by Terri Marie
The white plastic covering on her dress seemed to be glaring at her. Carrie slid it off, and the beautiful red color stole her breath as it had the first time she’d laid eyes on it. As she touched the fabric, she saw how perfectly her nails matched the dress. Her fingers began to shake as she unbuttoned her shirt and tossed it on the bed. Her worn jeans were next. She smiled down at her red toenails when she kicked her jeans away, and wiggled them.
Carrie looked at her white cotton briefs and bra and shuddered. She ran to the dresser and began digging through a drawer. A couple of years earlier, she’d found a black strapless bra with matching panties on sale and bought them. She’d never had a reason to wear them before tonight, and they still had tags dangling from the seams. Carrie raced downstairs in her underwear and to grab the scissors from the kitchen, and then hightailed it back to her bedroom. She carefully cut the tags off of her undergarments and dress. As she put on her sheer thigh-high hose and lacy underwear, her stomach began to flutter again.
Carrie slid the new dress over her head and then sighed. The zipper. How the hell am I supposed to zip this thing! She nearly dislocated her arms, but she finally managed to slide the hidden zipper up. She had to fan her face to dry all the sweat when she was done. Carefully, she sat on the edge of the bed and strapped the heels onto her feet. She hoped she could still remember how to walk in them.
She sat there for a few more minutes to collect herself before getting back up. Carrie had to swallow hard, several times, to send the bile back down to her stomach. “You can do this,” she said in a low voice.
“I’m home!” Vincent yelled from the bottom of the stairs. “I’m going to jump in the shower real quick.”
Her heart began to race. “Okay! I’m almost ready!” she yelled back. She took slow, deliberate steps towards the bathroom. Her legs were shaking. Carrie spotted her purse on the floor and remembered the surprise Renee had given her. She pulled the bag out and peered inside at the velvet boxes and a small, sequined, red clutch. When she opened the boxes, the dangling diamond-like earrings, matching necklace and bracelet, sparkled back at her. Carrie knew they weren’t real, but boy were they gorgeous.
She put the jewelry on and took a few nervous breaths. Standing in front of the mirror, she let her eyes capture all that she knew Vincent would soon see. The short sleeves of the dress rested just off her shoulders, the bodice clung to her small waist, while the bottom half flared slightly with satin and lace. The back hem was a little longer than the front, and swayed with the movement of her hips when she walked. Carrie took slow steps, back and forth in the bathroom, while looking straight ahead. Not once did she falter.
“I’m ready when you are!” yelled the familiar voice from the bottom of the stairs.
“I’ll be down in just a second!” “Oh my God,” she whispered, as second thoughts attempted to overwhelm her. She shook the doubts from her head before opening the clutch to place her license, Kleenex, and the new tube of lip gloss inside. “It’s now or never,” she told herself firmly, as she opened the bathroom door. She stepped out into the hallway with her chin held high.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
When Vincent heard footsteps heading towards the stairs, he straightened up his black pinstriped suit jacket, smoothed down his gray silk tie against his white shirt, and walked excitedly out of the living room. He had no idea how she’d be dressed, but no matter what she was wearing, he knew that she’d be the same, wonderful girl. She’d been such a great help with Elissa, and had really shown her true colors.
Carrie had a heart the size of a mountain, and Vincent couldn’t help developing a big soft spot for her. Taking her out on the town tonight would be his pleasure. The footsteps in the hallway had stopped, so Vincent went back over to the bottom of the steps to make sure there wasn’t a problem.
He looked up and blinked, while his lips involuntarily parted, allowing him to suck in a deep breath. She’d stopped right outside of the bedroom, so he could only see her from the shoulders up. “Oh my God,” he softly uttered. As she lifted her chin, he could hear her taking slow steps towards him. When she’d reached the top of the stairs, his eyes roamed over her, from head to toe, before locking on hers. She smiled at him, and he melted.
“Stop,” Vincent quietly directed.
“Is everything okay?” Carrie asked with concern.
“Turn around.” A smile began to spread across his face.
He watched as she slowly twirled in front of him. Vincent couldn’t help but stare so intently that he forgot to breathe.
“Do you like it?” she asked softly.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life. Come to me.” It was taking everything in him not to lunge up to where she stood.
She placed her hand on the banister and slowly moved down the stairs. On the last step, Vincent held out his hand and guided her.
“I’m sorry it took me so long. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, Vinnie.” She let go of his hand, but he held on.
“I, Vincent Kyle Montclair, would wait days for you.” He locked his fingers in hers, and then led her out the front door to his car. He opened the door for her and watched as she gracefully sat down. This woman certainly wasn’t the same person he’d seen yesterday. Hell, she wasn’t even the same one he’d met when they were in hiding, from Robert.
“Are you hungry? I bet you’re starving,” Carrie laughed.
“I was, but my appetite has suddenly changed.” Vincent hadn’t blushed around a female since…forever, but he could feel his cheeks heating up.
“We don’t have to go to the steakhouse. Anyplace is fine with me.” She looked at him seriously.
“I’m sorry. I’m acting like a teenager. I’ve just never had such a beautiful, classy woman this close to me before. Part of me wants to whisk you back inside of the house, and the other part wants to show you off to the world.” He watched as Carrie’s smile slipped away and her eyebrows rose.
“Vincent, I’m still the tomboy cop you know. Don’t let this outfit fool you. I’m just me.” She turned her head towards the passenger’s side window.
“I’ll behave. Like I said, I’m acting like I’m sixteen.” Vincent laughed a little and then hopped on the freeway. Trying to keep his mind on driving wasn’t an easy task with Carrie sitting beside him.
When they reached the restaurant, Vincent helped her out of the car, and then handed his keys to the valet. He couldn’t help but notice the guy was staring at Carrie, and as they headed inside the steakhouse, many other men, and women, turned to stare at her as well. Vincent held her hand as they were escorted to their table. He was full of pride.
While they sipped their wine, Vincent noticed how elegant her hand looked as she lifted her glass. But when their steaks arrived, he got his first glimpse of the woman he had become so familiar with. She dug right in. He couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s so funny?” she asked with a full mouth.
“Nothing,” responded Vincent, as he stared at the most amazing woman he’d ever known. “I just wish I’d have met you sooner.”
They finished their dinner with very little conversation. Carrie ate as much as he did, and he realized that there wasn’t one thing about her that he didn’t adore. As they were driving to the club, Carrie began to fiddle with her fingers.
“Are you okay?” He finally asked as they pulled into the parking lot.
“Vinnie, I can’t dance.” Carrie lowered her face, refusing to meet his gaze.
“It’s easy!” He grinned. With his arm around her waist, he escorted her inside the dimly lit night club. Vincent found a small table by the dance floor and moved his chair around, so he could sit beside her.
“You don’t understand, Vinnie. These heels—”
Vincent quickly interrupted her. “Make your legs and feet look sexier than hell? Come on, Hun. They’re playing our song.” He stood up and held out his hand.
“No, I don’t think we should. Let’s just li
sten to the beautiful music and—”
Before she could protest any further, Vincent took ahold of her hand and pulled her to her feet. Her red dress flowed behind her, and he watched as people stared. If she sees everyone looking at her, she’ll sit back down for the rest of the evening, he thought. As he kept her back towards the tables, he pulled her gently against his body, his palm resting on the small of her back. He lifted her hand and held it in his, pulling her closer. Vincent couldn’t help but notice how great she smelled, or how perfectly she fit against him.
“Go slow, okay?” she nervously requested.
“Oh, Baby…I intend to.” He moved slowly to the music, and it didn’t take long for her body to begin to sway in his arms. Vincent closed his eyes, so he could take in every second of this moment. All of a sudden, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Excuse me. May I cut in?” The man nodded ever so slightly at Vincent, as his eyes roamed up and down Carrie. He felt her tense up.
“No, I can’t let that happen. She’s mine.” Vincent smiled at the guy, and then slowly moved Carrie over to the other side of the dance floor.
“Thank you for saving me!” Carrie let out a long sigh.
“You saved me before, so I only felt it was right to return the favor. And,” added Vincent. “I meant it.”
“Meant what?” Carrie asked quizzically.
“You’re mine.” He moved his head back and looked into her beautiful eyes.
“Yep! Friends forever!” she laughed.
Before she could move her head to rest it back on Vincent’s shoulder, he lifted his hands to her face, held it softly, and moved his mouth to hers. It was nothing he had planned, kissing her in a room full of people, but with many eyes upon them, he gently parted her soft, full lips with his warm tongue, and kissed her slowly. When a moan escaped her mouth, she stepped back and looked at him.
“I don’t want to just be your friend, Carrie. This is a date, remember? If the guy likes the girl, he asks her to go out with him again. Well, I like…” he smiled as he leaned in to kiss her again.
“Vinnie, this isn’t me. This dress, the shoes, my hair, nails, and makeup, isn’t your everyday Carrie. You might like me tonight, but when I’m back in my jeans and t-shirt, you’re going to realize that this night, the girl in your arms right now, isn’t what you’ll get come tomorrow.” She smiled, but the sadness in her eyes was evident. “You didn’t like me one bit when I first got to your house, remember?”
“I did. That was the problem. For once I think I was feeling something besides lust, and it was scaring the hell out of me. Since then, I’ve let my guard down. I wish you knew how much you’ve grown on me.” He pulled her close to him again.
“I’m glad you like my outfit,” she laughed.
“Did you like my kiss?” Vincent looked into her eyes again.
“I haven’t been kissed quite like that before,” she whispered.
“Did you like it?” He watched her face redden.
“I thought it—” He quickly stopped her.
“Please tell me you’re not sure, so I can kiss you again.” Vincent placed his hand under her chin and tilted it towards him.
“I think if you kiss me again, we’re going to get thrown out of here.” Carrie chuckled and turned away. She headed back towards their table and sat down.
They listened to the band for a few more songs, and when Vincent saw her trying to hide a yawn, he asked her to dance again, but she declined.
“I’m getting sleepy, Vinnie. I feel kind of bad, but I’m not used to staying up this late.”
“Let’s go home.” He thought about what he’d just said. It was the first time he’d ever uttered that phrase to a woman. Let’s go home. Vincent couldn’t wait to have her all to himself.
As he drove, Carrie rested against the seatback and closed her eyes. When he asked her if she’d had a good time, he got no response. She’d fallen asleep. Though he’d wanted her to stay wide awake, he could tell how exhausted she’d become while at the club. By the looks of her, she must have worked all day long to perfect every detail. And she’d done it, just for him.
Carrie startled when Vincent opened her car door at the house. “Vinnie! I fell asleep! I feel so horrible,” she frowned.
“Nonsense. Let’s get you in to bed. Come on, Beautiful.” He took her hand and walked with her into the house. Once inside, she stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned to face him.
“Thank you for such a wonderful evening, Vinnie. You treated me like a princess, and I’ve never had that before.” She stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight,” she said quietly, before climbing the stairs.
As she disappeared down the hall, Vincent panicked and ran up the steps, two at a time. “Carrie, wait!”
She paused outside of her bedroom door. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not ready for this evening to end,” he blurted. He wanted to hold her again, kiss her again, and stare at her for a few more hours.
“It’s pretty late, Vinnie. You should get some sleep too. I have to get up early and help Elissa with the boys. Hopefully we didn’t wake them up.” She glanced over at their bedroom door.
“We can go back downstairs,” he offered and reached for her hand. She looked so gorgeous. He let his eyes feast on her.
“Vinnie, listen to me. You like me right now because of this dress and these shoes. When you see me tomorrow, you’ll realize that you’re not really attracted to me at all. You’ve never paid this much attention to me before tonight. Don’t you get it? It’s the clothes, Vin. Come tomorrow you’ll be glad that we didn’t do anything you’ll regret. Hopefully you won’t be sorry about that kiss.” She squeezed his hand and then walked inside of the bedroom, closing the door gently behind her.
Chapter 16
Carrie got up early the next morning and showered, washing away the final reminders of the night before. There was no reason to lie in bed with the hopes of falling asleep any longer. Once she’d heard Vincent go back down the stairs last night, she allowed her tears to finally spill over. Carrie hated to leave him standing in the hallway, but her eyes were starting to sting. She knew he’d wanted more from her, but she was also aware that he was falling for the woman in red, and not plain, ordinary, Carrie Oliver.
He’d probably apologize today for being so forward and flirty last night. She should have followed her instincts and talked him into going for a burger instead. She let her back rest against the refrigerator door, knowing that today would be a very long day. Her eyes closed when she spotted her red toenails sticking out from the legs of her worn jeans. She moved her hands up to her red and white hockey jersey, which had a number coming unglued on the front. The makeup on her face was gone, the curls were washed out, and the perfume had been rinsed down the drain. Later today, she’d find a way to remove the fake nails, and then get out of the house for awhile.
Carrie had no desire to see the disappointment which she was sure would show on Vincent’s face this morning. By Monday, she’d have a job, even if it was at a fast food restaurant. It was hard not to keep calling herself an idiot for even thinking she belonged on the arm of Vincent Montclair, and she most certainly didn’t belong underneath his roof.
The coffee finished brewing and she heard the boys giggling as Elissa helped them down the stairs.
“Good morning, Carrie,” Elissa smiled, as she removed cereal bowls from the cupboard. “How did your date go last night?” She winked.
“It was nice. The steaks were great.” Carrie plastered on a fake smile. She didn’t want to mention anything about the club, for fear of breaking down in tears. “Are you going into work today?”
“Yep! I need to prepare some documents for Vincent. I have some good news for you though.” Elissa turned around and grinned. “I ran into a friend of mine, who I went to high school with. She runs a daycare in Southfield, so I’m going to drop the boys off today and see how they like it.”
“I can watch them
for you. Besides, we have a lot of fun together,” Carrie reached down and held Elissa’s hands. She loved Miles and Noah, but she couldn’t exactly bring them with her on job interviews.
“Carrie, I’m so grateful to you for helping me out, but I can’t expect you to be my built-in babysitter forever. Besides, I don’t have to give all of my money to my parents anymore, so I can actually afford childcare.” Elissa turned to get the boys ready to go.
“I’m going job hunting today. Hopefully I’ll find something.” Carrie shook her head and sighed. “There aren’t any precincts hiring, so I’m going to have to take whatever job I can find.”
“If you need a resume’ typed up, let me know.”
Carrie helped Elissa finish getting the boys ready to go. After they left, she leaned against the kitchen sink and tilted her head back. She’d worked hard to become a cop, and now it all seemed like such a waste. She opened her eyes when she heard Vincent’s footsteps approaching from up the hallway. Carrie quickly turned around and began to wash the few dishes that were sitting on the counter.
“Good morning,” announced Vincent as he pulled a mug down from the cupboard.
Carrie couldn’t make any words come out. She nodded at him, but rolled her eyes at herself while he was pouring his coffee. The first thing she wanted to do was bolt from the room. He was dressed in an expensive business suit and smelled really nice. She looked like a wreck, and her hair was drying in messy strands. She could feel him looking at her.
“Well, I have to go get ready. I plan on finding a job today.” Carrie couldn’t believe she told him that. If she couldn’t find any work, she’d feel like a complete failure. Even if she managed to get an interview, she didn’t know if she had anything decent to wear that’d fit. She had one pair of black slacks, a white shirt and a matching blazer, but that was it. She’d needed one for ceremonies with the police department, but the last time she’d worn it was over a year ago. Carrie dried her hands and turned to leave.
“Do you think you could give me a moment so I can talk to you?” he asked, reaching for her arm. She couldn’t help but notice that his eyes showed sadness.