The Love Game

CH.6 Masquerade

Chapter 6 Masquerade

Rachel P.O.V.

Today was the day of the singles Masquerade. Cat and Conner already picked up the kids for a sleep over at their house and I book a hotel room at the resort where it was being located. I was in my hotel room with my make up and hair designers transforming me. They did a simple look that just brought out my natural seductive beauty. A winged liner and red lips, my hair was softly curled and pined making my long hair cascade over my shoulder. They had to help me put my mask on making sure that I did not mess up their work. And finally, I put my dress on and wore only stud diamond earrings to tie the whole look together. I looked at the full length mirror before me and I did not recognize that sexy, confident women looking back at me. She was definitely a vixen. After taking pictures with my stylists they wish me luck and left. I turn to see the clock that showed I had five minutes left. I look at the mirror one last time before grabbing my palm sized red rhinestone covered clutch and left.

The elevator dinged that I have reach my floor. When the door opened I began to felt a little nervous. I walk closer to the entrance of the hall seeing the table to check in. There where very few people there so I figure that I am one of the last ones to show up. After checking in I walk into  the hall an suddenly all eyes where on me. I take a small breath and braved the walk towards the crowd scanning for a bar. I am in despite need of some liquid courage. I tried not to make any long lasting eye contact as I reach the bar finally that was located on the far back corner of the ball room. This Event screamed money. A stage with a full instrumental band, Snack table with ice sculptures, a dance floor and tables with tall floral pieces and crystals dripping from them. It was spectacular. As I am there at the end of the bar waiting for my drink I feel someone approach me from behind.

“I have to do a double take to be sure it was you Rachel…” I hear him whisper into my ear.

I Turn to find a Man in a black tux and white dress s**t with a sapphire blue mask on with gold filigree. “Ian?” I ask quizzically

“I though it would be obvious. By the way you are by far the sexiest looking women here. I’d be very careful if I were you. I sure I’d have to kick some serious ass around here…” There he goes playing big brother.

“Well I don’t intend of getting much action today thank you very much. But hey you don’t look half bad yourself.”

“Right. Well if anything happens you make sure to tell me ok.” Our bartender hands my a glass of Champaign and Ian a scotch.

“Well then let the games begin.” I toast with Ian

“Yes and may the odds be ever in your favor.” Ian said trying to imitate a British accent.

Nate P.O.V

I am waiting next to the snack table shamelessly already flirting with a chick when everything seemed to go silent. I glance towards to main entrance and there she was. I had to blink a few times to make sure I was seeing correctly. I almost didn’t recognize her. Rachel was by far the most beautiful Women in this entire hall. She had on this red dress that perfectly fitted her curvy body. Even though she wore this intricate black mask her eyes were seductive and secretive. And her lips where red, plump and juicy, I needed to feel those soft lips on mine. She was driving me wild. I look around and notice other guys staring at her lust full in their eyes.  This was going to be a long night. I was promised a dance, but now I want to hog her all to myself. She walk deeper into the hall and I loose sight of her among the crowd. I come out of my trance only to find that the chick I was previously was talking to vanish. Well that’s not a good first impression I thought to myself as I stand there eyeing the food. I see a back figure approach me and chose to ignore it.

“Ignoring me now Nathan. I thought you’d be pleased to see me outside of work.”

“O Zander I didn’t notice you. Good to see you in a more social environment. Yet I am puzzled at your presence here. I did not picture you being here in search of a future MRS.” Great the CEO of Black Enterprises is here. He and I are never on the same page when it comes to work. And it definitely is a punch to the gut as I know that the chances of any chick charming is nothing compared to his looks. From what I hear from the lady coworkers its no the body that makes panties drop its his ‘crystal grey eyes’. I am just hoping that he doesn’t cross paths with Rachel, I think I would blow a gasket and loose my career. But with my luck its was inevitable.

Zander P.O.V

Here I am waiting in line to check in. I never would go to an event like this. My frustration was bottling up inside as I remember the promise I made to my son. Its been three years since my sweet Sharon died and my son thinks that I’m ready to date again and find happiness. My son is barely 6 and already at emotionally blackmailing me. So per his request I accepted this invite and enjoy the food and drinks. I know I am bound to run into a few familiar faces. I can slide under the radar for now to appease my son.

After I get my drink at the bar I make my way towards the snack table when all of a sudden an eerie silence forms that stops me dead in my tracks. I look up and right at the main entrance was a woman in Red. I lost my breath entranced by her radiance. She was gleaming confidence and beauty. Her dark eyes and dark hair emanated a dark secret seductive vibe. Watching her made me feel things that I had not felt in a long time. I needed to know this exquisite beauty. She walk into the crowd and I loose sight of her. I breath again and glance towards the snack table to find Nathan. Even though I am not his biggest fan its good to know someone in these events. I just hope that I bump into that woman.

“Ignoring me now Nathan. I thought you’d be pleased to see me outside of work.” It was nice to catch him off guard, he seemed like he was not pleased to see me.

“O Zander I didn’t notice you. Good to see you in a more social environment. Yet I am puzzled at your presence here. I did not picture you being here in search of a future MRS.” He said with a annoying undertone.

“Well I am new to this town and find that this may give me a chance at meeting new people. I can’t let you have all the fun now.” I really enjoyed pulling his strings.

“Great more competition for me. You just live to make my life difficult, don’t you?”

“ha… come on man let me get you a drink. You may need a wingman for tonight. Just to prove what a great guy I am.”

“As long as you don’t cockblock I am fine with that. I could use you to lure the ladies.” Nathan could not help himself from saying that with just ego.

We make our way over to the bar and there she was. The lady in Red. I have never felt so giddy before, its as if I have turned back into a teenager. She was standing there talking to another guy in a black tuxedo. She seemed content and in a casual conversation. As we approach I saw her glance at our direction. She smiled at the recognition on Nathan. Does Nathan know her? I thought to myself. Then our eyes met. I was locked into her beautiful Chocolate brown eyes. Its as if our eyes were having a deep conversation as I just continued my way towards her. We break our trance when Nathan started to talk.

“I can’t believe that you Rach… I almost didn’t recognize you!!” Nathan greeted her. So he did know her. And what a beautiful name she had. “You look stunning.” He pulled her into a hug. Where they friends, I wondered.

“Nate?... Thanks. You don’t look to bad yourself.” Her voice was like an angel. I wanted her to keep talking, maybe even say my name through those gorgeous lips.

“Ian is that you? Nice to see you again.” Nathan said to the guy standing next to her. I was surprise that Nathan knew so many people.

“I wish I could say the same. Now I have some serious competition.” Ian chuckled while shaking hands with Nathan.

“Guys let me introduce you to Zander Black, one of my co-workers. Zander this is Ian Greystone and Rachel Hamilton. Rachel and I have been friends since childhood and Ian came later.” I shook Ian’s hand before proceeding to shake Rachel’s hand. Her hand was so soft and gentle. I wanted to keep touching her. I know that the rest of her body must be just as soft, I wish I can feel her naked body under mine.

“Nice to meet you. I must say your eyes are very lovely, you must have all the lady’s swooning over you?” She said playfully and with confidence.

“Pleasure is all mine, but that’s only one of my many features that attract the ladies.” I can see that I am am going to have to play into her game if I want to bet to know her. I cannot tell if she is flirting or just being polite. Regardless I just wanted to get to know her. “If you care to know more, I’ll be happy to indulge.” I said with a smirk on my face. She blushed and a sense of triumph came over me. “And please call me Zander.”

“We shall see about that… Zander.” She said playfully. Now I was happy to play the game, at least to try to get to know her. “So how are you enjoying out town here?”

“Its has charm and a strong sense of community, so far I find no fault in it besides its quaintness. I never imagined California have a town such as this.”

“Yes, its hard to imagine what California has to offer when cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego over shadow the rest of the state.” She said as if throwing a sales pitch.

“Well I have more to discover about this town. In truth I am only here to meet new people and start to reach out. It will take time to adjust to such a tight knit community.”

“Well your in luck sir, Rachel here would make the perfect tour guide. She basically knows everything there is to know about this town. I’m sure she would not have a problem showing you the charms of this town.” Ian said nudging Rachel in the side.

“Is that so, well I would be honored if I was escorted around by a beautiful such as yourself.” I smiled at her making her blush yet again. She was adorable, its like she had not been complemented so much in her life.

“Well I am sure I can work something out.” She said before we could continue to talk more an announcement was made that dinner would be served soon. I accompanied the three of them to the nearest table. I wanted to stay close to her all night, get to know her more, possible tour her skin again. I came to her side and pulled out her chair before claiming my seat right next to her. Ian sat to the other side of her and Nathan decided to sit across the table next to two ladies. There where small cards placed on the table as a game to get to know the people around the table.

We were instructed to play the game after finishing our meal. I kept stealing glances at her from the side. She was so irresistible, I’m sure I was making other guys jealous by sitting next to her. I had to keep her safe and close. If other guys had the same reaction as I did in her presence, I knew that I would lose my advantage. I had a feeling that Ian was no competition, he acted like a brother to her. It was Nathan I had to watch out for. I could see him from time to time shooting daggers my way anytime I came too close to her while talking. Did he want her for himself? I could not help but feel that there is a past between them that Nathan was not ready to let go of. I guess its all part of the dating game.

As we all played the game I come to learn that Rachel achieved her success owning a floral shop, a few restaurants and a property management group. I was impressed. What drew me closer was that she was a mother of three. No one else in the table besides the two of us had that in common. I could not believe how much we had in common. I was shocked to find out that she was the former town Major. What could this woman not do? She had her hands in so many facets that I can tell she was the most influential person in this town. Her approval must really mean something. Nathan did inform me that it was such Major that made our move and transition run smoothly. I was in complete awe of her.

The band began to play the music louder as it was announced that the dance floor was open. Before I could ask for the first dance I was beaten by Ian’s request. I felt a ping of jealousy consume me watching her make her way to the dance floor with him. She swayed to the music in his arms while laughing about God knows what. I was approached by other women in the hopes that I dance with them, but to no avail. I was to focused on Rachel. I knew that If I did not get to dance with her that I would regret it. I notice Nathan stand up and make his way towards her. I’ll let him have his dance before I swoop in and interrupt them. Killing two birds with one stone per say. I could see him take her into his arms as Ian made his way to ask another lady to dance. I saw Nathans hands hold Rachels waist tighter than how Ian held her. He looked like he was trying to be intimate with her. Yet for a second, I can see Rachel uncomfortable in his embrace. O Nathan I guess she is just not that into you. I thought to myself.

I let them enjoy a moment before I cut it.

“May I have the next dance?” I interrupt as the next song plays.

“Ok, see you around Nate…Go and flirt, don’t worry about me.” She said with a reassuring smile. Nathan Left and I finally got to have her in my arms. I loosely wrap my arm around her waist while taking her other hand into mine. We sway as we stare into each other’s eyes.

“You do have such intense eyes. Its almost hard to read them.” She comments first.

“I can say the same about yours. Its like your holding something secret behind them that makes me want to get to know you more.” We continue to sway in comfortable silence not taking our eyes off each other. Timed seemed to stop as we were dancing. I did not know how long we danced for before some strange man approach to ask for the next dance. I wanted to punch him right then, yet I held back knowing that it was selfish of me to keep her all to myself on this night. I let go of her before placing a small kiss on the back of her hand.

“I hope to see you again before the night is out.” I say hopeful.

“I would like that.” She said seeing a glimmer of hope flash through her eyes.

I walk back to our table watching her from a distance. I paid no attention the people that where approaching me. It wasn’t until I felt a hand on my shoulder that I turned to look at its owner.

“You should stop starring at her, people will think that you’re a stalker.” Ian said

“I didn’t know I was starring that long.” I said bashfully.

“If you starred any longer I’m sure I’d see a little drool exit your mouth.” Ian Chuckled.

“Yea… She is something else. Different from any other women I have encountered. At least not since…”

“I get it man. I have eyes and see the pull you too have. There is this instant connection between you two. I’ve never seen her look at anyone like she looks at you. Not since… But know that she is special.” He sighed as if he was withholding something deeper about her. “She makes instant connections with people. Her kind nature just brings out the best. But last thing I want to see is her get hurt. She has come to far. And you mess with her than you have an entire town that is willing to burn your house down…. I may act like a protective older brother, but she is well worth it. If you succeed in playing her game, you can see how loyal and loving she can be. But you have been warned. Plus, I am not the scariest person you will have to face for approval.” Ian pats my back before leaving to flirt with more ladies.

Rachel P.O.V

So far this night has been entertaining. Besides the uncomfortable feeling of all these guys glaring at me lust evident in their eyes. I still found myself in good conversations. I was so thankful for Ian and his support and protection. I was pleased to see Nate while I was with Ian trying to calm my nerves. But when he approached me at the bar with a man walking beside him, I froze. This gorgeous Greek God like man with an all-black tux and a gold and black mask was taking my breath away. He had shoulder length dark blond hair tucked behind his ears. But what captured me were his eyes, they were clear and grey. Completely entranced by them, I was lost in the pools of emotions that flashed through them. If I starred any longer I sure I would start drooling.

When I found out who he was I was surprised at how easy our small conversation was turning out. He even accompanied us at our table. I was glade he sat next to me because playing the ice breaker game revealed that we both had a lot in common. He was a single parent with a son the same age as my Matt. As the night progressed, I was whisked away to dance first with Ian. We came to the dance floor and started to dance.

“So I’ve noticed that your getting awfully close to that Zander fella.” Ian started

“He is easy to talk to. I can’t help that we have so much in common.” I state trying to defend myself from the topic that this conversation was leading towards.

“I also noticed the way you two look at each other. Is Rachel lusting of a guy finally?” Ian teased. I could not help but laugh.

“O you better watch it. The night is still young, maybe there’s another guy that might look at me the same way.”

“Right keep telling yourself that.” He smiles playfully before things turn serious. “Rach I just worry about you. I owe it to Jonny to make sure no one hurts you. I want to see you happy again, but I’ll be dammed if you get hurt.”

“I’ll be fine. I know how this dating game works. My walls are too strong to be broken down by a hot businessman. I have too much to loose to let my heart shatter again.” I look at him with a soft smile. “Plus I know that between you, Cat and Conner, no man will last unless they were worth it.” We continue to dance until we are interrupted by Nathan.

“Hey Ian if your done hogging Rach… may I have the next dance. I was promised a dance after all.” Nathan Said. Ian nod and walked towards a group of ladies. Nathan help me in his arms tighter and more intimate than I would like.

“Have I told you already how gorgeous you look tonight.” He whispered in my ear. I fidget to get him to loosen up his grasp.

“Yes, you have, but if I didn’t know any better I could swear that you are avoiding flirting with other girls because of me.” I had to ask. I have a sense that there was more to Nathan then just friendly banter.

“I just can’t help but make sure that I get a dance from the most beautiful women in this party. Plus, you did promise.”

“I know but we are just friends Nate. I appreciate your help and protectiveness, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself in these types of situations.”

Before we could continue talking Zander cuts in.

“May I have the next dance?” I let go of Nathan instantly to enter Zander’s embrace.

“Ok, see you around Nate…Go and flirt, don’t worry about me.” I say to Nate before giving my focus to Zander.

My body begins to tingle with his touch as we sway to the music. We look into each other’s eyes and I felt a growing sensation in my chest.  

“You do have such intense eyes. Its almost hard to read them.” I make the first move.

“I can say the same about yours. Its like your holding something secret behind them that makes me want to get to know you more.” We continue to sway in comfortable silence not taking our eyes off each other. Timed seemed to stop as we were dancing. I did not know how long we danced for before some strange man approach to ask me for the next dance. I was hesitant to accept, I only wanted to dance with Zander. Yet it was not fair of me to not give other men a chance. I nod my head.  

“I hope to see you again before the night is out.” He says after placing a soft kiss over my knuckles. Hope filled in his eyes.

“I would like that.” I could not help but reciprocate the hope I felt that this was not the last time I would see him tonight, or in the future.