The Waiting Room

by Annabel Lucas

  “Alright, who’s hungry? We’ve got lunch scheduled at an amazing restaurant.” She felt like a mother hen.

  “Shanie, what’s it called?” Ryan asked, he was one of them now. He had shifted from host to guest. Shane smiled. It was a move she’d seen him make before, but he wasn’t working this crowd. It was a natural shift for him. He was one of them.

  “The Brick Oven.” The name brought murmurs of praise from her small crowd of followers.

  “I love that place. Anthony and I went there on our first date. It’s ridiculously good.”

  Shane felt a smile tug at her lips, pleased. “That’s great. It’s supposed to be the best pizza in town.”

  Tess nodded. “It is. You’ve got my mouth watering already.”

  Ryan took the lead, stepping in close to her. Shane felt his warmth prevent her bare arms from the chill of the hotel lobby. She hadn’t even noticed she was cold until he moved in close enough to bring the heat.

  He clapped his hands to quiet the conversation. He was talking now.

  “Okay, everyone, Shane’s got a great weekend planned for us. We have some treats along the way, but also want to talk a little shop. As you know, today’s agenda includes lunch with our big pitch, and a late dinner in the valley.”

  Shane interrupted, “Does anyone want to take time to get refreshed before our ride arrives?” She glanced around at the group. “We’ve got about twenty minutes before we leave.”

  "Yes, actually, that would be great," Tess said to everyone and no one in particular. She leaned into Shane. Her voice low, as her brown eyes sparkled. "I'll be back." She said before she slipped away.

  Shane watched as she walked away, her blond ponytail moved in time with her hips, her body fluid and hypnotic, like a metronome drawing Shane in. Jesus. Shane shook her head.

  Ryan gave her elbow a quick squeeze. “Me too, I need a, what did you call it? A refresh?” He teased.

  Shane laughed. “I bet you do.”

  He chuckled. For a moment, he was leaning in, forgetting himself and their role- Business partners. She pressed against his chest; her palm flat.

  "Go on lover boy. Go get your refresh on." She glanced around; their small group had begun to disperse, blending in, camouflaged by hotel patrons.

  Shane lowered her voice and winked. “I’ll be waiting.” His eyes held hers a moment longer. She could see the promise flickering there as he too turned and disappeared into the crowd.

  Shane turned back to her corner table. A man now occupied her spot, drinking from his steaming cup of coffee, captivated by his phone. She’d lost the quiet table lost during their conversation.

  She exhaled. When had he sneaked in there? Shane glanced around, looking for another spot that was out of the way. While they refreshed, she needed a recharge. She spied a small pub table in the waiting area and claimed it.

  Shane unloaded her laptop and plugged it in to charge, along with her phone. She sipped at the hot dark liquid and felt her senses heighten. Thank God for the Starbucks superpower. Now that it had cooled enough, so it didn’t burn her mouth, the gold liquid was delicious. She scanned the hotel lobby; a sea of people moved through the hall. She turned her attention to the schedule in her MacBook, fingers moving as she checked addresses and directions, weather and timing.

  It was on her to ensure the trip went smoothly. Lunch was thirty-five minutes away. Following the lunch-presentation and a late dinner. They were going backward. Last night they'd experienced Vino's final product on the table. The best wine in only the best restaurants. Tomorrow would tour the Las Vegas winery to see the origin of the sweet, bold liquid that warmed her belly. They had a California winery as well, but that tour would be another trip.

  Tonight’s weather looked beautiful. For their dinner reservation, she’d scheduled a patio table at the Bistro. As she confirmed the reservation, she scanned the pictures on the website. The food had her mouthwatering- sumptuous and simple. The pairing with Harvest was just the first step. Her mind spun around the concept, authenticity, love for excellence, and tradition, targeted to entrepreneurs who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to their business. Shane was browsing other top restaurateurs when their little band began returning.

  Tess returned first. She had changed from her casual golf garb into gorgeous brown knee-high boots, a camel-colored skirt, and cream-colored top that hugged her curves. Shane opened her mouth to speak, "Oh, Tess," the complement caught in her throat. Shane tried again. "Love the boots."

  Tess smiled, leaning in, "Thank you" She lowered her voice, "Me too. Anthony brought them back after his last trip to Italy." Her voice took on a sing-song quality. "Love them."

  The men emerged from the crowd next, emulating the businessman’s casual look dressed in dockers and polos. Simple. Sharp.

  “The driver’s here?” Ryan asked, moving close to her so they could talk above the murmur of the crowded hall.

  She checked her phone and nodded. The app showed their car had just arrived. “He’s just pulling up around the drive. He’ll take just a few more minutes.”

  Ryan nodded, turning to the rest of the group. “It’ll take a few minutes, if you want to make yourselves comfortable.” Ryan looked around the hall for a place to sit. “There.”

  Shane felt the gentle pressure of Tess's hand on her arm. "I'm going to say goodbye to Anthony. I'll be right back."

  Shane nodded, “Okay, sure.” She said, smiling. Tess slipped away, making her way through the crowd toward Harvest.

  Shane watched as Anthony emerged from the restaurant's entrance. He was wearing his chef's coat with his arms pushed up slightly, and his hair tousled. He'd seen her. Shane could tell by the way his eyes lit up. She could see it even from here, through the crowd and the hustle.

  She felt Ryan at her side. “You look great.” No one could hear them. No one cared about the words they exchanged. Being in the crowd was almost like being alone. People saw you, but no-one really saw you. She felt his fingers graze her side first over and then under her silky top. His fingers moved along the waistband of her slacks. His fingers were exploring, finding their way from the curve of her waist to her back. Tingles spread from his fingers like ripples in a pond.

  “Ryan,” his name came off her lips, surprise, and desire present in the one-word syllable. She moved her hand to his wrist, not sure if she wanted to stop him or pull him in.

  He came closer, his mouth near her ear as he issued his instruction. “Shhhh.”

  The protest died on her lips, listening intently for what would come next. “I want to touch you.” His voice was low and hungry. “May I?”

  Primal desire flushed through her body at his words, wanting a kiss that could not come.

  She swallowed her mouth suddenly turned dry. When she tried to speak, her voice betrayed her, coming out as only a whisper. “Yes.”

  He chuckled. The smile on his lips reflected in his eyes. She pleased him. She knew. His eyes carried command, yet his words requested permission.

  She closed her eyes. She wanted to hold on to the moment with his body so close she could feel the heat, with his fingers gliding over her skin- a whisper of time. She felt his fingers withdraw and skim her hip and buttock, sliding down, grazing her thigh, and then gone.

  “Ryan?” It was a new voice. Shane opened her eyes to see he’d turned away and was speaking to a man who must be the driver.

  “Yes,” she heard Ryan’s voice.

  When the man spoke, he said. “I’ll be your driver today.”

  She smiled. Oh yes. She knew things

  CHAPTER 4

  Excursion

  T hey all piled into the driver’s car, a sleek black Escalade. It was what she’d ordered. The final seating arrangement came down to Shane sitting between Ryan and Tess. She hadn’t planned that. The SUV was filled with conversation. Tess’ laughter lilting over the male voices as Shane watched the Las Vegas strip blur by beyond the car windows.

  Shane retrieved her phone, checking
the reservation and timing. They needed this day to go off without a hitch. She shifted in her seat; her body warmed from Ryan’s touch. She crossed her legs to make space. Tess sat on her other side, more than a visual contrast from Ryan’s maleness. She was soft. In the non-existent space between them, Shane could feel the gentle curve of her shape. She closed her eyes, willing her mind to stop. Instead, it provided flashes of this morning with Ryan, inviting her to re-enter the moment.

  A blush rose to her cheeks as she remembered the way he'd fucked her against the glass, penetrating her deep from behind. She pressed her thighs together, remembering the way he'd held her on display for anyone passing by to see, not only her nakedness but her pleasure and the way he'd completely undone her.

  Shane didn’t want to stop the memory. Her pussy clenched between her crossed legs. She turned the memory over in her mind like a stone in her fingers. Her feet splayed apart, her palms flat against the glass, their bodies rocked together as he fucked her until she had no more room to move with him, she’d been pressed against the glass, her belly, and breasts as he took her from behind, at the mercy of his cock, as he filled her. Desire rose in her stomach. “May I?” Touch was the word he hadn’t said, but it hadn’t needed to pass his lips for her to know what “May I” meant.

  Jesus. Yes. The thought in her mind, barely a whisper. Yes, it seems you may.

  ***

  The driver turned off the strip and into The Brick Oven's drive. Shane pushed away from the decadent thoughts of this morning's romp. The Brick Oven in her head was quint and simple. An unassuming building, family-owned with smooth stone floors and tables dressed in white linen. She had first-hand knowledge that the owner had shipped his oven directly from Naples- a gift from a family friend.

  The Brick Oven on the strip was sandwiched in between two high-rise hotels that stretched into the sky. The driver ushered them out. Shane’s hospitality taking over, she collected their things and led them through the stream of people on the sidewalk.

  She heard Ryan's voice through the crowd. Her mind tuned in to him, just like her body.

  “Sounds good. You bet. I’ll text you when we are ready to go.” He was talking to the driver.

  Neon light flashing in the mid-day sun colored the strip, turning, and shifting across stores. Heat radiated up from the sidewalk, and she shivered as they entered the dark-chill of the restaurant. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. Mouthwatering. The idea of the Brick Oven in her mind fell away as she absorbed the actual ambiance.

  Broadway posters adorned the dark panel walls. The restaurant was at least three stories tall, with the center open reaching for the sky. Dark wood tables were set with glowing red globes and crisp-white rolls of silverware. Servers dressed in dark t-shirts and denim hustled. It was lunch time. A pretty girl with a blond ponytail moved by them, a heavily loaded tray balanced on her narrow shoulder.

  "Hi!" Her eyes sought the leader, and when she spoke, it was to Ryan. "Welcome to the Brick Oven." Her voice rose above the hum of the lunch crowd. She looked around for the hostess, unable to stop and assist mid-task. "Someone will be right here with you."

  She slipped through the narrow opening between tables, sliding her heart-shaped bottom against a man whose chair sat too far into the aisle. The woman who must have been his wife frowned; and got him moving. He would not be blocking the aisle when the pretty girl came back. Why was she noticing the shape of this girl's ass? What did they put in the water here?

  Shane followed her group into the party room. They were laughing, but she'd missed the joke. No worries. All eyes were on Ryan as he took control of the room. She settled into her chair to watch. This was her favorite part. He was talking about his relationship with the family, his love for the winery, and his admiration for the empire their family had built. The restaurant boasted of its food and catered to the millennial, which meant top-notch technology. As he spoke, Ryan leaned down to plug in his phone, and with the little connection, their pitch sprung to life on the wall behind the table. The Broadway artwork slid out of the way to reveal a whiteboard displaying his Power-Point. She was pleased with the murmur of approval that rolled through the party room.

  Shane crossed her legs, adjusting her position so she could lean in to enjoy the show as he unveiled the marketing proposal. The ads depicted the family's values, love for the industry, excellence, and the mouth-watering product. If she didn't already drink wine, she'd start today.

  The rolling hills of the vineyard set the backdrop behind the fresh logo and ads that boasted of their new partnerships and “Pairings” with local restaurants. Shane listened to the well-rehearsed presentation she’d written and let herself slip into the images in the rolling hills.

  Ryan’s athletic body shifted under the expensive golf polo and khaki pants. Broad shoulders narrowed to a V at the waist, her mouth watered as she watched him move across the room. Her fingers itched to touch. She pulled her desire back, afraid the lust she felt would shine in her eyes. Instead, she pretended to listen and dreamed about what she would do to him tonight.

  Shane glanced at her watch, the minutes steadily ticked by as he moved through the presentation and asked for the business.

  She heard Tess’s voice interject above Michael and Drew’s praise, pressing the brakes.

  “Ryan, we know how good you are. What we don’t know is how well this company can represent. You know we’ve been disappointed before. The only reason we are considering a firm out of Chicago instead of the big boys in New York is because of our connection with you.”

  He drew in his breath, nodding. He waited a moment before he gave her what she wanted. “I know.”

  That stung. Shane was committed to the deal, to excellence, and to providing results and frankly, right now, they were running circles around those big New York boys.

  Tess went on, “that being said, it seems like you’ve put together a pretty intriguing proposal.” Ryan waited for her to go on, apt and attentive. His eyes were glued to her. She had taken over the room. It was clear her cousins and uncle would consent to her leadership. The girl would have what she wanted.

  She moved to the image on the screen.

  “Honestly, I love the concept, and I love the ads. Of course, we’d need to see what Anthony thinks.” Ryan nodded. Especially since the initial pairing is between Harvest and Vino, we need to have his blessing.”

  Ryan nodded again, serious and thoughtful. "Of course." this was the playing field. Sell them not only on Vino but on the "Pairing" campaign beginning with Vino and Harvest. "We would certainly be interested in talking through the proposal with Anthony.” He glanced at Shane. “We are only interested in a solution that fits everyone’s best interests.”

  Shane nodded. “That’s right.”

  Ryan held the room, but he spoke directly to Tess, his voice soft. “Tessa.” Her eyes softened at the use of her nickname and she took on a radiance Shane hadn’t seen before. Something unspoken passed between them.

  "What does Anthony's schedule look like?” Ryan pressed. “As you know, we'd prepared the weekend to review and discuss logistics. We'd love to visit with him."

  Tess was smiling now; it was an iridescent glow that came not only from her eyes but seemed to come from her skin. "I'm sure he'd love to join us."

  Shane scrolled through the upcoming events. “Tess, I’ll make sure Anthony’s is included in the events of the weekend.” Her fingers moved across the keyboard, making arrangements.

  Tess nodded. “That’s wonderful. Thank you, Shane.” Her gratitude genuine.

  Shane finished adding Anthony to the dinner reservation as the servers entered with the pizzas- fresh, hot, mouth-watering Neapolitan pizza with sweet dollops of mozzarella cheese.

  The meal passed with wine and a lot of food. The servers continued pouring the wine throughout the meal, and once the chef caught wind of Vino's presence, he had complimentary dessert served. It was dense flourless chocolate cake topped with fresh raspberri
es and homemade whipped cream. It was sumptuous and delicious.

  Shane noticed that Tess passed on the flourless cake. The boys did not. They went to town, enjoying the cake and whipped cream as much as she imagined they’d have enjoyed the pretty blond server if she’d been served up with a side of whipped cream.

  ***

  On the way back to the Escalade, Ryan caught her arm.

  “Shane, Micah’s not feeling great. We’re going to drop him back at the hotel.”

  Shane frowned. “Is he okay?”

  Ryan nodded. “Yeah, I think so. Let’s not make it a big deal. He’d rather not be the center of attention. We’ll drop him off. I told him we could send a car to pick him up for dinner.”

  "Of course," Shane was already on it.

  The trip back to the hotel was uneventful. Ryan, Tess, Drew, and Michael were buried in a conversation, as Michael recounted a shared experience. She could hear laughter and raised voices but was not paying close attention enough to listen to the actual recounting.

  “Shane,” she felt the weight of Micah’s hand on her shoulder. “Thanks for bringing me back to the hotel.” Her eyes narrowed in concern.

  “Of course.” She said, her smile turned into a frown. “Micah, is everything alright?”

  “Yes, yes. Of course.” His warm eyes crinkled at the corners with shallow reassurance.

  “I’m just going to go lie down…” The tired warmth shifted across his face and was momentarily replaced with startled pain. His hand squeezed her shoulder, all at once, his grip was too tight.

  “Micah?”

  His hand slid away from her shoulder and moved to his left arm. “I’m sorry dear, I don’t feel very well.” He was backing out, turning away. His movement was stiff and jerky as his body was seized by pain again.

  Shane watched, her eyes growing wide. “Micah?” Her voice was rising now.

  He wobbled as time slowed, giving her time to think. He was going down. His knees didn't bend; neither did he sway. The pain crossed his face again, and he reached out for her. His eyes were pleading as he went down. Oh god. Oh god. Doubting herself, I can’t get there fast enough. Too big, he was too big.