After turning the music off, Mika ran to the back to grab her belongings. Together they stepped out into the cold night air, and Mika then locked up the store. A bit of awkwardness lingered between them.
“Do you need a ride?” he asked.
“No, thanks, my car is in the garage across the street.”
“Mind if I walk you to your car?”
“No, not at all.”
Blaine took her by the hand and they made the quick walk to the garage. When they reached her car, Blaine took out a business card and handed it to her.
“Here’s my card. It has my cell phone number, work number and email on it, too, so you won’t have any reason not to stay in touch.” He smiled.
“I don’t have any cards with me, but you know where I work,” she tossed back with a sly smile of her own.
“Yes, I do. I will definitely call you tomorrow, that’s a promise.” He kissed her on the lips.
“Do you want a ride back to your car?”
“No, it’s not far and I could use the walk. Good night.”
Mika got into her car and watched as he flipped up the collar of his coat against the crisp night air and walked away.
When the evening began, she had no idea that it would end with her making love to the handsome stranger that she had admired for months. Mika didn’t make a habit out of sleeping around upon first meeting someone, but there were exceptions to every rule. Their brief encounter was unexpected and now she wanted more of his brand of loving.
Chapter Seven
The following day was business as usual for Mika. Although she went about her normal routine, thoughts of sex with Blaine were ever present in her mind. His touch was firm yet gentle. He had turned her on, leaving her wanting more.
“And what have we here?” Fritz asked, standing in the doorway of the kitchen holding up a gold foil wrapper.
Mika turned from the stove. Fritz was holding up the condom wrapper from last night. She quickly spun back around without saying a word, focusing her attention on the pot of simmering chocolate, instead of answering what was sure to be an onslaught of questions.
“Oh, no, you’re not just going to ignore me. Fess up, and don’t leave a single thing out!”
Mika exhaled. “Who’s to say that I know anything about that wrapper?”
“Don’t get cute, missy. When Oskar and I left last night, there were no prophylactic wrappers lying about. Oh, you naughty girl!” Fritz exclaimed, throwing his hand up.
Mika finished stirring the chocolate and turned off the heat under the double boiler. She walked over to Fritz, took the paper out of his hand and walked over to the trash can to toss it in the garbage. “Now, there’s no evidence,” she said dismissively.
“Look at you. Your face is glowing. He must have laid it on you really good.”
“I’m glowing because I was stirring a hot pot of chocolate.” Mika was reluctant to admit the explosive time she had with Blaine the night before. The morning had passed without a word from him. She thought that he would have called by now. But it was after three o’clock and there wasn’t a peep. For all she knew, their encounter was nothing more than a one-night stand. Mika preferred to keep her emotions in check in the event she never laid eyes on Blaine again.
“Oh, don’t give me that. You two were totally engrossed with each other last night. I haven’t seen you that excited about a man in aeons. Did you exchange numbers, so you can stay in touch?”
“He gave me his business card with all of his information.”
“Have you called him?”
“Of course not!”
“Why not? It’s not the fifties, women are allowed to call men, or haven’t you heard?”
“Who’s being cute now?”
“If you want to talk to the man, call him. Don’t sit around and wait for him to make the first move. When I met Oskar, I didn’t waste any time calling him and letting him know exactly how I felt.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Fritz. But here’s the thing, I confess that we really, really, really had a great time last night. So good, in fact, that he should want to call me. Besides, he promised that he’d call today, and I want to see if he’s going to keep his word.”
“Maybe he just got tied up with work. Don’t take him not calling you personally, Mika.”
“Why are you trying to defend him, like he’s your best bud?”
“Because I know how quick you are to dismiss a man and I want you to give Blaine a chance. Call it a hunch, but I think you two will be good together.”
“You’re right, Fritz. I break off relationships fast when I see a potential problem because I don’t want to get hurt.” Mika had learned early on that if she walked away before her emotions were vested in a relationship, she could leave with her feelings and pride still intact.
“All I’m saying is, don’t prejudge the guy.”
“I’ll try not to.”
“If he doesn’t call you today, it doesn’t mean he’s not interested. Trust me, I know when a man is into you, and Blaine is totally smitten. It was all over his face yesterday.”
Mika digested Fritz’s words, and hoped they were true. “Last night was an exception. With the romantic setting and martinis, who wouldn’t have been infatuated? Anyway, I’m leaving town for Vail the day after tomorrow. If I hear from him, great, and if I don’t, great,” she said, trying to sound as if it didn’t matter one way or the other. But deep down, she wanted nothing more than to continue what she and Blaine had started. Their connection was beyond physical and Mika desired to spend more time with him.
“Just don’t jump to any false conclusions.”
“Okay, okay, I won’t. Now will you please let me get back to work?”
Once Fritz left, Mika realized that maybe she was reading too much into Blaine’s lack of communication. Before talking to Fritz, she had begun to regret giving in to her desires. She’d needed to hear Fritz’s words of wisdom.
Mika busied herself with making her signature liquid chocolate, ensuring there was enough in stock while she was away. The hours ticked by and soon it was after six o’clock. There had been no call or visit from Blaine. A part of her was disappointed, however, she simply brushed it off, following Fritz’s advice about not jumping to any false conclusions.
Chapter Eight
The past few days had been a complete blur for Blaine. After spending a surprisingly wonderful evening with Mika, he had planned to invite her to dinner the following day, but became consumed with work. One of his major clients had threatened not to renew their contract and take their business to a competitor. Blaine and his staff had to devise a new marketing campaign in fewer than twenty-four hours, to woo the client—which they did—meaning he had to work around the clock.
Now he was on a plane heading to Miami for his mother’s birthday party. Being an only child, Blaine adored his mom and spoiled her on a regular basis, but more so after his father had passed away. Mrs. Chess was the reason Blaine had a successful advertising agency. She had given her son a hefty investment so that he could open the agency, and when his client list thinned out one year, she came to the rescue with another influx of cash. The Chess Agency was now on solid ground and although Blaine had repaid the loans, he still doted on his mother and would do just about anything to please her.
When the plane touched down in Florida, Blaine called his mother to tell her he had made a safe trip, something she insisted on every time he traveled.
“Hey, Mom, we just landed.”
“Oh, good. I was worried.”
“Why? It’s not like planes drop out of the sky on a daily basis.” Blaine’s mother had been overprotective all of his life. He equated her paranoia to him being an only child. Even though he was a grown man, in some ways she still treated him like
her precious little boy.
“I know it’s silly of me to worry, but I do. Some habits are hard to break. Anyway, I can’t wait for you to get here. I have a surprise waiting.”
Blaine’s mother was known to shower him with unexpected gifts. Like the time she’d brought home a pair of lovebirds when he was seventeen and dating multiple girls at the same time. She’d told him that the birds mated for life and that he could learn a thing or two from them. His mother and father were high school sweethearts who married right after college. Mrs. Chess had told Blaine that she wanted the same type of long-lasting love for him. One day, she had blurted out, Why can’t you commit yourself to Ashley? After all you two went to junior prom together and made the perfect pair.
Ashley was the perky cheerleader who lived a few doors down and had a major crush on Blaine. Ashley was always popping into their house visiting with his mother and helping her around the house. Blaine suspected that Ashley was hanging around to get a glimpse of him. He had liked her well enough, but he was young and didn’t want to be tied down at the time.
He saw Ashley over the years when they were both home from college. One year they had a hot and steamy affair during Christmas break and nearly got caught by his mother who had come home from work early. Blaine thought that his mother looked pleased as she stood at the bottom of the stairs while they tiptoed down from his room, trying to not look guilty. In the end, nothing ever came of their affair. Though it didn’t stop his mother from grilling him about Ashley every chance she got. The questioning finally stopped when Ashley married a doctor from Philadelphia and moved to the East Coast.
“What’s the surprise, Mom? I hope it’s not another pair of lovebirds.” He chuckled.
“You’ll see when you get here.”
“Okay.” Blaine disconnected the call. As he waited to deplane, he couldn’t help but wonder what surprise awaited him.
Blaine rented a car and drove to his mother’s home in Coral Gables, a posh community about thirteen miles from Miami Beach. Blaine’s mother told him on more than one occasion that she loved living in Florida, and that she no longer desired the cold. She had been an avid skier, but recently put their winter condo up for sale.
When Blaine reached the two-storied white stucco house with the huge manicured lawn, there were two cars in the driveway that he didn’t recognize. His mother’s party wasn’t until the next day and he wasn’t expecting his mother to have any company. Blaine retrieved his duffel bag from the backseat of the rental car, and headed to the front door. He used his key and entered.
“Hey, Mom! I’m here, where are you?”
“Hi, honey, come to the kitchen!” she yelled from the back.
Blaine made his way through the massive living room, which was decorated in all white with gold accents. As he passed through the dining room, he noticed that the table was fully set with china, flatware, crystal goblets and linen napkins. His mother loved decorating and kept a well-appointed home. Blaine often asked why she needed so much space. After his father had died, Blaine tried to convince his mother to move in to a condo, but she flat out refused, saying, “I just love rambling around in this big old house. Besides it gives me plenty of room for out-of-town guests.”
Blaine pushed through the swinging door and stepped into the kitchen. He stopped in his tracks as he looked around the marble island where his mother and her two guests sat.
Mrs. Chess, a fit woman for her age, jumped up, trotted over and threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, Blainey, it’s so good to see you,” she said.
Blaine hugged her back, all the while staring at her guests. He didn’t know quite what to say, so he held his tongue.
“Honey, let me introduce you to Seymour, the event planner for my party. He’s fabulous. I’m getting old now and can’t orchestrate a shindig like I used to.”
“Oh, nonsense, there’s nothing old about you,” Seymour gushed. “Nice to meet you, Blaine. Your mother talks about you nonstop.”
“I’m sure.”
“Blainey, don’t just stand there, go and say hello to Ashley. I told you I had a surprise, and here she is! Ashley’s in town visiting her parents. I asked her to come over for cocktails, so you two could catch up. Doesn’t she look lovely?” Mrs. Chess said as she gave him a slight push toward the marble island.
Blaine couldn’t deny that Ashley was still a knockout. Her once long auburn hair was now cut into a short pixie style. Her honey-colored skin looked soft and dewy and her hazelnut eyes were as piercing as ever. A knot formed in his throat as he approached her. Blaine hadn’t seen or spoken to Ashley since they had made passionate love in his boyhood bedroom.
“Hey, Blaine, it’s so good to see you!” Ashley exclaimed, getting up from her seat.
Blaine gave her a friendly hug. “Good to see you, too. I didn’t know your parents moved down to Florida. Mom never told me,” he said, looking suspiciously at his mother.
“They only moved here last year. They couldn’t take the cold Chicago winters anymore,” Ashley replied.
“So, are you still living in Philly? Mom told me you married a physician and moved east.”
“Blainey, here, have a cocktail before you start quizzing Ashley,” Mrs. Chess said, handing him a drink. “Take a sip and tell me if you like it. It’s a chocolate martini. The recipe was in the last box of chocolates you sent.”
As he sipped the chocolate martini, Blaine flashed back on his night with Mika and the fact that he hadn’t called her yet.
“So how is it?” his mother asked.
“Good. I’ll be right back. I have to make an important call.” Blaine excused himself and went upstairs to the guest room where he normally stayed. He closed the door, took out his cell phone and called the candy shop since he didn’t have Mika’s cell phone number.
“Hello, Delicious Chocolate Bar. Fritz speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hi, Fritz, this is Blaine Chess. Is Mika around?”
“Oh! Hello, Blaine! How are you? I hope you had an enjoyable time the other night. I was just talking to Mika about you, and...” Fritz rambled into the phone.
“Uh... Is Mika there?” he asked again, interrupting Fritz.
“She’s in the test kitchen. Hold on.”
After a few seconds, she picked up the line and answered in a dry tone, “Hello?”
“Hey, Mika, it’s Blaine. How are you? I’m so sorry I’m just now calling. The past couple of days have been crazy. How are you?” he repeated, sounding nervous.
“Fine.”
He detected an attitude in her voice. “Mika, please don’t be mad. I am truly sorry for not calling. I had an emergency at the agency and then had to fly out to Miami for my mother’s birthday party.” Blaine was speaking so fast that his sentences nearly ran together.
“Your mother lives in Miami?”
He could tell by the way she asked that she didn’t believe him. “Yes. My parents relocated a few years ago, shortly before my father passed away.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad.”
Blaine heard a softness in her voice. “Thanks. Can I take you out to dinner when I get back to town?”
“I’m going on vacation. I guess I’ll see you around when we’re both back in the city.”
“Mika, I really enjoyed our time together and hope we can continue where we left off. You want to hear something ironic?”
“What’s that?”
“My mother has made a pitcher of your chocolate martinis,” he said, hoping to lighten her mood a bit more.
“Your mother? How did that happen?”
“The recipe was in the last box of chocolates that I sent her.”
“Oh, you must have sent the couture collection of chocolate truffles. I had a copy of the recipe attached to the inside of every box as a little a
dded bonus,” she said, her tone sounding a bit brighter.
“Well, it’s definitely a hit with my mom. Can I have your cell number, so I won’t have to go through Fritz the next time I want to talk to you?” he said.
Mika laughed. “I’m sure Fritz wanted to quiz you when you called. My business partner is quite the nosy one.” She gave him her number before hanging up.
“Okay, talk to you soon and travel safely,” Blaine said.
“Thanks. You do the same. Goodbye.”
Blaine sat on the bed after he hung up, and thought for a moment. He hoped that he hadn’t blown the chance to get to know Mika better. Her cool aloofness intrigued him. Even after their chance encounter, she wasn’t acting needy and desperate. Mika was someone he could see having a future with, but his past had mysteriously reappeared—compliments of his mother—and he wanted to know why.
By the time Blaine ended his conversation with Mika and returned downstairs, Ashley and the event planner had left.
“Blainey, how rude of you to stay upstairs so long. Ashley had to leave to make dinner for her parents. I wanted the two of you to talk,” Mrs. Chess said the moment he stepped back into the kitchen.
“I had an important call to make. Besides, what was Ashley doing here anyway?”
“I invited her. I’ve always liked that girl. She’s perfect for you.” Mrs. Chess beamed.
“Mom, you ought to give it a rest. She’s married, so even if I was interested, what’s the use?”
“Well, Ashley is recently divorced and quite available. I think you two should go out on a date while you’re both in town.”
“That’s not going to happen. I don’t have time. After the party, I’m flying out to meet with the potential buyer for your condo. Remember?” Blaine had set aside a few extra days in order to take care of his mother’s business.
“Of course I remember. I’m old, but far from senile.” Mrs. Chess pinned her son with a serious look. “Blaine, honey, when are you going to settle down and get married? I would love to spoil a grandchild or two before I leave this earth.”
Dim the Lights: Islands of DesireLiquid ChocolateHer Wild and Sexy Nights Page 13