All ONES: The Complete Collection

by Aleatha Romig

  It wasn’t mayhem. It was orchestrated and constructed. That’s what I spent a better part of today reminding myself—and others.

  “Don’t let her get to you,” Stephen says as we take a moment to enjoy the warm breeze.

  I don’t want to think about it anymore. I’ve been the good and strong salesperson through it all. Now with just the two of us, the emotion that has been building all day is boiling just below the surface and if I talk about it, I may break down. “I’d say that it’s probably too late for that advice.”

  “Nine more days,” Stephen reminds me. “We have nine more working days here before the final decision is set to be made. I say we make the most of it. I say we enjoy the city.”

  “I’m sorry…I thought I told you that I have plans for tonight.”

  He waves his hand. “Oh, boss lady, you did. And even though I could get my feelings hurt that you’re leaving me again…”

  “What if I told you that there’s a very good reason?”

  “I’d say that I met him and I know!”

  I force a laugh, and then as my mind moves from Saks Fifth Avenue to Trevor, the laughter flows, no longer forced. I shrug. “It’s simple. I find myself famished for Italian pastries.”

  “I love that Kimbra remembered that. Personally, I’m a cannoli man myself and when I move into that apartment in the East Village, I plan on indulging.”

  I arch my brows.

  “Veniero’s are truly the best.” He laughs at himself. “Maybe I should call Kimbra to hang out. She’s hilarious.”

  I shake my head as we both slide into the taxi taking us back to the hotel. “I can’t believe she did that at her dinner party. What made it even funnier was that neither Trevor nor Duncan had a clue.”

  “Doesn’t your man need to work?”

  “He is working today. The engineering firm he works for is here in the city. Yesterday, he said something about following up on some bids for a few new projects and proposing others. I guess it is a merry-go-round of stages when it comes to what he does.” I shrug. “Not a lot different from us.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “Well, we work on next season’s fashions while figuring out how to sell this season’s. It sounds the same with him. They find projects, bid projects, and then, if accepted, the next step is construction.

  “There’s a lot more to it, but right now, he’s in the bidding part of one he’s particularly interested in.” I shrug. “He’s very smart.”

  “I’m sure that’s only one of his good qualities,” Stephen says with a sly smile.

  I shrug. “I mean, I learned about most of this when we used to talk on the phone. It amazes me how he can look at a space and see what isn’t there.”

  “Maybe he can also see what is?”

  “Like?” I ask.

  “Like a woman who I think has one of the best minds in fashion yet is genuinely interested in boring things like bridges and roads.”

  I tilt my head toward the window. “Think about it. They aren’t boring. They’re simply taken for granted. Whether here or in London or in some small town, roads and bridges have to withstand the stress and tension of tons of pounds of force. Think of the Brooklyn Bridge or the Queensboro.”

  “Will it hurt your feelings if I tell you that I don’t want to think about a bridge?”

  “Trust me. It’s more exciting when Trevor talks about it.”

  Stephen pats my knee. “I’m sure it is. But really, don’t worry about me. I’m meeting up with some old friends tonight. We’re headed to dinner and drinks in the village.”

  Though I can’t say how happy I am to hear that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the relief shows. After all, I’m the one who dragged Stephen here to New York. It’s because of me that he ran into Max. I hate the idea of him sitting in his hotel room all alone while I’m out with Trevor.

  “I guess with the last two weeks being so consumed with the show, I forgot that you’re from here too.”

  He looks out the window as we pull up to the hotel. “I am, originally from upstate. My parents want me to go up there over the weekend. I was hesitant, not wanting to leave my boss lady alone in this big old bad city.” He winks. “I don’t think I need to worry any longer.”

  After paying the driver, we both pause on the sidewalk outside the hotel. The evening breeze has picked up and the sunshine is obstructed by the tall buildings. I wrap my arm around my midsection as goose bumps appear on my arms. “I’m sorry.”

  “For?” Stephen asks.

  “For everything. For dragging you here. For what happened Saturday night. For messing up our chance of staying here—close to your family and friends.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “I think it’s pretty obvious that you want to stay here. You have a deposit on an apartment.”

  “I’m thinking you might have a reason you want to move back here too. And it has nothing to do with an apartment.”

  I shrug. “I don’t know yet. I’ll admit that it was fun to hang out with Duncan and Kimbra as two couples, and yesterday when it was just the two of us, I had a great time.”

  “And...?”

  We step aside as people pass us.

  “And...I’m nervous. I’ve worked too hard and too long to change my career for a man, one I barely know.”

  “How long did you two talk on the phone?”

  I look up to the blue sky, wishing the sun were directly overhead as I think about his question. “For a few months, off and on.”

  “What did you learn about Mr. Trevor Willis during that time?”

  My smile broadens. “You mean besides bridges and roads?”

  “Yeah, girl, give me something juicy.”

  “Everyday stuff. He likes comedies and action movies. He’s always reading some book or another. His favorites are thrillers, but he also reads boring nonfiction—biographies and stuff like that.” I tilt my head as I recall some of our conversations. “And when he talks about those boring books, they aren’t boring. He even listened when I told him about what I was reading or about the latest trends in prom dresses or midriff tops. Not just nodding—well, because we were on the phone—but actually listening. He remembers what I say and asks questions.”

  “Why did the calls stop?”

  My shoulders droop as I lean against the building, unsure why we haven’t gone inside. “I blame him for not calling—or I did—but honestly, it was me too. I found myself rearranging my schedule to be home when he called. The time difference was a bitch. I decided I couldn’t do it anymore.”

  “So what happened?”

  “He called and I didn’t answer.”

  “Purposely?” he asks.

  “A few times and then I’d forget to return his calls. I’d blame it on the time difference even when that wasn’t the reason.”

  “What was the reason?” He leans close and cocks an eyebrow. “It was the bridges and biographies, wasn’t it?”

  “No. I think the whole thing scared me. I was growing accustomed to it. I didn’t even notice when men were hitting on me. I mean I would, but later. My mind was too full of Trevor. It felt wrong, like I shouldn’t give up me to be with him. Besides, I wasn’t with him. We were on two separate continents.”

  Stephen puts his hands in his pockets and spends a minute digesting my response. “Is that what you think? A relationship means giving up who you are?”

  Once again, I shrug.

  “It’s not like I’m an expert, and my recent run is pretty shitty, but when I’m in a relationship, I find that the more I think about him, the less I think about me, but it’s not like I become less because when the other person is the right person to be in your life, they’re doing the same thing. Together you’re more than either could be alone. It’s not taking or losing. It’s complementing.”

  I feel tears begin to prickle behind my eyes. I’m not sure if it’s because I want so badly what Stephen is describing or if it’s because I have never had that. The
n again, maybe the tears are because I want that relationship for Stephen too.

  He gives me a hug. “Come on, boss lady. No crying.”

  I nod as he leads me to the large revolving door. A few moments later while we’re waiting for the elevator, he says, “I think you’re a lot braver than you think.”

  I scoff. “Are you kidding? I just told you that I’m scared.”

  “Hell no, I’m not kidding. Admitting fear is actually brave. And I’ll give you another example: you went out on that stage in a white see-through negligee because it was what needed to be done. You walked out there proudly, nipple tape and all.”

  By the time he stops talking, my mouth is agape, and we’re getting sideways looks from more than a few people. “It was not see-through.”

  “Oh, right.”

  My mind fills with the memories of seeing myself in the mirror. There was lace that went down between my breasts that prohibited a bra, but I know for certain that silk was body-glued to my skin. I turn toward Stephen as we wedge into the elevator and whisper, “How did you know I had on nipple tape?”

  His laugh is his only answer.

  I’m not sure if I should be upset or worried or laugh along with him.

  “It was not see-through,” I state matter-of-factly.

  My comment does nothing but make him laugh more.

  When we finally step out of the elevator, our rooms being on the same floor, I punch his shoulder. “You’re mean.”

  Stephen leans in and kisses my cheek. “No, I’m not. Have fun tonight and don’t wait up for me. I could end up spending the night with friends in the village. I promise to be at the office bright and early with two cups of steaming Starbucks.”

  With that, he disappears down the hallway toward his room.

  “You are mean,” I repeat, but only at a volume that I can hear.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Shana

  The restaurant high in the sky is filled with customers, every table an island among the sea of flickering candles within the ocean of windows offering the most spectacular view of New York City. Our conversation pauses as the waiter returns with Trevor’s credit card. I take in the stunning view as he signs the final bill and closes the small folder.

  This is our second real date, third if you count the first night at the piano bar in Indianapolis. The thought makes me smile. Three dates in the course of a year. No one can say that we’re rushing things. As soon as he places the pen on the tablecloth, I lean forward and speak. “Dinner was amazing. You really don’t need to buy each time. I do have a spending stipend from Saks to cover my meals.”

  Trevor just smiles.

  “You know,” I offer, “I also know how to cook.”

  “And does your hotel room have a nice kitchen?”

  “I could invite you back to see it. Really, it’s amazing for a suite. The microwave oven is out of this world.”

  His smile grows. “I like the invitation. I could even bring some microwave popcorn.”

  I lay my hand on my stomach. “I’d say yes, but I believe I’m stuffed. One piece of popcorn and I may explode.”

  Trevor stands and reaches for my hand. The warmth envelops me from my fingers within his grasp all the way to my toes. However, as I stand our connection breaks, and we casually move as a couple between the tables. And then, within a few steps, his hand returns, this time covering the small of my back.

  I struggle with myself to admit that I like the way it feels to have him with me and how easy it is to fall into his lead as if we’re connected as one.

  “Where to?” I ask as we stall just inside the large glass doors on the ground floor. Outside, the sidewalk is crowded with people as taxis and horns fill the street.

  “That, my lady, is up to you. I know you had a big day at work today, and I wasn’t sure what you’d be up for doing.”

  “Would you like to see my microwave?”

  The gold flecks sparkle as he knowingly returns my grin. “You know, I have a full kitchen in my apartment.”

  “No?”

  “I do. I admit I don’t use it much, but I too can pop some scrumptious popcorn.”

  I lean close and throw caution to the wind. This is our third date and no matter what the powers that be at Saks decide, I’ll be headed back to London in less than two weeks. “How about my microwave tonight and your kitchen tomorrow? I could stop and pick up some groceries after work and wow you with my culinary skills.”

  “Or you could allow me to show you that I can cook something besides popcorn?” He stands tall and puffs out his chest. “After all, I’ve survived for thirty-plus years. I can make more than microwave meals.”

  I lift my eyebrows, widening my stare. “Yes, Trevor, I’d say you’ve survived quite well.” I reach out and splay my fingers across his chest. “Probably not a lot of desserts.”

  He reaches for my hand. “If you are asking if I can make a cannoli, I already have one.”

  Heat fills my cheeks as my smile turns bashful. “I know.”

  When he looks at me with a questioning expression, I go on, “I could tell the other night at the bar.”

  “Shana?”

  “Trevor, I’d like to have you come back to my room.” The words sound sure but saying them cranked up my pulse until I’m worried that if he doesn’t answer soon, I may faint.

  His hands move upward and gently palm my cheeks. Slowly, he moves closer until our lips touch. When he pulls away, my eyes open wide to his. I’m lost in the golden flecks within his stare until he speaks.

  “If I go to your hotel, I don’t want popcorn.”

  I let out a soft giggle. “What do you want?”

  “Shana, I want the same thing I’ve wanted since the night before the wedding. I want you.” He leans back and takes me in. The heat from his stare is like a flame on my skin as his eyes scan from my shoes to my eyes. “All of you. I want all of you.”

  “I guess that’s good.”

  “You guess?”

  “I don’t have any popcorn.”

  One more kiss and we step hand in hand out onto the sidewalk as the doorman flags us a taxi.

  Other than the outside noise, the ride is quiet as we both silently watch the world pass by outside the windows of the taxi. The streets never seem to care if it’s day or night. The traffic remains. My mind and body twist with eager anticipation. The overwhelming expectancy is like a warm fog surrounding us, filling the taxi with its sweet scent. It’s as if we’re floating instead of driving to our destination.

  Subconsciously, I nibble upon my lip as I overanalyze what we’re about to do. It’s not like I’m naïve. I’m a grown woman who knows exactly what she just agreed to have happen, and yet in some ways, I feel as though I’m at as much of a loss as I was my first time.

  Don’t misunderstand. I’m not a virgin, and I know the fundamentals. It’s just that it’s been a long time since I’ve had what Kimbra and I used to refer to as mind-blowing sex.

  As I think back on my not-very-impressive list, I’m beginning to wonder if I ever really had it. I contemplate the elements necessary for taking a relationship to this next level. First, there’s usually a physical attraction. I mean, no one usually jumps into bed with someone they’re not attracted to. As I think back, I wonder if sometimes the surface is the only element.

  There’s no doubt that when it comes to Trevor, I’m extremely attracted. I have been since the first time we met.

  Turning, I take in his profile, his nose, strong chiseled jaw, and neck, the way his Adam’s apple bobs. Against the lights of the city, riding along beside me, in some ways he seems larger than life. From his wide shoulders to his thick arms, I have fantasized about him. I recall his wide thighs from a year ago and the hardness of him against me at the bar.

  The first element is definitely there and growing stronger with each block the taxi moves through the city. It’s the more that I’m unsure about. I like him. I really like him. I like his company, conversation, and pre
sence. Just being beside him fills me with a reassuring warmth and contentment.

  In only three dates and nearly twelve months, I trust him. I trust him in a way I’ve never before experienced. After all, three dates can happen within the space of three days. In those instances, there’s no denying the attraction. But with Trevor, it feels different.

  I’ve never known a man as well as I know Trevor before making love.

  In most cases, that knowledge and understanding came later, if it came at all.

  This new direction is uncharted territory for me, and I’m worried it’s turned around.

  What if in getting to know one another we have unrealistic expectations? What if he doesn’t want me the way I want him?

  Without warning, that voice in my head scatters seeds of self-doubt that were better left unplanted. It isn’t until we pull up outside the hotel that I recall my talk with Stephen earlier in the night.

  I’m brave. That’s what he said.

  I don’t feel brave, but then again, what did he say?

  Stephen said that this isn’t about losing me; it’s about adding Trevor to the equation, about being more, not less.

  As the taxi stops, Trevor lifts my knuckles to his lips. “You’ve been very quiet.”

  “So have you.”

  “Have you changed your mind?”

  Again, I speak without worrying what it may bring, facing Trevor and giving him my most honest reply. “I guess I’m worried. I want to know if you really want me.”

  With only the light of the overhead canopy, Trevor’s eyes open wide and he leans close. His voice is thick and filled with desire like I’ve never heard from him. “My lady, I could take this hand...” He splays my fingers against his. “...and place it somewhere else. If I did, you’d know that wanting you has been my only thought during this entire ride. Right now, I’m so fucking hard that I’m not sure I’ll be able to walk.”

  It may not be the kind of talk that every woman wants to hear, but every word is music to my ears.