by E. J. Noyes
“Isabelle, I haven’t even begun,” he responded cheerfully.
As the girls began to work on us, Christopher asked rapid-fire questions and Audrey shot back answers.
“What do you do?”
“I’m a pilot.”
“How’d you two meet?”
“Work.”
Christopher spared me a glance but recovered quickly. “And your ethnicity?”
Too far. I looked up. “Hey! That is seriously rude.”
He shrugged, totally unconcerned by his invasive questioning. “What? I want to know where she gets her gorgeous skin and coloring. Plus those cheekbones. People pay good money for a face like that, you know.”
Audrey grinned. “My mother’s Italian. My father was Irish, or rather his parents were.”
Christopher all but swooned. “Perfect. What’s the deal with that bruise and patch of skin on your chin? Botox gone wrong? Bad laser treatment?”
“Motorcycle crash.”
“Oooh, a secret leather chick. Kinky.”
It went like that until we were ready. When Christopher deemed us perfectly done, Audrey went upstairs to change, leaving me to slip my robe off quickly. My stylist gave me a cheeky finger wave when he spotted the underwear I wore. A brand spanking—if I was lucky later—new La Perla set, something Audrey hadn’t yet seen.
I rolled on my stockings, clipped them to my garter belt and was zipped into my dress. Christopher put his drink down long enough to give me a final once-over. “Divine,” he sighed. His attention was tugged away from me at the sound of heels on my wooden floors. I could do nothing but stare in the same direction, mouth dry. Christopher reacted first, clapping excitedly. “Oh my goodness.”
The girls murmured their approval.
Audrey usually wore low boot heels, sneakers or flats. That night, she wore three inches of stiletto, drawing attention to those fucking gorgeous legs. A midlength royal blue cocktail dress with a tasteful amount of cleavage, which wasn’t enough for me, hugged her body like it’d been painted on. Her hair was down, and swaths of silver jewelry offset her dark features. You could have plucked her up and dropped her in the middle of a model shoot and nobody would bat an eye. My stomach did that nervous excitement twist. Oh God.
I was literally speechless and did a mock cartoon mouth drop and then pushed it closed with a forefinger. Audrey smiled, seemingly pleased by my reaction. It took me a few moments before I could speak, “Babe, I am so sorry I ever doubted your ability to buy clothing.”
Christopher grasped her hand, careful not to spill his champagne. “Audrey, I believe this is the first time I’ve said this to anyone, but you do not need my help. Spin. Let me look at every delicious inch.”
She spun, finishing with a Marilyn-esque pose. “Do I pass?”
“You get an A triple plus.” He turned to me. “I’m taking the divine I gave to you and giving it to her.”
I grinned. “She deserves it.” I drank in the sight of her and held out my hand. “Come here.” When she stepped close, I stretched up to whisper in her ear, “There are not enough superlatives in the English language to tell you how fucking stunning, gorgeous and elegant you look.”
She turned her head to look down at me, a flash of lust crossing her face. “Ain’t so bad yourself, kid.”
Christopher sighed happily. “As a man who is one hundred percent comfortable with his sexuality, I have to say one thing. Nothing has ever made me doubt myself more than looking at you two hot femmes.” He downed the last of his champagne, and presented both elbows out to escort Audrey and me downstairs.
He ushered us toward the garden in front of my building, posed us and snapped photos on his phone. Before we slid into the waiting limo, Christopher passed something to Audrey then leaned in to whisper in her ear. She looked to me as she laughed and said something in response, her eyes sparkling.
As we settled in the backseat, my phone buzzed with the photos. I sent a particularly good one to Mama and received a jumble of emojis and bad autocorrects back.
Audrey held a business card between two fingers. “He said he wants to put me in a tux with some, and I quote, ‘killer fuck-me heels’.” Audrey glanced forward to the closed privacy screen then back to me. She leaned close, breath whispering across my ear. “And I told him I hoped you would.”
I shivered and apparently satisfied with herself, Audrey sat back and crossed her ankles. She stared out the window while I ran over my speech, murmuring to myself. We rode in silence for a while but after the third time of me checking my clutch for things I knew I had, Audrey’s hand slid to my leg, pushing gently to stop the jiggling of my knee. “What’s up?”
“I guess I’m a little nervous.”
“What about?”
“You meeting these people.” Streetlights cast a warm glow on her face, flashing as we drove past. It reminded me of looking at someone who was watching fireworks. “They can be snobbish.”
“Honey, you need to stop worrying,” she said gently. “I can handle myself.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” It’d taken me years to feel like I fit in among these people and I knew that if I was suddenly penniless, they’d drop me faster than I could say nice knowing you.
She leaned over and kissed me softly. “It’ll be fine. Trust me.” Her hand rested lightly on my cheek. The way she held my face always made me feel safe, like she was both comforting me and reassuring me that she wanted me at the same time.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She brushed her nose against mine and settled back.
I exhaled, letting as much tension out as I could. “Audrey?”
“Yes?”
“You look amazing.”
“You said that already.” She came back for another kiss, this one more possessive. When I felt her tongue against my lip—thank the universe for smudge-proof lipstick—the familiar need made itself known again. I groaned and she pressed harder, the swell of her breast against mine and her tongue more insistent.
“Babe.” I pulled back, trying to reclaim my composure.
“Mmm?”
“You need to stop kissing me like that, or I’m going to ask you to take me here in the backseat before we get inside.”
She grinned, but mercifully pulled away.
Inside, I endured double air kisses and expectant glances as we moved through the crowd. Audrey was charming and polite, squeezing my hand reassuringly. From across the room, a couple I knew waved to catch my attention. I stood up on my toes to whisper in her ear. “We’ve been summoned.”
She laughed and let me lead her over. I held the tuxedoed arm of the tall man. “Hello, Gregory. How are you?”
He leaned down to kiss my cheek, just one thankfully. “Isabelle. You look lovely.”
I moved back slightly to open up the circle. “This is Audrey Graham. My…” Say it, say it. “Partner.” Her hand tightened on mine as I gestured again. “Audrey, this is Gregory Cain and his wife, Jasmine.”
Audrey released my hand and offered hers to Gregory and Jasmine in turn, smiling confidently. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“And you.” Gregory launched right into small talk. “So, what do you do, Audrey?”
“I’m a pilot, currently working private sector but I flew commercial for a number of years.”
Gregory straightened, his polite interest suddenly seeming a whole lot more genuine. “Flying. Wow. Now that’s something I’ve always wanted to try.”
Audrey nodded, warming right into one of her favorite topics. “I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. I was an instructor and I’ve been considering doing my private instructor certifications, so if you wait a few months I might even be able to show you the ropes myself.”
He seemed impressed. “I may just take you up on that.”
Jasmine laughed, tugging her husband’s tux sleeve. “Oh please, he doesn’t need another hobby.”
Audrey joined in, her laughter low and appealing. “
Yes, it can be consuming. Though probably more exciting than golf.”
As we all chuckled together I felt a sudden swell of pride, and then shame that I’d ever doubted her. Marisa, one of my fellow AWL Board members, appeared on my right and took my elbow. “Isabelle, can I borrow you for a moment please?”
I smiled at the group, lingering on Audrey who gave me a confident nod. I excused myself, brushed my lips against her cheek and left her to talk shop. The moment we were out of earshot, Marisa pounced. “Isabelle Rhodes. Where did you find her?” Apparently I wasn’t needed for anything other than a quick bout of gossip.
“Actually, she’s one of our pilots. Long story.” I grinned, upending my champagne glass lazily.
“She’s absolutely delicious, you minx. But you’re not concerned?”
My eyebrows came together to hold a confusion meeting above my nose. “By what?”
“Her status.” She made the statement as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Her status?” I repeated incredulously.
“Mhmm. I always think ordinary folk find it hard to fit in, you know what they can be like.”
Anger came up my chest like heartburn but I forced it down. I couldn’t afford to antagonize this woman. “They? You mean girlfriends? Decent people?”
She held up her hands conciliatorily. “Darling, please. I meant no offense.”
“No, I know you didn’t.” Take a breath, Isabelle. This is not the time or place to get into an argument. I glanced at Audrey, still deep in conversation and looking totally at ease. “I’m sorry, Marisa. It’s been a long week and frankly, you hit a nerve.”
“She’s not trying to—”
“No, no of course not! Nothing like that. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about how people would accept her.” I handed off my empty glass to a passing waiter.
Marisa lowered her voice, eyes across the room on Audrey. “I wouldn’t concern yourself, Isabelle. I may have spoken too soon. Seems to me she’s being accepted just fine.”
I followed her gaze to where Audrey, in addition to Gregory and Jasmine, had drawn a small crowd. She seemed perfectly at ease, capturing people’s attention effortlessly. “Yes, I believe you’re right,” I said softly. “Excuse me.”
Audrey and I made the rounds, both together and separately. Eventually, I stopped hovering to ensure she was all right and let her do what seemed to come naturally to her. Confident and adaptable, she worked the crowd like a seasoned gala attendee. Apparently there was no aspect of my life that she didn’t fit into. Or maybe I’d just been a slow learner when it came to fitting in among the city’s elite.
Shortly before my speech, I excused myself and snuck into the bathroom for a quick makeup check. Audrey found me as I was walking back down the hall. “God you’re beautiful. Come here,” she murmured, grabbing my hand and yanking me around a corner. “For luck.” She kissed me hard, tongue running over my lips and hands sliding over my ass. Then she brushed my nose gently with hers and let me go, pushing into the bathroom without another word.
I stood dumbstruck, lips burning with the memory of her tongue lazily claiming them. Marisa came around the corner, sounding frantic. “Isabelle, there you are.”
I dropped my fingers away from my lips. “Yes?”
“You’re on in ten.”
“I’ll be right there.” Once I’d regained control.
After my speech—given to the usual attentive and appreciative audience—I was caught up in another round of networking. Taking a breather, I stood on the balcony peering down at the crowd until I spotted Audrey. Easily the most eye-catching woman in the room, she was talking to another of my clients, Peter Altman. He had a helicopter he liked to take up when he wasn’t working as a criminal defense attorney. It was logical they’d find some common ground.
She was gesturing with her champagne glass, demonstrating something that looked like a plane control maneuver. He was nodding vigorously, and interjecting with his own gestures. Audrey touched his arm and they laughed together. I expected to feel a twinge of jealousy, one of my less attractive traits. Over time, I’d come to recognize it as insecurity and tried dispel it whenever it appeared. But watching her, I was suddenly aware of a total lack of anxiety.
My thoughts drifted back to what she’d said in bed this morning. It was me who would take her home. Me who would wake up with her arms pulling me close and her legs tangled in mine. It was me she wanted. As though pulled by an unknown force she looked up at me, winked and turned back to her conversation.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Audrey had been swallowed up by the crowd again and wasn’t where I’d seen her last. After a few minutes of wandering through masses of people, I caught sight of her on the balcony. Making my way to the staircase, I paused a moment to stare up at her. She stood still and alone, face impassive and cast in shadow to accentuate that fine bone structure. An exquisite statue and all mine.
I was overcome by a sharp stab of desire and the sudden realization that I never wanted that feeling to go away. I wanted to spend the rest of my life in awe of her, loving her more each day. When I reached the top stair, Audrey turned to me, her contemplative expression turning to my favorite grin when she saw me. “Hey.”
I kissed her cheek. “Hey. You okay?”
“Absolutely, Iz. Just thinking.”
“We’re done if you wanted to head home?”
She pushed off the railing and straightened up. “Sure.”
I frowned, suddenly stuck on what she’d just said and her expression before I interrupted. “What were you thinking about?”
“You.” Her eyes darted around before coming to rest on my face. “I’ve been watching you all evening, and I’m about ready to orgasm imagining what I want to do to you when we get home.”
That was not the answer I’d expected, but it was far more pleasant than how boring the night had been or the not telling Mark that I’d braced for. “Really?” I lowered my voice slightly. “What have you been imagining exactly?”
“Oh you know, boring stuff like bending you over the kitchen table and making you come multiple times before we’ve even made it upstairs.” Her slightly bored tone and body language betrayed nothing, and anyone watching would likely assume we were simply having a conversation about politics or the weather.
I swallowed hard. “I see.”
“But we can stay here and socialize a little longer, if you don’t want me to take you home and fuck you until you can’t even remember your name.” Though she spoke casually, her eyes telegraphed her lust.
I took her hand. “Let’s go.”
“Let’s,” she agreed.
The whole ride home I ran my hand up and down her thigh, a low hum at the back of my throat. She sat demurely, but I could feel the tension in the muscle of her thigh, tell by the way she kept her knees together that she was as keen as I was. She just had more restraint.
I’d never had sex in a limo before, and the way she felt under my fingertips made me briefly consider it. Quickly, I dismissed the idea. There was no way I could be quiet. The moment we stopped and the door opened, I climbed from the backseat and offered her my hand.
Taking it, Audrey led me across the lobby of my building, waving to Carl at the front desk as though it was a perfectly ordinary moment. As soon as the elevator closed, we came together furiously. Tongues battling, hands groping, I was held against the mirrored wall with lips traveling over my neck, a tongue tracing my ear. “I want you so badly,” she growled possessively.
I’d been starved of her all night and I couldn’t wait any longer. I tugged her dress up, pressed my thigh between her legs and felt her shudder as she ground onto me. I wanted to drag it out but at the same time, wanted her to take me right there against the wall, my leg hooked around her ass and fingers—
At the loud ding of the elevator, I slipped from underneath her and pulled her into my foyer. I fumbled with the lock for an eternity until I finally m
anaged to get my front door open. All my blood had traveled south, pooling in my groin and I couldn’t think of anything except undressing her. Worshipping her. I tossed my clutch onto the sideboard and kept walking into the lounge room.
Her footsteps faltered. “Running away?”
“Far from it.” I grabbed her hand and led her to the couch. “Spin around.” Standing behind her, I slid her zipper down and slipped the dress off one arm to expose the smooth, tanned skin of her torso. My nipples pebbled, desire coiled in my belly. It would be so easy to take her hand and just…no. I pushed my need aside to get her naked, pulled her dress all the way down and left it to puddle on the floor.
Audrey turned her head to watch me. She was a statue while my hands and lips and tongue explored her back and shoulders, but her tremor of excitement was unmistakable. Audrey exhaled in surprise when I tugged her back to me, her ass fitting right above my hips. One arm wrapped around to tweak her nipples, the other trailing lightly downward until I found what I wanted. I bit her shoulder hard and dipped my finger inside her hot core.
“Iz…I’m gonna come if you keep doing that.” Her hand wrapped around my wrist, almost tight enough to bruise.
I unlocked my teeth from her skin, kissing the mark lightly. “Maybe that’s what I want, baby.”
Audrey groaned when I withdrew, sliding my fingers up her slit until I found her clitoris. The groan turned guttural as I made lazy circles over the pulsing bundle of nerves. Her body trembled against mine. “Stop. Please. I don’t want to come yet.”
“Unfair.” I stopped immediately, putting my fingers into my mouth to suck her essence from them. “God you taste so good.”
Audrey turned quickly to face me, hands on my waist. “I bet you do too.” Her kiss was intense, probing my mouth until I pulled back. She was going to break me if I didn’t get away.
“You can test that theory later but first, sit,” I commanded, pushing her down gently onto the couch.
The edge of her mouth was creased up, an eyebrow arched. “What are you doing, Iz?”
“Seducing you, obviously.” The pleasure was wholly mine, looking at her on the couch, legs spread, wearing nothing but a few pieces of scant black lace.