Bliss, Inc. (Indigo Love Spectrum)

by Chamein Canton

  She looked at the menu. “Is Tara going with you?”

  “You know better than that.”

  “In other words, no.”

  “Right. Besides, I like spending time with Max by myself. If they had better shopping around Cornell, Tara would come.”

  Paige snickered.

  “So what are you having?”

  Paige looked over the menu, then closed it. “I’m going to have the antipasto and chicken scampi.”

  “Antipasto sounds good. I think I’ll have the same, with the chicken caprese.” He closed the menu.

  “Sorry to keep you folks waiting. May I take your beverage order?”

  “Yes. In fact we’re ready to order lunch,” Joshua said.

  “Very good. Yes, ma’am?”

  “I’ll have a cherry Coke to drink. Then I’d like the antipasto and chicken scampi.”

  “Very nice choice. Sir?”

  “I’ll have the antipasto as well, only I will have the chicken caprese as an entrée.”

  “Very well.” He took their menus. “I’ll be back with your beverage.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, Paige, to what do I owe the pleasure of your asking me to lunch? I don’t think we have to buy any more cars.”

  “No. I asked you here because I wanted to talk to you about something important that affects Max.”

  “I see. Should I brace myself?”

  “That’s up to you.”

  The waiter placed Paige’s drink down. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you.” She took a sip. “I’ll get straight to the point. I’m engaged.” She showed him her ring.

  His eyes widened. “Oh, wow. So Matthew popped the question.”

  “Yes. Max knows already. Matthew talked to him before he asked me to marry him. He wanted to make sure Max was okay with it.”

  “I’m sure he was. He likes Matthew. I like Matthew. Congratulations, Paige.”

  “Thank you.”

  He got up and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m happy for you. So have you set a date?”

  “We just got engaged. I haven’t had time to think about a wedding date for us. I’m too busy with everyone else’s wedding, including the Kleins.”

  “Well, enjoy being engaged. That’s some rock you’ve got on your finger. Can you do me a favor and not show Tara?”

  “I’ll try, Joshua.” She laughed.

  “I know it’s a lot to ask, but you know Tara.”

  “She won’t leave you alone until she gets an upgrade.”

  “Right.”

  “So how about we enjoy lunch and think about ways I can hide my ring finger.”

  Joshua laughed. “You know, Paige, you really are something else, and I mean that in a good way.” He raised his glass. “Here’s to you and your future husband. I wish you many years of happiness together.”

  She lifted her glass and they toasted her engagement.

  * * *

  After lunch Paige worked for a while before she headed home to Matthew. She opened the door to a quiet house.

  “Matthew?” She put her keys and briefcase down. She searched the first floor but there was no sign of him. As she headed upstairs she wondered whether he’d said he was going home today or tomorrow.

  When she opened her bedroom door Paige was pleasantly surprised to see long-stemmed red roses. She heard the sound of running water, but stopped to smell the roses before entering the bathroom, where Matthew was waiting.

  “Hello, my love.”

  “Hello. Is all of this for me?” There were lit candles placed around the room.

  “I figured after a busy day at work a nice hot bath was in order.”

  Paige melted inside. “You’re so sweet.”

  “Anything for my bride-to-be.”

  Paige got choked up. She was his bride-to-be.

  Matthew looked concerned. “Are you okay, honey?”

  Paige took a breath to compose herself. “It just hit me. I’m a bride-to-be.”

  “You’re my beautiful bride-to-be. Now let’s get you into this bath.”

  Matthew took Paige’s clothes off piece by piece. Then he helped her into the tub. The instant she felt the water she relaxed. “This feels good.”

  “Now you just relax and enjoy.”

  “Aren’t you joining me? This is a bathtub for two.” She lifted and flexed her leg.

  “I’m tempted, but this bath is just for you.” He got up and closed the door.

  Paige lay back and closed her eyes.

  Suddenly the door opened.

  “Matthew!”

  Clothes on, Matthew jumped in the tub. “I couldn’t resist.” He kissed her. “I love you.”

  Paige laughed. “I love you, too, but you’re one crazy man.”

  * * *

  Towel draped over his head, Matthew waltzed into the bedroom and then flopped on the bed next to Paige.

  “Did you put your clothes in the dryer?”

  “Yes, they’re spinning as we speak.” He kissed her. “So, baby, how was your day?”

  “It was a good day. The news of our engagement was more than well received, they were ecstatic. My staff can’t wait to plan the wedding.”

  “Weddings are their specialty.”

  “True, but we haven’t set a date yet, so there’s no need to go nuts for now.”

  “So when do you think we’ll be able to set a date?”

  Paige looked at him to see if he was serious. He was. “Soon.”

  “After Jennifer and Michael’s wedding?”

  “Yes.”

  He leaned on his arm. “So how did your lunch with Joshua go?”

  “It was fine. I told him we’re engaged and he was genuinely happy for us.”

  “Joshua seems like a good guy.”

  “He’s Max’s father, so we’ll always have a connection as parents…” Paige’s voice trailed off.

  “What’s bothering you, sweetheart?”

  “I’m still worried about telling the Kleins.”

  “They will be fine. I’m telling you.”

  “I know you’re right, but until I hear it from them I’m nervous.”

  “You’re worrying over nothing, and I can see that I have to do something to distract you.” He hovered over her.

  “Is that right?”

  “Oh, yes. No matter how long it takes.”

  “Really?”

  “I’m up for the challenge.”

  “I know you’re really up for the challenge,” she said suggestively.

  “Glad you finally noticed.”

  * * *

  Even though Matthew had done a great job of keeping her distracted the night before, it was hard for Paige not to imagine the worst as she sat in the waiting room of the Kleins’ office. She felt as if she were waiting to see the principal. Paige busied herself by straightening papers in her briefcase.

  “Paige, can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, or bottled water?” The receptionist asked.

  “I’m good, Libby. If I have any more liquids I’m liable to float away.”

  Libby laughed. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  A couple of minutes later Samantha walked out. “Hey, Paige, sorry to keep you waiting. It’s been nuts here this morning.”

  Paige got up. “That’s all right. I understand how it is.”

  “Thanks. Come on back. They’re expecting you.”

  Paige followed Samantha down the hall, which suddenly seemed much longer. Samantha knocked once and opened the door. “Here she is. Good to see you, Paige.”

  “Thanks, Samantha.” Paige entered the office. “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Klein. How are you?”

  “We’re good, Paige. How are you?”

  “Great, Mr. Klein.”

  “Have a seat, Paige.” Mrs. Klein turned to her husband. “This feels very déjà vu, doesn’t it?”

  “I’ve been keeping up with the wedding preparations, Paige. You run a tight s
hip.”

  “I try, Mr. Klein.”

  “So what brings you here today, Paige?” Mrs. Klein asked.

  “I came here to talk about Jennifer’s shower, but first I need to tell you about something.”

  “Are you referring to your engagement to Matthew Smythe?” Mr. Klein asked.

  Paige was taken aback. “Yes, but how did you know?”

  “The Smythes told us. They were rather happy to share the news. They thought Matthew was a lost cause,” Mrs. Klein laughed.

  “I thought I would have to explain.”

  “What’s to explain? Isabelle and I knew there was something between you at the Platinum Ball.”

  “You did?”

  “It was obvious when you danced together.” Mrs. Klein rubbed her husband’s hand.

  “I didn’t want you to think I’d drop the ball on Jennifer.”

  “We never thought that for a minute,” Mrs. Klein reassured her. “But we have one question for you.”

  Paige braced herself.

  “When are you going to let us see the ring?” she asked, smiling.

  A relieved Paige put her hand out.

  “It’s beautiful, Paige.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Klein.”

  “He’s got good taste in rings and women, like his brother,” Mr. Klein said.

  They laughed.

  “I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”

  “We’re happy for you, Paige. We wouldn’t begrudge your happiness.”

  “Thank you both.” She paused to retrieve a folder from her briefcase. “Now I want to talk about Jennifer’s bridal shower. I’ve found the perfect place for a bridal high tea. I also have a sample invitation for you.”

  An hour later Paige left the Kleins’ office. Her cell phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “How did it go, baby?”

  “It went well, just like you said it would.”

  “See, you had nothing to worry about. But I have to say I enjoyed keeping you distracted.”

  Paige grinned as she stepped onto the elevator. “I enjoyed it, too.”

  “Hiram and Isabelle are good people.”

  “The salt of the earth,” Paige said as she stepped out of the elevator.

  “You know, I love the way your hair bounces when you wear it loose like that.”

  Paige stopped. “What did you say?”

  “I said I love the way your hair bounces when you wear it unpinned.” Matthew tapped her shoulder.

  Startled, she turned around. “Matthew!”

  “I thought I would surprise you.”

  She kissed him. “This is a very pleasant surprise.”

  He took her hand in his. “School starts in a little over a week. I want to spend more time with you before both of us have zany schedules.”

  “You’re right. Once school starts in September it’s all downhill to the holidays and your brother’s wedding.”

  He pulled her close to him. “How about we head uptown to my place?”

  “That’s tempting, but I have appointments today.”

  “No, you don’t. I called the office and your wonderful staff said they’d be happy to cover for you.”

  “You think of everything, don’t you?”

  “I do my best.”

  Paige grabbed a few things and she and Matthew hopped into his car to head back to Harlem.

  * * *

  A clothed Paige lay stretched across the bed at Matthew’s place. She was joined by Prudence.

  Paige sat up. “Hello there, Miss Prudence.”

  The cat climbed into her lap and turned onto her back.

  “You like tummy rubs, don’t you?” Paige obliged the cat, who purred away.

  Matthew walked in with Mrs. Hall. “Look who’s here, Paige.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Hall. How are you?”

  “Hi, Paige. Not a good as Prudence.”

  The cat hadn’t moved a muscle. “She does seem to be quite content,” Matthew said.

  “Well, she knows a good thing when she finds it, just like you. I hear congratulations are in order.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Hall.”

  “You know, I told this one he would find the right woman.”

  “Yes, you did, Mrs. Hall.”

  Paige tried to get up, but Prudence was far too comfortable to let her.

  “Miss Prudence, come over here,” Mrs. Hall said firmly, and the cat obeyed.

  Paige went over and hugged her.

  “Listen, child, I didn’t come up here to take up your time. You two enjoy the afternoon alone.” Mrs. Hall smiled.

  “I’ll go with you downstairs.” Matthew turned to Paige. “I’ll be back.”

  “Take your time. Have a good day, Mrs. Hall. We’ll have a little coffee chat soon.”

  Mrs. Hall turned around. “I’d like that.”

  Paige lay back down on the bed. Ten minutes later Matthew joined her.

  “I love Mrs. Hall. She’s so cute.”

  “Isn’t she? I hired a couple to keep an eye on her when I’m not here.”

  “Oh, good.”

  “Even though I have a state-of-the-art security system, it feels better knowing someone is looking in on her.”

  She kissed him.

  “What was that for?”

  “You’re just so sweet. I love it.”

  “I hope you keep that feeling.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “You might feel differently when I tell you about this command performance.”

  She was puzzled. “What command performance?”

  He took a breath. “My parents want us to attend the country club’s Labor Day Amateur Golf Tournament in Greenwich.”

  “Why would I have a problem with a golf tournament?”

  “It’s a nosebleed event.”

  “A nosebleed event?”

  “These people hold their noses so high up in the air to look down on everyone else they get nosebleeds.”

  She laughed. “So why did you agree to go?”

  “My father needs a partner for the tournament. Mr. Klein has been paired with Michael.”

  She thought about it. “It sounds nice. I don’t have to play, do I?”

  “There is a women’s tournament if you’re interested. I think my mother is playing, but that’s not until next weekend.”

  “I don’t know how to play golf.”

  “You don’t?”

  “No. My father got into it after Siobhan and I were grown. He plays every Friday morning.”

  “Then I have to teach you.”

  “Or I could take lessons with a golf pro.”

  “No. Most of the pros are men, and I don’t them to get too close.”

  She giggled. “It’s not like I’d be in a bathing suit.”

  “Still, I don’t want them showing you how to hold the club or helping you with your swing.”

  Paige laughed.

  “You have no idea how sexy you are, do you?”

  “I know I look good. I never really think of myself as sexy.”

  “That’s what makes you even sexier,” he said as he pulled her sleeve down.

  “It does?”

  “It definitely does.” He kissed her bare shoulder.

  Matthew took her shirt off and then unhooked her bra. Paige lay on her stomach as he planted kisses all over her back. He gently lifted her hair up and kissed the nape of her neck. Paige’s body quivered under his touch. Matthew took his shirt off and threw it on the floor. Paige turned over onto her back and he traced the outline of her curves with his fingers. He felt a shiver run down his spine as she ran her hands over his chest. The rest of their clothes joined his shirt on the floor.

  Caught up in the rapture of their lovemaking their bodies moved as one in sheer rhythmic ecstasy until a nearly indescribable orgasm pulsed through their bodies.

  Later as Paige lay across a sleeping Matthew’s chest, she looked out the window into the clear night sky. The moon shone like a pearl. Dear
God let me get through this golf tournament I just don’t want to embarrass Matthew or his family.

  * * *

  With the days of summer dwindling and with Labor Day just around the corner, Matthew decided to have lunch with his brother and father. Once again he made a trip to their offices downtown. Just as he walked in the lobby he noticed Alistair Cromwell, an old schoolmate of his from prep school and college. Matthew dreaded the thought of having a conversation with him. Alistair was one of those guys who was in love with the sound of his own name and fancied himself as some sort of royal cousin, thirty-three times removed.

  “Matthew!” He waved.

  “Hey, Alistair.”

  They shook hands.

  “So what brings you here, Matthew? I thought you were a teacher.”

  “I’m still a teacher. I’m just here to have lunch with my dad and Michael.”

  “Oh yes, the media titans.”

  Matthew kept walking toward the elevator. “So how have you been, Alistair?”

  “I can’t complain. I’m still playing the numbers game.”

  “Well you look great, it must agree with you. How’s your wife?”

  “We just got divorced a few months back.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Thanks. It was for the best, though. She really had no respect for money.”

  Matthew was a little uncomfortable since he and several others tried to warn him about the gold-digging Selena. Even though she still had the right pedigree, her stepfather had squandered the family fortune long ago.

  “Well, you’re moving on.”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “You know I’m really glad I ran into you. I wanted to talk to you.”

  Matthew looked puzzled as he pressed the elevator button. “Sure.”

  “First of all, I heard that you’re engaged. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” They shook hands.

  The elevator door opened and they stepped in. “I also heard that your fiancée is African American.”

  Matthew began to get angry. “Yes. Is there a problem?”

  “No. It’s just that there’s this new woman in my building and she’s very attractive. I wanted to ask her out for coffee, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it.”

  Matthew pressed the floor button. “Pardon me?”

  “She’s African American, and I wanted to know if there’s anything I should do different.”

  Matthew couldn’t believe his ears, but he could see that Alistair was sincere. “There isn’t anything you should do different because she’s black. All you have to do is treat her with respect and take some time to get to know her. That’s the best I can tell you to do.”