A Million Reasons

Chapter Two: Cinderella's Dream

"How does this look?" Aaliyah held up a modest brown dress that she hadn't worn in years.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Kaitlyn rolled her eyes, rose from the bed, and raided her friends closet for something decent.

"You have a date with one of Manhattan's most eligible billionaires. You're Sunday best ain't cutting it."

"What's wrong with this dress?"

"What isn't wrong with it? You want to impress him, not scare him away."

"I'm not so sure about that. He's not exactly my type."

Kaitlyn paused from her scavenger hunt and looked at her friend in disbelief. "Do you even have a type, Liya? Honestly, this is the first time you had a date in two years."

"I've dated since Jason."

"Yeah? Who?" Kaitlyn laughed as she continued her search for the right dress.

"I went out with Malcolm."

"That doesn't count. He's like your brother! You two have known each other since what? First grade? Face it Liya, you haven't exactly jumped back on the bandwagon since Jason broke up with you, senior year."

Aaliyah rolled her eyes. She hated when Kaitlyn was right. Jason Daniels was her first real boyfriend and when he dumped her senior year of college for a chick that put out more frequently than she did, she was devastated. From then on, she swore she'd never be love's fool again. After Jason, all her focus went to writing, which paid off because she landed a book deal right out of college. It was sad but the characters in her stories had better love lives than she did.

"I found it!" Kaitlyn called as she leaped out of the closet with a cute little black cocktail dress that Joanna bought Aaliyah for Christmas.

"I can't wear that. It's sleeveless..."

"So?" Kaitlyn frowned.

"So, it's the middle of November and cold as hell!"

"So, wear a jacket. You'll be fine. Besides, you'll just be going from the car to the restaurant. You're wearing this." She insisted and pulled her friend into the bathroom.

When Kaitlyn finished her hair and make-up, Aaliyah barely recognized herself. Her shoulder-length corkscrew hair, blown out, so that it now lay to her mid-back with caramel highlights that made it shine like never before. The golden eyeshadow and natural blush, Kaitlyn applied, accentuated her hazel eyes and high cheekbones. Finally, the nude matte lipstick she bought and thought she'd never wear, somehow made her lips look fuller. Kaitlyn Ramos was her very own freaking fairy godmother. She knew she was attractive before, but the woman staring back at her was more than attractive.

She was beautiful.

"Nathaniel Greyson is in for the surprise of his life." Kaitlyn beamed as she admired her handy work.

*****

Aaliyah wasn't one to believe in fairy tales, but when Nathaniel arrived at her place, promptly at six, in a black horse-drawn carriage with a bouquet of white roses, she felt like Cinderella.

"You look amazing, Aaliyah." His eyes feasted upon the form-fitting black dress and the way it clung to her body as she walked down the steps to meet him. "These are for you." He handed her the flowers.

"Thank you. You look incredible. You always do." She cringed at her candor, but he smiled warmly and held out his arm.

"Shall we, Ms. Richards?"

Wrapping her arm around his, she let this beautiful man she'd only met days ago, take complete control.

   Aaliyah sighed as she took in the beauty of Central Park at sunset. White lights adorned the trees above, and the slow trot of the horses' hooves made a melody just for the two of them.

She listened attentively as Nathaniel told her of his childhood—growing up the eldest child of a real estate tycoon. His father, Thaedyn Greyson, was well known for his shrewd business tactics. She could tell by the way he talked about his father that their relationship was strained. His face lit up like the sun, however, when he spoke of his sister, Caroline, and his niece. They lived in California and he missed them.

His niece, Bella, was ill. She was diagnosed with lupus recently and was in and out of the hospital. The way he spoke about the girl, Aaliyah could tell he loved her and that he feared losing her.

"What about your mother?" Aaliyah asked but the distant look in his eyes made her question her decision to bring up the subject.

"My mother died when I was nine."

"Oh, I'm sorry Nathaniel. I didn't know."

"It's ok," he smiled to reassure her. "She was a beautiful woman. She would have liked you. I think she always wanted to be a writer but being a mother and wife took precedence."

"You must have loved her very much."

He smiled sadly and took her hand in his. The sensation of their skin, touching for the first time, sent a wave of electricity through her body. When their eyes met, she saw his desire reflected in deep dark blue. He hesitated, then leaned in, and kissed her gently.

'Oh. He is a good kisser,' she thought, as he pulled her close and deepened the kiss with his accomplished tongue.

She moaned softly.

Thinking about all his conquest and not wanting to be one, at least not so soon, she pulled away.

"I'm sorry. I tend to move a little too fast sometimes." He apologized, his eyes full of fear.

"No. It's... It's just been a while for me. I haven't been with anyone in two years. I know that sounds like I'm still hung up on my ex, but I'm not. I just...."

"Want to make sure the next time you fall, it's with the right person." He finished her sentence.

"Exactly," She smiled.

Staring into his eyes, she wanted to throw caution to the wind. It was no secret; she wanted Nathaniel and would have told him so if they hadn't arrived at their destination.

******

Tavern on the Green never looked more beautiful. The purple hues of twilight and the soft glow of the lights draping from the trees above illuminated the snow-covered grounds as if it were something out of a fairytale. If Nathaniel hadn't been holding her hand so firmly, she would have thought she was dreaming.

"Mr. Greyson," the valet greeted them as he opened the door to the carriage and helped Aaliyah onto the walkway. "Please, this way."

Aaliyah prepared herself. No doubt, Nathaniel would catch the attention of everyone in the restaurant, but to her surprise, except for a small staff, the place was empty.

"I hope you don't mind. I wanted to dine alone—fewer interruptions."

"No, it's fine." She breathed as her stomach turned at the thought of how much this must have cost him.