Velvet Exhale

by Beth Mikell

  My phone rang interrupting our curious banter and it was my turn to frown. I didn't give anyone my number. "Excuse me." I fished my phone out and recognized Claire's number, "Hello?"

  "Hey baby doll. How's your date going? Do you need an excuse to get of it? If so, I'm ready for hypothetical appendicitis."

  I couldn't contain my smile at how different my date evening progressed, flipping my eyes over to Noah to find him watchful and his shard-like eyes hard, narrowed, and impassive. Sheesh, who did he think I'm talking too? Another vanilla candidate?

  I opted to put him out of his misery. "Claire? How did you get my number?" Noah visibly relaxed, exhaling slowly. Gee, he didn't trust me much, did he? Well, then again, it's only been a day.

  Claire laughed. "Yesterday I called my phone with yours, easy. So...again...your date? Which Lady Gaga are you leaning towards? "Bad Romance" or "Pokerface"?"

  I shook my head. She and I always used music titles to describe situations, especially when we didn't want anyone to know what we're saying. It came in handy in awkward conditions. "Neither, it's more like Celine Dion's "Taking Chances" if you want the honest truth."

  "Really?" She shrieked and I had to hold the phone away from my ear. "I'm surprised! I thought you had some kind of thing starting up with super mogul. Should I start a running list?"

  I blushed, turning my head the other direction. "Well, actually my original date was called away for a work related emergency, but low and behold, Mr. Alexander just happened to be in the neighborhood. We are now sharing a drink," I explained and ventured a glance at super hottie to find his smirk in place, relaxed and apparently enjoying himself--a cat that swallowed the best damned cream kind of moment.

  "Well, do you think you two would be interested in having a drink at our favorite karaoke bar? Gary and I were out and ran into everyone...including Gemma and Trey. We can sing, share some laughs. What do you think?"

  Did I want to introduce my sister to Noah? Not that I'm ashamed, but it was a bit soon. I'm not even sure how I felt about it. The last thing I needed was my baby sister running to tell our parents I'm out cruising the town with the rich and famous--that would be an interesting conversation.

  "Hold on a sec," I told my friend and looked over at Noah. "Claire is calling to find out our plans for the evening. She is inviting us to a karaoke bar. Some of our friends and family will be there."

  A slow smile split Noah's face. "Tell her we're coming," he said and I shuddered.

  How did he make four simple words intimate and naughty?

  I blushed, his heavenly sent voice rolled smooth. "W-we'll be there." I ended my call, tucking my phone back in my purse, and ventured a glance his way. I'm struck by his sexy good looks, untamed hair and piercing eyes.

  His gaze was thoughtful and dark. "You're beautiful when you blush, Reyna. Makes me want to see what other parts of you will color under extreme conditions."

  Oh. My. God. He knocked a few notches in my equilibrium and shattered my shaky reserve. The thought of being naked before this hot man heated my blood, excited me. I wanted him--bad. I suddenly had a greedy hunger slicing deep, stealing my breath. I ached to twist my fingers in his errant black hair, smooth my hands over the fine hint of dark stubble over his face, and trace the powerful line of his chiseled lips...taste them. I'm so close to living, sensual death as I've ever been. Either heaven or hell could open and I would pick Noah's arms above all. I'm losing it, I know, but I didn't care--I'm thirsting for his brand of mastery. Oh, how much I wanted him to touch me.

  "Breathe, Reyna," he whispered with a salacious smile and a tingle rolled over me. "Shall we go, baby?"

  I merely nodded. I couldn't form a single, coherent sentence and he leaned forward, so close his warm breath zinged across the sensitive skin of my ear, I gasped.

  "I feel it too."

  I cleared my throat and turned to look at him. "Are you going to do something about it?" Brazen, I know, but he had me on a sensual leash, tightly drawn with longing I've never felt before.

  "Soon. Let's go."

  He settled the bill with the bartender and we walked out of the restaurant. Noah held open the door and his hand grazed my arm in the process. My whole body surged with a flood of electricity, an arousing mania leaped through my blood. His first touch, though accidental, it fired a violent craving deep inside me. My heart pounded, my stomach clenched and wetness gathered...shit!

  I couldn't help a small moan from slipping through my lips, and I flushed hot. "Did you just touch me, Mr. Alexander?"

  He stilled, continuing to hold the door for me. "Accidently, Ms. Lourde." His eyes lit with mischievous intent. "And I have to say, more of you is sorely needed."

  Hell's fire and brimstone, I'm ready to combust on the threshold of the restaurant, public be damned. I lifted a brow. "Breaking your rules already?"

  He shrugged, his lips curving into a wolfish grin. "Perhaps it will happen again."

  "Perhaps I'm anticipating your next lapse." I followed him across the parking lot to his car.

  "Eager?" He sounded almost wistful, sad even.

  "Captivated."

  "And I'm tempted," he stated, unlocking his car with a tap of his key chain, opening the passenger door for me.

  "Your place or mine?" I asked, fluttering my eyelashes for good measure, blocking rational thought from my mind--sound judgment was a myth.

  He shook his head, his lips parted in a wry smile. "Neither. There are not enough hours in the night or day to enjoy you, red. When I finally touch you...I won't be able to stop. Your chariot, Ms. Lourde?" Noah offered, deadpan.

  I rolled my eyes prettily and slid into the seat of his low slung, gray sports car, a Porsche to be exact, but I know zero about cars. Within a second, the engine purred to life and strains of Seether and Amy Lee singing "Broken" filled the small confines of the car. Such a dark, emotional song full of angst and pain and not something I expected.

  Imagining Noah driving down the road, filling up on a power ballad of suffering stung my heart and made me wonder how deep he went. Was he broken inside? God...I know he lost his wife. Was that what made him sad? Should I finally ask? After a few moments, I buried the thought. It was too soon to delve into the deep. The deep was a dark place for everyone, I should know. I had my own dark place I kept tucked away.

  He asked for the address of the karaoke bar and I gave it, peering over at Noah only to catch him staring at me, a soft smile in place.

  "What?"

  "I see you took my advice about not smoking. Is that the patch on your arm?"

  Jeez, did the man notice everything? "Yes, I've wanted to stop for some time, I guess I just needed the right incentive."

  He turned the volume down on the car stereo. "And what is your incentive, may I ask?"

  You. But, I didn't share that, shrugging instead. "Good health is important. It's just a bad habit I picked up after..." I trailed off, reminded again, of why I started smoking in the first place. Dummy Chad. After our break up, my heart was so broken and I bummed a smoke off our neighbor, smoking without ceasing until now. Some things were best left, unsaid.

  "After...?" Noah prompted with his warm, velvet voice, and I shuddered.

  "Nothing. Just a bad memory," I looked away, staring out the window, seeing nothing.

  "Reyna!"

  I jumped, turning quickly to meet his eyes as he stopped at a red light to find him glaring at me. "Don't hide from me. If any part of us is going to work, I have to know everything about you."

  I almost snorted, but held myself in check, anger reeling through my body. "Does the same apply about you, Noah?" I retorted nastily, defensive mode in place.

  His shard-like, blue eyes narrowed. "Yes," he pushed through clenched teeth, sighing heavily, and switched gears as the light changed. We were on the move again, and silence ensued. He remained quiet for a few moments, but finally spoke, "Forgive me, baby, I know we have much to talk about and now isn't the time. I'm...just so nervous you're going
to run," he admitted, pulling into the parking lot of the karaoke bar and slid expertly into a slot. Noah turned to face me, his expression serious, yet darkly hungry.

  "I'm sorry, I'm just not used to...the relationship thing. It's...been a while," he whispered still watching me closely, guarded. "Smile for me."

  What? God....his moods gave me whiplash. He was so erratic--one moment he was angry, the next dropping his panty-velvet voice to a fuck-me whisper, turning me inside out. I'm falling. Falling hard.

  After a few moments staring into his eyes, the corners of my lips lifted and he inhaled sharply. "Good girl..."

  We walked into the karaoke bar together, but not touching (of course) and I'm whipped up into a sea of family and friends with Noah hanging back with a bewildered look on his face. Claire and Gary, my sister Gemma and her fiancé, Trey Brenner along with his brother Nick Brenner and his girlfriend, Tess Jensen.

  This was my first time out since Chad I'm not odd 'man' without a date, though I wished my date would at least hold my hand. Instead, his 'no touching' rule was going to be the death of me, I'm sure. I hoped no one noticed. We made polite introductions all around, it was a small world to find Noah, and Trey knew each other. But, wouldn't they? They were both successful executives and they exchanged pleasant words.

  The place was hopping for a Saturday night, and Mike the bar owner leaned over and shouted hi to me. I waved back and shot a nervous glance towards Noah to find him staring and deep in thought as usual. Someone was belting out a bad rendition of Def Leppard's "Love Bites" and I leaned close to Noah to speak, filling up on his divine scent--a wave of desire blasted through me.

  I swallowed. "Do you sing?"

  He shook his head, smirk in place. "Not intentionally. Do you?" he asked amused, though lost somehow.

  I grinned, nodding at the same time. "Oh yeah!"

  My excitement bubbled over. I'm in my element--surrounded by everything familiar with those closest to my heart. I'm at ease. I discovered my love of karaoke several years ago and enjoyed it from time to time. My mind raced as to what song I would sing for Noah. And it must be the best...I wanted to send him an indirect message. Nothing too drastic, but subtle and understated...something to make him think.

  For a moment he stilled, as if he couldn't breathe, exhaling with his lips formed into an O. Before I could continue, Gemma, Claire and Tess carted me off to discuss music. I flashed a small wave to him, while Gemma fished out some leopard print stilettos from her bag and handed them to me. I changed shoes, trying to stay under the radar of my sister's inevitable questions--trying not to make eye contact (foolish, I know--it never worked).

  Gemma gushed. "Soooo, how do you know Noah Alexander?"

  I inwardly groaned--the inquisition began boo-yah! I shrugged, passing it off. "I met him yesterday in Tampa." I met Claire’s gaze, and she grimaced.

  "And you didn't tell me? The guy's like the most eligible bachelor ever--rich--handsome--and here with my sister! I met him at a party once--luscious came to mind. C'mon! Give up the deets, sistah!"

  She won't stop, I know. My sister was...my sister. I loved her dearly, but she could be annoying as sisters sometimes were. We looked very similar, though her hair was brighter red, cut in a trendy bob similar to Claire's. However, we were like night and day. She was a bubbly twenty-two year old, outgoing college graduate engaged to a successful stockbroker and I'm...well, me. Enough said.

  I raised a brow. "Does Trey know you are crushing on another man?" Change the subject, please!

  Gemma rolled her eyes. "Oh please, my man is secure in my love. So…?" Her blue eyes flashed expectantly.

  I was resigned to tell her, but I would give limited information and hope it worked. "Claire and I went to Tampa yesterday to do a little shopping. We met Mr. Alexander and had lunch," I offered with another shrug inside my sort-of lie...sort-of truth.

  "He's pretty dreamy! Annnd he can't take his eyes off you! Yummy for you!"

  I rolled my eyes, appearing bored, yet affected by my sister's words. "Look, are we singing or what?" I glanced over at Claire, she mouthed 'thank you', and I smiled.

  Gemma kicked off the fun with her version of "Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera and rocked the house while Trey air pumped for his girl, preening with pride and love. Even Claire and Gary seemed to be getting on well and Nick and Tess were folded over each other as usual. I couldn't help but watch them all, and my eyes flipped up to Noah, who handed me a cosmopolitan...one of my favorite drinks. How'd he know? His smirk's in place and I can't read him.

  He leaned close. "Nice shoes."

  I smirked back up to him. "They're perfect for a little vocal ass kicking," I said with a wink. I took a quick gulp of my drink and glanced back up at him. He's shocked, mouth dropping, and Gemma's right...he's luscious. Tousled hair, gorgeous blue eyes, and he smelled like sin I wanted to taste. Mmmm....maybe the wine earlier and my new drink affected my sensibilities...liquid courage after all. I felt a bit fuzzy-warm and...happy. Liberated even. Maybe having this hot man beside me--who seemed totally into me, gave me all the courage I needed. He may have not touched me yet, but he's given me more inside twenty-four hours than Chad or others in the last seven years.

  After the last strains of Gemma's song ended, I gave super hottie a flutter with my eyelashes. "Enjoy the show, Mr. Alexander." And spun away on my borrowed-awesome stilettos, sashaying to the stage.

  Claire, Gemma, Tess, and I banged the hell out of the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" with me leading the pack. Sure, were not professional singers, but we held our own or the patrons were too drunk to care. My eyes never left Noah's and at the first note, he choked on his drink, recovered, and then grinned full on sexy. He's impressed, I think. I'm emboldened to rock the house with my sister, roommate, and friend--hoping I'm telling him exactly what I wanted and hoped he did the same.

  The place was packed! The crowd gathered, demanding an encore and inspiration struck. On the car ride over, we listened to a song named "Broken", and for opposite, I picked out Demi Lovato's "Unbroken". Maybe this would send a clear message. Not sure, but I received a standing ovation when finished from the other patrons, though Noah remained stoic and unmoving, his face impassive. Did he like it? I really can't tell. Maybe I made a huge mistake with my song choice. Crap! Self-doubt set in.

  It took minutes upon minutes to finally make my way back over to our table, receiving praise from so many with Noah's eyes burning through me, watchful. Finally, I reached him, and my smile faded.

  Gemma came up and threw her arm around my shoulders. "Sis that was great! God, you've got a set of pipes," she crooned with sincere praise, whipping out her cell phone, she flipped into a video screen and my performance blared back at me. Oh no. "See, I recorded it and emailed it to Mom and Dad. They're gonna love it!" She giggled, blowing her alcohol breath in my face. She's drunk, she's such a lightweight...two drinks, and she's blitzed. I quickly reached up and hit the stop button as Trey peeled her off me with a smile, cuddling her close.

  I flipped my gaze up to Noah, he's frowning I think, with his jumpy cheek action. I wished he'd say...something! Even telling me I sang awful would be better than nothing at all.

  Suddenly, I'm knocked from behind and straight into Mr. Untouchable's arms. I gasped, holding on to his shoulders, my body plastered to every hard, succulent inch of his firm, sinewy muscles. Fuck he's...he's got an erection. Holy shit! It's snuggled quite heavily into my stomach, no doubt, what was on his mind! My mind reeled…my breath sawed in and out, and my blood heated. If it wasn't for this tight dress, I'd be ready to wrap my legs around his waist and go for the gold. Rude, but true.

  I stared into his eyes--a mix of emotion crossed his handsome face. "Are the rules off the table, Mr. Alexander?" I asked huskily, pressing my hips deeper against him.

  He closed his eyes briefly, only to open them with a wild, unfettered look down into mine. "You don't know how much I want to say, yes. But...I can't," he whispered painfully, gently remov
ing my arms from his body and setting me away. "Are you ready to go?"

  Oh no, no, no! What happened? It's obvious he wanted me and I sure as hell wanted him, but his damnable rule stood between us. Of which, I didn't even completely understand. I flushed hot, grabbing my purse, and turned away. I managed to say goodbye to my friends and blitzed sister, exiting the karaoke bar without losing my cool or the tears that stung the back of my eyes--willing myself not to cry. I know he's right behind me, but I can't look at him. I drew up beside his car and he opened the door, but I still couldn't meet his gaze I knew was on me. I'm too embarrassed...ashamed even. Oh, how could I believe in possibilities again? Huh? Oh, right...a love prison. How accurate. More fool me.

  "Reyna..."

  "Don't!" I hissed, unable to say more.

  Continuation of more silence raptured through the awkwardness of the car ride, and I didn't know if I should be appalled or thankful he knew exactly where I lived without me telling him. Of course, he knew...he had my beautiful roses delivered yesterday, the stalker. I'm still mortified.

  He parked the car and I deftly throw open the door, slamming it ungraciously and stomped my way to my apartment.

  "Reyna!" Noah called, but I ignored him.

  He was behind me, but I didn't slow down...not even as I fumbled my keys out of my bag, opening my apartment door. I tried to slam it, but he blocked my attempt and pushed his way in, slamming it forcibly behind him. His face was set in a stubborn line and I rose to the challenge, folding my arms in front of me. Rules? He could eat each one of them and choke. I'm done.

  I tilted my chin in defiance. "Thanks for a...blissfully wonderful evening, Mr. Alexander. But, there's the door, no invitation to use it necessary! And sooner, rather than later," I snapped without a trace of remorse. Well, not much. I'm pissed, relying on numero uno. Ha! Surprise.

  "Goddammit Reyna!" he exploded, plowing both his hands through his unruly, black hair, and then over his face. His expression fell somewhere between tired and scared his gaze feral. "I'm sorry. Please don't be angry." He took a step towards me and I backed away.