by Ashlyn Chase
She heard a voice in the background, which was quickly muffled. She pictured Anthony covering the phone.
“Oh. It sounds like I’m interrupting something.”
“No. It’s fine. We were just finishing up. Kurt said to tell you hello.”
Then she heard a female voice.
“Sadie too.”
“It sounds like you’re having a reunion. Can I come?” Claudia slapped a hand over her mouth. Why did I invite myself? If he’d wanted me there, he’d have asked me. What a dumbass move.
“I—I’d like to see you, but not here. Can I meet you for a drink?”
Claudia groaned. “The last thing I need right now is a drink. Besides, I shouldn’t have invited myself.”
“No. I really want to talk to you.”
“You do?”
“Yes. Are your parents still there?”
“They opted for a hotel. I can’t say I blame them. They’re leaving after breakfast tomorrow.”
“So, you’re alone for the rest of the night?”
“Yes.”
“I can be there in an hour. Will you let me in this time?” He chuckled.
Claudia felt her face heat. Jesus, I made him beg to come in last time. Way to go, Princess Charming. “I promise to let you in, if you’ll let me make up for my rudeness.”
“What did you have in mind?” he said seductively. A fraction of a second later he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
After her own brief hesitation, she said. “Darn it.” Then her hand flew up to cover her big mouth.
Chapter 3
On his way to Claudia’s apartment, Anthony wondered what she’d meant by her last remark. She had hung up too quickly for him to ask her. On one level he knew. Heck, on all levels he knew. It sounded like she was feeling the same way about him as he’d always felt about her. But had she hidden her feelings for five years?
Taking public transportation was frustrating. At least he was close enough to jog to the Red Line and didn’t have to change trains. He was so preoccupied that he might just end up in the suburbs if he wasn’t careful.
At last Anthony’s car pulled into Central Square, and he was the first one off. He hadn’t taken the T to Cambridge before, so he wasn’t exactly sure where Claudia’s apartment was in relation to the stop, and the streetlights were out. Spinning around, he looked for a landmark. A bicyclist rode toward him, his DayGlo orange stripes gleaming.
“Excuse me, where’s Green Street?”
The guy pointed toward a coffee shop. “One block over.”
“Thanks.” Anthony could barely wait for a break in traffic to sprint across the busy street. When he reached Claudia’s steps, he took them two at a time. She buzzed him in, and he dashed up the stairs to the third floor.
She opened the door the minute he knocked, and Anthony walked right into her waiting arms. With no discussion, and none needed, he cupped her head and his lips descended to hers. She tipped her face up to meet his, and they stood for who knows how long in a fervent lip-lock.
When they broke apart, Claudia was breathing hard.
“I guess we should go inside and close the door,” Anthony said.
She giggled. “What? You don’t want to put on a show for the neighbors?”
He walked forward while she took a couple steps back. Absently, he kicked the door shut behind them, and as soon as it clicked, he kissed her again. Their hands explored and caressed each other as if of their own volition.
Five years of waiting. Five years of pent-up sexual frustration. Anthony didn’t know if he could stop touching and kissing her—ever.
When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers. Then, they gazed into each other’s eyes for several long moments.
Eventually, he said, “I’ve wanted to do that for five years.”
Claudia smiled. “Me too. What took you so long?”
They both knew the answer to that. Ruxandra.
Claudia stepped away and offered him a beverage. Anthony opted for tea since Type O was probably not on the menu.
While she was in the kitchen, he glanced around the room. It was in much better shape than before. Like the woman he knew, it was well put together and immaculate. He remembered her first request as his new bar manager. She’d wanted to wear her fashionable clothes and not the uniform he had her wear as a waitress.
When she returned with his tea, he took a moment to notice her outfit. She wore a little black dress and strappy sandals. He could take her anywhere in that. Of course, all he wanted to do was take her into the next room and remove said little black dress.
But it was too soon for that.
“Have a seat.” Claudia didn’t specify where, so Anthony sat on the couch, expecting she’d join him there. She set his tea on a coaster next to him and settled herself on his other side.
Kicking off her sandals and pulling her feet up under her thigh, she looked casual and comfortable. He was glad she hadn’t suddenly become shy after their first kiss. A lot of women would have.
“It’s nice to see you again,” she said. “You look well.”
Okay. She wasn’t acting shy but a little formal.
“You too. I trust you’re feeling better.”
She groaned and hung her head. “Let’s pretend the other night never happened.”
“Why?”
She snorted. “You didn’t exactly see me in my best light.”
Anthony took a sip of his tea while he tried to think of something to say to that. Should he acknowledge her sober assessment? Downplay it? He opted for reaching over and taking her hand in his. Giving it a squeeze he said, “I’ve seen you in your best light for far too long. It was about time you showed me your flawed human side.”
She smiled. “Thanks. Maybe someday you’ll show me your human side too.”
Doubtful, since I’m no longer human.
She let go of his hand. “Speaking of which, where are your emotions? You can be upset around me, you know. I won’t wilt, and I want to be supportive. I’m kind of surprised you seem so unaffected by everything that’s happened. After all, it was your business that burned to the ground.”
“I’m just glad no one was hurt. It could have been so much worse.”
“That’s true.” She worried her lip for a moment. “The other night, when you were talking about rebuilding. Did you mean it?”
“Absolutely. I still want a place in the neighborhood for the locals to socialize.” Especially the local paranormals. “And I’d like to get it under way as quickly as possible.”
“Then, as hard as this is to say, I should tell you that you might want to find another manager.”
Anthony’s brows shot up. He couldn’t picture anyone but Claudia running his place during daylight hours. How could he trust anyone else? It not only made no business sense, but he wouldn’t have the same enthusiasm. The best part of going to work was knowing she would be there waiting for him at sunset.
“But, why? Do you need money to live on in the meantime? Because if you do, I can—”
She held up a hand to stop him. “No. That’s not it.” She fidgeted a little, then faced him head-on. “There’s something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you long ago.”
“Oh?” This sounds ominous. Could Ruxandra have threatened her? “Whatever it is, I’m on your side.”
She let out a deep breath. “I know, but wait until you hear what I have to say. You might feel differently.”
He didn’t want to protest; he just wanted her to keep talking. Whatever it was, he was sure they could handle it together—just like they’d handled everything. So he waited and let her gather her courage.
“Anthony, I have a drinking problem. I have no business working in a bar.”
Of all the secret
s she could have shared, this was one he’d never even considered. “What? Are you sure? I never saw anything to indicate…”
She held up her hand again. “I know. I was…I mean I am what they call a functional alcoholic. I could hold it together all day long in order to do my job, but as soon as I got home at night, all bets were off. You’re not the only one who didn’t know. I was very good at hiding it.”
He took a quick glance at the open kitchen where she’d had her booze and didn’t see a single bottle.
“It’s all gone. I have to quit, Anthony. It’s starting to affect my health.”
“I see.” He really didn’t see. How could this have happened? Was the job too stressful? The hours too long? “Claudia, I mean it. I’m here for you. I’ll give you any assistance you need. How can I help?”
She gave him a sad smile. “That’s just it. You can’t. I have to do this myself. I went to my first AA meeting yesterday, and it sounds like I have a long road ahead of me.”
Anthony blew out a rare breath and shook his head at the floor. “I wish I had known sooner. It must have been difficult for you.”
“You could say that. As soon as I explained it all to my parents, they wanted me to move back to Florida where they could keep an eye on me. I had to promise them I’d go to AA and call them regularly before they’d agree to drop it and go home.”
“So they’re on their way?”
“Yes. It’s a long drive and my dad doesn’t trust anyone to run his business correctly while he’s away. At least he’s given up the idea that I should take over for him someday.”
“I can’t imagine anyone else I’d want running my business—whatever it is. Claudia, I don’t have to reopen as a bar. I could make it a coffee shop.”
“With a bakery and coffee bar right next door? I’m sure they’d love that.”
Anthony was desperate to think of something. Not only did he want to help Claudia, but he also wanted to be sure Sadie was taken care of. Both women were too proud to take his charity. He’d have to find a way to employ them both. Sadie just needed a booth to read tarot cards. But now that Claudia was a teetotaler…
As if a lightbulb hovering over his head suddenly went on, Anthony grabbed his cup and blurted out, “Tea! A tea room! Sadie can read tea leaves. She told me so. You can make the place over however you want. I can picture you serving high tea and offering special blends from all over the world. It even fits better with the upper-class flavor of Beacon Hill than a bar.”
“You mean like the places with tablecloths and bone china?”
“Exactly.” Suddenly Anthony pictured a big werewolf like Nick holding a delicate teacup with his pinkie sticking out. He almost laughed, but the hopeful excitement on Claudia’s face stopped him.
“We could have light lunches—like soups and salads. Of course the requisite finger sandwiches, scones, tea, and other beverages too, but no alcohol,” she said. Jumping up, she added, “Maybe we could even strike a deal with the bakery next door and have them make the scones and cakes for us.”
If Anthony had second thoughts, he’d just have to squelch them. A tea parlor would be perfect for the two ladies in his life. And who knew, maybe paranormals would be willing to meet there, even without the alcohol.
He could see the female paranormal population more comfortable in a place like that. And he remembered how Kurt and Tory always complained about the lack of available women. Well, guys, problem solved.
Almost. First he had to rebuild. Getting permits, hiring contractors, all that would take time, but he’d done it before. Telling his old regulars about the new venue without becoming a laughingstock would be trickier.
***
The following evening, Claudia answered her buzzer and was delighted to hear Anthony’s voice.
“I bring glad tidings.”
“Oh? And what are those?”
“Books about our new business, so we won’t come off as neophytes to avid tea aficionados.”
“Oh, thank goodness. Come on up!”
When he arrived at her door, she was ready and waiting to greet him. She’d combed her hair and put on makeup. It had felt good to make the effort.
He smiled at her. “You look like you’re feeling better.”
“I am.”
“Good, because I want to take you out to other tea rooms in the city. My research has turned up only a few, and most are in pricey hotels, so…”
Her face fell.
“What did I say?”
“Oh, nothing.”
“Claudia?”
Over the past five years, she’d learned to read his various facial expressions, and the one he was wearing now meant, “Don’t try to spare my feelings. Just tell me the truth.”
“I—uh…I’m embarrassed about how badly I let myself go. It’s a wonder you want…well, anything to do with me.”
He placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “How can you think that? I care about you. More than you may believe right now.”
She nodded. She cared about him too—definitely more than he suspected. She was in love with him and had been for years.
Anthony sat on the couch and patted the spot next to him. “Let’s begin before we get distracted.”
She sat a short distance away. If she were going to minimize distractions, she’d have to avoid touching him.
He read aloud. “With more varietals in China than there are wine grape varietals in all of France, tea dazzles us with its diversity. But there is only one plant. Even with the endless complexities and variations in all the teas of the world, every tea springs from the singular plant species Camellia sinensis.”
“Well, there’s something,” Claudia said. “Only one complicated scientific name to memorize.”
“I don’t think we need to memorize species, genus, and phylum, darling.”
“Good, because my brain isn’t cooperating yet.”
“What do you mean?”
She hung her head. “I mean, I’m still just clearing up. I knew the bar business backward and forward and could run the place in my sleep—or a stupor, as it were. This is new learning, and I’m a little afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“That my previous stupors turned me stupid.”
“You’re not stupid. If anything…” Anthony sat closer and put an arm around her shoulder. “We have plenty of time and we’ll learn it together.”
“I don’t know. I’ve already forgotten the name of the species.”
Anthony chuckled. “So have I. Let’s not worry about that now.” He returned his attention to the book. “Black tea is the most common tea in North America. It is produced when withered tea leaves are rolled and allowed to oxidize. This darkens the leaves and develops flavor, color, and body in the leaf.”
He rubbed her shoulder as he continued to read. “The tea is dried to halt the oxidation process and lock in these characteristics. The result is a robust cup with bright or lively notes that are perfect for breakfast teas, with about half as much caffeine as a similarly sized cup of coffee.”
“Anthony, stop.”
“I’m sorry. Was it the word ‘oxidation’ that threw you?”
She shook her head. “Not the words this time. It’s you.”
He leaned back and studied her face. “Me?”
“Yes. Rubbing my shoulder, your thigh against mine. All I want to do is throw that book across the room and kiss you.”
He laughed. “I’d like nothing better.” He started to close the book.
“No. We have to learn this. I—I just think I should sit in the armchair.” She rose quickly and moved to the chair. Now there was a table between them. “Okay. Keep reading.”
He paused and she could sense his inner struggle. Maybe he was getting distracted too.
At last, he refocused on the book
. “Green tea is gaining popularity in America. It is produced when tea leaves are heated or steamed right after being harvested. This halts the oxidation process, preserving the leaf’s emerald hue and naturally occurring antioxidants and amino acids… Uh-oh. Here comes another one of those words. Theanine.”
He placed the book upside down on the table. “Why don’t I just go through this with a highlighter and pick out the stuff we really need to know?”
“But I really want to—” Her protest was cut short when he picked her up and laid her on the sofa, then covered her body with his and kissed her.
She snaked her arms around his neck and back. As their tongues dueled, she grabbed a fistful of hair at the nape of his neck, intending to pull him away. She couldn’t do it. Instead, she released her grip and combed her fingers through the hair covering his collar. Her other hand caressed his back. His cock grew and teased her in just the right spot. The flare of desire caused her to buck against him.
A sane thought finally broke through her lust-filled haze. We can’t do this. Not yet.
Fortunately, Anthony’s restraint seemed to kick in at the same time. Pushing himself to his feet, he said, “I’m sorry.”
She struggled to sit up. “Don’t be. It’s just Mother Nature’s way of ensuring the human species continues.”
His brows shot up.
“Oh, no,” she quickly added. “I didn’t mean that we should… You know…”
“Procreate?”
She giggled. “Sorry. This whole thing is a discussion for another time.”
“Maybe not.” He sat beside her. “I can’t have children. You should know that in case you want one.”
“No! I mean, no. I have enough to deal with.”
“Yes. Right now you do. But you should know that for the future. If you were hoping for a family someday, it wouldn’t be right for me to keep you from that goal.”
“Anthony, I’m not harboring secret dreams of white picket fences. The work staff and regulars were my family. I’m fine with keeping it that way.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
He sagged against the back of the sofa and stared at the ceiling. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”
