Jasmine walked in carrying an open tray of delightful foods. “Master Rafe informed us that you might appreciate some Southern foods, so I thought you would enjoy this, Miss.” her voice while polite, was filled with trepidation.
She beamed at her as she sat down a hot bowl of grits, with sausage, scrambled, eggs, and toast. “This looks incredible,” Cara hoped her smile would put her at ease and was very pleased when the woman smiled back.
“I hope you'll forgive me for bringing this up again Miss Cara, but if you would let me know what you enjoy, I will make it available at every meal," she continued to smile sensing the young woman was not easily offended.
She felt a little uncomfortable making menu choices in Rafe's house, but didn't want to hurt the woman's feelings either. "I really am easy to please, as long as it's not too fancy, I'm not a picky eater." She could see that Jasmine wasn't satisfied with her answer and Cara wanted to make her feel comfortable around her. "Maybe if it's not too much trouble we can go over that together when we have some time?"
“It will be a real pleasure having someone to cook for again, Miss Cara, I'll make sure I'm available whenever you decide you're ready,” she said kindly.
The way her face lit up in pleasure, made Cara feel like she'd just offered her some great prize instead of the opportunity to cook for her. It made her uncomfortable to think this woman thought she had to cater to her needs, and she decided to see if it were possible to lighten her formality.
“Jasmine, I want to thank you for being so nice to me, you don't have to add the Miss to my name,” they were equals as far as she was concerned and she definitely had no intention of pretending to be something she wasn't.
“Oh Miss Cara, it wouldn't be proper to do that, I hope you can forgive me.” Jasmine smiled at the beautiful girl but backed out of the room quickly. The girl had no idea what she truly was, and she wasn't at liberty to explain it to her.
Shaking her head at the woman's strange behavior, she knew there was something she wasn't understanding here. It was plainly apparent that Calvin and his wife were very proper, and neither of them were American born. Perhaps it was a culture thing she thought, reminding herself to ask Rafe about that later.
Unable to resist the temptation of the overwhelming fare before her, she dug into her food with gusto. She ate everything Jasmine had prepared and couldn't help but giggle at what a pig she'd made out of herself. The food was even better than the cathead biscuits and red-eyed gravy her granny use to make, and that was giving it her highest praise. She didn't even realize until she started eating that she was starving. She tried to remember the last time she had eaten and could only recall the last meal here at this house. She mentally kicked herself and made note to take better care of her body.
Calvin walked back in the room to check on his guest and was pleased to see she had enjoyed her meal. He knew his wife would find great pleasure in the fact, and consider it a testimony to her skills as chef. Clearing his throat to alert the girl of his presence, he spoke. “Master Rafe asked me to deliver this note to you Miss."
She took the letter from him and their hands touch briefly. She pulled back in shock, seeing images of his past life that she couldn't make sense of. He was much the same as he appeared now, but she knew without doubt she had seen wings extended from his powerful back in the vision. She felt her breath catch as the moving mental slideshow showed him in battle fighting against other creatures that sported the same incredible wing span. Her eyes raised to his and the thoughts receded, she hoped her eyes didn't show the shock she was feeling.
“Miss Cara,” Calvin knew that she had drank of Master Rafe's blood as her thoughts melded into his," are you well?” He was not at liberty to discuss his past without speaking to Rafe first, and hoped that she didn't question him. There were too many risks of her knowing about the vampire race, he didn't want to add his secrets to her burden.
Dropping the letter on the table her mind cleared and she heard his voice clearly, instead of from the distance it was coming from earlier. She nodded her head and stared up into his face. She knew instinctively that what she had witnessed was not a fabrication of her imagination. Whatever the man before her was, she wasn't sure she was ready to know. Why was she seeing these things? She wasn't psychic, so what was going on here? "Is anything in this world what I thought it was," she spoke the question out loud, but in truth she was talking to herself.
Bending over to retrieve the letter, he placed it in front of her. "Things rarely are how we choose to see them Miss Cara," he smiled warmly. "You drank from Master Rafe last night," he didn't need to make it a question as the answer was readily apparent to someone like him.
She fought the blush that threatened to stain her cheeks at his statement. What kind of girl must he think her to be she thought before shaking her head. The man, if she could even still call him that, served a vampire. It wasn't likely he would judge her for what she did last night, she thought to herself.
"It is a rare gift to be afforded such a taste of their world," Calvin smiled deeply knowing that Rafe had chosen to bond with the girl. "I will be honored to serve you Miss." He bowed and sensing how uncomfortable she was with the topic of conversation, he motioned to the letter. "Perhaps you should see what Master Rafe has sent to you, Miss Cara?"
Shaking herself mentally, she couldn't mentally deal with any more mysteries today. In the past when she needed to not dwell on something she put her mind on something else, she decided today would be a good one to try that tactic again. She tore open Rafe's letter reading it intently.
“Cara, I want you to tell Calvin to take you shopping, he will settle any debts on my behalf. You will need an evening gown and shoes for tonight, and your car should be delivered tomorrow morning. Sincerely, Rafe.” she handed the note to Calvin and he read it quickly.
“Calvin, do you think you could drive me to Angela’s house before we go,” she asked quietly looking down at her clothes, “I'd really rather not go shopping in this outfit.”
He nodded and knew there was little she could ask that he wouldn't fulfill. As Master Rafe's chosen companion, he was pressed to keep her happy. In truth, he thought it would be of no hardship to serve this human, she was the type of person he enjoyed serving. He escorted her to the limousine waiting out front and drove her the short distance to her friend's apartment.
Cara walked to the door and knocked softly. A sleepy Angela stared back at her confused for moment before her face lit up in excitement. As she was pulled into a hug, Cara couldn't help but laugh.
“You decided to come back,” Angela exclaimed in delight.
She could only smile back and nod at her, definitely not wanting to get into a discussion about the how or why she made it back. "I couldn't stay away from my best friend, could I?" she hugged her back tightly and felt her heart fill with happiness.
“I'm so glad Cara, I was going to miss you like crazy,” Angela smiled and pulled back. "So you and Rafe?" she didn't want to pry but her eyes landed on the limo outside and it was pretty apparent they were back together. Ushering her friend inside, she knew there was a story in there somewhere and she was waiting to hear it.
Knowing she wasn't going to be satisfied without some explanation, she tried to come up with something that wasn't a blatant lie, but would also keep her friend safe. “Rafe called me and, well we just couldn't let things end the way we had, so he picked me up in Nashville. The thing is, we were in such a hurry," she blushed as much from what she was implying, as the lie she was forced to tell, "I forgot to pack my clothes and well, I need to go shopping for a dress for a dance tonight. Do you think I might borrow something to go shopping in?"
Angela laughed until she was about to cry, “That must have been one hell of a makeup session if you forgot to grab your clothes out of your car, girl.”
The blush she fought stained her cheeks and she could only grin. She hated lying to her friend, but there was no way she could explain what had really happened
. Knowing the truth didn't make her feel any better about it though.
Shaking her head, Angela led her upstairs still laughing. She pulled out a pair of underwear and matching bra and threw them on the bed, then a pair of white stretch pants and a red baby doll shirt that was long enough to be a dress. "Those should work honey, but next time try and remember you have to have something to wear," Angela couldn't stop the laughter that rolled through her. "Or maybe you don't," winking as Cara's cheeks brightened even more, she was happy to have her back home.
She slid the clothes on, thinking the less they talked about her sex life the better for her own peace of mind. She couldn't stop smiling though, and knew that no matter how open Angela was about sexual encounters, she still loved her like a sister.
Angela was digging in the closet hoping to find a pair of shoes her friend could wear. They were roughly the same size in that department, and it only took her a minute to find a pair of slide on crocks. She handed them to Cara and smirked mischievously. "You know hon, if you don't watch out he'll keep you naked and barefoot.
Rolling her eyes good-naturedly she was glad her friend was having so much fun at her expense. It made the lies she was forced to tell sting a little less. Sliding on the shoes she noted they weren't too far off in size and she spun around waiting for Angela's approval.
"I guess you'll do," Angela winked. "You might want to go fix your hair though, it looks like you and Rafe may have enjoyed a quick tumble before you made it here today." She was just joking with her friend, in truth she looked gorgeous. It was pretty apparent to her that whatever she and Rafe had enjoyed last night, agreed with Cara. Her skin was glowing with a healthy sheen that she hadn't noticed before.
“I promise I'll make this up to you,” she was really happy knowing she wasn't going to have to stay away. Since meeting Angela, she honestly couldn't imagine not having her in her life. They had grown that close.
“Hell honey, you know I don't mind,” her voice was full of happiness.
Impulsively she hugged her before walking off to the bathroom and brushing out her hair. She pulled the chocolate strands into a quick ponytail, and decided to forgo any makeup. She was going shopping, not gallivanting and she'd worry about getting her face fixed up later. “I guess I shouldn't keep Calvin waiting,” she sighed not wanting to leave Angela's house.
“Hey I'll come with you,” she invited herself and Cara couldn't think of any reason she shouldn't go. As they walked out together, if Calvin was surprised he didn't show it. Within minutes they were on their way. They chatted about her leaving, and she had to fabricate many parts of the story, but even with the small lies she really enjoyed her company.
At Angela's suggestion they drove to the Lakeside shopping center in Metairie and the shopping began. After endless hours of searching for the perfect dress and with the sales associates help, she finally found it. The dress was something she would never have bought on her own, it would have taken all her tips for the week for one thing. It was so fancy she couldn't ever imagine wearing it more than one night.
It was absolute perfection, she thought. The color was pale cream, and one shoulder draped over the arm. It had an intricate white flower pattern woven into the silk chiffon material. She tried it on and almost gasped at the incredible feeling of the gown itself.
She refused to look at the price tag, and after taking it back out to the associate, Calvin took out Rafe's credit card, paying for the purchase. After another grueling hour, she found a pair of silver evening sandals. They were the perfect touch to the enchanting dress, and she couldn't wait to see them on together. She found a lacy white bra with matching lacy panties set, along with sheer white pantyhose and added them to her purchases as well. She knew she should probably feel guilty for spending Rafe's money this way, but for reasons she couldn't fathom she just knew he would be fine with her doing so.
She wanted to look her best for Rafe tonight, no matter what happened with the council. When Calvin had settled the account and gathered their purchases, he informed her that he had made an appointment with a Day Spa for Angela and herself. Cara had never visited a spa before and she had to admit feeling a little excited at the chance to experience it.
She and Angela were escorted back to the limo and driven to the spa. They were both laughing like school girls when they walked through the doors, feeling like pampered princesses. Calvin had arranged a mud treatment, manicure and pedicure and they would also have a full makeup and hair styling. He informed them that he would be back in a few hours and should they need him before that, to reach him on his cell phone.
They walked into the same dressing room and removed their clothes and wrapped in large oversized towels. After they were dressed they were then escorted to a well decorated room and asked to lay on two cushioned table right beside each other. The oriental women that served them could have been twins their features were so similar. With obvious skill they painted their bodies with the warm mud and then scrubbed it away with the precision. Cara decided that this was something she would only have to do every day for the rest of her life.
They undressed in the dressing room and wrapped themselves in towels. As they lay upon a very comfortably cushioned tables, right next to each other, they were painted with mud all over their bodies. Cara had to admit to Angela that it took a little getting used to, allowing a complete stranger, even if it was a woman, to touch her. Angela shook her head, and reminded her that this was their job and she doubted they even saw them as people, probably just bodies. After being painted, they were wrapped in huge heated blankets and the warmth was exhilarating, Cara whispered to her friend.
While they were wrapped up they were also given a scalp massage. "This is my idea of heaven," Angela sighed closing her eyes and allowing the relaxing technique to soothe her.
"I only want to have this done every day for the rest of my life," Cara replied her voice drowsy with the soothing feel of the fingers moving over her head.
They were told to rinse off in the shower and then led to another room to have their hair and makeup done. Cara looked back in the mirror after she was styled and couldn't believe the elegant stranger that stared back at her. Glancing over at Angela she could only whistle softly. "Holy sin Angela, you look like you should be on the cover of a magazine.
Angela spun around and gave her friend a wink. "Honey if Rafe doesn't eat you up after seeing you tonight, I'd be really surprised. She glanced over Cara's transformation and was shocked that her little Southern friend looked like she could hob knob with the rich and famous now. Her long chocolate locks were shining and softly flowing down her back and her beautiful features had been enhanced to the point that Angela thought she looked like an angel.
Calvin was waiting for them in the lobby when they walked out and smiled is masculine appreciation. He paid the account and held the door open before escorting them back to the limousine. He knew Master Rafe would enjoy the vision his companion made this evening.
The sun was already starting to set as they made their way back to the mansion. They dropped Angela off at her apartment and she felt her stomach clench at the thought of getting ready for the meeting tonight. Calvin helped her out of the seat and took her purchases back to the room leaving Cara to fend for herself for a few moments.
Forcing her feet to move back up to the Master bedroom, she knew that Rafe would be awakening soon and she wanted to be ready before then. She rummaged through the bags finding the new lingerie she had purchased and walked into the bathroom. She quickly discarded her old clothes and slipped on the silken lacy panties and bustier. A soft knock on the door had her scrambling for Rafe's bathrobe and she made her way to the door.
Cara smiled warmly, seeing it was only Jasmine, and allowed her into the room. "I thought you might need some assistance getting dressed, Miss Cara."
"That would be wonderful, and thank you so much," she smiled even though her nerves were really starting to get the best of her. She slid on the thigh high w
hite stocking, and clicked them to the garter belt, then stepped into the beautiful dress that Jasmine held out for her.
She helped her slide the dress over her head, careful not to mess up her hair, and then zipped it from behind. Jasmine gasped as she glanced over the young woman, her smile growing wider. The gown fit her perfectly she thought. The one shoulder strap caressed her her ivory shoulder with chiffon, and tiny intricate lacy flowers. The bodice of the dress was very daring, and it rose only scant centimeters above her lacy half bra. The dress fit snugly to her waist, then fell in soft folds to her ankles.
Cara slid the evening sandals on and they added three inches of height to her already 5'9 inch height. She glanced over at Jasmine nervously waiting for her opinion.
“Miss Cara,” she said in awe, “you look like you just walked off the cover of one of those romance novels.”
Cara hugged her impulsively to both of their embarrassment. Jasmine smiled back at her motherly. “If he can't see how lovely you are,” she paused glancing over me again, “he would have to be blind.”
“I am definitely not blind,” Rafe's voice filled the room and Jasmine bowed her head and all but ran from the room. Rafe looked over every inch of his beautiful lover, appreciating every curve of her beautiful body in the gown. He would much rather have her out of it at the moment, he thought with a low growl.
Grabbing her hand in his he spun her around lightly, so he could get the entire effect he told himself, but in truth it was more so he didn't strip her and throw her sexy form back on the bed and take her in abandonment. “Absolutely stunning,” he whispered seductively, his hands came to rest on her shoulders.
She trembled not certain of his mood, and still fearful that he was angry with her. He bent over and kissed her neck softly and she gasped feeling her body respond instantly to him. She heard his low groan as he pulled away, and it pleased her to know that he found her desirable.
A Night at Tears of Crimson Page 18