Red Carpet Romance

by Jean C. Joachim

  When they arrived at Maggie’s house, all was quiet. The heat of the day had intensified. The air outside hung thick, hot, and heavy. Ceiling fans created a welcome breeze, but even in the baby’s room where Junior slept peacefully, the heat was oppressive. At ten o’clock, the adults went to their rooms. Quinn tiptoed across the hall to crack Susanna’s door open an inch.

  “Psst!” He called. Then throwing open the door, he grabbed her arm, pulling her into his room. He tossed a towel to her. “Come on,” he whispered.

  “I’m not dressed.” She was wearing only her pink bra and matching panties.

  “Where we’re going, clothing is optional.” She tucked the towel around her chest, slipped her hand in his, and followed him silently down the stairs. They crept quietly out the back door. Guided by the light of the moon, Quinn led their way to his house.

  “Skinny dipping in the moonlight. Last one in is a rotten egg,” he said, stripping off his boxers and running off the end of the dock. When his head bobbed up, breaking the surface of the lake, he motioned her to join him.

  “Come on. The water feels great.” Cool water swirled against parts normally protected by a bathing suit. He loved the free feeling of being naked in the lake. Susanna hesitated on the end of the dock, still wearing the towel around her. He swam closer.

  “There’s no one out. No one can see you. Come in. It feels great.” Moonlight glowed off the black water, giving it a golden sheen. He smacked his hand against the water, sending a splash her way, but it missed.

  “No splashing.”

  “Don’t be a fraidy cat.” Shimmery beams shone on her body, highlighting the curves and giving her skin a warm glow. The planes of her face were hidden in shadow, adding mystery to her look. He became horny looking at her barely-clad body, with a subtle radiance shining off a light coating of perspiration on her chest and abs.

  He watched her tentatively unhook her bra. My own personal striptease. A twinge between his legs sprang from the pleasure he was getting just looking at her. Susanna stopped before removing the bra completely. Her gaze zeroed in on him.

  “Take it off, baby,” he called. She began to dance slowly, lowering first one side of her covering to bare a breast then putting it back, then lowering the other. He catcalled from the water, swimming closer so he could hold on to the ladder and see better. The twinge had become a growing pressure as her top finally came off. She turned her back to him, wiggled her butt, then turned her torso halfway so he got a peek.

  His eyes were riveted to her body, viewing every movement as if he hadn’t seen her naked before. A wanton rhythm replaced Susanna’s shyness as she began to hum a tune while she shook her hips. She bent over and touched the dock with her fingertips, shifting her weight back and forth so her bottom moved up and down, teasing him.

  The pressure between his legs increased. Bumps and grinds with fingers laced behind her head and panties on preceded an agonizingly slow stripping of her underwear lower then lower. Now Quinn was completely hard and war-whooping.

  “Take ’em off!” he called.

  She shoved the panties down and daintily stepped out of them, her back facing him. He was slapping the water as applause, growing more and more excited. She turned to face him, spreading her legs wide and bending at the waist, her breasts bouncing. He stood on the ladder in silence. Raising her head, her eyes made contact with his before she dove into the water.

  When she joined him, he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her up hard against his body. His mouth sought hers in hunger as the heat of his desire rapidly became unbearable. His hand squeezed her breast a bit hard, and she gasped. “Easy.”

  “That was amazing. I’m hard as a redwood,” he whispered.

  She raised her mouth to his and he took it, eagerly. He pulled away, lifting her up until her chest was above the water, and lowered his head to nip at her peak. His free hand traveled down between her thighs. Inserting a finger inside her, he found her wet and willing. “Turned you on, too.”

  “The dance?”

  He nodded.

  “Yeah.” She grinned. “I got into it.”

  “You sure as hell did.”

  She closed her fingers around his erection and moaned as he pumped his finger in and out of her. Her forehead fell to his shoulder, dripping water from her hair onto his chest, as he removed his finger and stroked her center with circular motions instead. “Oh, God. Quinn,” she moaned.

  He placed his hand on her waist. “Ready, Susie?”

  “Take me,” she whispered.

  He lowered her onto his shaft with one hand while holding the ladder with the other. “Holy Hell,” he muttered, closing his eyes for a moment as she guided him into her. Susanna clung to him, her fingers digging into his shoulder muscles, her nipples rubbing against his chest, her legs wrapped around his waist as he moved her up and down.

  Then she took over, pushing down on his shoulder then letting go, sinking back down on him. As she increased the pace, his free hand slid up over her breast. He squeezed, his fingers pinching her peak gently. Hearing her groan as he worked her soft flesh, heat flashed through his body. Quinn fought for control.

  Knowing he couldn’t hold out much longer, he whispered in her ear, “Come for me, baby.” As if on cue, she closed her mouth on his shoulder to muffle her cry as pleasure swam through her veins.

  She tightened around him and fluttered, her wetness increasing. The sensations he felt inside her busted his control, and Quinn grunted when his release washed over his body and hot satisfaction shot through him from head to toe. He gripped her body, crushing her against him, his hands running up and down her back. Love filled his heart as he nuzzled her neck. “Susie…oh…I love you.”

  * * * *

  His soft words enveloped her richly, like a cool satin sheet. Satisfaction poured through her body as she sat in his lap, still connected to him. He held her tight, raining kisses on her neck. Rivulets of water ran down from her hair to her back, tickling her momentarily. A shiver shook her spine, causing him to raise his head.

  “Cold?”

  She shook her head, emotion blocking words in her throat.

  “You okay?” His hand stroked her hair.

  Unexplained tears slipped out of her eyes and down her cheeks as she nodded to reassure him she was all right, when in fact, she wasn’t. What’s wrong with me? Guys confess they love you after sex all the time. It’s just a knee-jerk reaction. He doesn’t mean it. The angle of the moon hid his eyes from her view, but she felt the heat of his stare on her body. Does he really love me? I want him to, but do I love him? So many questions.

  “Have you ever made love in a lake before?” he asked.

  “This is the first time. You?”

  “Well…”

  “I see. Do it all the time, do you? Bring dozens of women here?” She was only half-joking.

  “How many women do you think I’ve had?”

  “Hundreds,” she chuckled.

  “Yeah, right! Not! And none as responsive as you,” he whispered into her hair.

  “Good way to avoid the question.” Gentle waves lapped up against her bare skin.

  “Do you want a résumé?”

  “Just an answer.” Loosening her legs, she eased away from him a little.

  “Not hundreds but…my share, I guess. Enough.”

  “Suddenly shy?”

  “What about you?” His eyes stared into hers.

  “Nice. Adroitly turning it around.”

  “I gave you an answer, sort of.” He shrugged.

  “You didn’t. How many? Are you a shy guy or Casanova?”

  “Neither. Normal guy here. Maybe a dozen?”

  “Like eggs?” She laughed.

  “Now you. How many men?”

  “None that can hold a candle to you. Good enough?” She narrowed her eyes.

  “Good enough.” He kissed her tenderly. She rested her hands on his shoulders, her thumbs on his neck.

  “All those gr
oupies and star-screwers…must be tempting.”

  “In the beginning. Then you get burned and you learn.”

  “I’d never burn you,” she whispered.

  “Promise?” he asked so softly she wasn’t sure if what she heard was his voice or the night breeze in the trees. He cupped her cheek, drawing her face closer. She planted a gentle kiss on his lips then shivered. The wind had picked up, and the air turned chilly. Sitting half in and half out of the water cooled her body more than enough. He sensed her trembling.

  “You’re cold. Let’s go.” Quinn climbed the ladder quickly then extended his hand down to Susanna. He fastened a towel around his waist and covered her shoulders with the other one. After winding it around her, she tucked it in between her breasts.

  They slipped flip-flops on their feet and padded across the street. Once inside, Quinn took Susanna in his arms for a lingering goodnight kiss, then the lovers parted, retreating to their separate rooms. She lay in bed, wide-awake, energized by the late night loving and swim.

  Thoughts of Quinn swirled in her head. Soon Junior’s mom would claim him, and her life would again be one big question mark. Would she claim Quinn, too? If he were the man she thought he was, leaving him would be painful. She sighed. Don’t have to have all the answers now. I’ll enjoy whatever time I have with him.

  She snuggled down, wrapped in a soft, light, fleece blanket. Listening to Junior’s even breathing soothed her. Soon the little guy will be gone. I’ll miss him. As her breathing fell into a rhythm with his, she relaxed and was soon sleeping like a baby.

  * * * *

  The next day was busy. Quinn took Junior and Susanna on a drive around town, remarking on points of interest. Junior gurgled and laughed before the steady movement of the car rocked him to sleep. The baby’s presence brought her closer to Quinn. Every day they drew together more like a family.

  She loved the feeling of being the three of them, but was afraid of it, too. Don’t fall in love with the baby and the man. He’s not your baby. He’s not your man. And this isn’t your family, even if you want it to be.

  Melancholy settled in her heart as she strove to lock every word, every experience, into her memory. This wasn’t only a job, but a special time. Being mom for a month, or two, had changed her life, and she was in no hurry to change it back again.

  Sitting on the front porch, sketching in her small sketchbook, Susanna studied the shrubs and flowers hugging the house. Junior lay in a playpen near her, gumming a rubbery toy and babbling happily. She could hear Quinn on the phone, probably with another producer about the book. She frowned when she thought about his unsuccessful struggle. Wish I could help.

  The lawyer from Willow Falls called. He had everything straightened out with the police. He had moved her father’s trophies to a secure storage facility, and the search for a buyer for the house had begun. She thanked him and wondered why she didn’t feel upset about the loss of her family home. Though her future was far from certain, she had faith that good things awaited her.

  “Ready?” Quinn’s voice interrupted her reverie.

  She nodded, shoving her book into her purse and handing her bag to him.

  “I’ve loaded the little slugger’s stuff in already. Can you grab him?”

  She picked up the baby then said goodbye to Maggie and Cal, who came out to see them off.

  “Thank you for everything.”

  “You’re a sweetie. I wish you luck.” Quinn’s sister said, giving Susanna a hug.

  Before long, they were loaded into Maggie’s car and on the highway, headed back to New York.

  Life will be pretty drab from now on. Susanna sighed. She wasn’t prepared for the tornado that was poised, waiting to enter her life.

  Chapter Twelve

  Susanna breathed a sigh of relief to see that no reporters were lurking in front of Quinn’s building. Crash was there, helping them unload and make their way peacefully up to the apartment. Junior awoke with a cry, demanding lunch. Susanna fed him while Quinn dropped off the bags then joined her.

  “Can I do that…just once?”

  “Sure,” she said, handing him the spoon. “Don’t take a full spoon. About half.”

  “But it’s such a small spoon?”

  “Half.”

  Quinn filled the spoon halfway with cereal and gently inserted it in the baby’s mouth. He grinned, causing some cereal to ooze out of his mouth.

  “He’s excited. Just spoon that up off his face and shove it back in,” she advised.

  Quinn followed her directions. It wasn’t long before he had fed the rest of the bowl to the infant. Susanna wiped the baby clean. “I’ll take him in.” Quinn picked up the baby, then put him down for a nap while Susanna made sandwiches and iced tea. They got comfortable on the terrace and had lunch. Quinn received a text on his phone. She cocked her head slightly while he read.

  “Annemarie’s coming day after tomorrow.”

  Butterflies fluttered in Susanna’s stomach. So soon! Lose Junior and maybe Quinn?

  “He’s a cute baby, but it’ll be nice to have some time to ourselves.”

  “Ourselves? My job will be over.”

  “But our relationship won’t. You’re staying, aren’t you?”

  Her heart lurched, her pulse kicked up, and she couldn’t keep a smile off her face. “Are you sure?”

  “Are you kidding? Did you think this was a ‘seduce the nanny’ thing? I’m not that kind of guy. I meant what I said last night.” He moved his chair closer to hers.

  She jumped up, eased into his lap, and kissed him hard. “I love you, too.”

  Before they could go further, another text arrived on Quinn’s phone. “It’s Jaden.” His eyes lit up. Susanna crossed her fingers.

  Meet me at Café Limoges for lunch tomorrow.

  He texted back his acceptance and fist-pumped the air. “This must mean she’s ready to sell me the rights.”

  The rest of the day was a quiet one. Susanna gathered all of Junior’s toys and paraphernalia, marveling at how much stuff he had accumulated in such a short period of time. Opening the closet, she was also surprised to see how much more she had than when she’d arrived.

  Junior had tagged along when Quinn had taken her shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. A limousine had carried them to the best stores, La Maria, Jean Louis Designs, and Rossini Boulevard. He had bought her dresses, shoes, handbags, and even a few elegant T-shirts and jeans. She fingered the fine fabrics and caught her breath at the cost of such fabulous fashions.

  When Junior leaves, I’ll move into Quinn’s bedroom. The idea sent a tingle up her spine. She loved sleeping with him, cuddling together before falling asleep, and again when they woke up. After the baby goes, I won’t have to get up so early. We can make love in the morning. A lustful grin broke out on her face.

  The next morning, she headed out bright and early with Junior to meet Max Webster. She bounced down the street, unmindful of the humidity slowly building and the intense summer sun beating down. Junior was covered, and she didn’t care. A broad smile brightened her face as she approached Riverside Park. The ding of an arriving text brought her to a halt.

  House sold. Going to contract this afternoon. Got asking price.

  She expelled a breath. One more worry out of the way. They arrived at their usual bench first. Susanna pulled out her small notebook and pencil, and began sketching Junior as he sat in his stroller looking around. There were a couple of guys shooting hoops. She considered challenging them to a game of HORSE, but Max arrived before she got the chance.

  He opened a brown paper bag and took out two bagels smeared with cream cheese and wrapped in deli paper then two cups of coffee. He handed a bagel and coffee to Susanna. “You’re looking like the cat who swallowed the canary today. And mighty happy. What’s up?”

  “Junior’s leaving tomorrow.”

  “That’s a reason to cheer? I like the little guy. Thought you did, too.”

  “No, no. I do. I almost feel
as if he’s my child. I’m going to miss him terribly. But I’m happy Quinn asked me to stay.”

  Max lifted his eyebrows. “Really?”

  She nodded, her grin growing wider. “I guess it’s love,” he said, carefully raising the top off his coffee cup.

  “That’s what he says.”

  “For how long? I heard he’s got a movie shoot coming soon.”

  “In September. How’d you know?”

  “Read it in the paper. He’s news.” A slight blush stole up Max’s neck. “Are you going with him?”

  “Don’t know yet. I’ll cross that bridge…we have plenty of time. How’s your son?” She changed the subject.

  “I forgot to tell you. He got into New York Art & Design.” Max’s lips stretched into a big smile.

  “That’s wonderful!” Susanna touched his forearm. “You must be so proud.”

  “I am. Now we’ll have to see how he does there. Then…can he get a job?”

  “One step at a time, Max. Don’t judge him. Support him.”

  “You’re right. I know. I’m trying. Any word on Quinn’s book deal?”

  “Not yet, but he’s meeting with Jaden at lunch today. My fingers are crossed.”

  Junior shrieked then gurgled as a couple of young men got up to play basketball. They were short a man. “Max, would you mind?” Susanna picked up the basketball and headed toward the court.

  “Go for it, Kareem,” he joked. While she warmed up, Max pulled Junior’s stroller closer to him and typed a text into his phone.

  * * * *

  Bobby pulled the car as close as he could to Café Limoges. Quinn got out and walked. Confidence flowed through his veins as he strode toward the restaurant. Why else would she want to meet? The book is mine!

  When he entered, Jean Marc had reserved his favorite table. Jaden was already there. She looked as emaciated as ever. Quinn thought of Susanna’s rosy, full cheeks, her breasts that more than filled his hands, and her perfectly rounded bottom. The sallow color of Jaden’s skin together with her sunken face reminded Quinn of people in third world countries.