Circle of Shadows

by Curry, Edna

  “Lili, you’re driving me wild,” he murmured.

  His lips moved to the soft, sensitive skin along the side of her neck, then hungrily back to her lips once more. One hand lowered on her back, bringing her so close that she could feel the firm bulge on his need between them. The fingers of his other hand slipped under her blouse and pushed aside her bra. He teased her breast, saying softly, “I’ve been aching to do this all day.”

  The sound of his voice brought her back to her senses. This had to stop. Whatever was she thinking? She pushed against his warm chest. “Ken, please...”

  He released her and ran a shaky hand through his hair. “You’re right, of course. We’d better stop this while I still can. Until tomorrow, then. Goodnight, Lili.”

  It wasn’t a good night for Lili. She lay awake for hours trying to sort out her mixed feelings for Ken without success.

  Early the next morning, Ken picked Lili up. While she and her crew did the opening the store chores, Ken and Tom began directing the other helpers as they arrived.

  Lili dreaded the whole process.

  The chaos that reigned as Lili looked out over her store later seemed to bear out her fears. Everywhere she looked men and women were busily moving things on or off shelves. Grocery carts were piled high with groceries everywhere, leaving only a few carts for the customers.

  Lili had been relieved when Ken treated her as though nothing had happened last night. This way, she, too, could maintain a businesslike front, although her emotions erupted in turmoil whenever he came near her. She had been introduced to so many new people this morning that she had given up trying to remember names. Instead, she concentrated on answering questions as best she could, and doing whatever was asked of her at the moment. All she asked was to get through the day somehow.

  Tom and Ken seemed to be everywhere at once, quietly answering questions and directing what should go where, often consulting the plans Tom had painstakingly drawn.

  In spite of several grumbling remarks she’d heard earlier, her employees all seemed cheerful and willing. In fact, they seemed to be enjoying all the bustle and action, and the change from their regular routine.

  Lili was pleasantly surprised to find that Ken could follow as well as lead and looked comfortable following Tom’s directions. She was constantly aware of where Ken was and what he was doing. From the number of times she found him working beside her, and the intent looks he sent her way, she knew that he was aware of her, too. She remembered what he’d said the night before, that he had been wanting to kiss her all day. Was he thinking that again today? His glances seemed to say that he was. The knowledge brought back some of the warm turbulence in her midriff that his kisses had raised the night before.

  As though her thoughts had conjured him up, Ken appeared beside her. “It is rather a mess at the moment, isn’t it?” he said, guessing her thoughts. “Tired?”

  “A little,” she admitted, thinking that had to be the understatement of the year.

  “Let’s quit for today.” He glanced around for Tom, spotted him in the next aisle and waved at him, calling, “Tom? Pass the word, dinner at Lander’s House down the street.”

  “Come on, guys, let’s eat. Ken’s buying! Pass it on.”

  Ken seated himself beside Lili, and she was grateful for his presence. He tactfully used each person’s name as they talked, helping her get acquainted with the many new faces. She was finding it harder and harder to be angry with him, when he went out of his way to make her feel comfortable and a part of his organization.

  Since most of them were staying over at the motel, they relaxed in the bar after dinner, enjoying an evening of good-natured banter.

  Although Lili had only a glass of white wine, she was soon having trouble keeping her eyes open.

  No one else seemed to notice, but Ken took her arm and said, “Come on, Lili. I’ll drive you home.”

  “Oh, but ....”

  “No buts. We’ll see you all in the morning,” he tossed over his shoulder as he got her jacket and held it for her.

  Lili was too tired to argue with him. She allowed him to seat her in his car, and watched him walk around and get behind the wheel. “You needn’t have left on my account,” she told him as he started the car and pulled out. She squirmed as he turned towards her and his eyes narrowed.

  “You’re dead on your feet.”

  “Thanks a lot,” Lili exclaimed, wondering if she looked as worn out as she felt. She added ruefully, “I guess I am more used to office work than stocking shelves. I’ve discovered muscles I didn’t know I had, and every muscle is screaming at me.”

  Ken stopped at her house. He turned to look at her and grinned. “You’re as beautiful as ever, even with a smudge on your nose,” Pulling out a handkerchief, he rubbed that spot. “You’d better get into a hot bath and take some aspirin. Don’t worry about me. I’d return to the bar if I wanted to.”

  “Oh.”

  Ken opened the car door and took her arm to walk her to the door. “But as a matter of fact, I’m going home. I have some unfinished work to do, and Renee has probably faxed me some new problems as well.”

  She smiled gratefully at him and nodded.

  He kissed her goodnight and raised a hand to brush her long hair back. “So beautiful! I’ve never seen such soft, silky hair. But however did you choose such an unusual color?” Without waiting for a reply, he bent to kiss her again.

  Choose such an unusual color? A giggle rose in Lili’s throat, born of fatigue and fate. He, just like everyone else, thought that she dyed her hair. It wasn’t worth arguing about. Besides, who could think when his kisses were sending such scintillating messages running up and down her veins? Dare she invite him inside?

  Before she could decide, he said a quick goodnight, and walked away.

  Disappointed, she shrugged and went inside. A hot bath and bed were a better idea for her sore and aching muscles.

  By the next evening Lili had relaxed considerably. As Ken had promised, some managers and company reps had left the night before, but others had appeared to replace them. Gradually, section by section, aisle by aisle, her store returned to order. She had to admit that Tom was right—the new arrangement was a definite improvement. Relief and satisfaction began to replace the fear and frustration she’d felt since learning of the reset.

  One by one, the visiting helpers took their leave, until Tom and Ken were the only outsiders left.

  Anna was supervising the filling of last section of shelves and the stock boys were beginning to mop the floors as Ken came up behind Lili.

  “Like it?” he asked.

  She turned and smiled at him, acknowledging his implied question as to whether she had forgiven his insistence on all the changes. Nodding, she admitted, “It looks very nice. I’m sure it will work out beautifully. Even Anna seems pleased.”

  Ken glanced toward Anna. “Yes, I do believe she is thawing a bit.”

  Tom joined them. Lili told him, “Your plan worked out very well, Tom. I think it will be easier for our customers to find things this way.”

  Tom flushed in pleasure. “Thanks. There were a few tight spots, but as a whole, I’m satisfied. But you know, we still have all the tagging to do. I’ll stay over one more day and help you and Anna do that. I brought a complete set of numbers with me.”

  “You can worry about all that tomorrow,” Ken said, taking Lili’s arm. “Let’s call it a day, and go eat. I’m starving.”

  The three of them had almost finished dessert when Tom reminded her of Allied’s upcoming Food Show. “Remember, I told you about it at Ken’s housewarming party,” he said.

  “Yes, I remember.” At the time, she hadn’t known she would be buying from Allied, so she hadn’t expected to attend. Now she could hardly avoid going.

  “It’s a week from Wednesday, but come the night before. Allied will pay for your motel room. There’s a cocktail party, dinner and dance on Tuesday night which is a great time to get acquainted with some o
f the other managers and their spouses. Did you get my letter with the map to the motel and convention center, and the form for name tags and room reservations?”

  “Yes. I’ll fill it out and send it in tomorrow.”

  Ken grinned at Tom. “I’ll see that she finds the place, Tom,” he told him, his eyes on Lili.

  A flutter began in Lili’s stomach at the promise in Ken’s gaze.

  “I’ll pick you up on about noon on Tuesday. That’ll give us plenty of time to stop for lunch on the way,” Ken said firmly.

  She could hardly refuse his offer. Just the thought of the long drive with him and the idea of staying at the same motel gave her goose bumps. She nodded, not trusting her voice.

  Whenever she remembered that promise over the next week, the excited flutter returned. She tried to tell herself that it was just a buying show and business dinner, and that she was silly to be feeling that it was so important.

  But she couldn’t help it. She went shopping with Tami, who insisted they shop in an exclusive shop Lili rarely dared enter.

  “You can afford it,” Tami scolded. “You know you never spend enough on yourself, and your image is important. You’ll be meeting lots of new people.”

  “Don’t remind me, I’m nervous enough about going with Ken.”

  Lili could voice her anxieties freely to Tami, and get an honest opinion on what to wear. A sleek blue dress with a flowing full skirt was the first one of the dozens she tried on that Tami was enthusiastic about.

  “It’s not too daring for a business meeting, is it?”

  Lili asked anxiously, turning about in front of the triple mirrors for the third time.

  “It’s not daring at all, it’s very proper. Every inch of you is covered.”

  “But it shows off every curve.” Lili rose on one toe and looked back over her shoulder at her reflection.

  “That’s only because you have such lovely curves.”

  “Ha!”

  “Buy it. You’ll never find a better one.”

  “All right, I’ll take it. Write it up before I change my mind,” she told the hovering salesgirl.

  ***

  Now, standing in the blue creation in her motel room, she turned about again in front of the mirror, wishing she had bought something else. It was too daring, even if it covered every inch of her. It was too late now. Ken was picking her up in a minute. She tried not to think of him getting changed right across the hall. Was he slipping into a shirt, buttoning it up over that muscular chest she had admired in the pool? Or pulling up his trousers over those long thighs? No, he was knocking on her door.

  With a last brush of her long hair, she sprayed on a bit of Chanel No. 5, picked up her blue beaded evening clutch and went to answer it.

  For a long moment they just stood there, looking at each other.

  Lili thought Ken had never looked more handsome. He was dressed in a navy business suit, set off by a pale blue shirt and bright patterned tie. That one errant curl was still down on his forehead, lending him a rakish air.

  “You look lovely, Lili. You’ll have all the women jealous and the men panting.”

  “Flatterer,” she said with a laugh. She closed the door and took his arm to walk down the hall. “You look great, yourself. Are we meeting the other managers?”

  “Yes, downstairs.” He punched the elevator button and let his eyes sweep over her as they waited for it to arrive. “You’ve met most of our own group. I do want to warn you though, that the Allied president will introduce the people from all the new accounts. Usually all you have to do is stand up to be recognized. It’s nothing to be nervous about.”

  “Oh.” Lili’s heart beat faster in anticipation as they rode down to the main floor. She had hoped to merely blend into the crowd, not be singled out. They joined a stream of people walking down the halls towards a pair of open double doors. Everyone seemed in high spirits; laughter echoed between the walls, and light-hearted greetings bounced from one to another.

  The huge dining room had two bars set up, one at each end, and a waiter was busy at each mixing drinks. Large round tables were set up throughout the center of the room. Each table was covered in a white cloth contrasted with red cloth napkins folded in peaks at each place. A vase in the center of the table held a single red carnation. The room was already humming with the sounds of voices and laughter of people who were standing around in little groups.

  Ken’s grip on her arm brought a warm flush to Lili’s cheeks, adding to her excitement. A nervous flutter jumped in her stomach at being in a room full of strangers. She glanced about, hoping for the sight of a familiar face.

  “There’s Tom,” Ken said.

  “I see him, and there’s Harry, too.”

  Tom waved to them from beside the nearest bar, and they wove through the crowd toward him, stopping a dozen times along the way to talk to someone. Ken seemed to know everyone. Lili lost track of the number of people she was introduced to, and just kept smiling and listening.

  Harry had saved them places at one of the tables. When they finally sat down to dinner, she was relieved to find she knew most of the people at their table. Tom and Harry introduced their wives, and Lili found them all easy to talk to.

  When everyone settled down at the tables, a crew of uniformed waiters and waitresses began serving a prime rib dinner. Portions were generous and Lili was soon stuffed.

  They had dessert and coffee, listened to several speeches and introductions, then a band struck up. Dancing started and people began moving from table to table to chat.

  Lili danced with Ken, amazed to find how much her traitorous body enjoyed being in his arms and how much she enjoyed feeling a part of this group of people. She knew she should pull away, keep her distance emotionally, but the strains of music and the warmth of his arms enticed her. She sighed and snuggled closer.

  Slowly the huge dining room emptied, and Ken and Lili took the elevator back to their rooms. Ken loosened his tie and slipped off his suit jacket, draping it over one arm.

  “It was a very pleasant evening,” Lili said. “I enjoyed it.”

  “Allied always does it up nicely,” Ken agreed, not accepting credit for the dinner-dance. “We all look forward to coming each year.”

  “I think....”

  They stepped out of the elevator and started down the hall. A door burst open in front of them and two men rolled out, fists flying in combat. Loud curses and grunts accompanied the blows as they fought.

  “Look out!” Ken pushed Lili back against the wall out of the way.

  Chapter 10

  “Hank! Rudy! Cool it, guys.” Ken tossed his jacket to Lili.

  With a quick grab, he pulled Hank off of Rudy, who thanked Ken by turning on him with a lunging punch which sent them both reeling against the far wall. Then Hank was back, fists flying at both men.

  Lili screamed when she saw blood spurt from Ken’s nose. Hank was drunk and slow. Ken easily pinned Hank’s arms behind him, and held him immobile. Then Rudy realized it was his boss who had caught them fighting. He dropped his arms and stepped back, a sheepish look on his face.

  “What’s going on here?” Ken demanded, catching his breath. His angry gaze raked from one man to the other.

  “Nothing, Ken,” Rudy said quickly.

  Hank stopped struggling, frowned and stared at Rudy belligerently, but remained silent. It was obvious neither wanted to explain what they had been fighting about.

  “We’ll talk about this when you’re sober,” Ken said, releasing Hank. “Both of you, hit the sack.”

  Rudy murmured, “Sorry,” and went back into the room they had both come out of and closed the door. Hank merely grunted, and headed for the elevator.

  “You okay?” Ken asked, turning back to Lili.

  “Yes, but you’re not...you’re bleeding!” she exclaimed.

  Grimacing, he pulled out his handkerchief and held it to his nose.

  She took his hand in hers to examine the bloody scrape on his fore
arm. “Let me wash and bandage that for you.” She dug out her room key as they walked down to her door. She unlocked it and waved him inside.

  “It’s nothing. My nose has stopped bleeding and I just lost a little skin on my arm,” he protested as she pulled him into the bathroom and turned on the water. “One of them must have been wearing a sharp ring.”

  His arm was smarting from the scraped skin, but the other hand still held in hers was burning for another reason.

  Lili seemed not to notice, adjusting the water to a comfortable temperature and gently rinsing his arm with a wet washcloth. The water in the sink turned red with blood, but she agreed, “You’re right, the wound isn’t serious. It should be all right if I just had something to bind it to stop the bleeding.”

  “There’s a clean handkerchief in the top bureau drawer in my room,” Ken said. Blood dripped again, so he quickly moved his arm back over the sink and pressed the washcloth against it. “The room key is in my right pants pocket. Can you get it?”

  Blushing, Lili slipped her hand into the warm pocket, and found it. She went across the hall to his room to get the handkerchief, feeling a strange sense of intimacy at going into his motel room and digging through his underwear and socks. Finding the handkerchief, she returned to her own room, and bandaged his arm tightly, hoping he wouldn’t notice how her cheeks burned.

  Ken watched her, smiling. “Did anyone see you?”

  “No...I don’t think so.” Her startled glance swept up to his face and then quickly away again. “There was no one in the hall.”

  “Then why are you so embarrassed?” His hazel eyes held hers in a riveting gaze.

  Her breath caught. She felt warmth slide down her insides, as though her bones had turned to honey. “I...I don’t know.”

  He stepped closer and his uninjured arm wrapped around her. He bent his head until his lips brushed hers in a soft caress. “Are you afraid someone will know I’m in here with you? That they might suspect I’m kissing you like this?” he asked softly. “Or even like this?” The kiss deepened.