Riley rolled her eyes with a smile. “Come on, Kate, I don’t have a chance, she’s not interested in someone like me.”
“I don’t know, I think you’d be surprised!” Kate replied, grinning.
Ten minutes later Riley and Kate returned with handfuls of green leafy herbs.
“What is all that and what are you going to do with it?” Helen asked as Riley rinsed her small crop and put it on paper towels to dry.
“This is fantastic flavor, that’s what this is!” Riley declared.
Joanna was intrigued. “Can I help, Riley?”
“Well, I need a large mixing bowl and a chopping board,” Riley replied as she gathered ingredients from the refrigerator.
“I don’t even know what half this stuff is,” Joanna said, setting down a large bowl and chopping board, picking up a sprig of green herb, and smelling it.
“Thyme,” Riley said, smiling at Joanna.
“And what would one do with that?” Joanna questioned.
“Stuffing, salad dressing, and sweet potatoes,” Riley explained, smiling. “Rosemary,” she said, handing another sprig over to Joanna to smell. “For the fingerling roasted potatoes and turkey garnish. Oregano, stuffing again. Basil, nearly everything; parsley, stuffing and potatoes; and of course, sage.”
“This one doesn’t smell like anything,” Joanna observed.
Riley smiled, took the sage leaf and rubbed it into Joanna’s palm. “Now try.”
“Mmm, that smells great!” Joanna said.
“Stuffing!” Riley replied.
“I know what this is!” Joanna announced, picking up another herb sprig. “This is mint; what are you going to do with this, Riley?”
“Ah, yes!” Riley replied with a smirk as she began to chop up a few limes. “May I get a few things from your wet bar?” she asked.
“Please!” Joanna replied.
Riley began to muddle mint leaves and lime wedges into four tall tumblers, adding ice, a generous pour of white rum, simple syrup, and soda water.
“Mojitos!” Riley announced, smiling and handing each of the women a glass.
“Mmm, delicious, Riley!” Helen said, sipping on her drink as Riley made easy work of peeling and chopping sweet potatoes, apples, onions, garlic, celery, and herbs, and began to sauté some of them with sausage meat in a large skillet.
“God, that smells great, Riley; you’ve done this a few times, I take it?” Kate asked, watching Riley add her sauté mixture into the large bowl with croutons, broth, butter, and finely chopped herbs.
“Maybe once or twice,” Riley smiled. “And I have a great recipe for your sweet potatoes!”
Less than an hour later, Riley had stuffed and dressed the turkey, made her sweet potato dish, and prepared a sampling of appetizers the women were enjoying, including bacon-wrapped stuffing balls that Kate could not get enough of.
“Riley, this bruschetta is amazing; tell me again what’s in it?” Helen asked as she spooned some more of the mixture onto a piece of toasted French bread.
“Gosh, it’s really easy—onions, tomatoes, garlic, some chopped up fresh mozzarella and basil and drizzle it with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar,” Riley replied, pleased that the women were enjoying her creations.
“Yes, and did you try the roasted garlic? It’s fantastic, you can really taste the rosemary!” Joanna gushed.
“Fresh herbs, flavor!” Riley declared.
“I guess I should go dig out my dancing shoes!” Helen stated, raising an eyebrow and smiling at Riley.
“Well, I had Rosa order us a cab for seven so we have time for another mojito,” Joanna said, gathering up the glasses. “Riley, show me how to make these.”
* * *
“Wow, someone’s dressed to impress!” Kate announced with a whistle as Joanna entered the apartment. “Looking hot, momma!”
Joanna was dressed in black leather pants and a cream mesh open-neck sweater that sat low on her shoulders over a black camisole and a pair of black stiletto-heeled ankle boots.
“Thank you, Kate,” Joanna said, smiling. “You ready? Riley just texted and said the cab’s downstairs.”
“Well, I know you probably hate to cover up that sexy little ensemble, but you better put on your jacket; the news said it’s already close to freezing out there,” Helen said with a wicked grin on her face as the three women headed for the elevator.
Riley was waiting in the lobby in skinny jeans that hugged her low on her hips. A skintight, light gray, long-sleeved button-down shirt showed off her toned body under her black leather bike jacket and a pair of short black buckled boots finished her ensemble. Her hair was stylishly messy and her eyes were dark and seductive with charcoal shadow. Joanna looked at her admiringly and smiled.
“Looking good, girlfriend!” Kate exclaimed, seeing Riley. “We are going to have to fight the women off you tonight!”
Joanna found herself irritated at Kate’s comment, which didn’t go unnoticed by Helen, who was rather enjoying the scene unfolding before her.
“Yes, I think it will be a fun night. Want to eat at the little place by the club? Then we only have to get one taxi. I’ll put our names in,” Helen said, getting out her phone as the four women got into the taxi.
After salad, a large pizza, and a bottle of wine, the four women walked across the street to the club, which was just beginning to come alive. Already the large dance floor was decorated with trendy club-goers of various different ages. Riley looked around her while Kate grabbed the last table by the dance floor.
“It’s probably the best women’s club in New York so it attracts all ages and they play all kinds of music,” Kate explained in an elevated voice, trying to talk over the music.
“It’s great!” Riley smiled, getting up. “I’ll get drinks; what does everyone want?”
“No, you won’t, it’s your birthday!” Joanna announced as a young attractive, short-haired blond girl stopped at the table and stared at Riley.
Riley was somewhat annoyed and uncomfortable at the attention she was getting from the young woman. “What are you looking at?”
“You, gorgeous, can I buy you a drink?” the woman replied, smiling.
Before Riley could reply, Joanna got up from the table. “No, you can’t!” she answered protectively in a firm tone.
Riley held up her hands and shrugged, giving the woman a pouty grin, inwardly pleased that Joanna had fended off her admirer.
“And who said chivalry is dead?” Kate whispered to Helen, making her girlfriend have to stifle a laugh as she kicked Kate under the table.
“Okay, well, enjoy, ladies!” the woman replied before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
Joanna turned to her friends, pleased with herself. “Okay, drinks?”
“I’ll help,” Riley said, taking off her jacket and revealing her slender figure in her skintight shirt.
The women sipped on drinks as the DJ spun tunes. Kate and Riley danced a few times before they could drag Joanna and Helen out on the dance floor. The DJ announced the next song and Joanna smiled.
“You two-step, Riley?”
“A little,” Riley replied, matching Joanna’s smile.
“A little as in a little, or a little like you play tennis a little?” Joanna asked.
Riley just smiled and extended her hand to Joanna, walking her to the dance floor, both women taking up the position to lead.
“Oh, this should be interesting!” Helen mused, watching the exchange.
Joanna jockeyed for the lead and the two women glided effortlessly around the dance floor, not breaking eye contact.
“You always have to be in control, Ms. Armstrong?” Riley asked with a crooked grin as she spun Joanna around, taking her off guard, and assumed the lead, holding Joanna close so their eyes locked.
Joanna just gazed into Riley’s eyes and let her lead her around the dance floor for a turn. The tension was electric and Riley felt an excitement build within her as she gazed back into Joanna’s green pools.
“No, not always, Ms. Carrington, but I find it most effective to let someone think they are in control when in reality they are not!” Joanna replied, spinning Riley back around into the follow position.
“They’re good together, aren’t they?” Kate smiled
“Yes, and I haven’t seen Joanna this happy in a long time, but you know what a bonehead she is. She has all kind of reasons why she shouldn’t get close to Riley,” Helen replied.
Chapter Ten
Joanna felt warm breath on her neck then a tongue teased her ear. Soft kisses traced the outline of her collarbone to her chest then back up her neck to her chin. Fingers interlocked with hers at her waist, grasping her hands and pushing them above her head under her pillow as soft lips met hers and a warm tongue plunged deep into her mouth.
“Mmm,” Joanna moaned as she kissed back passionately, struggling to free her hands from Riley’s grasp.
Riley put her knee between Joanna’s thighs and bit seductively on her bottom lip before her tongue traced back down her neck, kissing and gently biting every couple of inches until she was in between Joanna’s pert breasts. Riley brushed her lips gently across Joanna’s right nipple, flicking it softly with her tongue, eliciting another moan. Joanna’s nipples hardened as Riley let her tongue flick back and forth across her nipple, sucking and biting it gently. She released the hold she had on Joanna’s right hand to tease her other nipple, rolling and twisting it gently. Joanna put her free hand on the back of Riley’s head and grasped a handful of hair encouragingly, every flick of Riley’s tongue connecting to her lower regions where wetness was beginning to appear.
Riley hovered above Joanna, letting her own nipples brush against Joanna’s tight stomach as she swept her tongue to Joanna’s middle, kissing down to her belly button. She released Joanna’s other hand to squeeze her other nipple as her lips brushed below Joanna’s bikini line and she breathed warm air above Joanna’s clit, making her ache with desire. Riley put her arms under Joanna’s thighs, spreading them wider and pushing them upwards. She gently bit on the inside of her thighs and let her lips and tongue brush and tease her slit before finally circling her tongue over Joanna’s clit and sucking it, making her moan with desire. Joanna arched her back and grabbed handfuls of sheets on the brink of her climax.
“Oh, Riley!” Joanna exclaimed, hearing the phone ringing in the background.
Joanna was awakened from her dream by the phone ringing on her nightstand.
“Shit!” she said, realizing her disappointed state.
“What” she answered in an annoyed tone, discerning a mild fuzziness in her head, no doubt from the alcohol the night before.
“Wake up, sleepyhead, the girls left over an hour ago,” Helen’s voice announced on the other end of the phone. “I’ll come get you in thirty minutes.”
“Uh, make it thirty-five,” Joanna replied, hanging up the phone, acknowledging the wetness between her legs and unquenched lusting deep inside her core. She lay back on her pillow and closed her eyes, reliving the last few minutes of her dream. Dipping a hand down into her wetness, she thrummed her engorged clit while the other hand twisted and pinched a hard nipple, easily bringing herself to an exploding orgasm that made her whole body shiver with pleasure.
After a quick shower, Joanna pulled on her jeans and a pair of wool socks. She slipped another sweater over her turtleneck as she heard Helen let herself in to the apartment.
“How’s Miss Life of the Party this morning?” Helen said, smiling.
“Nursing a little headache, I think!” Joanna replied, grimacing and lacing up a pair of brown leather boots. “It was fun though, wasn’t it? I haven’t danced that much in years!” she said, smiling.
“Yes, it was. Kate and Riley had a blast and they were fired up to go this morning!” Helen replied. “Oh, and Riley asked me to remind you to put the turkey in the oven on three-fifty.”
“Oh, shit, that’s right, we’re cooking!”
* * *
Andrea, Riley, and Kate had secured a viewing place for the parade on the street opposite Radio City Music Hall. Helen and Joanna met them just as the parade began.
“We come bearing gifts of hot coffee!” Helen announced, seeing the girls.
“Oh, good, it’s freezing!” Kate announced with a smile.
“Here, Riley, I figured you wouldn’t be prepared for this,” Joanna said in a scolding tone, handing her a pair of wool gloves and a matching black scarf.
Riley smiled. “Oh, thanks. It’s a lot colder than I thought!”
“That’s not all,” Helen announced. “Hand and feet warmers for everyone!” She started giving out the little packets. The girls unwrapped them and shoved them in their gloves and boots, relieving the biting cold that had numbed them the past hour while they waited.
“What’s the ETA on our other package?” Joanna asked Helen as Kate and Riley looked on, confused.
“About one minute. I told him to come down the west side so he would avoid the parade mess,” Helen replied, grinning.
Helen looked down at her phone at the text notification. “Andrea, we have one more thing for you, I think,” Helen said as she motioned her head to the right of them.
Andrea looked in that direction, confused until she saw her boyfriend of four years, Josh, fighting the crowd coming toward her.
“Josh, oh, Josh, how? When?” Andrea blurted out as she embraced and kissed him lovingly.
“Well, your bosses here kind of helped me out. I wanted to surprise you. I just got here on the red-eye. God, I’ve missed you!” Josh announced as he embraced his girlfriend.
Andrea wiped tears from her eyes as she introduced Josh to the four women.
“That’s fucking awesome!” Riley announced as she hugged Josh hello, glancing at Joanna who gave her a disapproving look for her language, but then smiled at the reunion unfolding before her.
The six of them watched the parade enthusiastically, cheering at the balloons and the performers jubilantly. Smiles stayed affixed to each face despite the biting cold.
“That was so cool, and I love Josh, Andrea, he’s definitely a keeper!” Riley stated as the parade neared its conclusion.
“Okay, I hate to rush everyone, but we need to start heading back,” Helen stated, looking at her watch, then leading everyone back toward the square. Riley, Kate, and Andrea weren’t really sure what the rush was, but the mood was festive and they all followed chatting and laughing.
“Okay, I need tons of pictures so let’s get busy!” Josh said as they entered Times Square.
“You see it?” Helen whispered to Josh. “Fingers crossed!”
“Okay, I need one with the ball in the background with all you ladies!” Josh declared as he readied his phone. Helen stood back on the phone while Riley, Kate, Andrea, and Joanna posed facing Josh. Josh glanced at Helen, who nodded subtly.
“Andrea, what exactly has happened to our sign, it doesn’t appear to be working,” Helen stated, pointing to the sign behind them in a semi-annoyed tone.
“Oh, I don’t know, Ms. Klein,” Andrea replied, concerned, looking up behind her at the sign.
Andrea’s eyes went wide when she saw it. Instead of the company name, the sign read: ‘Andrea, I love you so much, please be my wife? Josh’
Andrea put her hands to her face in shock, then turned around to face Josh, who was on his knees offering up a small box in her direction. “Will you marry me, Andrea?” he said with big grin on his face.
“Oh, Josh, yes!” Andrea declared, tears streaming down her face as Josh slid the ring on her finger and kissed her.
Kate and Riley looked on, elated. People witnessing the event had started to take pictures and videos and the whole square was alive pointing at the sign.
“Congratulations!” Joanna said as she kissed them both on the cheek.
“I can’t begin to tell you how thankful…” Josh started before he was interrupted by Helen.
“Shush, enjoy this moment, congrat
ulations!”
Applause was starting to erupt around the square as people realized what was going on.
Champagne appeared from one of the restaurants surrounding the square and cameras flashed. Andrea held her hands to her face in disbelief and strangers hugged her and shook Josh’s hand.
“News is here!” Joanna announced, seeing a camera crew approach. “Look, dinner will be around two, but please don’t feel obligated. You two do what you want today, okay? You’ve already made the day special for us!”
“Thank you, Joanna, but we wouldn’t miss it. We want to be there if it’s okay?” Andrea replied gratefully.
“Okay, well, I’d say it’s a good excuse for champagne, but I think it will be flowing anyway!”
* * *
“So I suppose you two are quite pleased with yourselves, aren’t you?” Kate declared as the four women got back to Joanna’s apartment and huddled by the fire to thaw out.
Joanna and Helen looked at each other. “Yep!” they replied in unison.
“That was so fucking cool!” Riley cried. “Did you see her face?”
“Yes, it was, Riley, and do you hear that mouth?” Joanna replied dryly.
“Oh, sorry!” Riley said sheepishly. “Bad habit.”
“C’mon, quiche, fruit and champagne is in order, I think,” Kate announced and she grabbed Riley and headed into Joanna’s kitchen.
“Yes, and why don’t you tell Riley how we curtailed that little bad habit of yours, honey?” Helen said, smiling.
Kate rolled her eyes and shook her head as she headed for the kitchen with Riley in tow.
“What does she mean by that?” Riley inquired.
“Well, according to Helen, I used to have a mouth on me worse than a sailor, so she implemented the swear jar.”
“Yeah, we had a swear jar at the design company I worked at. At the end of the week we would have enough cash in it to get us all shit-faced on Friday!” Riley declared, laughing. “Then we’d be swearing all over again!”
“Well, that’s not exactly how it worked here. You see, for every time I swore, it would cost me five dollars in the swear jar and five swats with the hairbrush. We would settle up on Sunday morning and go to brunch with whatever money was in the jar and Helen would pay the difference. The first week I swore twenty-eight times, so you do the math. Needless to say I paid for brunch with my money and my butt, with money to spare for the following week. By week four, the jar only had ten bucks in it!” Kate smiled.
Reining in Riley Page 11