Chapter 2 THE FUNDRAISER 1

The sun was setting over Los Angeles, casting a glow over the city. Lexi Thompson stood in front of her closet, nervousness getting the better part of her as she deliberated the perfect dress to wear for the event.

Her gaze caught a long black armless dress with a slit by the side. she tried it on and stared at her reflection in the mirror. "too revealing." she mumbled flinging the cloth across her room to meet with the pile of dresses already there.

She picked just another red dress and tried it on, a satisfied smile finally found its way to her lips, after the stress she'd finally found it.

"Just the perfect dress." She grinned admiring how fitted and just perfect the sleek dress was.

She settled before the mirror and began applying light makeup on her face, her mind wandered to the event. Of course, she'd attended galas and fundraisers but never attended a high-society gathering, this was going to be the first of Its kind.

"You're gonna nail it." She assured herself, styling her hair into loose waves. "It's my time to shine." She grinned and picked her small purse, walking out of the room.

Mr. Thompson was in the living room, reading through a newspaper when he heard footsteps, slowly he took his gaze up and a proud smile found its way to his lips. "Wow, Kiddo! You look stunning."

"Thanks Dad." She mumbled and pecked his cheek. "Wish me luck dad."

"Have fun sweetheart." He said with a big smile.

Lexi headed out after hearing a car honk. Stephanie had promised to send her a ride and she just did. Certainly the night was going to be perfect.

As Lexi stepped into the sleek black car, the driver greeted her with a warm smile and before she could stop herself a wide smile found its way to her lips. Stephanie's just the perfect friend always looking out for her, and unlike herself, Stephanie's from an influential and wealthy family with everything at her beck and call.

Her smile widened as she casted her mind back to their college days.

"We're here." The driver said softly, breaking her out of her reverie "enjoy your evening Miss Thompson." He said and Lexi nodded slowly before stepping out of the car.

She sighted elegantly dressed guests entering into the grand event hall, some were alone, in pairs and others had security guards and bouncers trailing behind them. She smiled and joined the flow.

Stepping into the ballroom, Lexi's eyes were filled with amusement as she looked around the hall which was a splash of wealth. She heard a familiar voice and her eyes darted towards the direction. She spotted Stephanie, clad in a black sleek dazzling dress screaming wealth, and that same moment Stephanie's gaze caught hers.

"Lexi darling! You made it." Stephanie squealed making her way to Lexi. "You look breathtaking!" She exclaimed.

"Thank you" Lexi beamed, a shy smile creeping to her cheeks.

"I guess inviting you was the perfect idea, you want to meet the guests?" She asked in excitement "or should I just introduce you to the bachelors?"

"Come on Steph..I thought we were her to have fun?" Lexi giggled as her face turned red in embarrassment.

"Isn't mingling part of having fun?" Steph wriggled her brows and a handsome young man joined them.

"Hey babe." He smiled and pecked Stephanie's lips softly. "You've outdone yourself again, this event looks..awesome." He praised me.

Stephanie smiled shyly, before mouthing a "thank you." She cleared her throat softly and turned to Lexi. "Uhm..Lexi, meet Jay. My boyfriend, and Jay, meet Lexi, my best friend." She introduced and they exchanged pleasantries.

As they chatted, Lexi's gaze wandered across the room, staring at unfamiliar faces and some well... Familiar faces since they've been at the Los Angeles tines for interviews. Suddenly a tall, athletic built figure caught her attention.

Who's that? She thought.

Just then he turned and her gaze met his Amber eyes. Lexi's heart skipped a beat, Julian Blackwood...

"Earth to Lexi!" Stephanie teased, waving her hand in front of Lexi's face.

Lexi blushed knowing there's certainly no way she'd escape getting teased by Stephanie once her boyfriend was gone.

"So..Lexi, Stephanie tells me you're a journalist and a passionate writer?" Jay asked and Stephanie winked at Lexi, who instantly went into a passionate explanation of her work and side job.

Just then the Emcee announced the start of the fundraising action and the room fell silent.

Lexi's gaze drifted back to Julian Blackwood, now standing at the podium. His amber eyes locked onto hers, and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine.

"Welcome Ladies and gentlemen, to the Los Angeles children gala, proudly sponsored by the Blackwood Empire." Julian began and applause rented the air. "Tonight, we gather to support a noble cause. To provide education and healthcare to underprivileged children."

As he spoke, Lexi could feel the sincerity in his voice as her mind wandered to the research she's made about him. Billionaire entrepreneur and heir, Philanthropist, elusive bachelor. Although there were rumours swirling around his business dealings, Lexi came to the conclusion that Julian Blackwood, was a force to be reckoned with.

The emcee took the stage again and then the fundraiser began proper.

Stephanie leaned in, whispering. "I knew you'd notice him, it's difficult not to."

Lexi rolled her eyes,attempting to play cool. "I'm just...looking around c'mon stop being a tease."

Jay chuckled observing both ladies. "I'm just going to hang out over there with my friends, and leave you ladies to have fun." He winked and planted a soft kiss on Stephanie's lips "once again, it was nice talking to you Lexi." He smiled and walked away.

Lexi sighed, knowing there was no way she'd escape getting teased now that they were alone. "Can this night get any better?" She mumbled and Stephanie grinned teasingly.

"Of course... You might just get to hang out with Julian." She teased and Lexi's cheeks grew red.

"Stop being a tease." She pouted cutely.

"Oh shit," Stephanie cursed. "I had an agreement with the caterers I've gotta go give them directives, and just oversee the bids."

Lexi frowned playfully. "You're leaving me alone...anyways have fun."

"I'm not leaving you alone Lex, mingle with the bachelor's in here...and Julian, he's a force." Stephanie said with a serious expression. "Do whatever you want with this piece of information, I'll see you later." She grinned and walked away.

As Stephanie disappeared into the crowd, greeting people she bumped into along the way, Lexi took a deep breath.

"I guess I really can't escape mingling then." She murmured and grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter and began navigating her way through the crowd of unfamiliar faces.

Her eyes scanned the room. "I should admire you instead." She mumbled and began looking around, taking in the lavish decorations and staring at the top Elites in Los Angeles, but none of them really caught her attention like Julian Blackwood, he was just everything perfect.

And his aura screamed authoritative, with a hint of playful and fragile, just her ideal spec. But was she kidding? He'd always remain her spec to live in her dreams because she'd never be able to meet up to his standards.

Her gaze drifted back to Julian, now standing near the bar, with a Blondie who kept trying to flirt with him. A deep frown found its way to her face as she glared at the girl, then Julian took his gaze to her and for a moment, time stood still.

Lexi tore her gaze from him, her heartbeats accelerating. She needed to focus on networking and meeting very successful writers and who knows? She could meet someone who'd spur her to be as successful as JK Rawling, instead of getting lost In Julian Blackwood's captivating gaze.

As she turned around, Lexi collided with a solid wall of muscle.

"Oh no!" She exclaimed, her wine splashing everywhere and on the suit of the man she'd bumped into. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight.

The Man's face turned toward her. His Amber eyes locking onto hers, recognising who he was, she screamed mentally.

"Julian Blackwood..."