Authors: Jean C. Joachim
“You’re still the sexiest man alive.”
She lowered her voice with the last words to him and watched him break into a
slow grin. He held her jacket for her then took her hand. They bid Gus farewell
as they left, walking out into the pleasantly crisp night air. Grant laced his
fingers with hers then glanced at his watch.
“I’m starved. Where are we going?”
“I have a surprise.” A smug smile
crossed his face.
“Oh?” She clapped her hands
together. “No one does surprises anymore.”
“I remembered you like them.”
“Nice ones.”
“Well, of course! This is a beaut.”
“Tell me, tell me, I’m dying!” She
giggled, moving closer to him.
Grant draped his arm around her
shoulders and whispered in her ear, “I had a special dinner delivered to your suite
from
Café Limoges
tonight. It should
be waiting. We can eat in instead of out.”
“Oh my God! Wonderful! I’d rather
not go out. Then I’d have to wear shoes.” She laughed.
“We can be alone through the meal,
no waiters to disturb us.” He shot her a lustful grin, making her chuckle.
“You think of everything.”
“When it comes to loving you, it’s
easy.” He bent over and kissed her neck.
A tingle shot through Cara at the
touch of his lips on her skin. Happy anticipation bubbled up in her chest as
they entered the hotel. Grant checked at the desk and was told that the meal
was awaiting them in her suite.
Together they set up the food on the
table near the window. Grant poured wine in water glasses, as that was all they
had.
“Almost like those picnics we had
back when,” Cara said, sipping her drink.
“Yeah. No money, but up for
anything.”
She stared into his eyes. “We were
then, weren’t we?”
“Adventurous? Bold? Confident? Maybe
over-confident. Yes. We were.” He raised his glass for a toast. “Here’s to the
longest run in Broadway history, keeping Cara Mia in New York forever.”
She clinked his glass with hers,
then unwrapped dinner. Each plate contained a perfectly cooked and sliced filet
mignon, potatoes
Lyonnaise
,
and
haricots
verts
,
arranged artfully. French rolls and creamy butter were uncovered. Chocolate
torte for dessert was placed in sturdy containers to arrive undamaged.
They ate in silence, glancing up
from their food at each other. Cara satisfied the appetite in her stomach, but
the hunger in her heart remained. He looked good and so interested—his flirty, dark
gaze burned her skin with its passionate fire. Undressing him with her eyes
made her internal temperature rise and her pulse kick up.
As soon as they finished the main
course, Grant took her hand and led her over to the sofa. “Why don’t we save
the chocolate torte for later? I’m stuffed.”
Cara sipped her wine. “Good idea.”
He sat close to her, snaking his arm
around her waist. “I had another idea for an even better dessert with no
calories,” he murmured, bending his head to kiss her.
Cara put her arms around his neck.
His lips pressed hard, encouraging her to open for him. She did and his tongue
explored her mouth. Flames licked her insides as his hand came up to capture
her breast. Need rose inside her, causing a moan to escape her throat as his
fingers massaged her. His other hand found the zipper on the back of her dress
and eased it down. Then, he gently pulled the garment away to expose her black
lace bra.
He gasped. “Oh my God. Beyond
beautiful,” he whispered. “It’s been such a long time.”
She touched his cheek. “Since we’ve
been together?”
“That…and since I’ve wanted a woman.
I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”
“Back then?” She couldn’t hide her
insecurity.
“And now.” He kissed her.
She squirmed out of the top of the
dress, pushing it down to her waist. His stare warmed her, his hands excited
her. He kissed his way down her chest, slipping the black satin straps down,
giving him almost full access to her breasts. He lifted her right one and
peeked at the skin underneath.
“What are you looking for?”
A slow smile crossed his lips. “A
scar. I love that little scar under your right breast. It’s still there.”
She laughed. “Did you think it went
away in seven years?”
“Nope. Just a reminder.”
“Sentimental?”
“About you, yes.” He bent to kiss it.
She took the opportunity to run her hands through his hair.
Unbuttoning his shirt slowly, she rested
her palm on his chest.
Savor every
second. Pinch yourself, it’s not a dream.
He shrugged it off and let it
fall to the floor, then he pulled down the cup of her bra and took her peak into
his mouth.
“Oh, God,” she mumbled, closing her
eyes.
He reached around and unsnapped the
back with one hand before sliding it off, never taking his mouth from her
flesh. Cara ran her hands over his shoulders and arms.
The feel of him.
She reached down for his belt.
“You want to?” He asked, finally removing
his mouth from her body. The rise of his eyebrows echoed his question.
“It’s been too long, G. Too long,”
she whispered, nuzzling his neck.
He pushed to his feet, unbuckled his
pants, dropped them and his boxers. Cara stood up and wiggled out of her outfit.
He pulled her to him, holding her tight as his mouth sought hers. He kissed her
hard and deep. Her nipples hardened. He slipped his hands down her back and
under her waistband to squeeze her bottom. Cara moved back, pushed her panties
to the floor, and stepped out of them. Then, she took his hand and led him into
the bedroom.
Grant ripped the bedclothes down and
stopped. His gaze raked over her body slowly. “You’re more beautiful than
ever.”
She looked him over, not missing one
sexy muscle or the fact that he was ready for love. Her pulse kicked up in
anticipation of being with the best lover she’d ever had.
“Been too long,” he chuckled,
obviously self-conscious.
“For me, too.”
She stepped closer to him and
reached out, but he grabbed her wrist before she made contact.
“Let’s save that for a second time…or
this will be over too fast.” He took her hand and pulled her toward the bed, stretched
out and eased her down next to him. She ran her hands up his powerful chest to
his neck. He lowered his lips to her shoulder, nibbling and kissing his way up.
“I love you, Cara Mia,” he
whispered.
She thrust her hips up against him,
and his hand went to her thigh. She opened her legs and his fingers slid up to
find her wet and warm.
“I’m not the only one…”
She giggled. “You turn me on. Always
have.” She arched her back and closed her eyes as his mouth found her breast
and he sought her sweet spot. She inhaled deeply of his intoxicating scent. Her
hands gripped his shoulders, her thumbs feeling the power of his muscles. When
he moved on top of her, protecting her, sheltering her with his body a feeling
of safety washed over her. A sense of well-being followed the heat of passion
flowing through her veins.
The moment he caressed her most
sensitive place, she cried out. He chuckled and began his assault, stroking her
rhythmically. She began to move, following his lead. He kissed his way down her
chest and abs.
“Grant…please. I can’t hold on much
longer.”
“Good, come for me, honey.” His head
disappeared between her legs.
Her insides melted into liquid as his
touch exploded her desire into flame. Tension coiled inside her, tightening
rapidly. Then, his fingers closed over her peak, pushing her over the top. Pleasure
rocketed through her veins, colors fractured into pieces behind her eyelids. He
sat up, plunging two fingers inside her. She groaned as her body moved with the
motion of his hand.
“Oh, God, Grant,” she sighed.
“Are you protected?” He nudged her
legs open wider as he mounted her.
“The pill,” she muttered, nodding.
He thrust into her, his hands
gripping her shoulders, his face buried in her neck as he moaned, loudly. “Oh
my God…it’s…oh…” He froze inside her, holding her to him. A slight wetness on
her shoulder indicated sweat, tears, or both. She rubbed his back.
“I love you so much,” he muttered as
he began to move. He rose up slightly and eased her knee higher, placing it
gently over his shoulder. Pushing harder, he filled her completely, making her
gasp.
She held his face as their eyes
connected. His were dark with lust and love, searching hers. She kissed him
tenderly. “I love you, too, G.”
With that statement, his hips
gathered speed, pounding him into her faster and harder. She took a deep breath
and let go as another orgasm gathered force inside her. She arched against him,
closing her eyes. “Grant!”
“You okay, Cara?” She mumbled a word
to him as she nodded. He kissed her, his tongue stroking hers. She ran her hands
down his back, feeling the tension growing in his muscles. Then he groaned,
pulled out slightly, plunged in harder, and stopped. Sweat dripped off his body
onto the bed and onto her. The exhausted lovers were silent, clinging to each
other, slippery skin to slippery skin.
He leaned on one elbow and combed
his fingers through her hair. “I never thought I’d make love to you again. This
is a dream come true.”
She ran her thumb down his cheek.
“For me, too. You’re the best…best in the world.”
“Oh?” He arched an eyebrow while a
smile played at his lips. “And you’ve made love with every man in the world?” He
caressed her breast slowly.
She laughed. “Not quite.” She
planted a sweet kiss on his mouth. Grant rolled off to the side, scooping her
up into his embrace, resting his hand on her hip.
“I could stay like this forever.”
“So could I. But our daughter is
home with Jane, and I have to be back before morning.”
“Our daughter…” She grinned at him.
“I love the way that sounds.”
“I’m going to have a talk with her tomorrow
night about Evelyn. It won’t be long before you can move in with us.”
“I can’t wait!” She rested her cheek
on his chest. “A real family. Feels like a dream.”
“I know it’s rushing things, but
would you want to have another child? Our first one is so great. I’d like
more.”
She sat up and stared at him.
“Another child? I’d like to get to know this one first.”
“And then?”
“And then…we’ll see.”
He frowned.
“It’s not out of the question.” She
hugged her knees and gazed out the window into the darkness. “Imagine. I could
be with a second child all his or her life, from day one.”
“We’d all be together. It’d be heaven.”
He leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Grant draped an arm around her
shoulders, and she leaned against him. They sat in silence, together but separate,
each dreaming their own dreams. After a while, Grant spoke. “Let’s eat that
dessert. I need strength if we’re going to go another round.” He slid to the
edge of the bed.
“Another round?” Her eyebrows shot
up.
“You don’t think once is enough for
me after waiting so long?”
“I hadn’t thought…”
“I can never get enough of you, but
once isn’t going to cut it tonight.”
“Great way to work off that
chocolate.”
He smiled and offered her his hand.
* * * *
At two o’clock in the morning, Grant
paid the cab driver and entered The Stanford Arms. He greeted his doorman, Rex,
with a jovial “hello,” then rode up to the fifteenth floor, smiling for the
entire ride. Whistling, he jammed the key in the lock, entering quickly.
Grant skidded to a stop in the
hallway. He mouth hung open at what he saw. Jane stood stark naked in the arms
of Gary, kissing him goodbye.
Jane jumped and squealed. She hid
behind Gary, moving sideways, like a crab, to reach her robe. After slipping it
over her shoulders and fastening the tie, she turned a huffy eye on him. “I
thought you were spending the night at Cara’s.”
“Never. I need to be here in the
morning, when Sarah gets up.”
She smacked her forehead with her
hand. “Of course.”
“Didn’t mean to spoil
your…affectionate parting,” he snickered. Jane scowled at him.
Gary, blushing wildly, waved and quickly
maneuvered his way out the door.
“You’re not the only one with a sex
life, you know,” she tossed back.
“I see,” he chuckled.
“Nice.” She wrapped her robe
tighter. “Evening go well?”
“Couldn’t have been better.” He
plopped down on the sofa.
“Guess you got a little something
tonight, too,” Jane laughed.
“A gentleman never tells. Don’t even
bother.” He held up his hand on his way to his room.
“The Hollings family makes out. Good
night, brother, dear.”
“Goodnight, Jane.” He closed his
door and unbuttoned his shirt.
Grant lay in bed, tired but not
sleepy. Happiness flowed through him.
To
be able to plan again, love again.
Suddenly his hopelessly sad life had
taken a new direction, and he couldn’t stop smiling.
Chapter Ten
At seven thirty the next morning,
Jane and Grant were dragging. Sarah couldn’t understand it. She bounced out of
bed in a good mood. After school, Molly was scheduled to come over. Sarah could
hardly wait. Today was the day she would make her plan to meet her real mother.
She put on the clothes she had picked out the night before and joined Jane at
the breakfast table.
Sarah sat down to scrambled eggs and
toast, watching Jane rub her eyes. “What’s wrong, Aunt Jane?”
“Went to bed too late last night.” Jane
yawned, picked up her mug of coffee and took a sip.
“You should go to bed early, Aunt
Jane,” Sarah said, parroting her aunt’s words.
“Good advice. Grown-ups sometimes
don’t do things right either, Sarah,” Grant said, stumbling in wearing his
bathrobe.
“Coffee’s up. And you don’t look too
chipper this morning, either, brother dear.” There was an edge to Jane’s voice.
“Coffee,” he mumbled, rubbing his
stubbly face on his way to the coffeemaker.
“Daddy, aren’t you supposed to be
dressed by now?”
Grant poured a cup and took a gulp
before turning to face his daughter. “You’re right, little one. But I didn’t
get enough sleep last night…”
“Did you go to bed too late, too?”
Sarah put her hands on her hips. “Aunt Jane did, and she looks as awful as
you.”
Grant laughed. “I guess we’re bad.”
“Now for the punishment. No dessert
for a week,” Sarah said, wagging her finger in her father’s face and frowning.
“A week? That’s a long time,” Jane
whined.
“Okay, two days. But that’s it.”
Sarah crossed her arms.
Grant chuckled, hiding a smile
behind his hand.
“I mean it, Daddy.” She stamped her
foot.
“What are you up to today, pumpkin?”
He asked, pulling her in for a hug.
“Molly’s coming over for a play date
after school.”
“Molly Murphy?” Sarah nodded. “Nice.”
Grant released her so he could take another sip of his coffee.
“We have a secret project.” She smiled
shyly.
Grant raised his eyebrows and
directed his gaze to Sarah.
“I can’t tell you. It’s a secret!”
She giggled then took a bite of her rye toast.
“Okay. I respect that.” He raised
his palm to her.
While her aunt and father discussed
chores and schedules, Sarah thought about her plan to meet her mother.
It won’t be long now, Mama.
She grinned
and tucked into her eggs
. Okay, mom,
being really really good. If I get grounded, I’ll never get to you.
Sarah was surprised to find Jane escorting
her to school, but dad was still in the shower. It was go with Jane or be late,
so she complied. Upon arrival, Sarah skipped through the schoolyard to join her
classmates. Molly took Sarah’s hand and they marched two-by-two into school.
Molly leaned over to whisper to
Sarah. “Josie said she’d help.”
“Really?” Sarah’s eyes grew wide.
“Great!” She clapped her hands together, eliciting a scowl from Mrs.
Wilner
because they were walking through the hall, and
there was supposed to be no talking. Sarah clamped her hand over her mouth but
couldn’t contain her glee. She grinned.
Soon
I’ll be with my real mommy, and Evelyn can go home.
Molly leaned over to whisper again.
“What are you going to do with two mommies?”
Sarah shrugged. “Maybe Evelyn can go
away somewhere.”
“Maybe she can go home to her mommy
and daddy,” Molly offered in a low voice.
‘I don’t think grown-ups go home to
their mommies.”
“Then you can have two mommies.”
Sarah made a face. That would never
do. She wanted only one mommy, the right one. Evelyn was okay, but she didn’t
play with Sarah or read to her.
Resting her chin on her hand and her
elbow on her desk, Sarah dreamt about her mom.
She’ll read to me, and we’ll act out plays and have ice cream, even
when we’re not supposed to. She’ll take me to the park and maybe even the
ballet. We’ll bake cookies and play paper dolls. She’ll be the best mommy in
the world.
Sarah sighed and blinked, her mind returning
to the classroom to pay attention to Mrs.
Wilner
talking about fire drills.
And
bestest
of all, she’ll love me. Love me best in the whole
world. And I’ll love her
bestest
, too. Except for
Daddy.
“Sarah Hollings, come on up here. I
think we’ll make you one of our fire marshals.”
Sarah’s eyes lit up as she joined
her teacher in the front of the room. She saw kindness in Mrs.
Wilner’s
eyes and smiled.
* * * *
A loud rap on her bedroom door woke
Cara. She started then yawned.
“It’s me. Ten o’clock and breakfast
is here.” Skip called from the other side.
“Coming.” Cara pulled on her robe
and pushed to her feet. A slight soreness between her legs reminded her of what
she had been up doing so late the night before. A small smile graced her lovely
face. She brushed her hair, applied lipstick, and joined Skip.
His gaze traveled her length. “A
girl well-…uh…ah…loved, I might say,” he chuckled.
Cara blushed. “What gave me away?”
She put her napkin in her lap.
“The brilliant smile. I’ve never
seen that before. Not this bright.”
She laughed. “Can’t hide anything
from you, can I?”
“Nope. And don’t bother trying!” He wagged
his finger in her face before he picked up his coffee and took a sip.
“Seriously, it’s wonderful to see you so happy.”
“It’s wonderful to be so happy.” She
removed the metal dome keeping her food warm and tucked into the scrambled eggs
on her plate.
“I’ve been a busy beaver, too.”
“Meet someone new?” Cara buttered
her wheat toast.
“I wish. No, I’ve lined up a new
movie for you.”
“You have?” Her eyebrows shot up as
she took a bite of the bread.
“I’ve been waiting to tell you about
it, but you’ve been so stressed with the play then Grant and all. But Gunther
Quill has a new project he’s putting together, and I think there’s a nice,
juicy part in it for you.”
“But what about
the play?”
“What if the play doesn’t connect?
It could be over as soon as it opens.”
“Or it could be a hit. I like to
think positive. The script is wonderful.”
“True. Gunther isn’t going to be
ready to shoot for at least a year, I think. The script hasn’t been finalized.
It isn’t cast yet.”
“Then I have time.”
“I’ll get you the treatment. Read it
and see what you think.”
“Grant and I talked about other
plans last night, too.”
“Plans beyond satisfying your
libidos?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Getting married plans.”
“Oh? Is this serious?”
“What did you think? He’s the love
of my life. I’m not just fooling around here.”
“How the hell do I know? You’ve
never been serious about anyone before.”
“This is different. We might have
another child, too.”
He frowned. “What? A baby? Say it
isn’t so!”
“Skip, I’m entitled to a life, too.
I’m not just a movie machine.”
“You’re not a baby machine, either. Marriage,
okay, I can see. But a baby? How will they shoot around a pregnancy? How can
you be pregnant in the play?”
“I’m not even married yet, let alone
pregnant. Just telling you we’ve been talking about it.” She sipped her coffee.
“Don’t scare me like that. It could
be months before that happens, right?”
She nodded.
“Good. I’ll deal with it then. In
the meantime, read the treatment.”
Cara picked up a piece of bacon and
took a bite. “I’ll read it, but I make no promises.”
“I don’t mean to be nosy, but how do
you plan to run your career, a marriage, and have a family?”
“You certainly do mean to be nosy! I
don’t know, Skip. I haven’t thought it through yet.”
“Do you want to miss out on an
opportunity to make a Gunther Quill movie?”
She held up her hand. “Stop
pressuring me. One project at a time. I’m totally into this play…and now into
Grant, too.”
“Or he’s into you,” he snickered. “Hey,
it’s your life…fuck it up any way you want.”
Cara’s eyes filled with tears, her
voice shook. “You’re damn right it’s my life! Look, I’m doing the best I can.
I’m happy, for once. I have Grant, my daughter…the play. With his support I can
do anything. Please, just let me be happy for a while. I think I deserve it.”
She got up from the table and went to the window.
Skip followed her, putting his hands
on her upper arms. “I’m sorry. I’m an asshole. I love seeing you so happy.
Enjoy. Live your life. Make the play a big hit. We’ll talk about Gunther Quill
later…next week, next month, whatever.”
She turned, and he hugged her tight.
“Thanks.”
“What are friends for?” He kissed
her forehead.
She pecked his cheek.
“But read the treatment, will
ya
?”
She slapped his shoulder. “Okay, okay.
I’ll read it…tomorrow…next week…next month…”
“Cara!”
She laughed then scampered off into
her bathroom to take a shower.
* * * *
Sarah watched Jane shade her eyes, her
gaze darting around the schoolyard. Amid a sea of parents, babysitters,
grandparents, and other caregivers, Jane was jostled and pushed. Finally, she threaded
her way through the crowd to where Sarah and Molly waited. She clasped hands
with Molly and kissed Sarah.
“Come, ladies. Let’s get home and
have a snack. I baked brownies for you.”
“Brownies! I love brownies. My mom
never makes them,” Molly cooed.
“My Aunt Jane’s brownies are the
best,” Sarah bragged.
Jane colored slightly and led the
girls back toward the gate, threading her way through the thick crowd. Once
they hit the street, Molly and Sarah sang a song they learned in class. They
held hands, following behind Jane.
Sarah glanced over her shoulder and
spied the chubby man about four people behind her. He smiled at her, but it
frightened her. She drew nearer to Jane, slipping her hand into her aunt’s.
Jane gripped Sarah and looked around. Sarah turned her gaze ahead and, when she
glanced back over her shoulder after another half block, the chubby man was
gone.
A smile from Rex, as he opened the
front door to the building, made Sarah feel safe. He escorted them to the
elevator, asking Sarah about her day at school. The girls ran down the hall and
into the apartment. Sarah led the way to the kitchen, where fresh brownies awaited
them. She picked up the plate carefully and put it on the table.
“Milk,” she said, opening the
refrigerator. Molly sat down, waiting for her friend. Jane joined them,
plucking three glasses from the cabinet and placing them on the table. Sarah
handed the carton of milk to Jane, who poured three glasses then joined the girls.
“What happened in school today?”
“Not much. Can we take this to my
room?”
“You know the rules, no food in the
bedrooms, unless you’re sick, right?”
“Right.” Sarah made a face.
“So eat up, then go and giggle all
you want in there.” Jane took a big bite.
“These are so good, Ms. Hollings,”
Molly said.
“Molly, you can call me Aunt Jane,
too, okay?”
The little redhead nodded. Sarah
hurried through her snack and grabbed Molly while she was still chewing. Once they
were inside, Sarah closed the door and hung a rope with bells attached on the
doorknob.
“What’s that for?”
“An Alarm.”
“Alarm?”
“Yeah. If someone tries to open the
door, we’ll hear. Then I can put the plan away so no one knows what we’re
doing.”
“Why are you hiding?”
“I’d get grounded for a year if they
knew what I wanted to do.” Sarah flopped down on one of the beds in her room.
“Who?”
“My dad and Aunt Jane.” Molly shot
her a doubtful look. “Don’t look like that. We’ve got to do this. You have to
be with me. Josie promised. Aren’t you my friend?”
“I
am
your friend, Sarah. But can’t we talk about something else
sometimes?”
“Okay. Sorry. I’ll play whatever you
want.”
“Can we play with your
American Girl
dolls?”
“Yes. You can pick which one you
want.”
“You have two? I’m hoping I’ll get
one for Christmas.”
“Ask Josie when we can go, okay?”
Sarah sat up.
“Okay. But she doesn’t want to do
this.”
“I’ll pay her. Please!”
“You have money?”
“I have some saved up.”
“I’ll try. Now…the dolls?”
“The dolls.” Sarah went to her
closet and pulled down a box with her two
American
Girl
dolls and their clothes and accessories. The girls set up a small tea
party with a tiny tea set Jane had bought for Sarah. When Jane stuck her head
in to check on them, the girls were absorbed in their play and barely looked
up. Jane smiled and popped out as quickly as she had come in.
Sarah sighed.
Good. She doesn’t know what I’m doing. I have to find my real mom
before Evelyn comes back. Then she can leave and mom can move in with us.
* * * *
There was a package waiting for Cara
at the theater when she arrived. It was from the police department, returning
her photos. Cara taped them back on her mirror. She touched the golden half
heart she always wore, except on stage, and smiled.
Soon you and I will be reunited, my lovely girl.
The thought lit
her face up.
Birthday parties, Christmas,
shopping trips, baking together. We’ll make up for lost time.
Only two more weeks of previews,
then opening night. The director and playwright were still adjusting dialogue
and changing a few stage directions. Cara was stressed with the changes in the
play and her life. Grant couldn’t come every night as he had to work and then spend
some time with Sarah, but he came to see her, take her out to eat, and make
love to her several times a week.