Note to readers: okie dokie this chapter took a while to edit. I admit not knowing much about the USA so any references i make to places or life in america is fuelled by tv, google and wikipedia. Anywho onto with the chapter....
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Chapter One
Catherine looked in the mirror for the fifth time inspecting her straightened hair. It was darker than the carrot orange of her youth and monthly hair jobs were the only thing keeping it that way. Her session in the tanning booth saw to her freckles being disguised by a faint tinge.
Backing away from the dressing table, Catherine inspected herself in the full length mirror, running her hands over the sapphire dress, flattening out the creases. Glancing at the clock, she realised that Sean would be knocking on her door at any minute, forcing her to scurry around for her stilettos.
The rouge shoes matched her painted nails and lipstick. With one last spritz of her perfume, Catherine grabbed her clutch bag and opened the hotel door.
Sean was standing with his back to her, his wrist raised as he looked at his watch. He was always prompt, one of the quirks she liked about him. Too many people had been unreliable in her life, that she found his punctuality refreshing. If Sean said he was going to be there at nine o'clock, then you'd see him arrive one minute early.
"Sean." She said softly returning his smile as he turned.
His eyes roved over her body stopping at the flair of her waist and modest cleavage. Catherine blushed slightly over his appraisal, as there was no doubting the thoughts running through his mind.
Coughing she drew his attention to her face. Sean gave an apologetic shrug before offering her his arm. Another quirk that Catherine found attractive. He was an attentive and old fashioned gentleman, traits rarely found in the modern world.
"The limo is waiting outside." Sean informed her as they walked out of the elevator.
The marble floor shone beneath the crystal chandeliers, glancing of the fine diamonds around her throat and wrist. Though Catherine had been hesitant over wearing such expensive jewellery, Sean had been adamant that she wear them. Since they had been a gift who was she to refuse?
As he had stated there was indeed a black stretch limo waiting for them. A tall butch man exited the vehicle and opened the doors for them. Catherine gave a small nod of acknowledgement before gracefully entering the car. Inside was plush velvet and glowing blue lights shone over a small bar.
Beside it was a metal champagne bucket filled with ice and a vintage wine. Such frivolous things were foreign to Catherine's modest lifestyle, though that was soon to change. The diamond ring on her finger was a constant reminder of the world she was soon to be a part of.
The solitaire cut was the only simple thing about it. A large diamond was set in gold with smaller diamonds embedded in the band. Ostentatious and extravagant to the extreme, Catherine rarely wore it but tonight Sean had insisted.
"What will people think, knowing I am engaged to my boss?" Catherine had asked earlier. Sean had simply laughed and given her chaste kiss on her cheek.
"They can think what they will, where is the harm in marrying your PR?" He had replied.
Catherine played with it nervously as the car wove through the skyscrapers of New York City, the blazing lights of the buildings still managing to make her feel slightly uncomfortable. She had grown up in the Idaho wilderness, close to the mountains.
Only the five years working with Dawson and Son's had seen her make a move to the city. Her father had begged her not to leave but he was far from old and was a capable man. He didn't need her and she hated home.
The boarded house next to hers was a constant reminder of the pain caused by one man in her past and she didn't need that. Now she was an established business woman with contacts all over the world. The company she worked for was pushing all sorts of boundaries.
Catherine felt Sean's hand upon hers breaking her away from past hurts and reminding her of the here and now. Tonight she would give all her attention and energy to the man beside her, he who had earned her trust and affection.
Soft music could be heard as they walked into the hall. Gold banners hung from the marble pillars and small lights were wrapped around their thick bodies. A waiter showed them to their table which was currently unoccupied as they had arrived early. Catherine placed her bag on her lap and tapped her foot to the soft jazz from the live band.
"Let's mingle." Sean suggested offering her his hand.
Catherine plastered a fake smile on her lips hating the thought of having to force an interest in what the other high and mighty folk had to say. She was anything but an introvert but her trip down memory lane had left her mood sour.
"Sure honey." She replied sweetly, allowing him to pull her into the throng of people.
The first person they met was an elderly man, who smelled like a mixture of mint and stale urine. Catherine couldn't move away fast enough. From then on she was on her own.
"Ah I have heard many things about you Ms. Finnegan." Said a tall balding man. He was dressed smartly with a young blonde on his arm.
"All good I hope." Catherine laughed.
"Of course. You have done wonders for a failing company, many of us are curious as to who this woman is that is reviving one of our biggest competitors." The man joked.
The woman beside him gave him a bored look. He didn't even bat an eyelid, instead his golden gaze fell upon Catherine's neck.
"I see." Catherine murmured as the atmosphere grew tense.
"Where are my manners, I am Elijah Moore." He said thrusting his hand towards hers.
Catherine had no other option than to shake it, discreetly wiping her palm on her thigh as their hands parted. Elijah Moore was a prominent businessman, one of the main competitors in shipping.
"I see your wife is not with you tonight." Catherine said giving Moore a knowing look.
