Ooh La La

by Doreen Alsen

  Dressed in a suit and heels, she sure hadn’t come ready to take a dance lesson. Something was wrong; he sensed it as she walked across the room toward him. “We have to talk,” she said.

  “Okay.” He wished he’d worn pants with pockets instead of sweats. His hands needed something to do. He felt like a fish with, well, hands.

  “This isn’t easy, so I’m just going to say it.” She sighed. “My father, Cecil Cooke, is running for Massachusetts governor. He’s afraid of scandal and because of that, he’s demanding I break things off with you.”

  “What?” This had to be a bad dream right? “Why?”

  “You remember running into my Queen of the Planet Rude mother the other night?”

  He nodded, no need to front.

  “Father had you investigated and—”

  “What?” His voice might have cracked.

  Veronica shook her head. “Long story short, he found out that you work at Hardbody and told me that if I continue seeing you, he’ll ruin your career here at Barrett and destroy any chance you have of ever getting a position as a choreographer anywhere soon.” She licked her lips. “So I can’t see you any more. Not because I don’t want to, because now that I know you’re the cowboy from Hardbody, there’s no way I want to not see you.”

  “What are you saying? Are you breaking up with me? Not that we were really dating hard and heavy yet.” Not for lack of time and desire on his part.

  Her shoulders slumped. “Yes. I am. I have to. You’re a gifted dancer and a good teacher and I won’t let my family be the cause of your career being destroyed.”

  “Your family can’t be that powerful.” Really.

  “I don’t want to argue. It kills me to argue with you like this, because I’d love a chance to see how far we could take this thing between us. But my father will carry through on his threats, and I can’t let that happen.”

  “You think I’m afraid of your father?”

  “You should be.”

  Every muscle in his body stiffened with hostility. “I’m not and I’m pissed you think I can’t take care of myself.”

  She looked at her shoes. “It’s not that,” she whispered. “Men like my father?” She lifted her gaze back to his. “You have no idea. Anyway, I won’t let him ruin you. You’re too important to me.” She swallowed audibly. “I know you’re angry and you have every right to be. Once you’re not mad any more, you’ll see I’m making the only workable decision.”

  “Bullshit.”

  Her eyes swam with tears. She reached out a hand to cup his cheek but he flinched rather than let her touch him.

  She stared at him, her mermaid eyes awash with unshed tears, the magic that lit them dimmed. “Good bye. Stay well.” She turned and practically ran from the studio.

  No way was he letting her get away like that. He caught up to her in two long strides and grabbed her arm. “We’re not done here.”

  She froze. “Please let go of me.”

  He lifted his hand off her. “Please don’t run. Hear me out.”

  “There’s nothing left to say.”

  “Veronica? Is everything okay here?”

  Simon turned toward the newcomer on the scene, a tall man dressed in an elegant gray wool suit, with hair and eyes the same colors as Veronica’s.

  “Roger.” Veronica stepped away from Simon. “Everything’s fine.”

  “It didn’t look fine,” Roger said.

  “It really is. Simon and I were having a disagreement, that’s all.”

  “You’re on the verge of tears.” Roger studied Veronica’s face.

  Simon thought he was going to pop a blood vessel. “Excuse me, but this is a private conversation.”

  This Roger barely spared Simon a glance before he turned back to Veronica. “I was looking for you. I just got back into town and thought we could catch up over drinks.”

  That kicked up Simon’s blood pressure a notch.

  Veronica nodded. “I’d like that.” She looked at him. “Good bye, Simon.”

  He unclenched his jaw. “This isn’t over.”

  Her eyes looked heavy burdened with sadness. “Yes, it is.” She left with Roger.

  Damn! Whoever this Roger was, he had no business coming between him and Veronica.

  Neither did her father and, by hook or by crook, Simon would put this situation to rights.

  ****

  “So little sister, what did I just walk into there? Why was that guy trying to hurt you?”

  Veronica swiped at the moisture spilling from her eyes and gave her brother Roger a watery smile. “It’s not what you think. I was the one hurting him.” She hated that her voice trembled.

  “Ridiculous! You wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  She told him the whole story.

  “Son of a…you can’t be serious!”

  Veronica shrugged. “I don’t even know if Simon feels about me the way I feel about him, but I won’t let Father destroy his life and his career.”

  Roger’s mouth thinned into a tight line. “Well, it turns out there’s something I can do about this.”

  “What do you mean?” Her heart skipped a beat.

  “I just accepted a position here at Barrett as conductor in residence. It’s what I was trying to find you and tell you.”

  “Congratulations!” She honestly felt happy for her brother. This was a big step forward in his career as an opera conductor.

  “Thanks. Here’s the thing. I’m also booked to conduct the upcoming season for Opera Addington, and we’re going to need a choreographer. Is this guy any good?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve seen him dance and I’ve seen him teach. I think he’s good.”

  “Then I’ll go talk to him. Don’t worry about the senator. I’ve got enough clout to head him off at the pass.”

  She bit her lip. “Are you sure?”

  A determined and triumphant light shone from Roger’s eyes. “Oh yeah. I’ve been waiting a long time to have this conversation with the judgmental old bastard.” His expression softened. “You look tired. Go home. Have a glass of wine, watch the episode of General Hospital you DVR’d, and relax.”

  Her jaw went slack. “How do you know about GH?”

  He chuckled. “You’re talking to the person who grew up with you and suffered through every damn minute of the Sonny, Brenda, Jax triangle.”

  She rolled her eyes. Of course Roger would remember that. “You had a crush on Brenda.”

  “Who didn’t? Now, go. I’m want to hunt down your Simon and see if he’s up to the job I need done and then take dear old Papa down a peg or two.” Roger rubbed his hands together like he was relishing the fight.

  They stood and she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I love you, even though you’re a smelly jerk.”

  Roger grinned. “I love you even though you’re butt ugly.”

  Veronica grinned back at him, grateful he was her brother.

  Chapter Ten

  “Veronica, you look gorgeous! Doesn’t she look gorgeous, Dave? Turn around so he can see.” Ainslie might as well have had a magic wand to wave around.

  Veronica, in her Ballet Gala finery, dutifully did a pirouette, the best she could manage, what with her two left feet, and waited for Dave’s verdict.

  “You look more beautiful than ever.”

  She pressed a hand against her stomach. The gauzy fabric of the gown puffed under her touch. “If he comes.”

  There was a lot at stake tonight, so much more than raising money for the ballet. She hadn’t heard from Roger and her heart jumped into her throat every time her phone rang.

  She tried to concentrate on decorating the event space with all the hearts and flowers that went hand in hand with Valentine’s Day. In charge of spreading rose petals on the tables, she doubted there were any red roses left in the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The pads of her fingers were permanently dyed red.

  She sighed, feeling a little sorry for herself as she looked around the room. Her fellow c
ommittee members were busy setting up for the gala, accompanied by their handsome husbands who were doing the heavy lifting.

  If she hadn’t given in to her father’s blackmail, Simon would be by her side.

  And sometimes? Valentine’s Day sucked.

  But that little dove called hope fluttered in her breast. Simon would walk through that door with Roger any second to be her valentine.

  Cue Chandler Bing. Could she be any more hokey?

  That would be a big no.

  She really needed to get over herself, like right now. She’d just met Simon and how stupid was it to put all your eggs in an unknown basket?

  A thought niggled painfully in the back of her brain. What if Roger wasn’t as powerful as he thought? What if he couldn’t protect Simon?

  What if? What if? What if?

  She was driving herself crazy and it wasn’t a pretty sight.

  Somebody flipped the switch on for the fairy lights strung all over the room and turned the main lights off. Instantly the space became a forest filled with fairies and magic. And love.

  She caught a glimpse of Andi and her husband Mike off in a corner in a really steamy clinch.

  Most definitely love.

  She wanted that. She wanted what Mike and Andi had, what Gina and Ian had, what Ainslie and Dave had.

  True, soul deep, love. Love so real it made you ache. She wouldn’t settle for anything less.

  The band came in and set up. Each instrument blew a few scales and riffs then, at the nod of the alto sax player, softly slid into My Funny Valentine.

  People filtered into the room in a steady stream and muted conversation competed with the lovely music.

  Her parents entered like the royalty they imagined they were.

  Veronica steeled herself for the unpleasant conversation she knew was coming, but they didn’t acknowledge her presence. She didn’t know if she should be relieved or alarmed.

  Then she couldn’t think at all because Simon arrived with Roger by his side.

  Simon looked so handsome and elegant. Dressed in a funky, vintage black tuxedo with a white pleated shirt, black vest and blue tie, she’d never seen a more beautiful man. He’d slicked back his blond wavy hair and his blue eyes matched the color of his tie.

  He saw her and a huge smile bloomed across his face. He took a step in her direction but Roger held him back and winked at Veronica.

  Afraid to look away, Veronica practically drowned in the depths of his gaze. They could have been the only two people in the world as far as she was concerned.

  Simon and Veronica. Veronica and Simon. Two halves of the same whole.

  “You look so beautiful,” Simon mouthed to her. The light in his eyes made her feel like the most beautiful and longed for woman in the world.

  The two men walked to the bandstand where Roger whispered in the ear of the lead singer who nodded. After the song ended, the singer handed the microphone to Roger.

  “Thanks, Phil,” he said to the singer. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention! I have an announcement to make.”

  The noise of the crowd slowly wound down, but Veronica only had eyes for Simon, who stared at her while he stood next to Roger.

  “As some of you know, I’m Roger Cooke. I’m the new conductor in residence at Barrett University and the head conductor for Opera Addington and, by extension, the Addington Ballet.”

  A smattering of applause went around the room. “Thank you.” Roger inclined his head at the recognition. “As such, I’d like to introduce you to Simon West, the candidate at the top of the short list for head choreographer in the upcoming season, starting with the Ballet’s presentation of Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du Printemps in September and the Opera’s presentation of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro in October. Simon is a very talented artist with cutting edge, bold ideas and I, for one, can’t wait to work with him!” Roger held out his hand and pulled Simon on to the bandstand.

  Veronica’s parents left in what could only be described as a huff.

  He’d done it. Her remarkable brother had won!

  “Breathe!” Gina came up to Veronica and pinched her then pushed her toward the platform. Veronica tripped and almost face-planted, but caught her balance at the last minute.

  Every single nerve throbbed with joy. She almost couldn’t see past the tears welling in her eyes. The crowd parted as she passed, opening her way to the bandstand.

  To Simon, who’d bounded off the stage and made his way to her. He picked her up off her feet and swung her in a circle. They swirled to a stop and he kissed her, long, hard, and deep. “I think I love you, you know.”

  It was a good thing he was holding onto her, because she was about to melt to the floor.

  The band started to play Three Times a Lady. “I think this is our song.” He arranged their arms into waltz mode.

  “I can’t do this,” she whispered, unable to manage more sound than that.

  “Hey, look at me.”

  She lifted her face.

  “I’ve got you, Veronica. I won’t let you fall.” He dropped a kiss onto her forehead. “Trust me.”

  Throat clogged with emotion, she nodded.

  “That’s my girl. Now, here we go. One, two, three.”

  The crowd clapped as the two of them moved to the music. Still clumsy, but feeling like she was Pavlova as he led her around the dance floor, she gave her heart to this amazing man. “I think I love you, too.”

  He glanced around the room. “Think anybody would miss us if we left? I can’t wait to make love to you.”

  “A few more dances. You need to meet and greet a couple of people. But later…” Her woman’s power zinged up her spine, making her bold. “I’d like to make love to you, too.”

  He spun her around in a dizzying turn. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s dance!”

  Sounded like a plan to her.

  ****

  “Would you like to come in for coffee or something?” Veronica asked as she stood with Simon on her front porch.

  He’d driven her home from the Gala, the wonderful, amazing, magical party where he’d said he loved her.

  Her feet had yet to hit the ground.

  Simon bent his head and kissed the tip of her nose. “Or something,” he murmured in his low, smoky voice.

  Oh. My. Or something sounded pretty good to her.

  Her hands shook as she attempted to put the key into the front door lock. He took it and inserted it with sure and steady hands.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Inside, he pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips across hers, once, twice, three times, before he fully claimed her mouth. She sighed and opened to his kiss, thrilled by the tenderness of his touch.

  He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers. “God, you taste so sweet. Let’s get out of our coats. I’ve been going crazy with wanting to see you.” He nipped her lower lip. “To touch you.”

  Yes, please. She fumbled in her haste to unbutton her coat. She let it slide down her arms to the floor.

  “You are so beautiful.” It made her blood pop with desire. Then his fingers trembled as he ran them down her cheek. “Your skin is so soft.”

  She looped her arms around his neck, went up on tiptoes and kissed him, desperate for the taste of him.

  He devoured her. There was no other word for it. His hands flexed around her arms rhythmically, squeeze and let go, squeeze and let go. He swept his tongue into her mouth and she tangled hers right back.

  After breaking the kiss, he tossed his head. “Where’s your bedroom? For God’s sake, I hope it’s close by.”

  “Up the stairs.” She pressed kisses against the warm, stubbly skin on his cheek.

  He swept her into his arms and raced up the stairs, almost face-planting in his haste. “I’m sorry. I’m usually more graceful than this.”

  They made it without further incident, dropping to the bed kissing and pulling at each other’s clothes.

  V
eronica was glad she’d worn her prettiest, sexiest white lace lingerie.

  His eyes lit like twin suns as he looked at her. “I feel like a kid at Christmas, all ready to unwrap my best present.” He took her mouth again.

  He tasted so good and felt even better. He deepened the kiss and reached behind her to unclasp her bra.

  She hummed against his lips then pulled away. “You’re pretty good at that.”

  “Beginner’s luck,” he rasped. He uncovered her breasts. “God, you’re so beautiful.” He laid her back on the bed as if she were made of spun sugar. “I’ve got to taste you.”

  She whimpered when he leaned over and teased her stiffened nipples with his tongue. His hands cruised down her body to her hips. “Lift up,” he murmured against her breast. She raised her hips and he dragged the frothy skirt of her gown down the length of her legs, leaving her clad only in her miniscule panties, thigh-high stockings, and stiletto heels.

  Simon raised his head and just stared with wonder. Veronica leaned up on her elbows and smiled. “Are you going to join me, or are you just looking?”

  He stood and dropped his shirt, which she’d unbuttoned, to the floor. “In my job we do this part real slow.” A man of his word, he dragged the zipper down with care, stopping mid-way to frame his impressive erection with his thumbs and forefingers.

  Veronica’s heart fluttered like a wild bird in a cage. She had to remind herself to breathe. He was gorgeous.

  And big. Very, very big.

  She sat in front of him and replaced his hands with hers and rubbed the hard length of him through his briefs. That lasted only so long—she had to see him in the flesh. She hooked her fingers in the elastic of his underwear and pulled them down. She grasped his erection, licked her lips, so hungry for him.

  He groaned and put his index finger under her chin, lifting her away from his body. “Easy there. We don’t want this over before we start.” He stepped out of his pants, put his hand on her chest, and pushed her to lie back on the bed then stretched out alongside her.

  His hand rubbed light circles over her nipples as he slipped the other hand underneath her panties and cupped her mound, using the heel of his hand to make similar circles.

  “Simon,” she moaned. “Simon, Simon, Simon.”