Except that he didn't. The night was still fully dark on the windows, and that damn bird just wouldn't shut up.
It took a minute for his whiskey soaked brain to connect the chirping with the phone and stumble to his feet, looking for the handset. He found it on the couch and kept moving toward the bedroom as he brought it to his ear. “'Lo?” he mumbled into the mouthpiece.
"Hey."
It was her.
He collapsed onto the bed, his brain swirling. “Hey yourself,” he managed to put together.
"I'm sorry to call so late."
"'S okay. Wasn’ sleep.” He closed his eyes and let her gentle tones fill his head, replacing all the angry voices raging there.
"Because I'm sure you have better things to do at three a.m. than sleep."
"Only you, pet. Only you."
She was silent.
He rolled on his side and half propped himself up. “You alright?"
"I'm fine,” she answered too brightly.
"Lindy."
"Really. I'm ... I'll be fine. It's not really something I can talk about."
"You know you can tell me anything."
"Not about ... him. Not this."
The bastard had done something. And she wouldn't tell Rogue out of loyalty. He could wring the son of a bitch's neck.
"I really just called to check up on you,” she hurried on. “I was worried about you."
"'M fine, luv. Right as rain."
"Have you been drinking?"
He rolled onto his back. “Maybe just a little."
"Oh, Michael."
"'S not your fault, pet. Just got thirsty."
She was quiet for a moment. “I'm still sorry."
"I'm sorry your husband is a jackass,” he replied bluntly.
"Michael, please."
"'M sorry, I'm sorry.” He sighed. “I'm not helping you any. But I'm glad you called."
"I'm just glad you answered the phone."
"It was the only way to shut up that bloody bird."
"Just how much have you had to drink?” He thought he heard her smile.
"Dunno.” He scrubbed his eyes. “I'll let you know when I count the empty bottles in the morning."
She laughed wryly. “We're a pair, aren't we?"
"Lindy,” he pushed serious words over his booze swollen tongue. “He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No! No, he didn't hurt me. Not physically. Not intentionally.” She hesitated. “I just thought if I had more to give, then maybe ... I can't. It just isn't right to talk about this with you."
Whoreson. He'd make the bastard pay for hurting his girl.
"Maybe he was just having a bad night,” he offered more generously than he felt. “Happens to the worst of us."
"Good thing you and I only have sex in the day, then."
He barked a laugh. “Miss James, the things that come out of your mouth."
"Not as nice as some of the things I've put in my mouth."
He growled. “I'll put something in your mouth."
She moaned softly. “I'd like that."
"Christ, pet. Are you tryin’ to kill me?"
"No,” her voice was low and husky. “But it's nice to know I can."
"With just a word, love. Just a word."
They sat together quietly, just listening to each other breath. Finally, she spoke. “Well, you'd better start sleeping if you're going to sleep this off. You'll be no good to me tomorrow all hung over."
"Can't have that. Have to be able to service your every need and desire."
"Mmm. I like the sound of that."
He smiled. “Anyone ever tell you you're insatiable?"
"No,” she said flatly. “Frankly, I think you are a corruptive influence."
"'Bout time you noticed."
"Good night, Michael."
"Night, Lindy."
He clicked off the phone and dropped it on the floor, dragging the bedspread up over him and burrowing into his pillows, the demons in his head quieted by her gentle voice.
Chapter 17
She woke up the next morning still out of sorts, the mortification of the night before, while eased by the conversation with Michael, still not forgotten.
Gabriel did nothing the help the situation. “So, have you got a new dress for the reception on Saturday?"
She looked up from her bagel in surprise. “What reception?"
"Masters’ Harvest reception. Since we aren't going on our trip, we'll be expected to be there."
"It would have been nice if you'd told me before now!” she scolded.
"What's to tell? He has it the weekend before Halloween every year. Honestly, Lindy, you'd think by now you'd remember these things."
She threw her knife down on the table and stormed out of the room.
She wasn't going to stay in the house moping all day, obsessing about her inconsiderate husband and her surprisingly shaky marriage. She dressed quickly in slacks and a linen blouse and bunched her hair up in a sloppy ponytail. Grabbing up her largest handbag, she stuffed it with her wallet, cell phone and makeup clutch. She wasn't coming back beforehand, so she slipped Michael's box out of the bottom drawer of her dresser and added that to the bag as well.
She heard the front door open and shut. Gabriel was gone to work. So much for her dramatic exit. She sank down onto the bed with a sigh. She didn't really know where she was going to go, anyway. She didn't want to spend the day alone, but Michael needed to be in the office today, so they couldn't get together until later.
She thought for a moment, then fished her cell phone out of the bag and dialed it. “Hey, Jade? It's Lindy. I'm in serious need of some shopping therapy and wondered if you were interested..."
* * * *
"What do you think of this one?"
Jade stepped out of the dressing room to show off the purple paisley go-go dress she had tried on. The skirt was about as short as it could be and still be decent, and the neck and back both scooped low but still within the margins of good taste.
"Oh, Jade! That's the best one yet!” Lindy gushed. “The color highlights your skin perfectly, and the cut shows off, well, everything!"
"Do you really think so?” Jade tugged a bit at the short skirt.
"Absolutely. It's the yummiest thing you've had on all day."
"I really like it..."
"So buy it!” She laughed. “Honestly, Jade, I don't know how you buy anything when I'm not around!"
Jade stepped back into the changing room. “That's why I always make sure to invite you along when I need something special!"
Lindy smiled and settled back on the little wicker love seat. Inviting Jade along today had been a stroke of genius. It was impossible to stay unhappy around her perky, upbeat friend.
It hadn't all been easy. Lindy wanted so much to talk to Jade about what was going on in her life, about Gabriel and their problems, and about Michael. But where she felt comfortable talking about these things with Kathleen, Jade was her best friend, and ironically the last person she felt she could talk to about this. Jade's marriage was so happy, she was so content with her life. Lindy didn't want her friend to see her as a failure. Or worse. So they had chatted about all manner of other things, staying as far away from discussions of relationships as Lindy could manage.
And they had shopped like fiends. Lindy had even satisfied her husband's requirements and purchased a new gown for his boss's party that weekend. These events were always black tie, so she had been pleased to find the simple but elegant evening gown in one of the hip Soho shops they were patronizing. It was blood red peau de soie with raised black velvet floral patterns scattered across the surface. Black velvet spaghetti straps held the top in place, crossing over the low cut back. The bodice was snug, but flared softly over the hips to fall in a full almost-train at the floor that swung gracefully when she moved.
So now they were looking for a dress for Jade for one of the trendy parties she often had to attend as the wife of a music rep. It wasn't r
eally her natural style, which consisted of a lot of cotton and neutral colors, but she blossomed when Lindy helped her with the fancier choices. Which made Lindy feel good as well.
Her cell phone cheeped its tiny three ring tone. She dug it out and punched the button. “Hello?"
"Where are you?"
Her pulse jumped at the sound of Michael's voice. “I'm down in Soho, shopping with a friend.” She stepped slightly away from the dressing room and Jade.
"Where. Are. You.” He ground out again.
"I'm in Florentine's. On Spring Street."
He disconnected.
"Okay...” She hit end and dropped the phone back in her purse. “That was strange."
Jade came out of the changing room, dress in hand. “Is Gabriel keeping tabs on you again?"
"Something like that."
They finished browsing and paid for their selections. They had just turned onto the sidewalk when Lindy collided with a solid male body. Strong hands grabbed her arms to keep her from falling on her ass, but her purse and packages all hit the pavement.
She dropped down to her knees and began sweeping the contents back into her handbag when a warm, familiar voice said, “Let me help you with that."
She looked up in surprise into devilish marine blue eyes.
"Why, Miss James, imagine running into you here."
She shook her head in amused disbelief. “What a coincidence."
He handed her back half of her bags as they stood up. Before she could demand the rest, he nodded behind her. “Won't you introduce me?"
"Oh!” She had forgotten all about Jade. She gestured with her hand to her friend. “Mi...” He shook his head slightly and she caught herself, moving her hand to indicate him instead. “Jade, I'd like you to meet Rogue Fitzwilliam.” The name felt odd on her tongue, wrong somehow, but he nodded. “Rogue is a co-worker of Gabriel's. And a friend.” His face darkened at the name, and she shrugged apologetically. “Rogue, this is my good friend Jade Guthrie."
Michael held out his hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you."
Jade took it eagerly. “How do you do?"
"It looks as though you ladies have had a productive day,” he said, eyeing the array of bags they carried. “Can I invite you out for coffee to celebrate the successful hunt?"
Lindy looked to Jade, but the blonde shook her head. “I wish I could, but I have to get home before Dylan gets home from school. And then we have a pre-release party tonight, so I need time to try to make myself look tragically hip. But you guys go. That way I don't have to feel guilty for abandoning Lindy."
"Well, if you're sure,” Lindy said, trying not to look eager.
They walked down to Broadway to hail Jade a taxi. Michael spent most of the time chatting with Jade, learning about Dan's work and Jade's own boutique software design business. By the time he handed her into the cab, Jade was totally smitten.
"I would almost think you were trying to make me jealous,” Lindy said as the cab pulled away.
"Did it work?"
She shrugged. “Maybe a little."
"Good to know.” He put his arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head as they turned back into the shopping district. “Did you get everything you needed?"
"Mostly. Just need some things to wear under my dress for Saturday, but I can get those later."
"What, and deprive me of the chance to see you parade around in pretty knickers? I think not!” He grinned at her wickedly. “Come on, I know just the place."
They walked together comfortably, their arms around each other's waist, talking casually. Without discussing it, they seemed to agree that last night was off limits.
"I can't believe you did that,” Lindy teased him. “You were going to see me in two hours. You couldn't wait?"
"No, I couldn't. I'd been away from you long enough. So when I heard Caroline gossiping to Carly about where you were, I had to come track you down. I was close. Only a couple of blocks away."
"So I have something to thank Caroline for. There's a surprise."
"That girl's really got it in for you."
"Feeling's mutual. I can't stand her. She's been Gabriel's secretary since we moved here, and we've never gotten along."
"She's just jealous because she's totally outclassed."
"Damn straight!"
He laughed and hugged her close.
Two blocks later they stopped in front of a tastefully designed lingerie shop. “How do you know about this place?” Lindy asked.
"I have an interesting range of friends."
"And one of them owns this?"
"No, one of them shops here for work.” He guided her in the front door as she looked at him in surprise, trying to list the kinds of jobs that would require specialized underwear.
They were met almost instantly by an attractive, professionally dressed young woman who's name badge proclaimed her to be Heidi. “Good afternoon,” she said, friendly without being perky. “How can I help you?"
Michael took the rest of Lindy's bags and elbowed her forward. “The lady's looking for a new wardrobe."
"No!” Lindy was embarrassed. “No, I just need something to go with a new dress.” She turned to reach into one of the bags to catch him shaking his head at the clerk. “Michael!"
"You need to be measured and molded, pet. Let Heidi do her job."
Heidi seemed experienced with these kinds of debates. She took Lindy's arm and led her back towards the fitting rooms. “Let me take your measurements and we can talk about what you are looking for."
Lindy took the bag with her dress for the reception from Michael, sticking her tongue out at him. He kissed her quickly and let her go.
The fitting rooms were in an alcove in the back of the store. Instead of the usual cold cubicles with horrible fluorescents, these rooms were comfortably wallpapered and carpeted, with upholstered chairs and gilt frames on the mirrors. Instead of doors, each cubby was covered with sensual heavy silk drapes in gold and red. If they had taken it any further, it would have looked like a seventeenth century French brothel, but instead it looked elegant and surprisingly comforting.
Heidi showed her into one of the rear rooms. “If you'll get undressed, I'll take your sizes. You can leave your underthings on.” She smiled as she dropped the curtain.
Lindy shrugged out of her coat and hung it up. As she undid her blouse, she heard soft voices murmuring in the waiting area. She knew Michael was chatting up the clerk, trying to get his way. But she felt ridiculous. She was no supermodel to be wearing these things. It just wasn't her. Maybe she could talk him out of it.
She finished undressing and drew on the light silk robe hanging on a hook waiting for her. But when she pushed back the curtain, he was gone. Heidi was still there, a tape measure around her neck, the velvet dress hanging by one of the mirrors. The rest of her bags were sitting beside a small loveseat in the middle of the fitting area. Michael was nowhere to be seen.
Heidi greeted her with a warm smile. “You found a beautiful dress,” she said, stepping forward to begin measuring her. “Have you picked out a pair of shoes? Lift your arms, please."
"Um, yes, I have a pair at home.” She complied.
"Are they sandals or closed?” Heidi slipped the measure around Lindy's breasts and noted a number, then around her ribs and noted another number. She stopped to write them down.
"Closed. They're black velvet cut away pumps."
Heidi smiled. “Sounds perfect. We've got a couple of different kinds of hose you might like.” The measure went around Lindy's waist, then hips, then fanny. “A red silk keyholed stocking might be nice if you wanted a contrast to the shoes."
As the girl spoke, Lindy noticed in the kaleidoscope of mirrors a familiar black head moving about in the store, pausing here and there as he went. She let Heidi continue with her measurements, thigh, leg length, torso, as she watched him, trying to figure out what he was up to.
When the girl had finished noting everything down, she
smiled again at Lindy. “Let me go pick out a few things you might like. I'll be right back."
She was barely gone a moment before Michael slipped in. “Having fun yet, luv?"
"No, I feel silly.” She pulled the robe tighter around herself.
"You just aren't used to being pampered.” He rested his hands on her waist. “Just relax and let us spoil you for a bit."
"I'd rather just go home."
He nuzzled into her hair. “Indulge me. I just wanna play dress up with my favorite pretty dolly."
She started to get it. This wasn't just about getting her these things for her to have. He wanted to see her in them, enjoy her body with his eyes. The lingerie was just a frame for that, the different frames bringing different nuances to the canvas. Her.
"Well, if you really want to..."
"Tell you what,” he leaned down to press butterfly soft kisses along her neck, “do this for me, let me play dress up with you for a little while, and I'll dress up for you later."
Well, that settled that. “Alright,” she said, drawing a fortifying breath, “let's do this."
He grinned like a boy at Christmas and she had to laugh.
Heidi returned then, and Lindy slipped out of Michael's arms to see what she had brought.
"I thought you might prefer something simple,” Heidi explained, holding up a pretty red silk bra and panty set, “and I also grabbed a matching garter so you could try those keyhole stockings we talked about. But, if you were feeling a little more daring, you might want to try this.” She pulled out a red satin and lace bustier. “It will go beautifully with your gown. It's low enough in the back that it won't show, and will give you a much cleaner line than the separate pieces would."
She glanced over at Michael, whose eyes had darkened on seeing the elegant piece. Steeling herself, she reached for it. “Let me try this first."
She dropped the curtain and slid the robe off her shoulders to hang it on its hook, followed by her practical white silk underthings. She heard soft voices from the sitting area for a moment, but then all was quiet.
She started with the stockings, figuring that would be easier than trying to bend over in the restrictive foundation garment. “Keyholed” she found meant that they had a chain of half inch oval openings running up the back of each stocking like an old fashioned seam. She pulled them on, careful not to catch her toes in the holes, then turned her back to the mirror to make sure they fell straight. The dark red of the silk became translucent crimson on her legs, sheer and alluring. Next, she slipped on the red bikini panties, settling the lace bands in place over her hips. Finally, she slid the bustier over her head and down to settle around her waist, the satin cool against her skin. She lifted her breasts to settle them in the cups, then tightened the cinch at her waist.
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