She rarely thought about covering the tattoo because she usually wore her hair down and very few people were aware she had it. If Braxton wasn’t going to be in attendance at the auction, covering it with makeup wouldn’t have crossed her mind because the diamond choker was more than likely wide enough. However, she didn’t want to take any chances that Braxton would see it and assume she’d kept it because she still had feelings for him. But deep down she knew her reasons, even if she hated to admit them to herself. She’d never stopping loving him no matter how hard she’d tried, but she had been able to move on with her life without him. He rarely crossed her mind except the times when the orchids would arrive, and she’d withdraw for a day. But she’d bounce back every time and keep living. Now seeing him again had rustled up buried feelings. While she was curious as to what he needed to say, Elle feared the longings she had for him over the years would resurface, and she’d cave in to her desires just to feel his loving caress again.
* * *
Entering the ballroom, Braxton unbuttoned his Elle Lauren tuxedo coat and spotted his twin sisters waving to him from a table in the front of the room. He waved back and proceeded to search for Elle but there was no sign of her. The wedding dress she’d mentioned was on a mannequin on the stage along with his piano and other items for the auction. The cocktail hour had begun and there weren’t many guests in attendance yet. He nodded and spoke to a few people he knew and then headed to the bar where he spotted his cousin Preston Chase wearing a wide grin as he typed something rapidly on his cell phone. Knowing him, it was one of his many female friends. Preston was one of Atlanta’s most sought-after bachelors having made his millions from developing popular video games for cell phones, tablets and computers.
“What’s up, man?” Braxton greeted. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
Preston tore his eyes away from the screen. “Hadn’t planned on it. Tiffani asked me to donate something at the last minute. She’s the chairperson over the scholarship fundraiser and has an astronomical goal in mind.”
Nodding, Braxton read over the list of drinks that were being offered on a small easel on the bar. “You know your baby sister wants whatever event she is associated with to be a success.”
“Of course. She’s a Chase. We all have Grandmamma Chase’s perfectionist trait in us.”
The gentlemen ordered their drinks and strolled over to the stage to peruse the items for the auction. Braxton sipped his brandy while every now and then glancing back at the entrance to see if and when Elle would arrive. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since she’d reentered his life. During their years apart, when she crossed his mind, he could find something to do in order to distract himself. Now that he’d seen her beautiful face again in person, no matter what he tried, it was a waste of effort.
Braxton’s eyes landed once more on the wedding gown. It was exquisite. He hated that he never saw Elle glide down the aisle in the gown she’d created and sewn herself for their wedding. He remembered her being thrilled and exhausted when she’d finally finished it along with five bridesmaids’ dresses a week before their big day was supposed to happen. She’d been bubbly and overanxious for him to see her masterpiece because she’d designed it with him in mind.
He’d followed her career once she returned to the United States and began working for a famous fashion house in New York City until she took a chance and created her own line. She’d stated in a bridal magazine article that she loved designing wedding gowns because she wanted to be a part of a bride’s happily-ever-after ever since her ex had been a no-show on her wedding day. Reading that part of the interview made him feel like a jerk. However, it had boosted her sales because every woman wanted a dress designed by the jilted designer.
The men continued browsing the items and Braxton came across a few things he considered bidding on. “So what did you donate?” He hadn’t noticed Preston’s name on any of the items.
A sly smile emerged across Preston’s face. “A date with me.” He stroked his goatee. “I figure they can start the bidding at around five. Heck, maybe even ten.”
“Yeah, five bucks sounds about right,” Braxton joked, patting his cousin on the back and then tilting his head toward some of the women who were around his mother’s age. “I’m sure some of the golden-ager sorors would love to have a young cub.”
“You’re not funny, cuz, and I meant five thousand dollars.”
“Well, good luck with that. What about Rhonda?”
Preston’s face wrinkled with puzzlement. “Who?”
“The young lady you brought by the club last week who sat in your lap, fed you and nibbled on your ear all night.”
“Nah, man. She’s just one of my honeys in rotation. Nothing serious. Once I leave here, I’m jetting over to this chick’s place for a late-night skinny dip in her pool. It was over eighty degrees today.”
“Well, it is the middle of June in Hot Atlanta. It’s only going to get hotter.”
“I’m still beating you on the golf course this summer no matter what.” Preston glanced at his watch. “I need this shindig to start so I can go.” He downed his scotch and licked his tongue across his lips, slamming the empty glass on a nearby highboy. “Damn, on second thought, I may need to stay awhile longer. The honey dip that just strutted in is fine, and she’s looking this way. I should just give her twenty-five thousand right now so she can bid on me. Oh, it’s definitely going to be a hot summer.” Rubbing his hands together, Preston tilted his head in her direction.
Braxton turned around to see who his cousin’s next conquest was going to be only to discover Elle saunter into the room. And she was indeed fine as Preston had stated. The straight black dress encased her body as if it was created for only her to wear—which it probably was. Her windswept updo brought out her mesmerizing eyes, her swan-like neck and the diamond choker that was a reminder of how refined and classy she’d become. His gaze jerked to the slit that stopped midthigh that showcased her smooth, honey-coated legs. His thoughts travelled to the times when her legs were wrapped around his waist or entangled with his while they made love. Her legs, especially her thighs, had always been one of his favorite places to explore. Did she purposely wear that dress? Her eyes lingered on him for a second before turning to the hostess with a pleased smile as if she knew he was tempted. Oh, yeah, she wore it for me. And it worked as a strain against his pants emerged.
Preston tapped his chin. “You know she looks familiar. Do we know her?”
“That’s Elle.”
“Your ex? The one that you left at the altar, and we all thought you were crazy and just plain foolish?”
“Gee, thanks,” Braxton said sarcastically as they headed to their table.
“Well, dang. She’s definitely all grown up now. I don’t remember her being so...um...curvy and alluring. She’s mighty fierce in that dress. I’m surprised someone hasn’t wifed her up yet.”
“Well, it won’t be you so stop salivating over her.” Even though Braxton was joking with his cousin, a tinge of jealously soared through his bones. The thought of her with someone else didn’t sit well with him. However, he was surprised she wasn’t married yet.
“Uh-huh. Don’t worry, man. We’re family. I remember Tiffani saying Elle may still have feelings for you. So what are you going to do about it?” Preston asked seriously. “There’s some other men checking her out.” He nodded toward a few of their colleagues who were eyeing Elle.
Braxton cracked a confident smile in her direction as he caught her eyes roam over him momentarily before diverting away as if she’d been caught. “I’m a Chase man. What do you think?”
“Are