Shades of Pink

by 33 authors

  Vinnie planned on coming with me. “Absolutely not!”

  He warned me when we started dating about his overprotective nature. Sometimes, though, it still shocked me. “Okay then, we can fly out on Monday night.”

  “Grace, it’s a trial. Vinnie can’t go out of town.” Anthony glanced over at Vinnie.

  Jamie, A and V’s technical surveillance expert, came in carrying a box of donuts. He’s also my gay BFF.

  “Are those donuts?” Jamal zeroed in on the box.

  “Don’t even try it Jamal! They only had two strawberry frosted left. I get one and Grace gets the other.” Jamie turned to smile at me, like this was supposed to make my day. Then, he seemed to pick up on the mood in the room. “Why does everyone look like the gay pride parade was just canceled? Oh wait, I guess I’d be the only one upset by that.” He gave us all an overly dramatic frown.

  “Vinnie can’t go to Boston with me. He got served with a subpoena—and why did you buy me donuts? You know I can’t stop at one!” I stomped my foot. Did I actually just stomp my foot? Unfortunately, I get unreasonable with I’m emotional. I didn’t know what to do about Vinnie’s angst. I knew he didn’t want me going alone to Boston. To say he’s possessive is an understatement. This was going to be the first test of our relationship.

  “Well then, that’s settled.” Jamal smiled as he took the donut box from Jamie and walked down the hall to the small office kitchen.

  Jamie gazed back and forth between me, Vinnie and Anthony. “Please don’t tell me that Vinnie is going to try to get out of a subpoena?”

  No one answered.

  “You can’t ignore a subpoena.” Jamie looked incredulous.

  Anthony just snorted, considering those were…almost his exact words a moment ago.

  Vinnie whipped his head back to Anthony. “Call. The. Lawyer.”

  “No.” Anthony crossed his arms and stared back at him with a stern expression…the old ‘I won’t budge’ stare.

  “Oh, shit.” Jamie looked a little panicked. “I hate to say it Grace, but you better do something before Vinnie turns into the Hulk.” He then made his way down the hallway while shouting, “Jamal, you’re dead if you ate my pink donut!”

  “Vinnie.” I grabbed both his hands, so that he’d be forced to turn towards me. I needed to get in between him and Anthony. Both men were glaring at each other like the beginning of a boxing match. “It’s only for two nights.”

  “You’ve never been to Boston before. It’s a big city. Do you think I’m going to let you go alone?” He grabbed me and pulled me towards him. “Grace, your girlfriend was attacked there. I’ll be worried sick.”

  I sighed as I pressed myself against him. I realized I could recognize his scent even if I were blindfolded. I bought basic non fragranced soap and we used laundry detergent with no additives. There was nothing ever added to his clothes and skin but yet, he was so aromatic to my senses. His very essence was like an aphrodisiac to me.

  Musky…Masculine…All Vinnie.

  His arms engulfed me. God, I felt safe in his arms. It wasn’t just that he was a bodybuilder and could probably bench press three of me. It was his commanding presence which blanketed me in security. I was madly in love with him, but right now—he was pissing me off. “Vinnie, I’m a big girl. I think I can handle a two day trip. I’m meeting my girlfriends, Janie’s parents and her brother. I’ll be surrounded by people the whole time I’m there.”

  “You’ll be surrounded by those orgasm obsessed girlfriends.”

  I pulled away from him. “I wish I never told you that story. Now you’re judging my best friends.”

  With this subject, Anthony seemed to perk right up. “Who’s obsessed with orgasms? Any of them single?”

  My, oh my, how quickly Anthony’s mood could change. “Believe me when I tell you, Anthony. You’re the last man I’d ever set up any of my girlfriends with!”

  “What did I do?” He gave me an innocent look.

  “Really, dude? You have to ask?” Vinnie stared at him in disbelief.

  Anthony was into exhibitionist sex. When I first started working at A and V, there were more than a few awkward moments when his girlfriend stopped by the office. I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when Anthony started frequenting a sex club. Finally, he could get that thrill of being watched there instead of here.

  “Vinnie, this is a serious emotional time for Janie. I won’t be going out to the clubs.”

  “I don’t care. You need me with you. Street people always try to talk to you.”

  He had a point. My girlfriends teased me about it for years. I seemed to have some sort of aura that encouraged people to open up to me. I can’t begin to count all the times I was just waiting in line somewhere and a person next to me would try to tell me their life story. My friends nicknamed me the ‘nice girl’. “Believe me, Eve relishes scaring people away from me.”

  “You said that Eve wasn’t going.”

  Fuck! He actually listens to what I say? “Well, not exactly, Vinnie. She’s still trying to make it work. The problem is that school has already started.”

  Eve teaches on a Native American reservation. Her principal is a bitch, so Eve didn’t think she’d get permission to miss school. I was so disappointed. Not only did I miss Eve but I knew once I got to Boston, there would be a part of me missing. Janie, Dee, Eve and I were a complete foursome. My three best friends; I had a bond with these women and distance, time or men would never lessen it.

  Eve was nicknamed the brave girl of our group. She was petite like me, only five foot three but that was literally our only similarity. A fiery ball of energy and strength, and blunt to a fault, saying exactly what was on her mind and apologizing later…the most courageous girl I know. There was nothing she wouldn’t try. Rock Climbing, parachuting and all kinds of activities that scared me to death. Her best trait though, was being fiercely protective of her friends.

  I knew Vinnie would be impressed by that…..but I didn’t think she could make it to Boston.

  Vinnie wrapped his arms around me. “I can’t let you go alone Grace. I don’t know why.”

  “Vinnie!” Anthony’s voice rose. “Do you realize how unhealthy this is?”

  With one arm still firm around my waist, Vinnie pointed a finger at him. “You’re not in love, Anthony. I don’t expect you to understand. All you want from women is to get your rocks off. What I have with Grace is actually real.”

  “Are you forgetting that before Grace, that’s all you did too?” Anthony sneered.

  The tension was rising. I needed to deflect it fast. “Stop it you two! We’re all just a little too short tempered. Anthony, you don’t have to worry about A and V’s reputation. Vinnie will honor the subpoena.” I felt Vinnie stiffen beside me. I peered up into his eyes and tried using my best doe eyed look. “Vinnie, honey, let’s go into your office and talk.”

  “Oh, we’re definitely going to discuss this.” Vinnie took my hand and pulled me into his office.

  I was practically flying off my feet trying to keep up with him.

  “I never thought I’d see the day.” Anthony muttered under his breath.

  As soon as I stepped foot in Vinnie’s office, he slammed the door shut and pressed his body against mine. “Dammit Grace!” Was all he said as his mouth devoured mine. Immediately, his tongue dominated my mouth while his hands squeezed my ass. Tingles went down my spine all the way to my toes. How does he do this to me with just a kiss? I could feel every bit of his commanding message.

  I don’t want to let you go.

  He knew I needed to go to Boston. I couldn’t miss Janie’s victim impact testimony. She needed to be surrounded by the people who loved her. It was the type of friend I was. Vinnie knew I had to be there for her.

  Those thoughts swiftly became muddled as lust and desire ruled my body. I became lost in sensation, as his kisses became deeper and more intense. He was deliberately using his tongue to mimic how he used it between my legs. He knew it
drove me crazy—out of control every time.

  I broke away from his kisses.

  Though it didn’t stop his ministrations while his lips trailed a pattern down to my neck as he reached up and lightly bit my earlobe. One hand continued kneading my ass while the other moved to my breast.

  I arched my body against him and moaned.

  He responded aggressively and lifted my legs.

  I instinctively wrapped my thighs around his waist. Vinnie roughly pressed his hardened erection between my legs…all my nerve endings became electrified. How did this happen so fast? Dear God, we just made love last night. Twice! I couldn’t get enough of this man. My body was consumed with need. “Vinnie, I’m soaking wet.”

  He stilled his hips and pressed his forehead against mine. “Fuck—Grace. Look what you do to me.”

  “You make me want to rip my clothes off.” I laughed although my voice was a little shaky.

  Vinnie put me down with a slow slide of my body along his, all while staring at me with half hooded eyes. “We better stop. No one hears your cries of pleasure but me.”

  I nodded, although I couldn’t believe I was a little—disappointed we weren’t seeing this through. “You’re going to make this up to me tonight,” I grumbled.

  He chuckled as he led me to his plush leather office chair, sat down and pulled me onto his lap.

  I decided to let both of us calm down for a moment before we discussed my leaving on Monday. I laid my head on his shoulder and pressed my face to his neck. I could feel his pulse racing which caused a moment of anxiety to pass through me. I felt guilty that he was so troubled about me going to Boston without him.

  “I can’t ignore the subpoena.” His deep voice broke into my thoughts.

  I brought my head up and gazed into his soulful gray eyes. “What can I do, so that you won’t worry? I hate seeing you so upset.”

  “You said that Janie’s parents are picking you up at the airport?”

  “Yes, Vinnie. They insisted. They also reserved several hotel rooms. One for them and one for Dee to stay with Janie. Since you’re no longer going, I’ll room with Dee and Janie. So, I won’t ever be alone. Does that help?”

  “Somewhat.” His voice was almost a whisper.

  “There’s obviously something else bothering you. It’s only two nights. Are you really going to miss me that much?” I gave him a playful wink. I was trying to make light of it all,

  It didn’t work. He still looked distressed. “Will the three of you go out drinking?”

  “Vinnie! You act like I’m a drunk! How often do I go out drinking?”

  “You’ve told me stories, Grace. What I’m asking is not that unreasonable.” Vinnie grew up with a mother who was a drug addict and a prostitute. He was basically left to fend for himself. His adolescent years consisted of going to strip clubs, not teenage parties. Consequently, he had huge trust issues with women.

  “Those stories were typical growing up stuff. Yeah, I’ve had some wild and crazy times with my girlfriends but we were young then. I mean—I know you didn’t have the same teenage experience but believe me, it wasn’t that scandalous. Don’t you have faith in me? In what we have?” My eyes began to well up. I hated to see that he didn’t have confidence in our relationship.

  “No Grace, don’t get upset!” He cupped my face with both hands and kissed me. “Of course I trust you. Fuck—I love you.”

  My breath hitched. He’d only said that a few times and I was still getting used to it. “Then what is all this anxiety if I go out for a drink? Not that I’m worried, because I know we won’t. This trip is going to be emotionally taxing on Janie. Plus, her family will be there. Still, I need to know what you’re so petrified about.”

  “I don’t want a guy talking to you. I don’t want any mother fuckers looking at you and I definitely don’t want any assholes thinking you’re available.”

  “Oh, Vinnie.” I shook my head but I felt a smile creeping up on me. “Tell me you’re not this worried that a man might think I’m single?”

  “You…” He kissed my forehead. “Are…” Then the tip of my nose. “Mine.” His warm lips lightly grazed my mouth.

  I laughed. “What do you think I am…Miss America or something?”

  “You’re beautiful and sexy.” He brought his hands up to my breasts and squeezed. “And don’t get me started on this luscious set of tits.”

  I have cup size D breasts. For years, I hated the size of my chest. I’m short too, so I felt disproportioned and it was always challenging to find tops that fit me right. It also didn’t help when creepy guys would leer at my breasts. Then, Vinnie changed all that. He’s definitely a breast man. He now makes me appreciate this asset.

  “I see how men look at you,” Vinnie added as he pulled the neckline of my shirt down to sneak a peek at my boobs.

  I slapped his hand away. “You’re the one who said we have to stop! Now let’s get back to your ridiculous notion that you claim to have seen a man look at me in your presence. Puhlease, no man is that brave.”

  “Exactly!” He proclaimed as he stroked my breast.

  God, he was obsessed. “I’m not following—and if you keep that up, I’m going to start stroking you. Then, you can go to your next appointment with a woody.”

  He chuckled. “My point is when I’m with you I don’t have to worry about anyone thinking you’re available. You know I grew up around men who constantly came to my mom for sex. I know the look of a guy on the prowl. I just can’t take it when some fucker looks at my woman that way.”

  “Okay then, how about I wear a sign? It can say that I am unavailable. Oh, and spoken for by Vinnie Lewis. That will scare them all off.”

  “A sign? Hmmm, not a bad idea Grace.” Vinnie pulled me from his lap and stood up with a strange determined look on his face.

  “What? I was joking. Why do you look so serious?”

  Vinnie didn’t answer as he opened the door to his office. “Anthony!” He bellowed.

  “What?” Anthony yelled from his office.

  Just then, Jamie appeared in front of Vinnie’s door. “Is it possible for you two to have a conversation without barking across the hall? Here’s a ridiculous idea. Why don’t you walk to his office, Vinnie?” Jamie’s attention abruptly switched as he stared down along the hallway. “Jamal, get the fuck away from that box of donuts!” He took off running.

  I had to giggle at Jamie’s overly dramatic antics.

  “Can you take my next appointment?” Vinnie hollered.

  “Why?” Anthony roared back a little too loudly, considering their offices were right next to each other.

  “Because…” Vinnie turned to me with a devious smile. He grabbed my hand and led me out of his office.

  Anthony was standing in the hallway now. “What’s going on, Vinnie?”

  “If Grace is going to Boston alone, then she needs a sign,” Vinnie answered with a sly grin.

  “A sign?” Anthony’s questioning face turned into a slow smile of recognition. “Well—I’ll be damned.” He smirked at us and went back into his office.

  “A sign of what?” Jamal yelled from the down the hall as he was licking his fingers.

  I wondered now, if there were any donuts left at all.

  “A sign that says she’s all mine.” Vinnie gave me an intense stare. “Let’s go Grace.”

  “Where?” All of a sudden I was nervous and I didn’t know why.

  “You’ll see,” he answered in a mischievous tone.

  With his hand firmly entwined in mine, we walked out of A and V.

  * * *

  CHAPTER TWO

  I was in a daze as Vinnie dragged me along with him. I wasn’t even paying attention to what direction we were walking in. With his hand firmly on mine, he lectured me for the entire walk on how to keep myself safe in Boston. His voice was like an echo to me. I heard bits and pieces of how to avoid pickpockets. He then cited examples of the kind of lines men use on unsuspecting single women. Next, wa
s the importance of double latching my hotel door and the list went on.

  Normally, I’d roll my eyes or even snap at him for being so ridiculous. He sounded like my father, not my boyfriend. Yet, anticipation was pressing on my chest about where we were going. I had a feeling I knew what he meant when he said we were getting a sign that says I’m all his. Did he really feel that strongly? We hadn’t been seeing each other that long.

  Our feelings for each other were intense. There was no doubt about that. I thought about how we hated it when we were apart. He rearranged his schedule to walk me to class. Whenever he was out late doing surveillance, he called several times to check in. He was full of affectionate touches. Always holding my hand, stroking my arm, kissing, touching. After making love, we would talk, sometimes for hours. No matter how painful it was, he shared all of his past with me. We decided to never have secrets between us.

  Okay, so we were in love with each other—but were we ready for the next step?

  “Here we are.”

  Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Vinnie had stopped and we were standing in front of a small storefront. I could feel his intense study of my face as I read the lettering on the door.

  Marrello and Sons…Fine Jewelers Since 1945.

  Holy Fuck—he was buying me THE ring.

  He kissed the top of my knuckles. “Are you ready, Grace?” His voice was deeper than usual.

  I know my hands were trembling. “Ready for what?” My voice shook too.

  Oh my god, that was the stupidest response ever!

  He laughed. “Don’t be nervous, baby. I just need to let the world know that you’re mine. Come on, let’s go look.”

  We walked into the small but upscale jewelry store. Gold, diamonds and gems were glittering from rows and rows of display cases. It seemed as if the whole room was lined with velvet. There was a slight smell of lavender in the air and cello music was playing in the background. How did he ever find this place?