by Candy Caine
Lucas noticed Raven thinking about it and nudged her. “So do we have a conversation?”
“Will I be entertained by other special feats?” Raven asked.
“Nope. Just talk.”
She looked at the time. “I have to go back to work now. Come by at the same time tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, it is,” Lucas said doing a mental happy dance.
* * *
Sitting at the same table the following day, Raven watched as Lucas refilled their coffee cups. Yeah, she definitely liked being with him. He was quick with the clever replies and was probably a very good psychologist, though she’d rather not think of him as one. She still had to maneuver around her proclivity toward disliking his profession. Yet, Lucas didn’t fit the stereotype. He wasn’t full of himself like other academic types who were in-your-face trying to pry out your innermost secrets. He appeared to be a contradiction. There was a tenderness that bordered on softness, and yet she’d seen the steel in his backbone. And when their hands accidentally touched, she felt a stirring within her that she couldn’t ignore. Or wanted to.
Raven realized that being the psychologist wasn’t the only bump in the road she had to maneuver around. She’d spun a cocoon to protect herself from men in general. She’d have to come out of her safety zone, or he’d have to pierce it somehow. Even so, she was glad Lucas convinced her to have a pleasant conversation with him and secretly hoped this was the start—whoa! She stopped herself with one question. Did she actually want to get to know Lucas better? Yes, she decided. But, with the man and not the psychologist.
“Hey! Where’d you go? Inquiring earthlings want to know,” Lucas said, interrupting Raven’s musings.
“Sorry. Lost in space.” She smiled up at Lucas warmly.
The smile didn’t go unnoticed and encouraged Lucas. “I know you expect me to say something corny like a penny for your thoughts, but you can keep them. I’m all out of change.”
That made Raven laugh. He certainly made her do that a lot. What else could he make her do? “Were you reading my mind?”
“No other special powers, remember? What you see is what you get.” He exaggeratedly rolled his eyes as he gestured. “And since I couldn’t read your mind, and I forgot to ask you what you take in your coffee, I brought you all this.” Lucas laid a variety of sugar and sugar substitute packets on the table along with several containers of creamer.
Raven rested her chin on her hand as she gazed at the array.
“You forgot—” But when he began to raise an eyebrow, she added, “only kidding.”
“That’s better.” Then he gave her an earth-moving smile that brought on the pussy-clenching feeling she felt before in his presence.
The conversation between them was lighthearted and pleasant. They talked about the nice weather they’d been experiencing, which was always safe, and music, which had the power to bring people together. Raven’s taste in music was eclectic, while Lucas favored instrumentals, especially movie soundtracks. They discovered that they both loved the theater and compared the shows they’d seen on Broadway. Lucas made a mental note that if he was able to get Raven to go out with him on an actual date, to get tickets to a Broadway show.
When Raven’s napkin fell to the floor, they both bent down to retrieve it and their hands collided. Though Lucas’s touch was brief, it awakened every nerve ending in her body and sped up her heart.
They had just finished their second cup of coffee when Raven glanced at her watch. “Wow! Gotta go or I’ll be late getting back to work.”
“I enjoyed every moment of our little talk. How’s about going to level two?”
“Which is?” Raven asked, her curiosity quite aroused.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Lucas prompted.
Raven played along, grabbing the table with both hands. “Okay. I’m ready—as long as it isn’t too kinky.”
Lucas grinned. “What I had in mind was dinner tomorrow night. I don’t take anyone to a restaurant that caters to nudists on the first date. That usually occurs on the third or fourth.”
This time Raven didn’t hesitate, but she did have to stop laughing first.
“Tell me where and when. I’ll meet you there.”
“You don’t want me to pick you up?”
“No. I’d prefer to meet you. I don’t live alone.” Raven scribbled down her cell phone number on a napkin and handed it to him.
“So you’re married and don’t want hubby to know you’re stepping out on him,” Lucas teased.
“No hubby, but a very nosy aunt. Call me with the details,” she said, rising to her feet. “And Lucas—I enjoyed our conversation, too.”
He gave her that sexy smile again.
“I don’t want you to be late. Leave the garbage and I’ll throw it all away.”
Raven smiled back and left. She hesitated a moment, wanting to remain with Lucas. Then she came to her senses and rushed off, back to Flavor of the Week.
Lucas watched her go. She was one of the most captivating women he’d ever met, despite the fact she constantly kept him on his toes. Not only was she smart, but she was a quick thinker, which meant he had to be doubly careful with what he said. He had to keep separate what he already knew about her from what she revealed. And, most importantly, he had to restrain the overwhelming, burning desire to take her into his arms and kiss her.
He had no idea why he was taken so with Raven. Possibly it was because she was so different from most of the women he’d dated in the past. She was the light to Heather’s darkness. Or perhaps he found her independence and desire to follow her heart’s path refreshing.
With his being a psychologist he should be quite aware of the dangers involved when one loses self-control and becomes obsessed with a subject. Despite this self-awareness, Lucas found it hard to keep his thoughts focused on anything but Raven. Even his dreams at night had become different scenarios of his making love to her. He knew he should try to direct his thoughts from her, but found he lacked the desire to do so. Instead, he relished his dreams and even looked forward to the night when he’d be having them once more.
Lucas longed to kiss her from her soft, full lips to her toes and everything in between. More than anything, he wanted to make his fantasies of her into reality. Damn his fear of being hurt again. He’d chance it. Besides, his heart was giving him no choice in the matter. Before Lucas got up to discard the garbage, he made a quick call to Dottie, who’d already worn a threadbare patch through the carpeting at home. When the phone rang, she nearly tripped over her own feet rushing to answer.
“Dottie, this is important. When Raven comes home, she may or may not tell you about our meeting today, but she definitely may not mention our dinner date tomorrow night. Since you know nothing, you can’t question her. Be careful and mindful of what you say around your niece. She’s very sharp.”
“Don’t I know it?”
“I’ll do my best to keep you in the loop, but the less you say, the better things will be.”
Dottie realized a beat later that Lucas had hung up. She thought about what he’d said and smiled. Perhaps she was something of a matchmaker, after all. However, more importantly, Lucas would now have the time to talk some sense into Raven’s dense head.
* * *
Dottie was careful to keep her excitement over Raven’s date to herself when her niece came home for dinner that night. Raven appeared to be in good spirits, as well.
“Well, you seem unusually upbeat.”
“Uh-huh.”
“That’s it? You’re not going to tell me why?” Dottie prodded.
“Just had a really good day, Aunt Dottie. That’s it.”
Dottie looked at her beseechingly.
“Okay, Okay. I had lunch with a friend and it was quite pleasant. Happy?”
Some friend, Dottie thought. “Yes, extremely. I’m very pleased to know your day went well.”
“I now work in a stress-free environment, so all my days are good. B
y the way, I’m starving. What’s for dinner?”
“I didn’t feel like cooking tonight. How’s about some Chinese take-out?”
“That’s fine.”
“Want anything special?” Dottie asked, watching her niece closely.
“Nah. The stuff’s all the same. Whatever you pick will be fine. Oh, before I forget, I won’t be home for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Got a date?”
“I guess so, if that’s what level two signifies,” Raven replied.
Dottie looked at her inquisitively but dared not question her niece, as Lucas had instructed. Instead she smiled. “That’s nice, dear.”
Chapter Seven
Going to the law firm every day, Raven had had no problem selecting outfits to wear. Easy peasy, even when she had to wine and dine a prospective client. So why was she standing clueless in front of her closet, with the doors wide open, staring at its contents?
Okay, to be fair, this was her first meaningful date in a while. Of course, she wanted to wear something nice. But that protective little voice in the back of her head interjected, pointing out that she was acting like a silly teenager again. It instructed her just to pick something out to wear and be done with it.
She settled on a black dress that clung to her curves, emphasizing the fact she was a woman. Next came the shoes. To her recollection, Lucas was tall, but didn’t tower over her 5’9” frame. She chose three-inch heels, figuring they were safe. The last thing she wanted was to be able to proverbially count the grays on Lucas’s head.
Raven tried to sneak out of the house in a vain attempt to avoid her aunt and her unending questions. Though she was an adult, Dottie would still ask where she was going, when she intended to be home etc. etc. etc. No luck. Her aunt was in the kitchen and caught her.
“Well, don’t you look nice. I certainly hope he appreciates you.”
“How do you know I’m meeting a man?” Raven asked.
“In that dress, either you’re meeting a man or looking to meet one. Whichever, good luck.”
“Can’t pull the wool over your eyes, Aunt Dottie.” Raven kissed her aunt’s cheek.
“Have a good time, baby girl.”
“Hopefully…I will.” Raven closed the door behind her.
“Amen,” Dottie said aloud.
Raven had never been to the Spanish restaurant that Lucas had chosen for their dinner. It was called La Paloma and was located not too far from Roosevelt Field, one of the major shopping malls on Long Island. She had looked up the restaurant online, checking out first its location and then the dinner menu. It was something Raven always did to avoid any surprises, especially when wooing a client. Old habits were hard to shake, she mused when acknowledging what she’d done.
Impressively, the restaurant had valet parking and looked lovely from the outside with its authentic-looking wood and adobe siding. She opened one of the large artistically carved doors and walked inside. Pretty Spanish guitar music could be heard as she approached an oak reception desk. A man dressed in a black suit greeted her. “Good evening. Have you a reservation?”
“I’m meeting…” She hesitated, not knowing Lucas’s last name. Finally she said, “Lucas.”
He looked down a moment. “Your gentleman is waiting for you at the bar.”
“Thank you.” Relieved, Raven could see the bar from where she stood.
Lucas saw Raven approach in the mirror behind the bartender. Just looking at her caused his cock to quiver. Without a doubt, she was the loveliest woman in the restaurant. She moved with grace, reminding him of a sleek jungle cat. He smiled to himself as he recalled a recent dream of her and how she felt as he ran his hands down her curves.
Other men noticed her as well, but she seemed unaware. She was his date for the evening and he reveled in the thought. He slipped off the stool and took her hand. The touch of her skin on his sent an electric current right through him. It was so strong that he imagined she’d felt it, too. He had to forcibly stop himself from pulling her into his arms and kissing her.
“I’m glad you came. You look lovely.” That was an understatement. The sight of her in that hot, clingy, black number nearly stole his breath away and enticed him to discover what was underneath.
She gave him a sideways glance. “Thank you. Did you think I might stand you up?”
“No, of course not. I was merely telling you how I felt.” Was she going to read hidden meanings into everything he said?
The bartender appeared behind them. “Will the lady be having something to drink?”
Lucas looked back at Raven. “Would you like something?”
“A glass of Pinot Grigio, please.”
“And another one of these,” Lucas said, gesturing to his glass.
They were both quiet a moment as they watched the bartender prepare their drinks.
“This is a very nice place. Have you eaten here before?” Raven asked Lucas.
“A while back. It’s got atmosphere, good food, and great music.”
“Yes. The piece that’s playing now is beautiful. By any chance, do you know the name?”
Lucas listened for a moment. A broad smile appeared on his face. “Actually, I do. It’s the second movement of the Concierto de Aranjuez by the Spanish composer, Joaquin Rodrigo.”
“That’s impressive—assuming you’re correct.”
“You doubt me?”
“Well, I’m not familiar with the piece—”
“Hold that thought,” Lucas said, holding up a finger. He reached into his suit jacket and removed his cell phone. He slid his finger across the face of the phone and keyed in a code. Raven watched as he keyed in the title. Several beats later, he passed the phone to her. She placed it to her ear. It was the identical piece.
“I am deeply impressed. When it comes to music, I will never doubt you again.”
“I had a little help. My mother was a concert pianist who played across Europe and parts of the Middle East, as well as the United States. She recorded numerous albums. Now that she’s gone, I often listen to them,” he said wistfully.
The maître d’ notified them that their table was now ready and led the way. After they were settled, their waiter, also dressed in a black suit, handed them a menu.
“I’m out of my league here,” Raven said. “What do you suggest I have?”
“If you like seafood, any paella will be fine. I’m going to have the Paella Vallenciana,” Lucas said, pointing to where it was listed on the menu.
Raven read the description of the dish, which was saffron rice, clams, mussels, sea scallops, chicken, and chorizo. She looked up at Lucas and smiled. “I’d like to try that, as well.”
“Would you like an appetizer?” the waiter asked.
“Please select a platter of different tapas. I think the señorita will enjoy that.”
The waiter smiled and nodded his head in agreement. And then he suggested, “A house sangria would be very nice with the paella.”
Lucas nodded. “I agree. Please bring us a pitcher.”
“Very good,” said the waiter. He left, taking the menus with him.
“What was the last platter you ordered?”
“I asked for a Spanish type of ‘pu-pu’ platter.”
“You know, just looking around this place, I half expect Don Quixote to come galloping out of the kitchen.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but that’s our waiter returning with the sangria.”
That made Raven laugh. Lucas joined her as the waiter poured the wine into their glasses and retreated. They both took healthy sips. Raven took another and said, “This is really good. I’ve had sangria before, but never like this.”
“Glad you like it. The house sangria tends to be very fruity. It can go on the shelf next to the V8 cans with all their vegetables.”
Raven rolled her eyes.
“Okay. Maybe I was reaching just a little there,” Lucas said contritely.
The waiter returned with their platter of tapas.
“Tell me about your mother. She must have been quite a person.” Raven dabbed at the corner of her mouth with her napkin.
“Only if you promise to tell me all about you.”
Raven nodded. “I guess it’s only fair. Wow, this is delicious.”
“Glad you’re enjoying it. Wait until you taste the paella.”
“Your mom…” Raven prompted.
“Yesterday, you referred to me as a hero. Not quite. Now, my mom—she was a real hero.”
Raven noticed how animated Lucas became as he spoke about his mother. “I believe you mentioned your mom is no longer with us.”
“She battled cancer for several years, but in the end, she lost her gallant fight. However, that’s not why I called her a hero. It’s much more than that. You see, my mother was born in Russia and lived under Stalin and then Khrushchev. She came from a long line of musicians and by the age of five, she could play pieces from most of the Russian composers.” He took a sip of wine.
“That’s unbelievable.”
“She certainly was one of a kind. Of course, Mom wanted to grow up and play in the biggest concert houses in the world. Unfortunately, by the time she became a teenager in the Soviet Union, that burning desire could be nothing more than a dream. You see, when her school instructors found her to be a brilliant mathematician she was immediately placed in a technical school. However, her dream to play piano in the biggest concert houses of the world wasn’t squashed forever.
“When the Hungarians tried to overthrow the yoke of Soviet Russia in 1956, the rebellion was put down ruthlessly by the Russians. But in the aftermath, Khrushchev wanted to show the world that Russia was just as culturally progressive as the West. He instituted a cultural revival, which amounted to a modest amount of freedom in the arts. The Moscow Philharmonic played an important role in this cultural revival, and my mother was chosen to play the orchestra’s lead piano. It was an honor and allowed her to travel with the group from one major city to another, including Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.” Lucas stopped to take a long sip of the wine.