Lovers & Liars

by Joachim, Jean C.

  “Doe-eyes, it’s me, Gunther. You were dreaming.”

  She took a deep breath and let her eyes adjust to the dark. The shape of the man next to her became clearer. “Gunther?”

  “I’m here, baby. You were dreaming.”

  She trembled for a moment. “Dreaming?”

  “Yeah, something pretty bad. You were crying and yelling something.” He reached over and swiped his thumb on her cheek. She touched the other side , surprised to find wetness there.

  “Are you okay?” He slid over next to her, gently pulling her to him. She hid her face in his shoulder. As the vivid dream returned to her, she cried against his warm, smooth skin. Gunther stroked her hair. “Don’t cry, honey. No tears.”

  “I’m sorry. I know you don’t like it, but I can’t help it.”

  “Bad dream, huh?”

  “The worst. My dad. Ugh.”

  He eased her back down on the bed, caressing her neck. She lifted her hand to touch his face tenderly. She pulled him down for a kiss. He moved his hand down to her breast.

  “Do you feel like…” he began, but she cut him off, placing her finger on his lips. Then, she curled her fingers over his hand on her chest and squeezed. He got the message. “Baby…I want you,” he whispered.

  The only other sound was the rustling of sheets as the lovers repositioned themselves to make love. Erica stared into the darkness, concentrating on the sensations Gunther’s lips and hands were creating inside her. I have no “off” switch. The man touches me, and I’m ready to rock and roll. Desire rose in her like a phoenix from the ashes, consuming her body. She licked his pecs, nipped at his skin, and grasped his erection, sliding her hand up and down.

  “Whoa! Wait a minute.” Then he moaned, dropping his forehead to hers. “God, doe-eyes, what you do to me.”

  She felt him tremble, and it made her smile. Guess I do have some power over you.

  Pressing against him, she parted her legs. He slid his hand up into her wet warmth. “Erica! You’re ready, babe.” He covered himself with a condom from the nightstand, rolled onto his back, and gripped her hips with his strong hands, lifting her. She straddled him as he lowered her slowly. They both moaned together as he was buried deep inside her.

  “Oh, my God. Gunther.”

  “Doe-eyes,” he murmured.

  The conversation stopped as they moved together, totally in sync, first slowly, then faster. Gunther massaged her breasts, circling her peaks. Erica threw her head back and opened her mouth wide to utter his name. He chuckled, but never broke rhythm. When she could control it no more, a powerful orgasm ripped through her body, stiffening the muscles before they relaxed, passing pure pleasure through her veins.

  Gunther pulled her to his chest and rolled them both over. He mounted her and thrust into her hard and fast. A grunt and a groan signaled his release. He gripped her tight and stopped. Her name slipped from his lips.

  When he pushed up to hit the john, she rolled over and read the time in big, bright red numbers. Three o’clock! Falling back on the bed, she giggled.

  Gunther returned. “Hey, it’s three. We’ve got to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be busy.”

  “Just lunch with Max and Cara.”

  “Nope.” He drew her into his arms. “First, a shopping trip to Bergdorf Goodman’s and Henri Bendel’s. Then a carriage ride. That joint is in the park, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “Good. By then we’ll be ready to sit down.”

  “I ordered breakfast from room service on that little card. I hope it’s okay.”

  “Perfect. Now sleep.”

  Contentment and a sense of safety mixed with release relaxed Erica, who dozed off, wrapped in the arms of her lover.

  * * * *

  Accustomed to waking at six, Erica awoke at eight and cursed herself for sleeping in. The time change. She adjusted her watch, slipped her robe on, and left Gunther sleeping. She went to the window and gawked at the amazing display of fall colors in Central Park. Before she could take it all in, there was a knock on the door.

  Gunther was still in bed, so she let the man in. Following Erica’s instructions, he wheeled the cart in right next to the window. She gently woke Gunther, who signed, told her to take a twenty for a tip, and fell back to sleep.

  The young man’s eyes almost popped out of his head as he pocketed the money and thanked her profusely. “Please tell your husband thank you, too.”

  She quickly turned away so he couldn’t see the color in her cheeks. Is this what it would be like to be Mrs. Gunther Quill? It’s just a fairy tale. Don’t overthink it. Have fun. She took her own advice and poured a cup of coffee, peeking under all the metal domes keeping the food warm. If he doesn’t get up, the meal will be cold.

  Erica opened the door and walked quietly into the room.

  “Breakfast’s here,” she whispered, but he didn’t move. “Gunther?” Still, he didn’t move. Wearing an impish grin, she took a running start and leapt onto the bed, landing right on top of him. The big oompf he uttered told her he was awake.

  “Jumping on me, eh?” His eyes gleamed with mischief as he grabbed her, tickling her and rolling them around until they fell off, laughing hysterically. He pounced on her like a graceful panther, pinning her hands to the floor while he ravaged her mouth.

  “Yum. You taste like coffee. I need coffee. A gallon of coffee.” He let her up, grabbed his robe, and offered her his hand.

  She poured for him while he perused each plate of food.

  “Bacon and eggs, my favorite. Have you been talking to my mother?”

  “Everyone likes bacon and eggs.”

  They sat quietly, eating and enjoying the view. Gunther tried to point out landmarks to her.

  “How do you know so much about New York City?” She munched on rye toast.

  Gunther stopped and took a swallow of coffee. A brief cloud passed over his features. “I lived here once.”

  She arched an eyebrow at him. “Oh? By yourself?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” He lifted his cup.

  The mood shifted, Gunther turned surly, and Erica wondered what had happened. She walked to the window. “It’s beautiful here this time of year.”

  “Perfect timing.”

  Erica drained her cup. She went behind Gunther’s chair and put her hands on his shoulders. First, she dug her thumbs into his strong, tight muscles, then the rest of her fingers as she massaged the tension out.

  “Oh, God. That feels good.” He closed his eyes. “That should have been on your resume. Definitely going to make it a requirement of the next girl.”

  “Next girl? Am I getting fired? And I’m not a ‘girl,’ by the way. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a woman.” She dropped her hands and moved toward the cart, shooting daggers at him. Gunther grabbed her by the waist, pulling her across his thighs. She struggled.

  “Hell, no, you’re not a girl. You are one helluva woman.” He kissed her. “You’re not fired. Just making a little joke. Lighten up, doe-eyes.”

  She steadied herself with her hands on his shoulders and made a pouty face at him.

  Gunther peeled the lapel of her robe back, exposing one breast. “I like a good view with my breakfast.”

  “But you have the park…”

  “This is better,” he said, staring at her chest. He lowered his mouth to place a tender kiss on her flesh. Erica pushed off from his lap.

  “No, no, no…no time for hanky panky. We have a schedule, remember? Finish up.”

  He chuckled, “Slave driver,” and finished his eggs, leaving one final piece of bacon to chew on.

  Erica poured out the rest of the coffee from the chrome pot and sat back. “This is heaven. I could live like this forever.”

  “Hmm. Better find a rich husband.”

  Erica’s eyes widened. His words slapped her as surely as if they had been a hand. “Maybe I’ll make it myself,” she said, making a face at him.

  “If any woman could make this
kind of money, it’s you.”

  She softened. He does believe in me. Wait until he finds out I’m an actress. Will he encourage me? Or will he hate me?

  When they finished breakfast, Erica headed for the shower. As she finished soaping up her body, the door opened. She turned. Gunther stood, naked, in all his glory. Her stare roamed his body like a thirsty woman finding water in the desert.

  “Room for two?” he asked, stepping closer.

  “If you get in here, we’ll never get to lunch on time.”

  Gunther raised his hands and backed away. “I bow to your schedule, Nurse Ratched.”

  Erica chuckled and pulled the curtain back. She finished up quickly, wrapping herself in the plush bathrobe.

  Gunther knocked then entered. He switched on the water. “Will you scrub my back?” He shot her a lusty look, but she pushed him away.

  “Schedule, remember?” Damn that schedule.

  He laughed and turned on the water. Erica went into her room to dry her hair and dress. She pulled on a black cotton sweater and black jeans. Ankle boots and a chunky silver bracelet finished off the outfit. Everyone wears black in New York.

  Gunther was sitting in the living room, also dressed in black. His silk shirt was open at the neck. Black jeans hugged his slim hips, and his black leather jacket was folded over his arm. Crisp autumn air and bright sunshine greeted them when they hit the street. The tony stores were within a few blocks. Erica slipped her hand into his and matched his stride.

  A personal shopper, provided by the store, took them through Henri Bendel’s, a chic, small store with elegant clothes and beyond-her-budget prices. The lady helped Erica pick out a smashing long gown for the premiere and after party. She and Gunther agreed the red dress was the best. Erica almost passed out when she saw the price tag. Five thousand dollars!

  Gunther added a fistful of silk blouses and half a dozen pairs of pants for her, plus some men’s shirts. He dropped his American Express card next to the register. The tailor in the store assured him the hemming of the dress and pants would be finished by four o’clock and delivered to their hotel. One glance at her watch told Erica there wasn’t time to hit Bergdorf’s.

  Gunther took her hand, leading her to a horse-drawn carriage on Central Park South. He helped her up and threw the fleece blanket over her legs. The horse walked slowly along the road that wound through the park. Erica remarked on the places they passed, the dairy, the carousel, and the changing leaves with majestic, historic apartment houses looming high above in the background.

  “It’s beautiful,” she sighed, falling back against the cushioned seat.

  “You’re like a kid in a candy store,” he chuckled.

  “Is that bad?”

  “No, doe-eyes, it’s good.” He kissed her.

  The carriage pulled up in front of Café Limoges. The driver helped them down. Gunther paid the man, and they went inside. He smiled as he looked around and nodded. “Classy.”

  “Would anything less do?” She cocked an eyebrow at him.

  The maître d’ showed them to a corner table. Max Webster and Cara Brewster were already there. Max stood up while Gunther made the introductions. Erica’s confidence flew out the window when she looked at the gorgeous, successful actress and the well-known producer. What the hell am I doing in the company of these powerful people?

  She drew out a small notebook and pen. Mimosas were ordered all around, except for Erica. “I need to be sober to take notes.”

  “Are you kidding me? Put that away,” Gunther said, putting his big hand over hers. “Four mimosas,” he said to the waiter. Erica tucked her notebook back into her purse.

  She noticed the cool reception her boss got from Cara. The stony look from ice-blue eyes seemed to chill even the water in Erica’s glass.

  “Cara, I hope you know how much I regret what happened between Gracie and me.”

  “Do you?”

  Gunther eating crow. This, I’ve gotta see.

  “I do. I misjudged the situation…her. And I acted inappropriately. I wish she’d give me a chance to apologize.”

  The expression on Cara’s face softened a bit. He’s winning her over.

  “You and I have always had a good relationship. I hope you can convince her to give me another chance.” The look on his face was sincerity itself.

  “When you put it like that, Gunther…you make it hard for me to refuse.”

  “I appreciate any help you can give me.”

  Cara smiled at him. Damn! He charmed her, melted the iceberg. Impressive.

  After they ordered lunch, discussions got lively. Cara, Max, and Gunther discussed the state of theater in New York, upcoming plays. Gunther mentioned Strange Bedfellows, a movie that he was casting, and wondered if Max and Cara would be interested in taking that to Broadway if it was a box office success.

  Erica sat quietly, listening as she munched on a Cobb salad. Maybe someday I’ll be a big star like Cara. Thankful not to be noticed, Erica took in everything.

  By dessert, there was a lull in the conversation. Cara turned her attention to Erica. “You’re lovely. Any interest in acting?”

  Erica choked on her sip of iced tea. Gunther whacked her on the back a few times then answered for her. “Nah, she’s not an actress. She’s a great producer’s assistant. Might have to make her an actual producer. Maybe when Max and I set up shop.”

  Who does he think he is, deciding what I’ll do? It’s my future, and I want to act. Erica tried to put her anger at Gunther aside. Down, girl. Be professional. Grateful the choking kept her from having to lie about her ambitions, she smiled at Cara. She’s nice. Not like Elsa.

  Cara hugged Gunther when the meal was over and agreed to talk to her sister. Max smiled. He’s a regular guy. He’s good for Gunther. Erica and Gunther walked through the park back to The Plaza. He took her hand and talked about his plans with Max. His face lit up, his eyes brightened. He smiled and laughed. Erica had never seen him so relaxed and happy.

  “East West Productions is going to be bigger than anyone. And the most successful. We’re going to own Broadway. You’ll see.”

  “I believe you.”

  “And I want you to come with me.”

  “As an assistant?”

  “As an associate producer. By the time this rolls, you’ll be ready for a promotion.”

  Erica managed a small smile. That’s not what I had in mind. He’s serious about no marriage. Her shoulder slumped, her pace slowed.

  “Come on, doe-eyes, you’ll be making piles of money.”

  “Great.”

  She turned her face away from his sharp-eyed stare, but he tightened his grip, not letting her move away from him. “Don’t you want to be rich?”

  “I have my own dreams.” Shut up, Erica. But she couldn’t. “I don’t want to be your satellite.”

  “Okay, then. What do you want?”

  “I don’t know. I want to enjoy the moment. Can we do that? We’re in this fabulous city. I want to be here, now.”

  “Whatever you want, babe. Things are going well. I want to cut you in. If you don’t want it, that’s okay, too. I’d never tell you how to live your life.”

  No? Just tell me I can’t be an actress.

  They were back in their room by four o’clock. Erica pulled out her schedule.

  “We’re on for dinner at Sardi’s tonight, then a show. Let’s see, yes, Harriman Drake’s new show, The Seventh Candle. It’s a mystery.”

  “Why are we seeing a mystery?”

  “Couldn’t get tickets for the musicals you wanted. It’s theater. Harriman Drake is important, isn’t he?”

  “You like mysteries?”

  “I love mysteries.”

  “Fine. Shower and change.” Gunther headed off to the bathroom.

  Dinner was exciting. Chaz Duncan, Quinn Roberts, and their wives joined Gunther and Erica. Gunther ate a huge steak, along with the other men, while Erica ate seafood. The wives were very friendly, and the meal was a
happy occasion. Gunther picked up the tab and left a generous tip.

  He took her hand as they walked to the theater.

  “Everyone thinks I’m your girlfriend, not your assistant.”

  “Maybe that’s because I’m drooling all over you,” he chuckled.

  She swatted him in the arm. “Not funny. Treat me like an assistant.”

  “Do I have to?” He leaned over and whispered, “I’d rather treat you like my lover.”

  A shiver shot down her spine as his soft lips and warm breath tickled her ear. Whenever he got near her, electricity sparked between them, heating her up. Even with other people around, she sensed his presence. He stood out in a crowd, even a crowd of beautiful people. Erica was proud to be with him.

  After the show, Gunther arranged for a nightcap at the hotel. Wearing only the luxurious bathrobes provided, they cuddled together on the sofa and sipped expensive brandy. As soon as the last drop was gone, Gunther stood up and took her hand.

  “I’ve been waiting all evening,” he said, leading her into his bedroom, “To be alone with you.”

  Her thighs quivered, and her heartbeat quickened. He nudged the door closed with his foot and turned her around to face him. Being desired by Gunther turned her on. He pulled the tie off her robe and pushed it off her shoulders. Then, he dropped his. He was already almost completely erect. She stepped up to him, running her hands up his chest. The feel of his hair and skin made her shiver.

  “Cold?”

  She shook her head.

  “Oh, hot?” He chuckled.

  She nodded, pressing against him. “I think I have a cure for that,” he said, shooting her a hungry look.

  Gunther captured her lips while placing his hands on her hips and walking her backwards toward the bed. When the mattress hit her knees, she fell back and shimmied up on her behind toward the pillow. Gunther was on her in seconds, looming over her like a lion about to strike a deathblow to his prey. Erica reached her arms up and around his back. He tapped her knee with his, and she opened for him. After settling between her legs, he ravaged her with his mouth.

  Erica couldn’t move, she could only feel. Every touch of his fingertips scorched her skin. His hands on her breasts made her moan. He brought his thigh up to press against her core, followed by his fingers sending her over the top. The ache for him inside her grew and grew, stretching her endurance like a rubber band pulled to its limit. She squirmed, moving her hips against his. He tasted her peak, feasting while he cupped her behind.