In To Blue: Book One Of The Blue Series (2 page)

We make our way into the hotel and walk to the main ballroom.  The ballroom looks amazing.  The lights from the crystal chandeliers are so bright the room looks like it is encased in gold.  The band is playing some low and soft music as people mingle. 

We head straight for my table but it takes forever to get there.  People keep stopping us to say hello.  Finally we make it to our table. Uncle Rex is telling one of his tall tales of back in the day when he my daddy were teenagers.

“There is my darlin niece.”  “Hey Uncle Rex.”  I walk over and give him a hug.   “Your daddy would be toting a twelve gauge around here if he could see you.  The men are going to be after you tonight.  I should have brought my shot gun with me.”  “Oh Uncle Rex you are terrible.”  “It’s ok dad.  I got my forty-five in my back pocket.” I nudge my elbow into Buddy’s side.  He walks up to his dad and gives him a hug. 

As I sit down, I notice Buddy disappeared.  I catch him out of the corner of my eye he is talking to Mr. Bowman who runs the charity for me.  They look over at me and wave.  I wave back.  The waiter comes around and hands me a glass of champagne.  I sip on my champagne as I look around the room.

“It’s one hell of a turnout.”  Buddy says as he sits down.  Mr. Bowman has stepped up to the microphone at the front of the room.  “Are you trying to rush things along Buddy?”  “I figured the sooner you gave your speech the sooner you could stop being so anxious.  My tension builds as I know I’m about to give my speech.   “Good evening ladies and gentlemen.  Welcome to Riding Along’s annual charity ball.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for being here and for opening up your wallets for this very special occasion.  Through our various fund raising activities including tonight’s ball, Riding Along has managed to raise over five million dollars.”  Applause erupts throughout the room.  “Now without further a due, I would like to bring up the woman behind this wonderful charity, Ms. Avery Foster.” 

I slowly make my way to the front of the room.  Everyone is standing and clapping for me as I make it up to Mr. Bowman.  He greets me with a hug and whispers “Your father would be very pleased by what you have accomplished.”  “Thanks.”  I whisper.  I turn to the microphone.  I wait for the applause to die down and for everyone to be seated. 

“Thank you.  I am truly honored to be here tonight with all of you.  Daddy.” I pause as tears begin to appear in my eyes.  “Excuse me, Roy Foster loved horse racing and equestrian sports.  He had a deep love for horses.  He became very successful very quickly and with that he always felt the need to give back.  That is why my father started Riding Along.”

“It is a way to keep troubled children from heading down the wrong path in life.  This organization helps thousands of kids each year by allowing them the opportunity to learn about horses and equestrian sports.  They develop a great respect for the animal and in turn they learn to respect themselves.  Without you and your contributions, Riding Along would not be where it is today.  I only wish my father could be here tonight with us to see how far this charity has come.  I hope you enjoy your evening and I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart.” 

Applause erupts as everyone stands. I’m doing everything I can to fight the tears.  Mr. Bowman walks over to me and gives me a hug. I quickly wipe my tears and get my composure back.  Mr. Bowman takes the microphone.  “Again ladies and gentlemen thank you so much for being here and we hope you enjoy ball.” The band starts playing and I walk off the stage. 

As I start to walk back to my table, I see Pamela Dobson.  She approaches me.  “Oh Avery, that was fantastic and you look beautiful.   What a dress!”  “Thank you Pamela.”  “Join us for a moment.  “Sure.”

I walk over the table where Bob is waiting to greet me.  “This is truly an amazing event.” “Thank you Bob.” I turn and there he is, all hot and handsome.
 
Damn it!
 
I forgot his nam
e
. 
 
How could I forget a guy that hot? Oh wait, it’s Grant, Grant Harrison.
 
He walks right pass me and starts talking to Mr. Bowman.  I find that strange.
 
Why is he talking to Mr. Bowman and why did he just walk right past me without saying hello?

“Good Evening Avery.”  I turn and it’s his associate Lance.  “Hello Lance.  How are you?” “I’m wonderful.”  “Great speech and congratulations on such an amazing event.” “Thank you very much.”  Grant calls Lance over to where he is standing withMr. Bowman.
 
What in the world could they be talking about and why am I so nervous? 

I decide the best way to calm my nerves is to get back to my table and away from Grant.  “Bob and Pamela thank you so much for being here but I need to get back to my table.  My family will think I’ve abandon them.”  “You’re welcome dear.  Glad we could be a part of this.” Bob smiles. They both give me a hug. 

As I make my way back to my table Uncle Rex greets me.  “Never doubted you for a minute.  That was one hell of a speech.”  “Thanks.” “Avery, that was wonderful.”  “Julie, I didn’t even know you were here.”  “Chance and I snuck in while you were giving your speech.”  “You look hot Julie.” “Well thank you Avery.”  She is wearing a black long fitted sequined gown and black stilettos and her blond hair pulled up in a sophisticated bun.  “Where is Chance?”  He is over at the bar getting a beer.”   We both turn and wave at Chance as he waits on his beer. 

The evening is so busy, I never got an opportunity to eat.  I spent the night visiting with the donors.  Everyone seems to be having a good time.  The band is a hit and the dance floor is packed.    I grab a glass of champagne from a waiter who was passing by. It has started to get warm in the ballroom.  I walk out on the terrace to get some fresh air. 

“Where did I go wrong?”
 
Damn what is Coy doing here?
 
I instantly freeze.  Just being near him makes me uncomfortable.  “Hello Coy.”  “You look gorgeous Avery.”  “Thank you.”  I smile. 

“It’s one heck of an event you got here.”  He stammers as he walks toward me.
 
Wonderful he is drunk. 
“You really are beautiful.”  He whispers.  “It was good to see you Coy but I need to get back inside.”  He grabs my arm.  “I wasn’t done talking to you.”  I don’t like his tone.
 
Why is it when someone messes with one of my horses I won’t hesitate to knock them out but someone messes with me and I get scared
?
“Coy there is nothing more to discuss.  We are over.   Just deal with it!”  “I don’t want to deal with it Avery.  I want you!  I need you!”

I try to pull away but he holds me tight.  I can feel his fingers digging into my arm.  You need a strong man in your life and I’m that man.”  I want away from him so bad I could scream but I don’t want to cause a scene. It’s time I stand my ground with Coy.  “Well you’re not the one for me.   Take your hands off me!” 

I try to pull away but he tightens his grip.  His breathing is heavy. I can feel his breath on my skin and the smell the liquor on his lips.  It makes me sick. “Not till you take me back.  Avery, you pushed me away as soon as I wanted to get serious.  Why? He pulls me closer to him.  I take a deep breath.  I need to get set Coy straight.  “Coy, that was not the problem and you know it.  It’s your jealousy and possessiveness.  That is the problem!  You treated me more like property instead of a person!” 

“Damn it Avery!  You belong with me.  Why can’t you see that?”  “Coy, let me go!” “No!  Not till you take me back!”  I’m in shock.  I have seen him mad at me but never like this. I’m actually afraid of him.  “I’m going crazy without you.  I think of you all the time.  I need you right now Avery!”  He runs his free hand down my shoulder as I flinch.  I can’t stand his touch.  “I want you.  I want to take you right here.  You belong to me and no one else.” 

I jerk to free myself from his grasp.  “You need to fucking let me go Coy!”  I don’t want to be anywhere near him.  He clenches my arm harder causing a sharp pain.  “You’re leaving with me.  Do you understand?”  “No!  Stop this Coy!  You are hurting me!  Please let me go!”

Out of nowhere I hear another voice.  “I believe Averyasked you to let her go.”   I turn my head and my eyes lock on his.
 
Oh thank goodnes
s
!
Grant has come to my rescue. 

“This doesn’t concern you.  I suggest you back off!” Coy yells.  “I suggest you release her or I will make you let her go.”  Grant says sternly.  “She belongs to me.  You are the one that needs to leave.” Coy yells back. 

“Maybe I wasn’t clear.  I said for you to let her go.  I will not ask again.  I have no problem fighting for her and trust me it is a battle you will lose.  Let. Her. Go.” Grant says in a very calculating voice.  Coy just stands there knowing that Grant meant every word.  He releases my arm and walks off.  “Stay away from her or you will deal have to deal with me.” Grant says forcefully.  “This isn’t over Avery.  We belong together!”  Coy yells as he walks away.  

I am shaken by Coy’s behavior but I can’t think about him right now.  I have seen a side in Coy that truly frightens me.  I quickly push aside my emotions from my run in with Coy.   I turn my attention to Grant.  He is in a black suit, white shirt with a black neck tie.  “I hope he didn’t hurt you.  Are you all right?”  “Yes.  I’m fine.  Thank you.”

I rub the red marks on my arm that Coy left.  I’m so embarrassed.  I’m grateful Grant showed up when he did but I’m ashamed he had to see me fighting with Coy.

“I’m so sorry about all that.”  “Avery don’t apologize.  I am glad I was here.”  He stares into my eyes.

“Speaking of that, I am surprised to see you here tonight Grant.”  “Senator Dobson invited me.  I’m quite please he did.  This is a great event and from what the senator has told me it is one amazing charity.” 

“Thank you.  Is this your first visit Kentucky?”  I ask, trying to make small talk. “As a matter of fact it is and I’m quite impressed.   Kentucky has a lot to offer.  I am actually considering looking at another real estate deal regarding some property in Lexington while I’m down here.” 

“That is wonderful!  My ranch is in Lexington.  It looks like we have made quite an impression on you.”  He walks closer to me.  “You most certainly have.”  His response makes my skin tingle.  

I hear the band start playing a slow song. “Avery, would you like to dance?”
 
Oh, this is too much
!
  I can’t believe Grant asked me to dance.   I’m jumping up and down on the inside. “Sure.”

We make it to the dance floor and he wraps both of his arms around my waist.  I place my hands on his shoulders.  He is quite tall and strikingly handsome.  His cologne is intoxicating, drawing me closer to him.   “Grant, how long will you be in Kentucky?  “Several weeks.”  “Well if you aren’t too busy maybe you can come out to Lexington to my horse ranch.  We could go for a ride or something.”
 
Could I have sounded any more ridiculous
?
“Avery, I would love that.”  

We were inseparable the rest of the evening.  I introduce him to my family.  Uncle Rex and Buddy were very short with him.  They were being over protective as always. 

We danced the night away.  I felt as if he and I were the only ones dancing.  My attention was completely on him.  We talked about Kentucky. I told him about where all the hot spots and the best restaurants were. 

To my disappointment the evening flew by.  Before I knew it, we danced our last dance.  I didn’t want this night to end. I wanted to get to know more about Grant.  Mr. Bowman goes back up to the microphone.  “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for a wonderful evening and for your generous contributions.  On that note, I would like to say that thanks to a late contribution from one of our guest tonight.  Riding Along has now earned over 6 million dollars.”  I gasp as does everyone in the room and then applause erupts.  I’m in shock I can’t believe someone donated a million dollars to the charity.  “This concludes this evening’s festivities.  Please everyone drive home safely.” 

“Grant if you will excuse me, I will be right back.”  He smiles.  He has this mischievous grin on his face.”  I make my way to Mr. Bowman.  “Steve.”  “Avery this has been one heck of an event.”  “Yes it has Steve.  Who made the million dollar contribution at the last minute?”  “Avery I thought you knew, you have been dancing with him all night.  It was Mr. Harrison.  I assumed he told you.”  “No.  He didn’t it.”  I put my hand to my mouth trying to hide the shock that has appeared across my face.
 
I can’t believe Grant did that
!
 

“Thank you for everything Steve.  This has been truly and amazing night.”  “Couldn’t have done it without you Avery.” I am stunned.
 
That is why Grant was talking to Stev
e
.

I make my way back to Grant.  “I don’t know what to say.  Thank you.  I am truly grateful for your generous gift you made to Riding Along.”  “It’s my pleasure Avery.  I’m a happy to support such a wonderful cause.  I’m a strong believer into giving back to the community.  If I’m going to do business in Kentucky, then it is only natural I support the local charities.  “Again thank you Grant.  Your generous gift to will be put to good use.