Now You See Me
Page 15
Erin had started to work for him when Ray established the law firm, and was soon asked to be his partner. That was six years ago, and she never regretted that decision. But that didn’t mean she had to be happy about his untimely arrival, after forcing Erin to make all of the arrangements for the party.
“Where did you come from,” she asked irritably.
Ray grinned, obviously unrepentant, at her acerbic tone. His brown eyes sparkled as he looked around at the festive décor and she knew he thought it had been the right decision to put Erin in charge this year. He didn’t have any artistic tendencies and generally left any such chores in the capable hands of his wife, Martha.
The long conference table had been removed to make way for smaller, linen covered tables against one wall. The canapés looked delicious, the champagne frosty and the eggnog gently spiked with rum. A large ice sculpture took center place, and every minute detail had been attended to. There was only one thing he saw was missing.
“Where’s the mistletoe?”
Erin looked at Ray fully for the first time since he walked in the door. She hadn’t even thought of mistletoe.
“Amy!”
The young secretary turned to her with an expression of dread, and Erin realized how harsh she sounded.
“Yes, Ms. Donovan?”
Erin deliberately schooled her voice to be calm. “Do we have any mistletoe?”
Prepared for the worst, Erin was relieved when Amy smiled. “Getting ready to put it up now.”
Erin relaxed for what seemed like the first time in hours. “What would I do without you?”
“Probably work even longer hours than you do now.”
Amy tapped James Evans, Erin’s law clerk, on the shoulder to enlist him to put the final touches of mistletoe over all three entryways into the large conference room. If they went a little overboard with the greenery, Erin thought, at least it hadn’t been completely forgotten.
Ten minutes before the official start of the party, the room began to fill up. Erin started to check the door every few minutes for a blonde head, and started to wonder if Carson would make it.
“Looking for someone,” Ray asked curiously as he handed Erin a cup of eggnog.
In what she hoped was a casual tone, she said, “I was just wondering if your newest client was going to make an appearance.”
“Ms. Tierney? She said she would, but I haven’t really talked with her much since Wednesday.”
Erin nodded and took the cup. Maybe the rum in it would help her relax a little. She had something she wanted to give Carson, but as time passed, Erin started to second-guess her decision. What if it was too soon to give Carson a Christmas present? They hadn’t known one another very long, and she didn’t want to do anything that might make Carson uncomfortable. The younger woman could be a little shy.
Erin thought it was an adorable quality.
She had called Carson a few times on her cell phone during the week with lame excuses to pass a few words between clients and appointments. Each time the call had gone to voicemail only for Carson to call her back a few moments later apologizing that her cell phone had been stuck in the bottom of her coat pocket. Erin thought it cute, although a little annoying, but it did help decide what to get Carson for Christmas.
Movement in the doorway caught Erin’s eye and her heart chose to relocate to her throat as their eyes met across the crowded room. A small, gentle smile graced Carson’s lips. Erin’s nerves suddenly settled, and she was sure her decision was the right one. It was just a small gift anyway.
Erin started across the room to Carson.
CARSON MADE A beeline across the crowded room straight toward Erin. Even from a distance of ten feet, Carson could feel the mutual attraction and wondered if it was as obvious to others as it was to her. That possibility disturbed Carson and she frowned briefly. Erin’s professional ethics bordered on obsessive, and if she thought they were obvious in any way, Carson was concerned that Erin would withdraw.
Above all, Carson wanted to avoid that. Even as new as she was at this, she knew they had the potential for something special, and she didn’t want Erin to back away because of some perceived impropriety.
Carson forgot all of her concerns when she stood in front of Erin, and was captured by dark eyes. They met in the doorway of the side entrance. The party dropped away, and the sole communication between them was of the silent variety.
“Hi,” Erin finally said.
“Hi, back.”
Erin handed her a cup of some spiced liquid Carson assumed to be eggnog, and she took it without thought.
“Sorry I’m late. I had a meeting that went over.”
“I’m just glad you’re here,” Erin admitted softly, still caught in the spell between them. It was so hard to maintain the professional façade with Carson so close. “I’m not sure I could survive this party without a friendly face around.”
“Don’t tell me you don’t enjoy parties,” Carson teased.
“Only the intimate variety meant for two.”
She’s flirting with me in the middle of a crowded room? Carson was almost lightheaded, and the familiar heat spread in her stomach. It always happened when she was with Erin.
“I’ll have to see what I can do to accommodate you.”
THEY WERE STANDING close together in the doorway. Carson’s head bent down toward her, while Erin looked up into gentle blue eyes.
“Ms. Tierney! How are you?”
The women looked up as Ray approached with the other third of the firm.
“I’m fine, Mr. Eldridge.”
Erin was surprised by the sudden cold façade Carson displayed toward Ray. She had grown used to Carson’s warmth, and tenderness, and she frowned in confusion. Ray was a nice man, and Carson was a smart lady. The sudden tension didn’t make any sense, but she shrugged it off after a moment. Sometimes people just didn’t get along for whatever reason, but Erin decided to keep an eye on things so she could step in if need be.
“This is Robert White,” Ray introduced his companion and watched while the other two shook hands.
Erin noticed humor flash in Carson’s eyes when she was told Bob’s name, and cringed when Carson opened her mouth to respond.
Trying not to laugh, Carson said, “Bob White?” She wondered if the man had ever wanted to strangle his parents, or were they so oblivious that they hadn’t realized they had named their child after a bird?
Fortunately, Bob had a good sense of humor, and merely raised a hand to stop her. “I know, I know. But, believe it or not, I like my name. No one ever forgets it, and it’s a great opening for dry speeches. And please, call me Bob.”
He winked and Carson laughed.
“By the way,” Bob said and pointed toward the door facing. “You might want to watch your step around here. It looks as though Erin got carried away with the decorations.”
Erin looked up when Carson did and her face burned in embarrassment. They were standing right under a sprig of mistletoe. Together they stepped out of the doorway and for an awkward moment refused to look at one another. Bob and Ray laughed.
“Ray tells me you’re quite the computer whiz,” Bob said. “I’ll have to have you come by to look at mine. I keep getting these ads popping up and I can’t seem to get rid of them.”
“Sounds like you might have some spy-ware on your hard drive. I’ll be happy to stop by some time and take a look,” Carson said.
“Thanks. Well, I had better get back over to Mr. Morrison. He’s a new client and didn’t really want to attend. Now he’s looking a little pensive and I’m afraid he might bolt at any second. Maybe a little more champagne.”
Bob walked away
“I’d better get back to the party, too,” Ray said. “Ms. Tierney, it was nice seeing you.”
“Is something wrong,” Erin asked, as soon as he was gone.
“No, why would you ask?”
“It just seemed that there was some tension between you and Ray.”
That did surprise Erin. Ray was a very competent attorney, and if she ever needed anyone to protect her investments, Ray would be the first one she would turn to.
Carson shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Eldridge is a good attorney, but he doesn’t seem to understand the intricacies of information technology as it pertains to the government.”
The response was a little over Erin’s head, but she took Carson’s explanation at face value. The woman was extremely intelligent and she had the right to whatever representation she deemed appropriate.
Carson surprised Erin when she suddenly said, “Are you enjoying the party?”
“No, not really. I’m not one for crowds.”
“Would you like to leave?”
The hair on Erin‘s arms stood up in reaction to the question. “What did you have in mind?”
Carson smiled. “I have something for you in my office.”
“A Christmas present?”
Erin was delighted, and happily followed Carson to the tenth floor. It seemed that they were both on the same wavelength, and there had been no cause for concern after all. Carson closed the door and walked to her chair. Her overcoat was draped across the chair, and Carson reached into the pocket.
“Merry Christmas!” Carson grinned and handed her a small, red package with a huge bow.
Tears stung her eyes. The wave of affection hit her without warning as she looked up at Carson. “Thank you. But I don’t want to open it just yet. I have something for you in my office, and I would like it if we could open them at the same time.”
“I’d like that,” Carson said softly.
Erin held the package in both hands as they took the elevator to her floor. She was very aware of Carson right behind her all the way, the heat from her body, the sweet scent of her skin. The air seemed to grow heavier as Erin walked into her office and carefully closed the door. She handed Carson a small, rectangular package in blue paper.
“Merry Christmas, Carson.”
Erin had the definite feeling of being in a dream as Carson took the package. Time seemed to fade out as Carson stared at her, and then eagerly tore into the paper. Erin followed suit and unwrapped her own gift.
She opened a brown box and grinned at what she saw. The package held a stainless steel coffee mug with the words Coffeeholic engraved on the side and a small plastic square tied onto it with a red ribbon.
“A gift card for Starbucks?” Erin grinned. She thought it was the most thoughtful gift she had received in a long time. “Thank you.”
Carson had opened her own present and an embarrassed smile curved her lips. “Thank you, as well. Now I don’t have any excuses for missing your calls.”
She held a leather phone case that would clip to her trousers. Neither of them had spent a great deal on the gifts, but both were touched by the other’s thoughtfulness. Their choices were both personal, and practical.
Carson’s blue eyes twinkled with affection and possibly something more. Erin knew an answering expression was in her own gaze and she instinctively drew Carson closer. Her arms slipped around the narrow waist and then she hugged Carson warmly.
The gesture was appropriate, but Erin hadn’t considered how it would feel to hold Carson in her arms.
Carson’s shirt was warm from body heat under Erin’s fingers, and her cheek pressed against a strong shoulder. Carson’s chin rested against her hair and her arms slowly encircled Erin’s shoulders. Her hands were strong, but gentle, and Erin felt as though she had fallen into an abyss. Then she was overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions...excitement, security and boundless happiness.
I’m falling in love with her.
The thought was so sweet and true that tears stung the back of Erin’s eyes. And, it feels so wonderful.
Reluctantly Erin pulled away, but she wasn’t quite able to let go just yet. Her hand lingered on Carson’s upper arm as she met her gaze again. More of the fire she was growing accustomed to passed between them, and for an instant her eyes drifted down to Carson’s lips.
She clamped down on the strong urge to pull Carson close again and kiss her. She wanted it, and she thought Carson might just want it too, but Erin wanted to do this right. She wanted things to happen when Carson was sure. Being the innocent in this situation, Carson should have the right to set the pace.
“Thank you.”
SHE’S GOING TO kiss me, Carson thought when she saw Erin’s eyes start to drift closed. She leaned forward instinctively toward slightly parted lips. Then Erin seemed to change her mind and pulled away, and thanked her. It was hard to push her hormones back under control, but Carson steadied herself and decided she didn’t want their time together to end after the gift exchange. But, what could she come up with to get Erin to stay with her?
“Are...are you finished with your Christmas shopping?”
Erin shook her head. “Not really. I still want to pick up something for my father. I know it’s going to be late, but he’s hard to shop for. If he wants something, he just goes and gets it. What about you?”
“I wanted to pick something up for Joyce. I thought maybe we could go to Watertower Place to do some shopping.”
The mall was only a block from Erin’s apartment and Carson hoped that would entice her to go. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes off Erin after the hug, and it was hard not to reach out to her again. It was more than a physical attraction to Erin’s quiet beauty. It was sweet, and sharp, and so much more than a childish crush.
Carson wanted to be with Erin in every way possible, and after tonight, she thought that perhaps Erin wanted it too. Carson was terrified, and excited, and her frightening intelligence turned itself to the conundrum of how to court Erin.
“I’d love to,” Erin said softly. “Why don’t we drop my car at The Bernardin, and take the SUV to the mall?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Carson followed behind Erin’s Nissan and waited for her to park in the underground structure of her apartment building. Then she placed her cell phone into the new case and clipped it to her waist while she waited for the smaller woman to get into her Lexus.
The entire time Carson had difficulty concentrating on her actions and wanted only to stare at Erin, to drink in her features and get lost in her eyes.
“Are you all right,” Erin finally asked as they parked.
Carson looked at her gently. “I’m fine. Everything just seems a little unreal at the moment.”
“How so?”
“I feel like I’m in a fairy tale and that I’ve just met Prince Charming, or in this case Princess Charming.”
Erin smiled and glanced away shyly. Even in the gloom of moonlight, Carson could have sworn she blushed. Carson unsnapped the seatbelt and reached to place her fingers against Erin’s chin. She encouraged her to look up, and was pinned in place when their eyes met.
“Am I wrong?”
“What, about me being Princess Charming?”
Erin tried to joke, but Carson could sense that she was half-serious. “No, about what is between us.”
Erin hesitated then shook her head. “No, I don’t think you’re wrong. Is this too much for you?”
Carson thought Erin really meant to ask if she was frightened. Erin was aware that she hadn’t been involved before, and her concern touched Carson. In a way, it convinced her more than anything else that what was happening between them was the only possible outcome.
“Not too much, but I have to admit that it is a little ...scary.”
“I understand.” Erin reached up and took Carson’s hand, squeezing it gently before releasing it.
They shared another smile and then silently agreed to leave it at that. They got out of the Lexus and Carson engaged the alarm before they went into the large structure. After several stops, Erin dropped into a cigar shop for
her father and Carson went across the hall to pick up a gift for Joyce. They agreed to meet back by the fountain in fifteen minutes.
Carson arrived at the fountain before Erin and sat on the stone bench. Her eyes were fixed on the flowing water and the shine of coins people had tossed into the basin as wishes were made. Carson had no such need for wishes since she thought everything she could possibly wish for had been granted.
Her abusive father was no longer a factor in her life, her business was a success and a beautiful and intelligent woman had claimed her heart. What more was there to ask for?
“Hey there. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
Carson looked up and smiled at Erin. “Not at all. What did you get your father?”
“I found a humidor made of Brazilian cherry wood, and got some Cohibas and Montecristos to put in it. Do you think he’ll like it?”
Carson stood up and looked into Erin’s bag. Erin’s cheeks were flushed in excitement and her eyes sparkled like a child’s eyes. It was all Carson could do not to touch her again in the midst of the last-minute holiday shoppers.
“Impressive,” she answered honestly. “I think he will like it very much.”
Erin smiled and they started back down the mall toward the end of the structure. There was no hurry and they shamelessly window-shopped as they strolled along. Erin stopped in front of a large glass display, and Carson, curious, stopped beside her. She looked at the display to see what Erin was looking at, but didn’t see anything special.
It was a clothing shop and two mannequins were on display wearing the latest Paris fashions. Christmas lights shone through the display along with a small, decorated tree and brightly wrapped packages. Fake snow covered the floor and there was even a mannequin dog lying under the tree. The male and female dummies faced one another in an embrace, their plastic lips scant millimeters apart, and a sprig of mistletoe hanging over their heads.