Like the First Time

by Francis Ray

“Excuse me, ladies,” Gray said, then expressed his thanks as the crowd of women parted in front of Bliss’s glass door. He immediately saw why. Brooke was passing out samples in thumb-sized jars of what looked and smelled like the same product Claire had given to his secretary.

  “That won’t make up for what you did,” Brooke said, eyeing with disdain the huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers in a crystal vase he held in his hands.

  “I’ll do whatever it takes,” Gray said, aware that the chatter around him had stopped.

  “This place is better than a soap opera,” one of the women said. “First the Bliss Man and now this one.”

  “Wonder what he did?” asked another woman.

  “Doesn’t matter,” voiced a third woman. “I’d take him back in a heartbeat.”

  Brooke’s smile slipped for a split second on hearing all the comments, then blossomed again. “Thank you, ladies. Please don’t forget about the chat tonight and the grand opening in two weeks.” She stuck the silver tray beneath her arm. “All the information is on the sample of Peach Meringue moisturizing cream. Goodbye.” She turned to reenter the store and Gray moved with her.

  Brooke paused and glanced over her shoulder at him. Her look wasn’t comforting. “The last man who crowded me found himself looking up at me from his back.”

  Since his mother and sister took self-defense classes and could hold their own, Gray decided not to test her. But neither was he leaving until he spoke with Claire. He took a half-step back. “I’m hoping you won’t want to destroy Claire’s flowers before she has a chance to see them.”

  Wordlessly Brooke moved aside. Gray quickly slipped past her. “Thank you.”

  “I didn’t do it for you.” She jerked her head toward the milling crowd. “I just didn’t want an audience when I tell you to leave and don’t come back.”

  He wasn’t leaving. “Don’t you think Claire should be the one to make that decision?”

  “She’s more forgiving than I am.” Brooke replaced the tray in the window and set the wine glasses on top. “Besides I feel responsible because I trusted you to know she hurts easier than the rest of us. She still expects the best of people.”

  Her jab hit the desired target. Gray’s insides twisted. “I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

  “And you think because you’re rich and powerful that makes up for your behavior?”

  The only person who got away with even a hint of reprimand was his grandmother. He considered seeing for himself if Claire was there. But his grandmother had taught him to always take responsibility for his actions and never make an enemy when you could make a friend. “My behavior was inexcusable. It won’t happen again.”

  “You can say anything.”

  “My word is my bond. You trusted me once.” At her unforgiving expression Gray tried again. “Haven’t you ever regretted something you did or said and wished for a chance to take it back or change things?”

  A myriad of emotions flashed across Brooke’s face. “When I came to your office I became a part of this, so I feel responsible. I don’t like thinking I had a hand in hurting Claire. Mess up again and you’ll be sorry.”

  He didn’t think she was making idle talk with the implied threat. There was more to Brooke than a beautiful face and sexy body. “Fair enough.” Gray set the flowers on the counter nearest him and stuck out his hand.

  Claire came out of the back to see if Brooke needed any help passing out the flyers and samples and saw Brooke and Gray holding hands. Her heart skipped a beat. Gray had come to see her, she thought. Then she saw the flowers on the counter. A pain sliced through her chest.

  She had never been jealous of anyone but had no trouble recognizing the emotion. So that was why he hadn’t wanted to see her. He was interested in another woman. She couldn’t blame him for wanting someone who enjoyed the same lifestyle, who wouldn’t have to search for a dress to wear or who wouldn’t be embarrassed to talk about sexual desires.

  He’d probably just left the florist shop down the street. Brooke must have seen him passing and invited him in. The urge was strong to leave before he saw her, but she’d hidden enough from life. “Hello, Gray.”

  His head snapped up, but Claire’s gaze had already moved on to Brooke. Claire fought hard not to let the hurt show on a face that felt too stiff to smile. “I just came to see if you needed help.”

  Brooke frowned and went to her. “Claire, are you all right?”

  She’d get through this. “I’m fine.”

  Brooke glanced back at Gray. Her frown deepened. “Remember what we talked about,” she told him, then went into the back of the store leaving them alone.

  “Hello, Claire.”

  She didn’t want to be affected by the seductive pull of Gray’s voice or look at him with flowers for another woman when no man had ever given her flowers, but she didn’t have a choice. “The flowers are beautiful.”

  “They’re for a very special woman,” Gray said, picking up the bouquet.

  Claire fought the stinging in her eyes and tried to swallow the growing lump in her throat. Gray deserved to be happy. “She’s very lucky.”

  “I’m the lucky one,” he said softly and handed the flowers to her.

  Her eyes widened in disbelief. Wordlessly she stared at him.

  “I nearly drove the florist crazy trying to assist him with the arrangement. I told him you liked yellow.”

  “F–for me.” She looked from the most beautiful, the most perfect roses, chrysanthemums, and ruffled tulips she’d ever seen to Gray. Tears misted her eyes, but she blinked them away. This was too important. She felt as if she had swallowed the sun. Joy splintered through her.

  “Aren’t you going to take your flowers?” Gray asked.

  Her hands trembled as she took the heavy crystal vase. Afraid she’d drop them, she quickly placed them back on the counter. The arrangement smelled wonderful. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Neither did Gray at the moment. He thought he had it all figured out, but after what just happened he wasn’t sure. The wounded look in her eyes had been painfully obvious when she’d thought the flowers were for another woman. He could easily hurt Claire if he wasn’t careful. Because whatever happened between them wouldn’t be long-term. “You don’t have to say anything. Sorry I was busy when you dropped by. I was trying to work out a situation when you arrived.”

  “Did you get it worked out?”

  He wasn’t surprised that her first thought had been of him and his needs. “I’m still working on it.”

  She smiled up at him with complete confidence and openness. “You will. There’s nothing you can’t do.”

  He hadn’t counted on what hearing her say that would do to him or how much hearing her words would make him want to pull her into his arms and hold her. He glanced around the brightly lit, attractive store, and although there had to be different scents in the air, he was positive he could distinguish Claire’s, a clean aroma overlaid with a floral fragrance. “The place looks better each time I come in.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.”

  He studied her for a moment, his gaze moving to her lips, glossed with a faint trace of mauve lipstick. He wanted to put his mouth there and countless other places on her body, but he hadn’t forgotten about the audience. “What’s all this talk about a chat?”

  Excitement entered Claire’s voice. “We’re trying to keep interest and enthusiasm high by hosting a chat about the products. Brooke is going to give beauty points.”

  “Why aren’t you doing it?”

  She blinked, then nervously clasped her hands in front of her. “She’s the obvious choice and she is the Bliss Woman.”

  Without thought, he tenderly grazed her cheek with the back of his hands. “Your skin is softer than anything I’ve ever touched. I think you should be on the chat as well. There’s something to be said about a beauty that comes from within as well as without.”

  Claire swallowed. Trembling fingertips touched the
spot where Gray’s hand had been.

  He shoved his hands in his pockets. Friendship was all he could offer until he figured out if he dared act on the invitation Claire unconsciously kept sending him. Yet, how could a man be expected to resist a woman who looked at him as if he was the embodiment of her every fantasy? Especially a man who had his own fantasies about her.

  “Have you thought about doing mail orders?” he asked, trying to keep his mind on business.

  Was that disappointment on her face or was it his imagination? She nodded almost absently, then moistened her lips. Gray barely kept from groaning. His hands fisted inside his pockets.

  “It’s already set up, but we’re not taking orders until after the opening. We plan to fill orders after closing each night and one of us will drop them off at UPS the next day. Through Brooke’s contacts from Middleton she was able to get us everything at a fraction of the cost, along with bags with the logo we’re having trademarked.”

  Going behind the counter with the cash register, Claire held up a red, mid-sized shopping bag with a black-corded hanger. Bliss was in black cursive letters. The image of three women in red, arms linked, were near the last letter. “Lorraine came up with the logo to remind women they can do anything.”

  “All these are good strategies, but I don’t recall seeing them in your original business plan.” He crossed to her. “How is the cash reserve?”

  “We’ll make it,” she said and returned the bag to a shelf.

  He could almost hear her add we have to. “Why don’t you have a pre-opening? It will bring in cash revenue and get women talking about Bliss. You can cut down on expenses by serving sparkling or flavored water instead of wine and say it’s better for the skin. Between the three of you, I’m sure you can come up with finger food that won’t put a dent in your budget.”

  Claire’s eyes sparkled with interest. He could almost see the idea taking root. “Mama had a recipe for a mock shrimp salad that is delicious. That might work.” She smiled up at him again. “I’m always thanking you.”

  Gray barely kept from touching her as he wanted to. “That’s what a friend and mentor is for. What time are you leaving tonight?”

  A frown crossed her face. “I’m not sure. The chat is at six and it’s scheduled for a maximum of two hours. We’re getting more and more hits on the Web site, so the chat should be a good one.”

  “I’ll be back then to make sure you and the other women get to your cars all right,” he said easily.

  She turned stubborn on him. “That’s not necessary. Since we get here so early we park next to each other and walk out together. And we call each other when we get home,” she said, coming from around the counter.

  “What about on the way home?” he wanted to know.

  Her gaze dropped a fraction. “I don’t have a cell phone, but I’m getting one tomorrow.”

  “Call me with the number when you get it.”

  Claire looked up at him through a sweep of lashes. “Is that your way of making sure I get the phone?”

  Gray was pleased she felt comfortable enough to flirt with him. A ball of heat rolled though him. “Yes. Any objections?”

  “Not a one. It’s been a long time since someone worried about me.”

  The innocence and loneliness of her words went through him. He’d come from a big, extended family. No one had to tell him that her brother, Derek, was all about himself. “Just don’t forget it.”

  “I won’t.”

  * * *

  Claire carried her flowers to the back and proudly placed them on the card table. She wanted to be able to enjoy them every chance she got. A big grin on her face, she touched a perfect rosebud.

  “What beautiful flowers,” Lorraine commented.

  “Gray bought them for me,” Claire said as she sat at the card table with Lorraine.

  Brooke turned from the computer screen. “Told you he was interested.”

  “I’m still having troubled taking it all in,” Claire said, touching the rosebud again.

  “I’m pulling for you and Gray,” Brooke told her.

  “So am I,” Lorraine said. “I’d say you two were off to a great start.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Claire confessed, then withdrew her hand. Time to get back to business. “He came up with another suggestion I want to discuss with you.” Claire quickly outlined Gray’s idea. Brooke and Lorraine thought it made sense, and the three decided to go for it. “How does A Night of Bliss sound for a theme?”

  “Perfect,” Brooke agreed.

  In less than thirty minutes they had decided on the time, date and menu for the pre-opening. With so many colleges in the area they wouldn’t have any difficulty finding a few students to serve the food. Lorraine was sure she knew enough people from her circle of friends and acquaintances to have a good turnout. She was just as sure she could count on Thomas.

  Brooke came up with the idea of giving a five-percent discount for purchases over one hundred dollars. Claire, wanting to ensure that they kept track of their potential client base, thought of having an hourly drawing for free merchandise. There was one other thing.

  “I think we should dress up,” Claire said carefully. “In red and black, our signature colors.”

  “You’re sure?” Brooke asked, obviously concerned about Claire’s lack of funds.

  “I should be able to get a dress for that night.” Claire hoped she was right.

  “Not necessary.” Lorraine braced her arm on the table. “The Charleston Opera had a red and black fundraiser affair last year. Stacy’s gown is still here and if you don’t mind, Claire, you can have it. It is knee-length, strapless with a red rose at the cinched waist. Gray will be mesmerized.”

  “I’ll take it,” Claire said with a wide grin.

  “This is going to be dynamite.” Brooke tapped her pen on the pad she’d been taking notes on. “Next Thursday at six is perfect. The following Saturday will be the official grand opening.”

  “I have enough silver serving dishes and trays for the food,” Lorraine mused. “I’ll take care of the flowers. If there are no objections I’d like lilies, Margaret’s favorites, and I’d like to always keep a fresh arrangement in the store.”

  “None,” Claire and Brooke said at the same time.

  Claire looked at her bouquet. “I still can’t believe Gray brought me flowers.”

  “Believe it.” Brooke said.

  “He’s so wonderful,” Claire mused, then flushed in embarrassment at her outburst. “I mean…”

  Lorraine patted her hand. “You won’t get an argument from us.”

  “She’s right,” Brooke said. “He’s definitely worth the effort. Some men take their time. Others just grab.”

  Claire had no difficulty figuring out that Brooke’s thoughts were on John. “I’m not sure how you’ll take this, but I wouldn’t mind if Gray grabbed.”

  Lorraine leaned back in her chair. “What are you going to do if he does?”

  “Grab him right back,” Claire said with a wide grin.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The chat was fun, risqué, and a success. Over a hundred potential customers signed on before it was over. All three women got a chance to answer questions when women wanted to know more about the owners and their backgrounds. The resounding message they sent was that Bliss’s hypo-allergenic, animal-free, handmade products pampered women from head to toe in supreme luxury.

  Taking a clue from Claire’s idea, Brooke gave away a candle every thirty minutes to keep the women in the chat room and encourage them to sign Bliss’s guest book and mailing list. Not wanting to leave anyone out and to thank everyone for making Bliss’s first chat such a tremendous success they offered a ten percent discount on the first purchase within a month of the store opening.

  When they walked out of Bliss it was almost eight-forty-five and the women were on a natural high. Brooke bumped hips with Claire, then Lorraine as they popped their fingers.

  “Can I join in?”r />
  They jumped and whirled. A smile on his handsome face, Gray stood a few feet away. “Sorry, I always seem to catch you ladies by surprise.”

  “Isn’t that the truth?” Brooke finally said. “I’ll pass, but I’ll keep the offer in mind.” She looped her arm with Lorraine’s. “Night, Gray. Claire.”

  “Night, Gray. Claire,” Lorraine said, getting the message.

  “You want me to see you to your cars?” he asked as the women passed.

  “We’re fine,” Brooke called over her shoulder, never pausing.

  Gray returned his attention to Claire. “You did a good job on the chat.”

  Claire finally got her brain working. “You signed on?”

  He held up the laptop and closed the distance between them. “I wouldn’t be surprised if I wasn’t the only man who was there. The opportunity was too good to learn what women think about men.”

  “What was your screen name?” she asked, trying to recall if her answers had been too revealing when she had talked about being single, and after being laid off, wanting more job security.

  “I’ll never tell.” His hand lightly touched the curve of her waist and they started down the sidewalk.

  Claire didn’t start at his touch, but it was a near thing. She had to work to get the next words out in a normal voice. “You didn’t have to check on me. I told you we had a plan.”

  “I don’t like the idea of you not being able to contact anyone if you needed help for any reason,” he told her as they started to cross the street to the parking lot.

  “I’ll be fine.” Stopping by her car, she dug in her purse for her car keys.

  “I’m going to make sure. Drive carefully. I’ll be right behind you.” He strode toward a black Porsche parked a short distance away.

  * * *

  By the time Claire arrived at home she was more in control of her emotions. If Brooke was right and Gray was trying to make up his mind about whether to grab or not, she’d just have to be patient. After all, she’d been waiting for most of her life. “Would you like to come in for coffee?”

  “Thank you, but you need your rest.” He slipped his hand into his pocket. “I’ll expect to hear from you tomorrow with your cell number.”