“Hmm,” Bunny sighed. “How’s the gallery doing?”
Gabby was relieved she’d changed the subject. “It’s doing really well. There’s a lot of excitement building for the Sixteen to Watch new artist exhibit.”
“I thought you only showcased fifteen artists.”
“I decided to change it up this year.”
“I see. Is that why you’re going to dinner tonight?”
Gabby’s heart jumped. “What do you mean?”
“You’re having dinner with a patron, so I assume it’s to raise more money to open more slots.”
“Right.”
Bunny checked her watch. “It’s nearly two-thirty and you need time to get ready. Would you mind calling Lee and telling him to bring the car around, please?”
“Not at all, Mother.”
Rosie, who was standing nearby, brought her the phone.
“Thank you, Rosie.”
“No problem, ma’am.”
Gabby dialed. “Hi, Lee. Mother’s ready to leave. Thank you.” She put the phone down. “He’ll be around in a minute.”
“Good.”
Gabby stood and helped her mother to her feet.
“Thank you, dear.”
Gabby walked her mother outside to her waiting car. Lee held the car door.
“Thanks for coming, Mother.” She kissed her on the cheek.
“You’re welcome, dear. I’m going to tell your father that you’re coming soon.”
“Please do, I will be there soon.”
“Be sure you are,” she said as Lee helped her into the car.
“I’ll call you this week, Mother.”
“Okay, dear.” She waved and then Lee closed the door.
Gabby watched as the car pulled off. Something inside of her wished she could have shared the news of her date with her mother, but she knew better. Bunny was only interested in men with the right family lineage for her daughter, and a black investment banker from Long Island wouldn’t qualify in her book. What mattered, however, was that Gabby herself was very interested in Mr. Nigel Clark and looked forward to what the evening would bring.
* * *
Once she’d had a little orange juice for energy and glanced over the style section of The Times, Lauren went back to the bedroom. As she walked in she heard the shower running in the master bath. Quietly she opened the door and watched Randy as he closed his eyes and let the hot water wash over his head. The suds seemed to sparkle as they glided down his broad shoulders and muscular back. Lauren dropped her robe and stepped in.
“I see you started without me.”
“There’s no reason you can’t catch up.” He pulled her close to him and lifted her slightly.
“Oh,” she moaned softly as she held on tight.
Ten minutes later Lauren lay on the bed exhausted but satisfied. “I look like a prune.” She looked at her fingers.
Randy was on the edge of the bed getting dressed. “Hot water will do that to you.”
“It wasn’t just the water.”
He stood from the bed to button his shirt. “We did steam it up a bit in there, didn’t we?”
“Oh, yes.”
He leaned over to kiss her. “I wish I could stay tonight.”
“But you have a restaurant to run and I have to work, too.”
“When will you have some time to get together again?”
“Well, the show is on hiatus, which means my schedule is a little more flexible. What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking that maybe we could have dinner at my place Wednesday evening.”
“I’d love that.”
“Great. I can pick you up or you can meet me at the restaurant around seven, whatever you prefer.”
“I’ll meet you at the restaurant.”
“Good.” He looked at his watch. “I really have to get to the restaurant to check on the kitchen.”
“Don’t you have a sous chef running things in your absence?”
“Yes, but sometimes the sous chef is treated like a substitute teacher. The class might be good for the first day, but by the second they’re usually trying to see what they can get away with.”
“Okay, I get it. You have to play big brother.”
“Sort of.” He leaned in again and they kissed. “Hmm, I’m going to miss you.”
“Me, too.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Lauren stretched out on the bed as he left the bedroom. A few moments later she heard the door close. “I’ve never been so tired and so happy in my life.” She sighed aloud before picking the phone up to dial.
“Hello?” Alicia answered.
“Hi, Alicia. How’s it going, lady?” Lauren was upbeat.
“It’s going all right. However, I dare say things are going much better for you today. I take it the date went well.”
“The date went very well.”
“You sound like the cat that ate the canary. You’re practically purring.”
“Well, a night with a gorgeous man will do that to you.”
“I’ll bet.”
“Really, Alicia, he’s a great guy. We got a chance to talk over dinner and we got to know each other.”
“In something other than the biblical sense, you mean,” she teased.
“Yes.” Lauren laughed.
“I’m interested to know where a five-star chef takes a date for dinner.”
“We went to a little place called AOC in Greenwich Village. Have you heard of it?”
“As a matter of fact I have. They’re known as a great little French bistro. How was the food, if you know?” Alicia leaned back in her chair.
“You’re a riot, Alicia,” Lauren said sarcastically. “The food was good. We had a great little pasta dish with green olives, tomato sauce, basil and cheese. I forget what it was called.”
“You had pasta de sud.”
“It figures you’d know.”
“Well, food is my thing. What did you have for dessert?”
“We had the Belgian chocolate gelato.”
“Oh, that sounds fantastic.”
“It was good.”
“So what did you find out about your sexy chef?”
Lauren filled Alicia in on the particulars.
“I tell you there is nothing like a culinary European education.”
“True. You probably know he went to the Culinary Institute here for his training.”
Alicia nodded to herself. “Sure. He went to school with some pretty heavy hitters. Anyway, that’s all fine and well, but what really matters is how he connected with you.”
Lauren sighed. “I have to admit it’s been a long time since I had a great date.”
“I’d say you were long overdue.”
“I’m not the only one.”
“We’re not talking about me.”
“Okay. I’m in too good a mood to argue with you.”
“Good. Are you going out again?”
“Yes, we’re getting together for dinner on Wednesday.”
“Cool. It seems summer has turned on the heat in more ways than one.”
“I know. Gabby has a date this evening.”
“I know she’s excited, although I’m pretty sure she won’t have the wardrobe dilemma you do.”
“You just can’t resist mentioning that, can you?”
“Three closets filled with clothes and you draw a blank. It cracks me up.”
“You just wait until you’re trying to get dressed for a date.”
“I don’t have that problem, nor do I plan to.”
“You’re impossible, Alicia.”
“I know.” She paused. “Well, I know one thing. Gabby’s going to look great, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to have as good a time as you did.”
“Then I hope her AC is working, because she’s in for a hot summer night.”
* * *
After a long leisurely evening spent over dinner, Nigel and Gabby stood outside her townh
ouse.
“I had a wonderful time tonight.” Gabby smiled.
“I did, too.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s after eleven already. The time just flew by.”
“It doesn’t feel late.”
“Would you like to come in for decaf?”
“Sure.”
She unlocked the door and they walked in. Nigel seemed impressed as he looked around. “You have a nice place here.”
“Thanks.” She put her keys on the table. “If you’ll follow me upstairs, the kitchen and the living room are on the next level.”
He followed her up the stairs. “Please have a seat.” She motioned toward the living room.
“Okay.” He went to the living room. Once he sat he noticed all the paintings and different art pieces she had. “You have a nicely rounded collection of art in here,” he called.
“Oh, thank you.” She opened another cabinet.
“Do you need any help?”
“No. I’m fine, I promise.” She searched through the cabinet. “My housekeeper is off tonight and I think she moved the coffee.” She closed the cabinet doors and put her hands on her hips. “I just have to keep looking.” She bent down to check the lower set of cabinets.
A moment later Nigel kneeled down next to her. “Are you sure I can’t help you?”
She turned toward him and they were face to face. He leaned in and kissed her.
When he pulled away he said, “I wanted to do that all night.” He was a bit breathless.
“Me, too.”
He stood up and helped her to her feet. Nigel pulled her close to him again and gently kissed her lips. Gabby felt a chill run down her spine. “Do you still want decaf?” she asked breathlessly.
“No, I think I’d like something to keep me up.” He ran his hands down her back and grabbed her rear. Gabby reached down and took his hands to lead him to her bedroom.
Once the door closed they began kissing. Suddenly Nigel turned Gabby around and unzipped the beautiful black dress she’d worn, revealing a sexy black merry widow. “Oh my,” he gasped as he removed his tie. Gabby sauntered close to him and unbuttoned his shirt, which he quickly threw to the floor. His excitement grew as she pulled his belt off. Slowly and deliberately, she unbuttoned his pants and pulled the zipper down. Nigel’s body tensed with each move. Unable to contain himself, he finished the job in one fell swoop and stood naked in front of her.
Gabby lay down on the bed, her heart pounding. As he drew closer, his body lingered just over hers. His eyes were so intense, she trembled with anticipation. Nigel pulled the laces of her bustier until her breasts were exposed. He kissed her neck and breasts, setting her body tingling all over. His hands made their way down and within an instant Gabby was exposed. She wrapped herself around his body and they became one flesh. They spent the night lost in the artistry of lovemaking.
* * *
After she’d spent the day working Alicia was tucked in for the night. Suddenly she pulled the covers back. Her MS symptoms were interrupting her sleep.
“Not again. I hate these spasms.” She sighed as she climbed out of bed to go to the bathroom to take a couple of pills. “Bottoms up.” She tossed the pills in her mouth and washed them down with a glass of water. “Why can’t you ever let me sleep?” she said to her reflection in the mirror.
All of a sudden Alicia’s expression changed. She remembered the long nights she’d spent with Kurt as he battled with pain. “This is nothing compared to how you suffered, my love,” she said as a tear ran down her cheek. “I would have given anything to take that pain away from you.” She wiped her eyes and was headed back to bed when the muffled sounds of barking got her attention. She walked over to the window to investigate.
“What are Rocky and Bull doing out this time of night?” she wondered aloud.
Then Nathaniel appeared behind them. Alicia turned to look at the clock. It’s two-thirty in the morning. I know I’m up because of spasms. I wonder what’s chasing Nathaniel. Suddenly Nathaniel turned toward the window as if he saw Alicia.
She didn’t move.
Nathaniel looked away and went inside with the dogs.
I wonder what’s chasing Nathaniel, she thought again as she headed back to bed.
Chapter 7
Although Gabby was quite the romantic at heart, her bedroom displayed her modern sensibility. Her king-size bed was made of solid mahogany, which she softened with her choice of a floral duvet cover and sham. She and Nigel were resting cozily each other’s arms as daylight crept through the window. Gabby studied his face while he slept. He looks so handsome. She tenderly caressed his cheek.
Nigel began to stir. “Good morning.” He yawned, covering his mouth.
“Good morning to you.”
They kissed.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“I slept pretty well when I did sleep.” She winked.
“I’m sorry if I kept you up.”
“Don’t be.”
He kissed her again and stroked her hair. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she said shyly. “You’re pretty hot, too.”
He chuckled and looked over at the clock. “It’s already six-thirty Monday morning.”
“Wow.”
“How about a little orange juice?”
“Sure.” She started to get out of bed.
“No. You stay here. I’ll get it.” Nude, he got out of bed.
Gabby raised her eyebrow. “Your body is a work of art.”
He looked down. “You think so?”
“I know so.”
“What time does your housekeeper come in?”
“She usually comes in at seven. But just in case I think there’s a man’s robe in my closet over there.” She pointed.
He opened the closet and removed a plush white man’s robe. He felt the material. “This is nice. You just happen to have a man’s robe?”
“It was part of a set I bought before my divorce. My ex never wore it.”
“I was just kidding.” He put the robe on, then walked over to the bed and kissed her. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here.”
After he left the room Gabby stretched out and smiled like a Cheshire cat.
A scream from the kitchen brought her to her feet. Gabby quickly put her robe on and rushed out to investigate. There stood Rosie with a long fork pointed at Nigel.
“What’s going on?”
“Ms. Blanchard, I found this man going in the refrigerator!” Rosie exclaimed.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you,” Nigel said nervously.
“Rosie, put that fork down. This is Nigel. He’s my guest.”
Rosie looked shocked. “He’s your guest?”
“Yes. Now get that fork away from him. What were you planning to do with that, anyway? See if he was done?”
Rosie put the fork down.
“It’s okay, Rosie. No harm done. You were just being a good employee.” Nigel started laughing. “What else was she supposed to do when she saw a strange man in the kitchen?” he added.
“That’s true.” Gabby laughed.
Rosie began to loosen up. “I just did not know.”
“How could you?”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Nigel.”
“That’s all right, Rosie. And you just saw me in a robe, so please call me Nigel.”
“Thank you, Nigel.” She opened the refrigerator. “What can I get for you?”
“Well, this all started over a couple of glasses of orange juice.”
“No problem.” She took the orange juice out.
Gabby got a couple of glasses and Rosie poured. “Here we go, babe.” Gabby handed Nigel a glass.
“Thanks.”
“Would you like breakfast this morning, Ms. Blanchard?”
“Breakfast would be nice.”
“Very good. Would you like a continental or hearty breakfast?”
“I think a hearty breakfast is in order tod
ay.” She smiled at Nigel.
“Coming up.” Rosie shook her head.
Nigel and Gabby went back to the bedroom. The moment they closed the door, they broke into laughter.
“If I wasn’t there, I would have thought I was on Candid Camera,” Nigel joked.
“I’m so sorry. She only wanted to protect me.”
“That’s okay. It’s a good thing you have a maid that’s willing to fork someone to keep you safe.”
“I know. I’m going to have to give her a raise.”
Nigel took the orange juice from her hands and placed both their glasses on the table. “Well, it was an incredible night and an eventful morning, but I do have to get to work.”
“Okay.”
“How about we conserve water and take a shower together?”
“How green of you.”
“What I won’t do for the environment.” He smiled as he led her to the master bath.
* * *
After a morning of stalling Alicia decided to forgo her usual luncheon suit for a breezy rose pleated trapeze dress by Ashley Stewart that showed a little arm and leg. Yet despite being dressed, she was glued to the edge of her bed.
“Alicia! Are you ready to go?” Harrison called upstairs.
“I’ll be down in a minute, Harrison!” She looked at her reflection. “Why can’t I just write a check?” she mumbled as she stood up. “I’m not in the mood for a society luncheon, even if it is for a charity.” She stumbled and held onto her bedpost to steady her gait. “Oh, what was that?”
“Alicia? Are you all right up there?”
She took a deep breath. “I’m fine! I’ll be down in a minute!” Alicia took a moment, composed herself and walked out of her room and down the stairs.
Harrison looked up. “You look lovely.”
“Thanks.” She had her black clutch in hand.
He studied her face. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
“I’m fine. I really don’t want to go to this thing.” She groaned.
“You committed yourself weeks ago,” he reminded her.
“I know. I guess I’ll file this under no good deed goes unpunished.”
Harrison snickered.
“An afternoon of society mavens and denizens at the Scarsdale Golf Club. I don’t know if I can stand it.”
“The food is pretty good there, if that’s any consolation.”
Waiting for Mr. Darcy Page 9
