with him. This was an opportunity that showed itself in many months. Ian Maxwell with a woman! An unknown, beautiful woman. He hadn't been seen with any woman since the news of his break up with Samantha Burton. He let them flash their photographs, ignoring their questions. Stephens got visibly nervous with so many reporters around her asking him for her details, and he saw that. Impulsively, he put his arm around her and led away from the reporters. Carlton brought them a tray of drinks. He offered her a drink, and she took a soft drink! Ian too picked a soft drink. He generally avoided getting drunk.
Stephens had never seen such a place, such a party. The lights, the people, the reporters, all dazzled her. She stood like she was in a dream. Ian understood this. He took her around introducing her to his father and Kevin. Everybody else knew her. She nervously shook hands with them. They both liked her. Dianne, of course was with Samantha. Seeing Ian come to the party with a woman had her shocked. Mrs. Maxwell was very happy to see Stephens again. She introduced her to the party and soon it was announced that Stephens was to lead them to a tour around the house. Stephens tried to smile. Mr. McKenzie was extremely surprised but happy to see Stephens there. Especially seeing her with Ian.
Soon the distinguished guests gathered for the tour, and when they had, Mrs. Maxwell turned to Stephens. Stephens was speechless and her throat went dry; Ian came and stood by her. That made her even more nervous!
Mrs. Maxwell asked Stephens to start the tour of the house. However, she still did not know where to start. Ian sensed her confusion and started it for her.
"Ms. Stephens, why don't we start from the hall?"
"Yes. Sir. This way" she said and led the guests to the front door of the house. The doors when opened showed the huge arch decorated so intricately.
From then on, they went from room to room. Ian helped her pick up each time she felt at a loss for words. The guests were all wowed. Mr. McKenzie was very happy the way his company was getting free publicity. At last the tour ended at the waterfall. Ian had asked her to skip showing them his bedroom, for that was his personal area. From the waterfall, the guests returned to the party area.
Ian was very happy the way tour was conducted. "You did a very good job, Ms. Stephens." She thanked him.
People were beginning to crowd around her to congratulate her on such a good work. Women wanted their houses re-done and men just wanted to be near the new beautiful lady. Ian was also being congratulated on his new house.
Soon, she got busy in thanking the people; Ian was also lost among the other guests. She felt nervous with him gone from her side! About half an hour or so, Ian thought it had been a long time since he left Stephens on her own, and set out to look for her. After looking around for a while, he found her standing all by herself, seeing the people on the dance floor. He went up to her.
"Enjoying?"
"Umm Yes."
He saw what she was watching, and again surprised himself, second time in the evening, "May I have the pleasure of this dance?" he asked, surprising her as much as he surprised himself.
She looked at him unable to say anything, and then just took his hand.
He led her to the dance floor, and while all the women who had waited for him to ask them to dance, and all the men who had asked her and were politely refused watched, they danced. Once, and then again, and then again ...
In the beginning she was apprehensive about dancing with him, but as they danced her fear was replaced by joy, as she gave herself completely in to the dance. Ian was probably enjoying himself for the first time in many months. By the fourth consecutive dance they were so lost in dancing with each other; they were oblivious to the fact that this was their fourth dance together, the guests were staring at them, the cameras were flashing, and the reporters were having a field day; besides, the Maxwells were a surprised lot, especially Dianne and Samantha. But there was a difference; While Dianne was troubled and Samantha jealous, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell along with Tyler, Adrian, Kevin, and Carlton were happily surprised. Finally as the fourth number ended and the crowd broke into applause, they stopped and looked around, Stephens a little embarrassed.
Ian smiled and led her to a table, where they sat and had their dinner, almost in silence. Brief comments were made on the party, weather, food etc, and that was all.
It was now nearly midnight, and Stephens expressed her wish to go home. Ian agreed. He started to send for the car, when she stopped him.
"Sir, there is no need for a car. My house is very near. I can go walking."
Ian was surprised to hear that. "Ms. Stephens the house is fifteen minutes drive. How can you go walking? Even if you could its too late now and the road is quite lonely. No I cannot allow that."
Stephens laughed, "No Sir, not the road. If I go through the woods, its barely fifteen minutes walk; if I walk fast I can get there in ten minutes."
Now it was Ian's turn to laugh, "Is it? I would like to know the way."
"Sir, if you go from the right gate, and take the path that goes into the woods, the one that goes straight, and then turns right for the lake, it goes ahead, if you don't take the right turn and keep walking, it ends up my backyard. I discovered it one day while I was working here." She explained.
They were walking through the house as they talked, and were now away from the sight of the party guests and reached library, from where the door opened to the right side of the estate. She stepped out and Ian after her. He looked at the dark woods; even though there was moon, the woods seemed dark. He looked at her and she seemed to be enjoying the weather and the prospect of walking in the woods late in the night. He had himself many times enjoyed late night walks, but he felt strange that she wanted to walk alone.
"If you don't mind, I would like to walk you home. It doesn't seem safe to let you go alone at this time of the night."
"Sir!" she looked up at him, "Well, all right." She smiled, somewhat confused but partly thankful for his concern.
Together they walked up to the gates, where the door attendant opened the gates for them. Ian got a torch from the attendant, and they continued their walk through the woods. It was a cool night, and the wind in the woods, coming from the lakeside made it even cooler. They walked talking of the party, and people, and laughing together, at some of them.
"Mr. McKenzie was so happy with all the free publicity he got." She said as she wrapped her arms around her.
He did not walk with her, but a step behind her, holding the torch. Noticing that she was feeling cold, he silently, held the torch in his mouth, all the time replying to what she was saying with a, "Hmm", took off his coat and gently placed it on her shoulders, covering her. She stopped talking and looked around to see him getting the torch from his mouth. Smiling shyly, she thanked him, as they continued their walk. The night seemed good and they took their time walking to her house. It was more than fifteen minutes, when they reached the gates of her back yard. She opened the gate and they entered. They came to the back door.
"Please come in Sir. When you came in the evening, I couldn't even ask you for a coffee. Would you like to have some now!"
"Hmmm ... sure all right." He smiled and said.
"I won't take too long! I promise, and you won't be disappointed with the coffee either!" she said taking off his coat and placing it on the dining chair, as she ushered him in.
"I'm sure. You have a habit of not disappointing people. So who is Mr. Zachary?"
"He is one of the clients of McKenzie Creations. He gave me this house to live in, in return for me re-doing it. I do pay a nominal rent for it. That way I save most of my salary." She said happily, and then added dreamily, "You know, someday I hope to buy this house with my savings."
"I'm certain you will. It is a good house too. A bit lonely out here between the woods but good." He said looking up her music system. He hit Play and it obeyed. She turned around from the kitchen counter startled and laughing, "Oh! I was listening to this before you came." He smiled, and started looking up her collection. He picked one out as she poured out the coffee. "I promised I wouldn't take too long!"
Just as he was about to put his choice of CD in, the next number started and she exclaimed, "Hey! That one's my favorite!" She turned around excitedly, her arms in position for a dance "Its so good for a dance." Then realizing what she said, she put her arms straight by her sides; bit her lip, looking all red in the face.
He was amused as he put his CD down on the dining table and held out his hand, "May I have the pleasure of this dance?" he asked with one of his gorgeous killer smiles.
She gave him her hand, without a word. Ian, putting his arm around her danced once more, and this time without any fear of cameras flashing, guests staring, and reporters having a field day! It was a slow number and he pulled her closer while they danced. He looked into her eyes, and was taken in by her, gorgeous yet simple! Both seemed to get lost in the dance. The number ended and she stepped back cautiously, but he kept his arm gently wrapped around her, his other hand holding her hand, a smile on his face, still lost in those beautiful eyes. He felt he had always wanted to be so close to her, ever since he had seen her working at his picture that night. She saw his dreamy look and felt the need to awaken him!
"The coffee's getting cold!" she said snapping him back to reality.
"Oh yes. The coffee!" he said smiling and pulling away from her. She walked up to the table and handed him the cup. They sat on the dining chair and talked some more of the party and people, while they enjoyed the coffee.
"That was good. You make it better than Carlton! Don't tell him this, he's going to feel bad!" he joked as he drained his cup.
She laughed, "Now I will definitely tell him." She joked back.
"Well, thanks for the coffee. I must be going now. It is almost half-past twelve. My guests must be on the lookout for me. I'll see you another time."
"Sure , anytime!" she smiled.
"Goodnight, Ms. Stephens!"
"Goodnight, Mr. Maxwell."
It was after he had disappeared from sight and she turned around, that she saw his coat lying on the chair. "Oh! The coat!" but sighed and let it be, "I'll drop it in the morning! I have to get my clothes also!"
* * *
He walked back from Stephens' house but didn't go back to the party. He went up to his room, took a bath, took his book and went to bed. He hadn't read much, when sleep overtook him and he slept, a peaceful sleep, after a long time.
* * *
Stephens was in her bedroom, taking off the jewellery. She had her dress still on.
"He is amazing. I've never been so surprised in my life. And so happy too. Why did he do it for me? I cannot ask him. Can I?" She pondered moving on to her dress. She pulled it off and looked at it, very pleased! Then she looked at both the gown and the jewellery. "This must have cost him a lot! Why did he do it for me? He invited me, and when he did not find me there he came to pick me up! Does he do that for all his guests?" she slipped into her nightclothes and into her bed, smiling as she lay down! "He never said or did anything. But those eyes! It felt like he looked deep in me!" she sighed, "Even the night when I was stuck at his house, I had found him looking at me many times. And he had just sat there watching me for quite some time, I do not know how much time, but he must have been there for quite a while."
"Ian Maxwell. You are a strange man!" she smiled as she slept.
* * *