She Sins at Midnight

by Whitney Dineen

  Lila spent the rest of the afternoon trying not to think about Creigh. But it was like someone saying, “Don’t think about purple socks,” and the next thing you knew, you couldn’t think about anything else. She was starting to wonder if her dad was right about him and that he did get innocently trapped in Melinda’s web. After all, if people judged her according to what they read in the tabloids, she’d be in real trouble.

  Lila decided to leave reality for awhile and go back to the world of Vivian and Julius, a world where she knew there would be a happy ending.

  Vivian snuck out of the ball and walked down the corridor that led to the orangerie. She needed a few moments to fortify herself before her next meeting with Julius. More than anything she wanted to come to his mother’s party to see him, even though she was still furious that he took off with the Countess of Trent the last time they met.

  Vivian didn’t know how to reconcile the conflicting emotions that were running through her. She knew that eligible bachelors like Julius often consorted with loose women. But how could he leave her arms only to immediately search out such questionable companionship? It wasn’t the least bit flattering.

  Just as she started to get all worked up again, Vivian heard a deep voice behind her. It was a sound that resonated to the very core of her being. “Vivian, you came.”

  She looked behind the orange tree to her left and saw the man who had weighed so heavily in her thoughts. Her heart started to beat a million miles an hour when their eyes met and she whispered, “Julius…”

  He moved to her side before she had a chance to leave and grabbed her hands. He brought her delicate fingers to his mouth and thoroughly kissed each and every one.

  Vivian tried to pull them away, “Julius, you mustn’t. In fact, we shouldn’t be alone here without a chaperone.”

  His response was to move closer and ask, “But if there were a chaperone here, would she allow me to do this?” And he proceeded to trail whisper light kisses up her neck until he had reached the plump pillows of her lips.

  Vivian’s response was tentative at first until Julius started to slide his hands up and down her back. His tongue trailed across the seam of her lips at the same time his thumbs moved toward her nipples. She moaned and opened to him like a parched flower reaching for the rain.

  Lila must have fallen asleep because the next thing she remembered was her dad turning off her light and opening her window.

  Chapter 22

  Oscar loaded his suitcase into the limo before settling into the passenger seat. The driver was a little taken aback and asked, “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in the back, sir?”

  The movie mogul answered, “If I thought I’d be more comfortable in the back, I’d be there. I’d rather sit up here and talk to you if you don’t mind.”

  The driver readily agreed. Oscar grew up with very little money and even though he was currently richer that Croesus, he had never fully gotten used to having what amounted to servants. Therefore, he found himself always talking to the folks he hired to perform services for him. On some fundamental level, he related to them more than to the Hollywood types he was supposed to identify with.

  Oscar and Harold had a pleasant drive to Bentley. They discussed sports, women and politics. All the major testosterone driven subjects covered, Oscar asked Harold what he knew about Bentley.

  The driver confessed that while he had never spent any time there, his perception was that it was a town full of old money and snobs. He did not think regular guys like him were too welcome.

  Oscar knew the kind of place well. And even though he lived in one of the most exclusive places in the world, he still felt intimidated by old money. After all, The Palisades welcomed people who earned their money. Towns like Bentley considered you an outsider if you weren’t “to the manor born.” Oscar just didn’t feel at ease with the Buffy and Biffster crowd.

  When they pulled up the drive, Creigh was there to meet him, “Oscar, how nice to see you. I’m so glad you were able to come.” Creigh treated Oscar like an honored guest. After all, he truly liked him as a person, but he also needed him to feel like they were on the same side in order for his plan to work.

  Oscar admired Creigh’s house and whistled, “This is some pile of bricks you’ve got here. A property like this would run you twenty million in The Palisades.”

  Creigh chuckled, “That’s why it’s here and not The Palisades. Our real estate market is nowhere near as inflated as California’s.”

  Oscar appreciated Creigh’s self-deprecating style, but he knew very well that this estate was worth its weight in gold, even if it wasn’t in the Golden State.

  Melinda chose that moment to run out the front door and jump into Oscar’s arms. She wasn’t going to take the chance of alienating him until she had Creigh where she wanted him. “Oh Oscar, I’m so glad you’re here!”

  Oscar gave Melinda a quick kiss before removing himself from her clutches. The truth was that with the new mess Melinda had gotten involved in, he wasn’t feeling very affectionate toward her. In fact, the only reason that he ever dated her was to try to recover his image after his last wife, Tanya, left him for the pool boy. Of course, the only reason he went out with Tanya was to recover his image after Sharon ran off with her trainer. Oscar groaned inwardly and realized that he was too old for this nonsense.

  Creigh ushered Oscar and Melinda inside just as his last guest pulled up the drive. Moments later, he walked back out the front door as a car pulled up the driveway. A petite blonde stepped out and Creigh greeted her, “Cynthia Flynn?”

  Cyn extended her hand and smiled, “That would be me. You must be Creigh.”

  After the pleasantries were exchanged, Creigh informed her, “Oscar just got here and he and Melinda are being shown around by Jessica. Why don’t you follow me? I thought I’d set you up in the guest cottage.”

  Creigh took Cynthia around back to the snug little bungalow behind the pool and suggested that as soon as she settle in, she join them up in the main house to meet the rest of the players. He was more than ready to get this show on the road.

  * * * * *

  Jessica greeted Oscar warmly. Meanwhile, Oscar took one look at Creigh’s sister and was struck by two rather conflicting emotions, raw lust and overall irritation. Jessica was gorgeous but she looked every inch the untouchable lady. As a rule, Oscar kept his distance from women like that. Yet he felt himself weaken when Jessica grasped his hand and welcomed, “Mr. Solomon, we are so honored that you chose to stay with us.” Then with a flirtatious smile, she added, “Imagine, an honest-to -goodness celebrity in our home.”

  Melinda almost swallowed her tongue when she heard that. Barely containing her irritation, she interrupted, “Excuse me, Jessica. I don’t know if you are aware of the fact, but I was nominated for an Academy Award last year.”

  Jessica eyed her coldly, “Did you win?”

  Taken aback, Melinda answered, “No. But it really is an honor to be nominated. It’s an Academy Award after all!”

  Jessica smiled condescendingly at the starlet and concluded, “I’m sure you’ll do better next time. Maybe you should take a class or two though. I hear they can be enormously helpful.” Melinda wanted to rip Jessica’s perfectly sleek hair out of her head.

  Oscar enjoyed the exchange immensely and took the opportunity to assess Jessica closer. She was wearing cream colored Palazzo pants with a matching shell. By itself, it shouldn’t have been a sexy outfit. But with Jessica’s delicate curves filling it out, it rivaled a string bikini in seductive powers. The only hint of color was a five strand turquoise choker that brought out the cat-like greenness of her eyes. Her gorgeous auburn hair caressed her bare shoulders. Oscar realized that understated elegance was to his liking. He was so used to fake boobs, bleached hair, and fake tans that he was hard pressed to resist a real beauty when he saw her.

  Jessica reached out and took Oscar’s hand, “Mr. Solomon, why don’t I show you to your suite.” Before Melinda could
tag along, she added, “Melinda, would you be a dear and turn the oven on to 350 degrees for me? I’d like to make Oscar a little snack after his long flight.” Then she squeezed his hand and added, “He must be starving.” Melinda was fuming mad but she could hardly decline to do as Jessica asked. After all, the bitch was going to cook for Oscar.

  After Melinda stormed away, Jessica said, “Now Oscar, I’m not fully aware of the relationship between you and Melinda so I thought I’d better ask if you’ll be needing one room or two.”

  Oscar flushed and inquired, “What did Melinda say?”

  Jessica answered, “She said one room. But I wanted to give you a chance to weigh in on that decision.”

  Totally shocking himself, Oscar replied, “If you have the spare room Jessica, I would very much like my own bedroom.”

  Not sure why she was so pleased by his answer, Jessica led Oscar to the silver and blue bedroom. The one right next to hers.

  * * * * *

  After taking a quick shower and changing her clothes, Cynthia ventured up the walkway that led to the back of the house. As she entered the French doors off the kitchen, she noticed a very beautiful woman pulling something out of the oven. The woman turned and smiled, “Hello. You must be Cynthia Flynn. I’m Jessica Wentworth.”

  Cynthia found her smile infectious and greeted, “Ah, Lila’s friend from high school.”

  Raising an eyebrow, Jessica answered, “I was less than a friend to her in high school, but I’m definitely one now.” She placed little quiches on a tray and added, “Why don’t you pour yourself a glass of wine. I’ll have these appetizers ready in no time.”

  Cynthia found an open bottle of Fume Blanc and filled a glass, “Well, regardless of what you were fifteen years ago, we’re delighted to have you on board now. Imagine leaving your own home for days in order to pretend that you’re Creigh’s sister.”

  Jessica replied, “Believe me, leaving home was the easy part. Going back is going to be the hard bit.”

  Understanding her meaning, Cyn responded, “It’s like that, huh? Men can be more trouble than they’re worth.”

  Jessica inquired, “Are you married then?”

  “No, but only because of a string of disappointments a mile long.”

  Jessica nodded in understanding, “Good for you for not settling for one of them.”

  Cyn shrugged her shoulders and said, “I guess, although I’d love nothing more than to get married. I have a bad habit of subscribing to every bridal magazine in existence. Then I spend my Sunday afternoons planning the perfect wedding. I already have six different receptions designed right down to the toothpicks.

  Jessica picked up the tray of hors d’oeuvres and said, “Remind me to tell you about my big day. Trust me, you won’t be so anxious to tie the knot after hearing that sad tale.” Leading the way out of the kitchen she added, “Come on, let’s join the others in the library. I assume that you know Oscar and Melinda?”

  “Know of them, certainly, but we’ve never met face to face.”

  Creigh greeted Cyn like she was an old friend, even though they had just met for the first time twenty minutes earlier. After welcoming hugs, he introduced her to Oscar and Melinda. “I’d like you both to meet my dear friend Cynthia. She was in town on business and I asked her to come and stay for a few days.” He gave no other explanation than that.

  Melinda eyed Cynthia, venomously sizing her up to see if she was Creigh’s girlfriend. If that were the case, it would be even harder than ever to seduce him with everyone staying under the same roof, but not impossible. Melinda liked to believe that no man could resist her when she turned her wiles on full throttle.

  Jessica served crab cakes, pot stickers and mini quiches. Oscar complimented her, “You’re a wonderful cook, Jessica.”

  Looking right into his eyes, she exclaimed, “Why thank you, Oscar. I’ll tell the chef at the club that he’s making me look good.” Then leaning over and for his ears only, she added, “I really am quite remarkable at heating things up.”

  Oscar shifted uncomfortably in his chair and mumbled, “You’re not kidding.”

  Jessica had no idea what had gotten into her. She was not a flirt by nature and Oscar Solomon was as far away from her type as you could get. After all, he had to be nearly twenty years older than she was, at least two inches shorter and he was balding. But there was something about him that called to her. It was a quality of goodness that radiated from him, along with a touch of sadness. She smiled when she realized that Oscar and Charles were polar opposites. When she thought of it like that, she was even more attracted to Oscar. She decided that as long as they were staying under the same roof, she was going to enjoy flirting with him. After all, he was there with Melinda and she was still married. It wasn’t like anything could come of it.

  Melinda looked around the room and realized that no one was talking to her. Cyn and Creigh were deep in conversation and Jessica and Oscar were giggling away in the corner. This had never happened to her. She was always the center of attention, especially when there were red-blooded men in the vicinity. Slinking over to Oscar, she rather loudly demanded, “Pooky, come tuck your little Melinda into bed.”

  Aggravated by the interruption, Oscar replied, “I’m still on L.A. time, Melinda. I’m not in the least bit tired. Why don’t you go up to your room and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Melinda was shocked to the core. What was going on here? “What do you mean my room? We’re staying in the same room Oscar.”

  Jessica intervened, “Actually, Melinda, you’re not. Why don’t you run along now, I’m sure you could use your beauty rest.”

  Melinda shot a panicked look at Oscar but he just ignored her. With her dignity in shreds, she decided to leave as quickly as possible. She would deal with this problem when he finally came upstairs.

  Shortly after Melinda left, Jessica and Cynthia excused themselves and cleared the dirty dishes into the kitchen. Oscar commented to Creigh, “That sister of yours sure is something. Is she married?”

  Creigh answered, “Unfortunately.” Jessica told him earlier in the day that her marriage wasn’t a happy one so it would be no problem for her to stay at his house for as long as he needed her. She intimated that her husband spent most nights with his girlfriend anyway. “Charles treats Jessica like garbage. It’s all I can do not to wring his neck.”

  Oscar was disappointed that she wasn’t single and inquired, “Is there a divorce in her future?”

  “If I have anything to say about it there is. I think Jessica’s been so beaten down by Charles that her self worth has taken a real tumble. That’s one of the reasons that she’s here staying with me. I want her to remember how wonderful her life used to be before her useless husband messed it up.” Creigh continued, “In fact Oscar, I know you’re here with Melinda, so I’m not suggesting anything of a romantic nature but if there’s anything you can do to help out I would sure appreciate it.”

  Oscar felt like he had won the lottery. “I would be delighted. Your sister is a very lovely lady.”

  After a brandy and a cigar, Creigh excused himself, citing another engagement.

  Oscar walked into the kitchen in time to see Cynthia and Creigh stroll out through the backdoor toward the guest house. Jessica was doing the dishes and he commented, “Ah, the happy couple is reunited.”

  Jessica laughed, “It’s not like that with Cyn and Creigh. They really are just good friends.”

  Oscar didn’t believe it for a minute. He asked, “Is there anything I can do to help you out?”

  Jessica beamed and tossed him a dish towel. “I’ll wash and you can dry.”

  Oscar had a full household-staff in The Palisades and hadn’t done dishes in well over twenty years. But he was thrilled at the prospect of doing them with Jessica. He had the feeling that he might just enjoy his stay in Bentley.

  Chapter 23

  Lila woke to the feeling that someone was standing over her bed. She opened her eyes to put her fears
to rest and found a huge silhouette looming over her. Opening her mouth to scream, the intruder dropped onto the mattress next to her a put his hand over her mouth. Then crooned in her ear, “Shhh, Lila, It’s just me, Creigh.”

  Torn between relief and outrage, Lila gasped, “What are you doing in my bedroom?” and as an afterthought added, “and at this hour?!” Not that any other hour would have been less outrageous, but according to her alarm clock, it was midnight.

  Creigh whispered, “I just thought it was time that we had a little talk about what’s going on between us.”

  Lila gasped, “There’s nothing going on between us. You nearly mauled me in my kitchen and then you ran straight to Melinda. Believe me, there is no us.”

  Creigh leaned over and teased her earlobe with his tongue and questioned, “Really? Nothing?”

  Lila felt a jolt of pure lust run straight through to her toes. If she hadn’t been lying down, she was pretty sure she would have fallen down when he made his next move. Creigh ran his tongue around the shell of her ear and caressed it with his brandy scented breath. His hands started to roam, sliding up the contour of her legs, past her hips to her stomach.

  Lila thought she might just pass out from the mind shattering pleasure he was inflicting on her. Never in her life had her body thrummed with such intense need. Before she was able to gather her wits, Creigh was on top of her, nudging her thighs open with his knees. He started to kiss a trail down her neck while his hands continued to make their way up to their target. Lila briefly wondered how he had gotten into her bedroom and was about to ask when his thumbs brushed against her nipples causing them to contract in desire. Gasping for breath, she begged, “Oh Creigh, please…”

  Creigh slowly came to his senses and broke off the kiss, “Lila, what are you doing to me? I can’t seem to get within three feet of you without wanting to rip your clothes off.”