Clementine (24 page)

Chapter
28

Bethenny stood behind Addison
as they both gazed into the full-length mirror.

“Damn girl. Dr. Taylor is lucky to be taking you to that fundraiser,” Bethenny winked. “But honestly could you just snap like one picture of him in his tux to send my way. I mean it’s hard to live vicariously through you if I have to imagine
everything
.”

“You’re crazy, and of course I will. I owe you for helping me get ready,” Addison turned to hug her friend.

“Don’t, god don’t hug me! You’ll ruin your hair or god forbid your makeup,” Bethenny joked as the two girls unraveled into a giggling fit.

It hadn’t taken Addison long to find the perfect dress the day before. She’d stumbled on the slinky spaghetti strapped black gown the moment she’d stepped into the department store. The ruched bodice fit her hourglass frame like a glove, accentuating her slim waist and slender arms. The long skirt ran in fluid folds to the floor. Her favorite part, however, was the triangular cutout on the back which offered a glimpse of her bare
, tanned skin. The light, silky fabric was perfect for Austin humidity and she couldn’t help but feel divine in the gown. She’d already applied her usual make-up: moisturizer, some powder, a touch of eyeliner, and a few swipes of mascara. Bethenny had insisted she add a few dabs of a creamy bronzy blush and the effect was unreal, she looked as if she’d spent the last few days relaxing and getting a natural glow on the beach rather than crammed in her apartment studying. 

The eyeliner and black dress made her bright green eyes and blonde hair appear even more remarkable. Instead of her customary curls, she’d carefully straightened her long hair so that it ran sleekly down her back, fall
ing just above the triangle cutout. She felt sexy and alluring, knowing Holden would love the dress just as much as she did.

A quarter past seven Holden
called to say he was on his way.

“Ah, he’s almost here!” Addison tried to hurry Bethenny out of her apartment but not before saying a thousand thank-
you's and promising at least one tux picture.

“I mean if you get one with him bending over, I wouldn’t object
...” Bethenny laughed as she paused in the doorframe.

Addison
giggled, “Okay, now you’re actually outrageous and I’m concerned I should have thought about doing a background check before becoming friends with you.”

Bethenny turned in the hallway with a silly grin, “The only thing you should get a background check on is that boy in a tux, because it should be illegal.”

“Oh my god, that was sooo cheesy. Your tux picture is about to be revoked.”

“Illegal?”

Addison’s laughter froze at the sound of Holden’s voice. Bethenny’s head snapped in the direction of the apartment stairs and her mouth dropped open. Addison was still standing inside her apartment so she couldn’t see him yet but Bethenny’s expression said it all. Her eyes widened as she took in Holden’s appearance and Addison appreciated the excitement building within her.
He probably looks sinfully sexy in his tux.

“This is my cue,” Bethenny
said, giving Addison a wide grin that spoke volumes. “You two stay out of trouble. Or don’t, I’m not the police. Call you tomorrow Addison.”

Addison waved goodbye to her friend unable to muster any words. She took a deep breath, and shuffled on her high-heeled feet. She looked down to make sure he
r dress was laying as it should: wrapping seductively tight around her body, and when she looked up, he was standing in her doorway.

She drank in the sight of his dark hair and cleanly shaven face. Her eyes traveled down his long lean body that wore the black tuxedo as if it was what his elegant muscles were made for. It was almost too much to take in; his deep brown eyes, perfect features
, and dimpled smile were enough to steal her breath away. He had one hand tucked into his pocket and the other was holding a bouquet of white peonies.
I don’t think I can move.

“Wow,” Holden spoke taking a step toward her. “We should leave now or we won’t be making it to that fundraiser at all.” His eyes scanned down her long gown, taking his sweet time. She blushed under his gaze and performed a little twirl
so that he’d see the little cutout on the back.

“But I’m all dressed up,”
she joked leaning in for a quick kiss. She lingered longer than she intended, breathing him in.

“You look...stunning,” he spoke, handing her the bouquet after they’d reluctantly pulled apart. His eyes never faltered from her, as if he were trying to pin down every piece of her to memory. Each spot he cast his gaze seemed to warm in response and she couldn’t still the arousal building within her. She shook her head.
This is ridiculous; we’re both undressing each other with our eyes like two hormonal teenagers.

“They’re
perfect, I wish I could take them with me.” She smiled at the bouquet, hoping to subdue the sexual tension threatening to explode between them, “Would you mind putting them in that glass vase on top of the fridge while I grab a few things?”

She turned and walked into her room to grab her clutch and a small
overnight bag. She hadn’t told Holden she planned to stay the night with him after the fundraiser, but he’d invited her to stay at his house quite a few times over the past week and tonight just felt right. She’d packed a pair of pajamas, an outfit for tomorrow, and a few essentials. When she came out of her room he eyed the bag with a knowing grin.

“You can wipe
those little dimples off your face. Maybe this is a really large purse. I’m taking it inside the fundraiser with me,” she bluffed as he held his hand out to carry it for her.

He glanced subtly into the bag. “Mhmm, I bet you’ll definitely need makeup remover wipes and polka dot pajama pants during the fundraiser,”
he remarked, his head titled adorably to the side.

She arched a brow, continuing the facade, “I don’t know. I hear these things run late. Doctor’s know how to parrr-tay.” She smiled coyly at her lame joke, as he shook his head, most likely thinking
, “What am I going to do with you.”

“It’s a wonder I still find you irresistible.” A side smile studded his mouth before he leaned in for one final kiss before they left her apartment.

The Driskill Hotel was a historic landmark
in downtown Austin and its interiors definitely played the part. The marble columns and elevated ceilings were breathtaking and lent the fundraiser an air of grace and elegance. A ten-piece orchestra was in full swing by the time she and Holden had stepped into the room and she paused for a moment, taking in the entire display.

As her eyes scanned the room she noticed lingering gazes aimed in their direction. In normal circumstances she thought they made a cute couple, but with Holden in a tuxedo, no other man in the room stood a chance. It felt surreal to be on his arm in public especially when she made eye contact with various staff members from the hospital. She smiled at a few of the nurses she recognized, noting their surprised expressions as their eyes fell on Holden’s arm casually wrapped around her.

“You look so beautiful, Addy,” Holden whispered, his breath seductively hitting her neck just below her ear. She laughed at the thought, but tried to accept his sweet compliment anyway.
Yeah right, Mr. GQ.

“I think that table over there is ours,” he
continued. “I’ll go get us a drink, is white wine okay?” he asked, reluctantly withdrawing his arm from around her waist.

“White wine would be great
.” She offered him a reassuring smile, holding her clutch with both hands. She watched him walk away toward the bar, moving gracefully in his tux, oblivious to his spell over her. Even though she knew he would meet her at the table with drinks, her body was still bereft at the sudden separation. When he touched her, every nerve seemed to fire in response. Over the weeks she’d learned to accept the goose bumps when he kissed her cheek and the weak knees after his finger grazed across her skin, but at times her overpowering desire for him astonished her. She prayed they were on the same page, that he was as lovesick as she was.

She took a breath and attempted to shake off the feeling as she headed towards the table he’d pointed to and was pl
easantly surprised to find both Dr. Richard and Dr. Patrick already seated at the table with their dates. Their expressions didn’t look shocked when they noticed her approach so she figured Holden had already mentioned their relationship to his colleagues. She greeted them with a warm smile and introduced herself to their beautiful dates.
This night may actually be perfect
, she thought as the group welcomed her. Right before she was able to take her seat however, she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

As she turned toward the touch she was met
by Holden’s chocolate brown eyes, though they were connected to a much different body. Standing in front of her was a familiar ghost from the past; the same brunette that had caused so much pain a year ago.
Holden’s sister
.

“I’m so sorry to
interrupt but would you mind if I stole you away for a moment?” she asked charmingly.

Addison’s heart began to race at the situation she suddenly found herself in. She nodded, unable to find words, and followed his sister to a small bar in the corner of the ballroom.
Holden didn’t tell me his sister was coming...Dear god she’s as beautiful as he is handsome. What the hell did they eat growing up?

“I’m so sorry to awkwardly spring myself on you like that. I didn’t tell my brother I was coming so you don’t have to be mad at him
for not mentioning it to you,” she laughed, instantly putting Addison’s mind at ease.
She’s good.

“I’m Jessica,” s
he said, extending her hand.

“Addison,” s
he answered, trying to compose her thoughts, “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. You and Holden look so much alike.” His sister wasn’t what she had expected. She was beautiful, but she wasn’t intimidating. She had the demeanor of a kindergarten teacher, and Addison silently rejoiced at that fact.

“We get that a lot. It used to bother me to be honest, but now that we’re older I don’t mind being told I look five years younger,” she spoke with a red-lipped grin.

Addison returned the smile, wondering why Jessica had pulled her aside. She could see out of the corner of her eye that Holden had returned to the table and was casually looking around for her. She hoped one of the doctors would inform him where she’d gone.

“So you and my brother are dating pretty seriously now?” Jessica asked, bringing Addison’s attention back to her. The directness of her question surprised Addison and she couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh. How much had Holden shared with his sister? She didn’t want to say the wrong thing and embarrass herself. Holden was the head resident and Addison was just a PA student; what if Jessica thought she was just some fling? What if she knew Addison’s expiration date was soon approaching?

“Well, we were friends before I left for P.A. school, and then things sort of changed when I came back to Austin...” Addison stammered, knowing she wasn’t exactly answering the question.

Jessica’s smile was genuine as she nodded her head, seeming to gather her thoughts before she spoke again.

“You know I was with him in the hospital on the day you left for PA school. We rarely have time to see each other but he called me that day and told me he needed me to come meet him for lunch. He told me he needed advice about a girl… about you.”

Addison nodded her
head, not wanting to reveal what she thought was really taking place that day.

“I know my brother is handsome, I mean I grew up seeing the wa
y my friends reacted to him... But you know what the crazy thing is Addison? He’s a big sweetheart, and I just can’t see him get hurt, not after what happened with you the first time,” she said before gently placing her hand on Addison’s arm. “You’re the only girl he’s even
mentioned
to me in the past few years, since his college girlfriend. I just want you to know that he’s a good guy and if you hurt him, I’ll definitely have a bone to pick with you.” She smiled and squeezed Addison’s hand to let her know she wasn’t trying to be harsh.

“I had no idea…”
Addison couldn’t think of anything to say. She focused on Jessica’s soft grip on her hand, trying to piece together her advice.
Or warning.

“I’ve kept you long enough though, I have to go rejoin my da
te and I think my brother is looking for you as well,” She said, before letting go of Addison’s hand and stepping away.

“I hope we get the chance to get together s
oon, Addison,” she spoke with a nod before walking away.

(♫
12)Addison stood rooted to the ground. Her stomach twisted into knots as she tried to process the last few minutes.
Only girl?
She didn’t know anything about his college girlfriend other than that they dated for three years. She also knew he had dated women since college. However, the fact that none of them had been important enough to mention to his sister, other than Addison, seemed shocking.