Loving Ali - Shånnon Marie (romantic story to read .txt) 📗

wealth is virtually inexhaustable. I'm serious. Anything you see or want today, it's yours."
I couldn't surpress the large smile that grew across my face, nor the bubbly giddiness welling up inside of me. "Thanks, Ali!"
He grinned. "Anything for that beautiful smile of yours."
We pulled up to the car dealership, and soon enough, I was the proud owner of a new jet black Dodge Charger.
"Sure you don't want a Lamborghini or something?" Ali asked.
"The deed's already signed, you goof," I rolled my eyes.
"You could have both, you know."
"Ali!" I scolded him. "Let's get out of here now, before you buy out the whole store. I swear, you're crazier to shop with than Nancy!"
"Sorry," he grinned sheepishly. "When you're rich as hell, blowing money becomes an addiction."
"Like sex?"
"Exactly," he winked, as we got into my new car. Ali still drove. "Speaking of which, even though I won't be living with you anymore, if you ever feel lonely..."
I shook my head. "You're hopeless, Ali."
"Where do you want to go next?" he asked.
"Umm, how about to the mall for a quick lunch?"
"Good idea," he nodded. "You can go shopping for tonight while we're there."
"What's tonight?" I frowned. 
"Something special," was all he said. "So buy yourself an evening gown. And whatever the hell else you want. Honestly."
"You're buying me a gown?!" I shrieked. "Ali, this is ridiculous! I'm one of the highest paid doctors in the North East, and between a new car and expensive evening gown, you'll have spent almost a quarter of my annual income!"
"A mere dent in my fortune," he smiled warmly. "I won't even notice the money missing. Stop fighting it, Claire. I'm enjoying this, really I am. What good is it being filthy rich if I don't spend any of my money? I like seeing you so happy."
I nodded. "Fine, but stop me if I get out of control," I grinned, dragging him into Nordstrom's. He laughed as he followed after me and carried everything I threw into his arms.
After Nordstrom's, we went to Build-A-Bear, where we could barely put together our zebra-named Zippy-because we were laughing so hard. I couldn't take my eyes of the magnificent man next to me.
"Ali?" I asked him.
"Hmm?" He grinned, trying to tie a bow around one of Zippy's ears.
"Don't be offended, but do you ever take things seriously? I've never once seen you in a non-joking mood."
He cocked his head to one side. "I had a rough upbringing, Claire. My mom's situation was hard to watch, and I never had any real friends. People were only ever interested in me because of my title and my money. So I had to teach myself how to be happy. Now that I find it easy to smile and laugh, I'm not going to stop, no matter how immature or irrational people think my happy-go-lucky behaviour is."
"Do you ever worry about public image, or the publicity that you get?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Welly, you are a prince, Ali. Do you ever feel like you have to live up to peoples' expectations?"
He gave a heartbreaking sigh. "All the time, Claire." I was shocked by the raw emotion I saw in his face, and for the first time, I saw him for who he really was: a public figure who constantly had to live in the spotlight, hardly ever enjoying privacy or independence. He looked old for a moment, exhausted and stressed. Then the moment was gone, and the familiar playful spark lit into his eyes. "Wanna know the best part, though?"
"What's that?" I asked, eager to keep him happy. It was hard to see him in pain.
He walked over to where a small girl stood outside the shop, her sad face pressed against the glass staring wistfully at all the animals inside. Her mom stood by helpless, unable to afford the stuffed pal her daugher so desperately wanted. Ali talked to the girl's mother, who was startled at first, then grinning from ear to ear and finally crying when Ali bought the girl 5 animals of her choice. 
After they left, Ali turned to me. "That's the best part. Helping others."
Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. That was one of the most touchingly beautiful acts of pure kindness I had ever seen. "Ali? If I hadn't sworn off love, I swear I'd marry you right here on the spot."
He grinned. "If I didn't hate the idea, you would make me the happiest man in the world. But happily ever after is for little kids and faerytales, so how about we focus on something real instead?" He handed me his credit card. "Go buy yourself a gown, shoes, jewelry, and whatever else you need. Get your hair done, and nails, go full out. I'm going to take your car, but I'll have a limo pick you up around 7:30. I have reservations at 8, at this address," he handed me a small slip of paper. "Just have the limo take you there. I'll be waiting."


I examined myself in front of the mirror, grinning as broadly as was humanly possible.
My curly blonde hair was done up in a loose bun on the top of my head, with a ringlet falling on either side of my face. Sapphire blue butterfly pins were stuck into the do. I wore a beautiful, long evening gown that matched the pins, and shimmered magically as I spun around. My necklace and earrings were a gorgeous silver that matched my brand new silver-coloured heels. My makeup and nails were also all professionally done. 
"Ma'am, you look beautiful," said the saleswoman, and I beamed at her.
"Thank you!" I grabbed her up in a giant bear hug. "Thank you so much!"
I went outside, holding my other clothes in a bag, where a sleek black limo awaited me. 
"Are you Miss Bennet?" The driver approached me, smiling, and speaking with a British accent.
"Yes," I nodded, and he took my bags.
He pulled out a small piece of cloth from his pocket. "I was instructed by His Highness to blindfold you, so as to enhance the surprise."
I grinned and let him tie the fabric around my eyes. He helped me into the car, and we were on our way.


"Thank you, Benton," I heard Ali's voice. The scent of his spicy cologne reached out to me, embracing me in a cloud of heavenly bliss.
"Your Highness," Benton responded, and then I heard the car drive away.
"Damn, Claire," Ali said softly. "You look amazing."
"Well, how about taking off my blindfold so I can see what you look like?"
He chuckled, and put a warm hand on either one of my shoulders. He spun me around to face a certain direction, then instructed me to open my eyes as he removed my blindfold.
"Ali!" I shrieked, and my eyes welled up with tears. We were standing in front of the Chateau Royale, my favourite hotel in all of New York. It was also extremely elite and expensive, and I'd never actually dared stay there.
"Ali!" I squeaked again, and the tears began spilling down my cheeks. I spun around to face him. He looked even more gorgeous than usual in his tight-fitted suit, if that was even possible.
He stepped foward and gathered me into his arms as I cried happily into his shoulder.
"Hey, you okay, Doc?" he asked gently.
I nodded. "It's so beautiful, Ali!" I whispered. "I feel like a princess!"
"Well, then it's a good thing I'm a prince," He kissed the top of my head tenderly.
He led me into the hotel, where we dined on the finest and most delectable food I'd ever tasted. 
Some of the world's most well-known celebrities dined around us, including Brad Pitt, Liv Tyler, and Orlando Bloom.
"Oh, what a pity," I teased. "Johnny Depp isn't here."
Ali, not catching the joke in my voice, pulled out his phone, and said in all seriousness, "Here. I have his number if you want to talk to him."
I blinked, and then laughed. "I was playing, Ali!"
He gave a sheepish grin and tucked his phone back into his pocket. "Of course," he nodded. "I was just playing along."
"Do you really have Johnny Depp's number?"
He grinned. "Absolutely! I have his, too," he jerked his head towards Orlando Bloom. Then he pulled his phone back out and sent a quick text message.
A few moments later, Orlando pulled out his phone, frowned, and searched the room. He grinned when he saw Ali, and came over to us.
"'Ello, mate!" He gave Ali one of those hand clasp/back slap man hugs. "Who's this lovely?"
"This is Dr. Claire Bennet," Ali replied.
"A doctor, eh? I'll have to try one of those myself!"
"Hands off, Orlie," Ali laughed. "Plus, what if Miranda heard you say that?"
"Wives," ORlando rolled his eyes, but then he fondly embraced the beautiful woman who appeared at his side.
Ali grinned, winking at me. "Someday, you're going to find a fantastic man and you'll make a wonderful wife. But for Allah's sake, Doc, don't make the mistake Miranda made and marry some half wit like Orlie here."
Orlando's wife gave a sigh of mock despair. "I don't know why I put up with him, truly, I don't!"
"Then why do you scream out my name every night?" Orlando grinned devilishly and kissed her.
"Oh, go get a room," Ali laughed and sent them on their way. I stared after the happy couple with envy.
"What?" I asked Ali when I noticed him staring at me.
He shrugged and made a goofy face. "You're beautiful. I like looking at you."
I blushed. "If I didn't know you better, Ali, I'd think you actually cared for me!"
"Well, I'm kind of obligated to treat you well," Ali said. "If not, I might be banished from your room."
"You animal!" I laughed.
"This animal wants to dance", he winked. "Care to join me?"
We both jumped and turned around when we heard the clearing of a throat. My heart sank into my stomach when I saw Ingrid. 
"Ali, darling, just because she's your doctor doesn't mean you have to feed her. Why don't you come back home with me?"
"Sorry, Ingrid. Tonight is for me and Claire, but I'll catch up with you later," Ali pulled me to my feet and led me outside. I stole a last glance at Ingrid, and if looks could kill, I'd be dead 800 times over.
We walked outside to the hotel's extensive gardens. In the middle was a small oasis centred around a fountain. Candles floated inside the fountain, and soft music played from the speakers. 
"Dance with me, Claire?" Ali asked with such emotion in his face I could hardly breathe.
I nodded, and he pulled me tightly against him, holding me as if he couldn't bear the thought of letting me go. "
Tears began to spill down my cheeks. I couldn't remember the last time I'd ever been this happy.
We danced around the fountain, not saying a word. He stared into my eyes, smiling gently, and touched his forehead to mine. In that moment, I came to grips with the truth I'd been denying for so long: I loved him. The realisation came to me right as the music reached the chorus of Toby Keith's You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This. 
The night was perfect. Ali was perfect. I never wanted this to end.
Ali's lips captured mine, and stayed there for the remainder of the song, and we continued kissing through the next two songs that followed, swaying gently to the rhythm of the music.
After we'd danced for a while, Ali just held me tightly, and said "I tried to reserve a room for the night, but they were all full."
"That's okay," I smiled. "Cinderella didn't spend the night at the castle, either."
He grinned. "Let's get you home, then, shall we? Pray your new car doesn't get turned into a pumpkin or anything like that."
I scoffed. "You're a goof."
He winked. "You know me."
"And I get to observe you, no charge!"
"Lucky you," he laughed and grabbed my hand. "Let's get you home before your ball gown disintegrates. Not that I'd mind, but..."
I slapped him playfully on the arm and we ran, laughing, back to my car.