by Loy Holder
“Then it’s settled. I have an empty office, and I’ll put your name on it. You’ll have your own desk and phone, and when you get here, I’ll give you some leads to get you started.”
“OK, August first then. Confirmed!” Liz said. It was a gamble, but she was confident she would make it work.
“Good. You want to come by the office today and pick up my book?”
“Sure. I’ll round up the kids and be there in a short while.”
By the time she got home from Charlie’s office, she didn’t have time to open the book. However, the next morning after breakfast, she sat at the kitchen table and thumbed through several chapters. She was encouraged to find the text easy to follow. Damn. I could actually learn this stuff. The sound of her kids squabbling near the front porch, broke her concentration, and she glanced at the clock. It was almost noon. She hurried to the door and shouted through the screen, “Quit your fighting, and come in for lunch, you two.”
At the Jet that evening, missing Bill made her edgy. He finally called around midnight. She said, “The Jet. Liz speaking.”
“Hello, pretty lady.”
His deep, silky voice made her toes curl. “Ah, it’s you. How’re things going?”
“The funeral’s behind me, and I’m missing you. So how’d the sentencing go?”
“Ron got eight and a half years in Folsom.”
“Good.” Then he paused, and Liz heard his breath catch. “Liz, let me fly you to Las Vegas in my plane on Saturday. I’ll pick you up at your house at seven, and we’ll head to the airport. The waiting is over. Are you ready for me?”
Liz took a deep breath. His invitation sent her libido into high gear, and all she could manage was, “Yes, I’m ready.”
“Fantastic.” he sighed. His next words came fast. “I probably won’t have time to call you before Saturday. I gotta run. Don’t worry. I’ll be there, and I’ll fly you home Monday but not too early.” Then he was gone, and she shivered with anticipation.
What have I done? Liz shook her head and shrugged off the guilt. I’ll only be away from the children two more hours, and I’ll start studying Monday. I need this weekend, and by the end of July, I’ll have plenty of time with my children.
Friday morning, she dressed early and ran over to get Ronnie and Regina with amazing energy. Josie answered the door, “Come in. Good grief, look at you, all rosy and smiling. You’re early. Need a cup of coffee?”
“That’d be great. I have stuff to tell you.”
“OK. Sit down at the table. I’ll get the coffee. Frank went to the store, so it’s a perfect time for girl talk.”
Grinning, Josie set two cups of coffee on the table and sat across from Liz. “What’s up?”
“I’ve been seeing someone while I’ve been in Las Vegas.”
Smiling like a mischievous elf, Josie said, “Soo?”
Liz told Josie the whole story about Bill, that his wife had died, and slowly worked up to her early Saturday rendezvous. “He wants me to fly early Saturday with him to Vegas in his plane so we’ll have more time together. I want to, but it means I wouldn’t see the children from Friday afternoon until Monday around noon. Can you watch the kids the extra time? I’ll pay you.”
Josie chuckled. “Sure, no problem, but are you in heat or in love?”
“I’m not sure what it is, Josie, but I want to find out. The other thing is that by the end of July, I’m going to quit dancing altogether.” Liz told Josie about her plan to study real estate, and go to work for Charlie.
Josie sipped her coffee and adjusted her glasses. “So will you need me to watch the kids while you study?”
“I don’t think so. I’ll see how it goes, but I was going to ask you to watch them in July while I’m attending the classes. Will you do that?”
“Sure, and if you need me during the day, just let me know.”
“OK, there’s more. By the end of August, Regina will start nursery school, and Ronnie will be in kindergarten. So I’ll only need you to watch them after school. Is that going to be a problem?”
Josie shook her head and interrupted Liz with a face-splitting grin. “Boy, you’re sure full of news this morning. Don’t worry about my hours. By the time I get through June and July, I’ll need a rest. We’ll work it out. One question, have you told either boss about your plans yet?”
“Not yet. I’ll tell Bud at the Stardust this weekend, and I’ll call Lucille Monday.”
“Hope they won’t be upset with you.”
“Nah, they’re both itching to hire topless dancers. It’s the new thing now.”
Just then, Ronnie and Regina wandered into the kitchen in their pajamas. Liz leaned over to give each child a kiss and a warm hug, and said, “Grab your stuff, kids, and let’s go home for breakfast.” While the children were getting their things, she gave Josie a tearful look, and murmured, “You are so good to me.”
Liz herded the children out the front door and looked back at Josie. Josie winked and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll be here when you need me.”
After breakfast, the kids went to play with the neighbor children, and as Liz cleared off the table, her eyes fell on the wall clock. Her Saturday with Bill was only hours away, but it seemed like time was standing still.
She was grateful for the Friday night crowd at the Jet and that she was busy. Finally, at two in the morning, she sped home and set her alarm for the ungodly hour of five thirty. It would give her time to work a miracle with her appearance. When her head hit the pillow, she tried to picture what kind of a lover Bill would be, but all she had to go on was how he’d kissed and touched her. Her skin tingled with anticipation as she drifted into sleep.
* * *
Chapter thirty-seven
The alarm rang at five thirty Saturday morning, and Liz woke full of energy. She took a cup of coffee into the bathroom and checked her reflection in the mirror. Oh yes, I’m ready for him.
At seven, Bill knocked. Ah, he’s right on time. Liz threw on a light jacket over her thin, white T-shirt and opened the door. “Come in. I just need to grab my things.”
“Good. I’ll wait here,” he said, and Liz thought her grin likely matched his.
She heard Bill say, “It’s a beautiful morning by the way. Great flying weather.”
“Yes, it is.” She wheeled her suitcase into the living room, her purse strapped over her shoulder. She still wore a huge grin and pointed at the suitcase. “OK, this is it.”
Bill loaded her luggage into his car, and they were off to the airport. “Tell me about the funeral and how your boys are doing,” Liz said.
His face turned somber as he said, “The service was beautiful. You’d never know that Joyce had any pain by the way she was doctored up in that casket. She looked rested and at peace. I’m glad her suffering is over.” Bill stopped talking to make a left turn.
“And your boys?”
“Yeah, the boys shed a lot of tears. My in-laws invited them to go to Hawaii with them for the summer. They begged me to go, so I checked it out with their doc. He said it might do them some good, so they left early this morning for the San Francisco Airport with my in-laws.”
“Have they been there before?”
“Yes. They love it, especially the surfing and fishing with Grandpa in his boat.”
In the comfortable silence that followed, Liz gazed out the window. A sense of peace chased away any residual tension she’d felt the past few days. At the Sacramento Executive Airport, Bill parked adjacent to where several small planes roosted like regal white birds with candy-striped bodies and black-and-white checkered tails. Bill grinned and pointed to one. “That’s my baby over there. She’s a Cessna one fifty, built in nineteen sixty-seven. Come on; I’ll show you.”
They approached the plane, and Bill’s eyes lit up. He loaded their luggage into the small cargo hold and then helped Liz into the cockpit. She felt apprehensive as she settled into the seat and pointed at the instrument panel. “Do you actually know what to do with al
l that?”
“Relax, Liz. I’ll talk you through it.” Bill prepared for takeoff and explained each step. Once they were in the air, Liz relaxed. The engine was loud, so conversation was impossible. From runway to runway, the flight took almost three hours.
Her stomach dropped as the land rushed toward them during the landing, and she gripped her hands together until they hurt. The landing was smooth. When Bill finally taxied to a stop, Liz noticed how quiet it was when he shut down the engine. “Whew, good job. You really do know what you’re doing.”
“Thank you, pretty lady. I usually do. Now, let me help you out of the plane.”
It was several blocks to the car-rental office, and Liz became warm from the Las Vegas sun beating down. She slipped off her jacket and saw Bill’s lustful stare at her breasts swaying freely beneath her thin, white T-shirt. She gave him a sultry look. “I’m hot.”
He smirked at her and murmured, “Yes, you are.”
While Bill went inside the car-rental office, Liz ducked into an adjacent store. She bought two Cokes and handed one to Bill as they walked to their car. They were both thirsty and their Cokes disappeared before they got to the hotel. They were alone in the hotel elevator, and Liz ached to touch Bill, but she waited. It was a short ride to the third floor.
“Can I have the key, pretty lady?” Liz giggled and handed it to him. Bill set the luggage inside and then lifted her with ease across the threshold, set her on her feet in front of him, and closed the door.
He gave her a steamy look, and his hand brushed across a nipple as he pulled the barrette from her hair. Her curls spilled over one cheek. Bill stepped back and whispered, “There, that’s better. Do you need to use the bathroom, or can I have you now?”
Liz was a pro at sexy pouts and gave him one of her best. “I need the bathroom first. I’ll be quick.”
“Take your time, but don’t undress.”
Her heart skipped a beat as she walked into the bathroom. Her cheeks were burning, and her libido shifted into high gear. She chuckled. Wow! He means business. Time to give it up. She used the toilet, washed her hands, and entered the bedroom.
Bill stood beside the bed waiting for her. He was naked and aroused as he motioned to her. His voice was tender and low. “I’ve waited a long time for this moment. Slip off your shoes and come here.” Barefoot, her pulse pounded, and she went to him, spellbound by his electric gaze as his hands reached for the hem of her shirt.
Liz moaned and raised her arms as he dropped her shirt behind him on a nearby chair. His fingers caressed her breasts and squeezed her hardened nipples, creating a tremor between her legs. She moaned again, and he knelt to kiss her bare stomach while inching down the zipper on her jeans.
He sighed, and his naughty grin made her weak. “Ah, you’re not wearing panties.” He slid her jeans down around her feet and ran a teasing finger through her pubic hair.
She felt him enter her with his finger, and her knees buckled. She ran her hands through his hair and whispered, “Bill, I want you, now!”
He stood, and she reached for his swollen member. He laughed and grabbed her hand. “Ah, not yet. Lie down on the bed so I can get acquainted with your magnificent body.”
She sprawled across the king-sized bed and moved her hips, teasing him as he stared at her.
Bill knelt on the bed and then lay down on his side next to her. He suppressed the sway of her hips with his hand, and she heard his breath catch. “I want to know every inch of your beautiful body. Be still and let me pleasure you while I explore. Will you do that?”
Liz stretched her arms out on the mattress, palms up, her cheeks flushed as she purred, “Explore anywhere you wish.” There was only Bill, his touch, his spicy scent, his hungry gaze. His eyes caressed her while his hands began their magic.
His fingers combed through her curls, and he leaned in to inhale. “Ah, your hair smells like jasmine.” She sighed from the pure pleasure of his heated focus on her as his finger traced a slow line from her forehead and down her nose. He kissed her cheeks, her ear, and nuzzled her neck, sending chills down her spine. His hand covered one breast and then the other, massaging and squeezing her alert nipples until she arched her back and whimpered with arousal. He murmured, “Don’t move, pretty lady. Just lay still.”
She rolled over to face him and touched his cheek. “Bill, please. I’m aching for you.”
He whispered, “Lie on your back, sweetheart, and be patient.” She did as he asked, and he straddled her with a naughty grin. “I’ve waited so long that I can’t hurry this. Your body is heaven to me.” He placed her arms above her head, and she felt exposed and open to him as his fingers and tongue meandered down her arms, grazing the sides of her breasts, with a pause to tease her nipples with his tongue.
She watched and saw wonder and need in his eyes as his hands traveled to her belly. His touch became firmer, more demanding as he moved lower and she couldn’t stop her hips from swaying into his hands. “Bill.” It was almost a cry. “I’m on fire.”
He stood. Oh my God, he’s so beautiful, and he’s staring at me. I’ve never been so hot. Liz purposely spread her knees and moved her hips enticing him in. Then he pulled her to the edge of the bed, and kneeled on the floor between her legs.
He ran his fingers softly as a whisper over her belly, each touch a little lower until she felt his fingers part her, and finally he entered her with his tongue as his hands lifted her bottom up for complete access. She went wild, making guttural cries and thrashing in a long climactic spasm. When she was finished, she lay motionless with her eyes closed, immersed in excruciating pleasure. She immediately wanted more, as if she were a child who’d just discovered chocolate. His lips settled on her mouth in a long, soft kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I want you inside me.”
He placed a kiss on her inner thigh. “Yes, but not until I rekindle your fire.” When he spoke, Liz opened her eyes and saw his passion and need. He stood, pulled her to her feet, and kissed her. He lifted her onto the bed and lay on his side next to her.
She turned to face him and touched his engorged erection. His breath caught; he winced as if in pain and murmured, “Careful.” Reluctantly, she let go, and he straddled her on the bed. He leaned down and nuzzled her neck, and she felt fresh chills shoot down her back. Her hands caressed his chest and his belly. Then his mouth and his hands were on her breasts, sucking, biting, and squeezing until she was completely lost in sensation. She squealed with pleasure as his fingers eased over her belly and slid into her, spreading and moving deep inside. Her hips began to move in concert with his fingers, and he whispered in her ear, “Ah, I think you’re ready.”
Liz welcomed his weight as he moved on top of her, pressing her into the mattress. He kissed her lips and teased her with his erection. In response, she pulled him close with her arms and wrapped her legs around him.
“Yes, baby, yes.” He drove his erection deep inside her, each thrust more powerful than the last. She bit her lip and cried out as she celebrated the sweet pain and pleasure of his sheer size. He moved inside her, filling her beyond capacity, creating exquisite tremors that she’d never experienced before. She exploded in multiple spasms, and he climaxed with her in one last vigorous thrust that left them both spent and sated.
Bill stirred first, grinning at Liz as he rose to use the bathroom. When he came out, she watched as he pulled a bottle and two glasses from his suitcase. He smiled that wicked grin she found so endearing and poured the bubbly liquid into the glasses. When he finally settled on the bed, Liz stroked his chest. “That was beyond anything I could have asked for.”
He stared at her hand on his chest. “What was?”
“Your sexual prowess.” Liz chuckled and rested her hand on his knee. “You really understand what a woman likes. It was magic. You’ve had some practice.”
He brushed a curl out of her eyes. “You inspire me like no one else ever has. I brought champagne to celebrate ‘us.’ This is a spec
ial moment.” He handed her a glass of champagne, reached for his own, clinked his glass to hers, and made a toast. “Here’s to endless hours of enjoying each other.” They sipped their champagne.
“I have big plans for you and me. How would you feel about taking a month off?” Bill’s cheeks were flushed and his eyes were wide like he’d just invented coffee.
“What for?” Liz’s forehead furrowed into a frown.
“I have some time off. I thought we could take a trip to Europe. I have this fantasy of pleasuring you in Paris and all through Italy. How does that sound?”
Liz swallowed hard. “Are you serious? That is fantasy.” She couldn’t wrap her brain around the enormity of what he was asking.
“Yes.” He frowned. “I’m dead serious.” He topped off their glasses. “You sound reluctant. Why?”
She paused for a long moment, not believing he’d even suggest such a thing. “I can’t leave my children for that long, and I need to work to feed them and put a roof over their heads.”
“I’d give you a month’s salary and pay for your babysitter.” He sounded desperate. “Liz, it would be amazing, just the two of us for a whole month.”
She shook her head and handed her champagne back to Bill, annoyed. “I’m not leaving my children to run off to Europe, and I don’t want to take money from you. Besides, if I took off a month from either job, they’d just get someone else.” She shook her head and looked away for a second. “We never talked about how the trial affected me. It made me feel like a sleazy, neglectful bitch of a mother and—”
“And what?” Bill stood and set both glasses on the bedside table, staring at her.
Liz stood as well, her blue eyes pleading for him to understand. “The trial was a life changer for me. I need to better my life, and my plans to do that don’t include running off to Europe.”
“What plans?”
Liz ignored his unhappy expression and told him she was going to quit dancing and sell real estate. “I’ve known all along I couldn’t dance forever, but the trial made me want to quit dancing right away. August first was the soonest I could afford to do it. I can make a good living, have a career, and be home at night.” She paused for a moment and eyed his stormy expression. “What’s wrong?”