Cloaked

by Shore, Lauren

  Catherine knew she should really be happy to hear this, but wasn’t. Catherine wanted Glen to kiss her, she wanted him to want her, and she loved the idea that he came over to make her feel better. For that, and everything she was feeling, Catherine threw caution to the wind, “No. I don’t forgive you.”

  Glen’s heart sank and he shifted to hopefully give Catherine the hint to move her head so he could get up. “Well, the soup is on the stove. Eat some, it will make you feel better.” Glen moved again after he didn’t get any response the first time, to certainly leave.

  Catherine felt the shifting and ignored it, in fact she pressed her head down harder, “Don’t you want to know why?”

  He stiffened. “Not really. I don’t usually want to know what turns a woman off about me and then makes them feel so repulsed not to even forgive me.”

  “Are you sure,” she pressed on.

  “Yes.”

  “Positive?”

  Frustrated, he finally gave in, “Alright, I’ll bite. Why don’t you forgive me?”

  Catherine knew it was the last time to turn back, but she wanted Glen. Even if it was one time, just this one time, she wanted everything to be perfect that meant being with him. “Because I don’t want you to be sorry for something I wanted you to do.”

  “Oh, well okay,” He started to move and then immediately stilled. As realization came over Glen he said, “What? What did you say?”

  “Do you need me to repeat myself?” Catherine said as she moved up towards Glen.

  “No, I don’t think I do.” Glen needed no more of an invitation and leaned forward to press his lips to Catherine’s. Excitement surged through both of them. Each was surprised about how much they both responded and Glen deepened the kiss. Catherine’s body went limp as she was grabbing at Glen’s blue collared shirt to hang on to something. She ran one hand through Glen’s kempt hair and loved every moment. It felt so silky and it was so nice holding onto him. Catherine could tell that underneath Glen’s business attire he had a very well formed body and now didn’t have to imaging because she could feel the muscles tighten under his shirt as he pulled her further up to him on the couch.

  Glen realized at that moment that if he held her for one more moment, they would end up in the bedroom and the last thing he wanted to do was to take advantage of Catherine when she was sick, so he pulled away.

  Both of them were close to panting as they broke apart. Each were so affected, they were shaking. Catherine looked up at him in puzzlement when he stopped.

  “You’re sick and I don’t want to take advantage of that,” Glen barely got out.

  “But, it’s okay, I want you to,” Catherine leaned further up and pressed her lips against his. It was a different kind of kiss this time; not exploratory but aggressive. Glen wanted to taste every part of her. But, he reminded himself, now was not the best time. He didn’t want to do something they would regret and she needed to eat something and feel better. Then he remembered the soup. They were so lost in each other that both did not realize it was boiling. Glen broke the kiss when he heard sounds of something bubbling. “The soup.”

  Glen walked quickly over to the stove and turned off the heat. “Bowls?”

  “In the cabinet on top of the dishwasher.” Catherine was wondering why the soup was important right now when they were sharing such and intense moment and she only wanted him to kiss her again.

  “Relax; I’m just trying to make you feel better. You need to at least eat and you should have some chicken soup. I bet you didn’t even have breakfast all day, especially the way I found you and I heard this soup is supposedly a cure to any ailment. So, give it a try.”

  “But—”

  “No buts.” Glen ladled the soup into the bowl and walked over to Catherine. He handed her the bowl. “Eat up.” Glen sat down and his thoughts immediately returned to Catherine. He realized he would need to occupy himself in order not to think of what just happened. So, he got up, went back to the stove, and poured some soup for himself as well.

  “Thank you.” Catherine started eating the soup. It was good, no great. She wondered how chicken soup could taste this good. “Where did you get this?”

  “That depends, is it good?”

  “Very.”

  “In that case, I got it in the building from the restaurant; the same place I got the food yesterday.”

  “Oh. Well, it tastes amazing.” Catherine thought as she could hardly concentrate on getting the soup down her throat when he was sitting so close to her.

  Glen agreed, the soup did taste great. “So, how do you feel?”

  “I do feel a lot better,” Catherine assured Glen as she sipped the soup. “But, I am still a bit achy.”

  “Achy?”

  She rubbed her shoulder, “Yeah, I guess I slept a little funny.”

  “Really?” At that moment, Glen got a great idea. “So, what are you doing tomorrow night?”

  Catherine thought for a second, not wanting her boss to know she never did anything other than work, “Nothing, why?”

  “Well, now you are, I’ll be here at 6:30. We will go to dinner and then I have a surprise in mind. You’ll come?” The last was more of a statement than a question.

  Catherine really wanted to go but knew she needed to tell Glen about her deception. After a few invigorating moments, she figured what the harm was in having a night of fun with the most handsome man she ever saw. “Yes, I will.”

  Glen knew he needed to leave her to get better before anything else happened between them. “I have a lot of work to do. I will see you tomorrow then. Don’t come into work, just concentrate on feeling better.”

  Glen smiled at Catherine and closed the door of the apartment behind him and wondered, for a moment, what might have happened if he had stayed. Then Glen thought he did not have enough time to worry about that if he was going to get everything done he needed to before tomorrow night in order to make it both perfect and memorable for them.

  Chapter 9

  Glen put down his pen and glanced at his watch to make sure he wasn’t behind schedule. He estimated he only had another half hour to finish up and be ready to get Catherine at five. He put the finishing touches on the project at five forty five, only fifteen minutes late, and called down to have the limousine come around to the front of the building. Then quickly shaved, brushed his teeth, and ran a small amount of gel through his hair. While changing into a light blue collared button down shirt, black Armani pants, and throwing on his designer shoes, Glen wondered what Catherine was doing at that very moment. Focusing back to the task at hand and not wanting to be even a second late, he finished putting on his tie, took one last look into the mirror, put on two squirts of cologne, and got into the elevator. It seemed like forever to Glen form the time he left the office to the time he pulled up in front of Catherine’s apartment building because of his anticipation. He walked up the stairs, took a breath, hoped everything would go perfectly, and knocked twice.

  Catherine wondered if it was already six thirty as she rushed into her bedroom and yelled, “Come in, I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Glen opened the door, walked in, and sat on the couch. Usually Glen got upset being kept waiting, but he didn’t mind with Catherine. He opened up the Wall Street Journal that was left on the table in front of the couch and started reading the stock quotes for, what must be, the fifth time that day.

  Catherine realized she was getting ready for almost two hours now, not including her shower or hair time at all, which both took a while themselves. But, now that Glen was here, she took a chance and decided, not on the blue dress she just bought but on her mother’s beautiful black dress that had never been worn and was most definitely purchased on impulse. Usually her mother never even wore anything so…Catherine struggled to find the word and it came to her; perhaps sexy. She could never imagine her mother in something so reveling and yet seductively charming at the same time. Of course, she couldn’t picture herself in it either and yet she was p
utting it on. It slipped over her skin and looked as though it was made for her. She was thankful for being the same size as her mother was and almost even teary at the thought of her mom and how much she missed her. Catherine brushed those thoughts away and thought she would have a great time tonight, despite her inner demons. She put on a smile and less than two minutes later Catherine walked into the room.

  She smiled looking at Glen and said, “Are you ever going to stop doing work?”

  Glen looked over the Wall Street Journal and drew in breath. He watched as Catherine was wearing a black dress that shimmered and flowed with her body as she came over toward him. There were also black strappy shoes barely brushing over her feel, and lovely painted toenails. Looking up from her body, he saw her hair was pushed up into curls with several tendrils just brushing her shoulders. “Wow” was all he could get to come out her mouth.

  As Catherine’s eyes met Glen she thought he looked gorgeous. She, like most girls, loved how the light blue shirt looked resting over his chest. She wanted to feel what was under it, to rub her hands over his chest, and place kisses over his body, from head to toe. She just couldn’t stop thinking about the kisses they shared. But, for now Catherine thought she would just try and control herself. “You don’t look half bad yourself.” She thought he looked so much better than that, but wasn’t about to admit her full, true feelings to him just yet.

  Glen stood up tentatively took a step toward her, “You ready to go?”

  Catherine smiled, “Yes, I am. Just let me grab my purse.” From the bedroom she asked, “So, where are we going?”

  He devilishly told her, “You’ll see.” Glen wanted everything to go perfectly and even to impress her, to accomplish that he hoped to give her a magical night full of surprises. He had never wanted to impress a woman before. Usually he just took them out and after there were so many advances he couldn’t take it anymore, it was ended. But, this was different; Catherine was different. He really liked her, in fact, so much so he didn’t know quite what to do because everything was so out of the norm for him.

  Catherine broke his thoughts. “Come on, tell me.”

  As Catherine came back out, he responded. “You’ll see. Don’t be impatient.” Glen took Catherine’s hand and escorted her down the steps to the limousine, the driver opened the door for them and made sure both were inside before got back into the driver’s seat and immediately put the limo in gear back towards the office. While Catherine was inside, she noticed the limo itself had black leather interior as well as a fully stocked bar. It looked to her that ten people could fit comfortably inside, most likely even more. There was a TV with a built in DVD player and VCR at the side of the limo. Also, there was a nice fireplace at the front of the limo, close to the driver. Everything was very stylish and sheik which made Catherine feel as though she was traveling like a princess. She also couldn’t ignore the fact that her hand was still within Glen’s. It felt so perfect and she couldn’t help looking up to meet her eyes to his.

  “Feeling better?” Glen hoped.

  Catherine gazed up at him and said, “Much.”

  Because he couldn’t resist and the mood was perfect, Glen leaned down and kissed her. Glen thought she tasted like watermelon and smelled like heaven. It was so good and he was getting lost in her lips. When they arrived and the driver noticed what was going on he just stopped the car and waited. Normally, he would say something to stop them, but Harry thought this girl might be different. So, he just waited.

  Glen barely felt the car stop as he was trying to control the rest of his emotions. He broke away from Catherine and muttered towards the front of the car, “Maybe you should have kept driving.” But, no one heard because the driver was already out of the car getting the door.

  Catherine just got herself composed as the door opened. “Excuse me, sir, we’re here.”

  “Thank you Harry.”

  Glen got out of the limousine and held his hand out for help for Catherine to properly get her balance. At least that’s why she thought, Glen just wanted an excuse to touch her again. They were in front of a restaurant lit by tiny white lights. There weren’t too many, just enough to be tasteful and it was the kind of light that wasn’t too bright and looked perfectly elegant. She looked up and realized they were outside the most exclusive restaurant in town. Catherine knew it was impossible to get reservations to a place like this, even if you called more than a year in advance. But, didn’t doubt it was in Glen’s capability to obtain things with ease. Inside there were four different rooms all lighted with tiny white lights with an identical chandelier in each, leaving the most magnificent for the entrance. The only differences were subtle, but Catherine was able to pick up on it. Each of the walls had famous art pieces decorating them and Catherine didn’t doubt they were originals. The differences were the specific artists which were designated per room. Each table had real flowers atop each, some with red and some with white roses. Nothing looked gaudy or overdone, just perfectly chic. Glen gave his name and the hostess looked up and immediately pinked. Catherine could not deny Glen did look like a god and shouldn’t be upset that other women appreciated his looks as well. But, for some reason didn’t like other women looking at him like a piece of meat. The hostess sat them immediately even though there were hoards of people waiting in a nearby room, whom all undoubtedly had reservations placed many months ahead. But, it was not surprising because the Serentini last name did carry a lot of weight behind it. The hostess led them to the Van Gogh room and once they reached the table, Glen pulled out Catherine’s chair and waited for her to sit. Then he went around sitting in his own seat. While Catherine was looking up at the different pieces of Van Gogh’s art, she noticed another painting that was clearly not that artist’s. All she wanted to do was examine it closer, to see who it made it. Who painted such a elegant piece? It was new, just fitted with the genre completely. Glen must have noticed Catherine’s interest because he was asking her, “Do you know who painted it?”

  As Catherine’s mind was filing all the art she had ever seen in her head, she came up empty and stumped. “I actually don’t know.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  Why not? He doesn’t think I know much about the art? “Oh?”

  “Well, because the painting is from one of the unknowns. Each month an artist is selected to join a room. In fact, most of these rooms have different artists along with that particular theme. But, the one in the room we are in is all Van Gogh. So, whichever picture they choose, it must go along with the overall theme. This month, they chose that painting.”

  “Do you know who painted it?”

  “Are you interested for work or mere curiosity?”

  It was like Glen could read her like a book. Were her emotions that much on display? Did he know about the store? She decided he meant work at the office that goes on the walls and plain agreed. “Both.” She smiled at him, glad she could share her passion with someone.

  “Well, I could find out if you’d like.”

  “That would be great.”

  “I’ll find out first thing on Monday, as soon as I phone the owner.”

  “You know the owner?” Catherine tried not to sound so surprised.

  “Yes, I’ve done some business with him over the years.”

  The waiter came over then, very promptly, gave the menus to each, started telling them the specials, and took the drink orders. Glen ordered a bottle of the best wine in stock for both of them; the kind that was at least a thousand dollars a bottle. Catherine almost gasped and recovered by burying her face in the menu to hide her expression. Glen looked at the menu as well and both decided on their courses in silence.

  Catherine thought she would break the silence and looked over her lashes at Glen, “This is a lovely restaurant, thank you for taking me.”

  “No thanks are necessary. You only deserve the best.” Glen said as he lightly kissed her hand.

  Catherine smiled and blushed slightly. She couldn’t believe how
great he looked, especially in the outfit. It was almost too bad she kissed him before because now she knew exactly what it felt like and couldn’t stop thinking back to those moments.

  The waiter was back almost too quickly to take the order. Right after, he signaled to another worker who brought an appetizer of all kinds of fresh seafood, compliments of the house.

  “They treat you well here.” Catherine said as she bit down in a large shrimp.

  “Well, they know my father, he comes here so often that they treat me well.” Leaning over, more quietly, he told Catherine, “I suppose it helps that I’m a big tipper.” But, enough about my family, I want to hear about your family. So far you have said nothing, even when I shared about mind the other day. So, it’s your turn; quid pro quo. What’s your family like?”

  “This shrimp is really good, you should try one.”

  Glen knew she was trying to change the subject, but took a shrimp into his mouth, “Yes, it is very good. Now tell me about your family.”

  “You’re not going to let me off the hook, are you?”

  “No.”

  “But, it’s really not fair, you know.”

  “What do you mean it’s not fair?”

  “Well, all you talked about was your father. I still haven’t heard about any other family members at all. So, that makes it still your turn.”

  Glen knew what she was trying to do, but wasn’t going to let her get away with giving him no information this time. “How about just telling about two people at a time, then we’ll switch. You first.”

  Catherine knew this conversation was to come sooner or later and decided to divulge as much truth as she could. “I guess that might be fair. I’ll tell you about my parents, they seem the most logical to talk about. I actually didn’t know my father at all; he died when I was two. But, my mother used to tell me what a great man he was. Every night when I was a child, before I fell asleep she would tell me all the things she remembered about my father.”