SEDUCTIVE: A Contemporary Romance Anthology

by Anthology

  She heard Luke’s sultry voice answer the phone and she could hear the pleasure in his tone. “Rebecca! It’s so good to hear from you. How have you been?”

  “I’m doing great, Luke, thanks. How’s the tour going?” she couldn’t help the smile that lit her face.

  “It’s been amazing! We just wrapped up here in Oklahoma and our next stop is New York where we will play two nights before moving on. I wish we could stay longer. There is energy in New York that I love. It’s really contagious.” he laughed.

  She closed her eyes and listened to his laughter. It was free and easy and she could almost imagine being in the same room with him. “It sounds amazing, I wish I could be there.”

  “Do you want to come out? I can have my plane pick you up and of course you’ll have backstage access. Come play in New York with me, Rebecca!” Luke exclaimed, excited about the idea.

  Her eyes shot open, growing wide as she realized he was serious. “I didn’t mean that I should come out, I mean, I wasn’t inviting myself. I just meant…” she stumbled

  “No, it’s a brilliant idea! I should have thought of it sooner. It’s still months before your show, surely you can take just a couple of days. I promise I won’t keep you too long, Rebecca.” he proposed.

  Megan must have understood where the direction of conversation was going because she was elbowing Rebecca and nodding her head yes vehemently. Rebecca was trying to push Megan off and talk to Luke, her mind arguing with her heart as to why she shouldn’t go. Her heart was winning.

  “Listen, Grayson, it sounds great and I promise to think about it. The reason why I was calling was to let you know that my divorce papers are final and that we could re-sign the contract for your song.”

  “Fabulous! Even more of a reason for you to come out and enjoy yourself. It will be like a little celebration and while you’re here, you can sign the contract. I’ll have it all ready. I’ll call you in the morning and let you know what time to be at the Sweetwater airport. Pack your bags and prepare to celebrate and enjoy yourself, Rebecca. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.” he chuckled and hung up the phone before she could argue with him.

  Rebecca held her phone away from her ear, a stunned look over her face. “I am going to New York.”

  “New York? You lucky witch! When are you going?” Megan clapped in delight.

  “Um, his plane is picking me up tomorrow at the airport.”

  “Oh, you have to get packed! Will your parents watch your ranch? Will you need me to come out and feed or anything? God, I wish I was going with you!” Megan squealed, standing up and pulling Rebecca with her. “Let’s go pick out what you’re going to wear. You’ve got to look sexy, it’s one of Luke’s concerts! You’re helpless with fashion, let’s go pack!”

  Rebecca allowed herself to be tugged along, knowing that her parents would watch her place for a day or two and that Megan was better at picking out her clothes than she was. She had no eye for fashion and didn’t have any desire to learn. She felt numb as Megan led her to Rebecca’s bedroom, Megan flinging clothes out of the closet onto the bed.

  “I just may need to bring some of my stuff over for you to borrow. We don’t have time to shop and blue jeans and t-shirts just won’t cut it.” Megan shook her head..

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  She boarded Luke’s private jet and actually pinched herself as she was seated in the soft, taupe colored leather seat. It was as large as any recliner she’d sat in and just as soft. She gazed around the beautiful interior with the polished wood tables and matching trim. The plush, forest green carpet was wall to wall but was lightened by the cream, fabric-covered walls. It appeared more like the interior of an upscale apartment than it did a plane.

  The take-off was smooth and after they had reached cruising altitude, a friendly stewardess asked if she was hungry and handed her a mimosa. Her stomach was too nervous to eat and she only sipped her beverage. She preferred to keep a clear head and a light stomach.

  When she landed at JFK airport, a large, black car was waiting for her. As her luggage was placed in the trunk, she slid into the back of the cool interior and saw a large vase of purple roses. A matching card with her name on it was sitting against the base. She opened it up and smiled as she read Luke’s note.

  Rebecca, I am so excited you came and hope you enjoy my concert. I will see you soon. Luke.

  She enjoyed the excitement she felt as she was whisked off into the streets of New York to her hotel. Her driver had informed her that although she was staying at the same hotel as Mr. Grayson, she was to have her own room, across the hall from his. She appreciated the fact that Luke had booked her own room, allowing her the privacy of staying in a private room as opposed to assuming she would be staying with him. It had been three months since she’d been with him and she still couldn’t believe she’d slept with him. She had never been careless and sleeping with a virtual stranger was unlike her. She wondered if the chemistry she had felt for him was still there of if it had been a one-time experience.

  She had fretted about this on the way to the hotel and while riding up in the elevator. When the bellhop opened the door and showed her the suite, she gasped and her worry left her body. Her room was exquisite and appeared larger than her house. The colors were soothing blues of every hue. Light, almost silver-toned blues adorned the walls in a silky fabric while deeper, navy velvet draped on either side of the picturesque windows, waiting to be drawn and blacken the room. Through glass walls, she could see the master bedroom off to her left, one of the panes frosted allowing privacy if one desired. An ocean blue duvet covered the king-sized bed, accent pillows piled against the headboard. There were other doorways that led into unseen rooms and she was excited to explore her little kingdom. It was a far cry from the drab, little room she had stayed at in L.A.

  The bellhop placed her luggage inside the room and handed her the key card. She fumbled with her purse to give him a tip but he shook his head and smiled.

  “Thank you, Miss, but Mr. Grayson has taken care of everything.”

  She smiled back and thanked him as she accepted the key. After the door closed behind her, she searched the suite, racing from room to room like a little kid in Disneyland. Each room was exquisitely decorated with rich colors in silks and velvets and she felt like a princess.

  She knew New York was two hours ahead of Colorado so she quickly dialed Megan’s number. When Megan answered, she excitedly described the jet, the flowers in the car and finally, her suite. They were talking about Luke’s concert in a few hours and what she was going to wear when the bell rang at her door.

  “Megan, there’s someone here, hang on a sec.” She answered the door and smiled at the bellhop who had helped her earlier, a large package with a huge pink bow filling his arms.

  “Miss Gordon, Mr. Grayson asked to have this delivered to you.”

  “Oh, thank you!” She accepted the box, fumbling with her phone.

  He smiled at her and nodded, turning away and closing the door as he left. Rebecca shuffled towards the table, trying to juggle the package and her cell phone, hoping she didn’t disconnect from Megan on the way. She set the gift on the entry table and put the phone back up to her ear. “Megan, Luke just had a present delivered to me!”

  “Well, what is it?” she asked impatiently.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t opened it yet.”

  “Well, open it, silly! And if you even think of hanging up, I’ll kick your but!” Megan threatened.

  Rebecca laughed. “I’ll set the phone down and put you on speaker.”

  She set the phone down on the table and began to pull the silk pink bow from the present when she heard Megan scream over the speaker on the phone. “Oh, just tear it open already!”

  “Alright, alright.” Rebecca giggled as she ripped off the bow and decimated the paper. When she lifted the lid and pulled back the tissue paper, a gasp escaped from her lips. She gently pulled out the delicate fabric and held it up.

&
nbsp; “Megan, it’s gorgeous! It’s a beautiful red silk blouse! And it’s sleeveless with sparkles all over it!”

  “Oh, I have to see it. Go put it on, take a picture and send it to me.”

  “All right but I’ll have to call you back. Give me some time.”

  They both hung up and Rebecca quickly went into the dressing room to try on the blouse. The room contained three full length mirrors and she slid the cool material over her head, relishing the sensuous feeling of the fabric as it slid down her skin and fell perfectly into place. She twisted and turned to examine how the red, sparkly material molded to her body and accentuated her figure. It complimented the parts of her that she was proud of and subtly inspired the parts of her she didn’t like. She never dreamed she could have ever looked so good.

  The blouse had a simple tie at her neck and the material flowed down into a low v-cut between her breasts, making them appear large and full. Her arms, toned from years of working with her horses were exposed, showing off her defined and firm muscles. A three-inch glittering band wrapped around underneath her breasts giving the illusion of a tiny waist while the silky material fell loosely around her hips.

  She giggled and twirled, knocking over the box that her present had arrived in, causing it to thud to the floor. She bent over to pick it up when something shiny caught her eye. She felt her breath catch as she picked up the ruby-encrusted jewelry. Three rows of rubies were twined together in delicate cords of gold, creating an exquisite bracelet that perfectly matched the color of her blouse. Her hands shook as she fumbled with the clasp, finally being able to secure it onto her wrist.

  She jumped as the phone rang and she blindly reached for it, unable to take her eyes off of the piece of jewelry. “Hello?” she stumbled.

  “It doesn’t take that long to try on a shirt. What the heck?” Megan demanded.

  “Oh, Megan, I’m sorry. You wouldn’t believe what else I just found in the box. There was also a bracelet! A gorgeous, sparkly, ruby bracelet. You’ve got to see it.” Rebecca cried.

  “Well hang up the phone, take a dang picture and send it to me. Then call me right back!”

  “Right. Okay!” she laughed and hit the end button. She quickly took a picture on her phone and sent it, waiting for a moment before calling her back. She heard the tears in Megan’s voice as soon as she answered.

  “Oh, Rebecca, it’s beautiful. This is just like Pretty Woman! I’m so happy for you.”

  Rebecca took a breath, holding back her own tears. “Then why are you crying?” she teased.

  “Because you deserve it. And because every woman dreams of this and you are actually living it. I guess I’m a lot jealous, too. You’re so lucky.” Megan sobbed.

  “I’m starting to feel that way. It just feels so surreal. I’m almost worried that this is an omen and something bad is about to happen.” Rebecca admitted.

  “Don’t say that out loud. You’re gonna jinx it. This is wonderful and you need to enjoy it. Now go get dolled up, get some supper to absorb the alcohol and go see your man in concert, wench!” Megan laughed.

  “God, I can’t even think of food right now.” she admitted.

  “You have to eat. There’s bound to be champagne or some sort of alcohol afterwards and when you get tipsy, all you talk about are your horses. Tonight is about Luke’s career and you don’t want to be sloppy.” Megan warned.

  Rebecca felt panic in her stomach. “Are you serious? Why haven’t you ever told me?”

  “Because I love you. And you’re cute when you talk about your dream but tonight is about Luke’s dream and he’ll want to hear about what you think of it.”

  “You’re right, thank you for being honest with me. I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you all about it.” Rebecca promised.

  “I’m counting on it but not too early. It’ll mean you didn’t have as much fun as you should have had. Enjoy this tonight, you’re a princess!”

  “I love you, Megan.” she felt the tears flow again.

  “I love you too. Now stop crying and go fix yourself up. Your dream won’t end at midnight this time.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  She got undressed and took a long shower, enjoying the sensations that the five-headed shower produced as the warm water sluiced over her body. The walls and floor of the shower were made of rose-colored marble, the outer enclosure made of frosted glass. The bathroom had been as large as her kitchen, and a large, round bench sat in the middle of the room to allow its patrons to sit as they dried or donned their socks. Two, walk-in closets on either side of the shower were large enough to accommodate even the most extreme clothes horse and the few pieces of clothing that she had brought looked dismal. The long, marble counter held two sinks with motion-activated faucets that flowed like waterfalls.

  She finished washing her hair, closing her eyes as the water rinsed the soap from her body. She reminisced over the past three months, but mostly focused on her time with Luke. She wouldn’t allow herself to think of Kip and his betrayal. This was her time to rejoice in the gifts she’d been given. She dried off and enveloped her body in the soft robe that hung in the bathroom. Glad she had brought her Ipod, she put her ear buds in and cranked up the music on her play list. It held many of Luke’s songs but also held music from her other favorite artists. She happily sang along to Katy Perry, Adelle and the Black Eyed Peas as she applied her make-up and styled her hair. She’d settled on a pair of black, tight fitting slacks and high-heeled sandals to go with the tunic and bracelet Luke had sent over. It was a perfect combination of dressy casual for dinner and Luke’s concert.

  Because she wasn’t familiar with New York City, she decided to eat in the hotel’s restaurant. She felt a little self-conscious about dining alone but relaxed when she saw other solo diners. She was seated at a table that faced the street, tall windows providing its own natural theatre. The hostess asked what she would like to drink and remembering Megan’s words of caution, ordered a sweet tea for her drink instead of the glass of wine she wanted to ease her nerves. When the tall, sandy-blonde waitress came to take her order, she was asked what room she was staying in to bill the room. At Rebecca’s response, the waitress smiled and nodded her head.

  “Mr. Grayson said you might be joining us for dinner. What may I get for you tonight?”

  Rebecca, feeling slightly nervous, placed her order and sat back, looking out of the window to watch the people and take in the beautiful scenery on the street. She shyly glanced around the restaurant and marveled at the cozy interior. The chairs and tables were made of a light ash wood and the seats were upholstered with chocolate brown micro suede that was soft and comfortable. Although the overheads were dim, the individual lights in the form of faux candles at each table allowed the patrons enough light to hold a comfortable conversation and still allow an intimate setting. The tables along the walls were small and rectangular, seating only two people, while the inner tables were larger, accommodating up to six people at a time. The entire area had an attractive and comfortable feel and she could see why it was a popular place.

  She was surprised when her meal showed up so quickly and her mouth began to water as the aroma of her filet mignon and freshly steamed veggies filled her nose. She dove into her meal and internally groaned with pleasure as the tender piece of meat melted in her mouth. She quietly enjoyed her meal and tried not to think about the upcoming concert. She hadn’t seen Luke in a few months and when she pictured his face, the butterflies started and migrated towards her chest. She finished her food and though it was comped to the room, she left a tip, wanting to be able to contribute to her delicious meal. She made her way out to the front of the hotel and saw the doorman smile at her. He waved her over, asked if she was Rebecca Gordon and when she nodded he opened the door to a long, white limousine. She climbed inside and felt the luxurious leather envelope her as she sat. The driver greeted her and let her know they were going to be heading towards Radio City Music Hall for Luke’s concert. She thanked him and sat back t
o enjoy the ride.

  She watched the scenery pass by as the car whisked her through the streets of New York City. She felt excitement and nervousness build as they pulled up in front of the beautiful building. She was flabbergasted as she saw the hordes of people lined up outside of the building and wondered how she would ever find where she was supposed to be but the car continued on around the block. Another group of fans were waiting, though the cluster was considerably smaller. She assumed that these were a handful of die-hard fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Luke. Because the windows were dark and outsiders were unable to see inside, the group surrounded the car, screaming to the unseen passenger. She felt bad that they were proclaiming their love for which they thought was a famous singer but instead was actually an unknown woman from Colorado.

  They drove through a second gate, protected by more security guards and continued until they were parked right outside the back doors to the building. There were two large RV’s that looked like mini-mansions on wheels and gave the limousine the appearance of being a small, compact vehicle. There were several other vehicles parked haphazardly about and a few people walking around, most of them security officers, but no sign of any other fans.

  The driver got out of the limousine, came around and opened the door for Rebecca. He helped her get out and led her to double steel doors where they were met by a very large man who stood guard. The driver introduced Rebecca to him and learning his name was Henry, she smiled up at him nervously. He looked like he bench pressed train cars in his spare time and didn’t have a funny bone in his body. She was taken aback when Henry smiled at the driver and thanked him, assuring him that he was expecting Rebecca and had it under control from here. Henry’s voice wasn’t feminine by any means but the soft tone in his voice was not what she had expected. His smile was easy and natural and she instantly relaxed under his care.