by Brook, L M
“Hi Anthony, damn I haven’t seen you in months. I was surprised last week when I received your message. You vanished off the face of the earth, where did you move to?” Sam shakes Anthony’s hand as Joe passes him a glass of champagne.
“I’m at Dorton with Darcey.” Anthony squeezes me closer and I blush feeling awkward after all I’ve said about Daniel and now I’m portraying a close friendship with Anthony. Lola and my brothers’ faces are a picture as though I’m not the innocent victim but a troublesome little minx.
“So where do you know my brothers from?” I find the resolve to chip in and change the emphasis to them.
“We go back many years; they supplied me with arms and military parts when I worked at Hornchurch.” Anthony is genuinely pleased to see them. Nick joins us at the bar where Lola has lost her tongue and is now drooling at the sight of his muscular frame in a checked blue shirt and smart jeans.
“Hi Nick,” I reach across to give him a kiss as Anthony loosens his grip slightly. “Nick this is my friend Lola and this is Joe and Sam, my brothers.” They shadily shake hands. “Anthony, have you both been here all day and evening?”
“Yes we had a lounging afternoon and then dinner with Ian the Manager. We’ve been watching you two dancing, not bad movers!” Nick and Anthony laugh.
Anthony whispers in my ear “yes those hips can move.” He nips my earlobe with his teeth and my body reacts to his touch as I try to inhale him.
I smile as Lola plucks up the nerve to speak to Nick, much to my brothers’ displeasure. “Nick, where do you work?” She flutters those long eyelashes.
“I drive for Anthony and his family, what do you do Lola?” Nick is hooked and as they continue to chat Anthony makes his excuses to talk to me alone for a moment and drags me towards a booth.
Anthony pulls me alongside him in the dimly lit corner. I slide along the seat as he pushes a glass of champagne in front of me.
“Darcey now we’re alone may I say you look extremely hot. Where are you staying tonight?” He leans back in the booth not taking his eyes off of my lips as I teasingly dip my tongue into the champagne glass before taking a sip.
“Wow cut to the chase – I’m staying with Lola. Why do you have plans?” My brazen minx attitude is resurfacing.
“I don’t want to waste time talking Darcey; we do that all the time. I want to get inside you.” Anthony is now inches from my face with one hand moving up the inside of my thigh.
I cross my legs stopping his hand in its tracks and grin as I dip my finger into the glass and lick the champagne from the tip. “Anthony you have to work a little harder than that if you want in.” Here goes the drunken devil in me.
“Darcey I’m going to have you grovelling at my feet begging for more.” Anthony grabs my hand and licks my finger slowly. His other hand pushes my legs apart but I close them tighter still.
“You’re one hungry man but you’ll have to be patient with me.” I make a stand against his wandering hands.
“I’ll have you Darcey and you’ll not be able to resist.” Anthony is deadly serious with deep eyes controlling me. He releases my hand and gently guides my chin closer to his mouth. His tongue outlines my lips and then parts them forcing into my mouth and wrapping my tongue. My breathing quickens and my chest heaves in response to his touch. He is right I can’t resist him as my tongue probes deeper.
“Darcey, can I have a word?” Lola stands annoyingly beside us at the booth as I pull away from Anthony. Nick is smiling as he slides onto the opposite seat and grabs a glass of champagne. Lola looks furious and walks away towards the bar adopting a disapproving mother attitude.
Facing Anthony I apologise as I excuse Lola’s behaviour and follow her to the bar. Anthony says nothing but I can tell he doesn’t care what Lola has to say.
She stands a short distance back from the crowd as she begins her torrent. “Darcey, I think that both Nick and Anthony are really nice guys but what concerns me is that you’re not even considering Daniel. Don’t tell me that this behaviour is a result of being drunk tonight. When Anthony arrived he was all over you, this isn’t the actions of someone you’re just friends with at work!” Her eyes are wide with rage.
“Lola, so you’re telling me that Daniel’s planned dirty week away with Melissa was just a result of their close friendship. Do you think I’m stupid? This has been going on for a while. Don’t lecture me about my behaviour; you should be speaking to your brother!” Our voices are raised and my hand gestures are wild.
Joe steps in front of me as Sam tries to grab Lola’s arm. “You two had better calm down, people are staring and you’ll get thrown out.”
I look around feeling very childish and then realise how smashed I am. “I feel sick!” I announce and make a dash towards the toilets with Lola in tow.
Exiting the cubicle, I look into the mirror. I’m white and my blue eyes look black. I attempt to wash my face as Lola puts an arm around me.
“Darcey, shall we go home? You need to go to bed.” She smiles in the mirror and holds my hand.
“Yes let’s go.” My head rests on her shoulder.
Anthony is leaning against the wall outside the door. He straightens as we exit with a worried expression. Joe and Sam join him. They’re not amused at my drunken behaviour.
“Are you ok Darcey?” Anthony’s hand reaches for my face.
“I’m fine; I just need to go to sleep.” Anthony can’t hide the look of defeat as he exchanges glances with Lola who smiles with sweet victory over her efforts to reclaim the evening.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He calls after us as we walk on towards the waiting glass lift. Lola’s head spins with surprise as she recognises the battle hasn’t been won.
Sunday morning brings the hangover from hell. I didn’t sleep much and Lola is great looking after me with glasses of water and tablets to calm down my head. I shower quickly and sit at the breakfast bar staring into my tea. Lola pushes buttered toast under my nose.
“Eat, you’ll feel better for it.” She busies herself emptying the dishwasher.
“Lola, I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to shout at you. I’m just so angry with Daniel.” I search for her acceptance as she closes the dishwasher door.
“Darcey, I understand and I hope today with Anthony is only business and not pleasure. Please give Daniel another chance, he deserves that.” Lola stands with both hands on the bar as she watches me eat.
“Don’t worry I’m working today and I promise I’ll remain sincere until I speak with Daniel tomorrow.” I shoot across a grin “I’m not promising anything else other than that.”
Lola is silent and waits for me to finish my toast. “Daniel is calling me this morning. Shall I give him a message to call you this evening?”
“Nice try Lola, no I have to speak to Daniel face to face.” My eyes are hard and direct.
“Please be gentle Darcey, he does love you.” Lola’s face softens.
“I will try.” I scoff rising from the stool to make my way upstairs to dress and pack.
The apartment seems too quiet but a welcome calmness after all the fiasco that Saturday brought. I dump my bags into the bedroom and put on some coffee and James Morrison to sooth my head. The clock confirms 9.30am as I setup my laptop with Dorton Prep files neatly arranged on the table.
The bathroom mirror displays a less than glamorous woman so I set about applying some make up to bring some colour back to my cheeks and lips. Sitting at the table staring at the laptop I receive a text message from Daniel. He must have just finished speaking to Lola.
“Morning Darcey, Lola tells me you had a lively night and that you’re working today. Please don’t give up on us!! I can’t wait to see you tomorrow and booked La Piazza for dinner at 8pm. R U OK with this? Daniel xxx”
Lola has told him everything and by the tone of the text, she has told him about Anthony. I can’t blame her she is looking out for Daniel. I quickly reply.
“Daniel that’s fine, I’ll meet you there.
Darcey”
I have journeyed through the tears and the anger stage and now I just want to move forward and be happy again. The entry phone buzzes making me jump in my seat.
“Good Morning Ms Brooks, how’s that head?” Anthony is standing at the main entrance to the apartment block looking gorgeous as ever in jeans and a sweater.
“Good Morning, you’ll have to be gentle with me today Anthony.” He laughs as I buzz him in.
I open the apartment door and wait for him to reach the first floor. He is carrying beautiful pure white roses and a bottle of Lucozade.
“I feel as though I’m visiting someone in hospital!” he remarks as he plants a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“Come in, would you like some coffee?” I close the door as he passes me the roses and bottle.
Before I can move from the spot Anthony seizes my face with both hands as his tongue claims my mouth. I take a few seconds to accept his voracious kiss melting as I stand holding the flowers. My tongue dances around his mouth while our lips glide over one another’s. I move slowly backwards to the table where I drop the gifts, still entwined with gliding tongues. My hands run wild skating through his hair and then down his back as his arms wrap around me pulling me closer.
I suddenly catch a glimpse of Daniel and me smiling in a picture taken while on a holiday and my gut clenches as I pull away. What am I doing? I promised Lola I wouldn’t do this. Anthony watches me puzzled and my heart lurches as I stare into his warm eyes and want him all over again.
“Is everything ok?” Anthony doesn’t move.
“This is too soon.” I break eye contact and head towards the kitchen. “I need to speak to Daniel. I want to listen to what he has to say.”
Anthony follows me “Darcey, you’re doing nothing wrong. You know you want this as much as I do.”
I pour two coffees and hold one out to him hoping to sober the moment.
“Anthony you make me feel alive and so happy, the more I resist, the more I want you.” His face is passive. “I have to satisfy myself that my feelings for Daniel have changed and that I no longer want him.”
Anthony takes the mugs and puts them to one side. He holds my face in his hands and smiles affectionately. “Darcey, I’ll not give up on you but I’ll respect the space you need right now and back off.”
He retrieves his coffee and takes a seat at the table adopting a working presence as he picks up the reports. I’m surprised at Anthony’s relaxed, grown up approach after experiencing his rage when I ignored his requests previously. I join him at the table with a light kiss to his forehead for understanding my mixed messages.
The morning is concentrated and very fruitful with both of us occasionally drifting into each other’s glare or momentarily brushing close but both restraining our urges to act out our desires.
Anthony stands and stretches, it is 1pm and I’m feeling hungry. Seated in my chair I admire the view.
“Are you hungry?” I rise from my chair. “I’ve homemade Thai Chicken soup?”
“That sounds good.” Anthony withdraws his bleeping mobile phone to view a text message.
I get busy in the kitchen as Anthony makes a call. He is very friendly as he speaks to confirm that he will collect them at 7.30pm. Then he finishes the call with “see you tomorrow.”
He stands beside me in the kitchen and rests against the breakfast bar watching me warm the soup and carve slices from a fresh crusty loaf.
“I could get used to this, you cooking for me every day.” He steals a piece of bread and munches.
“Do you cook at home?” I’m inquisitive to know more about him.
“My mother has kitchen staff. When I lived in London I’d eat out most of the time or Joanna would cook.” He doesn’t look at me when he throws away this comment.
“Who’s Joanna?” I enquire still stirring the soup which is filling the kitchen with a wonderful Thai aroma.
“She was my girlfriend.” Anthony offers nothing more.
“Oh, when did the relationship end?” my prying knows no boundaries.
“When she was murdered in my apartment.” Still there’s no eye contact as I freeze and stare in his direction.
“What happened?” I insist on more information.
“Someone broke in and she happened to be there in the way as they ransacked the place.” I get a first glimpse of his eyes as he finishes. “Police are still investigating.”
“When did this happen?” I return to stirring my soup.
“Six months ago.” He straightens and walks towards the lounge windows taking in the view of the lake.
“I’m so sorry, I’d no idea that you were going through so much yourself right now.” My eagerness to know more unleashes further questions. “I suppose your parents have been a great support for you?”
“Yes they put up with a lot when I drank myself into oblivion, got arrested for being drunk at the wheel and then the army decided to relocate me closer to them so they could help me get back on track.” Anthony looks out the window suggesting to me he was ashamed of this admission but then strolls back to the kitchen smiling as though relieved to have told me.
“You should be proud of yourself having come through the other side.” I smile trying to allay any concerns he may have for sharing this with me.
Anthony releases a deep sigh and returns to my side dipping a finger into the soup. “That tastes great Darcey.”
I recognise his attempt to change the subject and pour two large bowls of steaming broth as we sit at the breakfast bar.
“So are you enjoying Suffolk and the new job?” we both greedily tuck in, dunking bread into our bowls.
“Best move I’ve ever made.” Anthony doesn’t look up but continues to eat.
“That’s wonderful to hear, so you must be enjoying the new challenge?” The soup is good and I can sense Anthony is also thoroughly enjoying his lunch. He puts down his spoon and breaks another chunk of bread before looking up and catching my stare.
“Darcey you are my challenge and yes I’m enjoying every minute.” That wicked smile materialises and then is gone.
“I didn’t think that I was a challenging sort of person, perhaps a little too laid back. Perhaps that’s why Daniel walked all over me!” My soup is a welcome treat after a few mouthfuls of toast, tea and paracetamol earlier at Lola’s house.
“You are stubborn and feisty!” Anthony smirks taking his last mouthful of soup.
“I can’t be that stubborn after nearly giving into you last night.” I stand up to clear the dishes.
“So I nearly won, is that all it took a little alcohol?” Anthony grabs me around the waist pulling me close. “Maybe I should get you drunk again.”
“I’m already drunk on you!” Oh no where did that come from, it just flew out of my mouth and I shock myself and squirm a little thinking that Anthony may see me as weak.
“Is that so?” he replies tucking a stray curl behind my ear. “You’re all I think of everyday so perhaps we intoxicate each other.”
We stare at each other knowing where this is heading. His hands slide lower down my back and his lips move closer to mine.
“Shall we take a walk around the lake to cool off?” He smiles honouring his promise to back off.
“I have Key Lime Pie for pudding.” I whisper gently brushing his lips.
“If you want me to keep my hands to myself we’d better go for a walk otherwise I’m not responsible for my actions.” Anthony stands staring down at me. “Come on we can have pudding when we return.”
The afternoon is crisp with the sun struggling to make an appearance. Anthony tugs me close with his arm wrapped around my shoulders. I try to remember the last time I did this with Daniel. He’s been travelling with work for so long and we grab odd weekends or evenings together but not quality time. I feel so calm and happy in Anthony’s company as my guard falls away. I talk to him about anything and everything and he’s so patient, honest and open.
“So will you be sea
rching for your own place in Suffolk?”
“Yes I think I’m going to lodge at an apartment overlooking Needham Lake.” He cheekily smiles.
“That would be fun travelling to work together every day.” My eyes are scouring for his reaction. “You would soon get bored of me!”
“Never!” he kisses me gently on my head. “Darcey this last week has been a triumph for me. I feel alive again and that is down to you.” He stops and twists to face me. Lifting my chin our lips slowly meet as our tongues search for depth and more pleasure. Our bodies are firm against each other as our arms bind.
We are oblivious to surrounding joggers and dog walkers and can’t tear ourselves apart. I want him more than ever. All of my will power to distance myself has faded away.
“Let’s get back and have pudding.” My mind is clearly on getting alone with him.
“Good idea.” Anthony leads the way clasping my hand.
We barely make the apartment front door and are again in a tight embrace, with tongues twirling, searching, nipping and licking as jackets pool on the floor. Boots are kicked off as my hands wander freely underneath his sweater, smoothly sliding over his warm body. His hands are nimbly opening my shirt releasing my heaving, lace covered breasts. I tug at his sweater lifting it swiftly over his head to reveal a dash of hairs on his muscular chest. My eyes are wide with tantalising excitement as he lifts me off the ground. My legs curve around his waist as our tongues continue to slide in and out of each other’s mouths. Anthony makes his way to the bedroom, pushing open the door from behind and laying me on top of the bed. He stops for a second and stares down at me.
“Are you sure you want this?” he looks worried as he spots a picture of Daniel which he quickly turns onto its face.
“Get here.” I demand pulling him closer between my legs. His hands free my swollen breasts as he takes a nipple in between his teeth and gently tugs while caressing my half covered breast. I arch my back, wanting more. My hands work on his belt and then move onto the firm length underneath the jeans. He sighs as he sucks hard making me gasp.
His tongue creates circular licks down to my belly causing shivers as his breath touches my damp skin. His hands make easy work of my jeans pulling them downwards underneath him and then skirt the top of my underwear. Light fingers delve under the seam as his eyes drill mine for approval of his touch. I tip my head back closing my eyes, breathing in and lifting my hips up to initiate his further attention.
