Love in E Flat (25 page)

“Good decision,” Agata said.

“You’re very sweet to take care of Brown Bear.” Edie caressed Ana’s cheek.

“Brown Bear is very lucky,” Dmitry said, eyeing the butter knife.

Chapter 18

With Ana down for her nap and Dmitry reading in the bedroom, Lou and Agata sat in the living room enjoying the quiet time. Agata nestled her head farther into Lou’s shoulder as they sat side by side on the couch. “This is nice,” Agata whispered.

Lou nodded and pulled her closer; she was far too comfortable to talk. They would meet Edie and John at Orchestra Hall later for the concert. Lou glanced at the clock and sighed. She had a good two hours before she had to dash home and get ready.

Agata looked up. “That was a big sigh.”
  

“I was just thinking I have plenty of time to relax with you before I have to go get all dressed up.” She smiled, kissing Agata softly. “I love kissing you.”

“I love you kissing me,” Agata said, returning her kiss. “Could we just stay right here?”

Lou raised an eyebrow. “But for how long, Comrade?”

Agata searched Lou’s face and smiled tentatively. “Perhaps forever?”

Lou almost fell off the couch. When she didn’t respond, Agata looked decidedly worried. “Or not.” She tried to move away from Lou, who pulled her back into her arms. “I said too much. I—”

“No, you didn’t,” Lou said. “It was just unexpected. We haven’t talked about anything beyond the time we’ve shared.”

“I know, and it is my doing.” Agata gently pulled away, and this time, Lou did not stop her. Agata brushed her fingers through her hair. “Maybe we could speak of certain things.”

Lou grinned. “I love the way you phrase things. Sure,” she said and shifted to face Agata. “What shall we speak of?”

“The children…”

“What about them?” Lou asked, not sure where this was going.

Agata leaned forward. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

“I suppose I need reassuring, which I rarely need,” Agata said, looking angry. Lou figured the anger was self-imposed. “If I am wrong, please forgive me. But you know I had been worried to get too familiar with you. And now…”

“And now that we are familiar and enjoying it, you’re still worried about the effect it will have on the kids. Right?”

Agata nodded. “Right. You know I do not want any publicity about it. I need to trust you. I-I believe I can. Am I wrong?”

Lou leaned over and covered Agata’s hand with her own, amazed at how warm her hand felt. “You are not wrong. As I promised, no more interviewing. And I’ll make you a deal. When I write it, you can read it first. How’s that?”

Agata nodded and gently interlaced her fingers with Lou’s. “That is what I needed to hear,” she said softly. “You,” she stopped and swallowed, taking a breath and letting it out slowly, “you are very sweet and very obnoxious at the same time.”

“It’s a gift.” Lou chuckled nervously; she felt the heat rise from her neck to her face. “Jenkooya.”

Agata laughed and squeezed her hand tighter. “You’re welcome.”

Lou shrugged, staring at their hands. “So what does this mean?”

“It means I am growing fond of you, but I still do not know if it is a wise thing or not. My life is very...busy and complicated right now. And…”

“I would make it more complicated?” Lou felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Oh, I do not know,” Agata said, suddenly angry, which did nothing for Lou’s stomach problem. “And I don’t know why I should like you.”

“If you want my opinion. I—”

“I am up all night thinking. I trust you, and I do not know why. I find you mildly attractive—”

“Mildly?” Lou frowned. However, Agata’s flustered tirade did amuse her, and her stomach felt better. “Aggie…”

“I do not know what to do about you. We kiss, and still I worry. I am so comfortable with you, and still I worry.”

“Aggie, Aggie…” Lou grabbed her hand and held it tight. “Let’s just relax for a minute. We’re getting way ahead of ourselves.”

Agata relaxed and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I am so nervous in my stomach.”

Lou raised an eyebrow. “Like you’re gonna throw up? Please say no.”

Agata laughed then, a genuine healthy laugh that had Lou grinning. It transformed Agata’s face completely. She looked so young, so alive with her blue eyes sparkling. “I never noticed it before,” Lou said.

“What?” Agata asked, still chuckling. “You truly are a humorous person. Now what have you not noticed?”

“When you laugh, you have one dimple on your right cheek. It’s adorable.” Lou reached over and caressed her cheek. “Your skin is incredible soft. What do you use?”

“Soap.”

“Just soap, huh?” Lou leaned over, kissing her cheek, her chin, and her neck. “Dial antibacterial soap?” she whispered against her neck.

“
Idiotka
.” Agata sighed and closed her eyes from the feeling of Lou’s soft lips against her skin. “You know what you are doing to me?”

“I can only hope,” Lou said; her lips traveled up to Agata’s ear and gently nibbled.

Agata laughed nervously and pushed away. “We need to stop.”

Lou pulled back, as well; she enjoyed the flustered look on Agata’s face. “Aggie, I’m gonna say something…”

Agata groaned and hid her face in her hands. “I do not think I want to hear.”

Lou gently pulled her hands away. “I think you do.”

“Do not be so smug.”

“Aggie, I…” She stopped and took a deep breath. “I want to make love to you. I want to be with you, alone. The question is, do you?”

“Yes, I want the same thing. I do not know why you stir such want and desire inside me. I have not had this feeling for long time.” She placed her hands on her stomach, her fists clenched. “I have this feeling…”

“Like you wanna throw up,” Lou said. “I have it, too. Every time I look at you. Every time I think of you. Every time I’m near you.”

Agata smiled then. She reached over and caressed Lou’s cheek. “So what are you saying, Loushka? We make each other sick to stomach?”

“Ain’t it great?” Lou turned her head to kiss Agata’s palm.

“
Da
. It is great,” Agata whispered.

The tears that rimmed in her eyes had Lou a little worried. But when she saw the serene smile and the dimple, Lou’s heart would never be the same.
 

“Can I tell you something?” Agata asked. “You make me feel young and beautiful. Like schoolgirl. Thank you.”

“I feel the same. Whatever happens, I feel the same.”

Agata glanced at her watch. “You need to go get ready, and I need to…” She stopped and blushed deeply.

Lou was shocked and intrigued at the crimson color that suddenly appeared in Agata’s cheeks; even her nose was red. “What do you need to do?”

“I have ritual before each concert.” She avoided Lou completely as she looked down at her hands.

“Okay. You have to tell me now because you know I won’t let this go.”

“I-I do not think I should tell you.”

Lou glared at her. “Oh, I think you want to tell me. You little minx.”

Agata looked up, her face still beet red. “Minx?”

“Don’t change the topic. Give.”

Agata laughed nervously. “I take a hot bath before each concert, then lie down for a little while. I…”

“Go on…”

Agata closed her eyes. “I like to be naked when I lie down. It…it relaxes me. I feel, I do not know, I feel free and my mind is clear.”

The vivid mental picture of the gorgeous Agata lying naked on satin sheets had Lou’s heart thumping; she shivered, unable to control it.

Agata shrugged. “It is nothing special.”

“Says you!” Lou shook her head. “You just had to tell me that, didn’t you?”

Grinning sheepishly, Agata nodded. Lou’s mouth dropped. “Comrade Karetnikov, shame on you.”

She laughed openly then and stood. “I am shameless with you, Loushka. Now you must go. I have things to do,” she said in a low, seductive voice and pulled Lou up by her arm.

Still stunned, Lou put on her coat. She stared at Agata, allowing her to button it, then pull the collar up. “We do not want you to get sick,” Agata said, smiling but avoiding Lou’s face. “I will see you at the hall.” She opened the door, pulling Lou along by her hand.

“You’re evil,” Lou finally said.

Agata laughed again as she cupped Lou’s face. “I know,” she whispered. She kissed Lou once, then again, and the last kiss nearly took her breath away. She pulled back and licked her lips.

Lou was still stunned as Agata closed the door.

*******

She had at least an hour, Agata thought as she soaked in the hot tub. Ana still slept and Dmitry was getting ready. As she got out of the tub and wrapped the large towel around her, she sighed dreamily, remembering Lou’s kisses.

Stretching out on the bed, she closed her eyes. So many things crowded her mind. From Ana and Dmitry to the loss of a good friend to finding someone to love. She did not want to forget Edie and John. They were special people, Agata thought. She thanked God for all of them. As she lay there, she said a prayer of thanks for all the people in her life who helped her achieve all she had. Her parents, her grandmother, who showed her unconditional love and support. She was truly blessed.

Though she had much still to consider, her heart felt light and her soul free. She would make sure she kept her vow to Inga and see to Dmitry and Ana’s happiness. He would not be exploited by anyone. They would be happy and healthy. For a brief moment, Edie and John flashed through her mind when she thought of the children.

Earlier, when Edie took Ana for the day, why did she feel a sense of loneliness? It was a strange feeling, one Agata had never experienced. And now, the feeling of uncertainty crept through her. What did she know of parenting? Nothing. Her life was her music, traveling, concerts. Though she knew in her heart she would care for and love Inga’s children, she worried if she were able to handle such responsibility. Their happiness was most important.

She opened her eyes and looked out the window. The late afternoon sun had all but disappeared, and in its place, the purple glow of twilight. The days were shorter and colder here in Chicago, reminding her very much of Russia. Dmitry said there were things he missed of his homeland, but he and Ana enjoyed this city. It struck her then how they also enjoyed Edie and John, and Lou. Then she realized for the last six months this had been the children’s home. Mrs. Penkov had taken care of them while Agata rearranged her tour, and Thomas helped her with the legal aspects. There was much in Chicago to consider.

Lou’s face now crowded Agata’s thoughts. She smiled at the wonderment that was Louisa Preston. Perhaps that was not the best word, Agata thought. She stretched her arms over her head, reveling in the silky feel of the sheets beneath her. What was it Lou said? “Bewildered,” Agata whispered with a grin. “She bewilders me, as well. But I am in love with her.”

Panic now seeped into Agata’s mind. Did I just say I love Lou Preston? she thought. She put her hands to her face and giggled like a schoolgirl. She did say it, and she meant it.

“Agata, Dmitry is being mean to Brown Bear…”

Agata nearly pulled every muscle trying to get the sheet to cover her. She slipped and slid all over the sheets, nearly sliding off the bed. “Ana! Do you not knock?”