Having never been to an auction, let alone a charity auction, I didn't know what to expect. Paddles with our names and numbers awaited us at our table. They were similar to table tennis paddles, only these were white plastic and had beautifully inscribed lettering and numbers. The master of ceremonies approached the lectern once again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing tonight's chosen charity, The Haven, a series of shelters for victims of domestic abuse. The founder is here to say a few words, Mrs. Grace Crawford" As he stepped away the room exploded with applause and cheers as Grace walked up to the lectern, she fixed her dress and using her hands to signal to calm, the room very quickly fell silent.
"I wish to thank everyone here tonight for attending this event. Most of my close friends and family know how much this event and those who like it, affect the lives of the many. Domestic abuse is not just a man hitting a woman, men are victims too. We often think of men as the stronger species, but they are just as vulnerable as women. Our now housekeeper arrived outside our home one wet night in October 2021, with both her children tucked under her long raincoat. They had no possessions, no food or money or a place to stay. Linda had been beaten several times that day, her poor children had to watch as their mother cowered on the floor, whilst their father beat her with anything he could use as a weapon, when he was drunk, he would rape her repeatedly. No one deserves to be treated this way. We took Linda and both her children in that night, it seems like they have never left," this made a few people laugh, whilst others wiped their eyes at the story Grace was recounting.
"In all seriousness, The Haven was set up with Linda's help and position in mind. We have places for people to flee to if they ever feel threatened or are abused. It was important that everyone felt safe, so we have a dedicated men's shelter, so that no one had to fear the opposite sex." Grace took a small sip of water located on a table beside her, before continuing.
"Your donations and money raised tonight will go towards counselling, renovations to the existing buildings and to set up a job-hunting scheme to help people get back on their feet. Should anyone have extra to offer in way of material items or even helping us with rental spaces, please speak with me once the auction has concluded, thank you." More applause erupted, Grace's words touched all in the room, you could almost hear the hearts and wallets open, eager for a taste of helping someone other than themselves. The master of ceremonies took over again announcing the first lot of the evening, a diamond encrusted Rolex watch in 24kt gold. As the bidding commenced and very quickly went over fifteen thousand dollars, I took a peek through the tables of people at Grace, she was positively bouncing in her chair with excitement, this only grew as the next seven lots collectively raised four million dollars. Private Lear jet charter, holiday to a secluded island, cases of champagne and two cars were amongst the lots. We had yet to get to Chase's Aspen lodge lot, but that was next.
"Sold for one point six million dollars to bidder number 82, next up we have a one week stay at Chase Crawford's Aspen lodge for up to eight people, this includes return transfers to the nearby airport, meals, and drinks. I'm sorry to say ladies, Chase himself isn't included in this lot" this caused a few boos from the ladies surrounding our table.
"If you had thrown in your inviting company Chase, which would have brought a lot more money to the lot!" an older woman spoke from across our table, playing with the stem of her champagne flute between her fingers.
"Unfortunately, I'm quite busy with the company at present, even if most of the guests here could afford ninety thousand dollars an hour for my time" he replied, lifting his own champagne flute to his lips, and taking a drink.
"How much did you say? Ninety thousand? Is that how much you earn, per hour?" my mouth fell open as he slowly nodded.
"Yes, give or take a few thousand" he raised his eyebrow, and a smirk touched his lips.
Never in my wildest dreams could I ever earn that.
Pondering that thought, I make my excuses and left to find the ladies' bathroom, he makes me so uncomfortable; he was very wealthy and clearly a shrewd businessperson. I am fairly certain he could fund all the changes needed at The Haven himself, but it was obvious he cared for his parents, and this would seem disingenuous, although I bet, he has written quite a few cheques out for them.
I returned to the table just in time for Chase to also make an excuse and take a call from his phone. I followed him with my eyes as he left the room just as the last lot was finishing.
"Sold for five million dollars to bidder 196. Thank you so much everyone. I shall return after the music with a total for this evening and how to redeem your prizes." A curtain moved to the right of the stage to reveal an orchestra and a singer standing at the microphone.
"Grab a partner and let's set the dance floor on fire!" she crooned. As she started to sing At Last by Etta James, I tried to not look awkward as couples made their way to dance. I have always loved to dance, Dad had shown me some moves when I was little and took every opportunity to twirl me around in our living room, should a song come on the radio he loved.
***
I was pulled from my sulking by a slight tapping on my shoulder.
"Excuse me miss, how could anyone not be dancing with you? would you care to dance? My name is Benjamin Cross" he offered his arm with a beaming white smile.
"Oh, thank you, I'm happy to be saved from boredom to be honest, I felt like a spinster left on the shelf." Heat rose in my cheeks from the embarrassment of speaking my mind once again.
"Elena Maclaren, of Crawford Industries, it's a pleasure to meet you." I performed a tiny curtsy and giggled, this man had an instant effect on me, and when he smiled again, I could feel a spontaneous attraction, my nipples pebbled beneath my dress, in the low light it was impossible to notice them, but I felt self-conscious anyway, lifting up my free arm to lay it across my chest. Even beneath his tuxedo, I could tell Benjamin worked out, his shirt clung to his chest, and I could almost see the outline of muscle pushing at the fabric. He was a few inches taller than me, the same as Chase but sported raven black hair, pristinely styled.
Oh gosh, Chase! Where had he gone!
"I'm sure my escort this evening will be back shortly, let's not go too far onto the dance floor," I said, glancing around to see if I could glimpse him.
"Oh, don't worry, Chase won't mind that you're with me, we're old friends from Dartmouth, he'll know I'll look after you." Something about the way he said it made me instantly think of the grinch and his mischievous smile, I shook it off, I didn't know Benjamin, I've got no reason to doubt him. I was hopeful they only invited society's elite to these types of events.
The ballroom was alive with the sounds of laughter and the gentle rustle of elegant gowns sweeping across the polished floor. Benjamin took me in his arms as the next song began. I watched an older couple dancing beside us. As the soft melodies caressed my senses, they twirled and swayed, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. My gown cascaded around my body, accentuating my every graceful movement, while Benjamin, in his tailored tux, held me close with an air of confidence.
"So how long have you been working for Chase?" his words were barely audible above the music.
"Technically, I've not actually started working for him, I'm due to begin as soon as my dad is well enough to leave," a frown crossed his pinched brows.
"Why? What happened to him" he enquired, spinning me in a small circle, just missing the couples dancing beside us.
"He was involved in an accident after work, a drunk driver hit him, and he got hurt badly. Chase has been helping us ever since, he's been amazing to us both." I couldn't help smiling, I had meant every word. Without Chase I'm not sure my sanity would have been intact. As the song drew to a close Benjamin held me closer, I could feel the heat radiating from him. His scent was all around me, it was intoxicating, but not as much as Chase. He was in another league. As if on cue, I was awoken from my daydream by Benjamin stopping abruptly. Chase had pulled his shoulder and was now glaring venomously at Benjamin.
"Get your hands off her Ben!" Benjamin didn't have time to react as a fist flew at his face.
"Chase! What are you doing." I bent over to help Benjamin on to his feet, the crowd had parted enough to give us some space, luckily Benjamin hadn't knocked into anyone when he fell.
"What's the matter Chase, frightened I might take her from you too" smirking he rubbed his jaw, which was already swollen and red. Before any more words were said Chase grabbed my hand and marched us into the hall.
"What were you thinking dancing with that snake!" he paced the floor, sweat pearled on his forehead. I sat on a chair next to the stairs, gripping the sides to steady myself. I wasn't used to violence; I wasn't one to watch playground fights at school and I quickly would turn the news off if it showed any type of fighting.
"I've only just met his Chase, it wasn't like you gave me any rules of who not to talk to this evening, plus you had gone to take a phone call, I was all alone" my face heated with anger. My knuckles turned white from holding the seat too hard.
"What's the story with you two anyway, you looked ready to kill him" Chase towered over me, his face hard.
"That's a story for another day, he's not worth talking about" He could see I was stressing out so bent down in front of me and balanced on one knee to the floor. He took both my hands, smoothing them with his thumbs, like he had done with my lower back, earlier in the evening.
"I saw you in his arms and it drove me crazy" he genuinely looked sorry, he kept his eyes down, watching our hands and where they were connected.
"I don't know what it is about you Elena, you drive me crazy too" I pulled away from him and stood.
"Wow really! I drive YOU crazy, imagine how I feel about you now." Turning away I put my hands on my hips, gathering the strength to say what needed to be said. Spinning around I looked him in the eyes.
"You drive ME crazy Chase, first you interview me asking all these weird questions, you insert yourself into my life, controlling everything that happens with my dad, it's not that I'm not grateful Chase" a took a long sigh.
"But I really don't understand what it is you want from me" a rush of frustration fell from my shoulders as they sagged. Chase bounds over to me and held my face between both his large hands.
"I'm sorry Elena, when I said you drive me crazy, what I meant was.... I feel something for you.... I don't know what it is, I can't seem to stay away from you. You are so strong and…. willful and full of life, I would like to take you out properly, on an actual date, rather than a business event." He lifted my face so he could talk into my eyes, which were now filling with tears at his emotional outburst.
"I would like to take you out where it's just us Elena, but most of all, I've been dying to kiss those inviting lips, ever since I saw you in the foyer of my building" my lips parted as if he commanded them, I involuntarily leaned forward, rising onto my tiptoes, Chase lowered his head and our lips slowly inched closer.
"There you are Chase, quite a show you put on. I'm ready to leave now." I pulled away and took a step back, behind Chase, Claire was standing with her coat draped over her arm, impatiently tapping her foot on the marble tiled floor. Just before Chase could speak, Benjamin emerged into the hall, talking on his phone. Chase charged over towards him, a menacing look in his eyes. Before Chase was three feet away, police entered the hall from the main entrance.
"Officers, this is the man that just assaulted me, I have multiple witnesses" pointing at Chase, the police officers walked towards him.
"Sir are you Chase Crawford?" they inquired, referring to their notebook.
"Yes, I'm Chase Crawford" he admitted, I stood behind him, my fingers in my mouth, chewing my nails was always a nervous habit.
"Please come with us down the station, we have a few questions for you." I watched Chase walk away with the police officers, as Claire sauntered over to me, clicking her heels on the floor.
"Oh well, looks like I'll have to settle for second prize tonight then" she pulled her lipstick out of her purse and began applying it using her phones camera function.
"Oh, excuse me Benjamin, I'm looking for a ride home" she winked as she approached him.
"Follow me Claire" he offered her his arm and began walking out the door. Before they went through Benjamin turned to me, with a look of pity on his face.
"This won't be the first time he lets you down Elena, I suggest you quit him now" he turned away from me and the two of them left me alone.
"Excuse me madam, I'll take you home" Turner, Chase's driver had appeared beside me, so silent were his movements I hadn't noticed.
"Thank you"