After the day I’d spent with Chrissy — sailing, taking the helicopter to Catalina, and having lunch on the island — hosting a party was the last thing I wanted to do. But I had no choice. The invitations had been issued, the caterer had been paid, the orchestra had been booked.
If I canceled, my investors would not be pleased.
I wasn’t a natural host, but my father had created this tradition of holding an annual party to honor our investors, and I was committed to upholding it. I would normally avoid the house until the last minute, leaving all the preparations to the staff. But tonight, I wanted to go over the details myself. I found myself wanting to make sure the house was ready.
The difference was because of Chrissy. She had changed my entire outlook on life.
Before I met her, I was content to work and hang out with Travis. That was the extent of my day. I didn’t have fun. I didn’t date. I didn’t share a connection.
Chrissy’s perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds was inspiring. I figured telling her that would be patronizing, but I hoped she was able to feel my admiration.
I had told her tonight would be a test. In truth, I had been trying to put some space between us, for my own sake. I was in too deep. If she decided to end the trial, I’d be crushed.
For me, there was no test. It didn’t matter to me how she behaved. If she chewed with her mouth full, or if she got drunk and shouted curse words, or if she threw a drink at my biggest investor, it wouldn’t affect the depth of my feelings for her.
I would still want Chrissy in my life.
I was looking forward to her joining me tonight. I wished we were still out on our date, but since we weren’t, the next best thing would be making her happy with a pleasant party.
The joy on Chrissy’s face when we pulled up to the hospital had been the reaction I’d hoped for. Seeing her smile was becoming addictive. I found myself wanting to make her happy all the time.
I knew she would conduct herself appropriately, as best she could. I hoped none of the guests were rude to her. I had a feeling she wouldn’t tell me unless I made it a direct order for her to obey.
I didn’t want her feelings hurt. And I wanted her to enjoy herself. And if I was honest, I wanted to impress her. I didn’t want to consider it, but it seemed likely that I was falling for her.
Going out of my way to impress a woman was new to me. I knew women liked the way I looked; they always had. But I’d never tried to impress a woman with my actions or my appearance. It seemed like a tedious exercise. Chrissy was here for my money, not my looks.
But I couldn’t suppress the urge. I wanted her to like our dates. I wanted her to like my party. And I wanted to look nice for her.
All of my tuxes looked the same. They were all custom made by the same designer. But I picked out the newest one and put it on. As I was finishing with my cufflinks, Travis called.
“Hey man, how’s it going? Where are you? I just stopped by your office and you weren’t there.”
I opened the photo app on my phone and looked at a selfie Chrissy and I had taken on the sailboat. “I’m at home. Getting ready for the party.”
“You hate those things.”
“Chrissy’s coming to this one. So I wanted her to feel at ease.”
“Ah, the new chick! Did you get what you wanted?”
“It’s been good. She’s settling in. She quit her other jobs, and she’s going to go back to class next week. So I’ll be getting her a driver of her own.”
“Dude. That’s the boring stuff. Give me the juicy details. Have you popped her cherry yet?
The photo of Chrissy with her blonde hair tied into a bun, and her cheeks adorably sunburned while she ginned into the camera made me smile. And her happy grin made me feel guilty. Why had I told Travis what I’d wanted in my companion? Now that I knew Chrissy, I regretted ever making that demand. Yes, being the first man to possess her body had been heady. But it wasn’t important. If she’d been with twenty men, she’d still be the same dedicated, hard-working woman she was. “I’m not going to discuss that with you.”
“You have!” Travis made a whooping sound. “You dog. What was it like?”
“Stop it.” I put a little steel in my voice. Friend or not, I wasn’t going to allow Travis to talk about Chrissy like she was a piece of meat. “You are not to tell anyone how we met. I don’t want to embarrass her.”
“I wouldn’t, man. The Wish Maker would have my balls in a vice if I did that. Damn though. I want a meeting with the Wish Maker. I don’t know why you get to plow a tight virgin cherry and I get nothing. ” Travis laughed. “So you like her?”
Travis’s vile description of the intimacy I’d shared with Chrissy made me sick. I had brought it on myself, by telling Travis that I was planning to make such superficial demands. Now I wanted him off the phone. “Yes. I owe you for taking me to the club. I didn’t have any hope when we visited the club, but it’s been worth it. I have to go. I’ll see you later on this evening.”
“Dude. You really do like her, don’t you?”
“Yes. I’ll tell you once more. Do not try to embarrass her. She is sweet, and kind, and hard-working. And yes, I have feelings for her. I want to make her life easier. I want to take care of her. She’s so independent, but she’s feisty too.”
As Travis started making kissy sounds, I hung up the phone.
For the first time in my life, dread wasn’t the only emotion swirling through my head at the prospect of guests filling my home.
I would be seeing Chrissy soon. I had chosen a very specific dress just for this occasion. It was a very different style from the fitted cocktail dresses she’d worn until now. I couldn’t wait to see her in it.
