After lunch, Anderson paid a courtesy call to the law school, where he had become somewhat of a role model. He proudly introduced Holly to a couple of his old professors. She seemed excited to meet them, and they recognized her as an anchorwoman and local celebrity.
Finally Anderson took Holly to meet his close friend Lester Powell, who taught law at the school part-time.
“Very nice to finally meet you,” Lester told Holly in his office.
“You too,” she said, shaking his hand.
“This dude hasn’t been able to stop talking about you,” Lester claimed.
Holly smiled, a little embarrassed. “I’ll have to get on him about that,” she said lightly.
“What can I say,” Anderson said with a grin. “Some things—or people—are worth talking about.”
“Amen to that,” Lester said, giving him a high five.
“Oh, stop it, you two,” Holly said.
Lester looked at her. “I hear this is your alma mater, too.”
“You heard right,” she told him proudly.
“Cool. And you obviously made good use of your education. I’ve seen you on the news. You really know how to get to the heart of the story.”
“It’s called practice makes perfect,” she told him.
“Well, whatever it is, it works.” He tapped Anderson on the shoulder. “Certainly does for this man here.”
Holly’s eyes twinkled. “He works for me, too.”
Anderson put his arm around her and kissed her cheek. “Guess that’s why we get along so well.” He could tell that she’d already left a favorable impression on Lester, which he would surely confirm later. But even so, Anderson didn’t need to be told that they made a perfect couple.
* * *
Anderson and Holly arrived in San Francisco after a remarkably smooth flight. In fact, Holly had even fallen asleep on Anderson’s shoulder and woken up just before they landed with his arm around her affectionately. She couldn’t help but feel that they were made for each other.
They checked in to their hotel suite overlooking downtown San Francisco, and Anderson opened a bottle of champagne that was awaiting them, courtesy of the hotel. He poured it in two flutes, handing one to Holly.
“Welcome to the City by the Bay,” he said, smiling at her.
“I’m happy to be here with you,” she said as she took a sip of the champagne.
“I promise that we’ll make the most of this romantic escape.”
Holly grinned. “I’m counting on it.”
With that, they kissed, keeping their mouths locked long enough for Holly to feel the buildup of desire within her that was threatening to explode. But she knew that Anderson was set to meet with clients shortly, so she suppressed her need for him and pulled away.
Using her pinkie to wipe lip gloss from his mouth, she said, “We can get back to that when you return.”
Anderson frowned, wishing to hell he could simply postpone the business aspects of his trip and spend all the time with Holly, so they could continue to explore the passions they brought out in each other. But he appreciated that she had no problem with him doing a little work, and he knew they would make up for it later.
He smiled. “I won’t be too long,” he promised.
“Better not,” she teased. “I’m sure I can find ways to keep myself busy while you’re out. I love to shop and San Francisco has some of the finest stores in the world. Or so I’ve heard. Might as well take full advantage of them.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Anderson hoped that later they might even do a little shopping together, along with seeing the sights and sounds of the city. Most importantly, though, he wanted to spend some quality romantic time with Holly away from home.
* * *
An hour later, Holly was already missing Anderson, but she was determined not to crowd him. I’ll see him when I do, she thought. In the meantime, I plan to make the most of this experience.
Holly was back in the room sipping cappuccino and relaxing when her cell phone rang. She saw that it was Madison calling. Holly had left her a voice mail earlier.
“I am so envious,” Madison said. “I love San Francisco.”
“It is nice here.” Holly felt a little guilty being on this trip with a man while Madison was still trying to deal with a breakup. But she would not let that take away from her romantic visit to the city, knowing that her own happiness in a relationship was just as important.
“I’ve been there a couple of times for work. They have one of the largest annual book fairs in the world every February.”
“I didn’t realize that,” Holly said.
“Pumps a lot of money into the local economy with people coming from all over,” Madison said.
“I’m sure.” Holly would love to be there someday for the book fair and share her love of books with Anderson.
“So what are you two planning while there?” Madison wondered.
“I think we’ll pretty much play it by ear,” Holly told her, though there were a few things they had already agreed upon. “I’m sure we’ll be spending a lot of time in our hotel suite,” she giggled.
“That’ll be fun.” Madison paused. “Seriously, I want you to do all the things couples who are really into each other do.”
“What about you?” Holly asked. “Any prospects on the horizon?”
“None that I know of. But hey, anything can happen, right?”
“Absolutely.” Holly considered that her friend Blythe had found someone, as had she. That left only Madison to make it complete among her girlfriends.
“Well, I’d better let you get back to having fun in San Francisco. I’ll see you when you get back,” Madison said.
“I’ll call you,” Holly promised, “and we’ll set up something.”
* * *
Holly went shopping in the Union Square District, picking up some professional and casual clothing. She also decided it might be a nice time to buy some sexy lingerie. Even though Anderson seemed to prefer her naked when they were in bed, leaving a little to the imagination from time to time was never a bad idea.
By the time she returned to the hotel, Anderson was waiting in the room. “There’s my darling,” he said.
She smiled, enjoying hearing this term of endearment for the first time. “Missed me, did you?”
“What’s not to miss?” He kissed her.
She licked her lips, tasting his. “How was your meeting?”
“Boring as hell, to tell you the truth. Especially when compared to being with you,” Anderson said.
“Good thing you didn’t come all this way just for that,” she said teasingly.
“That’s for sure.” He glanced at her bags. “Looks like someone made the local shopkeepers happy.”
“I hope I make you happy, too,” she said sweetly.
“Always,” he insisted, grinning.
“I have something that might make you just a little happier...” Holly showed him the rose-colored satin chemise she had bought. She posed, holding the lingerie in front of her. “You like?”
Anderson was turned on. “Oh yeah, I like!”
“In that case, I’ll wear it tonight and you can choose whether you want to take it off or not.”
“Tough decision,” he said, putting his hands on her waist and pulling her to him. “Luckily I can’t lose either way.”
Holly’s eyes lit with desire. “Neither can I.”
They went out to dinner at a fancy restaurant in the Mission District, took in a play and made love for practically the whole night through, exploring each other in the most passionate and pleasurable of ways. It gave Holly another reason to feel grateful that she had found such a wonderful man to spend time with.
* * *
The following day, Anderson met with clients in the morning, but then cut it short to spend the rest of the day with Holly so they could take in the city. They walked hand in hand on the Golden Gate Bridge, toured Fisherman’s Wharf, rode a cable car, took pictures of the winding or “crooked” stretch of Lombard Street and did some shopping on Fillmore Street. Later they dined on prime rib and mashed sweet potatoes at their hotel and went dancing afterward.
By the time Holly and Anderson got back to their room, they were exhausted but still up for making love. Holly could barely contain her desire for Anderson as she stripped him of his clothes.
In bed they held nothing back, engaging each other with every deep kiss, fervent touch and gentle caress. When Anderson entered her, Holly gasped sharply, drawing him in deeper and arching her back as she experienced the immense pleasure. She constricted around him, wanting him to achieve total fulfillment from their union.
Anderson reacted as he moved forward between Holly’s splayed legs, their mouths locked in harmony and bodies pressed together. He could not seem to get enough of his lover, her scent, touch and everything about her. He could imagine them making love till they were old and gray, were they so fortunate to make such a committed life together.
It was Holly who came first, levitating and crying out as the orgasm wrapped itself around her and sent glorious spasms of pleasure throughout her body. She sucked on Anderson’s lower lip, and then slipped her tongue inside his mouth, tasting the wine he’d had earlier. She ran her hands across his head, and then held on to it while soaking in the passions of their sex.
His climax came shortly thereafter, causing Anderson’s body to quiver wildly and his hot breath to brush over her cheeks. Holly wrapped her legs and arms around his back, meeting his powerful thrusts with equal abandon as she had another orgasm at the same time he reached the peak of sexual satisfaction.
They ended with a powerful kiss. As they lay spent, side by side, Anderson felt closer to Holly in that moment than he had to anyone in his life. Which made it easier to say what he knew was true. He faced her; she was beautiful as ever in the afterglow of sex.
“I’m falling in love with you,” he murmured.
“Oh really?”
Anderson touched her shoulder. “Yes, really.”
Holly let the words sink in for a moment. “Are you sure it’s your heart speaking and not something below the waist?”
“Quite sure,” he said. “You’ve come to mean that much to me.” Now he hoped to hear the same magical words from her. Would he?
Holly had waited a long time to hear such sweet words from a man. How could she not share the same sentiments when Anderson did things to her mind and body that no other man had?
“I’m falling in love with you, too,” she admitted.
“Really?” Anderson asked, wanting to hear the words again.
“Yes, I’m falling in love with you, Anderson.” Holly laughed and kissed his mouth joyously.
He laughed back and kissed her. “What a perfect way to end our stay in San Francisco.”
“I agree,” Holly said.
They made love again and Anderson saw nothing but blue skies over the horizon for them. He felt they were laying the foundation for what promised to be a passionate relationship that, in his mind, was for keeps.
Chapter 11
A week later, Holly and Anderson were relaxing at her place, watching television and eating popcorn. To Holly, it felt comfortable, as if they had been together forever.
She fed Anderson some popcorn, chuckling as he gobbled it down. “You know, you’re cute with this popcorn,” she teased.
“I’ll be as cute as you like,” he said, kissing her. “As long as you stay as beautiful as you are.”
“I’ll do my best.”
The doorbell rang.
“Looks like you’ve got company,” Anderson said, not especially looking forward to sharing their alone time. But he didn’t want to take up all of her time away from the job and knew he had to give her the space she needed.
“I think it might be my girlfriend,” Holly said, standing. “She told me she might drop by to meet you.”
He grinned. “Ah, so you want to show me off to your friends, huh?”
“Maybe just a little,” she admitted. “Can I help it if I want everyone to know how fortunate I am to have you?”
Anderson smiled and grabbed her hand before she could leave. “That works both ways you know. I’m looking forward to introducing you to more of my friends,” he assured her.
“You’re so sweet.” Holly leaned over the couch and kissed him before reluctantly heading for the door. With their attraction to each other and sexual chemistry, it was a wonder they managed to spend any time apart.
Holly opened the door to find Madison standing there. “Hey,” she said.
“Hey,” Madison responded. “Is he here?”
“Sure is—just waiting for your appraisal,” Holly kidded. “Promise me you’ll be nice.”
“I’m always nice, girl. You know that.”
Holly chuckled. “In that case, come on in...”
Madison stepped inside. Her eyes immediately turned to the living room, where she observed Anderson sitting on the couch. Her mouth dropped. “You!”
Holly met Anderson’s eyes, clueless as to what her friend meant.
* * *
Anderson thought the voice sounded familiar but wasn’t quite able to place it. It wasn’t until he saw Madison—her eyes like razor slits—that he realized Holly’s friend was none other than the woman he had been engaged to two years ago.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Madison demanded.
“You two know each other?” Holly asked.
“You’re damned right we do,” she said sharply. “Will you tell her, or should I?”
Anderson gulped, immediately getting to his feet. This situation admittedly gave him quite a start, as Madison was the last person he had expected to show up. After all, they had not had any contact since the day he broke off the engagement. He hadn’t been sure what he could have said to her at the time to smooth things over. Similar to how he was feeling at the moment.
“Yeah, we know each other,” he said with a long sigh. “We were once engaged—”
Holly’s eyes grew wide. “What?” she asked. She was certain she had misunderstood him.
Anderson ran a hand across his mouth, glancing at Madison then back to Holly. “Madison and I were involved two years ago.”
It was all beginning to sink in to Holly. “You’re the one who called off the wedding?”
As much as he wanted to deny it, Anderson knew he couldn’t. Particularly not with Madison glaring at him as if she wanted to take him down. “Yes, I did, but—”
“But nothing!” Madison said angrily. “You were a bastard then, and you’re a bastard now.”
“Let me try and explain,” he said.
“You’re two years and too many tears late for that.” Madison’s nostrils flared. “I don’t want to hear anything you have to say.” She turned to Holly. “If I were you, I’d kick him to the curb as fast as you can before he dumps you like he did me.”
Holly was at a loss for words as she looked at both of them. “I had no idea Anderson was the man who called off your engagement,” she told Madison.
“Well, now you know.” Madison shot Anderson a cold look before turning to Holly. “I’m out of here.”
“Wait...” Holly called out, but Madison ignored her and stormed out the door. Facing Anderson, Holly furrowed her brow. “Don’t just stand there—go after her,” she said.
Anderson sucked in a deep breath. He had thought about doing that very thing, but didn’t see the point. “She doesn’t want to hear anything I have to say.”
�
��You don’t know that,” Holly said.
“Yes, I do. No need to go back down memory lane for something I can’t change. Let it go.”
“I wish I could, but Madison’s my friend and she’s hurting now because of you.” Holly grabbed her purse. “I have to find her. If you want to leave, that’s fine.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” he told her. “I just want us to keep things as they are.”
“Not sure we can.” If it were only that simple, she thought.
Holly left in search of Madison. How had she not put two and two together? Was there any chance she could keep one without losing the other when this was over? Would she even want to stay with Anderson, who obviously had a problem with commitment—something she didn’t need in a man with whom she had fallen in love.
* * *
Anderson flopped back down on the couch and grabbed his bottle of beer off the coffee table, taking a swig.
Damn, he thought, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Madison Wagner was suddenly back in his life. Deep down inside he had known that somehow his past would come back to haunt him. Now it had actually happened.
How could he try to explain to Holly what had gone down between him and Madison, while at the same time trying to distance himself from it? He was sure Madison would bad-mouth him to the woman he loved and who had professed to love him. Would that all change now?
Anderson drank more beer. The TV was still on, as was the movie they had been watching. What were the odds that Holly and Madison would be friends in a city the size of Houston? He hadn’t seen that coming. For all he knew, Madison had moved elsewhere, gotten a fresh start and met a new man. But whether there was a new man in her life, she was obviously still in town.
And still pissed as hell at him for ending their relationship prematurely. Never mind the fact that prolonging their inevitable breakup would have only made things more difficult down the line. But he was sure she didn’t see it that way.
He could only hope that Holly was able to reason with her and let bygones be bygones.
Love is in the Air Page 9
