Candyman

by Nicole Austin

  This is the part that made Lis the most nervous. She adored the vintage dress but wondered if it might be a bit over the top. Wartime rationing of materials meant a great deal of the clothing from the forties had been made of durable, inexpensive fabrics. The dress she’d picked up at an old-time boutique was the opposite. It reminded her of classic early Hollywood glitz and red carpet premiers.

  “It’s probably wrinkled from the trip.” Once they moved inside, she held her breath, unzipped the suitcase, and pulled out the dark red gown. The silk dress had the trim lines characteristic of a bygone era. The top had wide shoulder straps, fitted bodice, a moderate V-neck and ruched detail at the bust. The floor-length skirt featured box pleats at the waist and yards of material. When she’d tried it on, the silk had floated sensually around her legs as she moved.

  “Oh. My. God. It’s gorgeous. And it will be perfect with the hairstyle.” Shan grabbed the dress and twirled around the apartment. “You’re going to look amazing. This dress is going to hug your curves closer than a lover.”

  Lis grinned like an idiot and felt relieved Shan was too busy checking out the dress to notice.

  “Come on. We’ll steam the wrinkles out and head over to the bar. The band will want to do a sound check with you. We have a lot to get done before showtime.”

  The rest of the day flew by. Lis loved the club and the band was spectacular. She felt the practice session had gone well, but her mind kept wandering back to the strange memories. As she stepped into the shower a few hours later the past asserted its pull on her, melting away time and place.

  The handsome officer moved closer and Edie paid more attention to him than to the music. He stood tall and had the trim body of an athlete. His uniform fit well but hid too much. She tried to picture him naked, her vivid imagination filling in details that made her body tingle.

  She imagined them lying entwined in bed, her head cushioned on his shoulder, her fingers sifting through a light smattering of dark hair on his chest. His muscles would be defined, and she’d trace each sharp angle, revel in the texture of his skin. Then she’d take a deep breath and lose herself in his scent.

  They would spend the night kissing, touching, making love. Unlike the few hurried, fumbled couplings she’d had in the past, this man would give Edie untold pleasure. She had no doubt being with him would be paradise.

  By the time the song was over, he stood at the edge of the stage. The lights went out and she felt paralyzed, unable to move even a finger. The raucous applause barely penetrated the spell he’d cast over her with his mesmerizing blue eyes.

  “Here, let me help you down.” Warm breath tightened the skin along her neck as the unfamiliar voice spoke close to her ear. Shivers ran down her spine and the air crackled with electricity.

  “Come, beloved. The crowd wants to dance, and so do I.”

  His large hands closed around her waist and lifted her to the ground. She was glad he didn’t let go because her legs were shaking.

  Lordy, I don’t even know his name, she thought.

  “I’m Michael. First Lieutenant Michael Hawkins.”

  Had she said that aloud? Edie groaned and her hand flew to her mouth to prevent anything else from slipping out.

  “No, please. Talk to me. What’s your name?” Gentle fingers reclaimed her hand.

  “E-Edith. Um…Edie. Call me Edie.”

  “Edie.” He rolled her name over his tongue, almost tasting it. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

  This one was dangerous. A candyman. Handsome and charming, bitter-sweet like dark chocolate—a lethal combination she had no prayer of resisting. Of course, she wasn’t one to deny herself. Indulging in a romantic affair with Michael sounded better by the minute.

  He kissed the corner of her mouth and Edie trembled. The lingering brush of his lips heating her skin had her wishing they were somewhere private. Intimate.

  “I’ll go insane if I don’t get you in my arms soon.”

  She blinked rapidly as the lights rose, dissolving the play on her fantasy. He remained patient, waiting for her eyes to adjust before leading her down the steps. She followed along in a daze until he took up a spot on the dance floor, turning her to face him. Michael placed her left hand on his shoulder and gently held her right hand in his own. His free hand slid around her waist to settle at the small of her back. Warmth spread from that spot to envelope her entire body in blazing heat.

  Thankfully, the band played a waltz, allowing him to support and guide her around the floor with ease. Had it been a swing dance or one of the fast-paced Latin styles, she wouldn’t have been able to keep up. Her legs were still reluctant to respond, yet he made each movement a graceful, seemingly effortless glide. She appreciated his skill, relaxed into the dance and stared up at him.

  Wow…he’d been handsome from a distance, but up close he was magnificent. His fathomless blue eyes shined bright and reflected sharp intelligence. A tiny white scar twisted around the bridge of his nose, adding character to otherwise perfect features. He had a strong and square jaw with a distinctive shallow cleft down the center of his chin. But his lips…

  His lips were sexy and inviting. Longing to be kissed by those lips again, Edie leaned into him. A million random thoughts buzzed around in her head.

  Michael was the perfect height for her. Were he to hold her snug against his body, her cheek would rest against his chest with the top of her head tucked in beneath his chin.

  He’s an officer. Such a gentlemen.

  With any luck, he wouldn’t be deployed anytime soon.

  Maybe, if he was from New York, they could go on a date.

  Her parents wouldn’t approve because of his dangerous job.

  When the dance ended, the other couples pulled apart and clapped. Ignoring them, Michael drew her flush against his body and lowered his head until their lips were almost touching.

  “Edie. Forgive me, but I can’t wait any longer. I have to taste you.”

  At last! Her lips parted on a sigh as he leaned forward that last remaining inch separating them. The magical kiss swept her away. It began with the ardent press of one mouth to the other, soft and warm. Michael’s fingers cupped her cheeks, angling her face and sealing their lips together. All too soon, he pulled back, his tongue gliding over her lips before ending the kiss.

  “Let’s get out of here. Go someplace quiet where we can talk. Would that be all right?”

  Unable to form words, let alone a coherent sentence, she nodded. They left the dance floor hand-in-hand, headed for the door, until Michael stopped short and she crashed into his broad back.

  She peered around his side to see what the problem could be only to discover Gert blocking the exit, hands fisted at her slender waist. As if petite little Gertie could prevent Michael from setting her aside if he wanted to. Edie fought to suppress a burst of the giggles.

  “Who are you, and what do you think you’re doing?” demanded Gert.

  Rising up on the tips of her toes, Edie whispered, “That’s my friend, Gert.”

  Michael extended his hand, turning on his inherent charm. “First Lieutenant Michael Hawkins. We haven’t met, although I did see you dancing earlier. How could a man help but notice such a lovely lady. I was disappointed you weren’t available for a turn around the floor with me.” He brought her hand to his lips and brushed a chaste kiss across her knuckles. “And you are?”

  “I-um…G-Gert. Yes, my name is Gert.”

  “A true pleasure to meet you, Gert. Now if you don’t mind…”

  A twinge of jealousy had Edie feeling impatient. Heck if she would stand here and watch him use that devastating appeal on her friend. She pushed her way around Michael and marched up to Gert.

  “We’re going to find someplace quieter. Maybe get a cup of coffee. I’ll meet you back here before the club closes so we can walk home together.” She kissed her friend’s cheek. “Have fun, Gertie.”

  Reaching back, she grabbed hold of Michael’s hand, linked the
ir fingers and pulled. Had he wanted to resist, she would never have had the strength to move him, but he followed along without complaint, tossing over his shoulder, “Bye, Gertie.”

  Shan screeching her name and pounding on the bathroom door rudely pulled Lis back to the present.

  “Come on, Lis. We’re going to be late if you don’t get your ass in gear.”

  She stood in the shower, cool water sluicing over her body. Damn, she’d zoned out again. Gone back to the USO club. It had all been so vivid, seemed so real. If she wasn’t reliving a past life, then she must be channeling the spirit of Edie. The former felt like the more plausible explanation to Lis.

  By the time she toweled off and dried her hair, Shan was ready with the hot rollers. Lis debated telling her sister what had been happening. In the end, she decided to keep the surfacing memories to herself. Shan may believe herself to be open-minded, but talk about remembering a past life would be pushing her not quite unbiased sibling.

  “You’re so quiet. Are you nervous?”

  Not knowing how to explain things, Lis opted for something simple. “No, more like anxious and excited.”

  They fell into a companionable silence. Shan styled her hair and helped with make-up before leaving Lis to dress. She wore matching red undergarments and a garter belt, which she attached to lace-topped nylons. Staring at the dress hanging from the closet door, she experienced the same odd sense of déjà vu she’d had upon first seeing the garment. It was weird, but she’d known right away the dress had been made for her. Of course, the idea was ridiculous since the vintage dress had been crafted long ago for another woman.

  For Edie.

  Cold chills raised goose bumps on her skin at the idea. When she slipped into the gorgeous gown, she felt like a different person. Foreign aspirations filled her. An insatiable hunger to find the perfect man. Edie’s perfect man. A commanding alpha male.

  Lis groaned. She preferred men who respected her independence and didn’t expect her to be a domestic goddess. Without question, Michael would be dominant and want a woman to defer to him. The only common ground between Lis and Edie’s ideal was physical traits. They were in perfect agreement in this. Both were attracted to tall, dark and sexy men, particularly those in uniform. Yum!

  * * * * *

  Michael felt as if he’d entered a time warp, returning to a night more than sixty years ago—the night they’d met. He was nervous, keyed up and on edge.

  Tonight his love would return to him. After professing his emotions and disclosing his true nature, he’d initiate a mating bond. Only this time there would be no mistakes and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. And there would be no waiting.

  Sharp fangs dropped from his gums and pressed into his lower lip when he arrived at the club. He was powerful and hyper-aware, his lust scenting the light breeze. His cock lengthened and his scrotum drew up tight against his body, anxious for the night to come.

  He took a deep breath and grabbed the door handle. The endless years of being held in suspension would end this night with the claiming of his mate.

  Chapter Four

  Lis wanted to laugh as she listened to a group of women seated at a large table ordering fancy drinks with sexy names. Foreplay, All Night Long and Kinky Orgasm were a few of her favorites.

  Shan found two empty stools at the bar for them. After several minutes, they were approached by a harried-looking bartender. Flamboyant mannerisms and a gay pride T-shirt advertised his sexual preferences.

  “What’ll it be, ladies?”

  “A Slow Comfortable Screw with a twist,” her sister stated.

  His attention turned toward Lis. “What would you like, hon?”

  Her mind wandered to the earlier visions of frantic sex with Michael, and her devilish muse became inspired. What the hell, he’d asked what she wanted, and he was blatantly gay so there was no danger of his thinking he could provide what she desired. She might as well tell him in explicit detail.

  “I want a hard, deep, raw fuck against the wall, with multiple screaming orgasms, followed by the inability to walk straight for days.” She gave him a wicked grin.

  The bartender breathed heavily and Shan moaned. “Dayum, sis. Umm…I changed my mind. I’ll have what she’s having.”

  “You and me both, sugar. I’ll let you know when I find someone capable of filling that order. In the meantime, you’ll have to choose something contained on the shelves.”

  Lis relented, ordered a glass of merlot, and turned to take in the room. The brief verbal play lessened some of the tension and allowed her to relax, if only slightly.

  The band sounded hot, and quite a few members of the audience were dancing. Everyone appeared to be having fun. She received flirtatious glances from several men, but she didn’t offer any encouragement. Whether a simple case of nerves created the gut reaction or an actual case of intuition, she had the sense of sitting on the precipice of a life-altering event.

  Something big would happen tonight. She felt almost certain it would be tied in to the memories.

  They were both asked to dance by several men and Shan took several up on their invitations. Lis felt too strung out to dance, and politely declined all advances. Her thoughts shifted to performing.

  She planned to sing tunes from now grown-up teeny-bop pop artist Christina Aguilera. Her latest album, Back to Basics, featured old-school style jazz, blues and soulful songs with a modern flair, along with a few sexually charged tracks that were perfect for the occasion.

  Lis would start with, Save Me from Myself, a sultry, soul-inspired song that fit the forties feel she hoped to achieve and yet was still contemporary. The band had insisted she have an encore song prepared and told her in no uncertain terms that if the audience didn’t demand another number, the musicians would.

  To make them happy, she decided on Candyman. The dirty and playful song would liven up the mood and get everyone interested in dancing again, hopefully saving her from singing anything else. While she enjoyed singing, she was also self-conscious about doing so on stage under the bright spotlights.

  At a signal from the bandleader, she headed backstage. She’d have ten minutes to prepare before being called out on stage. She paced the confines of a small dressing room going over the lyrics in her mind until the bar manager knocked and peeked in the door.

  “You ready, Lis?”

  Taking note of the state she’d worked herself into, Sam moved to her side. “Whoa, honey. It’ll be all right.” Clasping her shaky hands in his own, he rubbed some warmth into her cold flesh and talked her through some calming breaths.

  “I listened to you sing earlier, Lis. You’re going to wow them. Hell, if it makes you feel any better, there’s no way I’d let you out on my stage if you sucked.”

  As he’d intended, she laughed. “Jeez. Thanks, Sam. Although I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not, I’ll take it.”

  “You’re gonna knock ’em dead, honey.” He brushed a friendly kiss over her cheek. After walking with her to the edge of the curtain, he nodded to the band. They finished the current song and the bandleader drew the patrons’ attention.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, Top Hat and Old Town Tavern are proud to announce that author and vocalist extraordinaire Elisa Wilde has humbly agreed to honor us all with a song tonight. So please, put your hands together and give a big welcome to this phenomenal lady.”

  Oh crap, no he didn’t. How the heck would she live up to the effusive introduction? Her tummy flip-flopped as Sam walked her out onto the darkened stage, held her waist, and set her atop the piano. He handed her a cordless microphone then squeezed her hand.

  “Have fun, Lis.”

  In a flash, she was thrust back into the memory of Edie singing on a nearly identical stage. Grateful for the vision, she followed the other woman’s example and lay on her side.

  Then something magical occurred. Upon opening herself to the illusion, Edie allowed her spirit to take over. After a series of sensual moans and a sexy h
iss, she sang the first verse. The pianist accompanied her for the second. A spotlight came on, illuminating her silhouette. With the third verse, the vibrating strum of a guitar joined in. The brass section chimed in with the fourth and the lights rose slow and steady along with the music.

  She gazed out over the audience, their rapt attention boosting her confidence. Her eyes landed on a man who stood apart from the crowd.

  Oh God. It was him. The man who called to her in ways no other ever had. She’d wanted him for what seemed like forever, loved him her entire life, but nervous jitters assaulted her from actually being near him.

  Her pulse elevated, blood roared in her head, and her body zoomed from zero to hot-and-ready in the space between one heartbeat and the next. And she had no doubt this glorious man would be exceedingly capable of filling the order she’d placed earlier at the bar.

  Tall and lean.

  Dark and handsome.

  Captivating blue eyes.

  Mine!

  * * * * *

  “Edie!” Michael breathed her name. “At last, my love.”

  He didn’t even make it to his regular table. Before the bandleader finished the introduction, his senses sharpened and extended, brushed along her beautiful soul.

  Thanks to his superior vision, he saw her clearly, absorbing every luscious detail. Sixty years may have gone by and she may reside in a different body, but somehow she looked exactly as she had on the night they met.

  Silken chestnut hair framed delicate features and familiar sea-green eyes. He recalled staring into her expressive eyes for hours on end, more than willing to drown in her loving gaze. She lifted the microphone to sensual lips, which puckered as if to bestow a kiss.

  She gave a lusty moan then sucked in a sharp breath. Chills skated down his spine, chased by erotic heat upon hearing the sounds he’d enjoyed drawing from her body during the throes of passion.