Love is in the Air

by Devon Vaughn Archer

  “I’m game, and I’m intrigued,” Holly said.

  “Good. I’ll pick you up in half an hour, if that’s not too soon,” Anderson said.

  “It isn’t. I’ll see you then.”

  Anderson had mixed feelings about his father and what he would say to him if they were to meet face-to-face. He had no illusion that they would have the type of warm and loving relationship Holly had with her father. But it didn’t mean he was above being cordial to the man, even though he had never hung around long enough to do right by him or his mother.

  Anderson felt he owed Holly for at least getting him to think outside his self-imposed box. She was doing things to him that made Anderson wonder where she had been all his life. He wondered if it would have changed some of his past mistakes had she been the one he’d fallen in love with once upon a time.

  * * *

  Holly rode with Anderson, curious as to where they would have lunch. He was being mysterious about it, leaving her curiosity all the more piqued. And what else was on his mind, she wondered. It felt good to be dating someone who seemed to be making the right moves in his life. She could only wonder if it would last.

  “Here we are,” Anderson said, interrupting her thoughts as he pulled into the parking lot of the soup kitchen.

  Holly cocked a brow. “This is where we’re having lunch?”

  He smiled, hoping it wouldn’t be too much of a turnoff for her. “The food is surprisingly good,” he said. “Besides, it seemed like a good way for you to meet Esther Wright. She runs the place.”

  “Uh, all right.” Holly was a little thrown off by having lunch at a soup kitchen usually reserved for the homeless. But she wasn’t so snooty that she’d refuse to eat there. On the contrary, she admired that Anderson—whom she imagined probably often ate at five-star restaurants—was so down-to-earth that he was willing to eat at a soup kitchen and give of his time there.

  Anderson appreciated that Holly was willing to keep an open mind. It was important to know that she wasn’t the type of person who thought they were better than everyone else was.

  They went inside and found Esther. “Well, hello there,” she said with a bright smile.

  “Hi, Miss Wright,” Anderson said.

  “And who do we have with you today?”

  “This is Holly.”

  Esther’s eyes crinkled. “You must be the wonderful lady Anderson told me about. Welcome to the soup kitchen.” She gave her a hug.

  “I’m happy to be here,” Holly said, peeking at Anderson, who had obviously become close to the older woman.

  “Are you here to work?” Esther asked hopefully.

  “Actually, we’re here for a square meal first,” Anderson surprised her by saying. “Then we’ll pitch in with serving.”

  “Sounds fine to me. You’re always welcome here.”

  “Thanks.” Anderson kissed her cheek. “Now we’re ready to chow down.”

  “Then chow down you will,” Esther said.

  They stood in the serving line and received a helping of roast beef and gravy, rice, corn and carrot cake.

  Anderson led Holly to a table, where they both sat.

  “You’re full of surprises,” she told him.

  “Good or bad?” he wondered, slicing the roast beef.

  “Definitely good.” She dug her spoon into the corn and ate some. “I can’t say I’ve ever eaten in a soup kitchen before, but the food is tasty.”

  He smiled. “Glad you like it. The cooks take their work seriously, and they really try to treat those less fortunate with a meal fit for a king. Or queen.”

  Holly laughed. “So I’m a queen, huh?”

  “You are to me,” he said earnestly.

  “Why, thank you.” She blushed. “I think you’ve got the royalty thing going on, too.”

  Anderson chuckled. “I’ll settle for Prince Charming.”

  “You certainly fit the bill,” she had to admit.

  He grinned, loving how naturally their conversation flowed. There was clearly something going on here that he didn’t want to see end anytime soon.

  Anderson ate some rice and met Holly’s eyes. “I may have a lead on my father.”

  “Oh.” She held his gaze with interest. “What?”

  He told her what the detective had discovered thus far. “Whether any of these men turns out to be the real deal remains to be seen, but at least it’s something to go on.” He still hadn’t decided if he was happy about that, given the fact that he didn’t know what his father would be like.

  “I’m glad that the detective seems to be making progress,” Holly said. “Hopefully this will lead to something positive.” She was fully aware that his father, if still alive, could reject him. Or, worse, not even acknowledge him. But she believed in that old adage: nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  “I hope that, too,” Anderson said. For now, he was more than content to live with the knowledge that she was the one who had opened his eyes to this search.

  Holly continued to eat the food, which really was delicious, before she turned her thoughts to an event coming up soon.

  “Next Wednesday is the broadcast journalist banquet downtown,” she informed Anderson. “Would you like to be my date?”

  He pretended to be mentally checking his schedule before bursting into a pleased smile. “Absolutely! Count me in.”

  “Great.” She grinned, certain she would easily have the most handsome man on her arm.

  After they finished eating, Anderson and Holly took a spot in the serving line, dishing out food.

  Anderson found Holly to be a natural with her friendly chatter. She made each person feel that he or she was being given her undivided attention—something he could certainly relate to. She was certainly giving him the kind of personal attention that rocked his world and made him want to give back just as much in return.

  Chapter 9

  The broadcast journalist banquet was held in the ballroom of a luxury hotel. Holly entered on Anderson’s arm. She was wearing a dark teal pleated evening gown and sable pumps. Her hair was up and a pearl necklace matched her earrings. She remembered his comment about her being a queen, and she really felt the part this evening as his date.

  She looked up at him—he was resplendent in a black tux. “Welcome to my world,” she told him.

  Anderson grinned, feeling just a bit out of his league, but happy nonetheless to be in Holly’s company. “It should be fun,” he said.

  “At the very least, it will be interesting,” Holly promised, knowing that these functions were often unpredictable.

  They sat with Blythe and her co-anchor, Allan Kennedy. The two seemed to be more than a little cozy and Holly wondered if they were actually dating.

  “Nice to see you again, Anderson,” Blythe said.

  “You too.” He smiled.

  “Maybe you can be Holly’s good luck charm for winning an award, just as I’m hoping Allan will be mine.”

  Anderson knew that Holly had been nominated for Outstanding Broadcast Journalist in Houston. Though she had downplayed her chances of winning, he didn’t see why she should not win, since she was a damned good anchorwoman.

  “I’m happy to be her good luck charm,” he said, gazing at Holly. “Whatever it takes.”

  Holly blushed. This was the second time she’d been nominated for an award. After being disappointed when she didn’t win the last time, she refused to get her hopes up too high only to have them come crashing down. “We’re all winners at this table, no matter what happens,” she said diplomatically.

  “My sentiments precisely,” Allan said, raising his wineglass so they could all toast to that.

  A few minutes later, Holly and Blythe went to the powder room.

  “You two really make a l
ovely couple,” Blythe said, applying lip gloss.

  “We do, don’t we?” Holly said. “But then, so do you and Allan. Or am I mistaken about the hard-to-miss vibes passing between you two?”

  Blythe smiled. “No, you’re not mistaken. We’ve recently started seeing each other. I know what you’re thinking, that there’s a few years’ age difference between us. But I’ve always been attracted to older men. This one just happens to be my colleague, and he’s newly single like me, and great to look at and sleep with.”

  Holly grinned. “Well, you go, girl,” she declared. “I wish you and Allan nothing but the best.”

  “Same for you and Anderson,” Blythe said. “We deserve to be happy with the men in our lives.”

  “Yes, we do.” Holly put a touch of blush on her cheeks. “So why not create our own happiness?”

  “Exactly. Speaking of happy times, Sharon Pickford, who does the evening news with Scott Turner, is going on maternity leave next month. I’ve been asked to take her place while she’s off, and there’s a good chance it will be permanent.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful news,” Holly said, giving her a hug. “It’s what you’ve wanted.”

  “It is. Everything suddenly seems to be falling into place.”

  “Ditto.”

  They got back to the table just in time to hear the nominees’ names being read. Holly, who had a prepared speech in case she won, felt her heart pounding. She braced herself for the possibility that the award could just as easily go to one of the other talented people in the running. And how would she come across to Anderson if she lost? Would he think any less of her talents as a journalist?

  As the winner was being announced, Holly felt Anderson reach out and take her hand. He smiled at her and she acknowledged with a smile of her own before facing the stage and holding her breath for what seemed like an eternity.

  “And the winner of the city’s Outstanding Broadcast Journalist award is...Holly Kendall!”

  Holly was overcome with joy. As she stood, trying to wrap her mind around the results, Anderson gave her a soulful congratulatory kiss.

  “I’m so happy for you,” he whispered. “You deserve this.”

  “Thank you,” she told him, flashing a toothy smile.

  Holly graciously accepted the award, making sure to acknowledge her fellow nominees, who were surely as disappointed as she would have been. She had bragging rights for the next year, and along with it, the responsibility of measuring up to the achievement.

  * * *

  Anderson and Holly went back to his place to continue the celebration. They wasted little time stripping off their clothes and getting into bed. Each wanted the other more and more with every touch, caress and kiss, but they took their time in a slow and sensual seduction.

  Holly placed the latex over Anderson’s erection then climbed on him, aching for the fulfillment that only he could give her. She lowered herself onto his hard body and felt him enter her, sending streaks of fire throughout her body as she moved up and down the incredible length of him. He played with her breasts and nipples, further exciting her, before pulling her body down to his, where their mouths joined in mutual harmony.

  They made love with utter abandon as their hot bodies glistened from the frenetic movement. Holly could not remember a time when she felt so alive and in tune with another human being. She seemed to be floating on air, but knew that Anderson would be there to catch her should she fall from his heavenly embrace.

  Anderson easily turned them over, thrusting himself into Holly’s warm and moist core, and feeling overjoyed as she met him halfway with each thrust. He inhaled her intoxicating scent and ran his fingers through the silky strands of her hair while they kissed as though there were no tomorrow.

  He fought hard to hold back from reaching the peak of satisfaction, so that they could climax together. Clutching Holly’s buttocks, Anderson moved even deeper inside her, wanting to scream with pleasure as her contractions grew stronger around him as the pace of their lovemaking quickened.

  Holly clawed at Anderson’s back and bit his shoulder as her orgasm came with a jolt, sending her into a state of ecstasy. She cried out with joy, continuing to propel her body at him, wanting his pleasure to be just as powerful.

  Within moments, Anderson’s release came and he held on tightly to her while devouring her juicy lips and allowing the exquisite sensations to take effect.

  Both rode the wave of pleasure for all it was worth before settling down and allowing their perspiring bodies and beating hearts to return to normal.

  “What a way to cap off a wonderful evening,” Holly said after a deep breath.

  “You’re telling me,” Anderson said huskily, untangling their limbs and climbing off her. “Maybe you need to win some awards more often.”

  She giggled. “I think what just happened had less to do with the award and more with the two people in bed right now.”

  “Sounds about right.” He kissed one of her breasts. “Guess we just can’t get enough of each other.”

  “Guess we can’t.” Holly was starting to realize that she had a thing for him that she had never had for anyone before. It scared her, since it left her vulnerable to being hurt. But she also embraced having such a fulfilling physical and emotional relationship after being alone for so long.

  Anderson gently ran his hand across the side of her face. He found it hard to resist touching her at every opportunity. “Some things are just meant to be.”

  Holly propped up on an elbow. “And you think we’re one of those things?”

  “Don’t you?”

  “I’ve never really believed in fate, per se,” she said honestly. “I think that people make their own connections and their own destiny.”

  “I can’t argue with that,” he said. “But if those connections are lasting, then isn’t it all the same difference?”

  “I suppose so.” Holly put her hand on his muscular chest, sending a fresh wave of desire through her.

  “As long as it’s working, there is no greater satisfaction than being with a person who seems so right for you.”

  “We do seem pretty right for each other,” she murmured, running her foot up his leg.

  Anderson reacted to the stimulation of her toes on his body. “Are we looking to go another round?”

  “Are you up for it?” she challenged, even though his arousal spoke for itself.

  “Always,” he said.

  Over the next half hour they enjoyed each other’s bodies, covering every angle and inventing new ones while their bodies absorbed the intense sensations.

  When it was over, Anderson held Holly in his arms.

  “I have to go to San Francisco for business next week,” he said.

  “For how long?” she asked, hating the thought of being without him for any length of time.

  “Shouldn’t be more than a couple of days.”

  “I suppose I’ll just have to try and get along without you,” she said, half teasing.

  “I have a better idea,” Anderson said. “Why don’t you come with me?” He was finding it more and more difficult to be apart from her.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Of course,” he said. “My business won’t take up too much of my time. Why not make it a little romantic getaway? There’s no place more romantic than the City by the Bay.”

  “Hmm...”

  “Don’t worry,” he said, “if there’s any turbulence, I’ll be there to protect you.”

  She chuckled. “Promise?”

  He grinned. “Yes, you’ll be safe with me.”

  Holly didn’t doubt that for one minute. “I’d love to go to San Francisco with you.”

  “Wonderful.” Anderson beamed. “Now, how about if we seal that with a kiss?”

&nb
sp; “You’ll get no argument from me,” she said.

  He kissed her heartily and they made love again before sleeping through the night in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 10

  On the day before they were to fly to San Francisco, Anderson accompanied Holly to two local elementary schools where they read classics to the children. Anderson enjoyed chipping in and seemed to have won over the students pretty quickly. He liked it even better, though, when he listened to Holly read as if she were in a Broadway play. She was clearly in the zone and giving her audience something they could really learn from.

  Anderson enjoyed it so much that he had no doubt that he would become a regular participant in the literary program.

  That afternoon, they had lunch in the Union Building cafeteria on the University of Houston campus. It brought back memories for both of them of their days as students.

  “I’ll just bet you were quite a player in those days,” joked Holly. She was about to dig in to a corned beef sandwich.

  “Not really,” he said, sipping soda through a straw. “I was too busy trying to keep my grades up.”

  “So you were a brainiac?”

  He laughed. “I wouldn’t go quite that far.” He lifted a fry and dipped it into ketchup. “I had my share of fun, but never lost sight of my true goals in life.”

  “Neither did I,” Holly said. “Too bad our lives didn’t intersect then. Who knows what trouble we may have gotten ourselves into?”

  Anderson chuckled. “Probably lots of trouble.” He leaned forward. “I’d say we’re doing a good job of making up for it now.”

  Holly colored. “We are, aren’t we?” She loved that they could be so free in sharing their feelings, something she hadn’t experienced previously in dating. She wondered if that was a good indicator for the future.

  “You’ll get no complaints whatsoever from my end,” he told her.

  “Or mine,” she said.

  Anderson grabbed a fry and held it up to Holly’s mouth. She bit off a piece.

  “Satisfied?” she teased.

  “Perfectly.” He laughed while he watched her chew it and then sexily lick off some ketchup from the corner of her mouth. There was no doubt in his mind that they were headed for even bigger and better things in their relationship.