Love in San Francisco & Unconditionally
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Shirley Hailstock
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Chapter 1
Elliana Hamilton loved parties. They were usually a lot of fun, unless it was your party and you were the host. And this was Ellie’s annual fund-raiser. But it was more than that. This was her evaluation. The Thorns, her employers, were expected at any moment. Ellie’s stress level increased at the mere thought of them. Nothing could go wrong, she told herself for the umpteenth time that day. She was in the hot seat. Every detail had to go as planned.
Ellie stood at the top of the stairs. A couple appeared at the door. She drew in a breath and released it as she recognized the couple. It wasn’t the Thorns. Suddenly she questioned her decision to go with holding the affair at the Riverton Mansion. The place was absolutely majestic. The staircase alone was worthy of Architectural Digest. Yet if she had to run up and down it one more time, she was going to have to change her shoes—or her legs. She didn’t know which, but one of them had to go. Whoever thought to put the workroom on a separate level from the activities had to be a man with no sense of engineering or workflow. Her shoes usually fitted like soft gloves, but with this much abuse, her feet were protesting. Unfortunately she couldn’t complain, at least not out loud.
Seeing Darlene, one of her assistants, Ellie headed for her. “Here are the ribbons,” she said, handing the colorful collection to her.
“Everything’s going to be fine,” the woman said, obviously homing in on Ellie’s stress level. “I think the Thorns are arriving.”
Ellie tensed at the sound of their names.
“Breathe,” Darlene said.
The Thorns ran a chain of department stores. Ellie was the executive director of their charity, the Deborah Thorn Give It to the Girl Foundation. Every year the entire family came for the fund-raiser that supported the charity’s programs. Well, almost all of them. The manager of the House of Thorn San Francisco hadn’t appeared once during Ellie’s three-year tenure.
When she first took the job, she’d avoided the store, feeling she’d inadvertently run into Blake Thorn, but after a while she felt it was unprofessional to be in the same city and not introduce herself. She’d made several failed attempts. He was always away when she tried to reach him. Maybe he knew who she was and didn’t want to see her. The thought struck her, adding to her stress level. Calming down, she told herself he hadn’t come in the past. Why should she expect to see him tonight?
Doing as Darlene suggested, Ellie took a deep breath and headed for the door. The first person to come through was definitely one of the Thorns. The resemblance to his father was unmistakable. Ellie had seen him once before, but she’d been too distraught to give him much attention. It had to be Blake.
Ellie’s breath caught in her throat and she stopped with her foot in the air, balancing on one high heel. She was suddenly glad she’d climbed those stairs, or she’d have missed seeing him.
She forgot about her feet. His presence arrested her attention, and everything around her seemed to stop. His gaze changed from daydreaming to focusing on her. Ellie didn’t even think of moving her eyes from his. They were tied together, bonded by invisible threads to each other.
His eyes were dark brown pools that oozed bedroom, and despite herself Ellie felt a sense of arousal. Ellie wondered how any woman could get work done if he turned those sexy eyes on her. It was hard to judge his height from where she stood at the top of the staircase, but she’d bet if she walked up to him, even wearing her heels, she’d still have to look up to see his face.
Broad shoulders spoke of daily workouts, as did the strength of his legs, which she could appreciate through the tuxedo he wore. And if “the clothes made the man” was a true statement, it applied to him tenfold.
“Time to go down,” Darlene whispered.
Blake held the door for the others, allowing the entire family to file in, all wearing bright smiles. Ellie swallowed and took another breath. She put on a smile, descended the stairs and went to greet them. Her gown made a slight twinkling sound as she moved. She loved the way it felt about her legs. It gave her the confidence to begin her night.
“Ellie,” Mrs. Thorn said, greeting her with a large smile. “Wonderful to see you again.” The two women hugged.
Katherine Thorn introduced Ellie to her family. Except for one of them—the one who really didn’t want to be there—Ellie had met them before. “This is Blake. He’s right here at the San Francisco store, but I don’t think you’ve met before.”
Ellie glanced at Mrs. Thorn, then smiled and shook hands with Blake. She knew his name, knew who he was, what he looked like. Apparently he didn’t know her. His hand held hers a moment too long. It was warm, but not as soft as she had expected. It wasn’t the hand of a man who sat at a desk all day. Blake Thorn clearly worked with his hands.
She liked that. She’d met a lot of donors in her time. Most of them had soft hands. Somehow this workman appealed to her.
“And this is Rose,” David said, pulling his wife close to him and slipping his arm around her waist.
“I heard you were recently married,” Ellie told him. Then she directed her attention to the dark-haired woman. “Congratulations.” They shook hands. “Go on in. There’s a table waiting for you near the front. Enjoy yourselves.” She gestured toward the main room.
As she moved to the side, she bumped into Blake. Ellie looked up, ready to apologize, but stemmed the thought as soon as she gazed into his dark brown and piercing eyes. He didn’t smile or speak. His hand had jutted out to steady her, but stopped prior to actually making contact. Yet Ellie felt it anyway.
“I’m... I’m sorry,” she stuttered.
He remained quiet, but she thought she saw a slight bob of his head.
“Please excuse me,” he said.
With his first words, he left her. Ellie’s gaze followed him as he returned to the entrance, where a strikingly beautiful woman had just come in. He embraced her, kissing her on the cheek and smiling. It was the first time he’d smiled. Despite Ellie’s stress, her stomach did an indescribable flop. She put her hand on it for a second.
“Are you all right?” Darlene appeared at her side.
“Fine,” Ellie said.
“Good. Just relax and the night will go by faster than you think.”
One can only hope, Ellie thought. She turned. Blake and the beautiful woman were talking to another couple near the dance floor. Ellie put her mind to work. She had to check everything. There was entertainment later in the evening. Right now the band was playing. She’d talked to the band leader, making sure the song “Endless Love” was not on their playlist.
Ellie had enough on her mind. She didn’t need to hear an oldie that her father had loved, especially one that had been playing the night of the accident. It would bring memories of him back. Those memories always made her sad. And tonight she needed no distractions. Thankfully, the band leader said it was not among his plans. Ellie smiled. She had a surprise in store for the donors later. And tonight, everyone was a donor.
She found the Thorns, excluding Blake, and feeling more relaxed, went over to check on them.
“Ellie, this is an absolutely beautiful place,” Rose Thorn said as she looked around. “I’ve never been to San Francisco before. I hope to see a few of the sights before we have to fly back.”
“It’s a beautiful city. See as much as you can. And call me if you need a guide.”
“I’m going to be guiding her,” David said, coming up to join them. “We’re making it a second honeymoon.”
Ellie looked confused. “I thought you were only married a few months ago.”
Rose laughed, “Three months.” She glanced at her husband. “David calls it a second honeymoon every time we leave the house.”
Ellie thought that was so romantic. They were obviously in love. She’d never felt like that about anyone. She knew she was missing something, and hoped someone would one day love her like David obviously loved Rose.
“Is there anything you need before I go?” Ellie asked.
“We’re fine,” David and Rose said at the same time. They all laughed.
Ellie moved to the other Thorns to make sure they were fine, as well. She knew she had to speak to several people about donating to the foundation and wanted to get it done before they sat down to dinner.
Katherine took her arm and pulled her aside. Ellie felt as if a bomb was about to drop.
“Ellie, don’t worry about us,” Katherine told her. “Do what you have to do and have some fun.” This last part she said with happy emphasis, squeezing Ellie’s arm.
Ellie smiled and relaxed. “I’ll try,” she said. Taking a step back, she turned to find herself face-to-face with Blake.
No one had ever looked so surprised to see him as the woman standing in front of Blake did. His mother, with whom she’d been speaking, gave him a sly smile and melted back into a group of people next to his dad. The expression on Elliana’s face changed to something more serene.
“Excuse me. I didn’t know anyone was behind me.”
He ignored her comment. Blake hadn’t intended to surprise her. He hadn’t thought she’d turn that quickly, although he’d seen her moving at the speed of light, taking care of whatever detail called for her attention.
“Is there anything I can get you?” she asked. Blake felt as if he were being dismissed.
He shook his head.
“Well, I suppose you want to rejoin your party.”
There was that dismissive tone again. It irritated him. Elliana, or Ellie as his mother had called her, had a familiar look about her. Blake was sure he hadn’t met her before. He’d surely remember those light brown eyes, high cheekbones and that lustrous hair. It was black and long. Although it was coiled on top of her head, several curls swung free along her temples and a section on the back lay about her shoulders, looking so crushable, he had to curl his fingers to keep from reaching for it.
She moved to step around him. Blake stepped in front of her, another action he hadn’t intended.
“This is a beautiful place to hold a charity function.” He looked around at the high ceiling, the brilliantly lit chandeliers, the textured wallpaper.
Ellie smiled proudly. “Have you been here before?”
“Once or twice. It’s very expensive.” He expected a reaction, but saw none. “Wouldn’t having this gala at a little less expensive place put more contributions into the foundation?”
Her skin was a beautiful walnut color, but Blake saw her face turn darker under her makeup.
“No, Mr. Thorn. It wouldn’t.”
“Why not? Weren’t any of the major hotels available?”
“I’m sure they were.”
“Yet you opted for the most expensive place in the city?” He looked around again. Laughter came from the brightly dressed women and the tuxedo-clad men. It was a beautiful function, in a gorgeous setting. “What’s this cost? Without catering, this place alone must go for a cool hundred grand.”
Ellie stepped back. Her body language was just short of her putting her hands on her hips and giving him the stare. “All the numbers aren’t in yet,” she said with controlled calmness, “but from what we calculated, that figure is three to four times larger than your estimate.”
He whistled in amazement. “Is there going to be anything left over for the fund when all this is accounted for?”
This time Ellie took two steps closer to him. She leaned in until he could smell the tantalizing perfume she wore. Her voice was menacingly low when she spoke. “Mr. Thorn, it’s nearly time to announce dinner. However, you seem very interested in the cost of this event and how much funds we raise. I assure you that, unlike your office, mine is always open. I go over the expenses of operations with your mother four times a year, including this weekend. If she has any issues with this event or any other financial considerations, I’m sure she’ll bring it to my attention. Now, please excuse me. I have other guests who need my attention.”
She left him then. Blake swung around and watched her move through the crowd. Even in anger, she walked with the grace of a queen. Few people, other than his brothers, ever talked to him the way she had. He was the head of the Thorns’ San Francisco store, and his family’s money gave him a certain amount of power. Elliana Hamilton didn’t seem to care about that. He smiled. He liked her, yet he’d challenged her. He didn’t have to ask himself why.
He knew why.
Ellie smiled, stopped and spoke to several people as she got as far from Blake as possible. She needed to be alone for a few minutes. Just before she reached the staircase, Judi, her best friend, stopped her.
“Hey, who is that guy?” Judi asked.
“What guy?”
“That gorgeous, super delicious, crystal glass of red wine.”
She was looking directly at Blake Thorn. “Judi, remember, you have a date.”
“Yeah, but I’m not married to him, and having a date doesn’t mean I can’t look...and admire.” Her last two words were a growl. Normally, Ellie would have laughed.
“I take it you want to meet him?”
“Of course I want to meet him. Is he a new sponsor? I’ve never seen him before.”
Judi came to the gala every year as Ellie’s guest.
“What’s his name?”
“Blake Thorn.” Ellie felt an undefinable string that seemed to pull her insides.
“I guess it’ll have to wait,” Judi said. “Here comes my date.”
Judi walked away with a false smile on her face, and Ellie made it to the stairs. She rushed up them and went into the makeshift office, closing the door. Thankfully, the room was empty. She took a deep breath.
She’d rarely set eyes on him before, and not for lack of trying. She’d gone to see him in the past, but he’d been unavailable. To think, he practically accused her of mismanagement when he’d never seen a book or knew anything about how she coordinated and obtained funding for the gala. Ellie had never met someone so condescending, so ready to jump to conclusions. She thanked the powers that controlled the universe that he hadn’t been someone who was continually coming around to check on the foundation.
She thought it was unusual that Ellie had been with the foundation for three years and hadn’t met Blake Thorn, when the store he managed was within walking distance of her office. She’d organized and managed three fund-raising galas, and this was the first one he chose to attend. For some reason, Ellie thought Katherine Thorn had something to do with his presence there tonight.
Ellie could have done without him upsetting her evening.
Her watch vibrated against her arm. She checked it and saw the reminder that it was time for dinner. Simultaneously, a message appeared on the small screen. It was from the catering manager. Dinner was ready to be served.
Taking a deep breath, Ellie left the office, hoping she could reach the dining room without encountering Blake again. Unfortunately she didn’t get to completely ignore him. She was sitting with the Thorns.
Outside the ballroom, the crowd had begun to assemble. Soft bells chimed as the floor-to-ceiling doors automatically pivoted open on silent motorized hinges. The entire process was like a choreographed dance, and people flocked to see the dance of the doors as one patron labeled them. Ellie stood aside as the crowd surged in to find their assigned tables.
Surveying the corridor outside the ballroom, Ellie checked that everyone was inside. Going to the door, she watched as friends greeted each other and found their seats. Actually, she was delaying her own trek to the head table. Blake would invariably be there. She only hoped he was already seated between two members of his family and she would be free to direct her conversation to one of the others. She didn’t want a confrontation, and vowed to be civil and provide any of them with whatever information they needed.
As Ellie pushed herself away from the open door, someone came around beside her.
“I guess we’re the last to go in,” Blake Thorn said.
Her heart dropped.
“From the diagram, I see we’re at table number one.” He offered his arm as if she were his date and had been waiting for him.
Ellie knew she had no choice. If she refused to accept his offer, someone influential would surely be watching. She didn’t need any unwarranted rumors. And Blake was a blood member of the Thorn family.
She slipped her hand through his bent arm, closing it around his biceps. She refused to totally link herself to him. Her body had taken on a heat level of its own, and she knew it had to do with him. He didn’t know her and she didn’t know him, but she was reacting as if there was something between them.
And there wasn’t. There couldn’t be—now or ever.
He led her around the perimeter, where there was ample room for the two of them, giving her no need to extract her hand from his arm. At the table, the two seats waiting for them were side by side. Ellie somehow knew they would be, but she hoped someone had wanted him closer and saved a place for him.
Pulling her chair out, Blake acted the gentleman and helped her settle before taking the place next to her.
She acknowledged everyone and apologized, “I’m afraid I’ll have to be up and down several times to handle the program, so don’t wait for me to eat.”
Several heads nodded at her as they began with their salads.
“Ellie, you look sensational,” Rose said. She sat on Ellie’s left. “I’ve done some buying for the Logan Beach store, and I’ve never seen anything as fabulous as that dress.”
Ellie looked down. The dress was white with a rounded neckline that extended to her shoulders, showing only a hint of her upper arms. What made it stand out was it was dripping with Swarovski crystals. From the neckline to the hem, the crystals caught the light at every angle. When Ellie first put the heavily weighted gown on, she felt like a walking light beam, but the beauty of it made any drawbacks worth it.
“You’re tall,” Mrs. Thorn added. “You can wear something like that.”
“Like a queen,” Blake commented. “Did you find it in our store?”
Naturally, they all assumed she shopped at the House of Thorn. Ellie did on occasion, but she hadn’t in a while, at least not in person.
She glanced at him, shaking her head. “My sister is a designer. She designed and made it for me.”
“She’s extremely talented,” Rose said. “Who does she design for?”
“She has her own firm, but she’s always looking for more outlets for her clothes.”
“A dress like this is a one of a kind,” Blake said. “It would need to retail for...” He stopped and looked at her with keen eyes. “I’d say upward of ten grand. It’s got to have a couple of hundred crystals.” He lifted one on the arm of the gown. “And these aren’t your one-carat variety.”
Ellie wanted to pull her arm free, but that would damage the dress. She wondered if Blake always quantified things into dollars and cents. The dress would cost thousands of dollars. Her sister had spent a couple of weeks sewing the crystals on by hand. However, it hadn’t been the only thing she did in a day. Yet for someone to hand sew them on would increase the price dramatically, and then there was the designer’s rate. And she was happy to see her sister was a success.
“I’d still like to talk to her,” Rose said.
“I’ll get you her card,” Ellie offered.
“That’s it for business tonight,” Andrew Thorn, Blake’s father, said. Mr. Thorn rarely spoke, but when he did they all listened.
Dinner was served, and for a moment the conversation ceased. Ellie hadn’t eaten her salad, and when the plates were set, she was not served.
“Are you eating?” Blake asked.
“She never eats at these things.” Katherine spoke up. Her explanation seemed to tell Blake if he’d attended in the past, he’d understand these things.
“Dieting?” His brows rose.
“I’ll eat later,” she said without further explanation.
She then turned her attention to Rose and David, learning about their meeting and marriage. When dessert and coffee were served, Darlene signaled her from the side of the stage.
“I have to go now,” she apologized. “It’s time to begin the program.”
Smiles followed her as she rose and moved toward the raised podium. The crystals clinked together, making the musical sound of someone running their hands through a chandelier. Her sister had done a far better job than Ellie dreamed when she asked about covering the dress with them.
Moments later Ellie looked out on the crowd. Her gaze went to Blake immediately, as if he was the person to focus her speech on. Nervousness accosted her, in a way it had never done before. Moving her head away from the microphone, she cleared her throat and turned back. He was front and center, so she couldn’t avoid his gaze or his scrutiny.
Ellie rarely prepared speeches. She had a good memory and felt that speaking from the heart was better than anything she could write out beforehand. She began her welcome and forced her attention to move over more of the audience than just the Thorns’ table. She must have spoken coherently since she heard laughter and surprise at several places. The laughter had her relaxing and seeing an almost smile on Blake’s face, which took away some of the tension. She introduced several of the girls sitting on the side, who were recipients of the Give It to the Girl Foundation.
“The girls and the foundation are lucky to have such a wonderful program chairperson. Vera Gordon, please stand.”
A redhead with a bright smile, sitting with the girls, stood up and waved a hand.
“Many of our programs have been suggested and developed by Vera. She’s committed to the foundation and committed to seeing that the girls have as many opportunities as possible.”
The room applauded and Vera resumed her seat. Ellie waited until the applause died down.
“I introduced the other board members earlier and the staff of Give It to the Girl. I held back on Vera because she was so instrumental in our surprise. But...” Ellie paused. “Before I reveal that very special surprise, I have one last appeal.” She smiled at the crowd. “I’ve given you a few statistics about our work and how important it is to girls. Many of you are our contributors and we thank you. However...” She paused with her hand in the air. A ripple of laughter went through the room. Obviously her next words were anticipated. “There is always more to be done. So if you want to stop by one of the volunteers in the back of the room...” Ellie pointed. Several men and women stood with their hands up, and the crowd shifted to see them. “They’re willing to accept your checks, credit cards or cash, if you carry that sort of thing.”
General laughter continued. When it died down, she added, “We’ll wait for you before we introduce our surprise.”
A buzz sounded throughout the room as people speculated on what she meant. Darlene and Ellie were the only people who had known the secret until this morning, when it was necessary to tell a few key people.
“Speaking of surprises,” Ellie said. The room quieted. “We have a very special guest to entertain you tonight. One of the graduates, one who came to us and we gave it to the girl, has volunteered—” Ellie didn’t have to finish. The applause started and then escalated until it drowned her out. Everyone knew whose name she was about to say.
Using her hands to gesture a lowering manner, she got them to quiet down. “Obviously, this lady needs no introduction. She said she wants to give back because Give It to the Girl changed her life. So, ladies and gentlemen, if you would move to the dance floor.” The pivoting doors to the left swung open. “Please join me and give it to the girl—Chantelle.”
The applause was deafening as the entire body rose to its feet. The adjoining room had been set up with both tables along the perimeter and a dance floor in the center. Chantelle’s signature song began to play, and the room emptied quickly.
Ellie left the stage. Blake stood at the bottom, offering his hand to prevent her from falling.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Good speech,” he responded. “I’m tempted to donate myself.”
She was unsure how to take that. Was he being serious or facetious? She didn’t know.
“It’s allowed,” she told him. Glancing at the back of the room, she saw a small crowd with the volunteer cashiers. “Those people are ready and willing to accept your contribution.”
Blake followed her glance, but when he turned back to her, he changed the subject. “You know, this event gets better and better,” he said.
Ellie braced herself for another comment on the cost. Cutting him off, she spoke first. “You haven’t been here in the past three years. How would you know?”
“I mean from what I’ve seen tonight. At every turn, there’s something new and unexpected.”
“Don’t bring up what Chantelle cost,” Ellie said. “I can assure you, she’s volunteering her talent. Her intent is true. She wants to give back.”
Ellie turned to walk away. She no longer wanted to talk to Blake, even if he was a Thorn. But Vera Gordon hampered her escape. Vera caught Ellie in a bear hug, smiling and talking enthusiastically, telling her how wonderful the event was going. Ellie smiled and nodded, concealing her true feelings for the man behind her.
“Hello,” Vera said, relinquishing her hold on Ellie and offering her hand to Blake. “I’m Vera Gordon.”
“Blake Thorn,” he said. “I hear we have you to thank for the entertainment.”
Vera grinned, glancing over her shoulder at where the crowd had gathered to listen to Chantelle’s concert. “We have seats reserved for you.”
“Thank you,” Blake acknowledged.
As Ellie tried to move around to let Vera take her place, Blake captured her arm and steered her to the seats Vera pointed out.
Ellie needed to be available to join Chantelle on the stage when she finished. Vera had abdicated that responsibility. While Vera was an outgoing person, she totally froze when she had to speak to a crowd this size. Speaking to the girls and presenting projects in a conference room was something she could handle, but not a crowd this size.
With a seat in the front row, Ellie was close enough. She kept her face trained on the woman onstage, but her attention was ten years back, on a lonely stretch of road that had collided with her present a few hours earlier, when Blake Thorn had entered Riverton Mansion.
She’d relegated him and that day to the past and hoped it would stay there. But sitting in the darkened room, with his arm only a few inches from hers, she doubted she’d ever be able to do that again.
