“Degrading? Sex is sex. You’re sounding like a prude. Why, it wasn’t too long ago you—”
She put her hands up, palms out, to halt his words. “I don’t want to talk to you. Go!”
“I’ll never understand the female mind.”
“GO!” Kiernan pointed at the door.
“Very well.” Theodore ambled off, and Kiernan heard him mumble something about women, proof, and a different species.
As soon as he exited, Kiernan fell heavily into her seat. She let out a frustrated sigh. How could she ever make amends to Ariel? She had acted like a jealous fool, pushing Ariel into— She closed her eyes, trying to force images from her thoughts that made her feel shame, and arousal, which only compounded her shame.
The images were only replaced by the memory imprinted on her body of the feel of Ariel, and her touch. Never had anyone taken her so thoroughly. She was the one who always led the way in having sex—who took control. Never had she allowed a woman to dominate her in bed. Again and again, Ariel had brought her to orgasm. This was something she’d never experienced with any of her lovers. Once had always been enough. She couldn’t help but wonder whether Ariel liked taking control if she wasn’t angry or desperate. She couldn’t help but wish she could find out.
Remembering bites on her nipples by neat white teeth, while that hot tongue flicked the swollen tips, caused them to harden. She moved her hand to her breast and felt the erect point push against the silk of her blouse. Grasping the hard tip between her thumb and forefinger, she pinched, imagining it was Ariel doing this. Raw lightning struck her hard in her core, and she moved her hands to the waist of her trousers, fumbling with the belt buckle. Suddenly, she froze, and removed her hands.
Enough! That wasn’t going to happen with Ariel hating her. And what if someone walked in to her office?
She put her head in her hands.
Could she ever make things right? Where to begin? She’d apologize and work from there.
KIERNAN COULDN’T CONCENTRATE and left the office at three that day, wanting to go home and talk with Ariel. A heaviness of spirit and dread lay on her, dread of what she would see in Ariel’s eyes.
As she climbed the steps to her suite, Mrs. Belfort called from the foot of the stairs, “Ma’am, you’re home early. Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine.” She didn’t owe her staff an explanation, and they knew not to expect one. “Is Ariel about?”
“Yes, ma’am. She’s in the recreation room playing pool.”
Kiernan went back down the stairs to the recreation room. She heard the clatter of pool balls before opening the door. Ariel peered up when the door opened and seeing Kiernan, her features tightened and posture straightened.
“I need to talk to you,” Kiernan said in a soft voice.
“Yes?” Ariel asked cautiously.
“Can we go over to the sofa so I can sit?”
Ariel tossed the pool stick on the table and strode across the room to take a seat on one end of the couch, while Kiernan sat on the other end. They stared at one another, and Kiernan saw the wariness in Ariel’s expression. She took a deep breath and let her words out evenly. “I want to apologize to you for treating you as a child yesterday. My behavior was unacceptable. Most of all, I want to apologize for my threats. I had no intention of annulling our marriage.”
Ariel’s eyes were steely, cutting right through Kiernan. “You want to apologize, do you? Why? Are you going to demand I have makeup sex with you?”
Ariel’s words hit Kiernan hard, and she flinched. “No, Ariel, I would never demand sex from you—not even if it were one of the stipulations in our agreement.”
Seeing Ariel’s eyes widen with confusion, Kiernan said, “I have something else to tell you, something that—well—there has been a misunderstanding about a provision in the prenuptial contract. Stipulation nineteen, the conjugal stipulation, I never authorized it.”
Confusion remained in Ariel’s expression. “What do you mean?”
“Uncle Theodore—he was going by some sort of standard for these types of contracts and included it. When I saw it, I asked him to remove it, which he did, but somehow he managed to send us copies of the original contract and we signed the original one. He’s coming by tonight with the corrected one for us to sign.”
“I’ll sign the contract, provided I can have time to review it.”
“That won’t be a problem. If you like, we can postpone the signing, and you can have Joyce—I mean your lawyer—go over it with you.”
“That won’t be necessary. Could you arrange for it to be signed in a few days?”
“I can do that.” Kiernan hesitated, a tightness in her chest with what she wanted to say next. Meeting Ariel’s eyes with her own, her words stumbled out. “Ariel—about what happened last night—”
“I don’t want to discuss last night,” Ariel said frostily, but her eyes were blazing. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have something I need to do.”
As Ariel stood to leave, Kiernan said, “I need to talk to you—about us. About—”
“There is no us, Kiernan! There’s only you!” Ariel’s face reddened. “No one else matters but you and what you want!” She pivoted and strode swiftly from the room.
Kiernan closed her eyes and leaned her head against the sofa, wondering where they could possibly go from here.
Chapter Twenty-One
FOR THE EIGHTH night in a row, Kiernan ate dinner alone. She would leave for work in the morning, come home, eat, work in her study, go to her suite to attempt to sleep, and never once see Ariel. Other than the few minutes when Theodore brought the corrected contract for them to sign, Ariel had been a ghost. Oh, Kiernan knew what she did during the day because Mrs. Belfort kept her informed. Ariel went to a Harley Owner’s meeting. She visited her mother, or rode over to Cherokee National Forest with her Harley Group. She stayed in her room, or played pool in the recreation room, or went for a walk after lunch.
Kiernan knew things would need to change. They would need to come to an understanding, or this could be hell for the next five years. They needed to think about their future child. If they couldn’t get along, their child might develop psychological problems.
This marriage, it had happened so fast. They didn’t know each other. She should have waited and dated her, according Ariel the opportunity to get to know her better. Maybe that was what was needed. Tomorrow was Saturday, and she would see Ariel in the morning to present her case.
ARIEL WAS FINISHING downloading applications to a select few of the universities that offered courses in aerospace engineering. Embry-Riddle, Kiernan’s alma mater, was one of those, as was her alma mater, MIT. Georgia Tech in Atlanta had a top-rated program. Atlanta was closer to Crestview Estate and would make it easier to go back and forth when required to attend campus. She heard a knock. “Come in.”
Kiernan entered cautiously. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
Ariel thought about making a snide remark, but kept her voice and features neutral. “You want to see me about something?”
“Yes. Can we sit on your sofa?” The nervousness was evident in Kiernan’s voice and the slight wringing of her hands.
Ariel couldn’t believe this was the fearless and intimidating business tycoon. Ariel tipped her head in agreement and took a seat at one end of the sofa, with Kiernan taking a seat in the middle to face her.
Ariel waited expectantly. Kiernan’s features were somber, and her voice strained. “Ariel, I know things are not good between us. I would like to make things better. Not only for me, but for you, our future—and for our child.”
Ariel knew Kiernan had a point. They couldn’t continue to reside in the same house with things as they were. She would probably be pregnant in a few months. They had to come to some understanding, some resolution. She swallowed and asked evenly, “And, we will make things better—how?”
“What I’m asking is for you to give us a chance. I think—I know we cou
ld—” Kiernan ran her fingers through her hair and looked Ariel full in the eyes. “Ariel, will you go out on a date with me?”
Ariel stared at her, baffled for a moment, and not sure she heard right. “What?”
Kiernan repeated, “Will you go out on a date with me?”
“You mean, as in a date, date?”
“Yes, as in going out together,” Kiernan said almost shyly.
Ariel drew back against the arm of the sofa and studied Kiernan closely, wondering whether this was a joke. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“We never really got to know each other, and that’s my fault. I was thinking we should date.”
Suspicion immediately entered Ariel’s mind as to Kiernan’s motives. She asked warily, “What does this dating include?”
“Going out together, finding out what each of us likes and dislikes—that sort of thing.”
“Let me get this straight. When you say ‘date,’ you mean something along the lines of a friendship.”
“Yes, and getting to know each other better. I still don’t know what your favorite movies are besides Star Wars, and I don’t think I ever told you what my favorites are. Who are your favorite authors, your favorite music, and musicians? We could learn more about each other—like you do when you’re dating.”
Ariel was still confused. “But we’re married.”
“Yes, but where is there a rule that says we can’t date? We never had that. I know it won’t be the same as if we’re single, but we can get to know each other the same way.”
Ariel rubbed her forehead, her mind going over what Kiernan said. Was this a good idea? Then again, she didn’t have another idea. Kiernan would have to make concessions. Ones Ariel wasn’t sure she would make. Sounding harsh, she said, “And who would call the shots, Kiernan. You? Like you’ve always done? ‘Oh, Ariel, I grant you permission to pick out the restaurant we’re going to tonight. I’ll even grant you permission to wear what you want.’ Is that the way it’s going to be?”
Ariel rose, and Kiernan leaped up as well. “No, Ariel, I’ll let you decide—”
“You’ll let me decide? Let me?” Ariel challenged. There was a strained silence as each woman studied the other. Ariel waited to see what Kiernan’s response would be.
“I grant I have a tendency to be—overbearing. It’s in my nature to dominate, to control—”
“Who—you?” Ariel said sarcastically. “Dominate and control? I don’t believe it.” Staring at Kiernan, Ariel waited for an answer.
“I’m willing to work on my control issues. Will you be willing to give me a chance? Give us a chance to make this work, so we can get through the next five years—on friendlier terms?”
“I’ll think about it and let you know. There are some issues we need to discuss, and I need to think about them.”
“When?”
“When I’m ready,” Ariel said in a surly tone.
Ariel saw Kiernan’s lips tighten briefly as if angry, but Kiernan took a breath and said calmly, “Take your time.”
“I think I’ll go for a drive. I’m not sure when I’ll get back.”
“Be careful. It rained overnight, and there might be slick patches on the road. Might I suggest you bundle up warmly? It’s chilly out today, and I don’t think your jacket will keep out the cold.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Kiernan rolled her eyes, but said softly and with sincerity, “I don’t want you to get sick again.”
“I’m not taking the Harley. Today’s forecast is for more rain, so I thought I would take my Ferrari and get used to the feel of it.”
“Have fun and drive safe.”
THE WATER CLOSEST to the riverbank gurgled and babbled like the belly of a hungry beast. Ariel tossed in another pebble, hearing the solid plunk as the current along the river’s edge swallowed it up. She’d decided to drive her Ferrari along the road that skirted the Ocoee River before going to visit her family. The concentration on the road and the handling of her car took her mind off the earlier conversation with Kiernan until bits and pieces tumbled out, and she pulled over to a viewing area to review the proposal.
As much as Ariel hated to admit it, Kiernan was right. She couldn’t spend the next five years avoiding her. Soon there’d be the baby to consider. She instinctively knew Kiernan would be a vital part of the child’s life and would take an interest in raising her. Ariel intended to participate in her child’s life and development as well. Her influence on the child would be as important as Kiernan’s. Even more so, since she would be responsible for childcare while Kiernan ran Stellardyne. No way would she stand by and let Kiernan run roughshod over her concerning her child’s upbringing. She needed to make her wishes known. She needed to stand up to Kiernan and make some demands of her own, and now was time to do that.
Kiernan needed her if she was to make her dreams come true, and with a sudden flash of insight, Ariel realized that if she stood up to her, there wasn’t much Kiernan could do. She was trapped in this agreement and marriage for the next five years as was Ariel, and there was no way she could break the agreement, not if Ariel was willing to carry out her end of the bargain. She would see how serious Kiernan was about developing an amiable relationship. It would have to be one that was equal—where her input and thoughts were as important as Kiernan’s.
Problems remained. Could she let go of her hatred for Kiernan? Maybe it wasn’t the hate she first felt when her anger was raw and very consuming. Since then, her anger had changed to resentment, though she did hate what Kiernan had done to her mother. To be fair, Ariel didn’t think she was a total bitch. When she was ill, Kiernan had shown a tender and caring side. She apologized for her behavior for the night that led to the consummation. She knew Kiernan was sincere in her apology and regretted her threats and words.
She decided she was willing to give Kiernan a fair chance. She might not hate her, but she didn’t like a lot of things about her either, and she doubted she could ever trust her. Time would tell whether Kiernan was sincere and what her true nature actually was. Was Kiernan a selfish, manipulative, and conniving person? Or were the positive qualities she sometimes displayed actually her true personality?
And what about this attraction she had to Kiernan? Could she control it? Did she want to? She was sure Kiernan wouldn’t object to including sex in this dating thing.
She remembered the feel of that firm body beneath her, evoking both a current of arousal and trepidation. That path might lead to falling into an emotional involvement she was unprepared for. She was still recovering from her relationship with Mysha. For the time being, she wouldn’t go there. Ariel picked up one last pebble and tossed it in the river before turning to go.
JOANNA STOPPED BAGGING leaves when she spotted a sporty red car with a familiar blonde head on the driver’s side. The car pulled in the driveway behind her Saturn, and the twins dropped their rakes and ran over, touching and admiring the car before Ariel could open the door and slide out of the driver’s seat.
“Wow, Ariel, is this your car?” Seth said excitedly, his eyes wide with admiration.
“Yes, it is.”
Leigh begged, “Take us for a ride in your car, please, please, please!”
“Yeah,” Seth said, “with the top down.”
“I don’t even get a hug?” Ariel pouted while giving them puppy-dog eyes. They both hugged her with such enthusiasm they almost knocked her down.
“Now will you take us for a ride?” Seth asked.
“I will in a little while, but I don’t know about having the top down. It’s going to rain.”
“I get the front seat!” shouted Leigh.
“I get the front,” Seth said. “You’re smaller and can squeeze into that place in the back.”
“No, you—”
“All right you two, that’s enough,” Joanna ordered. “Finish raking and bagging these leaves, and let me talk to your sister.”
They went to do as told, and Ariel asked, “Where’s t
he yard bot?”
“The battery died, so I’m using my two standbys. You only need to charge them up with a pan of brownies.”
“I know brownies sure would work for me.”
“Stick around and I’ll whip up a batch.” Joanna gave the car an appreciative once over. “Nice wheels. Is this the car Kiernan gave you as a wedding gift?”
“This is the one. Drives like a dream. I’ll let you drive it.”
“No thanks, that’s too much car for me to handle. I’ll stick to the Saturn. Come on in and let me fix you a cup of hot tea.”
Ariel followed her into the house, and Joanna put the antique kettle on the stove. Both she and Ariel preferred tea brewed the old-fashioned way. Joanna bent down and kissed the top of Ariel’s head before taking a seat across from her. “How are you?”
“I’m okay. How are things here?” There was an edge to Ariel’s voice, and Joanna knew things were not okay.
“No complaints.” She saw pain and uncertainty in Ariel’s expression and softly asked, “What is it, sweetheart? What’s wrong?”
Ariel broke and wept. Joanna slid off her chair, knelt by Ariel, and took her daughter in her arms. Ariel hugged her close and sobbed on her shoulder while Joanna rubbed in comforting circles on her back, not saying anything, giving her the time she needed.
After a time, Ariel brought her head up from the comforting shoulder and rubbed her eyes with the heels of her palms.
Joanna stood and brought a towelette from the dispenser to Ariel, who wiped her eyes and face. Joanna lowered herself into the seat next to Ariel and took her hand, watching and waiting for her to speak when she was ready.
With a tremulous breath, Ariel said, “I’m all confused right now—about things—about Kiernan.”
Joanna remained silent. She studied her daughter’s pained face, brushed back a loose strand of hair, and stroked her cheek tenderly. The kettle shrieked. Joanna prepared their tea, handed Ariel a cup, took her own and once again sat across from Ariel.
Ariel spooned up some creamer. “Kiernan would like for us to work toward a better relationship.”
Linda S. North - The Dreamer, Her Angel and the Stars Page 20
