Free No Ordinary Romance by Stephanie Jean Smith Page B

down to her toes.
    The dress Sam picked out for her was a
strapless tiered dress the color of champagne with a matching
shawl. She even included a lacy cream colored bra and thong set
with a pair of silk thighhighs. Candy red Whistle Pump shoes
completed her attire.
    She quickly donned her bra, thong, and silk
thighhighs before rushing back into the bathroom to complete her
makeup. She applied bronze and copper eye shadow to make her blues
eyes pop, with a touch of eyeliner in the corner to achieve the
smoky look. A little dab of mascara and a swab of strawberry gloss
for her lips. She finished off her grand appearance with her
momma's ruby and diamond earrings and a gold cocktail ring.
    She grabbed her studded
clutch and pulled her black hooded cloak out of the closet. She was
ready for an evening full of excitement and dancing. She was
determine d to raise a pot full of money for
the Cabbage Patch Foundation tonight. Connie and Laura double dated
with Laura's lovers at last year's dance. Donald and Lawrence
Hughes turned out to be fascinating dates. Connie tried not to
judge Laura's lifestyle because of her background, but it was
obvious to everyone including Laura that the brothers were besotted
with her.
    The Hughes brothers wouldn't attend tonight.
They were still mourning Laura, but they honored her memory by
sending a $250,000 check for the cause. She heard rumors that they
put up a million dollar reward for any information regarding
Laura's murder. She didn't know if anyone ever collected, all she
knew is that she missed her friend.
    ***
    The Valentine's Day dance was a huge success.
Hundreds of people milled around the ballroom networking and
socializing with acquaintances before dinner was served. Connie
wasn't surprised at the turnout; the Valentine's Day dance was the
most popular fundraiser even at $1000 per person. She figured it
was a cheap way for rich people to celebrate the holiday.
    This year she and her organizers decided on a
new venue with a better menu. Prime rib instead of rubbery chicken,
they even planned a vegan meal for the vegetarians in the audience.
Connie got up and gave her speech; thanking everyone in attendance
for their support. She also used this opportunity to share the
progress of the foundation. People liked knowing that the money
they donate to a worthy cause is actually paying off.
    Connie knew the precise moment Thomas walked
into the ballroom. A chill ran over her body causing the fine hairs
on her neck to rise. She had trouble swallowing as she struggled
through the rest of her speech. She hadn't seen him yet but felt
the intensity of his gaze boring a whole inside her chest. Was it
fear or was it excitement? She gave a toast, lifting her glass of
champagne to the attendees, wishing them joy and a pleasant
evening.
    Shortly after her speech, the dancing
commenced. Samantha's dress selection was on point, she was correct
in thinking that a majority of the women would be sporting red. .
Connie's gown was unique and stood out in the sea of red. She had
danced three times before Thomas grabbed her hand whisking her off
onto the dance floor. "I didn't expect to see you tonight."
    "Where else would I be on Valentine's Day,
than with my valentine?" Thomas pulled her closer until their faces
were only inches apart. "By the way nice speech. I think your
foundation took in a pretty penny tonight."
    Connie leaned even closer, letting the full
weight of her body rest against him. Her three inch heels almost
made them even in height; her cheek touched his as Thomas pulled
her yet closer again until she felt the warmth of his ever growing
erection. "I've missed you Thomas."
    "I'm glad. That means my grand scheme to make
you long for me has worked." He held her tightly in his arms
savoring the feel of her body against his. "I want you badly
Constantina. Come take a walk with me."
    As the dance ended, Connie allowed Thomas to
lead her from the ballroom. At that moment, a cameraman from one of
the