by Fawn Lowery
Tia released a long sigh. “I don’t know what I was thinking last night,” she admitted, shaking her head. “But daylight brought a whole new outlook on the subject.”
“Stop being so melodramatic,” Rachel ordered. “I brought over your costume for the wedding.” She began pulling various items from the shopping bag. “You’re gonna look so sexy in this getup that Logan will want to screw you again.” She giggled as she handed Tia the brightly colored items.
“What is all this?” Tia asked, somewhat amused at all the silky garments Rachel kept pulling out of the bag.
“A belly dancer’s costume. And here’s the mask. Isn’t it just the wildest thing you’ve ever seen?” She held a bright purple mask festooned with peacock feathers up to Tia’s face. “You’ll look gorgeous!”
“I doubt it,” Tia muttered, taking the mask from Rachel’s hand. She walked over to a large mirror on the wall and surveyed herself in the mask. It was very festive, she admitted, gazing at herself. If only she felt as gay inside.
“Get in the spirit of Carnival, Tia. Don’t you know that gaiety is infectious? And to be married at the time of Carnival is to have happiness in your life always.”
“You made that up,” Tia accused.
Rachel shrugged her shoulders. “So what if I did? I’m determined to marry Tom and have a happy life.”
Tia couldn’t help but reach out and hug Rachel. “And I hope you do,” she said. Suddenly she felt almost childish for burdening Rachel with her problems. It was her wedding day, and she should do everything in her power to see that it was a wonderful time for her. “I’m sorry I unloaded on you.” She pulled in a deep breath, determined to push the incident with Logan aside. “What can I do to help you?”
“I’ve a ton of things to do today,” Rachel confided. “I’ve got last-minute phone calls to make, the cake to pick up. I have to confirm our reservations on the cruise ship.”
“Oh, Rachel! You’re going on a cruise for your honeymoon? How exciting,” Tia exclaimed, a broad smile spanning her face.
“To Cancun,” Rachel continued. “And several other places I can’t remember. It was Tom’s idea. He’s so romantic.”
Tia listened to Rachel’s description of Tom for the next five minutes, then Rachel insisted Tia try on her costume—just to be certain it fit.
“It’s quite revealing,” Tia confided. She stood before Rachel in the purple, green and gold costume. Purple silk pants covered Tia’s legs, with green bands at her ankles. Gold sandals were on her feet. A metal belt of shell motifs rode low on her hips with gold colored scarves hanging from each motif. A purple silk bodice with wide silk sleeves barely concealed Tia’s ample breasts. Her midriff was bare, displaying her trim waist and the rounded curve of her hips. A purple and gold scarf worn as a veil covered Tia’s lower face and when the feather-adorned mask was in place across her eyes, she completely lost her identity.
Rachel gave a long low whistle as she inspected Tia in the costume. “You’re one hot mama,” she exclaimed.
Tia gazed at her reflection in the mirror and felt grateful that there was an accompanying mask for the getup. As long as I keep the mask on, no one will know who I am.
But then she thought again of Logan, and wondered what he would think about the way she looked, or would he be too mad to notice?
“You can make these phone calls for me, if you want.” Rachel pulled a slip of paper from her jeans pocket. “We’re having a small reception at the Raging Fire Pit Restaurant after the ceremony. Just tell everybody to be there by ten.”
“Okay.” Tia bit on her bottom lip as another question surfaced in her mind. “What’s Logan’s costume like?”
Rachel shrugged both shoulders. “Haven’t the foggiest. Tom’s in charge of male costumes.”
“Rachel, if I show up in this belly dancer costume and Logan ends up wearing a tux—I’m gonna be pissed.”
“Tom assured me it’s all taken care of. Don’t worry.” She narrowed her gaze on Tia. “You worry a lot, you know. Why don’t you just let yourself go—you know—cut loose and live.”
Easy for you to say, Tia thought, gazing at Rachel. She looked like she was celebrating Carnival most of the time. She grinned at Rachel’s choice of attire—faded hip hugging jeans and a skimpy T-shirt without a bra. ‘TWIN PEAKS’ was stenciled across the front of the shirt—calling attention to Rachel’s plump breasts and pert nipples.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Tia answered, removing the veil and mask from her head. “But in the meantime—“
“To hell with it! You’re here in Logan’s house—so make the most of it.” Rachel gathered her purse and sunglasses and turned to the door. “Meet me on the corner of Bourbon and Canal at eight o’clock—in costume.”
Chapter Five
Tia had no idea what Logan might say when he returned to his house and found her still there. She had decided she had little choice but to stay after finding Logan’s study, a large room furnished with heavy mahogany furniture and sporting book lined walls, and calling every hotel in the phone book, only to learn they were booked solid.
Resigned to the matter, she pushed it aside and made the phone calls for Rachel, then she called Rachel’s cell phone and updated her about her guests.
“Everyone will be there,” she said.
“Great! I’m at the bakery—picking up the cake,” Rachel said. “Wait ‘til you see it. It’s beautiful!”
She sounds so happy, Tia thought as she listened to Rachel describe her wedding cake. She wished she could say the same for herself. She chewed on her bottom lip. If only she could envision Logan’s reaction when he got home and found her still there.
She had come up with a plan of sorts. Once the wedding ceremony was over and the reception done, she’d call a taxi on her cell phone and go to the airport. Rachel and Tom would be off on their honeymoon, so it wouldn’t matter what she did anyway.
She resisted the urge to explore the expansive house with its elegant furnishings and beautiful architecture. She did find the kitchen however, all totally modern with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops. She fixed herself some lunch, then went into the garden area at the back of the property and sat in the sun for several hours. She tried not to daydream—to imagine things other than what they were with Logan. Wishful thinking would only get her hopes up, and God only knew how detrimental dashed hopes were.
Logan arrived home around seven o’clock. Tia was in the living room when he came into the front foyer. He peered inside the room at her then went up the staircase to the second floor.
Tia sat on a gold brocade covered couch and tried to steady her nerves. She hoped there wouldn’t be another screaming match between them. Momentarily she heard a door slam upstairs and Logan coming down the stairs. Determined to meet him head on if he were of the arguing nature, she pinned her eyes on the wide opening to the room, and waited.
Shock coupled with surprise darted through her insides as Logan came into view.
“What does your costume look like?” he asked, his tone humorous.
Tia raised one hand and covered her smile as she rose from the couch. Logan—gorgeous Logan—stood in the open doorway, dressed as a Roman gladiator. A short white skirt rode low on his hips and leather sandals with straps lacing up his legs were on his feet. A gold mask hiding his upper face completed the outfit.
Her mouth went suddenly dry at the sight of him. He was so gorgeous—even in the Roman attire—or perhaps because of it. She could do little aside from ogle his bare chest and exposed legs. Every inch of him was muscle and smooth skin. Aside from a sprinkling of black chest hair and a froth of hair on either leg—
Her senses reeled, and her thoughts immediately turned erotic. The urge to approach him and ask for a peek beneath his little Roman skirt almost overwhelmed her.
“I must have been out of my mind to agree to this,” he continued. A chuckle punctuated his words.
Tia giggled aloud. “I’m not removin
g my mask all evening,” she confided.
Logan reached up and removed his mask. “I’m glad you’re still here,” he told her.
Tia dropped her gaze. “I’m leaving…once the wedding ceremony is over.”
He stared at her, until she whisked past him to go put her costume on. Her packed suitcase sat at the foot of the stairs ready to be picked up and carted out. Tears stung the back of her eyes as she hurried up the stairs. If only she could get through this evening—she’d never have to return to New Orleans or see Logan Summerfield ever again.
* * * *
Tia sat in the passenger seat and tried not to shiver. The evenings were cold despite the warm days New Orleans was privileged with. She glanced at Logan in the Roman costume, thinking he would probably be colder than she once they were out of the car.
The streets of the French Quarter were teeming with carnival goers. Music blared from the open doorways of bars and cafes. People crowded the roadway as well as the sidewalks and bawdy language filled the air. Costumed partygoers danced in crowded groups and it wasn’t unusual to see couples making out, pressed up against the walls of shops or ducking into dark alleys between businesses.
Logan and Tia pushed their way into the crowd. Earlier that day, one of the many clubs of New Orleans had its parade and an assortment of brightly colored glass beads and trinkets lay strewn about the streets, broken and trod on from those still intent on partying.
Tia allowed Logan to tug her along through the crowd. Occasionally an inebriated partygoer made reference to her costume. One man, red-cheeked from either the cold temperatures or too much to drink, offered her a ten spot to dance for him.
“The lady only dances for me,” Logan shouted in return.
Another man clutched his crotch and invited Tia to join him for some fun. “I guarantee one of us will have an orgasm,” he shouted.
Tia laughed at him and clutched Logan’s hand tighter. She didn’t exactly feel threatened by the bawdy language or the equally racy sights, but the sooner they arrived at the corner of Bourbon and Canal Streets, the sooner the wedding festivities could be started, thus the end would be in sight.
Tia lost all track of time as Logan pushed his way then pulled her through the crowd. She only knew that once they reached the designated corner, Logan pulled her into the circle of his arms and shared his warmth with her. Due to the excessive crowd, Tia stood fast within his embrace, leery of separating herself from him for fear she’d be swept along with the revelers.
His body was warm, pressing against her back and she soon relaxed against him, covering his hands with her own clasped around her waist. She became engrossed in watching the crowd. A number of revelers were on an upper balcony of one of the hotels along the parade route. They were partying heartily, dancing and tossing beads and other prizes to those on the street below. Occasionally a woman would lift up her T-shirt and show the passersby her bare breasts. Down on the street a raunchy remark could be heard, requesting she bare more of her body.
Uniformed police, some on horseback, wove their way amid the crowd, arresting some now and then for drunkenness or excessive lewd acts. Tia actually glimpsed one couple fucking at the edge of the crowd. The sight sent an erotic jolt racing through her, making her at once aware of the virile man pressing against her back.
After one such incident—a young man openly fondled his girlfriend’s crotch and she stroked his bulging fly—Tia realized she felt moist in her own and purposely pressed her rounded butt into Logan’s groin. She then wondered if she should have restrained herself when Logan raised his arms from around her waist and clasped her left breast in his big hand. His lips found her earlobe. “Carnival has a way of enticing even the most reluctant participant,” he whispered, his breath warming the side of her face.
Tia was considering a noncommittal way to reply when Rachel suddenly appeared in front of her. She blinked her eyes for a few seconds, trying to decide whether the vision in carnival colors was really her friend.
“It’s us, silly,” Rachel said, her tone loud to be heard over all the party noise.
Rachel was garbed as a fairy princess, with yards of flowing purple silk surrounding her small body, a tall pointed cap with a silk scarf attached to its peaked top hanging down her back and a brilliant pink mask, endowed with black ostrich feathers, covering her upper face.
Tom was a sheik. His long white flowing robes concealed everything but his head. A black mask hid his upper face.
“How come you get to wear clothes?” Logan asked Tom, a chuckle in his tone.
“Come on! Let’s get this show on the road!” Rachel exclaimed. “The minister is meeting us at the restaurant.” She started shouting and dancing to the jazz music filling the street, her silk skirts gathered in either hand. “Everybody follow me.”
Stimulated by all the bawdy sights and the fact that she’d aroused herself by pressing against Logan’s body, Tia hurried to join in the revelry, picking up the beat to the music and dancing along behind Rachel. Tom and Logan were left to bring up the rear.
Rachel was off through the crowd with only the tip of her pointed cap visible most of the time as the others strove to keep up with her. While the whole thing seemed out of context where a marriage ceremony was concerned, Tia had to admit she was having a good time. Almost at once she had felt the excitement and gaiety the celebration exuded and became enlivened by the unadulterated pleasure of letting go, of letting her hair down and having a good time.
Tia swayed with the jazzy music, wiggling her hips and being for all the world like she imagined a belly dancer to be. She laughed out loud at her own antics and periodically joined Rachel in the middle of the street, bumping and grinding to the wild music while the crowd pulled back to give them room and cheer them on.
She was enjoying herself immensely when she realized they had reached their destination, and Rachel was greeting the minister who would perform the marriage ceremony.
The small group was forced to stand closely together in order to hear the minister’s words. Tia stood to Rachel’s side, directly across from Logan. His eyes were on Tia the whole time, making the pit of her stomach tremor.
It only took a few minutes for the couple to become man and wife, then Tom was kissing Rachel feverishly while he enfolded her small body within his flowing white robes. The guests had gathered around for the ceremony and now raised a boisterous round of applause, enticing those nearby to join in. Momentarily they were all pushing into the restaurant to continue the celebration.
Tia felt a warm hand on the rise of her bare hip and knew Logan was behind her. She let him maneuver her through the crowd to the long table reserved in the rear of the room for the wedding party. He held out a chair while she slid into it, and then he took the seat beside her.
It was warm inside the building and Tia’s toes and fingers were near frozen, despite the fact that she felt all warmed up inside from the recent activity in the street. She didn’t object when Logan snuggled against her side, encompassing her shoulders with his arm. She turned a smiling face to him and was greeted by an unusual look in his eyes.
“I’ve always thought there was some sort of magic about Mardi Gras,” he said in a low tone. “Now I know it’s true.”
Was there magic in Mardi Gras? Tia wondered. She had become completely immersed in the gaiety of the event. Why, she didn’t quite know, but it had really happened. She had let loose and for the entire time she had cavorted and danced along the narrow avenues of the French Quarter, she had seemed carefree and light hearted, unburdened by the past.
“Please don’t leave, Tia,” Logan suddenly said. His eyes held hers in a trans-like grip that she couldn’t look away from. “Do you believe it’s possible for two people to fall in love then be separated for six years, only to be reunited and have that love rekindled?” He pulled her closer, so close that she could feel his heart beating in his broad chest. “I know it sounds insane—“
Were her ears deceiving her? Or
had Logan just said he loved her? She gave a brief shake to her head, fanning her soft brown curls across her shoulders as she pushed her way free of his arms.
“It’s Mardi Gras magic, Tia,” he said, pulling her back into his embrace. “I love you, Tia. I love you. When Rachel told me you were coming back to New Orleans—I could hardly believe it.”
Tia’s heart nearly fluttered out of her chest.
Logan stroked her cheek with his fingertip. “I think I first loved you in sixth grade.” He laughed softly. “You were the only little girl who wore pigtails.”
“Oh, my gosh! Don’t remind me,” she stated, pulling away.
He pulled her against his chest and held her tightly. “I loved those pigtails, Tia.” He kissed her. “And I loved the way you gave yourself to me on that prom night, sweetheart.”
“Logan, I just laid there on my back with my legs—“
“Don’t ruin a beautiful memory for me.” He kissed her; long, sensuously—a kiss that showed his feelings for her. “I’ve thought about that night for six years, relived it in so many ways.” He pulled in a deep breath. “You taught me the meaning of love that night, Tia. You showed me what it means to love someone.”
She blinked her eyes at him. She did love him—that was why she went all the way with him that night.
“Before that night, I viewed sex with a girl just as one more conquest—something to brag about in the locker room.”
Her eyes grew big. “Logan, you didn’t—“
“No, Tia. I never bragged about you. I didn’t understand until then what it was to have a woman in love with me. And I didn’t know my true feelings for you until that night. Please say you’ll stay, darling. We have so much living to catch up on.”
The noise in the room suddenly seeped back into their midst as Rachel and Tom joined them at the table. Tia turned toward Rachel as Logan released her. Rachel looked dewy-eyed and her princess costume was slightly askew, but laughter bubbled from her throat and Tia thought it was the happiest she had ever seen her.