The Guardian's Mark

It was Friday night and Carter had invited me to an event one of his clients was throwing. A dinner gala to celebrate the new charity they’d started. I hadn’t had a reason to wear a formal dress in a while so I was excited. What girl didn’t enjoy dressing up?

“So Carter is picking you up I hope? Walking around the dirty streets of New York in that dress doesn’t sound like the best idea.”

I continued to dab eye shadow onto my lid, glancing at Harper in the reflection of the long mirror I had in my living room. She had come over a few hours prior to hang out and help me do my hair. I wasn’t the greatest at updos and she was a hairstyle master. She, of course, had grilled me about Gavin and whether or not he was the mysterious doctor. I had told her he indeed was, although a paramedic, and that there was nothing romantic going on which she didn’t believe. Now she lay sprawled out on my couch, munching on dried fruit, her favorite almost dessert.

“He is. I guess he got a limo too.”

“No Uber? Wow, if I didn’t know any better I’d say he’s taking you on a date.”

“It’s not a date. Just an event with a friend. Should I wear the black heels or the nude ones?”

“Nude. Nude and yellow are best friends in the fashion world.”

“Yes ma’am.” I stepped into the pointed nude suede pumps on the floor before me then took a few steps back and surveyed the finished look in the mirror. I was wearing a beautiful strapless pastel yellow lace gown that hugged my curves. Harper had done large twists in my hair that led back to a messy bun. To top it all off, I had large flower crystal studs in my ears and a swirling crystal bracelet. I felt beautiful and classy and I hoped I looked it too.

“Your phone is buzzing. I think it’s your lover.”

I grabbed my phone from the coffee table and saw that it was actually a text from Gavin.

Good Evening. Are you busy tomorrow?

I smiled to myself. He didn’t text like most guys. He always sent full sentences and was extremely polite. For most men, it was hard to get more than a “K” in response.

“What are you smiling at? The fact that you’re leaving me alone on a Friday night?”

I quickly responded to the text, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “You’re going out with Malachi later.”

Harper flailed her arms dramatically. “That’s not the point. We haven’t had a girls night in forever.”

I looked over at her. “Well, how about next weekend?”

She clapped her hands together lackadaisically, rolling her eyes. “Let’s do it my friend.”

A knock sounded at the door, one I’d recognize anywhere.

“Your prince awaits.”

I smirked as I headed to answer the door but inside I felt the butterflies. Why did men have the ability to make me so weak?

Well, not all men. Just Carter.

I drew the door open and there he stood. Dressed in a fitted tux, a sleek silver Movado watch his only accessory, his dark hair newly trimmed and settled perfectly. He held a white rose but didn’t move to hand it to me as he took in my outfit.

“Hello.” I wasn’t really a nervous person but his silent gaze was making me nervous.

“Hello...” He paused, his eyes returning to my face. “You look beautiful.”

I smiled. “Thank you. You look handsome yourself.”

“Just something I threw on. This is for you...” He handed me the rose as he stepped inside, putting one hand in his pocket after. It was his nervous tick and I knew him well enough to spot it. “Hey Harper.”

“What’s up, Carter?” Harper stood from the couch, walking over to give him a friendly hug. “I love that you’re always on time. Why hasn’t this habit rubbed off on Malachi?”

“Because he knows how to be on time. He just wants to be fashionably late.”

She shook her head, her blond tresses swaying. “Someone needs to tell him the fashionably late trend ended years ago. You two have fun but not more than you would with me. And have my girl home early. None of this late night after party stuff.”

Carter grinned at my ridiculous best friend. “Yes ma’am.”

I smiled, realizing he’d echoed my earlier comment. I quickly grabbed my clutch from the couch and took Carter’s arm, pulling him out the door. “Okay, see you later mom!”

“Just looking out for your best interests dear!”

Carter and I laughed about Harper on our way out of the building. As soon as we emerged into the night, I spotted a black limousine at the curb. I wasn’t surprised but I was secretly delighted. I had missed Carter’s lavish tendencies toward his weekend events.

The sharply dressed driver quick-walked around the car to open the door for us, smiling brightly at me.

“After you,” Carter said, taking my hand and helping me in.

I tried to seat myself as gracefully as possible, smiling inwardly. If this wasn’t a date, he sure was a great friend.

“Thanks Joe.” Carter seated himself beside me and reached for the mini bar, retrieving a bottle as the driver ran back around to the driver’s side. “Champagne?”

As soon as he said it, my mind went back to that night exactly a week ago now. Was I paranoid about drinking? Possibly. But I hadn’t realized it until this moment. I hadn’t had a sip of alcohol since that night and I suspected it had nothing to do with what had happened...and yet I was still somewhat terrified. I couldn’t, however, let an irrational fear control my life. Especially when I knew Gavin had the truth and would soon put this fear to rest. “Yes, thank you.”

Carter poured two glasses, handing me one. “You look beautiful, by the way. Did I tell you that already?”

I smiled. “Yes, I believe you did. What are we toasting to?”

He sat back and turned to face me, holding up his glass. “A good night with the best company.”

“I’ll cheers to that.” I touched my glass to his and tried to pretend I didn’t notice the wild fluttering of my heart as I sipped the sweet liquid.

We arrived at the venue lightly buzzed and smiling. I had a great feeling about this night and as soon as I stepped out of the car the feeling was confirmed. We had just pulled up to a massive remodeled synagogue standing ten stories high and completely lit up for the event. A large red carpet had been laid over the center of the stairs and led up to the enormous wooden church doors, a banner advertising the event hanging above. About thirty people stood mingling on the steps but from the sounds of the big band music, the real party was inside.

Carter stood next to me and held out his arm. “Shall we?”

“We shall.” I wrapped my hand around his arm and we began to ascend the steps. A gust of cool air rushed to greet us once we reached the top and stepped inside, entering the coatroom. Carter nodded at the doorman holding a clipboard, bypassing the need to check in seeing as how he was one of the hosts.

The setup in the synagogue was beyond amazing. Colorful stained glass windows lined the walls, leading toward the back where a stage had been set up in front of the largest window, a band dressed in silver tuxedos playing their own rendition of Frank Sinatra songs. The entire room was covered in purple and blue lights, giant green spotlights in the shape of roses swaying beneath the feet of the dancers on the makeshift wooden dance floor before the band. Tables lined the rest of the main floor, white tablecloths decorated with beautiful swirling light fixtures, the silverware glinting in the lights. A balcony encircled second story of the room, multiple guests watching the event from above.

Carter led me to a table near the dance floor, two glasses of champagne waiting for us.

“Whose event is this again? Besides yours,” I asked him as we sat down, in awe of the setup and magnificently dressed people.

“A guy who owns a chain of fine dining restaurants throughout the country.”

“And why isn’t Malachi here with you?”

Carter picked up his glass. “He can’t stand the guy. He doesn’t exactly have the straightest moral compass and has no shame in making it known.”

I clinked my glass against his, taking a sip. “So why is he throwing a charity event?”

“Same reason any business mogul does. For the show and connections.”

I shrugged. “Well, at least some good comes of it.”

Carter nodded. “That it does.”

As I sipped my champagne, I glanced toward the dance floor and thought I saw a familiar head of dark red hair. In a flash it was gone and I figured I was probably seeing things. Yes, Gavin was cute but why was I thinking of him while I was with Carter?

“Carter! You made it!”

I turned away from the dance floor and smiled politely at the newcomer.

An older gentleman, probably in his early fifties, had walked up to our table. He had a round belly, hidden by an expensive custom tux, and brandished a glittering gold diamond watch along with multiple rings. His hair was a dark brown, thinning and combed over the obvious bald spots. He shook Carter’s hand roughly, almost yanking him to his feet. “You just get here?”

Carter flashed a charming smiled. “Yes, the event seems to be going really well. You’ve outdone yourself Don.”

“No such thing! Go big or go home right? I’m still disappointed you didn’t want to go with my strip joint idea but I guess some folks wouldn’t be into that sort of thing anyway. Bunch of wet blankets.” He let out a big guttural laugh.

“You’re right about that.” Carter had put on his fake friendly voice, one he used for business associates he had nothing in common with in order to create a relationship.

“Now is this your date? She’s beautiful.”

I smiled politely, taking his outstretched hand and standing. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He glanced down, still holding my hand, before returning his gaze to my eyes. “What’s your name?”

“Ava. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Don. Pleasure to meet you as well.” He turned to Carter. “Better keep your eye on her, Carter. I might steal her when you’re not looking.”

Carter smirked. “Yes, she’s definitely one of a kind.”

“Indeed. Well, I have to go give some attention to the mob. Come grab me later. I want to introduce you to a few people.” He kissed my hand before finally releasing it. “Great to meet you Ava.”

“Same to you,” I said, fighting the urge to wipe the sweat from his clammy hand on my dress.

Once the man of the hour was a good distance away, Carter turned to me. “I think he likes you.”

I laughed. “Jealous?”

“Of course. I don’t stand a chance against him.”

“I think you have more leverage than you know.”

Carter raised a brow. “Ah yes, I forgot about the power of alcohol. A desperate guy’s wingman. Should we get something stronger from the bar? This champagne is starting to taste like sparkling water.”

I smiled. “Lead the way.”

We headed toward the open bar to the right of the room, Carter greeting multiple people on the way there. We were a few steps away when I recognized a certain head of long glossy black hair. A woman stood at the bar with her back to us, dressed in a beautiful silver silk gown, her caramel skin glowing under the purple and blue lights. I almost stopped and turned around but by the time I’d had the thought it was too late. We had reached the bar.

She turned to face us as Carter placed an arm on the counter, revealing a dip in the front of her dress that showed off the perfect amount of cleavage. “Carter?”

I stood between them, wishing I could just shrivel up and sneak away. At the same time though, I was annoyed. Why did she have to be here tonight? I was having such a great time and now my mood had done a complete one eighty. I tried my best not to hate people but I really didn’t like her. Carter’s ex girlfriend, the one he’d left me for, was standing in front of me and all I wanted to do was choke the life out of her.

Carter looked over at her and seemed only slightly surprised. An uneasy expression passed over his face before settling into the confident one he wore most of the time. “Hello, Olivia. Thought I might see you here.”

“You know me. Never could turn down an invite to a good party.” She smiled flirtatiously before switching her gaze to me. “Long time no see, Ava.”

I stared confidently into her big brown eyes, hoping she would sense my annoyance and go away. “Long time for sure. Although probably for the best.”

Olivia pursed her red painted lips for a moment before responding. “So you two came together?”

I opened my mouth to respond with another snarky comment but Carter beat me to it.

“We did. Where’s your date?” His tone was casual but I could tell he was praying for this interaction to end.

“Oh, he’s over with Don. I figured I’d get something to kill the time while they talked business.”

I was about two seconds away from slapping her across the face. Just being in her presence sent me over the edge. Only someone as shameless as her would dare stand face to face with her ex and the woman she’d taken him from. “How nice of you-”

“We were just about to take a shot. Would you like one?”

Wow. Maybe my date was the one I needed to slap.

“Thank you for the offer but I’m sticking to my martinis tonight. Find me later for a dance though.” She smirked, taking the glass the bartender handed her, then turning to me. “Enjoy your night, Ava.”

In a way, she reminded me of Harper. Blindly confident in her feminine wiles and never afraid of a challenge. Harper though, would never hit on a guy with a date or a man with a girlfriend. Olivia’s greatest flaw was that she had no limits when she wanted something. And apparently she still wanted Carter, who I was slightly irritated with now.

I turned to face the bar as she left, staring hard at the back of the bartender as he poured the shots Carter had just ordered.

Carter’s eyes were on me, his arm still on the counter, his other hand in his pocket. “I’m not sure I like the face you’re making.”

I chewed on the inside of my cheek, turning my head toward him. “I just don’t know why you had to offer her a drink. Or even speak to her at all.”

“Ava, she knows a lot of people and could try to mess with my reputation. I have to keep things somewhat good between us for business...and I wont lie, that was a little payback.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Payback?”

“Yeah.” He turned his body toward me, ignoring the shots the bartender had just set down. “You know what I’m talking about. Who was that guy you were with the other night?”

I knew I was going to hear about it, I just hadn’t been sure if he’d bring it up tonight. There was no avoiding it now that it was out in the open. “He’s a friend of my brother’s. And a paramedic...the one that was there last weekend actually so you should have recognized him.”

Carter’s expression didn’t change to shock as I expected. It just migrated to annoyance. “And he asked you out?”

“We were just hanging out as friends. I wanted to thank him. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Carter sighed. “You’re right, it’s not. How about we just call it even?”

I paused before answering, narrowing my eyes. “Alright.”

“And I’m sorry you have to be around Olivia. I promise to keep at least twenty feet between her and us all night. As for the paramedic, let’s just hope I don’t see him again.”

I smirked, slightly enjoying his jealousy, as shameful as that was. “Don’t be dramatic, Carter. It was just coffee. And you don’t have to apologize about Olivia. I just don’t like the past she reminds me of when I’m around her.” I picked up one of the shots, holding it out. “To having fun tonight.”

He slowly grinned, picking up his glass. “Cheers.”

A few shots later, I was feeling warm and tipsy which helped as Carter introduced me to multiple people. I had no problem talking to strangers but I tended to get nervous meeting them at events like this and now I felt at ease.

“You’re a natural,” Carter said as we walked back to our table. “I forgot how good you are at socializing.”

I smiled as we sat down, pulling my mirror out of my clutch and checking my makeup. “I think the whiskey helped. They were all really nice though. Except for that one lady that kept rolling her eyes every time her husband talked. She could loosen up a bit.” Carter was silent which was strange, so I moved my mirror to the side and looked over at him. Instead of being distracted by his phone like I thought he might be, he was watching me. “What?”

He smiled lightly. “Nothing. I think we should dance.”

“Let’s dance then.”

He stood and held out his hand, adjusting his bow tie with the other.

I took his hand and stood, smiling at the warmth I felt from the smallest connection with him.

He turned and led us to the floor, the band playing their version of the upbeat song “Luck Be A Lady”. The people at the event ranged from mid twenties to elderly and surprisingly the dance floor had a wide range of ages. Carter led me to the center and spun me around before pulling me close, resting his hand on my lower back, the other holding my hand.

I placed my free hand on his shoulder, smiling up at him as we swayed to the music. “You are such a dork.”

He grinned down at me. “You know you missed these moves.”

I laughed. “So what if I did?”

“Well-”

“Carter, there you are.” Don had appeared suddenly, clapping his large hand down on Carter’s shoulder. “Come meet some people. It wont take too long.”

My date nodded at Don, pausing in his dancing and releasing my hand. “Of course.”

I smiled politely at Don who winked at me in return.

“Don’t worry beautiful, I’ll have him back fast. Save an old man a dance?”

I laughed lightly, hoping he wasn’t serious. “I think I’ll manage. Take your time.”

“I’ll meet you at the table.” Carter gave me an apologetic look before letting Don drag him off the floor.

I sighed, beginning to make my way through the crowd. I had been having such a good time and had been waiting to dance with Carter. Now I was going to be stuck looking awkward as I sat alone at our table. Perhaps I would run into one of the people I had met? I definitely felt the social butterfly in me scratching to break free again.

I was a few steps away from the edge of the dance floor when a hand caught mine, warm to the touch and sending a tingle up my arm. The hand pulled me back, spinning me lightly and stopping as I came in contact with a hard body. I looked up and was only slightly shocked to find Gavin’s vivid green eyes looking back at me.

He smiled. “Fancy seeing you here.”

I was at a loss for words. “Um...what are you doing here?”

He turned with the music and moved us further into the crowd, away from prying eyes. “I was invited. My date is busy at the moment, being the great mingler that she is. You look lovely by the way.”

I didn’t know why but I felt a slight pang of jealousy at his mention of a date. Why I was jealous over a man I hardly knew, who could possibly be a psychopath because of the information he was holding onto ever so tightly, was beyond me. “Thank you. You clean up pretty nice yourself.”

And that was the truth. Gavin was dressed up in a navy blue tux, his dark red hair styled sleeker for the night, a woodsy scent floating off of him. He looked and smelled good. And I couldn’t deny the fact that I was attracted to him. I had been since the moment we’d met. Except now it was magnified.

“I’m not really the kind of guy that likes to dress up but I figured I might get kicked out if I showed up in jeans and a t-shirt. How’s your evening going?”

I glanced nervously to the side, scanning the crowd for Carter with no luck, before returning my attention to Gavin. “It’s going alright. Yours?”

Gavin pressed his hand firmer to the small of my back, his eyes never leaving my face. “It’s going well. Better now.”

My heart leapt at that. Was he referring to running into me? Or finding me? I wasn’t sure whether or not his being here was an accident although I wasn’t so pretentious to think that he would go to all this trouble just to follow me around. “If I ask you a question, will you tell me the truth?”

He didn’t pause in confusion like I thought he would. Instead, it seemed as if he’d been expecting that exact question. “I’d have no choice but to.”

The heat between us was rising, the hairs on my arm standing up. I didn’t know what it was but the connection between us was electric. It almost felt unreal or otherworldly, as if it went past just basic lust. What was going on? “Who are you?” I wasn’t sure why I said it but it felt like the right thing to ask.

Gavin smiled in a friendly and non-ostentatious way, watching my face. He slowed our dancing and began to lower his head. For a moment I thought he might kiss me but then he moved his face to the side, his mouth coming close to my ear. To an outsider it would seem like he was kissing my neck. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

His warm breath tickled my skin and for a moment I thought he might actually kiss me. Instead, he pulled away and smiled again before disappearing into the crowd. I felt frozen to the floor, not really sure how to feel about what had just happened. What did he mean by that? A normal person would have been weirded out but for some reason I felt like I didn’t need to be with Gavin. I felt comfortable with him, even if he confused the heck out of me...and made me want him all at the same time. How was this possible?

“Hun, are you okay?” An older couple had just bumped into me and the woman was regarding me with a concerned expression.

I lifted the corner of my mouth at her, coming out of the stupor I was in. “I’m fine. Sorry.”

I quickly left the dance floor, praying no one had seen that exchange between Gavin and I, one person in particular. I hadn’t expected to see him here, nor had I expected him to actually be interested in me.

I sat at my table and gladly took the glass of champagne one of the servers handed me, taking a large gulp. I knew I was intoxicated but I didn’t feel like that had anything to do with what I was experiencing. What on Earth was going on?

“I’m definitely making Malachi suffer through the next event with Don. I’ve never heard someone talk so much about himself.” Carter seated himself beside me, unbuttoning his tux and sitting back.

I smiled, tilting my head to watch him, analyzing the curves of his face. The flush of his cheeks and the beautiful blue of his eyes. I really had quite the dilemma now, one I hadn’t been aware even existed before. Such first world problems but why did Gavin have to show up and confuse me while I was trying to figure out my feelings toward my ex?

Carter turned to look at me, feeling my eyes on him. He smiled lightly as if laughing at his own inside joke. “I think that whiskey is getting to you.”

I laughed softly, holding eye contact. “It might be.”

He turned his body toward me, leaning forward. “Should we try that dance again?”

I watched him for a moment before responding. “Actually I was thinking we could get out of here. I’m in the mood for a night walk.” Whenever I had a good buzz going, I felt the need to be outside and enjoy the feel of nature. Of life. I also wanted to get as far away from Olivia and Gavin as possible. Partially to avoid any arguments and partially to clear my head.

“Whatever you wish.”

We left the event, my mind venturing off to think about Gavin only once. I wondered who his date was. If she was pretty and if they were together. Was he in a relationship? But more importantly, what was he going to tell me when we saw each other tomorrow? Would there be a simple explanation to the weird incident that had occurred? Or would the truth be something much more...unexpected?

Carter and I walked around the city for a while, taking a detour through central park. We talked and laughed and danced around, never doing more than holding hands and sharing intimate looks. I knew I was falling for him all over again and that scared me. I wasn’t sure whether I was ready to open myself up again and take that chance. I’d done it once and it had been thrown back in my face. Could I do it again?

We continued our conversation on the ride back, my head resting on his shoulder as we talked about more private things. Our hopes and dreams for the future, some of which we had in common. When we pulled up to my building, Carter stepped out of the limo with me, walking me up as he always had. I felt that familiar ball of nerves begin to stir in my chest, wondering how our night would end. I didn’t want to move too fast but I did want...something.

He was silent as I slipped my key into the lock on my door, stepping inside to drop my clutch on the couch. He hung back in the doorway and I wasn’t sure if it was because he was being a gentleman or if it was because he was nervous. Either way, I appreciated it.

I walked back over to him, leaning to the side in the doorway, his hand on the frame beside my head.

“Did you have a good time tonight?” he asked.

I nodded. “I did.” The buzz from earlier had worn off but I still felt warm and tingly. Perhaps that feeling was from something else. “Did you?”

He smiled. “I did. I always enjoy my time with you.”

I bit my lip, forcing my eyes to stay locked on his. My heart rate was beginning to race and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold back from kissing him. “So do I...Carter-”

Before I could finish my sentence, Carter’s free hand had lightly grabbed my waist and pulled me forward, his lips meeting mine. I was surprised for a moment before letting go of the tension in my body and kissing him back. I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his. It had been so long since I’d kissed him and I wanted him so badly. Fortunately, it was clear he wanted me too.

He tilted his head a bit and moved his arm around my waist, his lips moving perfectly with mine before slipping his tongue in, causing the fire between us to raise a notch.

I felt the tingling in my body rush to one spot as I ran my hand through his hair, feeling the tension spread through every nerve. I hadn’t been kissed like this in so long and I never wanted it to end.

But then again, I did want it to end. I didn’t know why but I suddenly felt like I had to stop it before it went too far. And so I did, breaking the kiss and pulling back, still wrapped in Carter’s embrace, my hands resting on his shoulders. We were both breathing heavily and I almost wanted to laugh at the dramatics of the situation. We were like two dogs in heat. “I’m sorry.”

He pressed his forehead to mine. “It’s okay.”

“I want to take it slow...I know this is nothing new for us but...I just need to take it slow. If that’s alright?” Whether he said yes or no, I was sticking with my decision. That much I knew.

He grunted, his jaw tensing. “I respect that. I just wish you knew what it was doing to me.”

I laughed, planting a peck on his lips. “I’m sorry. I just need to do it this way. I don’t exactly want to...I just have to.”

Carter sighed, lifting his head, disappointment but understanding in his eyes. “I know. I’ll call you tomorrow?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Alright.” He kissed my forehead before slowly releasing my waist and heading down the hall.

I stepped back into my apartment and closed the door before letting out the enormous sigh I’d been holding in. I needed to go to sleep immediately before I changed my mind and called him, begging him to come back. I had to stay strong until I could figure out how I felt about the situation. The last thing I needed was to make a choice based on momentary feelings and regret it later. Although the tiniest bit of guilt swimming through me was starting to feel like regret.

I definitely needed to go to sleep.

A certain redhead danced his way into my mind as I changed out of my dress and prepared for bed. I couldn’t believe I was still thinking of Gavin after what had just transpired. The way he’d held my waist as we’d danced. How handsome he’d looked in his tux. The assertive way with which he’d spun me around the dance floor. I definitely didn’t have the head space to think about Carter, let alone add Gavin to the mix.

I forced thoughts of both men out of my mind and curled up under my bed sheet, praying that sleep would take me before my day dreaming could get any more ridiculous.