Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  “Are you alright?” She asked quietly.

  His smooth brow was wrinkled in a tight frown but he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Everything is fine. Why?”

  His gray eyes held an intense light she didn't recognize. Nina shrugged. “I don’t know, you’ve been very quiet, I just thought maybe…” She looked away biting her lower lip. “I thought maybe it was time for us to go home.”

  “No, no I’m fine,” he said quickly, but Nina couldn't shake the feeling of distance he was putting between them. It felt like a fence to keep her out.

  She nodded, and swallowed hard, as they continued further down the beach. His profile was perfect, his strong jaw clenched and unclenched. He had a very masculine nose and gorgeous deep set eyes. Everything this evening had been perfect, bright music and laughter could be heard coming from the distance. Nina enjoyed the sound of the gently crashing waves, and the light breeze against her skin.

  They’d removed their shoes, leaving them beside the steps at the restaurant. Warm water lapped at their feet as they strolled along the water’s edge, the distant call of seagulls filled the night air. The sea’s heady scent drifted on the light breeze to brush over them. Nina quickly glanced again at Rafe. Ever since he’d picked her up, he’d been in a strange mood. Even though she didn't know him well, Nina felt he would be more outgoing than this. All evening he’d been the perfect gentleman, but she didn't know if she liked this silence.

  “This is a very nice place. I like it,” her gaze caressed his averted face. “How did you find it?”

  “I’m glad you like it. My father used to bring my mother here for every important event in their lives.” He said quietly.

  Nina nodded, her eyes scanning the bright streetlights beyond. Though few lights and the full moon illuminated the darkness. The air was still warm, but Nina shivered, unconsciously moving closer to him as they walked deeper beyond the lights and into the darkness.

  Rafe looked at her, wondering at the concern now in her eyes. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her closer to his side. “Are you alright?”

  She nodded, “Yes, I’m fine,” her arm curled around his waist.

  Her face had a strange tightness to it that he didn't like. “Would you like to go home now?”

  Miserable, Nina nodded. The date had been awkward. They had absolutely nothing in common, and other than a few brief kisses and holding hands, nothing had gone as she’d hoped.

  Purposely, Rafe guided her to a vacant bench. “Nina, sit down with me for a minute.”

  Surprised, she wondered why he didn't just end it. He probably never wants to see me again. She thought sadly, it wasn’t that she was a boring person, but more that no one liked the things she liked. But she sat, her toes traced the loose sand as she waited for him to speak.

  Rafe sat next to her, his hands clasped together, his elbows resting on his knees. All night it was all he could do not to stare at her. The low light of the restaurant, candles on the table, her tinkling laughter and shy sweet smiles had him dreaming of the next moment when he could get her alone. But her past boyfriend bothered him. The thought left a hollow feeling in the pit of his stomach, as if he had just taken a ride on a huge roller coaster and was dizzy from the effects.

  He loved her. Rafe knew it with a certainty. But did she love him, or was she still in love with her children’s’ father? He turned to Nina. “Tell me about your children...”

  Rafe sat back, and watched her face glow as she told him of her oldest, Beth, and how the girl considered herself an adult. Nina thought she was too grown for her own good, and how it was her fault for feeding the girl’s thoughts. Then she spoke of the twin boys, and some of the things those two got into. She seemed unsure about their recent behavior. After a while, Rafe stopped her. This wasn't what he wanted to know.

  “Tell me about their father?” He said quietly.

  Her face closed, “They have no father,” was all Nina offered.

  “They have a father somewhere. Just tell me why you two broke up. That’s all I want to know.”

  “I’m getting cold,” she changed the subject. “Do you mind if we go?”

  “Fine, I won’t badger you, but one day you’ll have to tell me. You do know that, don’t you?” Rafe stood, holding out his hand to her.

  “I’ll tell you someday, but not right now.” Nina prayed that when that day came, he would understand why she lied.

  Nina knew in her heart she’d blown it. This had been her time to catch his attention and she'd failed. Everything Miranda told her to do had gone right out of her head. She’d never had to make conversation with a man and, when it counted most, she was left floundering. Now that he’d discovered how uninteresting she was, this date will never be repeated. Of that she was sure.

  Rafe wanted to put a smile on her somber face. “Come on, there’s a carnival downtown. Let’s go.”

  “A carnival?” Nina frowned tightly.

  “Yes, they’re tons of fun,” he grinned, excitement sparkling in his eyes. “My parents used to take us all the time. Have you ever been?”

  Nina shook her head, “I’ve seen them but we didn’t get the chance to go.”

  “I promise you’ll love it,” He said as they picked up their shoes and walked to where he’d parked his truck.

  “Maybe next time, I really need to get home,” she said quietly, not wanting to look at him. He was out of her league and she knew it. It was foolish on her part to think he could ever love her. This date just proved he was a good man; he’d given them an excellent chance, but she’d ruined it.

  Rafe knew his sour face had spoiled this night for her, and he wanted to undo some of the damage his foul mood had caused.

  “Will you tell me a little bit about the nuns who raised you?” He had to salvage what was left of the evening. He’d let his disappointment and confusion ruin what could have been a very nice time.

  Her eyes lost their gleam, becoming shuttered and dark. Rafe knew he'd made another mistake.

  “No, if you don’t mind I’d rather just go home. I promised the kids I’d be back early.” She eased out of his arms and climbed into the dark blue pickup.

  Rafe tried to hide his disappointment. She probably never wants to see me again. Why did I let this thing get to me? He mulled over the evening all the way back to her house, never knowing his continued silence made her that much more self-conscious.

  As soon as they arrived, Nina barely waited for the truck to stop before opening the door to hurry away.

  “Nina!” Rafe shouted, cursing under his breath as she fled from him.

  She turned, the small smile on her lips not reaching her eyes. “I had a good time, Rafe, thanks. But I have to go.”

  He turned off the truck and got out, slamming the door. This was supposed to be just a simple date, yet he’d botched it up! None of his dates had ever gone this badly before. “Go on in and tell them you’re home. I’ll wait for you here.” Nina stopped in her tracks and turned her eyes wide.

  “Why? I’ll see you some other time. I really must go,” she said from her doorstep, one hand resting on the doorknob.

  Rafe approached and stood next to her. “I brought you home, Nina, but there are some things we need to talk about. I’d like to stay. Can we sit out here for a while?” His eyes pleaded with her.

  “I don’t know, Rafe,” then she was shaking her head. “Let’s just cut our losses and call it a night,” she whispered looking away from him.

  He caught her chin between his thumb and his forefinger, and turned her to look at him. The sadness in her eyes touched him deeply. “I’m sorry I was such a bad date.” He whispered, and Nina’s eyes widened. But he hurried on. “I’ve so much on my mind, I just needed your presence beside me. I have so many things I need to say to you, I just don’t know where to begin. Can you give me another chance?”

  “I ruined our date, Rafe,” Nina’s soft gaze caressed his face, her hand lay on his chest. “I haven’t bee
n on many dates. I don’t think I was what you were expecting.”

  “And what do you think I was expecting?” Rafe nibbled at the corner of her lips, placing light kisses there.

  Her mind clouded at his nearness, Nina sighed and leaned into him, not wanting to see the truth in his eyes. “You were expecting someone more like the women at that club. I’m not like that… I’m…” she sighed, as he enveloped her in his strong arms. “I’m not carefree and wild…I…”

  “I know what you’re like, and I love it. I don’t care for those women. I care for you.” His sweet breath and heartfelt words sent warm shiver down Nina’s spine.

  “I don’t…” she whispered, not even sure what she’d been about to say.

  Rafe caught her words with his kiss. Soft butterfly kisses, landing here and there, then deepening as Nina’s arms curled around him, pulling him closer. Her fingers were in his silky strands, holding him to her as he plundered her willing lips.

  With a low groan like that of a growl, Rafe slowly pulled his lips from hers to break the kiss. His forehead against hers, he was content to hold her to soak in her sweetness. His eyes closed, he began to move, slowly at first, then gently swaying with her in his arms. Humming just under his breath, Rafe opened his eyes to find her smiling up at him as she kept step with him. “I’mmm sorrrry,” he sang softly. “Sooo soorrryyy, for being such a big fooool…” he slowly sang as they drifted across the porch. Then, fingers entwined, he twirled her away from him, then back again. Nina laughed. Her green eyes sparkled like emeralds as he danced her around the porch under the moonlight.

  Nina laid her head on his chest as he softly sang, his deep tones soothing her. She relaxed, cuddling close when he stopped in the middle of the porch. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head, and she looked up at him.

  His arms tightened around her, “Let me make this night up to you.”

  “No, Rafe, it wasn’t your fault. It was mine.” He brushed her hair from her face, his dark eyes caressing her.

  “Come on, sit and talk to me for a while. I want to know everything about you.” He took her hand, pulling her toward the porch swing hanging in one corner. He sat her down, pulling her onto his lap.

  “You do?” Nina went willingly, one arm curled around his broad shoulders as she got comfortable.

  “Yes I do, I’m prepared to sit here all night just listening to your sweet voice.” He declared his arms wrapped securely around her waist holding her close.

  “First tell me about you.” Nina poked him in the chest with one finger, smiling, feeling absurdly lightheaded.

  Rafe looked up at the velvety blue night sky. “Well, let’s see. I have a brother who is very much insane. I have a mother who is as far from being normal as anyone can get. My father, who was the only other sane member of my family besides myself, died two years ago. Now tell me about you.” He waited, he could feel her kicking one leg out, as if nervous. Her fingers twisted a lock of his hair at the base of his neck. Rafe decided to take it easy on her. Maybe he was rushing things a bit.

  “It’s alright, Nina. You don’t have to tell me anything right now if you don’t want to.”

  “No, no I want to,” Nina quickly assured him. Trying to calm her raging heart, she stalled for as long as she could. What if he feels the same way my parents felt? What if he turned his back on me too? Nina mentally stiffened her back. What does it matter? If he’s going to leave, isn’t it better that he does so now? Her arms tightened around him. She found his lips with hers, tenderly kissing him. She relished the way his breath stopped and his arms tightened around her. Nina sank deeper against him.

  Rafe had to stop her, she was turning all his well-meaning intentions into mush. If he didn't end this soon, he’d take her right now on the porch.

  Nina could feel his body begin to stir beneath where she sat. Something strong and possessive swept through her, bringing her blood to fever pitch. She couldn't lose her mind here on the porch, Beth could be watching. That one thought made her break off the kiss. Raising the back of one hand to her tingling lips, she watched him through eyes glassy with desire. “I think we should have this discussion later.” She barely recognized her own voice, now low and husky and filled with promise.

  “I think you’re right.” Rafe’s voice was gruff as he set her to her feet and away from him. He stood up, lifting one hand to her cheek. “I have to go. I’ll call you, alright?”

  All Nina could do was nod. He gave her one last lingering kiss, and then he bound down the steps and was gone.

  *****

  Nina eased back in the seat of the petite car. A small green beaded purse lay in her lap, clutched in her fists. She squirmed trying to get comfortable. The tiny red sports car was beautiful but she felt ill-at-ease. It made her feel like a giant next to the small and well-dressed Miranda.

  “Stop it, Nina,” Miranda laughed patting her hand. “You’re making me nervous.”

  “I'm sorry,” she said, her voice low, “I'm still not sure about this. I've never been to a big party like this. What will I do? What should I say?”

  She looked so lost that Miranda took her eyes off the road for a moment and caressed Nina's tense cheek. “I'll be with you all evening.” She assured her. “You say whatever comes to your mind. Just remember, these people want my money. They want it bad, so they won’t offend a guest of mine.”

  “Are you sure they won't mind me tagging along?” Nina fretted. “I wouldn't want…”

  “Stop it,” Miranda snapped, “For years my husband and I have supported Governor Pickeny’s champagne. This year I've decided to switch. All three were eager to woo me. Judge Conroy will be running against Mayor Martin for a chance to run for governor against Pickeny. Judge Graffney is already on the ballot. If Conroy and Martin get the signatures they need, this will be the first time ever, we’ll have had four candidates running for governor. Now, Conroy thinks I should be in her corner, being the only woman candidate. I’m thinking about it. So until I decide who I want to back, I can do whatever I want. Just stop worrying, we can do no wrong.”

  Nina nodded, still not convinced, “I wish this dress wasn't so short.” She mumbled.

  “That dress is not short, your legs are long. It looks good on you.”

  “You keep telling me that, but I feel,” she shrugged, “so exposed.”

  “You feel guilty,” Miranda said bluntly. “Those nuns have you all screwed up.”

  Nina picked at the flesh tone stocking covering her legs. “Vanity is a sin.”

  “What vanity?” Miranda laughed, “If there’s a vain bone in your body, I'd give both these assholes running for governor all the money I have.”

  “But it's a sin to tempt the weak flesh of others.” Nina murmured, looking out the car window.

  “Nina,” Miranda held her breath, anger was rapidly fueling the fire inside her. Not at Nina, but at those deranged nuns who raised her. How could they warp children's brains like they do and not be held accountable? “Let's just have fun tonight,” she squeezed Nina's cold hand. “You look absolutely lovely. Everyone will look at you and wonder if you are some foreign dignitary.”

  Nina's laugh was light and freely given for the first time tonight. “I don't think so, ma'am.”

  “Oh, I do think so. Look at you; tall, creamy dark gold complexion, with those green almond shaped eyes. And the dark red hair. You’ll be the hit of the party. I had better stay close to you if anyone is ever going to notice me. It’d be a kicker if you could speak a foreign language.”

  “I can speak two.”

  “What?” Miranda squeaked. “You have got to be kidding me. Which?”

  “French and German.”

  “Oh, this is rich! Those nuns were good for something.”

  “They are good for so many things.”

  “Yes, yes, dear. I’m sure you’re right. If you get stuck in a conversation and you want to get out of it, start speaking in another language.”

  Miranda was rewarded b
y Nina's light laughter. Soon they fell into lighthearted conversation. Ten minutes later, Miranda pulled into the wrought-iron gates of country club.

  Nina clasped and unclasped her hands. When Miranda first asked her to accompany her to this fundraiser, she was hesitant. But rather than have her friend go alone, she agreed. Now standing in front of the huge building, Nina waited while Miranda gave the keys to a valet, she felt her legs began to shake. She freely admitted she was no social butterfly. The thought of walking through the imposing front doors scared her to death.

  Miranda walked around the car and linked her arm through Nina's. She looked up, “Ready to enter the dragon’s lair?” She wagged her inky brows and Nina laughed again.

  Nina nodded, “Have I told you how pretty you look tonight?” For all her diminutive height, Miranda had a commanding stature. Her skin was flawless, like porcelain, with thick black hair was highlighted with gray and cut in a flattering style. Not too long or short. She wore a brilliant red pantsuit, the jacket tapered at the waist. Three braided strands of gold ran down the center,

  with a gold button at each wide cuff.

  It was in sharp contrast to Nina's simple but elegant green silk corset dress, the skirt draped around her knees. The scooped neck framed an emerald pendant, that was nestled between her breasts and matching earrings. Her thick auburn hair was pinned to her head in a sleek chignon. Little ringlets were left to dangle around her face.

  “Yes, my dear, but you may say so again and again,” she speared Nina a telling look. “I, for one, am very vain.”

  “No you’re not,” Nina pleasantly disagreed.

  “Tell it to my closet, dear,” Miranda pulled her arm. “Come on. I like to make a fashionably late entrance. That way, anyone who wants to talk to me can see that I’m now here.”