He kissed her again, and this time his hands caressed her sides and back. He groaned and yanked her tight. “Let’s go to bed.”
“We can’t leave Santos in the living room.” She pushed back. “I’ll take him to his room.”
His head fell back and his fingers dug into her bottom. “OK.” He blew a breath. “I’ll take Queen out back for a few minutes. I have something special in mind for you tonight. Could take hours. We’ll start in the shower.” His grin was so deliciously sinful, her heart tripped wildly.
Oh, Deus. This man.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Ventura Greens Country Club, Saturday night.
“What a great turnout, I didn’t expect so many people here,” Cluny handed her shoulder wrap to the coat-check clerk and took the ticket. “Do you see Gunny and Marla?”
“No, but we’re assigned to the same table. They’re sharing with us and another couple. Do you know who they are?” Graciella craned her neck as she looked around the large ballroom then took Cluny’s arm.
“No, but I expect it’ll be a veteran I’ve met in the past.” He led her across the dance floor surrounded by tables for six. “We’re over here, baby. Oh great, I recognize Joey Hamilton at our table. One of your favorite vets.”
Graciella’s eyebrows drew together. “I’ve met him?”
“He’s one of the boys who had too much to drink at Gunny’s party and shot off his mouth.”
“Oh.” She tightened her grip on Cluny’s arm. “I don’t recognize him, but I didn’t get a good look. Maybe he won’t remember the incident. Who’s the woman he’s with? She wasn’t at the party.” Her stomach cramped, but she was determined not to let Joey Hamilton spoil the evening. It had to have been the alcohol talking. If the man had had his wits about him, he wouldn’t have been so obnoxious. She’d give him the benefit of doubt.
Cluny whispered in her ear. “I’ll ask them to change our table.”
“No, amor, please. I don’t want to make anything of it.” She held his uniform-clad arm and continued in the direction of the couple who’d just noticed their approach.
The good-looking man with a military haircut stood. “Hey, McPherson, we’re at the same table.”
Cluny’s face was unreadable. “I believe you’ve met my lady, Graciella Jefferson.” He gave a polite nod to the brunette sitting next to Hamilton.
“Yes, I’ve had the pleasure. Nice to see you again, Graciella.” He indicated the brunette. “This is my sister, Liz.”
“Your sister?” Cluny didn’t look convinced. “She can’t be the same Liz I met when she was this high.” He held a hand at waist level.
The young woman smiled. “Yes, I really am the same Liz. Joey calls me whenever he can’t get a date, so I get to go out a lot.”
Joey rolled his eyes. “Thanks, sis.” He pulled back the vacant chair next to him. “Graciella?”
She hesitated for a split second then smiled and took the seat. She leaned past Joey. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Liz.”
Cluny, who’d been silent, rounded the table to Joey’s sister. “Liz, give us a kiss.” He put his hand on her arm and pecked her cheek then took the chair next to her, across the table from Graciella.
Joey stood again. Graciella looked over her shoulder. Dwayne and Marla made their way to the table. Dwayne gave a warning evil eye to Joey, and the man lowered his eyes and cleared his throat.
Cluny embraced Marla. “You get more beautiful every day, Ms. Danaher. You are dancing with me tonight, no matter what Gunny says.” He turned and spoke to the other couple. “Joey, you remember Dempsey’s wife. Marla, this brave young lady, who appears far too decent to be seen in public with Hamilton, is his sister, Liz.”
“Nice to meet you, Liz.” Marla smiled and took the chair next to Cluny.
Dwayne remained standing, leaned past Graciella’s ear to kiss her cheek. “How you doing, gorgeous? Looks like you and Red had a very successful shopping trip.” He briefly fingered the sheer silver tunic at her shoulder. “Nice, very nice.”
She reached up and patted his hand. “Thank you, Dwayne.”
“Back off, Gunny,” Cluny teased.
After a few minutes, a waiter in white livery arrived at their table with a tray of champagne flutes.
Dwayne told him, “The men here will have sparkling cider or soft drinks. You can bring them after you’ve served the ladies.” He looked pointedly at Joey.
“I’ll have club soda, please, with lemon,” Joey said.
“Very good, sir.” He lowered the tray and Marla and Liz accepted the proffered champagne. “Any specific requests for you gentlemen?” He looked at Dwayne first then Cluny.
“I’m good with club soda,” Cluny said.
“Make it four,” Dwayne added.
Graciella felt a wave of gratitude toward Dwayne’s making sure there would be no further incident of embarrassing drunken talk. She patted his arm and sighed. “You’re very handsome tonight, Mr. Dempsey. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Cluny walked into the living room in his dress blues. For a minute I thought a stranger was in the house.”
“We clean up pretty good when the occasion calls for it.” Dwayne grinned and nodded his head in Joey’s direction. “The uniform does wonders for us, even Boozy over there.”
“OK, OK.” Joey raised his hands. “I get the message, Gunny. I’m on my best behavior. Anyway, I’m off the sauce and I reenlisted. I didn’t like the nickname anymore, and my dad would have my hide if I didn’t bring Liz home safely.”
“Glad to hear it,” Cluny said as the waiter returned with the club sodas. He picked up his glass. “Here’s hoping they raise a ton of bucks tonight. I hear they brought in a great orchestra. Liz, save a spot on your dance card for me.”
Liz sighed dramatically and put a hand over her heart.
The tables filled quickly, and the waitstaff rushed efficiently through the room placing salads and French rolls on the tables. Graciella relaxed as Joey engaged her in pleasant small talk. Joey impressed her as an intelligent man with a sweet sense of humor. Dwayne was seated at her other side, and Cluny sat between Marla and Liz. Liz laughed and blushed at something Cluny said. Yes. It promised to be a pleasant evening and worth what she’d spent on her outfit.
She’d also indulged in a mani-pedi this morning. But instead of visiting the hairdresser she’d let her hair fall in natural waves and curls over her shoulders, the way Cluny liked it best. She smiled to herself when she remembered his last-minute suggestion they stay home, get naked, make love all night, and forget about the party.
Soft music began to play near the end of the main course. A few couples made their way to the dance floor. Cluny stood and reached for her hand. “Let’s dance, baby.”
She moved easily into his arms and they joined the other dancers. In her spike heels she was nearly as tall has Cluny. She tilted back her head and looked into his twinkling blue eyes. “What?”
He pulled her tighter and nipped her earlobe. “I want to grab your ass and take a bite out of your neck, but they’d frown on it here. Marines must maintain a certain level of decorum when in uniform. There are at least two generals in the room.”
Her blood raced as his hand slid low on her back. “Watch it, Marine. I don’t want you to end up in the brig. What would I tell Santos?”
“He understands a lot more than you think he does. He’s stopped me dead in my tracks with a few of his questions lately.”
“Such as?” She stroked the back of his neck, knowing it only added fuel to his fiery libido. How nice it was to wield such power over him.
He chuckled. “He asked me if I wanted to make a baby with you.”
“What!” she hissed. “Oh, Deus. What did you say?”
“I said no.”
“Thank goodness.” She was shocked that her little boy had asked him such a question. Had even thought to ask such a question.
“Yeah, I said no, not a baby, several babies.” She groaned and dropped her head on his shoulder. His ch
est bumped against hers in silent laughter. “Take it easy. He’s just an innocent kid. If a kid asks questions it means they’re old enough to get an honest answer. I didn’t elaborate, and he didn’t probe deeper.”
“What did he say?”
“He said, ‘That’s nice,’ and went back to the popcorn and the ballgame.”
Deep in her heart, she sensed Cluny was a natural-born father. His easy manner with her son, the way he respected what Santos had to say, and the adoration and enthusiasm of the boys and girls he coached at the park spoke to that. Someday she’d question him more about his parents and his life in foster homes. She wanted to know everything about this man she loved.
A senior officer wearing the uniform of a different service tapped on the microphone. The dance floor quickly emptied as guests returned to their tables and resumed their seats. He announced the program for the evening, promised there’d be no long-winded boring speeches, and then introduced a woman, identifying her as the chairman of the Wounded Warriors of Ventura County.
The tiny, gray-haired lady lowered the mic. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Our thanks to all of you for attending tonight. Our ticket sales increased fifty percent over last year.” She paused for polite applause. “That’s the conclusion of my speech.” She smiled at the laughter and enthusiastic applause. “In a few minutes volunteers will be approaching your tables to sell raffle tickets. We’ve received many generous donations from several of our supporters, the value of the prizes greatly exceed the ten-dollar ticket price. So, buy more tickets! Thank you for coming and for your financial support.”
The musicians took a break and the conversation level in the ballroom increased as ticket sellers went from table to table, while the waitstaff cleared away dinner and served dessert. Drinks around the table were refreshed.
“Hey, guys.”
Heads turned at Misty Beachy’s greeting. Graciella’s breath caught. She saw the perplexed look on Joey’s face when his eyes flicked from her to Misty to Cluny. Graciella met Joey’s eyes and his cheeks reddened. He stared at his club soda.
“What are you doing here, Mis?” Cluny was clearly flabbergasted. “We didn’t know you were coming or we’d have asked you to sit with us.”
“I’m working tonight, Mac. I’m at one of the single’s tables. Got five men all to myself.” She held up a large roll of raffle tickets. “Pony up, Marines. I happen to know what some of the prizes are. And if you don’t win, you do win because the money we raise will help a lot of vets and their families.”
Misty, like the men, wore full dress uniform and had her hair in a neat bun at the back of her neck. Except for a tinge of color on her lips, she wore no makeup. Graciella remembered Sgt. Beachy didn’t need makeup. Naturally attractive and feminine, Misty appeared particularly young tonight.
Graciella was comforted by the thought that there’d been no communication between Cluny and Misty. He was as surprised to see her as she was.
Joey recovered quickly and grinned. “I’ll take five tickets, Master Sergeant, and I challenge McPherson and Dempsey to match me.”
“Good man, Boozy.” She looked askance at Liz. “Do you know about this man’s checkered past?” She peeled tickets off the strip, separated them in half, and gave Liz the stubs. The fifty dollars he handed over went into a small basket she carried on her wrist. It already had a good-sized stack of bills.
Liz grinned. “Oh, yes, he’s my big brother.”
Dwayne pulled out his wallet. “Boozy has reformed, Master Sergeant. As of tonight he’s to be known as Joe. He’s sworn off the sauce, joined the ranks of us teetotalers, and reenlisted.” He passed her a hundred dollar bill. “I’ll take ten.”
Misty handed Marla his stubs. “That’s good news, Gunny. We’ll start calling him Hambone again.”
Cluny grumbled, “Show-off,” and directed a grin at Dwayne. “I’ll take ten tickets, Mis. Can’t let Gunny show me up.”
“OK, OK,” Joey said. “Give me five more.”
Liz laughed. “Oh, good, I want to win that spa vacation.”
Good-natured laughter followed Misty Beachy’s move to the next table, and they sampled their desserts. The orchestra returned to the ballroom and this time the music was a bit louder. One by one, men rose from tables and wandered to the Smoking Room, which was in reality an outdoor balcony. Several non-smokers and a few women joined them, but most, like Graciella, Marla, and Liz, remained behind.
Liz asked Graciella, “How long have you known Cluny? Joey warned me he had a beautiful girlfriend, so I should give up the crush I’ve had on him since I was eleven and move on.”
Graciella and Marla exchanged smiles.
“We’ve been together since the beginning of summer. I have my son to thank for it. He made friends with Cluny at the beach in early June.”
“Yes,” Marla said. “Her son, Santos, told Dwayne he was going to marry Amber when he grows up. So, we already know the future father of our grandchildren.”
Liz giggled. “Oh, that’s sweet. How old is he?”
“He’ll be ten in September. Amber will be nine. Just the right age difference, don’t you think?”
“Perfect.” Liz stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll head to the ladies room. You won’t hate me if I dance with Cluny will you?”
“Don’t be silly.” Graciella waved as the sweet young woman left the table.
“How are you doing?” Marla asked. “I noticed you were startled when Misty came to the table to sell tickets.”
“I’m fine. I’m trying very hard not to let Marvin’s infidelity intrude on my relationship with Cluny. Any flirting he does is natural and playful. You don’t notice me getting upset whenever he hugs or kisses you.” There was a definite difference in her mind, but the knowledge that Cluny and Misty had once been lovers continued to nag like an evil, slithering vermin working to worm its way into her heart.
She and Marla followed Liz to the ladies room. A short time later, the men having heard the orchestra resume music for dancing, slowly drifted back into the ballroom. Cluny entered among a small knot of laughing veterans including Misty Beachy. He spoke to her for a few seconds, kissed her cheek and made his way to their table. He leaned close to Graciella’s ear. “I’m going to ask Liz for that dance.”
She reached up and patted his cheek. “OK. You know where to find me.”
Dwayne led Marla to the dance floor, leaving Graciella and Joe alone at the table. After an awkward few seconds he stood. “May I have this dance?”
A blush warmed her cheeks. She nodded and smiled. “Yes, of course.” She accepted because she didn’t know what else to do. He’d been very polite all evening, How could she refuse? She took his hand and followed him to the center of the room.
An accomplished dancer, Joe didn’t hold her stiffly away or uncomfortably close. She slowed her breathing and relaxed. Amazing, the power of booze to facilitate bad behavior. She knew Cluny stopped drinking alcohol because he’d recognized how pernicious it was for his PTS. Temptation was an insidious creature. She loved the man and she’d do whatever she needed to do to help him.
“You’re a great dance partner, Graciella,” Joe remarked. “If they play any Latin music before the evening is out, I’d love to have another dance with you.”
She laughed softly. “Are you saying that because Cluny told you I’m a dance teacher?”
He stopped for a split second. “You are? Wow. Where do you teach?”
“I own Rio Samba in Chatsworth. I met my late husband at a samba club in Sao Paulo, Brazil.”
“I’ll be damned. My sister talked me into taking some Latin dance lessons at a studio in Thousand Oaks a few months ago. I loved it.” He raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty good at it too.” Joe had a very charming smile.
“Is that right? Why don’t we ask the orchestra leader to play a couple of songs? Do you know the samba and the tango?”
Instead of answering her, he took her hand and walked the short distance to th
e orchestra and requested the bandleader to play some Latin music before the evening was over. The man answered, “Why not now?” As soon as they finished the piece they were playing, they began a dramatic tango.
“Ma’am?” Joe extended his hand and led Graciella back to the center of the floor.
Joe had told the truth. He was an excellent Latin dancer. Graciella laughed and joined freely in the masculine, sensuous tango with him. About half the dancers left the floor, apparently not adept at tango. Soon, others backed away from them and enjoyed watching. Graciella spotted Liz and Cluny grinning on the sidelines. The orchestra eased expertly from the sedate tango into a lively and delightful bossanova samba. At the conclusion of the dance, she and Joe acknowledged scattered applause and laughter. He led her to the edge of the floor and handed her off to Cluny.
Cluny’s arm around her waist, he whispered in her ear as he led her back to their table. “You gotta give me some more dance lessons, baby. I shoulda been the guy out there dancing with you. I have no choice now but to kill Hambone.” His grin belied his comment.
“What Joe probably doesn’t know,” she confided, “is tango originated in the brothels of the poor sections of Buenos Aires. I won’t tell him, if you won’t.”
Cluny squeezed her waist. “He’s on a strictly need-to-know basis.”
The dancing went on for another hour. Graciella accepted many invitations to dance, one from an elderly general, who, when he approached the table, had the three men instantly on their feet. Cluny danced with Marla and then with a matronly woman Graciella hadn’t met. Then he led Misty Beachy in a brief foxtrot.
The master of ceremonies tapped the microphone to announce the winners of the prize drawings and the amount of money they’d raised for the evening.
Graciella enjoyed Cluny’s surprise when one of the prizewinners won six private lessons at Rio Samba. To her relief, Joe didn’t win the private lessons. Liz showed her disappointment at not winning the coveted spa vacation. In fact, there were no raffle winners at their table, but the evening ended on a happy and upbeat note.
Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) Page 26
