A Fool’s Game
Chapter Five
Savannah
The lights of the ball room were bright and I couldn’t help but notice the sweat beads that were starting to form on my forehead. I looked around the ball room for the first time tonight and actually took in my surroundings. Everything in the place was practically astonishing and the beautiful people standing around in groups made it look even better than it normally would have. A huge chandelier hung from the high ceilings lighting the whole place while the candle arrangements on the round tables were only just for looks. My eyes dropped from the ceiling to the second floor that was bound by a white and gold railing and watched the people mingle from afar. The walls were white but the stunning, gold window curtains made the whole place stand out as a whole.
I had been standing in my own little corner for the past two hours while Sawyer had been mingling with other guests- mostly women guests. Some people tried to mingle with me and I tried to mingle back but every time I turned around, they were asking something to do with my “father” and the Beaumont and I had no clue of what to say back. Every part of me knew that if Camilla could actually see me right now, we would have major problems because I was being totally unsociable but what could I say? I was totally out of my comfort zone. Hell, I felt uncomfortable being in Camilla’s presence but now I could see that it was really nothing. Standing in a ball room full of elite New Yorkers was much, much worse. It practically drove me to drinking and I was starting to feel slightly tipsy from the champagne. From the moment I walked in, everyone was watching Sawyer and me both. Woman were giving me, well Camilla, vicious and bitchy looks for being with such a handsome man while men were practically eye high fiving Sawyer for actually getting me to come to one of these things. And the elders, well, they were just interest to see what we were actually doing together.
Every time a gossiping old woman would approach us and ask how we had gotten together, Sawyer would brush them off almost completely saying, “It’s no one’s business but our own.” And honestly, I was thankful because neither of us had even thought to come up with a story to tell and was actually the last thing on our minds! However, seeing Sawyer brush so many people off so easily made me realize that he wasn’t as nice as he seemed.
I looked around for a moment and my eye immediately caught on to Sawyer who was standing there hugging on a red headed woman who Camilla Beaumont didn’t even hold a candle to. She was absolutely beautiful as she laughed and pulled Sawyer closer in for another hug. A pang of jealousy rolled through my body and I wasn’t sure why. He isn’t really mine and I had only known him for about three hours, but she was just so, so much more beautiful than me. The only thing I could do was search for ways in my mind to handle the situation like Camilla would. She seemed tough, and mean. Probably jealous. Her characteristics were completely opposite from mine in every way, but I could be thankful for the champagne that was making me feel much braver than I normally would have been without it. Of course, still Camilla would have been so much better at handling this situation than I would but she wasn’t here. She wouldn’t be here for two months and it was all up to me to hang on to him.
Sawyer stood with his arm around her waist as he laughed along with her. For a moment, I actually wondered what they were talking about but it only made me even madder. Only because I was his guest, and I had been standing alone almost all night. What happened to holding hands and kissing in public?
“You better go over there and claim your man before Addison Barrington gets her claws on him.” A soft but masculine voice said from behind me. Startled, I turned around quickly to see a tall but stocky man towering over me. For a moment I was taken aback by his handsome looks and I was completely lost for words. His blonde hair fell past his ears in careless waves and I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful blue eyes that caught my eyes before anything else. His cheek bones were high and strong while lips were perfectly plump.
The first thing that came to my mind was, are all rich men this amazingly good looking? I blinked once and blushed, embarrassed of my thoughts. The man stood still with both hands deep down into his black slacks and a breath taking smile that showed both rows of his pearly white teeth.
I nibbled on my bottom lip and smiled lightly, “I’d rather stay over here and enjoy the champagne.” I told him, as I turned to watch Sawyer move his down from her upper back to lower back in a sensual way.
The man walked up behind me and gently laughed, “Now, now. That’s not the Camilla Beaumont I know.”
My eyes immediately widened and a nervous feeling began brewing in the pit of my stomach. Of course, I would know him. Or would be expected to know who he was. Either way, I looked straight up into his eyes and gave him my best smile. “It’s our first date. I’m sure both of us have room for improvement on our dating skills.” I replied, as I reached for another glass of champagne when the waiter walked by.
The man laughed out and grabbed a glass as well, “Since when did you become so…Modest?” He asked, as he shook his head in disbelief. “The Camilla Beaumont I know would have marched right up to that woman and showed her whose boss around these parts.”
Of course she would, I thought as I gulped the champagne down in one go. I scoffed, “Around these parts? This is The Alluvian Hotel, meaning its all Sawyers territory.”
He glanced down at me and held eye contact as well, “Soon to be yours as well.”
My head immediately cocked to the side and for a moment I was confused, the deal between the Davenport and Beaumont families wasn’t supposed to go public until after summer. “Now, how would you know such a thing?” I asked, trying to make myself sound confident.
The man also cocked his head to the side and looked down at me with an unsure look. “Cami, I know it’s been a while since we last saw each other…” He started, as he turned towards me with a smirk on his face. “But that’s no reason for you to forget the lawyer that got you out of all those DUI tickets last year and the year before. It’s me, Harrison McIntire, your father’s family and business lawyer?”
My face and heart immediately dropped and I knew at that moment I had made a big mistake. However, I tried my best to recover and act as if it were a tiny mistake. “Harrison! Oh, of course! You have changed so much.” I said, panicking.
Harrison laughed dryly and slightly shook his head, “Not really.”
Of course, I wouldn’t be able to play that card. My cheeks heated quickly and I laughed nonchalantly, I knew I needed to change the subject but before I could think of anything to say, Harrison spoke again. “I guess it has been a while, huh? I almost didn’t recognize you either.” He laughed, lightly. “…You never were the type to sit in a corner all by yourself.”
I nodded in agreement and then decided to change the subject before I would embarrass myself even more in front of the devastatingly handsome man in front of me. “Well, what are you doing here?” I asked, as I skimmed the crowd to see Sawyer and Addison sharing a dance. He didn’t ask me to dance. It was probably a good thing though; I didn’t know how to dance to save my life.
Harrison pulled out one of the chairs and gestured me to sit and then sat down himself, “You know your father; he’s always asking me for something.” He murmured, as he relaxed in the chair. “I was told to look after you, and make sure you were doing everything you were told while he is away. I was supposed to lay low, but I couldn’t resist coming to keep such a beautiful, lonely lady some company.” He said, in a low, husky voice.
Again, my cheeks were on fire completely and I laughed nervously. “I was lonely; I was simply just enjoying the beautiful surroundings.” I plainly stated. And it was the truth, and I had been completely hypnotized the moment I stepped into The Alluvian ball room.
“And giving your soon to be husband death glares.” Harrison added, while chuckling. Well, and that too.
Almost immediately, I began to giggle and that was when I really felt the champagne starting to kick in. “Was it that noticeable?” I asked, hoping that it wasn’t. Most people my whole life had told me that holding my emotions on my sleeve was what I did best. They were probably right; I had never been able to hide my emotions.
Harrison shrugged and then looked to Sawyer and Addison who looked like they were getting pretty comfortable together on the dance floor. “I honestly can’t believe your still sitting here letting him embarrass you like that.” He murmured as he looked back at me and raised an eye brow.
I watched them dancing for a moment but then caught Sawyers beautiful grey eyes that were practically smirking at me. Taking a deep breath, I looked over to Harrison who was watching me intently and I couldn’t figure out why I was mad to see them. If I had to guess it was probably because it was our first legit date and he didn’t even have the manners to even try to converse with me at all. “You know what? Your right.” I stood abruptly from my chair trying not to sway too much and grabbed my clutch. I began to walk off but then remembered Harrison. When I turned back, he was leaning back in his chair, relaxed. Flashing him a smile, “It was nice to see you again Harrison. Don't be such a stranger.”
Harrison smirked and shook his head, “Now, that’s the Camilla Beaumont I know.”
Swiftly, I turned and began walking my way towards Sawyer and Addison. With every step I took, my nerves began to grow crazily. I hadn’t really thought this the whole way through. I took a deep breath and noticed that I was at the edge of the dance floor. For a moment, I almost turned around and went right back to Harrison but that wasn’t the Camilla he knew. I swallowed hard and pushed through the dancing couples, if I wanted this to work, I had to be and act like Camilla Beaumont. No matter how bad I wanted to cower away.
Sawyer
The night had been long and completely uneventful. It was now my third dance with Addison Barrington and I was starting to feel bored, but I couldn’t say so out loud. Nor could I actually just walk away from her. She had been invited, by me. However, I had totally forgotten I had invited her to the United States for a week completely free at The Alluvian because she had never been in the country. We had graduated from Oxford together and we had the same group of friends. And, well…We had an unofficial, on and off relationship during my years in England. Addison had always had some kind of hold on me; maybe it was the fiery red hair that flowed past her shoulders in beautiful curls, maybe it was her bright blue eyes that had always taken my breath away or maybe it was the way that she managed to look so damn innocent and sensual at the same time. God knows she isn’t innocent though.
I glanced down at her and smiled. It would have been great. I could have loved her but turns out she was like every other woman I knew- heartless. Addison Barrington had managed to make me fall down to my knees, a couple of times actually but deep down I knew we were never meant to be together. “You look good, Addie.” I told her, trying my best to hold a friendly conversation with her, without wanting to pull her to the nearest restroom and rip that black dress off her amazing body.
Addison laughed out loud and pulled my closer, “I know I do, Sawyer. I always look good.” She replied with her sexy accent and cocky attitude. I couldn’t be surprised by her response though; she had always been that way. Even the first day I had laid eyes on her in our International banking class, she had the same I’m sexy and I know it attitude.
I lightly laughed and shook my head, “I didn’t think you would come, it’s been a while.”
Addie shrugged and looked around at the crowd, “I had some free time before I go to work and I thought what the hell? However, I didn’t come here to spend my nights at stupid charity balls.” She told me, as she looked up at me and nibbled on her bottom lip which had always sent me completely wild for her. And it had always been her signature way to tell me she wanted me alone.
Laughing again, I looked down at her and grinned as she sent me a sexy wink. Leaning in, I breathed on her neck. “You should have given me a heads up Ads. I have a date tonight; otherwise, you know I would have been all yours.” I whispered, trying to restrain myself from nipping at her neck. Every part of me knew that I was making a mistake. Not even two hours ago I had promised Camilla that I wouldn’t have a lover but that was before I saw Addison walk into the ball room. And honestly, I didn’t have any intentions of flirting with Addison, but the fact that Camilla had seemed so indifferent about our situation and stood in a corner alone all night only fueled the fire.
“Sawyer Davenport is dating?” Addison asked, astonished. “Since when?”
My mind suddenly thought to Camilla and for a moment, I actually wondered where she was. My eyes darted to where she had been standing the whole night but she wasn’t there. I searched through the faces, until I saw her walking towards us with a determined look on her face. Our eyes locked for a long moment and I cleared my throat as I looked away and down to Addison. “Since tonight.” I replied, counting down the seconds until Camilla approached us both.
As Camilla got closer, a polite smile formed on her lips and I was completely surprised. Every part of me knew that she was going to rip Addison’s head off but the way she was smiling told me otherwise. Suddenly Addison noticed the woman that was approaching but didn’t say a word, she only pulled me closer. Camilla, still smiling, was now right beside us with her slim hand on my arm.
Addison cocked her head to the side and gave Camilla a blunt expression, “This must be her?” She asked, coolly. She suddenly dropped her hand from my shoulder and moved away to size Camilla up. We stood, as a tripod in the middle of the dance floor and I couldn’t help but notice the prying eyes from the crowd watching us intently.
I began to speak and introduce the both of them, but before I could say anything Camilla looked towards Addison and answered the question for me. “Must be her? As in his date? Why, yes I am. Camilla Beaumont.” She introduced herself softly, in a surprisingly respectful way. It seemed like Camilla didn’t hold any jealousy, but I knew she was because otherwise, she would still be over there in that corner.
Addison faltered back and looked at Camilla taken aback. “Well…” Her eyes glared up to mine and then back to Camilla. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Addison Barrington.” She said, sounding completely snotty.
To say the whole situation was awkward was an understatement and I wasn’t even sure how to handle it. I had one woman being completely civil and the other was looking like she wanted to rip the others head off. And plus, it was completely opposite. Camilla had every reason to be upset while Addison had no reason at all. Addison was only a guest and Camilla was going to be my wife soon. It suddenly hit me that everything I had done was wrong; I should have never agreed to dance with Addison while Camilla was watching because I knew if I pissed Camilla off enough, she had the ability to call everything off. And I wasn’t quite sure I was ready for that yet.
Camilla held contact with Addison for a long moment with the civil smile still posted upon her lips. “I know who you are.” She replied, easily. “However, I think Sawyer owes me the next dance…” Her green eyes glanced up to mine and they seemed somewhat nervous. “Don't you think?” She asked, completely ignoring Addison’s pissed off presence.
Swallowing hard, I silently nodded and then looked to Addison. “I’ll see you around, Addie. Enjoy your stay in the states.” She looked at me flabbergasted and as if she was completely surprised that I was dissing her for Camilla, which I was. Camilla was my date and I couldn’t afford making the wrong move right now.
“Of course…” She murmured, as she pulled me in for a lingering hug. My eyes caught Camilla who was watching the both of us intently. “I’m sure I will see you around before I leave, wont I? You did invite me, if you don't recall.” She purred, loud enough for Camilla to hear and I knew exactly what she was doing. She was making sure that Camilla knew that I was hers, when in reality, I was never hers.
Nodding slightly, I smiled at Addison. “Maybe we can all get together for dinner one night before you leave.”
Addison looked at me irritated for a moment and I knew a dinner date wasn’t what she had originally been talking about. “Of course.”
After Addison had stomped off the dance floor, the large piano in the middle of the ballroom began to play again. Almost immediately, one of my arms wrapped around Camilla and pulled her closer into my body and I couldn’t deny the fact that her warm body fit perfectly into mine. One of her hands landed on my shoulder and then she hesitantly put her hand in mine. “Are you enjoying the night?” I asked quietly, knowing that she wasn’t happy with me already.
Camilla completely ignored my question and smiled in response, “You’re not very good at first impressions are you Mr. Davenport?” She said, as if she were asking a question but stating it at the same time.
She was looking up at me at that moment and I was almost completely taken away by her green eyes and her beautiful face was even more mesmerizing. We began moving to the music and I could tell that she didn’t have much experience in dancing because every other step, she was stepping on my feet. It was cute because, every time, she glanced up my way and blushed, but then quickly look away as if it never happened.
“Addison is a friend.” I told her, quietly.
She smirked, and studied the crowd around us as if she didn’t want to look me in the eyes. “She’s beautiful.” Camilla murmured, as she glanced straight towards my chest. “How do you know her?”
My jaw clenched and I cleared my throat quietly. I wasn’t sure if I should tell her the truth about Addison and me. She had already done so well without making a scene and part of me felt like if she did know the truth about Addison and I, everything would go downhill from there. And I honestly didn’t want her embarrassing me in front of all of these guests. “We graduated together. We were great friends in college and she told me she had never been to the U.S before so I pulled some strings for her. I never thought she would actually come though.” I lied to Camilla, and by the look on her face I knew she didn’t believe me.
Camilla scoffed and then shook her head, “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a terrible liar?” She said, giggling a bit. “You can tell me the truth; I’m not the jealous type.” After she said the words, I wasn’t sure if I believed her or not.
However, I smiled anyways and shook my head. “No actually, you are the first that has ever told me that. But, the truth is…We had sex on and off for about four years while I was away. Nothing serious.”
Immediately, Camilla rolled her eyes and shook her head. “That figures.” She whispered.
Laughing, I pulled her closer. “What’s that supposed to mean? I am a man and I have needs.” I told her, only joking. “Besides, don't act so innocent. I’ve heard about your promiscuous ways.”
Her cheeks went red and she hesitantly looked up at me through those emerald green eyes. “Have you ever heard of gossip? Rumors? You’ve read about me and you think you know all about me and yet, you really know nothing.” She said, weakly.
Smiling down at her, I shook my head. Everything she had said was right, but I knew her kind and I knew she only trying to make me feel bad about what I had said. “Your right and that is the reason we are having these dates and how can I get to know you when you insisted on sitting in a corner alone all night?”
“You knew where I was. If you really wanted to get to know me, you would have made an effort. At least, that is what most people do when they want to get to know someone, right?” She said, argued softly.
A smile crossed my face, and suddenly knew that she wasnt going to let me get away with my actions tonight that easily. I reached up to grab her chin to pull it towards me. After staring in her eyes for a moment, I gently caressed her soft skin and chuckled. She was right. I should have made more of an effort; after all, she was at The Alluvian where she probably didn’t know many people. “Your right. And if you’d like, I would like another chance on giving you an amazing first impression.” I wasn’t quite sure what it was about her that made me so soft but there was something. Maybe it was the fact that she was so soft and sweet and that only made me want to make her feel the same way she was making me feel-giddy and excited.
Camilla’s head cocked to the side and smirked, “Are you asking me on another first date, Mr. Davenport?” She said wittily. I couldn’t help but notice the fact that I loved the way one minute, she could be completely serious and the next be joking about something. It was attractive and it only made me want to laugh along with her.
“It depends, is that a yes?” I asked, immediately knowing she would say yes. I was just having so much fun with the conversation that I didn’t want it to end just yet.
She raised her eye brow in a charming way and raked her white teeth across her bottom lip. And it was something about it that made me want to fall to my knees in a puddle. She was so beautiful and I knew I wouldn’t be able to have her at the end of this date like I would have normally had any other woman.
“Alright, Davenport. You get one more chance, but you better work for it. And you better make it good. I’m hard to please.” She murmured, with a bright smile.
I laughed out loud, “I wouldn’t expect anything less Camilla.”
The night had gone on surprisingly smoothly, and I made sure that Camilla was at my side the whole time. I couldn’t afford to upset her again, and as much as she didn’t want to admit it, upsetting her was exactly what I did even if it was unintentional. We spent the last hour of the charity ball was spent mingling amongst the few people that were actually still there but I could tell that Camilla looked extremely tired and worn out. After a while passing, we walked out of The Alluvian side by side to the limo that was waiting out front.
The drive was quiet, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. In that moment, I was content with where I was and who I was with, even if I didn’t know her very well. I watched as she leaned back in the seat and stared out of the window. Her long blonde hair flowed down her body looking so soft that I was tempted to reach over and run my hands through it. However, I refrained. I wouldn’t come on to her, no matter how badly I wanted to. As of right now, she was just a regular woman to me. She wasn’t the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with or wake up every morning to. It was inevitable because I wasn’t capable of that kind of relationship, especially in a situation like this. I couldn’t afford to give my heart away to anyone; if I did, I wouldn’t be able to focus on the single most important thing in my life- my job.
Camilla finally looked away from the window and towards me with a smile on her face. Her pink lips look so inviting that I wanted to smash mine on to hers and take her breath completely away.
“What’s that beautiful smile for?” I finally asked Camilla.
She shrugged, but kept smiling. “I was just thinking about the look on Addison’s face when I took you away from her.” She said, giggling.
Her laugh was like music to my ears and it was so contagious that I fell out into laughter with her. “She was pissed, but she’ll get over it.” I said, as we pulled up at the Beaumont estate.
When the limo stopped completely, I hopped out and then helped her out as well. When she was completely out of the limo, I didn’t let go of her hand. I couldn’t; it was the first step and I knew I would have to get used to it sooner or later so why not start now? We walked slowly up the front steps and stopped at the door. Every part of me wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her until she couldn’t breathe but it was our first date.
Camilla unlocked the door but before she opened it, she turned towards me and smiled nervously. “Thank you for such a nice night.” She murmured.
I grabbed her hand, brought it up to my lips and kissed it lightly. I would be the gentlemen and charm her until she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Just wait, our next date will be much better.”
Silently, Camilla nodded and turned towards the door. At that moment, I told myself to turn around and walk back to the limo but something stopped me. I watched as she opened the door and began to walk in, “Camilla?” She hesitated and turned back around towards me. “Has anyone ever told you you’re much much prettier in person?” I wasn’t sure what made me say it, but I couldn’t not say it. From the moment I saw her tonight, the fact that she looked totally different than I thought she would was on my mind.
Camilla’s eyes brightened and I noticed the red tint that had totally taken over her cheeks. She smiled and shook her head, “That’s sweet of you to say, Sawyer.”
Grinning uncontrollably, I began walking down the steps backwards with my eyes still completely on her and her only. “It’s the truth.”
So....I really hated this chapter. I felt like it was TERRIBLE. Please, PLEASE let me know your thoughts-
Did I jump in to quickly by making Camilla (Savannah) jealous when she saw Addison with Sawyer? I feel like i did, but once i realized it, i had already written so much on this chapter and i couldnt go back and delete it without having to delete the WHOLE chapter pretty much.
So, what did you guys think of Harrison's character? i kinda like him so he may have a big part in the story as well. :)
Again, please vote and comment. I really need them for motivation. Like seriously.
PS- I have a cast for the characters now, if you think i need to make some changes, let me know who you think!
-amichell