“What?” she managed to rasp.
“Anytime that I act like a jerk, call me on it,” he replied, nudging her chin playfully. And from his voice’s gruffness, he’d erected the invisible shield between them again. “Come on. It’s gotten colder. I don’t want you to catch a chill.”
Dropping his hands, he called for Macy.
And she could hear the dog as she sped across the park hurriedly.
By the time Macy reached them, she’d regained her composure.
“I bet you enjoyed yourself, today, didn’t you, Macy?” she asked, ruffling her soft coat gently. She started when her cell phone rang. Forcing back the nervousness, she pulled it from her purse. “Hello.”
“Ms. Williamson? This is Jacques Landers, chief coordinator with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. You performed a solo with us earlier, correct?”
“Yes,” she answered, barely able to keep her voice steady.
“We’ve reached our decision. After careful consideration, we’ve chosen you, Ms. Williamson, for the solo rendition,” Jacques Landers clipped on the other end. “As I mentioned earlier, your performance was flawless, impeccable, and a measure of other extraordinary things. We will expect that same excellence in the weeks ahead. Congratulations, Ms. Williamson.”
“Thank you,” she muttered calmly, though she was anything but. “And your kind words are most genuinely acceptable. I know that I was up against the best.”
“But, you are the best,” Jacques corrected her. “And I have no doubt that you will excel with your performance.”
After sharing a few more pleasantries, they ended the call.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“I got the part! Can you believe it, Xander? I scored the solo audition!”
She’d barely gotten her words out before she left the ground. Her laughter was contagious as he joined in and spun her around. She let out a breathless laugh as he finally set her back down.
“I never had any doubt that you’d get it,” he added. “This calls for a celebration. How about we grab something at the Java Spot later tonight?”
“Sounds good,” she agreed quickly, her heart fluttering. “I can’t think of anywhere else that I’d like to celebrate.”
Or rather with whom she wanted to celebrate.
A tiny smile played across her lips.
Maybe things weren’t so hopeless after all.
***
“Macy, of course, I’m making too much of this,” she said conversationally, shrugging into the light peach blouse before fingering the ruffles at its neckline. The white, ankle-length peasant skirt brushed against her thighs as she pulled it on past her hips. “This is not a date. It’s no big deal. We’re just going to grab a cappuccino, coffee…nothing more. How do I look?”
The golden retriever barked in response.
A half-smile curved her lips.
She stooped over before feeling under the bed. Carefully, she felt across the soft carpeting, and then her hands finally landed on the one-inch wedges. After gathering the shoes in her hand, she stood up before sagging down onto the bed.
“Thanks for the encouragement, Macy. But, confident…I’m not. As a matter of fact, I’m a total nervous wreck,” she said rushed, sliding her stocking feet into the shoes, and then put on the white, lacy wrap, completing her soft look. “And I have no reason to be. It’s been so long since I’ve actually gone out that I’m making a simple outing into something it’s not. On top of that, the Java Spot is hardly romantic or a feasible backdrop for a budding romance,” she repeated. “We’re newfound friends, nothing more.”
But, maybe that’s the problem, her mind argued back.
Didn’t she desire more than friendship?
Shoving the thought aside, she treaded for the bathroom vanity.
Within minutes, her black tresses were ensconced in an elegant bun, minus the soft tendrils curling teasingly alongside her face. Her feminine look was finished after she placed the tiny pearl earrings in her lobes. After kneeling down, she hugged the golden retriever close. “Are you good to go?” she asked quickly, standing.
Macy yelped again.
“That’s my girl,” she laughed, turning for the door.
A half-hour later, as she stood in the living room, the doorbell pealed.
Her heart fluttered.
Taking a steady breath, she forced herself to calm.
He’s just a man, she rationalized, grasping the doorknob.
Who was she kidding?
He was the most fascinating creature she’d ever met!
Slipping her mask into place, she opened the door. “Xander,” she said coolly, her heart flip-flopping. As awareness swamped over her, her resolve nearly crumpled.
She tightened her hand along the doorknob.
Still, the devastating effect he had on her senses was mystifying.
“Nicole,” he said thickly, stepping past her on into the room. “You look lovely this evening. I hope that I’m not too early.”
Why did it seem that his words were rushed and breathless?
She pushed the thrilling thought aside.
Of course, she knew better than that.
“Thank you. Come in,” she said politely, stifling her nervous laugh. Surprisingly, her hands were steady as she pushed the door closed. “Just let me grab my coat.” Before he could protest, she headed for the wingback chair.
Still, she sensed him as he followed behind her closely.
Stopping at the chair, she picked the coat up with a trembling hand.
“Here, allow me,” he insisted, pulling it from her.
“Thank you,” she stammered, turning to face him, a warm flush staining her cheeks. Again, she was reminded of the devastating effects of his closeness as he assisted her.
A few seconds, later, she finally released her pent-up breath.
“Come one, Macy. Time to go,” she said softly, grabbing hold of the dog’s leash. Then, shyness won over as she faced him again. “We’re ready.”
“Great,” he remarked, grasping her elbow before escorting her from the apartment.
An hour later, at the Java Spot, she cradled the warm cup of cappuccino in her hands.
“What do you think?” she asked expectantly, smiling at him across the table.
“Well, you were certainly right about one thing,” he admitted, sitting back with a satisfied sigh. “The Java Spot has the best peach cobbler on this side of Atlanta.”
“Yes, at least now, I won’t feel guilty,” she laughed, sipping the cappuccino before placing on the table. “Finally, there’s someone who’s as addicted to it as I am.”
“Certainly understand you on that point. After having three slices of it tonight, I think that my appetite for it surpasses yours,” he chuckled, his hands brushing hers as he lifted his coffee mug. “I propose a toast.”
Again, it was difficult to maintain her composure as she raised her mug.
“Congratulations, Nicole, on nailing the solo,” he said, touching her mug with his. “And I know that you’re highly deserving of the honor. Again, congratulations.”
“Thank you,” she stated shyly, and the flush slid along her neckline. “…especially,for taking the time to make it special. I know that you probably had more important things to do than this. And after what happened this afternoon with my near attack---”
“I don’t want you to think for one moment that it isn’t important because it is. Your accomplishments deserve celebrating, and I’m more than honored that I’m here with you,” he replied, bracing his arms on the table. “As for the mugger, he’s gone and you never have to worry about him again.”
“I know,” she said, nodding her head before sighing. “I don’t even understand why I even brought it up.”
“Well, I want you to know that you’re safe. People like him…they make me see red, and I can’t understand the logic of their reasoning---why they want to hurt, destroy, or kill.”
Now, there was no mistaken
the anger underlying his tone.
“It’s not your fault, not any of this,” he stated firmly, settling back against the booth. “This crazy world that we live in, it’s just difficult to understand sometimes or the things that happen in it.”
“The world can be a cruel ugly place. Coping with those hard blows is the difficult challenge we face. And sometimes, that’s near impossible,” she remarked thoughtfully, concentrating on her struggles the past five years. Then, she cleared her throat before offering a smile. “We were having a perfectly lovely time until I brought it up. So, let’s just pretend that I didn’t open my big mouth and ruin things.”
She kicked herself mentally.
Naturally, she’d put the damper on things.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he disagreed. “You haven’t ruined anything, and you have nothing to apologize for. So, drop that ridiculous notion now, okay? Besides, I’m lucky that you’re putting up with me anyway. Unsurprisingly, most people find me unapproachable or unsociable.” A rich truthfulness rang in his tone, but he masked it quickly. “And after a long day in the field, I’m grateful that you’ve made it more than pleasant.”
“Putting up with you, as you put it, is the least I could do, especially after everything that you’ve done for me.” Shyness filled her tone. “I’m enjoying our evening, too. For what it’s worth, they’re wrong about you, and they’re fools if they don’t realize what a kind and honorable man you are,” she offered quietly, her face flushing red, and hoped that her adoration wasn’t apparent. She cleared her throat uncomfortably before sliding towards the booth’s end. “I’ll be back in a moment. I’m going to the powder room. I won’t be long.”
“Certainly, can I get you anything else?” he inquired, standing politely as she exited.
“No thanks. I’m fine,” she smiled again before walking away.
Her hands tightened on Macy’s leash.
They carefully maneuvered around the tables and then veered around the corner. A citrusy odor floated in the air, signaling that they’d reached the women’s restroom. She flattened her hands against the metal-framed restroom door before pushing it open.
An eerie silence filled the huge room as it swung open.
Momentarily, irrational fear filled her as she hovered at the open doorway.
Stop being so paranoid, she argued silently, tapping the floor with the cane as she ventured in.
“Wait here,” she instructed firmly, going into the stall.
Several seconds later, she stepped out.
Her steps were slow and careful as she crossed the concrete floor. Finally, she reached the low sink. After soaping her hands, she placed them under the automatic faucet. At once, the warm water sprayed forcefully from the squared nozzle.
The restroom door opened and then closed.
She stiffened.
Why didn’t she hear any footsteps?
Again, an uncomfortable silence echoed in the still room.
Noise filled the space as the automatic hand dryer kicked on.
Rubbing her hands together furiously, she listened.
A toilet in the nearby stall flushed.
The stall door opened.
But, still no footsteps sounded.
Suddenly, Macy stiffened before growling, and she sensed a presence directly behind her.
She swallowed hard.
“Come on, Macy, let’s go,” she said, shaken, stepping to the side, and immediately, she collided into an immovable figure. An unearthly odor exuded from it and while it breathed, there was no heartbeat.
Fear surged through her.
Was terror tracking her every move?
Suddenly, the noise filtered in as the restroom door swung open. The trio of women cackled loudly as they surged into the room. At once, the ominous presence moved away from her.
Relief surged through her.
“Are you okay?” one of the women asked, approaching her, her speech slightly slurred. The smell of alcohol assaulted her as she stopped before her. “You look pretty shaken up.”
“Who was it?” Nicole insisted, somewhat desperately, turning towards the woman. “Where did he go? Is he still here?”
“Who?” the woman asked, stricken. “Honey, you were the only one here when we came in. Are you sure you okay? You don’t look too good all of a sudden. Can I get you some---”
Eyes pooling with fresh tears, she stumbled away from the woman, and her steps were clumsy as she hurried from the restroom. The noise from the boisterous patrons greeted her as she reached the seating area. Within seconds, she’d reached their booth.
“Xander--” she began, her voice trembling.
“We picked a good night,” he said appreciatively, finally looking up. “They’re about to begin slam poetry in five--- hey, what is it?” The table rattled as he stood up quickly before grabbing her trembling hands in his. “What’s wrong? Here, sit down.”
After ushering her onto the booth, he moved beside her, and his hands tightened around hers. “What is it?” he asked, and concern filled his tone. Then, surprising her, he hugged her close. “It’s okay. Relax. Tell me what happened.”
Inhaling sharply, she relaxed against him.
Seconds later, she calmed, and entirely different feelings swamped her.
Her heart flip-flopped again.
The feel of his hard body was just too tempting.
“Thank-k you,” she stammered, placing some distance between them as she pulled back. “As usual, I overacted.”
He stiffened. “What do you mean you overacted? Did something happen?”
“When I was in the restroom, I thought that someone was in there with me. I bumped into him or her…whatever, at least I thought I did,” she replied quickly, stumbling over her words. “But, there was no one there. I feel so stupid.”
She looked away as tears filled her eyes.
“Don’t do this, and if anything, never second-guess yourself,” he said lowly, his voice seeming strange, and it seemed that he wanted to say more, but then thought against it. “I’ll go check it---”
“No, stay,” she stated firmly, grabbing his hand. At once, pure sensual fire surged through her upon the contact, and she dropped his hand. “You can’t always drop things or come to my rescue at every whim.” She blinked the tears away. “I’m so tired of being his victim. Ever since that night…today…I’ve been too scared to breathe in my own skin. My paranoia is completely taking over everything. No,” she sniffed, shaking her head. “I won’t do it anymore. I won’t let him ruin my life or become afraid of living it.” She straightened in the booth. “Now, didn’t you mention slam poetry a few minutes ago?”
“About to start in a few minutes. But, if you’re not up to it---,”
“Well, I am up to it,” she said, lifting her chin stubbornly. “Can we move closer?”
“Certainly,” he quipped, cupping her elbow. “There’s a table on the front row.”
This time, they sat in close proximity at a smaller table.
After the poets verbal sparring started, all her ill thoughts fled.
***
“That was wonderful, and so much talent in one place. It was unbelievable. Tell me. Who was your favorite one?” she inquired softly, upturning her face toward him as they departed the coffee house.
At once, they were enmeshed with the bustling crowd as they strode along the busy boardwalk. Unsurprisingly, the thriving area was still alive with activity in the early evening hours, but Macy still led the way as she paced ahead of them.
“That’s a tough call. There were a lot of good ones,” he quipped thoughtfully, grasping her elbow as they veered left. “But, if I were banking on one, I’d have to go with Jason Kyle. If he’s really interested in his craft, he could probably do it professionally.”
“I loved him, too. He really was my favorite,” she said, surprised, a pleased smile filling her face. Then, she grew serious. “His lyrics were so rich, true, and profound. Every word seemed to resona
te deeply from his soul. He spoke of so much despair and loss. I can certainly relate to that.”
“Me too,” he said under his breath, pausing slightly, “in more ways than one.”
“That’s the beauty of art. Through words, lyrics, and pictures, we’re able to emote what we really feel,” she went on.
Didn’t she understand that better than anyone?
Finally, they stopped, and she could hear a throng of people nearby.
“Why are we stopping?” she inquired. “Aren’t we at the front of Chasm’s Lounge?”
“Yes, we are,” he admitted, and then released a fast breath. “I was just thinking. The night is still young. Do you want to grab a drink or something? I know it’s kind of spontaneous, and you may have other plans---”
“I would love to,” she stammered quickly, her heart skipping a beat. Again, an embarrassed flush stained her cheeks. “I-I mean, I’m not in any hurry, and like you said, it’s still early yet.”
“Good. I’ll warn you though, the place looks packed. So, it may be a minute or two before we get in,” he replied, guiding her towards the teeming line. His large hands landed on her shoulder protectively. “Here, stand in front of me.”
“Ok,” she said breathlessly, gulping slowly, shortening Macy’s leash before pulling her close.
Pretending to be unaffected by him was turning into a huge feat!
Then, disappointment filled her as his hands dropped.
Where in the hell are you, he cursed silently, glancing over his shoulder. While there was no visual sign of him, it was a given that the crazed vamp was nearby.
Turning, he scanned the area again.
The typical crowd---
Overly eager patrons with some already inebriated.
Unease coursed through him.
…she wasn’t close to safe.
“That didn’t take long,” she acknowledged, smiling over her shoulder.
Again, he was sucker punched.
What she did to his insides was unexplainable…
“No, it didn’t,” he admitted heavily, clearing his throat.
“Hey, man,” Jagger exclaimed, immediately, waving the security wand along them. Then, he clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen you in, Sullivan. How are you doing?”
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 18
