Waltzing on the Danube

by Miranda MacLeod

  “Here's a flashlight. Close your eyes and count to a hundred.” Jeanie's footsteps echoed through the empty halls as Eleanor shut her eyes and began to count.

  When she reached one hundred, she was alone in the silence. She felt exhilaration, but no fear. Exhilaration, and an intense desire to win. She knew Jeanie wouldn't make it easy for her, either, and she was glad. When it came to competition, they were exactly alike. Eleanor wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

  There were hallways leading off in both directions, and Eleanor chose one at random. She didn't find Jeanie, but she did manage to get a comprehensive tour of the old house, turning up room after delightful room of richly carved woodwork and solid oak paneling that hinted at the manor's former glory. As she explored the rooms, she couldn't help but chuckle over what she was doing, playing a spontaneous game of hide and seek in an empty mansion. She'd started the day moping about a place she didn't want to see, and somehow Jeanie had transformed it into something she'd never forget. She couldn't remember the last time she'd played, and relaxed, and enjoyed the moment. That's just what it was like when Jeanie was around.

  Eleanor returned to the top of the staircase where they'd begun and struck out down the opposite hall. This time she didn't have to look for long. The second room she entered was the winner, a large space that may have once been a music room judging by the grand piano that still stood in its center. It had been a fine instrument in its day, with keys of real ivory, but Eleanor didn't pay it much attention. She was too focused on the gorgeous woman who leaned against it, looking entirely too self-satisfied for someone who'd just lost at hide and seek. Though Eleanor had to admit that she had every reason to look pleased with herself, considering how industrious she'd been in Eleanor's absence.

  The blanket from their supply bag was spread out invitingly on the floor, flanked by three flickering candles that Eleanor couldn't remember requesting from the concierge, but must have been left behind by a previous expedition. The food they'd brought for lunch was arranged on paper plates, but one look at Jeanie and it was clear to Eleanor that food was the furthest thing from her mind.

  Her eyes connected with Eleanor's as soon as she entered the room. They were dark with passion and sparkling with mischief, and the combination sent a shock wave of desire rippling through Eleanor from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She'd found time for a costume change, and now wore nothing but the white shirt that brushed the tops of her thighs. More of the buttons had come open, enough to reveal that if she'd been wearing a bra earlier in the day, it was gone now. The view beyond that was obscured, but discovering whether her panties had met a similar fate was a mystery Eleanor was eager to solve.

  “You found me.” Jeanie nibbled her lower lips coyly as Eleanor approached. “I guess that means I lost.”

  “Is that so? Because it looks to me like you were looking forward to getting caught.” Eleanor wrapped her arms low around Jeanie's hips, her hands resting at the hem of the white shirt. She worked her hands beneath the fabric and grinned as her fingers touched bare skin. Mystery solved!

  “Maybe.” Laughing, Jeanie threaded her fingers through Eleanor's hair and pulled her closer until their lips met, their tongues tasting and exploring one another greedily. Breaking from the kiss, Jeanie traced a line from Eleanor's mouth and along her jawline until her lips rested against her ear. “You're way overdressed,” she whispered, the warmth of her breath sending tingles down Eleanor's spine. With one swift motion, Jeanie grasped the hem of Eleanor's shirt and whisked it over her head. Her pants quickly followed, joining the rest of their clothing in a discarded heap somewhere in the recesses of the shadowy room.

  “Lunch?” Eleanor gestured toward the blanket, guiding Jeanie toward it and encouraging her to sit.

  “Now? If you hadn't noticed, we're both nearly naked in the middle of a house that isn't ours. What if someone finds us?” Jeanie's sudden bashfulness made Eleanor burst out laughing.

  “There's nobody else here! Unless goats can climb through windows, we've got the place to ourselves. We can take as long as we want.” Her body trembled in anticipation. “So we should probably eat first, to keep up our strength.”

  Jeanie gaped at her. “I can't believe you're the one trying to convince me. I thought I'd talk you into was a quickie, at best, and you'd be terrified of getting caught the whole time!”

  “That does sound more like me, doesn't it?” Eleanor took half a sandwich from the paper plate and handed it to Jeanie. “I don't know what to tell you except that in the past few days you've persuaded me to think approach risk taking from a different angle. I'm beginning to see the appeal.”

  “I'm astounded! And starving.” Jeanie took a bite of her sandwich. “Aren't you going to eat?”

  “Maybe later. I have other plans right now.” She knelt on the blanket and settled in, grasping one of Jeanie's feet in her hands. With one hand she gently massaged Jeanie's arches, while the other hand stroked lazily along her ankle. “You have the most gorgeous legs I've ever seen.”

  Jeanie giggled, covering her mouth with one hand as her cheeks flushing pink. Their eyes connected and her expression grew serious. “Between your take-charge attitude and this new, adventurous side of you, I'm honestly not sure which one turns me on more.” Her hand dropped from her face to the collar of her shirt, her fingers trailing down along its front edge until they reached the last few buttons, popping each one deliberately until the shirt fell open completely.

  Eleanor drank in the delicious sight as her fingers trembled along their slow, circular path across Jeanie's leg. Everything about this moment was almost too much to believe, from her own new sense of daring to the shared connection that vibrated between them. Eleanor bent her head and pressed her lips to Jeanie's ankle bone, using every ounce of patience she possessed to maintain a measured pace. As she flicked her tongue along the smooth, salty flesh of Jeanie's calf, she averted her eyes from the temptation of her goal, so recently revealed, so close. But they had the rest of the day ahead of them, and two more days in Prague after that. Regardless of how uncertain their future, Eleanor refused to be afraid to savor every moment.

  Chapter 23

  “Elle? I have a problem. Can you come down here when you get this message? Room twelve.” Jeanie set her phone down beside her on the narrow cot, her eyes darting from the mountain of clothing on the floor to the mangled bag that had been delivered to her door. It was completely destroyed, and she had no idea how she was going to get her things off the ship, let alone home. Why did I pack so much stuff?

  “Jeanie?” Eleanor's head poked through the doorway. Her eyes widened at the chaotic state of the room, but whatever her opinion, Jeanie admired that Ellie managed to hold it back. “What happened to that?” she asked instead, pointing to the suitcase's shredded remains.

  “There was an accident. They were holding it for me, only it was too big for the usual luggage storage area. They put it in a machine room instead, and one of the machines tried to eat it.”

  “They will find you a replacement, right?” Indignation crept into her tone.

  “They're trying, Elle. But they have a lot of other, more important things to—”

  “Excuse me!” Eleanor's authoritative voice echoed in the small room as someone passed by Jeanie's door. “Thomas, wasn't it?”

  The porter, who had frozen in place, looked in from the hall. “Ms. Fielding.” His face blanched. “What a pleasure to see you again.” He looked terrified.

  “Ms. Brooks needs a new bag immediately. Maybe two bags,” she added, looking again at the pile. “Could you call up to the concierge and have it arranged? We'll need someone to take care of packing everything as well. You can have them put with the luggage from my room. The Empire suite, in case you'd forgotten.”

  Jeanie choked back a chuckle as the man nodded and scurried off, nearly tripping over his feet as he went. “Wow.” Eleanor's commanding presence sent heat searing through Jeanie's loins. “I love it
when you do that. Seriously, if I didn't think you'd scared that poor man so badly that he'll be back in ten seconds with twice what you asked for, I would strip naked right here and now and let you have your way with me.”

  “Mm, tempting. But where?” Eleanor surveyed the room dubiously. “There's a bed that isn't big enough for one person, let alone two, and you've built a textile homage to Mount Everest that's taking up most of the floor. Looks like we'll have to save fooling around for the hotel room in Prague. Or maybe for the ride there?” She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Did I mention we're going by limousine? They always have those tinted windows between the passengers and the driver, plus the backseat is at least as big as that thing.” Eleanor pointed to the bed.

  Jeanie turned her head to look giggling as Eleanor took advantage of the opportunity to nuzzle her lips against the newly exposed flesh of Jeanie's neck. “Why, Eleanor Fielding, I do believe you're serious!” Jeanie squirmed with delight, digging her fingers playfully into Eleanor's hair, encouraging her not to stop. “Have I really succeeded in corrupting you so completely in so little time?”

  “What, are you shocked?” Eleanor kissed her way downward, following the plunging neckline of Jeanie's shirt.

  “Not as much as I probably should be. More like impressed.” Jeanie lowered her voice to a whisper. “I'm also really glad I decided not to put on any panties under this skirt.” She burst out laughing as Eleanor's head shot up, her eyes wide with surprise. “What, you thought you were the only to come up with that idea? What else do people do in a limousine for three hours?”

  Eleanor studied Jeanie's skirt as if hoping to develop x-ray vision that would confirm the presence of undergarments, or lack thereof. Eventually she gave up with a roll of her eyes. “Come along, my naughty vixen. Time to go.”

  “The car doesn't leave for another hour. I'm not even packed yet.”

  “You know how I hate to be late. I'm sure the driver would be fine with us waiting in the back until it's time to go.” There was little doubt what Eleanor had in mind for passing the time.

  “And if he doesn't like it, I'm sure you can convince him otherwise.” A thrill ran through Jeanie at the prospect.

  As Jeanie followed Eleanor into the hall, her cell phone vibrated to alert her to a new email. When she saw the subject, her pulse began to race. Though it had only been a few days, the time that had passed since her visit to the Kunsthistorisches felt like an eternity. Jeanie had been so caught up with Eleanor that she'd nearly forgotten the application she'd submitted for the museum education position. It had been a far-fetched dream and easy to write off. Her hands shook so wildly as she read the email from Dr. Birnbaum that it took her a second time through to fully understand that she'd been invited to interview with the museum's General Director in Vienna the following week.

  “Jeanie, you coming?” Eleanor stood inside the elevator, holding the door open for her.

  Jeanie picked up her pace. “Be right there!”

  Jeanie's head spun as she tried to absorb what had just occurred. The life she'd always wanted might actually be within her grasp! A job in a museum and the chance to live abroad: it was everything she'd always wanted. But as she stepped into the elevator and caught Eleanor's eye, she felt the jolting realization that that wasn't the only thing she wanted anymore. She wanted Eleanor, not just for a few more days, but for something more. Her heart felt ready to burst from the emotions that overwhelmed her simply by looking at this woman, whose cheeks were still flushed from their stolen kisses in her room. I think I'm falling in love with her! She wanted the job, but she wanted Eleanor, too.

  A cold lump settled in her gut as she realized that she had no idea how Eleanor felt in return. Beyond champing at the bit to devour each other in the backseat of their limo, Eleanor's desires were difficult to ascertain. True to their agreement, they hadn't talked about their future beyond this trip. Officially, everything between them remained no strings attached, and Eleanor had made no secret from the beginning that a relationship held little interest for her. How likely was it that rational, analytical Eleanor had changed her mind in a week?

  There was no getting around it, this was a topic she and Eleanor would need to discuss, and soon. Would Eleanor even want to see her when they returned to New York? And if she did want to, would she change her mind if Jeanie moved far away? She didn't want to risk losing Eleanor, but she couldn't pass up a shot at fulfilling her dreams, either. Jeanie's usual confidence was replaced by doubt. What if this opportunity ruins everything we've managed to build?

  It was late in the day when the bellman arrived at the door with Eleanor's single compact suitcase and Jeanie's new set of matching bags in tow. Jeanie's economy ticket had entitled her to a budget room on the outskirts of town, but she'd been more than happy to pass it up in favor of staying with Eleanor in a five-star hotel. She would have slept anywhere as long is it meant a few more nights together. It was what would happen after that time was up that left Jeanie feeling so distressed.

  Jeanie rummaged in her pocket at the sound of the bellman's knocking, and pulled out a crumpled five euro note, pressing it into Eleanor's hand. “Here, take this.”

  “What for?”

  “The tip! Part of it, at least. I don't know what the going rate is at a place like this, but almost everything he's bringing up here is mine. The least I can do is cover the tip.” The gesture was symbolic, considering the room cost per night what Jeanie made in a week, but it was a gesture that was important to her to make it, all the same.

  “You're too much, you know that?” Eleanor gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Absolutely adorable.”

  While Eleanor went to deal with their bags, Jeanie stood at a window in their suite and took in the view. Their living room overlooked the Vltava river, offering an unobstructed view of the iconic Charles Bridge, as well as the fortified Prague Castle that sat high atop the opposite bank. The sun had sunk low behind the hills, turning both sky and water to shades of lavender and gray. Flood lights illuminated the castle walls, and the glow of lamplight from the many arches of the bridge reflected in the water below. It was a magical view, one of many she'd enjoyed on her trip, and the last she would share with Eleanor. That knowledge weighed heavily on her.

  What am I going to do? Jeanie sighed. The drive from Germany to the Czech Republic had provided precious little time for reflection. Not that she was complaining, since the relative privacy of the limousine had given her and Eleanor plenty of time to make some excitingly sensual vacation memories. It just hadn't been conducive to a lot of deep thought or conversations about the future.

  Jeanie hadn't booked her return flight to New York until two weeks after the end of the cruise. Her plan had been to use the time, with the help of a train pass and a list of backpacker hostels that catered to budget-conscious travelers, to check off several additional art museums from her wish list. It would be relatively easy to fit in a return trip to Vienna long enough for her interview. But if they offered her the job, what then? Could she take it and leave Eleanor behind?

  If only she had more assurance that Eleanor returned her feelings. Jeanie thought she did, but she'd been wrong about things like that in the past. Jeanie couldn't ignore the fact that no matter how promisingly they began, almost every relationship she'd been in had devolved rapidly from passionate romance to just good friends. Her connection to Eleanor felt different, more vibrant and real than any she'd had before, but the possibility existed that if she passed up Vienna to pursue a relationship with Eleanor, the heat between them could fizzle before the first fall frost.

  She smoothed the worried lines from her face as Eleanor reentered the room, flashing a smile more cheery than she felt. “Everything set?”

  Eleanor nodded. “I had him put the bags in our bedroom. It's getting dark, so we can't do much more tonight than find a place for dinner, but tomorrow's wide open. What would you like to do?”

  “You mean you haven't already picked out half a d
ozen walking tours for us?” Jeanie teased.

  “Strangely enough, no. After yesterday's urban exploration, I think I'm starting to appreciate your more spontaneous approach to sightseeing.”

  “Yeah, I know exactly what part you appreciated most about that. Well, as it happens, I do have something in mind that we could do. But don't get too excited. It's most definitely not a clothing optional kind of a place.”

  Eleanor pretended to pout. “In that case, I'm not sure if I want to go.”

  “You'll want to go, I think. We're just a few blocks from Prague's old Jewish quarter. There's a synagogue there that's the oldest in Europe, and it's open for tours.”

  “And how do you know about a synagogue in Prague?”

  “Well, I am a history teacher.” Jeanie donned her most serious, superior look.

  “I'm impressed!”

  Jeanie giggled, unable to keep up the pretense. “Your sister told me.”

  “My sister? How have you been talking to my sister?” It was hard to tell if Eleanor was upset, or just caught off guard.

  “I sent her that picture yesterday from my phone of the two of us, remember? So she responded with a friend request. I mean, I couldn't exactly turn her down.”

  “I suppose not.” Eleanor rolled her eyes skyward and shook her head. “That's Miriam. Heaven forbid I have a girlfriend she isn't friends with.”

  Jeanie felt a thrill at the word girlfriend. Now that was a serious word. Her heartbeat quickened. If Eleanor thought of her as her girlfriend, then she definitely intended for them to keep seeing each other. Suddenly, Jeanie's imagination was flooded with images of them strolling arm in arm through the streets of New York, which rapidly morphed into Vienna. Jeanie would work at the museum, and Eleanor would take the job her client had offered. They could find an apartment together, and spend the evenings dancing to the folk music that seemed to play in every plaza.