“The windows are tinted. The doors are locked. No one can see.”
“No,” she pushed him away reluctantly. “I can’t, not like this.”
“Okay, so you’re not ready. Go home, Fawn. I’ve got to fly up to San Francisco anyway, for some company meetings. I’ll be back late. My door will be open for you. I won’t come to yours.”
He leaned across her, pushed the truck door ajar. Fawn stumbled her way out, feeling confused and ashamed. She watched him drive away. Then the tears she’d been suppressing burst out of her eyes and were lost in the rain that pummeled her face. She raised her head; let the cold rain consume her.
SIX
“Thanks for letting me come over, Steph! I don’t think I could’ve handled being alone just now.”
“Hey, what are cousins for? Besides, I’m on my own tonight, too. My guy is in France for a big tournament. Wish I could have gone with him.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Too many cases that need to be settled; sometimes I hate being a lawyer!”
“Well, it’s hard work, I guess, but look at the perks you get.”
Fawn pointed her gaze towards an exquisite sunset painted across the horizon. Stephanie’s house had a bird’s eye view of the sea. Sitting atop a purple hill dotted with lemon trees, it was a divine reinterpretation of mid century modern. All of the walls were stark white, the floors textured and stained concrete, with lots of hopefully earthquake proof glass running from floor to ceiling throughout. Sleek, designer originals from the Eames and Le Corbusier, Eero Saarinen, and Marcel Breuer gave the place a museum feel but Stephanie had warmed it up with colorful art and sheepskin rugs.
“You know my mom gave me this house after she made a bundle on that cosmetics deal. I could never have afforded it on my salary alone.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
Fawn settled into a red sofa, sighed as she stared out at the view. She was wearing the lavender sundress and matching high heels, had gone home after Taury left; showered and fancied herself up with all the new make-up. Why, she had no clue. Then she had the urge to call Stephanie, hoping to talk everything out with the only real female friend she’d ever had.
The two women celebrated nightfall with a light salmon and wild rice supper, aided by some delicious Pinot Noir.
“So, Taury is the one, maybe?”
“Oh, God, Stephanie, I don’t know. How can I trust my feelings at this point in my life? I’m only now getting to know myself. I can’t jump into bed with a stranger, no matter how urgent it feels.”
“The important thing is how he makes you feel. You said he sounds like he’s crazy for you, what else do you need to know?”
“Who he is, maybe? I thought of googling him, but my internet isn’t up and running yet.”
“So, let’s use mine!”
She sprang up, grabbed a laptop, and joined Fawn on the other side of her steel and glass dining table.
“Now, let’s see here… oh, there are tons of pages on him! Look!”
Fawn glanced over the screen, was amazed at the seemingly endless list of articles and interviews.
“Well, he’s quite a boy, your Taury! He took over the Trahern Candy Company at the tender age of eighteen, after his father died unexpectedly. In the past four years he has branched out into ‘green’ industries, and managed to triple the company’s profits by implementing some innovative measures in their factories, increasing his own worth by millions. And you thought he was just a kid!”
“How could anyone so young do all that?”
“Skipping college, probably; seems like that wastes a lot of time that a person could be using to try their hand at getting rich. You do know all those tech tycoons quit college to start their businesses?”
“This coming from a lawyer; how many years did you ‘waste’ in college, Stephanie?”
“Ha! More than you’d think. But seriously, Fawn, this guy is fantastic!”
“Too good to be real, you mean. He’s got to have some flaws.”
“Well, everybody does. But aren’t you willing to find out what they are personally?”
“Oh, I’m so unsure.”
“Then let him be sure enough for the both of you! Go home, find him and give him the best night of his young life!”
“There’s another worry … I’m not much of a lover, Steph. Richard told me that so many times…”
“Richard is exactly what his nickname implies! A total dick! It’s up to the man to set the sexual tone of a relationship. He only got as good as he gave!”
“You’re a great cheerleader. You almost have me convinced.”
“So, what’s holding you back?”
“If Taury is everything they say he is … who am I that he would want me? He could have any beautiful girl in the world. Why did he pick me?”
“Go and ask him.”
Fawn thought a moment. Then she finished her wine and nodded her decision.
“I will! Right now! Thanks for everything, Steph! You’re the best!”
She hugged her and rushed towards the door. Stephanie glanced at the laptop.
“Wait, Fawn! Oh my God! You have to see this!”
Fawn returned to her side. Stephanie pointed at a breaking news report on a local TV channel’s website. It read: Millionaire Boy Wonder Taury Trahern In Car Wreck – Full Story At Ten.
“No! It can’t be true!” Fawn cried. “He said he was flying to San Francisco! Are there any other reports?”
“Just a sec … ah, here!” Stephanie pointed to another news site. “Candy heir Taury Trahern was involved in a collision near the Oakland airport tonight. No details, but we’re keeping an eye on the story.”
“Oh, Stephanie, if he’s hurt…”
“Now, don’t go making assumptions. He could be perfectly fine.”
“Or he could be … oh my God! What if he’s dead? I couldn’t bear it, Steph! I just couldn’t!”
“Well, at least you know now how you feel about him. I only hope it isn’t too late!”
Stephanie knew a pilot with his own plane. She called him, loaded Fawn up and they made the trip to Oakland. The whole time Fawn busied herself by counting city lights and watching cars buzzing over the dark highways like laser-eyed bugs – anything to keep from thinking the worst.
Once they reached Oakland they had no clue where to look for him. Stephanie found a number for his offices but all she got was a recording saying the business was closed.
“How do we find him, Steph? Search the hospitals? Oh, I’m so scared I think I’m going to collapse right here on the street!”
“Calm down. Let’s head for the police station near the airport. Someone there should be able to tell us something!”
They returned to the cab they’d hired, sped off towards the police station.
Inside, the cops were of little help.
“Are you a relative?” one asked.
“No,” Fawn answered.
“I am!” Stephanie lied. “We need to know where Taury Trahern is, immediately!”
“You got proof that you’re related?” Another inquired.
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Never mind. Thanks for nothing.”
She stomped outside; Fawn followed her like a lost sheep.
“What now?”
“I guess we go home and wait. That’s what we should have done in the first place.”
Fawn sobbed softly. “I was such a fool, Steph! Now I’ll never see him again!”
Stephanie put comforting arms about her. “You don’t know that, Fawn. He’s okay. He’s probably fast sleep in some hospital right now, and dreaming of you! Come on!”
They made it back to Stephanie’s house very late. Fawn thanked her, and decided to head home by herself, despite Stephanie’s urging that she spend the night.
“No, I feel like I should be close to home now. I don’t know why, really, maybe because it’s close to where he was.”
“I still say he’s fine. We would have
heard about it if he’d died.”
“But the news sites are all busy with that big warehouse fire out at Warner Brothers. They haven’t mentioned him once since that started.”
“Well, call me and let me know you got home safe. I’m a bit worried about you climbing behind the wheel of that car in your state of mind.”
“I’ll take it slow, and I will call. Thanks again, Steph. You’ve always been a good friend.”
“Hey, don’t get sentimental. I’ll start crying, and that will ruin my tough girl image.”
“That’s all it ever was … an image.”
“Shh!” Stephanie put a long finger to her lips. “THAT is a secret!”
Fawn smiled at her, hugged her tight then slid into the MG and pointed it towards home.
The streets were quiet for the most part but traffic on the PCH never seemed to stop. She eased the car across it then made her way over the dark side road to her driveway. The cats were waiting for her in the front window. It was way past their feeding and bed times. After she called Stephanie she dutifully opened two cans of moist seafood and set it in the guest bedroom floor then made sure they had fresh water and dry food to nibble on plus a couple of clean litter boxes. Then she petted them gently, bade them goodnight and closed them in.
Fawn wanted to cry but the tears were all dried up. She was so tired; all she could think of was curling up in bed and going to sleep forever.
She reached to close the curtains over her bedroom window then froze as something caught her eye. There was a light on in Taury’s house. Maybe he had left it on by mistake? No, he wasn’t the type to do that.
She peered round his yard, realized that the silver truck was there, parked in the shadows on the far side of the house!
Without another thought she ran through the hallway and burst through the French doors, kicked off her heels and wobbled down the pathway to the beach house.
He must have seen her come home. He was waiting at the foot of the path, began to move towards her. She missed a step, tumbled right down into his waiting arms.
SEVEN
No words passed between them – there was no need. He carried her down to the beach house, bumped open the screen door and carted her easily through the empty kitchen and across a darkened living room. She could see nothing but him, was already sucking at him with desperate, clinging kisses. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, sought to entrap him safely within her grasp.
He laid her down on a soft bed, amongst fluffy pillows and fresh-washed linens. His suit flew off of him, parts of it landing all about them. Then he gently removed her sundress over her head and she shimmied out of her panties. She could just make out the form of him kneeling above her on the bed. She reached for him, drew him down, opening her mouth to let in his delicious tongue. She fed on it, drank him up like the last drops of water on a dusty trail. His hands moved over her hips then to her breasts, cupping them, squeezing them tenderly. She felt the tightening overwhelm her body, gave in to it gladly, hungry for the release.
But he wanted it to last, teased her with nipping kisses. His mouth then moved down, captured her left breast while his fingers slid between her thighs. She separated them, moved her own hand over his, enjoying the rhythm they induced within her.
She was amazed at how swiftly she came, and how deeply it moved her. She feared she had disappointed him but he sighed as he realized what was happening, and raised his body over hers. His firm flesh sank into hers, and divided it, causing her to squeal as her orgasms grew to a crescendo of pleasure. She had never felt anything so glorious – that was the only word she could think of to describe it.
Taury began to shake and moan; his mouth found hers. They twisted together, she could sense he was about to go, began to swivel her hips, encouraging him on with kneading fingers and a darting tongue.
He stopped moving; she looked into his shaded eyes, knew what was wrong. She nodded, telling him silently that he could release everything within her. She wasn’t afraid of pregnancy – how could she be when she tried for three long, insufferable years to have a baby with no luck at all?
Taury rose up, scooted down to the bottom of the bed, and began to kiss her between her thighs. She wasn’t expecting that, had never experienced it with anyone before. He kissed and licked and penetrated her deepest layers with his wonderful, inciting tongue. Fawn had thought she was finished but now it all swelled within her again. She bit her lip to keep from screaming. The room, so dark she could barely see it, started dancing around her. Her breath came so short she feared another panic attack was setting in. But suddenly he brought her to a climax. She was reeling and twisting, giving over to her deepest wells of passion, until it seemed like the ceiling burst open and a torrent of dizzying colors showered them both.
Fawn yelled, she wasn’t sure what she said. But Taury jumped up, put himself back in her and rocked them in a frenzy of sweat and heat until he growled in excruciating pleasure. He was pumping her full, and she felt every last twitch, savoring it, clasping him tight between her thighs so he couldn’t get away.
He slumped over her, exhausted, his hot, sweet breath brushing her cheeks.
“I was afraid I’d lost you forever,” Fawn whispered into the dark air. “They said you’d been in a crash.”
“I was, but nobody got hurt.” He moved to lie next to her, stroked the hair out of her face. “I did see my life pass before my eyes, though. All I could think of was you. I kept saying I had to live, that I couldn’t die and never know what it was like to love you.”
“So, what’s it like?”
He slid his arms around her. “The best! You’ve got some wild moves, lady!”
Fawn laughed. “No one’s ever called me lady before. And no one ever liked my moves, either. I guess it sounds cliché, but this truly feels like the first time I have ever made love. I don’t know what it was with my ex, but it wasn’t love at all.”
“Then we were both virgins.”
She was shocked. “You weren’t a virgin. You couldn’t have been.”
“I was. I swear. You see, I promised myself I wouldn’t be with anyone unless I wanted them forever. You’re the only one who ever made me feel that way.”
He kissed her cheek then swathed her in his arms and rested his chin on her shoulder. In minutes he was asleep, his soft breath calming her with its rhythm. Fawn closed her eyes, let go of the night.
The sunrise found her awake, and peaceful. She had risen to search for the bathroom, and returned to lie next to him. He was still sleeping; Fawn watched him breathe, enjoying the sweetness of his sighs. Everything about him was sweet – his breath, his kisses, his affection. He was a Candyman.
Her eyes followed the shape of him from the unkempt blond hair, over his beautiful face, down his golden-haired chest and beyond to his thighs and legs. She noticed he was hard, probably wrapped up in the delights of a sexual dream. She had an unrestrained urge to put her mouth on him, but worried it might alarm him in his sleep.
“You can touch me,” he whispered. “I’m awake.”
She jumped; he laughed, gave her a warm, welcoming kiss. Then he gently pointed her towards his lap and offered up his morning hard-on for her enjoyment. She’d never done that either.
She looked at him; he nodded, urging her on. She took it between her hands, examined it playfully, smiled as he laid his head back and groaned excitedly. Fawn gingerly put her lips to it, kissed it, then cupped her mouth over the tip and rolled her tongue around it, careful not to tug too hard on the skin.
“You can get rough, it won’t hurt me.”
She began to move her mouth up and down on him, found herself becoming hot at the taste of it. He could see she was squirming; he scooted her hips around, positioned them over his face and drank at her until she screeched. He came at the same moment, thrusting himself deeper into her mouth, shooting the surprisingly sweet juice up into her throat. She feared she’d choke but couldn’t stop until she was certain he was done.
“What did you say?”
“I said I love you, Fawn.”
“Everyone says that after sex, don’t they?”
“Maybe. But I mean it.”
She sighed, tears drew up in her eyes. He hugged her, kissed the salty liquid from her cheeks.
The blare of a siren brought them abruptly back into the real world. Taury leaped up; peered out the bathroom window which was on the front of the beach house. Fawn joined him. There was a police car parked up at the bungalow. Stephanie was on the patio, pointing at the sea and talking to two cops.
“Oh my God!” Fawn gasped. “I can just imagine what she’s telling them! I’ve got to get up there!”
“I’ll go with you.”
She threw her clothes on, as did he. After a quick face wash and hair-brushing they hit the back door running.
Stephanie saw them rushing towards her; the look on her face changed from quizzical to shocked to utter humiliation.
“There you are! Damn, Fawn, you had me worried out of my mind!”
“I’m sorry, Steph. But you can see I’m all right. And Taury is, too.”
“Yeah, I can see that you’re both very all right.” She turned to the cops, who were both frowning. “I’m terribly sorry, guys. I guess my cousin stayed somewhere else last night.”
“Well, I’m glad she’s safe, but maybe you could check around first before you get us out on a wild goose chase, Ms. Hamilton?”
“Sure, Jerry. I’ll do that. Thanks for your time.”
“Right!” the other one said. “See you in court.”
She smiled; waved as they left, then she turned a knowing eye on the couple.
“I came up here to tell you that Taury hadn’t been hurt in that wreck. Then I arrive and find your French doors wide open, you nowhere in sight, and your brand new high heels abandoned by the path.”
“So you thought I must’ve gone batty and drowned myself in the sea?”
Losing Control Page 4