by J. J. Sorel
“Yeah, that’s good,” I said, unable to stop smiling.
“Speak to you soon, then. I look forward to it.”
“Yes… me too.” I put down the phone and headed for the bathroom.
Drenched with sweat, I turned on the shower taps. Tabitha’s sage advice ran through my mind. Age was on my side. And Aidan was about experience and fun. My heart, meanwhile, would have to learn to cope.
As hot water cascaded over me, massaging, and unravelling my tight muscles, I questioned whether I was doing a deal with the devil.
Not surprisingly, when I got out of the shower, I found Tabitha poking her head in my closet. “What did he say?”
“He’s going to pick me up after we’ve had our meal. He wants to take me to a live R&B venue,” I said, staring at the green dress that Tabitha had in her hand.
“I think I’ll wear that.” I stroked the silky chiffon fabric with affection. It was another of my mother’s dresses. She’d bought it in London—Carnaby Street, no less. And I loved it to pieces.
“You don’t think it’s too vintage?” asked Tabitha, going through my closet. She pulled out a little red dress. “Now, this speaks of sex.”
“Oh, Tabs, please. I want to be myself. And I love this green dress. He needs to take me as I am. Vintage dresses and all.”
“I suppose. And it is your color.”
The green chiffon dress had a full circle skirt. As I spun around, it floated in the air. Tilting my head from side to side, I studied myself in the mirror. The double layer of green chiffon cascaded elegantly from my waist. It had a fitted bodice, no sleeves, and was cut low enough so that my cleavage spilt out a little. It suited my mood. And the bottle green matched my dark hair and pale complexion well.
The night was hot, so I kept my legs naked. To finish it off, I found a pair of gold sling-backs, also from my mother’s collection.
“You look fantastic, Clary,” said Tabitha, dressed in jeans and the silk floral blouse I’d recently gifted her. Unlike me, she loved contemporary clothing, especially tight-fitting jeans. Since she was blessed with long, slender legs and a svelte, model-like, figure they suited her brilliantly.
“What are you going to do with that mane of yours?” she asked, grabbing my hair and experimenting by twisting it into a bun.
“Maybe a ponytail.”
“What about the plaits? They looked so girlishly sexy the other night.”
I opted for the ponytail.
After Tabitha insisted, I let her do my make-up. Nobody applied eyeliner like Tabitha. Deft with color and applications that required a steady hand, she would have made a fabulous make-up artist. But the drifter who was my best friend lacked the ambition for that.
Now that I made a decent wage, I paid the entire rent for our apartment and stocked the cupboards. I imagined Josh, who was doing well financially, would do his bit as well. He seemed to enjoy caring for Tabitha. I just hoped that she wouldn’t sabotage it by getting back with Steve, knowing that unhealthy appetite she had for older men.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“Hey, these red ones are really cool,” said Tabitha, holding up a pair of bikinis for me to try on. My eyes bulged out at the price tag. “Wow, $400 for such little fabric.” I held them up. They were so skimpy. “Tabs, I can’t wear these. I might as well go naked.”
“Get with it girl, he’ll never want to leave you. There’s no-one like you, Clarissa, with that Natalie Wood face and the sexiest body on earth.”
I tilted my head and smiled. Tabitha was my greatest fan. “I just hope that Josh knows how lucky he is with a Grace Kelly look-alike.” I wasn’t exaggerating. Tabitha Hendry could have auditioned for Hollywood movies.
“He knows. He’s so cute.” Tabitha smiled.
After I tried them on and complained that they were half the size of my already very brief panties, Tabitha tut-tutted. “You’re buying them. It’s your color. Come on. I’m starving.”
As we made our way to the register, I watched Tabitha pausing at a floral bikini. “That’s adorable. Do you want it?”
Tabitha looked at the price tag and raised her eyebrows. “I love it. But I can’t expect you to keep buying things for me, Clary.”
“Go try them on, Tabs.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure. Hurry. I’m starving as well.” It was the first time all week that I’d actually felt hungry.
After I gave my credit card a good workout, we left carrying our little parcels. With Tabitha holding onto my arm, we giggled at silly things as we made our way to Sammy’s. Although the place was full, Johnny still managed to find us a table. His face lit up when he saw me. Tabitha’s brother had always had a thing for me. He was two years older, and although he was a masculine version of Tabitha— all golden hair and striking green eyes—I’d never felt the desire to be with him. He was too much like an older brother.
“Haven’t seen you for a while, Clarissa. How are you?” he asked.
“I’m good.” I noticed he was looking quite muscular. Having always been a skinny boy, Johnny had suddenly become a man. “Have you been working out?” Eyeing the Celtic tattoo around his bicep, Johnny nodded and smiled shyly.
“What can I get you?”
I looked up at Tabitha. “What are you having?”
“Mm… nothing too fattening so that I can do justice to my new bikinis.” She chuckled.
“I’m starving,” I said. “Let’s not worry about that. Nor should you, Tabitha Hendry. You’re supermodel thin. I feel like lasagna and salad, and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, the best you have.”
“Lasagna sounds delicious. I’ll have the same,” said Tabitha.
Johnny managed Sammy’s. And despite the fact the restaurant was busy, he found time to sit and have a beer. I suspect it was really so he could hang out with me.
When Aidan arrived, he found the three of us huddled together, having a laugh over old-time antics. I had been so ravenous that not only did I finish my pasta, but I also polished off a piece of chocolate mud cake, all washed down with two glasses of crisp white wine.
Johnny had his arm around my seat. For anyone who didn’t know us, it would have appeared intimate.
Tabitha tapped my arm. “Aidan’s here.”
I turned, and a wide smile filled my face. The wine had dropped any reserve. As he glided towards me, the whole café stopped what they were doing. All eyes were on Aidan. Such was his presence.
Wearing jeans and a loose-fitting blue silk shirt, he moved with elegant, self-assured ease. Focused directly on me, he seemed oblivious to everyone around him.
A surge of blood raced through me. “Hi,” I said, feasting on his deep-blue eyes. Five days had been like a lifetime.
“Hey.” His low husk echoed. Standing by our table, he nodded at Tabitha and cast a passing, albeit cold, glance at Johnny.
Aidan’s body language spoke of someone claiming what was his. And more than happy to hand myself over, I stood up. “I’m ready now unless you’d like to stay for a drink.”
“No, I’m good.” Aidan put his arm around me. Tabitha was all smiles.
“You’ve met Tabitha from the other night. And this is Johnny, Tabi’s brother.”
Aidan shook Johnny’s hand. His smile never quite made it to his eyes. Johnny, likewise, sized up his competition.
“So, you’re ready, then,” Aidan asked.
I collected my bag with my shopping. I bent down to Tabitha and pecked her on the cheek.
“Now, don’t behave,” she whispered.
I touched Johnny on the arm. “Catch you soon.” He returned a gentle, if slightly sad, smile.
When I stepped out onto the busy street, my green dress fluttered in the breeze.
“You look spectacular. That’s your color,” said Aidan, who had not taken his eyes off me. Taking me by the hand, he led me to his car.
“Thanks. It’s a dress that belonged to my mother,” I said, floating on cl
oud nine. The heat emanating off his hand inflamed me.
I noticed all eyes were on us. It was a busy night with crowds amassed in the streets.
“Aidan, you draw an audience everywhere we go.”
He sighed. “Yes, I know. It’s a pain. But it can’t be helped. I don’t want to have to hide. Does it worry you?”
“To be honest, it’s not something I’ve ever experienced before.”
At that moment, someone stood close and took a photo with their phone. “I think we’re being snapped,” I said.
Aidan seemed unfazed. “Hope it’s a good shot. I’d like one of you in that dress.” An expression of need filled his gaze. The intensity burned as before. Nothing had changed except a hint of suffering within those blue eyes. Just like me, Aidan had not handled our break well it seemed.
“Tell me about that guy Johnny. He’s in love with you. I can see that,” Aidan said, as we were approaching his car.
“I’ve known him since the age of five. He’s like a brother. We’ve been nothing but friends.”
“He wants more. That’s obvious.” He helped me up onto the seat. His hand around my waist was intimate and affecting. Aidan’s eyes had hijacked my senses again.
Aidan jumped in and closed the door. He turned towards me. A serious expression claimed his face. “Thanks for seeing me. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” He touched my arm gently.
“It’s hard to stay away,” I said with a tight smile.
Aidan touched my cheek tenderly. “By the way, just in case you haven’t noticed, I’m a jealous guy. The thought of you being with someone just does my head in.” Aidan appeared so lost. I could see that our separation had hurt him.
Good.
Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. Despite doing my utmost to resist, my eyes misted over. “Oh, Aidan…” I shook my head. “I’m not interested in anyone at all, only you.”
“Are we good, then?” he asked, his brows meeting.
“Yeah, we’re good,” I said, swallowing. “I’m just scared of being hurt. And I know nothing about you.”
Aidan stroked my hair. Tingles prickled throughout my body. His touch was so gentle yet intoxicating. “I’m in the same boat, Clarissa. I can’t stand the idea of anyone touching you, having you.”
“You’re the only one, Aidan. And to be honest, I don’t want anybody else.”
Aidan leaned in. In full view of interested onlookers, Aidan took me in his arms and kissed me deeply. I liquefied into his arms. Stars swirled in my mind. Aidan’s scent of subtle cologne and masculinity transmitted through me, ramping up the heat.
His lips were soft and burning hot. My mouth parted, and his fervent silky tongue slid in. A firestorm raged between my legs. I wanted him then and there. Blood coursed me as his sweet tongue ravished mine. Sighing into my mouth, his fingers crept up my leg. The craving ache and anticipation of his touch overwhelmed me.
“You’re so soft,” he rasped.
Although our bodies begged to remain close, we separated. If we had continued to feel each other, it would have been sex in the car. All gushy and sticking to the seat, I took a deep breath and tried to calm my raging hormones.
“I’ve got opaque windows. But with that lot hanging about…” Aidan sounded frustrated.
“We’ve got all night, Aidan.”
Aidan’s eyes glistened with delight. “Mm… I’m one lucky man.” His mood deepened. “When you returned my text and called me…” He ran his hands through his hair. “Colors returned. I thought I’d lost you.” He appeared vulnerable and insecure. Something had broken him. I could see that.
“Aidan.” I touched his face. “I feel the same.”
His eyes softened tenderly. “Well, then”—a faint smile chased away his furrowed intensity— “that’s all that matters.”
Aidan started the engine. “I’d like to take you to a special place. I’ve never taken a date there before. I’m known. They may make a fuss when they meet you. You don’t mind?”
Wow.
“No, but I’m seriously curious. I can’t wait,” I said, giggling stupidly. In truth, I was so weighed down with emotion that some light relief was desperately needed.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
We pulled up at a venue on Venice Boulevard. Painted bright red, its name Red House fitted perfectly.
Aidan jumped out of the car and helped me out. Although I could’ve managed alone, I loved his strong arms lifting me up like a ballerina. His eyes were on mine, devouring me. Gender equality notwithstanding, I’d developed a deep fondness for chivalry.
Staring at the long line snaking around the building, I said, “Looks like a popular venue.”
A sudden gust of wind blew my skirt up, exposing my tiny panties. It was lingerie Tabitha had insisted I purchase during a shopping spree, referring to it as tarting me up. Aidan’s heavy-lidded gaze showed that it had worked. His eyes sizzled. “Mm… very nice indeed. But only for my eyes.” He held my skirt down and kissed me suggestively on my neck.
Phew, steamy. Our mutual need had become more ferocious by the minute.
“Let’s go around the side entrance.” Aidan took me by the hand.
He pressed numbers into a keypad by the door and two security guards welcomed us.
“Hey, Aidan. Good to see you, buddy,” they chorused.
Their attention drifting over to me, they looked surprised.
“Wayne.” Aidan nodded. “Jake, how are you?”
As we walked away, Aidan whispered, “They’re two guys I was in the forces with. All my security guys were in the army. Men I served with, all buddies, like family.”
“Like Bryce?” I asked.
“Yeah, only Bryce is a rogue. He’s got some issues.”
I shook my head. “One day, you’ll explain why you have him there.”
Aidan ran his fingers through his hair. My, I’d missed seeing that. “One day soon. I promise.” He touched my face affectionately while his eyes turned a pale shade of grim.
Mystery had taken grip again, but I had to let it go. My heart demanded it.
We entered a dressing room and found a musician with head bowed down, tuning his guitar. He looked up, and his face lit up instantly. “Aidan.” He put down his guitar, and they hugged.
I noticed a similarity between them. After they separated, the older man acknowledged me with a welcoming smile.
Aidan said, “Clarissa, I’d like to introduce my father, Grant.”
My shock must have showed, because both men grinned. My eyes switched from one to the other. “Pleased to meet you,” I stammered.
Grant was an older version of Aidan. The similarity was unmistakable. He was also very much like Greta.
“Have you been on yet?” Aidan asked.
“We’ve done one set.” Grant’s eyes skimmed my face again. “We’re going on again in a minute.”
At that moment, a woman with long red hair entered. A little older than Aidan, she was attractive in an earthy, bohemian way. Dressed in a velvet purple dress, she had one of those contagiously warm natures that put one at ease. When she saw me her eyes lit up.
“This is Sara, my father’s partner,” said Aidan. “Sara, this is Clarissa.”
She hugged me. Smelling of sandalwood, Sara reminded me of a 1960’s hippie. “It’s a delight to meet you, Clarissa.” Sara lifted the top layer of my green dress. “What a stunning little number. It looks genuine.”
“It belonged to my late mother,” I replied, noticing a twinkle of admiration in Aidan’s eyes.
“You’ll fit in real well here, then,” said Grant. “The Red House is very retro.” He chuckled.
Aidan seemed at ease, almost boyish, in this relaxed, familial environment. I hadn’t seen this side of Aidan. Around his father, he was very respectful.
“We should get out there,” said Sara, grabbing her flute.
“Yeah, sure.” Grant was unpretentious and handsome, like his son. I liked him. They were also the same
height. The resemblance as they stood side by side was striking. It gave me a preview of Aidan in his early fifties. Hot.
“Has Clarissa heard you play?” Grant asked Aidan.
“Not yet,” Aidan replied, sending me a shy smile.
Grant’s face lit up with glee. “Tonight’s the night, then.”
“I’m not sure about that, Dad,” muttered Aidan.
“I would love to hear you play.” I had to raise my voice in order to be heard. The spacious room was bursting with noisy patrons. And the band hadn’t even started.
Predictably, all the female attention was on Aidan. I, too, had my own audience. Aidan claimed me. With his arm around my waist, he drew me close. His warmth radiated through me. And once again, I was light-headed, drugged out on Aidan.
Even in a ghetto, I would be having the time of my life. Close and hot, with Aidan by my side, I didn’t need anything more. Not that the Red House was run-down. If anything, it was highly sophisticated.
“What can I get you?” Aidan asked.
“I’m not sure. What should I get?”
“What do you like? Bourbon, gin?”
“Gin and tonic, then,” I said.
While Aidan went off to get the drinks, I made my way to the restroom, worried that our earlier steam session had messed up my hair, particularly because there were so many eyes on me. But then, maybe the bright-green dress had more to do with that. Considering that most of the girls wore tight blue jeans, I stood out.
The mirror revealed nothing too shameful. My eyeliner was still doing what it had been designed to do. If anything, it was a little smudgy underneath my eyes, but flatteringly so, rendering my eyes wide and sultry. My complexion was rosy from the anticipation of having Aidan inside of me. In truth, I was in a permanent state of arousal.
My hair, however, was another story. The sad excuse for a ponytail was half undone. I’d met Grant and Sara looking like I’d been through a windstorm or a session of steamy coupling. I was sure they figured it was the latter. Aidan hadn’t hidden his feelings towards me at all. The fact he’d introduced me to his dad was profound. It was still sinking in as I undid the ponytail and let my hair out.
