He’s on me in a flash. His hands grip my biceps roughly. It’s almost painful. He brings his face an inch from mine, his blue eyes flash before me, filled with anger and so much emotion.
“Because I’m fucking in love with you, Lenore. Do I have to have a reason for that too? I love you. And I want you to live with me because it feels good to be with you, because I want to share my life with you. I feel like you are constantly trying to disappear from my life, and if I let you out of my sight, you’ll be gone forever. I love you and I want you to live with me and I want you to be okay with me doing things for you. Because if you say yes, then that’s something you’ll have to get used to. I will never stop trying to surprise you. I’ll never stop doing things I know will make you happy. So tell me, what do you want?”
Tears fill my eyes, and I fight hard to keep them trapped beneath my lids. I swallow hard as my defensive posture crumbles and I collapse onto his chest and fall into his embrace.
I don’t know how or when it happened, but I feel myself let go. We’re kissing furiously, I still don’t know why he loves me, but I won’t question him further. All that hard reluctance I had a moment ago is gone.
I thinkI know I want to live here, too. It already feels like home, because Vincent feels like home. I’ve known this all along and for some reason I gave into my fears and insecurities. I didn’t want to feel the way I feel, because it’s scary and it’s so soon. But the truth is, I want to be here and I love being with Vincent. And in a moment of extraordinary spontaneity, I voice my feelings.
“You feel like home, too, Vincent, I don’t know why, but you do. And it scares me how much I want to be with you. That’s why I fight with you. I’ll live here. I want to be with you, too,” I mumble against his lips between kisses. He deepens our kiss as relief floods us both. His body literally sags with alleviation. “Just stop spending money on me,” I grumble against his mouth and I feel him smile.
He lifts me up high and circles me around the attic, his arms practically squeezing all of the air out of my lungs. For the first time, I actually mean what I’m saying. I do want to live here. I want to be with him. And I think he knows I mean it, too. His blue eyes are bright, I feel his heart thumping against my chest and we collapse into a tangle on the floor of the attic.
He’s not his usual graceful self; he’s all fingers and thumbs as he attempts to remove my jeans. I end up just pulling them down myself. He hooks his foot into the center of them, and drags them down the rest of the way. He hastily pushes my underwear to the side and fills me. He’s so eager, and so reckless, not his usual smooth, debonair-never-falters, self. And for some odd reason, it is thrilling and exciting to me.
Our tongues brush and stroke against each other; our bodies are all bump and grind. His hand slides up my oversized sweater, his sweater, and he gently cups my breast.
“I love the way you look in my clothes, you feel so good, Lenore.”
His thumb finds my nipple and he circles it gently, forcing my nipple to stand at attention. I feel that delicious familiar tightening inside of me. I force my mouth against his once more, and I bite his bottom lip as he explodes inside of me.
I let go and we both come loudly. He covers my mouth softly as we both try to suppress our giggles and moaning. I roll my hips up against him, trying to keep my orgasm from ending. God, he feels so good inside of me. He’s a perfect fit.
He lies on top of me for a few moments longer, gently kissing my jaw, my eyelids, my ears and neck. He withdraws and drags himself down my body. He lifts my sweater, his sweater, and slides his head underneath. I gasp and giggle as he lifts my bra up and over my breasts. He strokes his nose against my nipple, and closes his mouth over it, pulling, sucking, and flicking his tongue. The sensation resonates throughout my body. Sending a palpable thrill humming through my torso. He squeezes and palms my sensitive breasts as his teeth graze my sternum.
“I want to possess your heart,” I hear him whisper from beneath the bulging sweater. I grab his head and squeeze my breasts with my inner arms and he playfully motorboats me. We both laugh and he eventually comes out from underneath.
I rise and pull my jeans back up. I really hope Jordan and Kazumi didn’t hear that. I can’t keep the earsplitting grin off of my face as I walk to the window. Jordan’s car is gone. Good. I’d be too embarrassed to face them now. I pull my phone from the front pocket of my jeans and start a text to them both.
*All is good here. Thank you for your help, but
I’m still mad at you guys for not warning me!!!*
A few seconds later Jordan replies.
*Shut up bitch, you know you love it. Let yourself
be happy. It won’t kill you.*
I laugh and smile at the screen, that’s a very typical response from Jordan. Another second later Kazumi joins in.
*I take it next weekend will be your last performance
with The Mercuries? I know you’ll be busy. Let me know
if you need our help. Cat should be back soon anyway.*
She’s all business.
*Yes, most likely. We’ll talk about it at practice?*
She replies with a happy face and a heart. My heart is soaring right now. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I gained not only a place to live, but also a start to my online business, too, all in one day! I know I will have new worries to replace the old ones, but I have just put two big issues to rest, and I’m actually happy about it. I may have been pushed into making the decision, but it was a necessary push. One I gratefully accept.
I turn to look at Vincent and smile. He couldn’t be more pleased with himself. His surprise worked out after all.
“I love this, Vincent. Thank you. I can’t wait to start working.”
“Good, I’m going to need a return on my investment,” he smiles his perfect smile at me, and I know he’s kidding. But I do feel I need to do something special for him. I’ll need to formulate my own surprise.
“What are you thinking?” He cocks his brow at me.
“Nothing. I’m just excited.”
He rises from the floor, his jeans are up but still undone. He grips my hips in his hands and pulls me to him, and plants a kiss on my lips.
“I’ll do anything to keep you this happy,” his voice is raw and rough. I close my eyes and savor the sound and feel of his voice.
He wraps one arm around my waist, and takes my hand in his. He presses his cheek to mine and we begin to slow dance around the attic. He hums Stand By Me against my ear, and I dance along with him with eyes closed, fully absorbing the moment. Allowing myself to feel happy has always been difficult, but it feels good to finally let go.
Chapter 25
By Wednesday we’ve made love in pretty much every room, in every which way, at every time of the day. So when he wakes and tells me he has to go to work, I’m secretly pleased. My body needs a break. Every muscle is sore from exertion.
I make him some breakfast and pack him a lunch. He assures me that he will text me throughout the day, and that there’s a slight chance we won’t see each other until dinner. I have my final practice with The Mercuries tonight, and I will be busy in the attic getting acquainted with the new space, and the new MacBook Pro. I have no idea how to use it. There’s no way around it, I need to join the twenty-first century. Vincent has even offered to hire someone to come and show me the ropes. I refused, but if I can’t get it together after a few days, I might just take him up on his offer.
I think I’ll also select a few dresses to get to work on, too. There is so much to do, but these are fun things to stress about, so I welcome it all with open arms. I might even call Maggie. Since I’ve decided to officially move in with Vincent, I’ve avoided her at all costs.
I don’t know what her response will be, but I can guarantee that she will say or do something to provoke some emotion in me. I just need to brace myself for it. One thing is certain; she’s going to love the house.
I walk Vincent to the door as
he shrugs on his blazer. He looks his usual dapper self, his black wing tipped shoes perfectly shined, his black slacks, perfectly creased, his gray shirt, neatly pressed. His glasses are tucked neatly into the pocket of his blazer. He is so delicious.
“Are you nervous?”
He picks up his black leather briefcase, and pauses to consider my question.
“Yes. I think so, but in a good way. It’s mostly paperwork today. I need to get my syllabus in order. Figure out my lesson plan, present it to the Director. I’m not sure what else. The real test will come when I get my students.”
I roll my eyes.
“What?” He says bemused by my downward expression.
I shrug and avoid his eyes. He picks up my chin with his thumb and forefinger.
“What is it, Lenore?”
I sigh, “All the girls are going to love you.”
He smirks, “Is that something you’re worried about? I didn’t think you were the jealous type, Lenore.” And as if on cue, the corner of his mouth turns up, and his brow arches, and he looks amused.
I slap his hand down, and grimace. He’s trying hard not to laugh, he drops his brief case and takes my face in his hands and kisses me long and hard. He presses his forehead to mine, and inhales deeply.
“Only you, Lenore. That’s all I need,” he breathes against my lips. His words are my oxygen.
I smile, not fully convinced.
He shakes his head and adjusts his black tie before turning to open the door.
“I’ll see you for dinner, maybe we can meet somewhere on Green Street. I left the keys to the Mercedes on the hook. Make sure you text me if you’re going to go somewhere, I’ll have Dwayne close by.”
He starts out the door, and he turns back and beams his beautiful smile at me and I defrost a little. I can’t help it. I’ll miss him. A small smile creeps onto my face.
“That’s more like it. See you later,” he says wistfully.
He walks out and I lean against the doorway as I watch him get on his Triumph, completely dazzled by his beauty. He looks incredibly debonair. I thought most college professors dressed like students or mismatched slobs. Not Vincent. He looks immaculate, as always.
“Vincent!” I shout as soon as he drapes his long leg gracefully over the side of his motorbike. He turns around, his helmet in hand.
I shake my head. “Nothing. See you later.”
He grins, and puts his helmet on. “I love you, too, Lenore.”
Is that what I was attempting to say? My jaw drops and Vincent savors my expression. His eyes alight with humor. The Triumph comes roaring to life before he can hear me protest. I shake my head and turn back into the house.
I close the door behind me and lean my back against it. It’s my first time being alone here; I close my eyes and savor the moment.
Home. This is home. A smile settles into my heart.
It’s chilly, so I enter the kitchen to refill my coffee mug before walking up to the attic. I sit at my desk and stare out at the quiet and still world surrounding me. This is exactly what I need; a quiet space away from the world.
I’ve never really been comfortable around people, so I am looking forward to this online business. I won’t have to deal directly with customers, and that will leave me more time to be productive with projects. I won’t have to constantly pause each time a customer comes in with an inquiry. I pull out a steno pad and a pencil and begin to take notes, and write down ideas. And slowly a business plan begins to form.
It’s two o’clock by the time I stop writing. Things are starting to take shape in my mind. I’ll need to run these thoughts by Maggie and Kazumi. They are both business minded, and I know they will offer me great insight. I stroll into our bedroom and jump into the shower to get ready for the day.
I pull up to Kazumi’s studio with a muffin in hand. I forgot to eat lunch, and I’m starving as I wait impatiently for her to meet me.
I’m just about to open the car door when a man comes up and opens it for me; he holds it open expectantly. He catches me by surprise and I almost drop my muffin.
“My apologies if I startled you, Miss,” his voice is smooth.
I take a cautious step out of the car and find that he is rather young and attractive, and has a pleasant smile. I relax, but only a fraction.
“I’m Henry. Are you Lenore O’Howell?”
I straighten up and hold my muffin against my chest as if it will somehow protect me from him. I nod; confused. What does he want with me? He’s in a very sharp and expensive looking suit. He has hazel eyes. His hair is similar to mine, dirty blonde. Though his is streaked with gold.
“I was just leaving your shop, or should I say, what used to be your shop?”
I clear my throat. Is he from the insurance company? I should call Vincent. Or Maggie. I shuffle from foot to foot nervously.
“I’m sorry, am I disturbing you?”
I shake my head, “No. It’s justhow can I help you? My friend is going to be meeting me shortly.”
“Oh, I won’t take up much of your time. You see, my grandmother passed away, and I was in the process of clearing out her home. It will be going up for sale soon. She has quite a collection of clothes, and I heard from ‘round the way, that you are the woman to take them off my hands.”
I relax and readjust my defensive posture. I could always use more clothes for the shop.
“Yes, well I suppose I am. What can you tell me about the clothing your grandmother had? Oh, I’m sorry. I should” I pause, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks, “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“It’s fine. It was her time, she lived a long, full life.” He smiles at me softly and I relax a little more. For some odd reason I find myself returning his smile.
“I don’t know what you need to know about the clothing, I can only tell you that she kept everything she ever owned. I assure you that everything has been well taken care of.”
I nod, “Okay. Well, um...I’d love to take a look. What was your grandmothers name?” I wonder if Maggie knew her.
He clears his throat, “Rose.”
He moves quickly and slips his hand into his breast pocket, producing a business card.
“This is my card, perhaps you’ll give me a call and we can set up a date and time to meet?” His smile is disarming, and I nod yet again, and put his card into the pocket of my new pale pink pea coat.
“Yes, of course. I’d love to. Thank you for tracking me down.”
He smiles again, “It was a pleasure to meet you, I‘ll hear from you soon, I hope,” he adds with another smile.
Is he flirting with me?
He begins to walk away quickly, as I hear the familiar sound of Vincent’s Triumph pulling into the small parking lot in front of Kazumi’s studio.
To my surprise Kazumi is on the back of his bike. She removes her helmet and miraculously, her jet-black hair is perfect. How does she do that?
“Who was that?” Vincent asks as soon as he cuts the engine and removes his helmet.
I look back, but Henry has disappeared.
“Someone whose grandmother died. I’ll be looking at the clothing she left behind.”
Vincent narrows his eyes. He looks concerned while he nods, staring off behind me as if he expects Henry to materialize again.
“If you do go, let me know and I’ll send Dwayne or Lurch with you.”
Kazumi has discreetly disappeared into the studio.
“I will do no such thing. I’ll be fine,” I state simply. I really don’t want to argue.
“Lenore, he’s a perfect stranger. I’m not comfortable with it,” he retorts, his voice strained with ill-contained irritation.
I shake my head. “I didn’t know you were the jealous type,” I say, mocking him. He frowns. Oh, he’s the only one who can tease? “He seemed totally fine, don’t worry. Besides, all of my customers will be strangers, so you better get used to it.”
He’s about to continue to argue, but I cut him off.
“What are you doing with Kazumi?”
He’s still annoyed, “I saw her walking, and I offered her a ride, don’t try to change he subject,” he says irritably.
“I’ll let you know what I decide, I have to go. Dinner around 7?”
He still looks deep in thought, “Yes. Sure. Where?” He’s too polite to keep arguing with me. Though I can see how difficult it is for him.
“Marley’s? See you later,” I give him a quick kiss on the cheek and run inside the studio.
Before practice, Kazumi and I go over some of my ideas. She gives me some good tips, and she gushes to me about all the secret texts and emails that were sent between Vincent, Jordan and her. She said he had a childish enthusiasm about the whole project. It gives me a strange, yet thrilling feeling to know he went through so much trouble for me. They were all conspiring behind my back. I’m still having a hard time accepting it. It’s like I’m waiting to wake from a dream.
Practice goes well. The girls were being sentimental about Friday being my farewell performance with them. They are sweet. Honestly, I was only a fill in for Cat, but they act as though they have known me my whole life.
I must admit, I’m a little sad to be leaving The Mercuries, but I do need to get back to doing what I love best. Who knows, maybe once I get things rolling in the attic, and business kicks up, I can do one night a week with them again.
Kazumi has business to attend to, so she can’t join us for dinner, but Jordan meets me outside of the studio when practice is over and we drive together to Marley’s. Marley’s is a noisy place, the kind of place with peanut shells thrown all over the floor. Not my scene, but I’m craving fried chicken, and theirs is the best! Which reminds me, I really need to start searching for a new bike. I like driving the Merc, but I miss the exercise, and if I’m no longer dancing a few times a week, I’ll need it.
Black Burlesque Page 45
