by Maggie Brown
“Over four million dollars. He is not a toy. What on earth were you thinking? He could have been damaged. Or worse, you could have been seriously hurt if he had accidently hit you.”
“Sorry. I just wanted to see what he could do.”
A hiss escaped from Lindsey. “Then you should have asked me, not gone off on your own tangent.”
“I guess I wasn’t thinking. I couldn’t resist.”
“Really, you’d try a saint’s patience, Daisy. Why didn’t you start with something simpler?”
“What’s the fun in that? He’s a great dancer by the way.”
Lindsey shook her head in disbelief, but then her face softened, her lips curling into a twitch of a smile. “That he is. I’ve never pushed him to do anything so complicated. Did he take much to teach?”
“Got it first time.”
“Good, the updated program must be working well.” Lindsey smiled over at the robot. “I’ve been hesitant to push him too far. I did a very complicated manoeuvre with one of the dogs and froze its hard drive.” She focused back on Daisy. “What are you doing here today? I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Last-minute decision. I wanted to work on Stephen’s profile. It’s easier to get into the swing of things here. You’ll be pleased to know his family tree and childhood memories are complete. I’ve started on his school years…teachers, friends and so forth.” She peeped at Lindsey slyly. “Since everything’s set up, why don’t we have that dancing lesson? It’s the last thing left in the book.”
Lindsey shot her an incredulous look. “Now?”
“Yep.”
“I know perfectly well how to disco. I’ve been to nightclubs in my younger days.”
“Good. Then I’ll put on the music and you can show me your moves. Unless, of course, you’ve something more urgent to attend to,” said Daisy, shooting a challenging look.
Lindsey seemed like she was going to refuse, but then threw up her hands. “All right…why not. You won’t stop nagging until I have that damn lesson. I’ll give you half an hour and that’s the end of it. Agreed?”
“Yes.” Before she could change her mind, Daisy hunted through her phone. “Ah, here’s the playlist I wanted. There are some good ones on this. We’ll start with ‘We are Family.’” She hiked up the volume and swayed up to Lindsey. “Come on. See if you can keep up with me,” she said, letting herself embrace the pulsing music.
The tune wrapped her in the beat, throbbed through her veins until she was consumed with the dance. She swung her hips, bobbed and weaved, with her arms flying, feet stamping. It was pure pleasure. When Lindsey joined in, Daisy laughed delightedly. The woman had rhythm. Energy flowed between them as the songs rolled on, and by the third, their movements became more intricate and sexy. Daisy was just about to call a halt, when the end of “Dancing Queen” changed into a gentle love song.
They stopped, looked at each other, then very slowly, very tentatively, Daisy moved in close. Her body gave a quick little jolt when Lindsey slid her right arm around her until they were pressed together, and carefully took her hand with the left. On impulse, Daisy pulled the artificial hand to her mouth and kissed it. Lindsey smiled and with a sure practised movement, began to waltz. Daisy had never danced like it before—she was floating. As they dipped and spun, gradually the friendly, light mood changed. It darkened, deepened, lengthened. The rhythm became as seductive as jungle drums.
Their movements slowed to a shuffle, they melted together. Lindsey’s fingers began to cruise lazily up and down Daisy’s back until her skin shivered. She slid her arms around Lindsey’s neck, pressing her breasts against her shirt. Her pulse raced as the hand on her back began to skim lower. Soon the touch became firmer, bolder. Daisy gave a throaty moan as the heat built. She wandered her lips over Lindsey’s chin and trailed down to the tender hollow in her neck. She smelt so good. Peaked nipples poked into Daisy’s chest and her fingers itched to undo her buttons. She flicked the top one open.
Then abruptly the tune changed. Heavy metal blasted through the room in a loud aggressive cacophony, thick wailing music that shattered the intimacy into a thousand shards. Daisy sprang back in alarm. “Oh shit! I’m sorry, I don’t know…” her voice tailed off feebly at the expression on Lindsey’s face. She looked mortified.
“I’m the one who should apologise. I don’t know what came over me pawing at you like that.” She jerked her fingers through her hair. A blond strand flopped over her forehead.
She looked so adorable that Daisy had to bite back the urge to sweep it off her eyes. Her body still reverberating with arousal, she gave her a reassuring smile. “Hey, I was there too. We just got carried away in the moment.”
“That’s putting it mildly don’t you think?”
“I guess it was a bit more,” Daisy replied ruefully. When she continued, the words took more effort. “We could ignore what happened, but that would leave it simmering in the background. We would be too self-conscious with each other. I think we should talk about it.”
“I suppose so,” Lindsey whispered.
More in control of her emotions now, Daisy gestured towards the lounge chairs. “Let’s sit down first. I’m dying to get off my feet.”
Lindsey didn’t argue, immediately walking quickly over to a chair without a word. When seated, she looked at her expectantly. “Go ahead.”
Daisy clasped her hands tightly on her lap and tried to relax. “Okay. I admit…I am attracted to you.” She took a big breath —it was taking a great deal of effort to keep her voice calm. “You’re extremely…um…appealing. And I don’t just mean your looks. We get on well and we’re comfortable together. You’re great to be with. But no matter how much I like you, there is no way I can let it go any further. That’s presuming you want to take it further of course. It would be most unprofessional. You hired me to do a job in good faith.”
“If we both like each other, why would it be so unprofessional to explore the attraction and see where it goes? We’re both single.”
“Lindsey, you’ve been out of the dating scene for years and you’re looking for someone to love. It’s only natural that you’re going to latch on to the first presentable female who comes along and shows interest. I’ve seen this so many times before with lonely clients.”
Lindsey looked affronted. “I’ve never been frivolous with my emotions.”
“I didn’t mean it as an insult. I meant you really must do the dating scene for a while. Go out and meet a variety of women.”
“Huh! What exactly are you suggesting I do? Flit from one woman to another.”
“I’m saying you need to explore your options.”
“Oh?” Lindsey replied sarcastically. “I’m to go out and date some eligible ladies but you’re not available. Is that what you’re saying?”
“In a way. Yes.”
“Why aren’t you in a relationship, Daisy? You’re bright, good-looking, successful, and nearly thirty. And don’t give me that crap about not having time.”
“My love life has nothing to do with this.”
“It has everything to do with it.” Her dark eyes flashing, Lindsey leaned forward and said curtly, “For all your expertise in the human relations, you’re a fraud. I think you’re frightened to commit to anyone. And don’t worry, I won’t be touching you again.” She abruptly rose from her chair. “Now I’m going upstairs to shower, then I’m doing some gardening. I need some fresh air. Text me the time you want to be picked up on Saturday night. Bernice will show you out.”
Stunned, Daisy watched her stalk out of the room. Well, that went fucking well.
If only Lindsey knew the truth. She wasn’t afraid of commitment, she just hadn’t met a woman who lit up her heart. Dating was never casual to her, she constantly searched for that deeper connection. But it was always the same—no fireworks, no ache of longing. She wanted everything that she’d seen lucky couples have: passion, romance, true love. She wasn’t prepared to take less.
Unfo
rtunately, there was nothing casual about how she felt about Lindsey. Her mere touch sparked her libido. It wasn’t all about the physical either, as they seemed to have a strong emotional connection. But how could she possibly act on it? It would be unethical as her matchmaker to claim one of the most eligible women in the city before giving anyone a chance to meet her.
After a few months it wouldn’t matter. But then again, it wasn’t likely that she’d have the opportunity again. She’d burnt that bridge.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Lindsey stared out the car window, though too preoccupied to take in the scenery as they sped through the city to collect Nicolle. She repeatedly replayed how Daisy had felt in her arms: how her soft body had melted into hers and how her breasts had pressed against her. Wonderful. Too wonderful. The throbbing between her legs had sent her nerves jangling. She couldn’t remember ever being so aroused. Trisha had never managed to inspire anywhere near that much passion. But then again, had she really expected her to?
She thrashed their conversation around in her head, knowing in her heart that Daisy was right. It would be foolish to rush into a relationship at this stage before she saw the program through. But common sense did nothing to alleviate the hurt of rejection. It had cut to the quick and she had retaliated churlishly. She shuddered at the memory. God, she’d even called her a fraud. She’d be lucky if Daisy even talked to her again.
“We’re here,” said Joe as he eased the Mercedes into a parking bay outside the apartment block.
Turning her attention back to her date, she looked out the window to see Nicolle threading her way between a group of elderly well-dressed women at the doorway. She gave her a silent tick of approval—she was ready and waiting without any fuss.
“I’ll get the door today, Joe,” she called out.
“I appreciate you picking me up,” Nicolle murmured as Lindsey opened the door and guided her into the backseat.
“My pleasure. It only makes sense to utilize my chauffeur. He has to bring me into the city.”
Nicolle winked. “It’s good to know neither one of us has to be the designated driver. That outfit looks very nice on you by the way.”
“Thanks to the designer,” said Lindsey with a smile. “How did your showing go?”
She settled back as they moved off, tilting her head to watch Nicolle as she described her day. As expected, she was a vision of sophistication. The blue frock was understatedly elegant, her fashionable heels complemented the outfit perfectly and her makeup was flawless. Her perfume finished the outfit.
Lindsey idly wondered if she ever got messy or wore chipped nail polish or went without a bra at home. Probably not, she decided. That would be losing a little control—Nicolle seemed to be a woman in complete charge of her life. Strangely, for all her friendliness and warmth, she could visualize her quite happily at her mother’s dinner parties, laughing at her jokes. She blinked back the image, annoyed with herself. Nicolle was nothing like her mother. Then the thoughts vanished when they pulled up in front of an unassuming weatherboard building.
“You’ll love the food. Constantinou’s Kitchen is a family-owned business and very popular. Bookings only,” whispered Nicolle as they strolled through the door.
The restaurant looked homely and welcoming. The walls were a rustic white with two rows of tables and chairs set up under low romantic lighting, each setting far enough apart to give the illusion of privacy. Dried flowers trailed down posts and scenes of the Greek Islands were scattered about the walls. Lindsey could see through the far double doors that there was al fresco dining in a cobblestoned courtyard. A young musician was seated on a stool between the two areas, quietly strumming a bouzouki.
The waiter appeared almost immediately and led them to a table outside where grapevines trailed on a trellis above the diners.
“It’s delightful,” exclaimed Lindsey.
“It’s one of my favourite eating places,” Nicolle said with a smile as she handed over the menu. “Would you fancy an assortment of appetizers to start?”
“Sounds lovely. You choose.”
Nicolle ordered the platter and then raised her eyebrows at Lindsey. “They have a nice Brown Brothers Sauvignon Blanc. Or would you prefer red?”
“No, no. The white will be fine.”
“Excellent.”
When the wine arrived, Nicolle took a sip as she watched her keenly. “Tell me. How did you meet Daisy?”
Even though Lindsey was prepared for the question, she was still uneasy. It wasn’t likely that Nicolle didn’t know what Daisy did and she was clearly fishing. She gave a nonchalant shrug. “She’s doing some programming for the company for a couple of months. Since I needed a new wardrobe and because I’ve been out of circulation for so long, she took me to your showroom.”
“And I’m very thankful she did. Are you good friends?”
“We get on well, though I haven’t known her long. How do you know her, if I may ask?”
“A friend of mine was keen on her,” Nicolle replied though she didn’t elaborate.
“Oh?” said Lindsey, trying to keep her face deadpan. She ignored the slight flutter around her heart. “What happened?”
“Nothing. That’s always the way with Daisy. She never gets involved long term with anyone.”
Lindsey gazed at her, intrigued. Something in her body language suggested she was warning her off Daisy. “Really. That’s interesting. I wonder why, because she’s lots of fun.”
“I’ve no idea,” replied Nicolle with a shrug. She took a bite of a pickled feta and crab canape, and groaned. “Try this. It’s divine.”
To Lindsey’s relief, they drifted off to another subject. Discussing Daisy had been taxing. Nicolle was no fool and she doubted she could have kept her interest from showing much longer.
As the night progressed, Lindsey found she was enjoying herself immensely. The food was superb and Nicolle was the perfect date: well-read, entertaining, and solicitous. But after a while she began noticing little things that made her feel uncomfortable: how often Nicolle’s foot brushed against hers and how she always reached over to touch her to get a point across. By the time they rose to go, it was quite clear she expected more than a kiss goodnight.
As they stepped out into the night, Nicolle took her right arm and pulled her closer. The words were quiet, whispered in her ear. “I had a great time, Lindsey. You’re a handsome, exciting woman.”
Lindsey cleared her throat, feeling the hot blush on her cheeks. “Now you’re embarrassing me.”
Nicolle chuckled. “You have no idea how refreshing it is to be with someone completely without an agenda.”
Lindsey was saved from having to answer when the black car appeared around the corner. “Ah, here’s our ride,” she said and tugged Nicolle to the kerb.
It was nearly eleven by the time they reached the apartment block. When they pulled to a stop, Lindsey climbed out and walked around to open Nicolle’s door. She was rewarded with a blazing smile. Discreetly, Joe moved on to park further down the street. She knew he would wait there until she returned or rang to tell him to go home and pick her up in the morning. She imagined with her new dating regime, he was going to have a lot more driving at night. She’d better give him a raise.
Nicolle immediately claimed her right hand as they strolled up to the door. When she waved her key card over a red light, it flashed to green and the door slid open to reveal an elevator in the small foyer. With no hesitation, Nicolle stepped through, leaving Lindsey no choice but to follow her inside. The door swung shut and locked with a click. For a moment they stood a little apart, waiting for the other to speak. Then Nicolle took a step closer, and slowly reached up to stroke Lindsey’s cheek. With infinite care, she pressed her lips against her mouth.
As the kiss deepened, Nicolle’s tongue brushed against her inner lips seeking entry to her mouth. Before Lindsey could react, Nicolle’s arms were tight around her waist, bringing their bodies flush together. Her hands went
lower to cup Lindsey’s buttocks, squeezing hard as she pulled her pelvis against her. She edged her back against the wall and slipped a thigh between her legs. Even though Lindsey’s body was having a definite physical reaction to the pressure, there was no emotional connection. When Nicolle pressed her leg up harder, all she felt was the first fluttering of panic.
She managed to pull her head back and whisper urgently, “Whoa. Stop. This is going too quickly for me.”
Her face flushed, Nicolle dropped her hands and stepped back a fraction. “I’m sorry. I got carried away…I’ve been wanting to touch you all night. I didn’t mean to ravish you in the foyer. We’ll continue it upstairs in my bed.” She smiled and touched Lindsey’s lips with a finger. “I promise to go slower, honey.”
Lindsey took a long deep breath as her anxiety faded. She removed the hand gently from her face, fighting to kept her voice steady. “No, Nicolle. I meant what I said. It’s way too fast for me. I’m not ready…I can’t do this.”
Nicolle’s eyes widened. “You’re serious?”
“Yes, I am. I guess I misunderstood what this date was about.”
“But we’re mature women, not blushing girls.”
“And I’m too old to be playing these games. I’m after much more than sex. I’ve had very little experience with dating…extremely rusty to be honest…but I know what I want. And that’s to find someone to love.”
Nicolle’s face paled as she stared at her. “What a fool I’ve been. I…well, I thought you—”
“Casual is not for me. I imagined we’d go slower, get to know each other before we went further. I like you, Nicolle, but I don’t know you.”
“I am so very sorry. You’re the most interesting woman I’ve met in years and I…oh, shit, I’ve really stuffed it up.”
“We both did. Now I’d better be going. Goodnight. Dinner was wonderful and I had a great time,” Lindsey said in a rush, just wanting to get out of the place. She quickly walked to the door and punched the exit button, then hurried out into the street without a backward glance.
