by Leila Adams
"You look pretty damn good yourself," I replied, the corner of my mouth turning up coyly, my eyes locking with his.
"Come here," Benjamin said, allowing no room for argument. Hooking an arm around my waist, he sent an electric current running through my body as he pulled me closer. This time, I had his full, undivided attention. A hand cupped the back of my neck, and he drew my lips down to his in a kiss that smoldered with desire. "God, you're a sight for sore eyes. You look gorgeous. I missed you," he whispered, his face buried in my neck, warm lips brushing against my ear.
"I missed you too. I'm so glad you're here."
"The blond becomes you," Benjamin said, taking off his long wool overcoat. He looked sexy as hell in his custom black pinstriped suit and open-collared white shirt.
"Thank you," I said, admiring the view.
The bartender came by to get Ben’s drink order. The men exchanged pleasantries and had a brief conversation about the chilly weather and pending storm before Benjamin ordered his usual Jack and Coke. During the exchange, I removed my coat, placed it over my chair and eased back onto the stool, crossing my legs in front of him so he could get the full picture. Benjamin's eyes heated as he took in my heels, the length of my legs and the amount of thigh showing.
"I don't know if I should be turned on or embarrassed sitting here with such a gorgeous young thing." He angled his head to look at me.
"Are you saying you're turned on?"
"No. What I meant was...well yes, but what I meant to say is it looks like I'm robbing the cradle."
"So you're turned on then?"
"Hell, yes!"
"Good to know," I smiled.
"Why don't we leave now and have a little dessert before dinner?" he suggested, watching my response.
"Really, Benjamin, aren't you hungry?"
"Oh yeah, baby, I'm definitely hungry." The hostess came around the corner at that moment to seat us. Benjamin asked for a booth, clearly hoping for some privacy, and the young woman nodded, asking us to follow her.
The young woman sat us at a table overlooking the dining room and offered us menus. Benjamin settled in, and I scooted across the soft leather to the center so I could be next to him. He slung an arm over my shoulder and gave me a look of wonder and disbelief.
"What's wrong?" The bottom of my stomach dropped out.
He shook his head. "I just can't believe it. You look so beautiful—not that you weren't beautiful before," he added quickly.
"Nice save." I knew he was shocked; he would need time to get used to the change.
"It's just that you look so much younger." He laughed, "I know the old Olivia is in there, but this feels like the invasion of the body snatchers. Even your eye color is different."
"Contacts. A little eye makeup, hair color, exercise, body sculpting, and me voilà!" I tried to sound nonchalant like it was no big deal.
I could see the disbelief in his eyes. But he finally shrugged and said, "If you say so. How's the big project going?"
My eyes widened with enthusiasm. "Villandry's great. The contractors finished the foundation last month. The framing's complete, the windows are mounted, and the chimneys are up. So far all the inspections have all passed. Yesterday the contractor told me the plumbing and wiring should go in the middle of January. We're still on target for a Grand Opening mid-April. There will be a soft opening about ten days before to work out the kinks. I hope you're still planning to come," I raised my eyebrows hopefully.
"Oh, absolutely. And I'll be there in April, too."
I lowered my head, slowly shaking it, realizing I'd set that up for him.
Benjamin continued, "Speaking of which, I have a surprise for you. I found the granite slabs you wanted at a quarry in China and ordered them. They came in a couple of weeks ago. They're sitting in a Customs warehouse in Oakland. I made arrangements with a broker to view the shipment tomorrow. Would you like to take a look at them?"
"Definitely! I can't believe you were able to get the shipment here so quickly."
"As you know, I'm at your disposal. All you have to do is ask. Is there anything else you need?" He looked at me expectantly.
"Yeah, I've got lots of needs. Ask me again later."
The waiter stopped at our table and noting the menus were still open, said he would come back.
"Maybe we should order," Benjamin suggested. He hummed along with the music absentmindedly as he skimmed the list of old-world Italian style entrees. My selection was easy, and always the same—the smallest, rarest cut of meat. I closed the menu and set it down on the table. Benjamin did the same, then began to croon in my ear, "Let's face the music and dance." He turned a palm up and swept a hand out in front of him, as Frank would have done, drawing out the last note. Benjamin was happy. He only sang when his heart was light. How I missed his singing during the two-year silence. He leaned in closer, his breath tickling my ear, and he asked, "Do you know what you want?" Full of suggestion and promise, his question had nothing to do with dinner.
Erotic images played across my mind, a smorgasbord of carnal delights. "Yes, I believe I do," I whispered.
Benjamin looked at me with desire in his eyes. He stroked a knuckle along my neck, under my chin, tipping my face up, and lowered his lips to mine.
He pulled away at the sound of a throat clearing. A tuxedoed man stood in front of us, looking somewhat perturbed, and inquired if we had made our selections. After a brief conversation, we placed our order.
"How's business going for you?" I asked when the waiter left, still feeling the effects of his cold water dousing.
"We finished the multi-million dollar Georgetown mansion. Beautiful property. I wish you could have seen it. Four acres of manicured lawns and a 140-year-old, fifteen thousand square foot estate. It was quite impressive."
"How did it come out?"
"By all indications everyone loved it. I got two tickets to the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball out of it."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh, the new owner was a significant contributor to the President's campaign. We started talking about the inauguration and the next thing I knew I had tickets to the ball. I'm glad we’re talking about it because I was hoping you could fly out to Washington and join me. I know you like your space and getting a room might be difficult, so I already booked a suite for you at the Wardman Park. The inauguration is January 20th. Are you interested?" Benjamin asked hopefully.
Multiple scenes flashed in my mind—me stuck in a room full of people I didn't know, expected to make small talk with strangers, hours of awkwardness. Just the thought made me queasy. I hated crowds with a passion. But this was important to Ben; I could see it on his face. He knew how anxious I could get in situations like this; he'd stay close. If it made him happy, I’d go with him.
"You're lucky. You can't usually spring something like that on a woman. But I happened to have picked up the perfect dress recently, so I'll make an exception this time for the short notice," I teased.
"Thank you, Olivia. It means a lot to me. I know you're busy. I appreciate you taking time off work."
As he finished speaking the waiter delivered the wine, followed by a delicious assortment of marinated vegetables and cold meats. The spicy aroma of garlic, onions, Italian spices, olive oil and vinegar filled the air. I scooped several spoonfuls onto Benjamin's plate and a few small pieces on mine.
"So, how's the gang?" he asked.
"Everyone's great. Ethan is doing well at SFPD, still working on the Joint Terrorist Task Force with several other agencies. He loves his job. I think you know Terra has been working on a CDC project in Africa. She returned last week. Apparently, she collected significant information on the virus that's threatening the extinction of the red colobus monkey. She's in Paris right now with Lizzie writing her results. And Lizzie got a promotion at the Louvre this month. They’ve petitioned for an extension on her Worker's Visa and that came through, so I guess she'll be there at least another year."
Benjamin finishe
d the last of his antipasto plate when the busboy appeared his salad. I cut an artichoke heart in half and moved it around on my plate.
"Olivia, you're not eating. I never see you eat."
He was worried about me. I knew this might come up and had rehearsed my lines. "Didn't you know that recent studies suggest dieting may be the new fountain of youth? A calorie-restricted diet produces lower cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin levels and incidences of heart disease and diabetes. Maybe that's my secret," I eyed him shyly. "I read that in a magazine recently."
"So that explains it." Benjamin was quiet for a moment, pensive. "Changing the subject, did you realize we've known each other for ten years this month?"
"Yes, I did," I beamed.
"I have a present for you. You know how much you mean to me, Olivia. I'm crazy about you. I don't know what I would have done without you when Becky died. I was in a bad way and couldn't imagine life without her. I still miss her, but for the first time in years, I'm happy. Business is great. I have two grandkids and another on the way. And I have you."
"Thank you, Benjamin." I was touched and scared at the same time. "You know I'm crazy about you too."
He took a small box wrapped in white foil and red satin ribbon out of his breast coat pocket. "Merry Christmas and happy ten years," he said as he handed the gift to me.
My hands shook as I unwrapped the paper and found a small white jewelry case. I opened the lid, afraid of what I would find. I wasn’t ready for what might be inside. "Benjamin they're beautiful," I cried with silent relief. Inside were two antique platinum drop earrings. Filigree bows topped a dangling string of diamonds that ended with a sparkling, rose-colored gem.
"The earrings are from the Edwardian era. They're unusual because pieces from this period typically ended with a pearl. But these are different. These are pink diamonds, very rare," he pointed to the end of the short strands. "I found them at an estate sale in a little village in England last summer. I've been waiting to give them to you."
"I love them! They're exquisite," I leaned over and kissed him. Benjamin knew my tastes well. I removed the earrings I was wearing and replaced them with the new ones. "How do they look?"
"They pale in comparison to your beauty," he smiled.
I returned the grin and waved away the compliment. "I have something for you," I reached into my purse and took out the light blue cube. "Merry Christmas and happy ten years to you, too."
"Tiffany? What could it be?" Benjamin took the box from my hand, pulled off the ribbon, and lifted the top. "Olivia, I love it," he said removing the watch I’d picked up earlier in the day.
He pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Thank you, Olivia."
A busboy appeared with entrees in hand. He set our meat plates down before us and the pasta in the middle of the table. I placed a healthy portion of rigatoni on Benjamin's dish and a few tubes on mine. Benjamin ate his meal while I cut small pieces of meat, chewed them until they were dry, and after years of experience and practice, carefully spit them into my napkin without anyone seeing. At the end of the meal, I would fold it into a small square and slip it into my purse. The pasta I merely pushed around on my plate.
"This is nice, Olivia," he said, switching out the watch on his wrist. "Tell me about your plans for Paris."
"I leave Monday. Lizzie and Terra are there already of course. Ethan comes in on Wednesday. We'll be together for Christmas and New Years. I'm really looking forward to it."
"Where's Lizzie living in Paris now?"
"She has an apartment not far from Victor Hugo Square. It's a nice neighborhood. I could see myself living there."
"I guess France isn't any further from Washington than San Francisco. Olivia, why haven't we gone to Paris together?"
"Probably because we never thought of it before."
"Let's make plans to celebrate Christmas together in Paris next year."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea," I said. As much as I loved the thought that was not going to happen. And while I hated being deceptive, it was necessary. That didn't mean I had to like it, though. One would have thought I would be used to it by now. But I wasn't, and guilt-racked my chest.
Chapter 3
BENJAMIN PAID FOR THE MEAL when we finished and asked the waiter if someone could call a taxi for us. Emerging from the restaurant, we stepped out into a torrential downpour. To our relief, a Yellow Cab was at the curb, and a driver stood waiting with an open umbrella. Walking us to the car, the driver opened the door, and I clambered across the backseat while Benjamin had a brief conversation with him. I watched as Ben slid a folded bill his way, wondering why he tipped the man before the ride. Getting in, Benjamin directed him to the Palace Hotel.
In the shadows, Benjamin brought his lips to my ear. "Your perfume is driving me crazy. I don't know how much longer I can wait to get you naked.” Then he kissed me. His tongue grazed the seam of my mouth, teasing my lips apart, and dipped inside. The taste of wine, sweet marinara, and tangy vinaigrette mingled with the unique flavor of Benjamin exploding on my senses. With a hand on my hip, he pulled me closer and anticipation knotted my stomach.
I pointed to the camera in the front of the car and cautioned him.
"The camera's off," he murmured against my cheek, slowly unbuttoning my coat. His lips were on my neck, and his hands were on my behind, squeezing me, making be gasp in the darkness. His fingers grazed the band at the top of my stocking, and he realized what I was wearing. He froze for a beat, then swore softly and pushed my dress up to get a better look, exposing the black lace. Headlights dashed across the backseat catching Benjamin's eyes as they flash to mine before returning to my legs. He traced the top of my nylon with a fingertip and my breath quickened. It had been so long since we were together. His mouth came down on mine, and a palm moved closer to the inside of my thigh. Somewhere in the fog I realized I was half-exposed, and wondered if the cabby could see us from the front seat. Even if he could, I didn't care. Benjamin's hand was so hot on my skin. I buried my fingers in his dark strands of hair as he kissed me and pulled him closer, wanting more.
The car stopped abruptly, and Benjamin broke the kiss. Glancing at the rear view mirror, I noticed the angle was off. Unabashed and without pretense the cabby had watched. As shocking as it was, it sent a thrill through me. I was so far gone it didn't matter. Caught up in Benjamin's spell I doubted I would have said no to anything.
The ride was short. The meter registered less than ten dollars. While readjusting the mirror back into position the driver said, "Fare's on me."
Benjamin replied, "Thanks," with a wide grin.
"Net, thank you," the man returned in a thick Russian accent.
We scrambled out of the backseat laughing for having acted like two lovesick teenagers. Without the cover of an umbrella, we ran to the hotel entrance trying to avoid the thick, heavy raindrops as they splashed down on us.
We walked through the ornate, gilded wrought iron doors of the Palace Hotel arm and arm. Large clusters of red poinsettias, evergreen wreaths, and festive decorations filled the cream and gold toned lobby. At present, it was a flurry of noise and activity. Young and old paraded about dressed in their holiday finest and hotel staff checked-in evening guests or steered carts overflowing with luggage along the gleaming limestone.
With a hand at the small of my back, Benjamin led me through the crowd toward the elevators. Stepping inside he hit the button for the eighth floor and maneuvered us to the rear of the car. Standing behind me, he anchored an arm around my waist and drew me against his chest. Heat radiated through the layers of clothing, and I melted into him, the desire to be closer a fast growing ache. I gave him a pleading look over my shoulder, and he tightened his hold. He nuzzled my neck, then nudged aside my coat collar to rest his lips on my pulse point, sending blood skipping through my veins.
When the lift stopped, we headed for the Governor's Suite. At the door, he swiped the keycard, held it open and invited me in.
Once we entered t
he dark hallway, he wrapped his arms around me and crushed his mouth against mine in a hot, demanding kiss. Emotions I was trying to deny threatened my heart. Lust I could deal with, but this I could not. Abruptly Benjamin's control snapped, and his hands were inside my coat on my backside, lifting me up onto my toes. With a step forward, he pinned me against the wall, grinding his hips into mine. I was caught off-guard by the aggressive move. Always the hunter never the prey, my instincts kicked in, and my hands flew up in defense. As my fingers touched the hard plain of muscle and I realized it was Benjamin, the panic seeped away. The understanding came too late, though; I'd already begun to push him off.
But my rejection by no means deterred him. Instead, it seemed to arouse him.
What's this? What fun. Was he interested in a little game of cat and mouse?
When he parted my lips, I opened them willingly, hungrily mating with his tongue. At the same time my hands caught his and gently pushed him away. My kiss became more passionate, and I continued to block his progress, the excitement in my blood rising. Benjamin's attempts to fondle my body became more urgent. As the struggle increased so did the intensity of my kiss.
Benjamin growled confused by the mixed signals I gave him. He stopped and stepped back to look at me. "Olivia?' His voice was low and impatient. This provided an opportunity for me to slip off my coat and drop it to the floor. When our eyes met, Benjamin realized what was happening. "Is this a game?" he asked, his eyes darkening.
I pulled the pins from my hair, and the silky strands tumbled down around me. Stepping forward I closed the distance between us and folded my arms over the top of his shoulders. Threading my fingers through his hair, I leaned in close to whisper, "Would you like it to be?" Benjamin groaned softly as my lips brushed his ear. I opened my mouth and exhaled moist air, then nipped his lobe before running my tongue along its outer edge. Easing back I tucked my fingers inside the lapels of his coat and lifted it off his shoulders.
