Coffee Sonata (26 page)

“I was busy taking care of you.” Mike’s voice was noncommittal, but she didn’t avert her eyes.

“Yes.” Vivian smiled quickly and allowed caution to guide her. “And it was…lovely.”

Mike smiled guardedly. “It was.”

“But you didn’t come—”

“It wasn’t important right now. I wanted to be close. I was happy that you came, and next time, it’ll be my turn, okay?”

Vivian grabbed her glass quickly and nearly choked on the next sip of water.
She wants to repeat this embarrassment?
“Next time?”

Mike recoiled visibly. “You don’t want to.” It wasn’t a question.

Vivian cringed since she didn’t mean that at all. “I thought, I mean, was sure, that you found this something of a disappointment. I’m not used to…feeling this strongly. And when you touched me…I just never…expected…”

Somehow Vivian’s fragmented speech hit home with Mike. “You’re no disappointment,” she murmured and smiled shyly. “You’re beautiful, and bringing you to orgasm like this was one of the most exhilarating moments I’ve ever experienced.”

“Thank you.” Vivian was stunned. “Can you take a few hours off tomorrow night?” she asked spontaneously, not prepared for her own words. “I’m invited to a big bash at the city hall, and I’d really like for you to come with me.”
She’s going to say no.

Mike’s expression shifted from shock to delight and then to horror. “City hall?”

“But would you come with me?” Vivian’s eyes filled with unshed tears. Mike’s reply was so important. She knew she sounded pleading.
Again. Pathetic.

“Of course. Just tell me what the dress code is, so I don’t make a fool of myself.”

“Tuxedos for the men and evening dresses for the women. And you’d never make a fool of yourself.”

Mike shrugged. “All right. What time?”

“Eight o’clock.”

“Why don’t I pick you up at seven thirty, then? I have a small car that I seldom use, but it’s reliable.”

Vivian exhaled, relieved. “Sounds perfect.” She paused and reached for Mike’s hand. Taking it in hers, she rubbed her thumb over the back of it. “I take it you’re on your way upstairs to work?”

“Yes. I think you need your rest for the big bash tomorrow. Why don’t you relax on the couch, and I’ll call a cab when you’re ready?”

Vivian had to smile at how formal Mike sounded. “Thank you.”

“I’ll see you later.” Mike leaned in for a quick kiss, then began to get up.

“
Cara
.” Sudden panic at the thought of Mike leaving before she had a chance to say what she really wanted to say made Vivian scoot closer. She reached up and cupped Mike’s chin. “You know how special this was, don’t you? How incredible you made me feel?”

Mike’s features softened, and she nodded slowly. “Yes. I think so.”

“I guess you’ll have to be patient with me, and more than anything, teach me how to…please you.” Vivian nearly lost her breath at her own words.

“I promise. Soon.” Mike wrapped her arms around Vivian and hugged her.

They sat in the silent embrace for a moment and then parted, which left Vivian feeling emptier than before.
Oh, Mike.

“See you upstairs, then.” Mike rose and then hesitated. “Will you be okay with the stairs?”

“Yes. See you later.”

She sat still for long moments after Mike left and pulled the blanket closer. The basement was lit by many small lamps, carefully placed throughout the rooms, which made Mike’s apartment very cozy. Yet, without its owner present, it was what it was—a dark basement, cleverly decorated. Vivian shuddered and closed her eyes.

*

Manon sat by the piano, staring at the keys. Her head was still filled with the tones of their musical experience.
Jam session
, she corrected herself. But as much as that astounded her, the events in the elevator played havoc with her heart and her body. She could still feel Eryn’s hand on her breast and the relentless lips against her own. Manon let her fingers strike a chord and grimaced at the sound. It was clear and not false, but definitely in a minor key. The sorrowful tone rang through her living room, and Manon wondered if Eryn had heard it below.

She tugged the terry cloth robe closer around her naked body and pushed her damp hair out of her face. Another attempt to recall the feeling in Mike’s basement resulted in a similar solemn chord. Manon impatiently flipped the lid down over the piano keys. She rose and padded into her bedroom, and for once she didn’t bother meticulously drying her hair.

Manon closed the curtains and slipped out of her robe. She glanced down at herself and frowned at her own flushed appearance, the blush stretching from her chest upward.
So much for taking a tranquil bath and relaxing at the piano. It used to work.
She turned down the bed and climbed in, shivering slightly as the cool, crisp cotton yielded to her body. As she fell back against the pillows with a sigh, images of Eryn flashed through her mind, the way her hair had loosened as she harnessed that wild guitar of hers, and how she’d kissed her with such confidence.
And heat. She shimmers and yet she’s so…real. She feels real.

Manon moved her hands along her body, trying to calm it, or satisfy it, but she couldn’t focus or relax enough to really feel them. As she tossed feverishly from one side of the bed to the other, her thighs ached from the need between them. She rubbed herself haphazardly, wanting this torment over and done with quickly.
She’s weaseled her way into my mind and she’s driving me crazy.
“No!”
Not now. Not with her face plastered all over my thoughts. Her hair. Her long, long legs…and her small, pert breasts. Just a handful…No!

She entered herself and emitted one muted, tormented whimper after another. She was so close to coming, and every time she thought she would achieve some relief, it eluded her. Over and over she hovered near temporary satisfaction, but eventually her arms tired and the sweat chilled her body. Instead of feeling her initial heat, she shivered. Angry tears welled up and, on the verge of screaming in frustration, Manon finally gave up. She buried her face in her pillow, hugged the bedcovers close, and after struggling with residual images of Eryn, finally fell asleep.

As Eryn browsed through the rack of dresses, she sighed. They were beautiful, but nothing that would suit her. She was too tall and lanky, and her skin too pale. She gazed around Genevieve’s, ready to call it quits. But this was the best boutique in town, and if she didn’t find anything here, she wouldn’t find it anywhere else.

“Ma’am? May I help you?”

It was the shop owner herself. “Yes, please. I need a dress for tonight.”

“For the Dodd Endicott party?”

“Yes. And none of these feel quite right.”

“I see.” Genevieve scrutinized her. “What about a vintage dress?”

“Vintage? Sure, why not? This year’s pastel colors are a disaster with my hair. I’m Eryn, by the way.”

“Genevieve. Over here’s a rack of vintage designer clothes, several in suitable colors. They’re all like new, and some even collectors’ items.”

“Really?” Eryn usually wasn’t very interested in fashion, but occasionally she’d spend lavishly on jackets and boots. The rack stood behind a curtain, which Genevieve pushed to one side, and Eryn immediately saw much more potential in these dresses.

“The dresses are arranged in chronological order, by decade. Browse and see what you like, and if you need help just call.”

“Thanks.” Eryn hoisted her shoulder bag farther up. The colors from the sixties and seventies were much more flattering, she decided. When she finally selected two dresses and headed toward the fitting rooms, the dresses hanging over her arm, someone stepped in front of her, and she almost tripped. Strong arms grabbed her and steadied her.

“I’m so sorry…Eryn?”

Mike looked surprised.

“You’re shopping for tonight too?”

“Mike! Yes. I was about to give up before I found these.” She waved her arms.

“Can I watch you try them on? They might inspire me. I’ve looked at three or four dresses and…I’m going nuts.”

Eryn tried to remember if she’d ever seen Mike in a dress. Or a skirt, even. She didn’t think so. “Yes, come help me. It’s one of these or my corduroy jacket and chinos.” Mike followed her to the large fitting room area, where she tried on a long, bottle green, velvet dress with raglan sleeves. She modeled it for Mike. Eryn stepped outside where Mike sat waiting for her. “This one?”

“Looks great. I didn’t know you were that stacked.”

“Yes, it does bring out some curves. That’s good.” She pinched the wide skirt beneath the narrow waist. “All right. Good. Next one.”

Then she changed into a short, deep blue dress that hugged her body in another way. Although it left her legs naked up to her mid thigh, she wasn’t prepared for Mike’s reaction.

“Oh, my God, Eryn. If you show up in that one… You look gorgeous!”

“I don’t even look like me.” She tugged at the hem, feeling a little naked.

“Actually, we have the perfect stockings and original-looking boots to go with that dress,” Genevieve said as she entered the fitting room area. “Let me get them.” She returned in a minute with tight knee-high leather boots, very thin and pliable. “I figured you for a 9.”

“You figured right.” Eryn smiled and pulled them on. She didn’t dare check the price tag, but the sight that met her in the full-length mirror said it all.

Stepping behind her, Genevieve folded her braid up, quickly creating an up-do and securing it with a few hairpins that she magically produced. “There. If you buy the dress, I’ll add some amazing custom jewelry.”

“You drive a hard bargain, lady,” Eryn murmured, but kept watching her image as she twisted and turned in front of the mirror. “Are you sure this is okay for the party? It’s rather short.”

“Yes, but not too short. You have the legs for it, Eryn, and the dress covers what it needs to cover.”

Mike got up. “You have to buy this dress, Eryn. You’ll knock ’em dead.”

“Really. Well…I’m not sure—”

“I’ll let you have the boots at a 65 percent discount.” Genevieve smiled.

“Aw, you’re going to kill me. Okay. Show me some of the jewelry, and if it fits, I’ll take it.”

“Just be a second.” Genevieve disappeared through a door.

Mike pinched the fabric. “What is it?”

“Some sort of silk underneath and muslin on top. We have to ask.”

Returning with an assortment of custom jewelry, Genevieve said, “Here. These are all in the same price range. I’ll throw in a necklace and a set of earrings. Do you have pierced ears? Oh, good. Then sit down and look. Take your time.”

Eryn took the tray and listened to Mike and Genevieve talk as she browsed through the colorful items.

“And what can I do for you, ma’am? I saw you earlier but was on the phone. I’m sorry. Do you need a dress too?”

“No. Yes. I mean. I looked at the dresses, but they aren’t for me. They’re fine, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not a dress kind of woman.”

“You’re right. Normally I’d say there’s no such creature, but I have something else you’ll look stunning in.” Genevieve turned to a small door. “I keep these for special requests,” she said, as she pulled out a hanger with what looked like a black suit. “You’ll still fulfill the dress code.”

Curious, Eryn glanced up. “A tux! What a great idea.”

Mike stared at the clothes. “You sure this is possible?”

“As possible as this dress is. Try it on, Mike.”

“Yes, do,” Genevieve said. She had new warmth in her eyes, and Eryn wondered if she wanted to see Mike in the tuxedo for more than business reasons.

“All right,” Mike said, clearly hesitant. “Is this my size?”

“It should be. You’re already wearing a white shirt, so you can see how it works out.”

Mike disappeared into a booth, and when she returned after a few minutes, Eryn almost did a double take. Mike looked taller, darker, and heartbreakingly handsome. “Oh, yes. You’ve got to buy it, Mike. You look awesome.”

Mike walked over to the mirror. Her expression was hard to read at first, but when Eryn leaned forward and made a circle with her index finger and thumb, a smile gradually formed on Mike’s lips. “Yes, I look kind of cool, don’t I?”

“Beyond cool. Vivian’s going to swoon.”

Mike’s eyes darkened and the smile disappeared.

What the hell’s going on between those two? Clearly something.
“Why don’t we get in debt over these things and then head to the Sea Stone for some coffee?” Perhaps Mike would confide in her.

“Okay. Good idea.” Mike glanced at the jewelry on Eryn’s lap. “Find anything you like?”

“Yes, these.” Eryn held up a necklace and two earrings, blue cameos of a delicate female face.

“Beautiful,” Mike commented before she went to change. “Be ready in a second.”

Eryn walked into the booth next to Mike’s. “So, now we’re dressed fit to kill, I wonder if we’ll get lucky tonight.”

“What?”

“Never mind. I’ll tell you later, over a latte.”