Come Undone: Romance Stories Inspired by the Music of Duran Duran

by Kim Carmichael

  AT THE HOSPITAL the next morning, Yancy rushed up to Tessa's room and peeked inside, relieved to find she lay in pretty much the same position as before. A dark-haired woman matching the picture he saw in the reception area at Toussaint and Sanchez sat in the chair next to the bed. Déjà vu swept over him.

  Quietly he entered. "You must be Gloria."

  The woman looked up startled. "Yes, do I know you?"

  "Not yet. I've heard about you though. You work with Tessa, don't you?"

  "Gloria Sanchez. You know her?" She gave him the once over with narrowed eyes.

  "Well, not exactly. We were in the same accident yesterday." Hesitating because he wasn't sure how to explain the connection he felt to her partner and friend, he merely stared at Tessa, willing her to wake up, to join him in this world, not just his dreams.

  "Were you in the truck?" Gloria's sharp gaze never left him and her tone became accusatory. "The police indicate that Tessa might have been driving distracted. I refuse to believe that."

  After clarifying he wasn't in the truck, he added, "I agree. She wasn't distracted, not at the time of the accident."

  "Actually, she is one of the safest drivers I know. Except for her music, she never does anything while driving. You know, where some people will say they never text or talk on their cell, but they'll take just this one call? Well, she never did that. To top that, she wouldn't even use the hands off feature on the phone. We got in several heated discussions because of that—how she would never take client calls and how it could result in serious consequences. She always told me, 'Gloria, I'd rather them have to wait an hour or so than risk a ticket or worse. Nothing is that important.' God, I wish she'd wake up so I could tell her she's right." The woman took Tessa's slim fingered hand in hers.

  "I have faith she's going to wake up." Though he longed to add, and come back to me, he clamped his mouth shut.

  "Thanks. So are you in the hospital too?"

  "They released me yesterday. I just came back to check on Tessa. There's no change?" His fingers ached to brush the patient's cheek, to hold her in his arms and never let any harm come to her.

  "Not yet. The doctors say they can't be sure there's brain activity even. I can't tell you how scared I am. They said to give it to the end of the week, but if there's no change," Gloria's voice caught, "to be prepared to take the necessary steps."

  On automatic, he put an arm around the distraught woman. "I'm sorry. If it makes you feel better, I have to believe it won't come to that."

  "If only I could believe that strongly. She's had such a tough life. Lost her family when she was just in her teens, and since then she's been on her own. Even with all that, she never lets it get her down. It's like she gulps down life, and whatever it hands her, good or bad, it doesn't matter she relishes it all. Her motto, silly as it seems, is from some defunct TV show. Cherish everything and live now."

  Yancy didn't bother to correct her. "She has to come back. Maybe her body needs time to heal before that happens, but she will come back."

  Gloria's dark eyes filled with tears. "I need her. She's my best friend, not only my business partner, but the best friend anyone could ask for."

  "I'm sure she feels the same."

  "Sorry, I didn't mean to get all blubbery. You don't even know me or her really." She took a tissue and wiped her eyes and nose. "Would you mind sitting with her? I don't like leaving her alone, just in case, you know?"

  His stomach fluttered. At least he'd be able to talk with her alone for a while. "Not a problem, I'd be happy to. Take as long as you need."

  "I have to make a few phone calls. They don't allow cells in here. It shouldn't be too long."

  "Go on. I could stay here all afternoon if you needed me to." He wished he could just tell her to go to the office and get away from the hospital, but he knew he would feel the same if Trevor were lying in the bed unconscious.

  She squeezed his hand. "Thanks. Tessa's always telling me to trust in the kindness of strangers. I think she'd like you."

  Joy bubbled inside his chest, threatening to erupt in laughter. If she only knew how the Tessa of his dreams felt, Gloria might be shocked things had progressed so far so quickly. He watched her exit the room before taking Tessa's hand. "Hey, fellow Quarkanian. How goes it today? I've missed you."

  After the dream yesterday afternoon, he spent a quiet dreamless night. When he awoke he felt bereft, as if a part of him was missing. He almost feared the lack of her in his dreams meant something had happened to her physical body. More and more he believed that their time together in the dreams was real in some part of a dimension or existence he wasn't conscious of. It felt just as real as his ordinary world.

  He spoke quietly about the phone call with Bill, about his concerns and he apologized again. "I know you wouldn't have recruited him underhandedly, but his leaving was so unexpected. Why did he do it? I don't even know if you know the true reason. Guess I shouldn't be complaining too bad. After all, he did set up all the entries in the books. I don't mind saying that I half feared he'd cleared out our accounts, but when I checked the bank, everything was fine. At least he called. I hope he does what he says and calls me later today."

  A crack of thunder split the air. "You hear that? Looks like we're having an April storm. The wind was howling. Even though they predicted it would bypass the valley, guess they were wrong. Here comes the rain."

  Large drops hit the window. "What I wouldn't give for you to be in my bed while we listened to the storm. I don't even know if you're afraid of lightning, but something tells me that you embrace all elements of nature as it's all part of cherishing all existence in the now, isn't it?"

  Unsure how much time passed, he sat with her. Sometimes silent, sometimes giving voice to his thoughts, his memories of her. "I can't believe it's basically been about forty-eight hours since I first saw you. In some ways it feels like much longer, and in others it seems so much less."

  "The hours drag by in here." Gloria stepped to the other side of the bed.

  With an effort, he slid his hand away from Tessa. "I don't mind sitting with her. The doctor told me to take it easy. My partner barred me from the office. If you have to go, I'm sure Tessa would be the first to understand, wouldn't she?"

  "Yeah, I guess. It's just that she doesn't have anyone else to look after her besides me." Gloria patted Tessa's cheek. "You have seen the worst of everything." She lifted her gaze to him. "Are you sure you don't mind? With Tessa out, I really need to keep on top of both of our jobs."

  "She'd do the same, at least I'm guessing. Go. It would be my pleasure to stay here for the afternoon."

  "Well," she paused, "I can't really do anything for her here, but at the office, I can take care of both of us."

  "Exactly." He gave her a sympathetic smile. "I promise I'll call if anything changes, just leave your number."

  Gloria handed him her business card. "Use either number."

  Once she left, he returned to holding Tessa's hand. "It's just us again. I know I'm being a little selfish, but I prefer it this way."

  He rested his head on their intertwined hands and closed his eyes, taking in the rhythm of her breathing.

  Soon, he drifted off to sleep.

  Tessa and he hurried out of the rain and into his favorite restaurant, Tis Issat, or The Blue Nile. "I think rain in the desert is extra special." Her soft voice seemed contradictory to her obvious excitement, like a little girl who whispers during her favorite fairytale movie. "You know there are plants that wait for just enough rain to bloom? Like those century cactus? It's a prime example of seizing the moment. They know that they might not get enough rain for a long while."

  "It's a bitch for driving though. Las Vegans don't know how to drive in the rain any more than they do in California. I'm glad we decided to have a late lunch before heading back to my place. It gives me extra time to win your heart." The words slipped out before he could call them back, not that he really wanted to.

  Her eyes glow
ed. "You're doing a great job of winning my heart to say nothing of my body, but I'm guessing after christening my desk you already knew that."

  "You do excellent work at that desk." For the rest of the morning, he studied her as she went from talking to potential employees, getting recommendations, then calling the client and making her suggestions based on her available data. Sometimes she had a phone in one ear, someone else on hold and typed into her computer all at the same time. It was fast-paced and required minute attention paid to the littlest details. "Can I ask you a question?"

  "Sure, I'll marry you." Her grin was teasing, but the response hit him hard. He wished she was being serious.

  "Well, that wasn't the question, but I love the answer. I was just wondering whether you've ever made a mistake in matching an employee with a position."

  For a long moment she sat quietly. "Once, when I was new to the game, I had one woman who was perfect for a position, several actually, but she couldn't seem to make it through any interviews. I believed in her, she was highly qualified, but never could get past the opening HR person. It drove me crazy. I worked with her for the longest time. Finally, I asked her what was wrong and she told me she didn't really want to work, her heart just wasn't in it. She said that she wanted to find someone, get married and have babies."

  "Wow, so why had she even come into your office?"

  "I don't know. It still boggles me. My time is worth a lot of money, and this woman had thrown it all away." She gnawed on her lip. "So yes, that's the ugly side of me. I have mean thoughts sometimes about things like that. The good news is that I learned from the experience and it's never happened again. I ask rigorous questions of the applicants so I know exactly how to best serve them and of course that helps me match them with the right company."

  "And everyone is happy." While Bill's departure still irked him, he was gaining an understanding from the other side of the fence. "You do a great service from what I saw today."

  "So, tell me about your work."

  "Just boring tech stuff. Let's enjoy our lunch." Eventually, he would have to tell her the name of his company, but he didn't want to spoil the mood, in case it led to a discussion he wasn't ready to have.

  The waiter came over. So good to see you, Mr. Yancy. You look very happy today."

  "Hey, Tamrat. I am happy. Meet Tessa. She's never had Ethiopian cuisine before."

  "You will love it, especially if you like spicy food." Tamrat wrote down the order as Yancy chose his favorite dishes to share with Tessa.

  When he left, Tessa's eyes got wide. "I love spicy food. This is so cool." She gazed around the room and ran her fingers over the intricately carved wood that lined the walls of the booth.

  "You like it spicy, huh? That fits with your personality too." Everything he learned about her captivated him.

  "Spicy sometimes, sweet at others. You can't lump all of me in one category." Her teasing tone aroused his desire.

  "Woman, if you keep looking at me that way, I'm going to have to take you home and ravish you."

  "I'll drive."

  His laughter burst out so loud, the couple at the next table turned to look at him. "Sorry." He sent them a sheepish look.

  "Don't be sorry. I love hearing your laughter." Tessa reached for his hand. "Never stop laughing. Promise?"

  "I can't imagine not wanting to laugh with you. Always." To emphasize his point he squeezed her fingers.

  Abruptly, she drew back and touched her temple. "Ow. Damn it. This headache is lingering. Just when I think it's gone, it comes back."

  "Still? Do you think you need to see a doctor?" Each time she mentioned the pain his stomach flipped, helpless to ease the suffering.

  "It will go away." Her face relaxed. "There. It's already gone again. Don't look so concerned. It's just a little headache."

  While they waited for their food, he felt a hand touch his shoulder. "Hello." Quincy's familiar cheery voice startled him.

  "What are you doing here?"

  "I had a craving for some good food." She laughed. "Probably the same reason you're here."

  After introducing the women, he concluded saying, "Quincy works at the hospital."

  "And other places too." Quincy's lips quivered as if holding back a laugh. “Tessa, savor everything."

  Quincy's words pricked something in him. "Are you sure I don't know you from somewhere?"

  "Sure you do. I'll leave you to enjoy your meal." With a final pat to his shoulder, she walked away.

  Before he could call her back, Tamrat returned with their food and Tessa grinned. "Finally. I'm starving. All the physical activity for the last thirty or more hours must be taking its toll."

  Unable to resist, he tore off a piece of injera, the spongy sourdough flatbread, scooped up some shiro and held it to her lips. "It's customary to eat with your hands and to feed one another. The best part about Ethiopian food is the bread, well and what goes on it. This is a chickpea dish." With her teeth, she took it gently out of his fingers and sneaked her tongue out to swipe it over his knuckle. The sensual gesture struck his cock like an electric shock. His erection pressed against his jeans.

  "You keep that up and I'll come undone before we finish our lunch. But I believe turnaround is fair play." He drew her hand over to him and pressed a kiss into her palm, then followed her lifeline with his tongue.

  Her sharp gasp said he had the same effect on her. "I think the long leisurely lunch needs to speed up a bit," she said.

  "Not necessarily, but I'll show mercy on you. No playing until our meal is finished."

  "No fair. Here I was just planning my next strategy to drive you to the brink." Her lips curled upward. "I suppose I'll just have to wait until we get back to your place for the next move. This is so delicious." With graceful fingers she mimicked his earlier movements, choosing to pinch up some mesir wot in the flatbread and brought it to his mouth.

  The sour flavor of injera mixed with the berbere spiced red lentils filled his mouth, but he sucked her finger in along with the morsel of food, running his tongue over the sensitive pad.

  In turn, she ran her tongue over her lips, but turning away before he leaned in for a kiss.

  "Witch," he grumbled.

  "Your rules."

  They continued their meal, tasting and teasing. He wondered whether anyone else felt the heat rise in their corner of the restaurant, because he swore that the thermometer escalated at least ten degrees. If his body had anything to say about it, the mild spring temperatures soared to scorching summer levels. He never knew watching someone eat could cause such a reaction, but each time she nibbled on her food, he imagined her lips on him, her tongue skimming over him. For his part, he didn't let the challenge go unattended, and he gave as good as he got, making sure to run his tongue slowly over his lips in overt suggestions on where he would use it on her.

  She squirmed in her seat. "Stop it."

  His gaze never left her. "What?" He held his hands palms up in a show of innocence. "I haven't even touched you."

  "You don't have to. With your eyes, and energy, I'm about to—well, never mind what I'm about to do, but I'll definitely remember your torture when we get to your bed." She ran the tip of her fingernail along her collarbone to where her jacket's design dipped.

  While he couldn't see cleavage, he definitely knew what the material covered and needed to sample those breasts again. "What say we head there now? I have a sweet tooth, and you'll provide the perfect dessert."

  Rather than answering, she collected her purse and stood. "I'll warm up the car."

  "No need." He tossed a few bills, more than enough to cover their bill and a generous tip for Tamrat, then grasped her hand, almost pulling her out the door.

  The ride to his house took longer than he would have liked, so he made the most of the delay by sliding a hand along the inside of her thigh.

  That lasted only a moment before she removed it. "No distractions. I'm driving."

  "Fine." He crossed his arms in
a mock pout.

  Her gaze remained intent on the road. She never needed to ask directions and soon they pulled into his driveway.

  A fleeting idea to linger in the car teasing her fled just as fast. He needed her in his bed, now. The flirtation at the restaurant left him at a slow burn, and his patience was blown.

  As he unlocked the door, her arms curled around his waist. Her eagerness was the last straw. He twisted in her arms and took her mouth in a kiss that seared his blood.

  At the edge of his consciousness the clicking of canine toenails on tile broke his attention. He came up for air.

  Quark sat looking up at them, his tail beating a rhythm on the floor.

  "Really? Couldn't you see we were just a little bit busy?" His voice came out a frustrated growl.

  Tessa laughed. "Good boys, both of you. You know how to make a woman feel wanted." She leaned down and scratched between the dog's ears. "Don't mind him, Quark. We love you too. Give us a few and then we'll take you for a walk."

  In amazement, Yancy watched as his unruly, misbehaving dog circled them once and then headed for the kitchen, no doubt to his favorite cool spot to lay down. "How do you do that? I think he's in love. It's the only explanation."

  "He's not the only one falling." The comment took him off guard.

  "Why does it feel like I've known you forever? Not just a couple days." Once more, he captured her lips for a long wet kiss. When he came up for air, he pushed her toward the bedroom.

  Her shoes made a soft thud on the rug as she kicked them off. Their heavy breathing was the only sound. They landed on the mattress where he proceeded to undress her button by button. He took his time kissing each snippet of skin as it became visible. While he'd rushed out of the restaurant and barely survived the trip home without need overtaking him, once in his bed, with the feast of Tessa laid out before him, he wanted to savor every nanosecond. He drew back, taking time to appreciate all of her curves. The breasts pushing up against her bra beckoned him.

  "I love how your nipples harden under my touch, but it's incredible how they tighten when I just look at them."

  "Please?" she begged.