by Renee Roman
“Smart-ass. I’m not going to obsess. All I have to do is shower, figure out my hair, and put on makeup.” She thought about her long curls, wondering if her hair should be up, down, or braided. With no time to make an appointment with her stylist, she’d have to wear it down, but she didn’t think Blaze would mind. And she’d keep her makeup simple. A little liner and mascara, lip gloss, and perfume. The clock on the mantle ticked at her. I need to get moving. Her stomach rumbled. She hadn’t had anything since the donut. Blaze hadn’t mentioned food, but since she loved to eat, it was a given.
“I’m going to grab a yogurt. Want anything?”
“I’m good. Aren’t you going to have dinner?” Kelly asked as she curled up in the corner of the couch and faced her.
“I think so, but just in case.” She shoved a spoonful in her mouth. It wasn’t long before it was gone. “Okay. Off to get beautiful.”
“You’re already beautiful, but if I know you, you’re going to need every second to get ready. I’ll stall her if she shows up early.”
“Thanks.” She leaned over and hugged her. “This is why I love you.” She meant it. Kelly was good for her soul and her ego. She hoped Blaze could give her the kind of supportive caring partners provided, but her biggest fear was that she wouldn’t be able to do the same in return.
Chapter Forty-four
Blaze smoothed her hands over her trousers, straightened her tie for the dozenth time, then rang the bell. Her afternoon had been filled with emotional ups and downs. The more she thought about the future, the more anxious she became. Those moments had been interspersed with visions of Trinity sitting across from her, her green eyes sometimes stormy, then becoming soft, sensual.
The door swung open and Kelly smiled at her.
“Hi, Blaze. Come in.”
She cleared her throat as the nerves returned. “Kelly, it’s nice to see you again.” Her usual confidence had disappeared, and she found herself shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
“Why don’t I get you something to drink? Trin could be a while yet.”
Kelly headed toward the kitchen and she followed, grateful for something to do while she waited.
“What can I get you?”
“Water?”
“Huh. I would have pictured you as more of a beer woman.” Kelly set a bottle of water on the counter.
Blaze relaxed a little. Kelly was easy to talk with. “Actually,” she said. “I’m a scotch drinker, but since I’m driving, I’ll start with this.”
“You do that a lot. Drive I mean.”
“I want Trinity to be safe when she’s with me.”
Settling across from her, Kelly rested her chin on her fists. “Me, too.” She watched Blaze for a long beat. “So, what are you doing on your big date?” Her eyes held mischief.
“Dinner and dancing.” She’d made reservations at her favorite midtown lounge. At eight o’clock, a local band would begin playing, and she and Trinity would have a chance to slow dance for as long as they liked. Thoughts of holding her close, feeling Trinity’s body against hers, warmed her all the way to her toes.
“Sounds romantic.”
“I hope so. Trinity deserves to be treated well.” Blaze held Kelly’s gaze.
“Yes, she does, and I’m glad you have respect for her, because if not, you and I would be having a different conversation,” Kelly said. “Look who’s finally decided to join us.”
Blaze stood to face Trinity, and the sight of her once again took her breath away. “My God, you’re stunning.” She closed the distance between them, lifted Trinity’s hand and pressed it to her lips as she brushed her other hand along Trinity’s cheek. Trinity’s cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, and Blaze’s heart twisted with the intensity of her beauty.
“I hope the dress is okay.” Trinity looked up from beneath her thick lashes.
It took her a minute to find her voice, but she managed to sound more in control than she felt. “It’s more than okay because you’re wearing it.” She meant every word. Trinity could be wearing rags, and no one would notice because her beauty commanded attention. But the just visible soft curve of her breasts took what little saliva Blaze had from her mouth. She couldn’t help wondering if her own attire could hold up against Trinity’s. She’d chosen a charcoal gray tailored shirt, black pleated dress pants, and black wing tipped shoes. As luck would have it, her paisley tie was vivid, with a copper, white, and black pattern. She’d left her jacket in the car. It would have to do. “We should go. We have a reservation.”
“I’m ready.”
Blaze faced Kelly. “I’ll take good care of her.”
Once they were in the car and on the road, Blaze stole another glance. Trinity seemed nervous. The radio played softly from the rear speaker, but the silence was deafening. “I hope you like French cuisine.” She’d managed to get the perfect table at Chez Michele. It was a little-known place, tucked into a hillside cove with a view of Glen Lake. She’d stumbled upon it a long time ago when she was exploring the area.
“I’ve never been to a real French restaurant before, but I’m sure I’ll like it.” Trinity shared a tentative smile. “Tonight’s more about the company.”
Blaze took Trinity’s hand in her larger one. “Are you all right? You seem anxious.”
“No, it’s just…” Trinity looked out the window. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time. I’m not sure I remember what it feels like.”
She could sympathize. Of the women she’d been with over the last few years, she hadn’t been serious about any of them, even though a few would have liked to pursue something deeper with her. She just hadn’t been interested. Or maybe she hadn’t found the right one to be interested in. “Well, that makes two of us, so we should be fine.”
Trinity shook her head. “I find that hard to believe. Whenever I’ve seen you at the club, it didn’t appear you were lonely.”
Internally, she sighed. She didn’t want to carry around the playgirl label anymore. “They were…acquaintances. Not dates.”
“You mean hookups?”
Her jaw tightened. The last thing she wanted was for Trinity to think she was a player. She’d never taken advantage and always made her intentions clear. Trinity was far above a one-night stand. Then she caught the twinkle in Trinity’s eye and relaxed.
Trinity laughed softly. “I’ve done much the same the last few years. I didn’t want to become involved and complicate my already hectic life.”
Blaze wanted to comment. Wanted to ask what had changed. Maybe nothing had, and Trinity was making an exception. She turned into the lot filled with a variety of vehicles and pulled up in front of the door. “I’ll let you off here, so you don’t have to walk over the gravel.”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind walking as long as you hold me up.”
She had the feeling Trinity was asking for more than physical support. “I’d never let you fall.” Luckily, she found a spot not too far away. She opened Trinity’s door and held out her hand until they were standing toe-to-toe with a sunset streaked sky above them. There were so many words she wanted to say, but they died on her tongue. Blaze was afraid she’d ruin the night before it began. She wrapped her arm around Trinity’s waist and sensory memories flooded in. The firmness of her flesh. The scent of her skin. The softness of her breasts. She longed to hold her closer. Skin on skin. Trinity’s voice startled her.
“Where did you go?”
They were standing at the entrance. She didn’t remember walking. She needed to pay attention. Tonight was the first of what she hoped would be many dates. Even if they moved in together, she had every intention of treating Trinity as though every day was a first date. She opened the door and ushered her inside, her hand resting at the small of her back, her fingertips electrified even with Trinity’s coat between them. The host knew her by name since she’d crafted most of their tables when they’d remodeled several years ago. After holding the chair for Trinity, she unbuttoned her jacket an
d sat across from her, watching her take in the decor. Large picture windows framed the lake in front of them.
“This place is beautiful. How did you find it?”
She ordered a bottle of wine, with Trinity’s approval, and told her the story. Trinity listened with rapt attention, her eyes sparkling in the candlelight. God, she’s so beautiful. Her heart pounded in her chest.
“It’s really a shame.” Trinity sipped from her glass, her lips twitching as though she were trying to keep a grin from forming.
“What is?” Blaze was almost afraid to ask. Afraid Trinity was having second thoughts about dating.
“The restaurant is nice, but you’re much more appealing to look at.” Trinity’s eyebrow rose as she smiled seductively.
Blaze had never been comfortable with compliments directed at her rather than her work, and she tried to hide her embarrassment behind her goblet. “Maybe you need glasses.” She drank deeply before putting on the brakes. She couldn’t let her nerves make her do something as reckless as drink too much.
Trinity waved her hand in the air. “Oh, come on. We both know you dressed like that to get my attention, and you have.”
“I could say the same for you.” She let her gaze slide from Trinity’s eyes, to her lips before continuing down the column of her neck to the daring opening of her dress. She wondered how she was keeping the material in place.
“I shouldn’t have worn it. Kelly talked me into it,” Trinity said. She began to tug at the material.
She reached to stop her. “Don’t. It’s perfect. Like you.”
Trinity huffed. “I hate to disappoint you, but I’m nowhere near perfect.”
“To me you are,” she said, as she watched the fast rise and fall of Trinity’s chest.
Trinity sat back. “Stop. Please. I…” She looked off, as though to gather her thoughts. “I don’t know how to be when you look at me like that.” She finished her wine in one gulp.
Blaze held up the bottle.
“Yes, a little.”
The last thing she wanted was to make Trinity uncomfortable. She nodded to the waiter and he brought menus. “Let’s order, I’m hungry.” She was hungry for more than food, but she wasn’t sure where the night would lead. Food would help her find her balance and tamp down her craving for Trinity. For now.
Chapter Forty-five
Laughter filled the air around them as Trinity got out of the car. So far, she’d had a magnificent time, and she wasn’t ready for it to end. Blaze made sure their dinner included a variety of dishes and they shared everything. She’d had a bit more wine than she might otherwise because Blaze had refrained most of the night, telling her it was because she was a responsible driver, and Trinity respected her even more. While she finished her wine, Blaze had coffee, and a live band began to play. True to her promise of dancing, she’d been swept off her feet by the debonair Blaze Carter, who led her through a variety of slow dances and intricate moves.
She unlocked the door and held it open until Blaze stepped inside. “Do you want something to drink? A nightcap or more wine?”
Blaze shook her head. “I still have to drive home.”
Trinity tossed her coat and slipped out of her shoes before placing her hand on Blaze’s chest. She could feel the pounding of her heart. Heat emanated through her clothes, and Trinity wondered how she could be so warm and not sweat. She focused on Blaze. “I was hoping you’d spend the night.”
“I’d love to, but do you want to sleep with me on our first real date?” Blaze brushed the back of her hand along the side of Trinity’s face, and she caught it and brought it to her lips.
“I’m not usually that kind of girl, but tonight I’ll make an exception.” Her heart was already beating faster, and hot blood coursed through her. Her cautious side, the one that had ruled her actions for so long, had gone swimming in the wine.
“What about Kelly?”
She took a step back to calm down. Her heart was going to beat out of her chest if she didn’t. “Working the night shift. She won’t be home until morning.” For once she was grateful to have the apartment to herself. Trinity never liked being alone, and she hoped she wouldn’t be tonight.
“In that case…” Blaze backed her up against the wall and took possession of her mouth. Hungry. Insistent.
She arched into the kiss, desperate and yearning for more. She wanted Blaze to take her. To possess her. To let her know how much she was desired. Unable to breathe, she turned her face and Blaze’s forehead leaned on hers.
“I want you so much I can already taste you.” Blaze’s hand cupped her breast and squeezed. “This dress…” Blaze said before snaking her thigh between Trinity’s, “has taunted me all night.”
Trinity moaned at the pressure against her sex and trembled. Desire made her limbs heavy, emboldening her. “Take me. Take me the way you want to.”
Blaze growled and picked her up, carrying her to the living room where she bent her over the back of the couch. Teeth grazed along the back of her neck, nipping at the flesh and making her wetter than the last time they’d been together. Blaze lifted the hem of her dress and squeezed the cheeks of her ass.
“I’m going to fuck you,” Blaze whispered in her ear as she yanked her panties down. She pushed her fingers inside and groaned. “You’re so wet for me I wish I had my cock.”
Trinity gasped at the picture that formed in her mind. It didn’t take long for her body to speed toward an orgasm while Blaze firmly stroked in and out, hard and steady. Blaze continued whispering all the things she wanted to do to her while kissing her neck. When she moved her attention to Trinity’s swollen clitoris and began alternately rubbing and squeezing, she stopped breathing. Convulsions of her climax sent lightning bolts through her. She collapsed against the couch, boneless.
Blaze turned her over, covering her face with kisses before finding her lips. Softly tracing her mouth with her tongue then sliding inside, and for the first time in her life, Trinity felt loved. Blaze’s eyes swirled with more than desire alone.
“Where’s your bedroom?” Blaze asked.
Still unable to find her voice, she pointed toward the hall. Blaze picked her up and carried her and she was grateful, unsure if she could have stood on her own. “Here,” she managed when they got to her door. Blaze set her on the bed and helped her out of her dress. Some of her strength had returned and she leaned back on her hands, watching as Blaze undressed slowly. Trinity took time to appreciate the finely sculpted muscles and some of the details she’d missed before. Blaze’s mound was trimmed close, and her light brown curls glistened. She scooted back until her head was on the pillows, and Blaze lay over her, supporting her weight on her forearms.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded, and Blaze kissed her gently.
“I’m not sorry for taking you so fast, but I want to make love to you. Take my time. Is that all right?”
“Yes. As long as I get to do the same for you.”
A smile played on Blaze’s lips. “Thank God, because I’m really wet and wanting.”
She pressed her thigh between Blaze’s. “I can tell.”
Blaze kissed her again. Hungry, but controlled. The intensity built between them, making her whimper. Blaze lightly tugged on her lower lip with her teeth before moving off to the side, her hand fondling her breasts, tugging at her nipples. They tightened under her ministrations and she begged for more. After what seemed like an eternity, Blaze’s mouth found her swollen, hot flesh. She licked and stroked and kissed her until she was shivering beneath her, then lapped up her juices until she had nothing more to give. Blaze climbed up beside her and kissed her, then rolled them over and pulled her close.
She laid her head on Blaze’s chest, enjoying the closeness and luxuriating in the feeling of being cared for. Blaze spoke above her.
“Was that okay?” Blaze asked. Her hands smoothed over her back.
Trinity managed to raise her head. “More than okay. I’m…” She hesitated
. What was she trying to say? She knew but was afraid. Afraid of the idea she’d be rejected if she confessed what she was really feeling. She moved her mouth to search out Blaze’s, teased her lips and slipped her tongue inside to explore her. She rubbed her palm over Blaze’s breast and the nipple tightened, the flesh pebbling beneath her hand. As much as she wanted to taste her, Trinity needed to be inside, and she ran her fingers through her wet heat, making her groan.
“Honey, I’m not going to last if you touch me,” Blaze said, her voice strained.
“Yes, I know.” Trinity slowly circled Blaze’s rock-hard clit before pressing inside and Blaze’s hips rose to meet her. She continued the torturous pace until Blaze tightened around her and she stopped moving. “Open your eyes, baby. I want to see you come.” Blaze shuddered beneath her and Trinity knew she was barely hanging on, but her eyes opened, letting her see the storm raging there. She entered her hard and her thumb pressed against Blaze’s clit. With a side to side motion, she flicked over it and her walls locked her inside. A low groan emanated from Blaze as her climax took over and she watched her eyes contract with the intensity. Blaze bucked beneath her and she wrapped her arm around her back, hanging on as she rode out the waves. Trinity saw everything she needed in that moment. Blaze was so trusting. So willing to show her vulnerability. She wanted to cry for ever doubting her.
When her body settled, Blaze pulled her down for a kiss, and she felt the shift between them. They moved onto their sides and stared into each other’s eyes. Blaze held her face.
“I want you in my life, Trinity. We can have it all.”
She wanted to believe her. Knew Blaze meant it, yet doubt crept in. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I love you. I love you so damn much it hurts in a most exquisite way.”
Her doubts faded away as she realized the thing that had scared her the most since meeting Blaze was the fear of never loving enough. Never giving enough in return. One look into Blaze’s soul, into the depths of her eyes, reassured her she had nothing to be afraid of. Together they would face the future, and for once the future didn’t scare her.
