Room to Breathe

by Nicole Brightman

  “I am sorry,” she blurts out so suddenly I jump.

  “What?” I ask, still in a little shock.

  “I am so sorry. Cora, I swear if I hadn’t been drinking so much I never would have gone for it. Lucinda had me convinced that was why Eric wanted to see us. I am not proud of my actions. Even with the drinking if I had any idea that you love him I would’ve told her off for even suggesting it.” Claire says in her usual rushed manner.

  “What do you mean I ‘love him’? Who told you that?”

  “I mean, come on, you are obviously in love with him. Girls don’t freak out like that over a guy they are just sleeping with, history of panic attacks or not. You are a little mad to fall in love with someone like him though.”

  “Why do you say that?” I am a little hurt by her comment.

  “Well he is sort of the prime example of ‘emotionally unavailable’, don’t you think? Don’t get me wrong, he is a great guy. Just be careful,” she says as she places her hand on my leg.

  “I will be and I do forgive you. I would really like five minutes alone with Lucinda though. I don’t understand why she hates me so much.”

  “Lucinda is a pretty unhappy person. She is even more unhappy now though. I would be careful around her if I was you. After what Eric told her this morning she should leave you alone but I wouldn’t trust her,” Claire says as she touches up her lip gloss. She looks wonderful in jeans with brown knee high boots and a brown cashmere sweater. The rich brown color highlights her coppery curls and bright green eyes.

  “I won’t, believe me. What did Eric say to her?”

  “He told her that after this weekend she is out. He doesn’t care if she finds a benefactor or not. He wrote to her sister and she said Lucinda can stay there. He said that if she does or says anything bitchy to you or anyone that she is out on the spot too. Looks like we’re here,” she says as we pull up to the party planners. I am relieved to know Eric has been so firm with her. I hope that means the next week will go smoothly. This also means that within the next two weeks it will just be him and me at the manor. I can’t help but feel giddy at the thought of having him all to myself.

  “Hey, Claire,” I say as Angus gets out to open our doors. “Please don’t tell anyone about me being in love with Eric.”

  “I promise I won’t but if you keep getting that goofy grin on your face every time he is mentioned and I don’t think it will matter.”

  *********

  I lean back against the soft leather seat of the town car. After spending two hours at the party planner, an hour of which was spent with Claire trying to decide between two different white flowers, we went to a wonderful Thai restaurant for lunch. It was really nice to have a more relaxed meal than at the manor.

  I have really been enjoying the day just being out and in the real world. As much as I want to see Eric I am not really ready to head back just yet.

  “Claire, do you want to maybe do a little shopping?” I ask knowing she will say yes.

  “Of course! On my death bed I will want to shop. Where do you want to go? I need some new knickers and a nighty or two.”

  “Sounds good to me,” I smile at her. I really enjoy shopping for pretty undergarments especially now that someone is seeing them.

  Claire quickly types away on her phone. After a moment it makes a noise indicating she has a text. She sends another message and then tucks the phone away.

  “Hey, Angus. We want to go to the lingerie shop that I went to last time. Do you remember where it is?”

  “Yes, Miss Claire, I believe I do. It is the one next to the tea shop with the pink sign correct?” Angus answers from the front seat.

  “Yes, I think so anyways,” Claire answers back.

  Within in a few minutes we pull up in front of a little boutique. Angus helps us both out. The shop is warm and comfortable. A petite blonde woman comes around from the counter to greet us.

  “Hello, Miss Baxter. It is lovely to see you again. This must be Miss Allen,” She says as she takes each of our hands in turn. “Lord Ashford called ahead and everything is arranged.”

  “Oh wonderful. Thank you,” Claire says smiling at the woman.

  “What does she mean ‘arranged’?” I ask Claire.

  “You didn’t think we were going to spend our money did you? Besides in your case whatever you buy here is really for him isn’t it?” Claire winks at me as we walk further into the shop.

  “Miss Allen would you like to get measured? That way we can make sure we have the right fit for you,” the smiling blonde lady asks.

  “Sure, I am sorry I didn’t catch your name,” I figure I should know who I am taking my top off for.

  “I am Evelyn. Right this way,” she leads me off to be measured. I find out I have been wearing the wrong size bra forever apparently, a fact that leaves Claire to exclaim that I need a whole new lingerie wardrobe. By the end of our little shopping spree I am sure that I have more undergarments then I could wear in a month. I feel a little bad for spending so much of Eric’s money, but like Claire said it is mostly for him, right?

  “Claire, you really do have a knack for picking out the best things. I can’t believe how good everything looked on me. It was like I was trying things on with someone else’s body.”

  “Well thank you. I have always said it is all about fit. The fact that your body is fairly wonderful on its own doesn’t hurt either,” she says smiling at me as we grab our bags. She really does have an eye for what looks good and what fit well. I am glad she is pursuing a career in lingerie design.

  We say goodbye to Evelyn with promises that we will be back. Angus places our bags in the trunk and we head back out to the manor.

  I had entirely too much fun shopping with Claire, but now I am really missing Eric. The drive back to the manor seems twice as long as the drive from it. I send Eric a text message telling him we are on our way and thanking him for the lingerie.

  He responds quickly saying that I am welcome as long as I plan on showing him what I bought and then let him take it off me. I feel my body clench down at the thought. It has only been a few days but I feel like my body is craving him. I am completely addicted to his touch.

  “Tell Eric hello for me,” Claire says with a smile.

  “What makes you think it is Eric I am talking to?” I retort, blushing.

  “Everything about your face right now. I really should have caught on sooner that you are in love with him. Looking back you are pretty bad at hiding it,” she says as we approach the manor.

  “Claire, how do you think he feels about me?” I ask as the car stops in front of the door.

  “I don’t know. Eric is pretty guarded. I think he cares about you at least a little more than he does most people. I have never seen him talk to anyone the way he talked to Lucinda this morning. I know it was because she hurt you. Just keep in mind Cora that if he does love you it is against his will. People have a way of trying to fight that sort of thing.”

  Chapter 20

  I have spent most of the day in the library curled up in my favorite chair in the whole place with a new book in the southern vampire series I love so much. You think girls would learn, if you date a vampire, at some point he is going to try and eat you, and not in the good way. Eric is sitting opposite me reading a book of his own. His choice is much more refined. He is reading The Great Gatsby. It has been nice to spend a few hours just relaxing with him. I am so grateful that he has a day of down time.

  I look up from my book to steal a glance at him. He is in jeans again this time with a white t-shirt. As breathtaking as he is in a suit his body does amazing things to a t-shirt. I can feel the space between my legs start to throb at the thought of taking that t-shirt off of him and running my hands over his sculpted abs and chest. His hair is slightly messy from him running his hands through it mindlessly while he reads. I am lost in thoughts of touching every inch of him when I realize he is looking at me smiling. My cheeks flush hot and I smile back.

>   “How’s the book?” He asks putting his own down.

  “Oh, it is good. I was just thinking.”

  “Thinking about what?” He asks rising his eyebrows.

  “Um, the party this weekend,” I lie. “What is going on each day again?” He raises his eyebrows even farther. I know he isn’t buying it but he goes along anyways.

  “Well let’s see. Friday most people will be arriving in the late afternoon to evening. We will have drinks in the parlor so everyone can meet. Then during the day Saturday different groups of people will be doing different things. You will be free at that time to do whatever you please. The idea is to give people one on one time to get to know each other better. Then that night will be the big soirée. There will be dinner and dancing. Lots of people coming in from all over for Saturday night.

  “How many people are coming?” The manor is large but there is only so much space.

  “Oh, probably close to a hundred. It is to celebrate the house being finished too. I haven’t had any kind of party out here before. I think most people will just be here for the party but some are probably staying somewhere nearby. I am sure you will have a great time.”

  “I think so. There is just one thing though,” I bite my bottom lip nervously. “I don’t know about the dancing part. I know how to drop it like it’s hot but something tells me this isn’t the kind of dancing you are talking about.”

  “Drop what?” He asks with a wide grin.

  “You know like dancing at a club,” I smile back at him.

  “Oh! No, this is ballroom dancing. It is a chance for each couple to see how each other behave at a formal event. A large part of the reason that most benefactors need a charge is to accompany them to events.”

  “Well then I am just going to have to skip it. I haven’t a clue how to ballroom dance.”

  “Oh, come one you must at least know how to waltz?” He asks with raised eyebrows.

  “Nope, I have seen it on that show with the celebrities dancing but I have never tried it.”

  “Here stand up,” he says placing his book on the table between us. “Come on, stand up.” He places my book on top of his. Then he pulls me to standing. He walks over to the command center for the room. He presses the display a few times changing the song and increasing the volume. I recognize the song at once. It is ‘Hey Jude’ by the Beatles.

  “Come here,” he says guiding me by the hand to open space of floor. He pulls me into a traditional hold for a waltz. “Now just relax and follow me.”

  “How am I supposed to follow you when I can’t see your feet?”

  “Oh good god. You really haven’t ever danced properly have you?”

  “Nope.”

  “Okay, take a deep breath and relax. Good. Now just trust me to lead you.”

  Eric always makes me feel relaxed so that part isn’t hard; but the trusting is. We start to move in time with the music.

  “Ouch!” Eric yells as I step on his toe.

  “Sorry!”

  “It is okay. Honey, just trust me,” He says as he leans forward to kiss my forehead. “Close your eyes.”

  I do as he asks. We start to move again to the music. Somehow with my eyes closed this is much easier. My body is completely in tune to his. I am listening to the music and for a moment I forget I am dancing. He is way too good at this. Just when I think I can go join a competition the song comes to an end. I open my eyes to see Eric look down at me. He has almost a sad expression on his face.

  “Are you okay? Was I that terrible?” I ask.

  “I am fine, better than fine really. And no, you were wonderful. Once you stopped overthinking it.” He smiles and takes my face in his hands. “Cora, I think I…”

  “Oh, sorry to interrupt,” Dean says walking through the door. Are you freaking kidding me? Now. He has to walk in right now? I want to ask Eric what he was going to say but I know the moment is gone.

  “What is it?” Eric asks shaking his head a little.

  “I was just heading up to get ready for dinner but wanted to check if you needed me to do anything fist,” Dean says shifting his feet.

  “No, that should be good for the day, thank you,” Eric responds a little irritable.

  “Okay. I’ll just go then,” Dean practically runs from the room.

  “I suppose we should head up too,” I pout.

  “What’s wrong?” Eric questions running his thumb across my bottom lip.

  “I just have been really enjoying being alone with you. Isn’t there a way we can skip dinner with everyone else?”

  “Not really honey. Come on. I will walk you to your room,” he says ushering me towards the door.

  I have him walk in front of me when we reach the staircase. He is even perfect from this angle too. I want to reach out and just grab a hold of his ass. My body is still all tingly after being so close to him in the library. If he wanted to throw me down and have his way with me right here on the stairs I wouldn’t stop him. I sigh deeply as we reach the top of the steps and approach my room. I really don’t want to sit through another dinner with everyone. That really is the only down side to being here. I am just about to try to weasel out of dinner as Eric moves to open my door. He smiles at me, opens the door, and then steps to the side to let me enter first.

  To my surprise the room is lit by dozens of candles spread around the room. There is a small table set with a white table cloth and a small bouquet of white roses. There are two place settings with sliver-domed entrées and a bottle of white wine chilling. I am in complete awe. No one has ever done anything like this for me before. I am overwhelmed and in shock.

  “Oh Eric,” is all I can manage to say.

  “So, does that mean you like it?” he asks, taking my arm and leading me further into the room. “Because if not I can have them clear it away and we can go down with everyone else.” He says with a slight smirk.

  “Don’t you dare! This is lovely! Thank you so much,” I say, really grateful. “When did you arrange all of this?”

  “Last night. I wanted to take advantage of the little bit of time we would have together before the manor starts filling up. I am glad you are so pleased,” he responds with a smile. He is clearly proud of himself.

  “It is perfect,” I say as he guides me into my chair. He can say whatever he wants about the nature of our relationship. Guys don’t do things like this for just some girl they are just having fun with.

  He lifts the lid off of our entrées and reveals salmon and green beans with slivered almonds. “Do you know this is my favorite?” I ask in further shock.

  “Yes, I do,” He smiles placing the domes on a cart next to the table.

  “Did I tell you that?”

  “No, you didn’t and I am not going to tell you how I know so stop with the questions.” He winks and reaches for the wine. He pours us both a glass. I catch the label and it is again my favorite. I am beginning to think he has my room bugged.

  “That is delicious,” I say taking a drink. “Do you have a hidden camera in here? Or my lap top bugged?”

  “No, neither,” he says laughing slightly.

  The food is wonderful and cooked exactly as I like it. I am amazed that he would do all of this. I consider letting my guard down and telling him how I feel. Before I can say anything my fear stops the words from leaving my mouth.

  “What time is Tristan coming?” I ask instead.

  “Some time in the afternoon I would think. He doesn’t usually wake up until after ten and it is a bit of a drive.” He frowns slightly at the mention of his friend. Eric pours me my second glass of wine. “Are you finished?” he asks, pointing at my plate.

  “Yes, I am. That was wonderful,” I respond as he takes my plate from in front of me. He then takes my already empty wine glass and puts them both on the cart.

  “I have one final little surprise,” he smiles as he sets another domed plate in front of me. He lifts the lid to revel strawberries and whipped cream. I don’t know whether to
laugh or hide under the table. I look up at him and shake my head. He opens a bottle of champagne like a professional and returns to his seat.

  “I am pretty sure I swore off eating strawberries and whipped cream in front of anyone ever again,” I say narrowing my eyes.

  “Well, I have already witnessed you with them before so therefore your rule can’t apply to me.”

  “Oh is that how it works?” I ask, sipping the champagne.

  “Oh come on, just a little bit,” he suggests. I give an exaggerated roll of my eyes. I pick up one of the strawberries and run it through the whipped cream. Then I very slowly lick the whipped cream and take a small bite of the strawberry. The whole time Eric is watching me like it is the most interesting thing he has ever seen.

  “There. Happy?” I smile at him.

  “Almost,” he says with a half-smile. He reaches across the table and scoops a little whipped cream on his index finger. He holds it out for me. I lean forward and lick it off his finger tip.

  “Good God,” he exhales. “I don’t know what it is about that glorious pink tongue of yours but it seriously makes me crazy.”

  “It does?” I smile tilting my head to the side innocently.

  “You know it does.”

  “Hmm, well then if that drives you crazy I wonder what this will do,” I say getting out of my chair. I move around the table and kneel next him. He moves his chair back to give me room to fit between his legs. I unfasten his jeans and he helps me slide them down his hips. I can see his growing erection pushing against his boxer briefs. He tilts my chin up with his hand and kisses me deeply. His tongue is dancing in my mouth with my own. I lower my hand and gently rub at his increasingly hard cock.

  “Oh, honey,” He whispers against my mouth. I pull back from him to lower his boxer briefs. He again helps me until they are at his knees with his jeans. I take his large cock in my hand and gently stroke it. I lean forward and run my tongue from the base to the tip on the underside. I flick at head gently with the tip of my tongue while my hand continues to work at the base. He closes his eyes and leans his head back.