Composing Love

by Ronni Meyrick

The silver clock on the bedside table told her she only had fifteen minutes until Billy arrived. Shit, I need to hurry! Falling into the chair in front of the vanity, she continued with her makeup. On the bed behind her lay a white, high-necked, backless halter top that had a soft covering of lace on the front and her favourite black leather trousers. She told me earlier that she liked to dance with women in form-fitting jeans. Let’s see what she thinks of these. A wicked smile formed on her face. With a final swipe of lipstick, she strutted over to the bed. She dropped her robe to reveal a white satin thong. There was no need for a bra as the top fastened behind her neck and held her breasts in place. She slipped her toned, shapely legs into the snug leather. An earthy, rich aroma permeated the air when she shimmied into them.

  Her top fell into place as her iPad beeped loudly, informing her of an incoming video call. She hurried to answer it when she saw that it was Jane.

  “Hang on a minute,” she called across the room. She went to the door, unlocked it, and put it on the latch for Billy.

  Hung on the wall beside the door was a full-length mirror. She double-checked her appearance, made a quick adjustment to her top, and slid her hands over her legs. Damn, I don’t know about getting Billy’s motor running. These trousers make me feel so sexy.

  She slid back onto the chair and faced the screen. “Sorry about that.”

  Jane’s eyes widened and her gaze lingered on Elizabeth’s form. “Oh my God! You look sensational! Please tell me you’ve got plans tonight, and you’re actually going to let your hair down for once.”

  “I am, as a matter of fact, and I won’t be alone… I have a date.”

  “That’s quick. You’ve only been on holiday thirty-six hours. What happened? You’re normally picky about who you date. This woman must be something if you’re already agreeing to go out with her.”

  The next door down slammed shut, and Elizabeth felt a tingle of anticipation crawl up her spine. “Well, my date is charming, very handsome and beautiful, thoughtful, and extremely sweet…it was hard to refuse.”

  “Well, good for you, Lizzie. It’s about time you got laid.”

  The tactless comment made her wince. That wasn’t what this date was about, and she knew that Billy would never see her as a one-night stand. Besides, she’d already stressed that she’d never done that before and wasn’t about to start now. “My date’s not like that. Even if this outfit does turn her on, she won’t do anything. She’s treating me like a lady, and until she knows that we’re both ready to sleep together, she won’t act. She’s a total gentleman in that respect… It’s something I’m beginning to cherish. She’s a rare diamond.”

  Another knock sounded on the wooden door before it was pushed open and Billy stepped in. Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open, and she subconsciously licked her lips. Billy was dressed in a pair of skin-tight boot-cut blue jeans, a figure-hugging black V-neck t-shirt that clung to her well-defined shoulder and arm muscles beautifully, and a pair of brown suede lace-up boots with white stitching. Her face was devoid of makeup, which only enhanced her facial features and bone structure more. The whole outfit was…alluring.

  Jane cleared her throat loudly. “Excuse me…I’m still here.” Elizabeth turned away from the enticing sight and focused back on the screen. “So, am I going to meet her?”

  “Sure.” She held her hand out and Billy marched across the room to take it.

  “You look stunning.” Billy leaned down and kissed her cheek, laid one hand on her shoulder, and offered her a rose with the other.

  “Thank you.” She brought the rose to her nose and inhaled its scent. “You don’t look so bad yourself, hot stuff.” She licked her lips and winked seductively.

  “Jesus Christ, that’s Billy Christian!”

  A childlike chuckle came from Elizabeth as she tugged on Billy’s hand to bring her down and into view of the small camera. “I told you my date was special.”

  Billy and Jane exchanged pleasantries and then Billy stood and walked over to the trolley where the champagne waited.

  Elizabeth jumped as the cork popped loudly and flew across the room. She put a hand over her racing heart and faced the screen again. “Sorry, Jane, I need to go. I’ll speak to you in a few days or something.” A glass flute appeared over her shoulder, and she took it and smiled her thanks. Billy caressed her cheek slowly and Elizabeth lost her train of thought. She watched as Billy walked out onto the balcony with her own drink. “I…Um… Yeah, talk to you soon.”

  With the call disconnected, she turned her iPad off and walked over to join Billy. The slender woman’s back was to her. She swallowed hard and decided to take a chance. With silent steps, she slid in behind Billy and wrapped her arms around her hips. What she wasn’t expecting was for Billy to turn toward her and pull her closer.

  Billy kissed the top of her head and tightened her hold. “Is everything okay?”

  A sigh of contentment was the only reply she could muster when she laid her head over Billy’s heart.

  The night was drawing in. The pale blues of the late afternoon sky were slowly disappearing, giving way to a light tan and orange colour.

  What more could I ask for? A beautiful sunset…a stunning woman… Yes, everything is perfect!

  Chapter Fifteen

  Soft lights illuminated the restaurant. Two small candles in glass holders cast a soft glow on the polished cutlery. Their wine and water glasses shone in the middle of the table, and a small vase held two fragrant red and white roses. Aromas of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh bread permeated the air as they took their seats. Instead of sitting opposite each other, their chairs were arranged so they sat closer together.

  “This is wonderful, thank you.” Elizabeth glanced up from the wine list and laid her hand over Billy’s on the table.

  After they chose their drinks, each ordering something different, they turned their attention to the food order. They decided on an antipasto platter: it was enough for them to share.

  A basket of fresh-baked focaccia was delivered to the table, and the waiter set two plates in front of them. Another waiter placed bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar down.

  “Wow, this is going to be amazing.” She picked the bread up and offered it to Elizabeth. The way the light reflected in her eyes made Billy’s breath catch.

  Both added a generous swirl of oil to their plates and dashed some of the vinegar into the centre of it.

  Opting for something with a little more bite, Billy added some cracked pepper to hers as well. When she reached for some bread she saw the grimace her date wore. “I know it seems weird, but don’t knock it until you try it.” She dipped the warm doughy goodness in it and held it out for Elizabeth to taste. Her stomach muscles twitched when she felt those sumptuous lips touch her fingers. She had to stifle a groan as Elizabeth’s tongue flicked out to catch a drip of oil. Oh my God, she’s trying to kill me.

  A smug smile formed on Elizabeth’s lips as she sat back in her chair. “Yummy.” She wiggled her eyebrows and wiped the corners of her mouth with a crisp green linen napkin.

  Okay, two can play this game. Billy reached for her glass and took a small sip. The light apple and melon taste coated her tongue and she rolled the liquid around in her mouth. Her eyes closed and she swallowed slowly, seductively. A groan made her open them. What she saw in Elizabeth’s expression made her ache and her centre throbbed with arousal. Their gazes locked and held.

  They continued with their entrée. Her eyes never wavered from Elizabeth’s.

  Someone cleared their throat behind them. They turned to see a waiter holding a large wooden board in his hands. He grinned at them. “Sorry for the interruption, ladies.” His accent was thick Italian. He looked to be a stereotypical waiter in a romantic setting, something akin to the cartoon version in Lady and the Tramp. However, he wasn’t a fake. After spending a lot of time in Italy, Billy was able to recognise the differences between regional accents. “I have your antipasto.”

  Soon the tab
le was full with the board of delicious-smelling meats and cheeses. A different basket of bread appeared. The thicknesses of each slice varied; some were toasted and others lightly charred.

  Two other waiters followed swiftly with small appetiser plates and bowls filled with chargrilled aubergines, artichokes marinated in oil, black and green olives, and sweet dried figs.

  Billy’s mouth watered as she picked up the serving forks and held her hand out for Elizabeth’s plate. “Allow me. Just tell me what you’d like. But it almost looks too good to spoil. The presentation of colours is amazing.” Her eyes scanned the expanse of the table top.

  She filled their plates. When she reached for the bread, she looked up. Her gaze landed on Emma. She was sitting at the long wine bar wearing a cocktail dress, her legs crossed, and her stare was riveted to them. “Don’t look now, but we’ve been followed again.”

  “I don’t have to turn to see who it is. As I said before, let’s ignore her.” Elizabeth leaned across the table and kissed Billy’s cheek. Her hand slid up into the hair at the back of Billy’s head and she massaged her scalp.

  “You look amazing. I’m the luckiest person on this ship.” She returned the kiss, then picked up an olive and popped it between Elizabeth’s lips.

  Throughout their meal, they continued to ignore the penetrating stare from Emma. They fed each other morsels from the platter, a dance of seduction with food.

  Their conversation varied. They learned more about each other’s families and childhood. Billy became animated when she talked about Claret and the stables, even promising to give Elizabeth a private tour when they returned home. Talking about her boy, her mind went to her aunt and Katie. A sudden sadness made her shoulders slump for a few seconds before she caught herself and straightened up. It wasn’t missed, though, as Elizabeth moved her chair closer and put her hand on Billy’s back.

  “Hey, what’s wrong? You looked so distant for a minute there.”

  “It’s nothing.” She waved her hand and picked up her wine glass to drain the remainder of its contents. That would be a great way to ruin a first date. Sobbing into my napkin as I tell her about Katie... It’ll keep for another time. Her hand reached out behind her back and grasped Elizabeth’s. She pulled her into her body and kissed her on the forehead. “When the time is right, I’ll tell you. But tonight is about us having fun and getting to know each other better.”

  The waiter who’d delivered their meal appeared at the table once more. In his hand he held a white piece of paper. “Sorry to interrupt again, but I have a message for Ms. Mason.” He handed the note over and disappeared as quickly as he’d arrived.

  Billy released her hold as Elizabeth took the paper and unfolded it. She watched as she read the note.

  Elizabeth’s shoulders dropped and she put a hand on her forehead.

  “What the fuck!” Billy took her back into her arms and reached for the note.

  Bethany…or should I say Elizabeth!

  Yes, I know who you are.

  If you want your identity to remain a secret you’ll do exactly as I say. Leave Billy Christian alone and agree to be my date for the remainder of the cruise. If you don’t, the whole world will know that you’re here under an alias.

  Enjoy the rest of your evening, because as of tomorrow you’re mine!

  Emma.

  “Oh, hell no!” Billy jumped up from her seat and turned to the bar where Emma had been sitting. The stool was vacant. “Where the hell did she go?” She took a step away from the table to search for Elizabeth’s tormentor, but a small hand wrapped around her wrist and stopped her.

  “Honey, please, sit back down.”

  She whipped around so fast she thought she might have given herself whiplash. Huh, who knew that someone calling me honey would sound so good?

  “What the hell are we going to do? If you want me to keep my distance from you until we reach land, I will. It’ll kill me to do it, but please, don’t go out with her. It will break my heart to see you with another woman when we’re just discovering if there might be something between us.”

  Elizabeth grabbed the note on the table and crumpled it into a ball. She set it inside one of the candle holders. The flame licked at its edges, and flecks of ash drifted onto the white linen tablecloth. “Listen to me, Billy Christian. No one is going to come between us.” She got to her feet and pulled Billy closer. Billy’s arms wrapped around her waist in a protective cocoon. “Fuck her, she’s not going to blackmail me. There’s no way I’d ever be seen in public with her. So what if she goes to the media? I’ve got nothing to hide, and I’ve never made my sexuality a secret. I’m not giving up on us!”

  At her last word, Billy’s head shot up and she pushed Elizabeth away from her body. “Us? That has a nice ring to it. A little premature to think of each other like that, but I agree. I want to see if there’s a chance for us to have more. We’re kindred spirits. The only reason I agreed to back away was to keep you safe. But if you’re sure you want to continue this way…then that’s more than okay with me. Emma can go to hell!” She put her fingers under Elizabeth’s chin and tilted it upwards. She kissed the corner of her mouth and placed a final one on the tip of her nose.

  A dreamy expression crossed Elizabeth’s face and she slumped into her arms. “I can’t wait for you to kiss me properly. But this is hardly the right time after what she’s just put me through.” She laid her head on Billy’s chest. A sigh of contentment left her lungs. “How about we forget about what’s happened and carry on with our night? I want you to hold me tight as we dance. I want to feel your body pressed closely to mine as we send a message to that psychotic bitch. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing you.”

  Billy’s hand fell against the leather-clad thigh. With her fingertips, she caressed a path upwards. The slight curve to Elizabeth’s backside beckoned her to slide her fingers towards it and to feel it for the first time. But she resisted. She bit her lip and drew her hand up over Elizabeth’s hip to rest against the satin-soft exposed skin on her back. Damn, it’s suddenly very warm in here.

  “I’m ready when you are.” She held her hand out and waited for Elizabeth to take it. “Let me settle the bill and we can go.”

  As they walked out of the restaurant, Billy tugged on Elizabeth’s hand and pulled her close. She settled her arm over her shoulders and leaned down. “Have I told you how sexy you look tonight?” Her lips were a hair’s breadth away from her ear.

  “Thank you. I can tell how much this outfit has held your attention. I knew these trousers were a good idea.”

  “It’s not just the outfit. You’re beautiful. I’ve never seen your equal, and I feel extremely proud and privileged to be the one you’ve chosen to spend the night with.” Realisation sunk in at her last two words and she saw one of Elizabeth’s eyebrows rise. “What I mean…I mean the date…not the…whole…Oh shit, I’ll shut up now.”

  “I know what you meant.” Elizabeth’s laughter filled the hallways as they continued on their way to the club. She bumped her hip playfully. “I’m a good girl, Ms. Christian, and as this is our first date, I’m sure neither of us thought that we’d be spending the whole night together.”

  Billy didn’t trust herself to reply and the remainder of their stroll to the club was made in silence. They stole glances at each other while they walked. Billy’s cheeks felt hot after her little faux pas, and she would bet her face was the colour of a tomato. She tightened her hold on Elizabeth’s shoulders when she saw other women taking interest. Okay, that’s new. When have I ever been possessive like this before?

  When they entered the club, Billy steered them towards the bar and two vacant stools. She helped Elizabeth up onto hers then turned to the bar and waved her hand to catch the eye of the bartender.

  After the glass of champagne in the cabin and the two glasses of wine she’d had with dinner, it was time for Billy to switch to something softer. She ordered a gin and tonic and a glass of lemonade with cranberry juice. When she spun b
ack to hand Elizabeth her glass, she noticed she was already tapping her foot along to the pulsing beat. She was raised on her stool surveying the crowd. It was too dark; the only illumination came from the overhead swinging lights controlled from the DJ’s booth, and the dance floor was packed with bodies.

  The music changed. Soft strands of an acoustic guitar, the sound of crashing waves, and the echoing call of gulls came from the speakers. Billy smiled. This was one of her favourite songs. Luis Fonsi’s voice piped through the room. She took a sip of her drink, set it down on the bar, then held her hand out to Elizabeth. Her hips were already swaying to the beat, her lips moved, and she sang along in Spanish. “Dance with me?”

  Without a word, Elizabeth placed her hand in Billy’s and let her guide them out onto the floor.

  Once out amongst the others, she released Elizabeth and let her body move to the deep flamenco chords. As the music picked up, they found themselves sandwiched closer together as more people crowded around them. Billy slid her hands over Elizabeth’s hips. Their legs brushed together as she slid her thigh in between Elizabeth’s legs, but kept her distance from the sensually-moving pelvis. Bumping and grinding on a first date might not be entirely proper! It was like the thought was slapped out of her head when Elizabeth moved closer. Her hands slid into the back pockets of Billy’s jeans. Her eyes widened when she felt a playful squeeze and pinch.

  She continued to rotate her hips and sway as she leaned down and placed a kiss on Elizabeth’s neck, just below her ear and against her hairline. “I’m trying to behave myself out here. It would be so easy to forget everything about first date rules and propriety.”

  Elizabeth’s hand slipped up her back and tangled into her hair. She pulled her head away, then licked her lips and winked. “Don’t even try to control it! I think we both feel the same way, and I’m tired of not being able to express how I feel about someone. You deserve better than that.” She pressed her centre down onto the thigh in between her legs. “Stay with me and feel the beat. Show me your passion for the music through your movements.”