“Carrie” he warned. “This is not helping me” he joked.
“That’s okay, I think we are quits”
“Come on, let me introduce you to my parents before all my good intentions abandon me” He took her hand and they walked towards his parents. Carrie was completely unaware that Nico was acting out of character to his parents and those who knew him well. With girlfriends in the past he wasn’t particularly demonstrative at times appearing aloof and indifferent but with Carrie it appeared that he couldn’t keep his hands off her. They walked towards his parents and Carrie quickly observed that Nico was visually a carbon copy of his father.
“Carrie, let me introduce you to my parents. This is my father Gino and my mother Dorothea Devanti. Mom and Dad I’d like to introduce you to my friend Carrie Reynolds-Davies.”
They exchanged handshakes. Nico was as tall as his father but they had natural differences. Gino’s hair was salt and pepper with grey whilst Nicos remained jet black. They had the same determined look in their eyes that she guessed suffered no fools. His eyes swept across her and she knew that both his parents were wondering who she was.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both”
“You are Scottish Carrie?” Nicos father enquired.
“Yes I am; well spotted”
“Not at all Carrie, my mother is from Scotland too, I recognise the lilt in your voice”
“What brings you to the Cape Carrie?” His mother asked.
“I’m just a tourist Mrs Devanti, taking in the beautiful sights and lighthouses”
“It is a stunning part of the world. You must excuse us Carrie, have a lovely evening” and left them before Carrie could reply. She felt almost dismissed for a moment.
“She is always like that, don’t take any offence. But it was rude of my mother to leave abruptly.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, I think your parents are very busy hosting this evening’s event” she excused. “Come on let’s get some champagne”
With his hand on the small of her back he guided her into the open reception room. People were mingling drinking champagne with their canapés. Carrie took the offered glass of champagne from Nico and tried not to stare as she looked around the room.
“So talk me through this evening’s event,”
“It’s a cocktail hour in here before we go through to the ballroom for the supper. Unfortunately I won’t be at your table, but I have requested for you to be seated with Monique if that’s okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine, as long as I have a familiar face to talk to,”
“I did want you with me but I have to sit with the benefit committee”
“Nico, its fine, I’m sure I can manage for a while on my own. Now what happens after the supper?”
“It’s the charity auction, then dancing until carriages at 1.30am”
Yikes, it was only 8pm.
They walked through the throng of people. Nico was stopped frequently and she was introduced as his friend Carrie.
“Who is that man over there? The one whose eyes are on every woman’s ass in the room?”
“That is Richard Worth, an acquaintance of my fathers. He’s a banker and very influential. Tonight though, once he secures his eyes, he will make a large donation. His good deed.”
“And the woman next to him? Let me guess his ‘understanding’ wife?”
“Oh Carrie, how did you become so cynical? Yes, that’s his wife”
Carrie laughed, “I’m not cynical I guess you would have to be ‘understanding’ if he was your husband!”
The diamonds of the drop earrings sparkled drawing attention to the arc of her neck and the ‘y’ shape necklace. The last diamond nestled in the curve between her breasts.
“You are staring Nico, hello is there anybody there?”
Now it was Nico’s turn to laugh. “You look incredible Carrie, I can’t take my eyes off you.”
“Oh” Carrie blushed. Not used to male attention after so long. “I thought I was boring you”
“I don’t think you would ever bore me Carrie, you fascinate me. I want to know everything about you.”
She tucked a strand of perfectly curled hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture. He leaned forward and whispered to her, “I want to see you naked wearing only those jewels” She could feel is breath as he whispered the words and shiver wracked through her as he nipped his teeth on her ear. Out of sight of anyone. “I want to fuck you Carrie” Both hands on her hips pulling her closer. To anyone else it looked as though they were deep in conversation.
“Nico I - ” before she could respond, the moment was gone as a passing couple bumped into them. Then the MC announced that the supper would be served shortly and could everyone make their way to the ballroom.
“Saved by the bell Carrie?”
“For now,”
“Let’s find Monique and find your table, I’m surprised she hasn’t already been on the lookout for you”
The ballroom was modelled on an Italian renaissance design. Lots of gold, marble and intricate carvings. It had been set out in circular banquet tables with 10 to 12 guests per table. She found her table number. Number twenty three almost at the rear of the room. Nico was enraged as she was also not seated with Monique.
“What is it with incompetent people? I specifically gave the location where I wanted you to be seated. Wait a moment and I will get this sorted.”
“Nico, it’s okay, I’m a big girl. Don’t make any changes, okay? Let me find Monique to say Hello. We have plenty of time later”
Yes, she felt uncomfortable at the prospect of sitting with eleven strangers but maybe they felt the same too? She heard the bellowing laugh of Monique. How could she have missed that?
“Wow, wow, wow child. You look like a sex bomb! Where is my Carrie? What have you done with her?” Another of Moniques hugs in greeting.
“It’s the same old me. Just smoke and mirrors. Monique you look incredible.”
“Thank you Carrie, I think I scrubbed up well.”
She was dressed in a one shoulder citrus lime dress that looked amazing on her voluptuous but tall body. A chunky silver necklace contrasting with the dress and matching bracelets. Only Monique could carry off a strong look against her mocha skin.
“Where is your table? I thought we would have been seated together.”
“There’s been a mix up, oops yes another one.”
“Let me see who is at your table” and dragged Carrie off to look again at the list of names.
“Nope, don’t know anyone!”
The MC again made a discreet announcement for everyone to make their way to the ballroom.
With an air kiss, no hug this time Monique retreated to her table. It wasn’t that far away and she waved to Carrie across the room.
She found her own table and sat down. Placing the napkin across her lap and making a show of looking at the menu even though her appetite was reducing by the second.
In gold script it thanked those for attending this evening and listed the charities that would benefit along with the order of events for the evening. The supper, some speeches, a silent auction and finally a word from the main sponsor the Devanti Group. Most of which she already knew from talking with Nico. Her gaze was drawn back to the menu.
For the appetizer a lobster and lobster mousse. She didn’t know any of the accompanying wines for each course but would have a go at trying them. The menu had described in mouth-watering detail a poached chicken with champagne and truffle sauce as the entrée. The dessert was a white chocolate fondant. The waiters were quick to serve the first course and the paired wine. As she spooned a mouthful of the delicious lobster mousse her mind was on repeat of those last minutes with Nico.
Rob had never talked like that to her in the five years they had been together. Yes they had a great physical and very loving relationship but never any dirty talk. She knew she should be appalled or shocked but instead those words by Nico had excited her. The other guest
s chatted and asked the appropriate questions of what brought her to the Cape etc. She used her standard reply just a tourist and the lighthouses. From her position she could see Nico and even though they were separated by a distance she knew he was watching her.
After the entrée the MC returned to introduce some guest speakers who spoke eloquently about their charitable causes. Inviting those to review the silent auction and make their bids via the collectors who were wandering amongst tables. A list of the prizes was tucked in with the programme of events for the evening. A car, a holiday to an oceanfront Mexican resort – Devanti group of course, a weekend in Las Vegas, the list went on and on.
The man sitting on her right was telling her about his mountaineering experiences and she could only nod in interest offering the occasional word of encouragement to keep the flow of conversation. He was an architect and helped with the habitat homes project. Finding a common interest Carrie asked if he was involved in Moniques home. He was and Carrie complimented him on the design having seen it in person. “It is a lovely family home”
She excused herself from the table and began her search for the ladies room. Glad that D’von had insisted earlier that she practise sitting down in the elegant dress but nature was calling. From across the room Nico who was watching Carrie intently observed her leaving the table. A few minutes later he too excused himself and went in search of her.
Carrie had finally found the ladies room after making an enquiry with one of the catering staff. She found it and after a few minutes of twisting her body she managed to use the loo without needing someone to help her out of the dress. This was a new experience for her. How did the rich and famous manage at red carpet events she could only wonder? They probably had staff to help with that too! It didn’t take long to repair her lipstick and her hair had stayed perfectly in style. Not a curl out of place. Was that really her in the mirror? She didn’t recognise herself. The diamonds twinkling in the soft light of the bathroom. With a nervous bite of her lip it was time to return to the ballroom. As she opened the door way she stumbled forward into the chest of a man.
“Oops sorry!” she apologised and looked straight into the eyes of Nico.
“Hi Carrie” he walked her back into the bathroom and locked the door. His eyes full of desire. God help her as within seconds she was in his arms as they frantically pulled closer to each other. His mouth on hers; the kiss deep and wild. She didn’t think to deny him only wanted the feel of his hard body against hers. Her breasts were swelling against the tight material of her dress as his thumb moved across her nipple he pulled the dress down. His head low as he kissed along her neck and down to her exposed nipple. With a bite he suckled her and she felt a pool of wetness between her legs. His hands grabbed at her ass, the strong fingers kneading at her butt cheeks. Pulling her closer to his hardness then he twisted her round until her bottom was resting on the shelf of the vanity unit. Nico pulled her closer where he rested between her legs; the skirt of her dress pulled high and her naked thighs were wrapped around him. She could feel the length of his hardness and it was driving her crazy.
“I want you Carrie” the words interrupted with kisses along the length of her neck, his teeth lightly biting without leaving a mark.
“I want you too Nico, but you have to stop, this is madness. Someone will see us”
His hand on her thigh. “You aren’t wearing any stockings,”
“No, I’m not”
“What are you wearing under the dress?”
“Only panties, nothing else”
“This isn’t helping Carrie, how am I supposed to go back into that room without thinking about what little you are wearing under that dress”
“Do you think it’s any easier for me? Because it isn’t. I don’t do things like this. I’m just a normal girl from Glasgow. This isn’t normal for me; maybe it is for you to get your relief like this!”
Slowly he helped her steady her feet to the ground. Her voice had risen on the last few words, the emotions of their passion catching up with her.
“Carrie, this isn’t normal for me either. I’m not the playboy in your magazines. Don’t you get it? It’s you. You make me act like this!” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration and all Carrie wanted to do was touch the wisp of hair that he had ruffled. Damn him.
He checked is watch.
“Go, just go. I need to sort my face and hair before I go back into the room!”
She quickly shoved him back out the door before he could protest.
“Carrie, but!”
“No Nico, leave it for later, please! Go, go.”
The door closed on his surprised face.
Her face flushed with excitement bringing a change to the girl who looked the image of sophistication. Despite everything though her hair was still in place much to her surprise. A quick top up of her make-up and reapplying the lipstick with a shaky hand she was ready to go. Her head held high she opened the door prepared to look anyone straight in the eye if they stopped her. But this time there were no interruptions. Sitting back at the table she was grateful no one knew her. She didn’t have to explain her extended absence to a friend or acquaintance. The dim lighting hiding any potential embarrassment. Taking a gulp of the crisp white wine she tucked into the chocolate fondant. Food her distraction for now. It was delicious she was sure but to her it was like eating sawdust. She pushed the plate aside the remainder uneaten. Another sip of water this time. Not that it would dilute the effects much of champagne and wine over the course of the day that she had consumed.
“Ladies and Gentleman, now it is time for a final word from our host Nico Devanti”
The lights brightened slightly and Nico took his place at the podium.
He looked amazing and not at all dishevelled. But she couldn’t help think that just moments before he had been passionately kissing her, those hands that gripped the side of the podium had been gripping her thighs.
“Thank you all for coming out in force tonight and giving the support you always do for the Chamber of Commerce and the Devanti Foundation. It is amazing what we can do together.”
Images on the screen behind Nico depicted the rebuild of homes. The effect of the fire on the community. Along with other activities taken place by the commerce and the foundation.
“With your help we have replaced six homes this year and helped those displaced by the fires remain living within our community. Let’s take this moment to show your appreciation for everyone who contributed.” Applause broke out through the room.
“Every nail that was hammered, every dollar collected, every cup of coffee given. We can only make things happen together. So give as generously as you can and help us to continue this great work.” More rapturous applause and Nico finished his speech.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening and join us back in the grand hall for dancing”
Carrie remained seated and watched as the crowd began its slow steady throng back towards the music which was filtering through the air. She was in no hurry. The man to her right asked her if she would like to join him but she declined. Thankfully he didn’t press her and left with the others from the table. She picked up her clutch bag just as Monique’s voice boomed over to her.
“Carrie! There you are”
“Hi Monique, did you have a good night? I thought the food was delicious.”
“Hmm hmm Carrie, I agree but the wine, oh I don’t usually partake but I had to tonight. Now where’s the dancing?”
She looped arms with Carrie. Walking back into the grand hall they discussed how the evening went. “How are you child? Did you enjoy tonight?” Monique asked.
“I have had a lovely time so far”
“Now confession time. Only because you are my two favourite people that I noticed but did you sneak off with Nico? I looked for you earlier and round about the same time Nico disappeared for oh a good twenty minutes”
Carrie was stumped and could not reply, she laughed and her giggle gave it awa
y.
“Oh Carrie! I hope you had fun!”
“Fun, now that’s a word for it but that’s my last word on it,” They picked up some more champagne as they waked through the grand hall. Monique was pointing out people of interest to Carrie whilst interjecting with gossip. She was entertaining and Carrie was going to miss her when she returned home in a few days. A point she was quick to share.
“Thank you Monique and Tansie too for being my friend whilst I’ve visited the Cape. I’m going to miss you! I fly home on Thursday.”
“No no no. You can’t be going home already! What a change I’ve seen in you these last few days. You have been happy and smiling. Just promise me you will keep smiling when you get home. We don’t want a sad Carrie anymore. As Tameka would say, pinkie promise?”
She crooked her pinkie for Carrie to link and they shared a pinkie promise.
“I promise Monique”
“And .. do you promise to return soon?”
“Yes, I will return to the Cape. I have been captivated by this place”
The linked pinkies were replaced with another Monique speciality hug.
“I better see you before you go home. How about lunch on Wednesday?”
“That’s a plan Monique. Now who is that very attractive man signalling to get your attention?”
Monique’s head whipped round.
“Oh that’s just Ted,”
“Mmm just Ted! Tell me more”
“Oh we dated for a while in high school but he moved away and now is back home. When he moved away I got together with my kids baby daddy. Big mistake that was but he did give me my fine, beautiful children. Ted tried to speak to me earlier but I was busy.”
“Well go speak to him now”
Monique walked away with a sassy sway to her hips. Yeah she was busy alright!
Smiling to herself Carrie was once again startled by Nico at her side.
“Hello you.” He greeted and kissed her chastely on the cheek. The fire in his eyes promising more.
“Hello you” she returned.
“Have you enjoyed your evening?” A polite question that anyone passing could over hear.
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