"Are you ok? Did he hurt you at all?" He asked frantically checking me for any injuries. With one look at Alexander and I could tell that he was very upset, but I saw the sincerest look in his eyes. I put my hands on either side of his face looking him in the eyes, so he knew I meant it.
"I'm fine, see? It's. Not. Your. Fault. I'm actually pretty relieved he can't bother me anymore. I don't want what he tried to do ruin our evening. That man has stolen enough of my time."
Then I kissed him. It was a quick peck then I pulled away to see his reaction. He froze confused for a moment but when his brain caught up his lips came crashing down on mine. My arms wrapped around his neck, and I moved to straddle him. He brought his hand up to cup my neck pulling me into the kiss. I wanted more; my lips answered his by parting to deepen the kiss. Our tongues tangled together, and I bit his lower lip softly eliciting a moan out of him. His other hand moved to my waist to pull me closer. My body felt like it was on fire, and I hated that clothing was separating us right now. The delicious sparks I felt everywhere he touched me left an ache only he could satisfy deep in my core. A loud knock startled us. We parted gasping for air, and I let out a shaky laugh at his expression. He was irritated we had been interrupted and looked so adorable pouting about it. We stood to fix our clothing and Alexander went to the door. He opened it to find Nate standing there.
When he saw us, he grinned saying "I wondered where you two had gone off to. Sorry for spoiling the fun but dinner is about to be served and they will be announcing the new owners for the pieces. I figured Penelope would want to be there to see who bought her painting."
I got up quickly to join them at the door. "Yes, I would like to see that. Thank you for coming to get us."
"Ok, let's get to our table then." Alexander said taking my hand and leading me outside to take our seats. I was thankful that I wore color stay lipstick, or both our faces would have been covered in red. I checked it in my pocket mirror to make sure it was still flawless.
When we got there, he pulled my chair out for me like a gentleman and sat down next to me. Nate, Talia and Ryan were all seated at our table as well. The only person missing who would make this the night perfect was Lily. The first course had been served and was waiting for us. I definitely needed to eat something after the shock I received this evening. I was still a little shaky, but I felt much better after having a roll and salad. When the waiter came by to clear our dishes, I ordered a glass of Moscato since I had thrown my drink during the altercation. I needed to internally process what happened so while I was waiting for the main course and my drink to get here, I was in my own head for a bit. After ending my relationship with Keith and having to take legal action to get him to stop harassing me I took self-defense and martial arts classes. He started to get controlling and aggressive toward the end of our relationship and I knew that it would turn physical if I didn't get out then. I couldn't let myself be a victim. I hadn't seen him for at least 5 years before tonight. That really shook me but I was glad that Alexander was there to comfort me and that he witnessed what happened tonight. I'm glad I was able to defend myself and get away on my own but having him there made the situation seem much less scary than it really was. I could have been kidnapped or worse and nobody would have seen a thing if he hadn't been there. There are cameras of course but that doesn't do any good if nobody is around to help you.
Speaking of Alexander, he noticed I was zoned out and reached over to take my hand under the table. "Are you really, ok?" He asked, bringing me back to the present.
I smiled but it didn't reach my eyes. "Yes, I just needed a minute to process everything that happened a while ago with my ex." I responded.
Nate, Talia and Ryan all looked over when they heard me say that. I smiled sheepishly. "Oh yeah, I need to tell you all what happened still." I proceeded to explain what happened minus the kissing part. I was hoping to explore more of that later.
Alexander POV***
As Penelope explained what had transpired earlier, I processed it as well. I was looking for her and I saw she was talking to someone. She looked really annoyed. When I saw him grab her like that, I immediately started running toward her. I was about to lay that fucker out. Faster than I could get there I watched her throw her drink at him, break his nose and kick him in the nads which I am sure only added insult to his injuries. Thinking about it now, she looked pretty bad ass and sexy doing that in a dress and I was impressed with her. The thigh high slits had aided in her ability to move for sure. She started running away as soon as he went down, and she ran straight into my arms frantically telling me that I needed to call the police and get security because her ex is stalking her. I didn't get to hit him like I wanted to, but I did get to send him to jail. As soon as security got there, I took her to my office. I actually owned this building, and had it built specifically for gala events since I dealt in art for a living. I needed to make sure she was alright, and she needed a safe space to be in. Just thinking about how she was shaking out of fear because of that asshole made me regret not getting a hit in. The part where she kissed me happened after that though. After I made sure she was alright she kissed me reassuring me that she was ok. I'd been dying to kiss her all day and she just did it. My brain short circuited for a moment but then I brought my lips back to hers initiating a deeper kiss. I can't wait to do it again. That was the most amazing kiss I'd ever had, it was a shame Nate interrupted us. Thinking about how I currently was holding her hand brought me back to reality where I tuned into the conversation again. Some time while I spaced out the waiter had brought us our drinks and dinner. I sipped on my Moscow mule while I listened. They were talking about how the Filet tasted amazing. I tried mine and it did indeed melt in my mouth. We finished dinner and then the desert course was brought out. It was a chocolate lava cake and I saw Penelope's eyes light up when hers was sat in front of her. She really did love food and I enjoyed watching her happiness. The announcements started after that. When it came time for her piece to be announced I was nervous. Earlier the reason I went to talk to Mr. Tate is because I needed an excuse to be alone so I could bid on her painting. I admired her work as soon as I saw her portfolio and now that I had feelings for her as well, I wanted that self portrait of her even more. I loved that she used an impressionistic style, and she captured her beauty and personality perfectly in this. I watched her face as the auctioneer started to speak.
" This piece is titled 'Self-portrait' by Penelope Reynolds and the new owner who may come claim this lovely work is our gracious host of the evening, Mr. Alexander Gideon, beating out the many other bids and helping to raise a generous $1,000,000! Would you two please come up so you can get a picture together with the painting? Thank you again Mr. Gideon for organizing and hosting this event!"
She looked over at me with wide eyes and her mouth open in shock. Honestly the entire table looked like that. I stood up and smiled saying, "What? I'm a really big fan of her work." I offered her my hand, "We should probably go up there now since they called us."
She took my hand still in shock. "You really like my work that much?" she asked.
"Yes, I have since before I had actually met you. It's an added plus now that you're my girlfriend too."
I held her hand as we walked to the stage. People were looking at us and whispering in disbelief and shock. They had never seen me with a woman before. We went up the stairs and stood by each other next to the painting. We stood close to one another, and I looked down at her affectionately while she was smiling. She was so beautiful. I forgot we were taking a photograph so that's how they took it. They asked if I wanted another one with me looking at the camera, but I declined, I liked it the way it was. They started moving the painting back inside so they could package it up and the auctioneer handed me the microphone. They always save the piece I bid on for last so I can make a closing speech. Penelope tried to let go of my hand so I could make my speech alone, but I had no intention of letting her go anywhere. Instead, I put my arm around her waist and pulled her to my side.
"Thank you all for coming this evening and supporting a cause that is very important to me. Of course, tonight would not have been complete without the hard work and dedication of all of you who made tonight possible. I want to give a special shout out to the person who helped me bring my vision to life. She is responsible for the organization and design of this entire event. I have admired her work since before ever meeting her and am pleased to announce that this incredible woman has also agreed to be my girlfriend. Please join me in thanking Ms. Penelope Reynolds for giving all of us such a wonderful evening."
I turned toward her letting my hands fall away from her so I could clap with the rest of the crowd. She looked out at them and up at me with unshed tears in her eyes. I moved closer to hold her again and leaned down to kiss her not caring that anyone else was there. That seemed to get the crowd clapping even louder. We separated laughing at the crowd's reaction. We made our way back to our seats as the noise died down. When we got there the first one to speak was Nate.
So, you two are official then?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
Penelope blushed. "Yes, as of today we are. I ran into Talia and Ryan earlier, so they know already. You're not the last to know though. I still have to tell Lily. She's going to be so mad to know she was the last one. I swear if she finds out on social media because of your announcement Alexander, she is going to kill us both." she said, and we all laughed.
"So, you went rogue not sticking to what we talked about because you couldn't wait?" Nate asked me.
I gave him a guilty look. "Yeah, pretty much." I turned to Penelope, "I'm going to go get a drink from the bar would you like one?"
She stood up holding her hand out to me, "Sure, I'll join you."
Penelope POV***
On our journey to the bar, I was thinking about how he bought my painting for $1,000,000! I still couldn't believe it. I was really happy he liked my work that much but who the fuck does that?! Alexander Gideon that's who. He goes for what he wants and I just because the latest target of his desires. Of all the paintings I've ever done he had to buy the self-portrait. My nerves were back again, I wonder where he will put it. We got to the bar, and I had a sudden idea.
"Hey, do you want to do a shot with me? I don't normally take shots but after the night we've had, I feel one is warranted." I said with a nervous laugh.
"That sounds like a grand idea." He ordered us both a screwdriver, 2 shots of Tuaca and asked for a tray to carry them on as well.
He carried to them to the table, and I was impressed with his balancing skills. He led me to an unoccupied area with where we could sit. He placed our drinks in front of us.
"I wanted some more time with just you so I'm glad you decided to join me. What should we toast to with these shots?" He asked.
I thought for a moment and said, "How about new beginnings? That sounds like a vague enough one to cover many topics of celebration."
He smirked at me catching onto my nervousness via my awful attempt at toasting, "To new beginnings."
We picked up our shots, clinked the glasses and downed them. It was actually pretty smooth. I was expecting a horrible alcohol flavor and burn but it was sweet leaving a vanilla after taste. A server brought us another round of shots and water after some time. I probably should drink some so I don't get dehydrated and sick from the alcohol. We sat there talking about the other works that we saw tonight discussing what we liked about them. The alcohol in my system had kicked in relaxing me while we talked. We had started to talk about our family's telling some stories from childhood. Apparently, he had shattered his wrist on his dominant hand as a child when he fell out of a tree and that's actually how he got into art. When he started fine motor rehabilitation, they had him paint so he could start with larger motions/brushes and work down to using smaller brushes for details. He enjoyed it and really picked it up during that time. We had just finished our drinks when we heard the music for the dance floor start playing again. They started playing 'Hey '84' by Red Wanting Blue and I stood up.
"Come on, we are going to go dance. I love this song!" I said grabbing his arm and pulling him with me.
He just smiled and came with me. We passed our table along the way, and I forced them all to come too. I made the list of music for this, so I knew all the songs. I enjoy a lot of genres of music, so I picked the best dancing songs from many genres to suit different tastes and mixed in slow songs to make sure there were breaks in pace.