I smiled and answered him, “Good. Then I’m not alone.” My voice broke then, and I shut my eyes and said almost prayerfully “Don’t wake me up – just make me realize I’m not dreaming.” I whispered, “You have to show me…. ‘cause I’m a hands-on kind of girl.” I touched his cheek with my hand. Then I dropped all my defenses at once. If he was going to break my heart, then it was really going to be broken. “I am so in love with you, too.”
He grabbed me then, placing both hands around my face so his fingertips slid into my hairline at my temples, around to the back of my head, and drew me in to his kiss. My mouth opened under his, and he kissed me again, this time, forcefully, like taking in big gulps of air, and twining his fingers into a fierce grip in my hair. I liked the feeling…as if he didn’t want to let me go. His lips traced a line from the corner of my mouth, down my neck, placing kisses along my collarbone. I bent my head over his and placed my lips in his hair.
I couldn’t get enough of the moment. The entire world stood still as he held me under that tree. A tornado could have ripped through campus, and I wouldn’t have noticed.
I finally drifted back to reality. My breath blew into his dark, tousled mane as I spoke. “I have a one-thirty lab. I can’t be late.”
He moaned, then straightened, stood up, and offered his hand to me.
“Okay, then promise me a real date tonight. No work on the house, no research. There is a restaurant by the river at the edge of campus…real Cajun food with loads of atmosphere. I want to take you there, our first date.”
I let him pull me up from the ground into his embrace. I had to lean my head all the way back to look up at him this closely. For the first time in my life, I suddenly had a really smart comeback. Maybe the realization he felt the same way I did gave me some self-confidence.
I smiled at him and said, “We have a problem, then. Because I would never, ever make love to someone after just one date. Better lie to me, and tell me this is technically our fourth or fifth date. I don’t want to wreck my good girl image.”
As his eyes widened in surprise at my assertiveness, I turned, and walked back down the hill to my parked car. I resisted the urge to make a fist, drag my elbow into my body and yell “Yessss!” Instead, I got into the car, put my keys in the ignition, and then suddenly felt so weak I had to put my head on the steering wheel.
Chapter Thirteen
At 3:45, I hit Everett’s shop door at a dead run. Excitement was radiating out of every pore of my body.
“Land O’Goshen, Darlin’, what’s got into you? You’re grinnin’ like a lovesick calf.” Everett came out from the back of the store with two glasses of wine, and handed me one.
“Well, that’s some analogy,” I laughed.
“I got the impression on the phone something was wrong, but it doesn’t seem like it now!”
“Oh, where do I begin?” I threw the glass of wine down in one big gulp. “First, I have to have a new killer, knock – him dead gorgeous outfit. I have my first date with Banton! And the way he kissed me this afternoon, I definitely want to keep the fires blazing, so it has to be hot. Second, we are going on a weekend excursion to New Orleans, and I have to have a couple of things for that trip, too. He’s taking me to meet his family. Since he’s seen my ugly nightgown after he slept in my room Saturday night, you have to find me something sexier to sleep in this weekend. You have to design something concealing for my bathroom window now, because some creep with dreadlocks watched me bathe Saturday night and tried to break in on me, and Banton broke the door off the hinges, so now that is torn up, too.” I rushed on, “Also, I need you to come to the house and help me when the boys are away, because I’ve found something strange in the greenhouse where John found all the blood, but we have to be careful out there because Beau was bitten by two coral snakes hiding in the bushes…”
“Whoa, slow down ma petite Bebe, you lost me at ‘after he slept in my room Saturday night,’” he responded with the most incredulous look. “I have been away from you kids exactly ninety-six hours, and all hell has broken loose! Wait, am I going to get to plan the wedding of our dreams?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.
“Slow down, Darlin’, not that fast,” I giggled.
“Okay, start again from the beginning, while I pick some more things out for you to try on. Go back and start with what I’ve already pulled in the dressing room, all right?” He continued, “And tell me first, is Beau all right? Because I really love that big mutt.”
One hour later, I hugged his neck at the door, and gave him a big kiss and a promise to call him when I got home from my big date. The back seat of my car was piled with things he insisted I take for my weekend, and we would settle up later. I hurried home, because I wanted to beat Banton there, and take some extra time in the bath. I was so excited I could hardly stay seated in traffic.
John pulled up in the driveway just as I was unloading the car. He ran over and grabbed an armload of boxes and bags. “Wow, is there anything left in the store?” he asked.
I laughed, “I think Everett made sure I have one of everything.”
“You know Ev is kind of hoping you and Banton are hooking up, don’t you?”
Surprised, I looked at him as we entered the house. “What are you talking about?” I wanted to be careful, because I didn’t know how much Banton had told John, or how John would feel about our being involved.
“I’m talking about the way you two can’t keep your hands off each other, the way Banton can’t seem to stay out of your room, the way he checks on you every hour all night long, the way you look at him when he’s not looking.”
“Is it that obvious? Are you mad?” I asked. I felt like a thirteen year old in junior high with my questions.
“Oh, come on, Andie! I think it’s great. How could I be mad? I love both you guys. And if it can’t be me, then I guess my best friend is the next best thing! You know, Everett and I have been making bets for weeks on how long you two would drag this out before you finally got together. I’ve got to call him – I’m five hundred bucks richer!”
“I cannot believe you guys bet on this!” I died laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Banton came through the front door and flashed me his dimple. My world lit up brighter than it already was.
“The two of you,” John answered him. “Everett and I figured out a long time ago you two would end up together. My guess was just better than his. He’ll learn not to mess with the master.” John laughed as he carried my boxes upstairs.
I turned back to Banton, and he was already close enough to me I was against his body. He leaned in, and closed his lips over mine, tasting again.
He pulled back and announced, “Get ready, Darlin’, because I’m ready to take you out on the town!”
“Be ready in about forty-five minutes. Is that okay?”
He sighed as if he didn’t want to let go. “I guess it will have to be.”
When I went into the bathroom, I got quite a shock. While I was gone that afternoon, someone had replaced the window in the bathroom with thick, glass bricks. The bottle-like glass let the light shine through, but blurred any view through them. They were beautiful. The door had been replaced with a new, beautiful French-style wooden door. It had Everett written all over it. He’d already picked the items out for John, never acting like he already knew about all of this when I was telling him the whole story this afternoon. Wait till I get him on the phone tonight, I plotted.
When I took a final look in the mirror in my room, I thought, I might pull this off, thanks to Everett. He had me in the most gorgeous almost see-through white chiffon sundress, made with a halter top, flowing into an empire waistline down to the short hemline about four inches above my knees. A quick dose of spray tan, and I had darkened my legs close to the shade they were at the end of the summer. I wore a pair of gladiator sandals in a metallic gold that made my feet look almost dainty. I wound a spiral gold bracelet around my wrist and up my forearm, and put my mother
’s diamond cocktail ring on my right hand. I didn’t usually wear gold, but it definitely went with the outfit.
More time than usual was spent on my makeup, and charcoal liner and mascara were the finishing touches to bring my eyes out. I’d rolled my hair on hot rollers, something I never took the time to do any more, and my hair spiraled down my back in soft waves. I could never achieve the wow factor Constance always received when she went out. Oh, well. I took a deep breath as I opened the bedroom door. Banton was standing at the foot of the stairs.
“Wow,” Banton uttered as I came down the staircase.
That was the reaction I was hoping for. It definitely gave my courage a boost. He looked gorgeous in a pale yellow linen shirt which glowed against his dark tanned skin and black hair, and his usual Polo khakis. He helped me on with the short gold jacket I had draped over my arm, and then placed his hand at the small of my back like he’d done the other day. My pulse raced.
“Bye kids, have fun!” John came down the hallway with a bag of microwave popcorn and a beer.
“We will!” Banton called over his shoulder as he grinned at me.
* * *
Banton slipped the waiter some money, and he took us to a table in an intimate corner near the patio where the music wafted in with the night breeze. He helped me off with my jacket and draped it over the back of my chair. The waiter brought our drinks to the table and took our order. I had no idea what I ordered; I was so wrapped up in Banton. Banton seemed in high spirits too, and when the waiter left, he leaned over and kissed me. After several moments of lingering near my lips, he pulled back and smiled at me.
“You are absolutely gorgeous tonight. Every man in the place is looking at you.” I blushed, suddenly self-conscious, and I took a big sip of wine to steady my nerves.
The music slowed outside, and changed from a Cajun beat to a slow country song, one of my favorites. I smiled as I fidgeted with my mother’s ring.
“Would you like to dance, Chandler?” he asked softly.
“Yes I would.” I’m in heaven.
He took my hand and led me through the doors out on to the patio and onto the dance floor.
I fit into his arms perfectly. He put one arm around my waist, and the other around my back. His thumb traced a pattern on my bare skin where the dress dipped down to my hips, leaving my back uncovered. I shivered, and he held me closer. Swaying to the music, I leaned my head into his chest while he rested his head on top of mine. I could feel his breath and his lips in my hair. I sighed. It just doesn’t get any better than this. If I die tonight, I thought, my life is complete. I am so in love with him.
I pulled away to look up at him. He gazed down into my eyes; his were so warm they seemed to melt me. As the song ended, he leaned down and kissed me forcefully this time. It was the best kiss I’d had – ever. Even better than the one this afternoon under the tree. I swayed a little, unbalanced.
“Whoa, are you okay?” he asked me, smiling.
He knew he had me off balance, cocky male model.
“Oh, yeah. Perfect. You are going to have to quit doing that, you know, or you are going to be picking me up off the ground a lot,” I quipped, gaining control of my balance.
“Do what?” he asked innocently.
“Oh, the ‘I’ll kiss her until she passes out cold’ thing. You know perfectly well what I mean.”
He laughed as he guided me back to the table. “Well, I can’t quit. Sorry. When I’m around you, I have absolutely no control. I think I’ve proven that a couple of times lately.”
We ate the spiciest seafood I’d ever tasted, with delicate wine sauces, and a rich chocolate cake for dessert. Then we topped it off with another glass of wine. With the three glasses I’d had at Everett’s shop, the two before dinner, one with dinner, and one after dinner, I was almost at the same warmth level as the night at the club. Except, this time I was with Banton, and the world was perfect.
We walked to the pickup, hands intertwined, and he opened the passenger door for me. As I watched him, he ran around to his door and got in. Leaning over, he put his arms around me and slid me over to his side of the truck, our thighs touching on the seat. He ran his hands up my ribcage, intimately resting his thumbs along the edge of my underarms as he drew me into his arms. His lips found mine again for the fifth time today, and he had a hunger in his kiss that almost frightened me. His kiss was so sensual, he gently flicked the tip of his tongue, coaxing mine to play. I moaned, and tightened my arms around his back. I relaxed, and timidly chased his tongue with mine. My whole body melted against him. No one had ever held me like Banton did, both of his hands cradling my head as he devoured my lips. I felt…cherished. Finally, he broke free and sighed.
“We need to get you home. You have school in the morning, and I have a 9:30 class to teach.”
I leaned my head over on his shoulder. “MMMMMM,” was all I answered.
“Andie, there is something I want to ask you about your date tomorrow night.”
I had totally forgotten about my date with Jamie. My eyes snapped open, and I looked at him.
“Don’t go. Make up some excuse. I can’t stand the thought of you going out with someone else, I don’t care if he is just a friend. This is all so new – I want to keep you to myself for a while, anyway.”
I stammered, “I would, but I don’t have his cell number. I don’t know how to get in touch with him. Besides, he is just taking me to a fraternity thing. He’s a nice guy, Banton. I promise. He’s a friend of Constance and her brothers and he would never…I mean, if I think he’s wanting to be more than a friend, I’ll let him know I’m kind of dating someone.”
His eyes narrowed. “Kind of dating someone? Chandler Ann, that doesn’t even begin to describe us.” My heart skipped a beat…I loved it when he called me by both names. It was so serious.
He started the truck and we drove home in silence. He held my hand. His hand was warm, and his touch seemed to send electricity thrumming up my arm, straight to my heart. I squeezed his hand, and he lifted mine, curling our clasped hands to kiss the back of mine. I almost felt frightened – of loving someone, of finally being in this relationship I had dreamed about – that something might happen to end it.
We pulled up in the driveway too soon. I didn’t want the date to end. Besides, I’d made him sort of a proposition this afternoon, hadn’t I? I wondered if he’d forgotten what I’d said about making this technically our fourth or fifth date. How did this work? We already live together. Did the date end when we entered the house? I began to get really nervous.
He opened the door, and turned to help me from the pickup. He held my hand back to the house, ascending the porch steps in silence. Pausing at the front door, he pulled me in close. “I don’t want the date to end,” he whispered in my ear.
“Me either,” I sighed as his lips found mine again. I lost all train of thought when he kissed me. I melted into his chest, desperately wanting him to put his hands on me.
He pulled away first, and I opened my eyes. “Chandler, you made me absolutely crazy this afternoon with your parting comment under the oak tree.” He seemed to be reading my mind. “But I want you to understand something. I am in love with you… I’ve never been in love before. I want this to be different – I want things to be perfect between us. So I want us to take things slow and easy, okay?”
“Okay…I…I understand.”
“I feel like…well, I’m worried about you,” he said seriously.
“Why?” I asked. “Don’t worry about me. I’m the happiest I’ve been in my life.” I smiled at him.
“You only lost your parents six months ago. I know it’s been a roller coaster ride for your emotions since you’ve been here, and I don’t want to rush you. I want you to be sure all of this is what you want.”
“Believe me, I know what I want.” I stood on my tiptoes, and kissed him again before we went into the house. At the foot of the staircase, he squeezed my hand knowingly, then released it as I relucta
ntly mounted the stairs.
After I went up to my room, I sat cross-legged on the bed and dialed Everett’s number on my cell phone. He picked up on the first half- ring. “Spill, sweet Bebe. I want every juicy detail!”
“First of all, why didn’t you tell me you already knew about the bathroom incident?” I demanded jokingly.
“What?” he asked in an innocent voice.
“Don’t give me that! Those glass bricks and beautiful door had Everett Lee Samuels written all over them!”
He laughed, “I just wanted you to tell the story – John leaves out too many good details. He called me Sunday morning after the incident, and asked me to come and help him fix everything this week– he was so worried about you, sweet cowboy he is.”
“And I can’t believe you two bet on us getting together! What time frame did you give us?”
“I figured Banton-babe was just protective enough of you to play the stubborn I’m so much older and more mature card for another month or two, at least. His cave-in today cost me five hundred dollars! It was so worth it, though! I take it the date went well? Did you knock him dead with that sweet little dress?”
“I think his exact words were, “Wow.”
“Just what we wanted. So how is this going to work? Is the date over? Where are you now?”
“You sound like Laurilee after the eighth grade dance! The date’s over, and I’m in my room getting ready for bed.”
“Well, it’s going to be interesting to see how long it will be before we knock a hole in the wall between your rooms, isn’t it?”
Southern Comfort_Chandler's Story Page 12