By 5:45, I still haven’t heard from Charles and my mood turns blue. I check my phone and the hotel phone, both are working. At six I go downstairs to meet the crew. After 45 minutes of drinks and chatting, I consider joining some of the gang for dinner at the Greek’s. Hannah assures they’ll find an extra chair for me. The captain, a handsome, middle-aged man recently divorced, says I can sit on his lap. That brings a roar of laughter from everyone including me. “I’ve had my fill of pilots for a while, thank you,” I reply and more laughter ensues.
Richard is at the bar, looking dashing in a tuxedo. He’s sipping a glass of lager when he catches my eye. He walks over and puts his arm around me. “No plans tonight, Lauren? Would you like to come to the embassy party with Gordon and me? It will be formal dress, though.”
The party sounds like fun and I’m seriously tempted. I don’t want to be all alone tonight, like I was last week. “What time are you leaving?”
“Gordon ordered a limo for 7:30.” He notices my hesitation and his eyebrows rise with concern. “Is something wrong?”
I update him on the Charles situation and end with a teary question, “What should I do?”
“Girlfriend, it’s up to you. But if you haven’t heard from him by now, it’s only because he didn’t pick up the phone to call. Get dressed and meet us here at 7:20.”
I sigh audibly, and hug Richard. “Thanks sweetie, but I’d only rain on your parade. Have fun and give Gordon a New Year’s kiss for me.”
“Lauren, I can’t believe you’re letting another man get the best of you so soon. If you don’t join us tonight, I’ll lose all confidence in my considerable powers of persuasion. And you know what that will do to my fragile ego.” He places his hands on his hips and gives me his most serious “I’m in charge here” look. “Get dressed right now.”
In spite of myself, he makes me laugh. “Okay, you win, boss.” I look at my watch – it’s now 6:55. “See you in 25,” and I dash to the elevator.
CHAPTER 10 ~ A New Resolution
I’m in the suite’s living room, in panties and bra, about to step into my dress when I hear the click of the key card and the door handle turns. “Just a minute,” I call out, assuming it’s housekeeping for turn down service. Damn, they should knock first.
The door opens anyway and I’m faced with Charles, looking as handsome as ever in a midnight blue tuxedo. He brushes a hand through his thick hair and takes two steps towards me. I pull the dress to my chest in an attempt to cover up, but why bother? It’s not as though he hasn’t seen me this way before.
I smile seductively, slowly step into the dress and turn my back to him. “Will you please?”
He says nothing as he gently moves my hair away and with one warm hand on my waist, carefully pulls the zipper shut. He inhales deeply before putting his hands on my shoulders, turning me around.
“I’m sorry I didn’t return your call. I wanted to dash over quickly, so we could be together tonight.” His gaze meets mine directly but I’m still feeling skeptical and slightly bruised.
“I know I said that, Charles, but I’ve changed my mind I’m going out with my crew. Don’t worry about your dress, I’ll take good care of it so you can give it to your next girlfriend. Maybe you’ll keep her hidden in this hotel or maybe you’ll take her out, but it won’t matter to me.”
Inside, I’m shaking but outside, I’m calm and cool. I can see the shock in his eyes or is it hurt? Maybe none of his other conquests have spoken to him like this.
“Lauren, forget about the dress. Let’s talk about last week.” He stares at me intently before looking down and taking my hand. His sapphire blue eyes are hidden behind thick black lashes. I catch his scent, the sexy inviting smell of citrus and leather and it makes my belly tingle. I still want him but only on my terms.
He raises his head to meet my gaze and continues. “I admit that I was being selfish and somewhat deceptive. You see, we had just met and I was quite overwhelmed with your charms. After we made love, I knew I wanted to see you again but…”
“But what? If I knew you had a wife, I might not agree?”
“A soon-to-be ex-wife, but I suppose that’s neither here nor there. I was worried that someone as bright and beautiful as you wouldn’t want to get involved with a recently divorced man. You might think I only wanted you for sex, or that I needed to play the field before falling in love again.”
I focus on the words “falling in love” and my heart starts to thaw.
“Even worse than not spending Christmas with you was the fact that I was miserable at the family gathering. I could only think about you.” He wraps his arms around me and I melt into his embrace. But I need more than just words if I’m to trust him again.
I start to cry and he pulls me closer, kissing the tears from my face. “Why won’t you take me out tonight?” I ask.
“Lauren, I’m truly baffled. I left you on Christmas Eve because my ex was signing the papers, her Christmas gift to me. It was also the last time to see my stepson before they both leave the country. Even though we were only married for a few years, I grew quite attached to the boy. He’s only seven and Christmas is a big deal to him.
“And everyone was mad at me because they had to wait for me to arrive. If I hadn’t already made my own fortune, my father might have disinherited me. But why do you think we’re not going out tonight?”
“This dress, these shoes, just like last time, that’s all you left for me. I know you’re a perfectionist, Charles, you wouldn’t want me to wear my uniform coat to a fancy ball. So you may as well have left a negligee in the closet and a few condoms on the night table. The message is the same.”
“My dearest love, I’m so sorry. I think there is more than at issue here than a coat.” He cups my chin in his hand and kisses me tenderly on the mouth. “It seems my entire reputation is at stake. But if a coat will help to prove my good intentions…” He opens the other side of the closet to reveal a floor-length cape and dangling from the hanger, a small beaded clutch.
“Oh God, Charles, now I feel so silly. I thought you expected me to be your mistress. That’s not the life I want at all.” I throw my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. “And it’s not really about the coat. I thought you wanted to keep me hidden, that maybe you were ashamed to be seen with me.” Now, I’ve done it, exposing my deepest insecurities. But he’s not fazed by my revelation. Instead, he holds me closer.
“You’re so genuine, Lauren. That’s one of the many things I adore about you. I was afraid too, afraid you’d think I was just a playboy. Now that we both know the truth, we can start anew. So let’s get ready because we’re going to the embassy party.”
“Oh damn, Richard and Gordon are waiting downstairs for me! I have to let them know.” I slip my shoes on, grab Charles’ hand and we run to the elevator.
Heads turn as my heels click click across the marble lobby floor. Richard looks a bit stressed, “Darling the limo is here.”
I’m out of breath as I make the introductions. “I’m sorry. Richard, this is Charles Sterling. Charles, Richard.” The two men size each other up while shaking hands. They both look so handsome, I feel like a wallflower. But Richard is as gallant as ever.
“A rose between two thorns, wouldn’t you say?”
Charles nods in agreement. “My sentiments exactly.”
Just then, Gordon pops out of the limo and taps his watch. “Shall we?”
“I’m not quite ready – can you wait a few minutes?” I ask Richard.
“Our ride is already here. And you two lovebirds have some catching up to do. We’ll see you at the ball, darlings.”
Back upstairs, Charles lays the cape across my shoulders and I tuck a few items into my new beaded clutch. We stand together in front of the mirror.
“We make a lovely couple, don’t you think?” he says.
“Mindreader,” I reply.
We embrace and our longing and desire builds again. “Not now,” he whispers, “after midni
ght.”
~
The rain has stopped and the fog finally lifts. Cameras flash as we make our way up the embassy steps. There would be no denying that we were truly a couple.
The embassy is decorated to the hilt, and the excitement is electric. Charles embraces me lovingly as we twirl under the sparkling chandeliers. With the sounds of New Year’s Eve in the background, the countdown, the band, the noise makers and champagne corks popping, he whispers in my ear, “My New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with you.”
I don’t reveal the resolution I made last week, when I was so angry at him. Instead, I smile sweetly and wrap my arms tighter around his neck. “Then I’m glad I bid for more flights to London.”
It’s just past 12:45 a.m. when we return to our hotel. Most people stay later at the party but I want to be well-rested for my flight tomorrow. I also want to spend quality time with Charles. He warms the bed for me as I stand before the bathroom mirror, quickly removing the last traces of makeup. I sprint into the bedroom and snuggle beside him, resting my face on his pillow. “Just as beautiful without cosmetics,” he comments.
“You too,” I reply, “and the stubble is kinda cute.” I rub my hand against his cheek and he responds with a deep kiss and a full-body clinch.
“I’ve been waiting for this all night, all week,” he murmurs in my ear. “Not only having your body close, but your heart.”
We kiss slowly, exploring in an unhurried way that suggests we have all the time in the world. Laying side by side, arms wrapped round each other and my legs locked around his waist, there’s a sweetness that begets more desire, as emotions increase our physical yearning. Face to face, we move as one, his long, deep thrusts flooding me with rushes of ecstasy.
My pleasure heightens his excitement and soon after, I watch his dark brows drawn in passion, and feel the powerful surges as his body quivers with release.
We embrace for a while, until his breathing slows and I know he’s falling asleep. I turn onto my side and draw his arm around my waist. He murmurs softly and kisses my shoulder. I drift off, safe and comfortable beside him.
~
In the morning, we opt for a continental breakfast before I pack for the flight home. This time, I’m the one leaving Charles with a goodbye kiss as I rush out the door. But there’s no doubt what my next trip to London will bring.
####
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Willow Bonaire is the pen name of a former flight attendant. Willow’s personal experiences make her uniquely qualified to craft romantic stories about the lives and loves of airline crews. Her background in travel writing helps to create a memorable sense of place as her Up for Love romance series takes you around the world.
Please visit Willow’s website www.willowbonaire.com
UP FOR LOVE ROMANCES
Vanity in Buenos Aires
Flight Attendant Vanity Smith considers herself somewhat of a wallflower, reluctant to take any chances with her heart, until an unexpected trip to Buenos Aires and an onboard encounter with a high-flying millionaire makes her rethink her romantic strategy. An invitation for dinner and tango dancing might be the start of a sizzling love affair. But will an unavoidable misunderstanding ground her hopes for long-term romance?
Vanity in Buenos Aires is a contemporary adult romance, set in the exciting world of international aviation. Written by former flight attendant Willow Bonaire, it’s an insider’s view of life and love at 39,000 feet.
Available now!
Up for Love in London Page 7