Invitation to Love

by Lee, Groovy

  The next house he took her to sat on ten acres of farm land. It was manufactured out of western red cedar with river rock columns. He explained that this family was also concerned about the environment and wanted to help preserve the planet. Taryn admired his talent for design. It’s obvious he loves what he does, and is very good at it.

  They decided to eat lunch at a cozy diner in a small town before heading back to the city. Only a few other people occupied its homey interior where they were promptly served. Taryn noticed a young couple seated at the table next to them. The dark haired woman with smooth brown skin, and a very round stomach, started giggling when her husband leaned over and began talking to the soon-to-be-arrival. Taryn smiled, though her eyes warmed with sadness. How wonderful it would be to carry Michael’s child—to give him a son. And, although she kept a tiny light of hope on in her heart, she knew that light wouldn’t glow for long. The circumstances surrounding them makes that an impossibility; That light will eventually fade out. He looked up from his meal and followed her gaze.

  “What a wonderful way to start the human race, huh, Taryn?”

  The tender way in which he regarded her, made her throat tighten, and she could only nod in return.

  By the time they inspected the last two sites, which were some minor reconstructions of some apartment complexes, it was late evening. Michael suggested they buy a couple of steaks so he could show off his genius on the grill. They enjoyed their meal out on the patio soothed by a warm breeze.

  The day she spent with him dominated her thoughts as she lied in bed later that night, smiling to herself. She really didn’t expect that, but the more she gets to know him, the less surprised she is by his thoughtfulness. She was all set to spend the rest of her days and nights completely alone since, as he once mentioned, he was only keeping his distance so she wouldn’t feel pressured, but, was taken aback when he announced he was going to take the next two days off to keep her company. (Her smile grew an extra inch at that)

  At breakfast the next morning, he told her to wear her most sturdiest of sneakers and leisure pants because he planned to take her on a hike through one of California’s lesser known parks. First, they stopped at the grocery store and bought some supplies for a picnic lunch. Cedar Park, a thirty minute drive, took them away from the palm trees and beaches, inland onto mountain roads lined with tall pines and spruce trees.

  The park was a small, but beautiful haven. Weeping willows dotted the roads that cut through it; Retirees were casting and reeling their poles from the fishing pond they passed. Michael took her on a hiking trail that led up the rocky mountain. It wasn’t Mount Everest, but it took all her energy just to climb it. With his help, she managed. Midway up, they stopped to rest beside a cool stream where they consumed their sandwiches and bottled water from the knapsack he had strapped to his back.

  After a full day there, they returned home. He advised her to rest up, because that night was to be a black-tie affair where they would dine at one of L.A.’s elegant restaurants, and afterwards go dancing. She’d almost forgotten what it felt like to feel at ease, and not the usual bundle of tension, headaches included. It seemed the often exasperated Michael had left, and the charming one she befriended in Florida was back to assure her of his support. Even if she could never show her love for him, at least they were becoming friends again.

  She stood in her room early that evening smoothing at the black, A-line chiffon dress, convincing herself that she should stick with this one and not change again.

  “Are you ready, Taryn?” Michael tapped on her door.

  She dropped her brush onto the dresser, took a deep breath then went to open the door.

  An agreeable smile graced his handsome face. “Wow, you look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, so do you,” she replied, admiring the dark-gray suit he wore.

  “Shall we?” he offered his arm to her.

  While the atmosphere and delectable food at Othellos was beyond enjoyable, it was his company she enjoyed the most. He had her laughing heartily at his expressive picture of Remi pulling one of her stunts at her Aunt Nora’s right about now; And there was probably a message on the answering machine back home consisting of one word: Help! (If only time would stop at this moment)

  We can walk from here,” he said when they stepped out of the restaurant into the summery night air. Lights of all colors, advertising the specialties of each shop, lit the way as couples and families strolled here and there, in and out. He put his arm around her waist and guided her down the sidewalk. “Our next stop is just a couple of doors away.”

  “This is a hotel,” she stated the obvious when they entered the immaculate lobby decorated with deco chairs and palm plants.

  “Now, now,” he teased as he led her to one of the elevators. “It’s not what you think.”

  They rode up to the top level, then the doors slid open to an oval room glowing softly from the chandeliers hanging gracefully above. Patrons, decked out in their best, sat at the small tables centered around a dance floor. The hostess led them to their seats.

  “This is nice,” Taryn inspected around her. “What kind of place is this?”

  “A dance room that caters to a more sedate crowd than the average night-club. The music here is contemporary in a classy way.”

  “How did you find it?”

  “Actually, one of my engineers told me about it a couple of days ago. I thought we could check it out together.”

  “Would you like to order some drinks?” a blonde waitress approached.

  “Would you like a glass of Merlot?” he asked Taryn.

  “Yes, please. Michael,” she continued when the waitress took their orders and left. “These last couple of days have really been wonderful—thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” he replied with a slight nod of his head.

  “Why?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Why are you doing all of this? I mean, taking time off from your busy schedule to entertain me? We haven’t exactly been getting along, lately.”

  “Well, for one, I knew you’d be missing the girls a lot; So, I thought I’d take your mind off of them for a while. Also, I wanted to make up for the way I’ve been acting. This is my way of apologizing.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. We were both acting out the stress of being married. I mean, it’s not like it’s a normal commitment, which makes it even more of a strain. We’ve only been married for about a month; everything’s still new. I know our friendship will get us through this phase.”

  His eyes twinkled at her from across the table for a moment before that half-sided smile appeared. “You’re a wealth of wisdom, aren’t you?”

  “I don’t know about that,” she shrugged shyly. “Just speaking more from experience, I guess.”

  He reached over and covered one of her hands. “You’re quite a gem, Taryn.”

  She blinked at the warmth filling her eyes. (No one’s ever called her a gem before. Maybe, that light of hope won’t fade out after all)

  “Would you like to dance?”

  She nodded. He got up, held her chair, and led her to the dance floor. Her heart thumped against her chest as his arm drew around her waist and enclosed her to him. They fit like two pieces of a puzzle locked perfectly as they swayed slowly, their cheeks touching, coupled with the feel of his strong shoulders as she wrapped her arm around them heightened her desire, causing her eyes to close. (Is this what heaven feels like?) If only they could take this further—be man and wife completely. The night would be so perfect then. It will be a painful struggle going to her own room tonight; Just as it was last night and the night before. Still, she can’t get up the courage to approach him. Whether Karen is the reason, or her own fear that once that final step is taken, her heart and soul would cling to him unbearably, she can’t say. But, he can’t give her the love she longs for. And, if Karen should one day walk back into his life, she would be left alone, loving a man she can’t have. After fi
nishing their glasses of wine and dancing once more, they agreed to call it a night.

  “I have a more restful day planned for us tomorrow. But, we’re still going to need a good night’s sleep,” he mentioned as they rode the elevator back down to the lobby.

  Once they arrived home, she waited at the bottom of the stairs while he locked the front door and switched off the living room lights. As they mounted the stairs in silence, she hid her disappointment at having to end the night alone, when she’d rather spend it in his arms. They strolled slowly along the hallway, as if stretching time before they would have to part.

  They came to her bedroom door. It took every bit of strength she had to finally look at him and say, “Thanks for a wonderful evening, Michael.” His eyes traced along her face so intimately that she could barely look back. “Well—good-night.”

  “Would it be okay if we ended our date with a kiss?” he asked before she could turn away.

  She at once nodded like a timid school girl on her first date. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. When they parted slightly in response, he took advantage of her invitation and deepened it. All of her fears that led up to this moment fled the instant he touched her. She eagerly slid her arms around his neck and held him. When they finally separated, his eyes were thoroughly drunk with passion; Fear and exhilaration whirled through her like a dizzying tempest.

  “In my room tonight, Taryn?” his voice, so brazen with desire, pleaded.

  “Yes,” she whispered without hesitation.

  He seemed stunned at first, as if he’d expected her to turn him down. When the look in her eyes assured him that he’d heard right, he swept her up in his arms and carried her away.

  Once inside his room, he sat her down in the middle of the floor. Her nerves threatened to burst as he studied her with shameless want. She wished the faint light of the bedside lamp was off, then maybe she could control her trembling. She watched as he removed his jacket and tie and dropped them to the floor. He then pulled his shirt from his trousers and began unbuttoning it. As he pulled his undershirt over his head, her eyes glided along those strong abs, his smooth chest and solid shoulders, continuing up until they fixed on his alluring mouth. Her heart pounded rapidly, and she wondered if he could hear it in the stark quiet of the room.

  “Taryn,” he called softly. “Do you need help?”

  At once she knew what he meant. She couldn’t breathe, or express one syllable, so she just nodded. He stepped behind her. She felt the tug of her zipper and heard it peel down her dress which fell to a heap around her ankles. His arms wrapped around her from behind and held every inch of her tight. He groaned and buried his lips in her neck. When he moved against her, her heart almost exploded. He turned her around and examined the lace camisole top stretching across her breasts, before gathering it into folds and lifting it over her head. She shivered as he stood soaking in her nakedness.

  She wanted to shield herself, but was instantly warmed by the encircling of his arms around her. He kissed her voraciously as he lifted her once more. After placing her on the bed, he reached over and turned off the lamp. The mattress moved as he sat on the side of it and removed the last confines of his clothes; she did the same. He lowered himself beside her. At once, feelings of inadequacy raced through her. It’s been so long; And, she’s never felt like this before.

  “Taryn,” he touched his forehead to hers. “Try and relax. We’ll take it slow, o.k.?”

  All she could do was move her head in agreement. His tongue made a passionate exploration from her lips, down her neck, and to her hardened nipples where he teased each one unmercifully. She gasped and arched her body to his. Her hands cupped his face and drew him back to kiss her hard again. His hand caressed and raised her to dizzying heights; She responded with her own touches. He gently placed himself between her legs. A dam of ardent fury burst when their bodies united and began a slow rhythm until ecstasy soared and quickened their urgent need. The ardent call of his name was the catalyst which drove him into a wild frenzy that surged them upwards, then soared them back. For the first time in her life, Taryn discovered the true meaning of sensation and fulfillment. They lied in one another’s arms—complete and exhausted.

  Michael brushed her cheek with his mouth and nestled her close. “Thank you,” he whispered.

  Their serene sleep lasted well into the night until she stirred in his arms, waking him. His hand smoothed over the soft curves next to him, the urge to make love to her strengthened by the second. He kissed her awake, arousing the desire he knew dwelled within.

  vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

  Daylight gradually brightened the bedroom, filtering into Taryn’s peaceful sleep, pulling her awake. Her eyes fluttered open to her husband’s.

  “Good-morning,” he smiled.

  “Good-morning,” was her demure response.

  He chuckled softly at the way her hands were gripping the sheets up to her chin. “After what you and I have just been through, you’re not trying to be modest with me, are you?” He tugged at the cotton material. “You’d better let go, or I’ll never get the wrinkles out.”

  She tried to calm herself, but it didn’t help when he slipped the sheet all the way from her, exposing her bareness.

  “You have such a wonderful body,” he inspected the length of her. “And, you feel like perfection. Guess what I have planned for us today.”

  “I don’t know. A day at the beach? A picnic at the park, maybe?”

  His finger trailed a path from her thigh, over her stomach, and up to rest on a taut nipple, causing her body to grow moist. Then a sensuous smile appeared. “Guess,” he whispered before his kisses began.

  It was well into the afternoon when Taryn was practically skipping down the stair in joyful strides, leaving Michael to finish showering alone. The need to satisfy themselves with food finally won the battle. The excitement of being with him, and how making love to him is an experience even her fantasies couldn’t match, had her humming as she prepared their sandwiches. Her light of hope is now a blazing beam, chasing her shadowy fears away. She’s no longer troubled about anyone or anything. She and Michael are man and wife in the complete sense of the word.

  And, they’ll still be that years from now when they’re hunched over, sitting side by side in their wheelchairs watching the sun set.

  She looked up from slicing one of the sandwiches to see him strolling in. Their eyes embraced, and then he was holding her from behind. It was that way between them the entire day: Knowing smiles, a soft touch that led to moments of sheer pleasure. After a phone call to Remi and Rachel, they cooled themselves in the swimming pool then relaxed on the patio. Although his hands were tied, he assured her he will be coming home from work much earlier from now on. And, when the girls start school, he’ll take some time off so they can spend that part of the day alone. He prepared a hearty dinner that evening, jesting that they needed the energy for later.

  Taryn woke to an empty bed the next morning. Her spirits plummeted when she looked to his side, and only the imprint of his head was on the pillow. She spotted a card on her bedside table.

  Darling, miss you already. Do you miss me? Until tonight, my love.

  P.S. The last 24 hours was more that I could ever have dreamed of.

  She held the card to her to savor those beautiful words. (He said, my love) She covered her face and blushed, then jumped out of bed to begin her day. The doorbell rang when she reached the bottom step.

  “Flowers, ma’am,” the delivery man handed her a long, white box.

  She tore through the green wrapping paper where twelve long stemmed, red roses greeted her from within. The card read: To the most beautiful girl in the world—My wife, Taryn. She hugged the box to her all the way into the kitchen. After lunch, another delivery came. This time, a box of pink carnations surrounded by a boutonniere of baby’s breaths. The card said: Just four more hours until I see you, my darling. Can’t wait—Michael. A tear rolled
down her cheek as she stood clutching the box to her.

  It was after five-thirty, and she had just slipped dinner into the oven. He’ll be home soon, and she was eager to get upstairs and change into something nice. The doorbell chimed again just as her hands grabbed the banister to go up.

  “Michael,” she shook her head as she hurried to the door. “I’m going to have to open my own flower shop before long.”

  But, it wasn’t a delivery man with fresh flowers that stood on the other side this time. The life drained from her face; The happiness that had her floating the entire day, fled when she instantly recognized the woman with the dark hair and eyes. Oh, there were a few changes over the years, but there was no mistaking the person standing there: Karen.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Taryn,” Raven stepped from behind Karen.

  Taryn’s eyes tore away from the probing, dark eyes to the vindictive, gray ones. “Raven,” was her dull reply.

  “Bet, you can’t guess who this is,” her laughter began the slow unravel of Taryn’s sanity.

  “I don’t have to guess,” she met those eyes again. “I know.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Taryn,” Karen held her hand out.

  Raven rolled her eyes when Taryn shook it. “Anyway, is Michael home, yet?”

  The two women studied one another intensely as Taryn answered her.

  “No. He’s on his way.”

  “Good, then you won’t mind if we wait for him, would you?”

  Taryn widened the door for them to enter, then directed them into the living room. She took a cautious seat beside Karen on the sofa, while Raven seated herself in the chair across from them, all the while her eyes kept darting from one to the other as if waiting for the big show-down to happen. Taryn dismissed her pathetic sense of joy.

  “Well,” Raven held one hand out toward her friend. “Karen just got off the plane from New York. I couldn’t believe it when she called me two days ago and told me she was coming.”