by Vicki Keener
“Then that's what we'll do.”
“On the other hand, dining alone with you right here with candlelight appeals to me, too.”
“We can do that.”
“I imagine the party will have a live band and dancing. I'd be in heaven dancing with you while we're dressed in beautiful formal clothes.”
He chuckled deep in his chest and said, “Shall we sleep on it and you tell me tomorrow how we'll spend our first New Year's Eve together?”
“There is one thing that must not change.”
“What's that, honey?”
“You kissing me at midnight.”
“That's a given, sweetheart,” he said his torso hovering over hers as his mouth descended.
The next morning as they sat down to the breakfast she prepared, he said, “Did you decide how we're welcoming the new year tonight?”
“I did.” She grinned. “It occurred to me while we were making love in the shower this morning.”
“That's not very flattering to me. Were you bored?” He laughed, remembering the simultaneous, shattering orgasm they reached.
She laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Women multi-task. That means doing two things well at the same time. You aren't able to do that as became apparent last night during our devil play.”
“I did okay.”
“Darling, you weren't able to sustain an erection and look for me at the same time. I can't imagine you forgot that. Doing both is multi-tasking.”
“Should I beg your forgiveness?”
“No, darling, you redeemed yourself in the most astoundingly, provocative and satisfying method this poor woman could conjure in her most fantastic fantasy.”
“I am good, aren't I?”
“The best, darling, I couldn't ask for more.”
“Do you want your boots? The shit is getting deep in here.”
She laughed and said, “Back to the night's plans. Tell me if you approve. I propose we spend the day here in our warm, cozy home and exercise our libido whenever we choose. By early evening, we should be sated for a few hours and that's when we'll shower, dress fancy and attend the opulent party. We'll dine, drink champagne, dance and indulge in an ardent kiss at midnight before we slip from the ball and return to our love nest. If our need arises before our arrival home, I plan to leave a large lap robe in the backseat of the limo. We'll cover ourselves from curious eyes and screw like a mink.”
He laughed and said, “Perfect. You're perfect. Your plan is perfect. Fucking on the way home is a must.”
“Please, darling, don't be crass. The term is screwing like a mink.”
He listened to the elevator ding outside his door and then a knock on the door. “Damn, I wanted to take you to bed.”
“Get rid of whoever is there.”
“Good idea,” he said striding to the door and opening it. He glared at Mona. “We don't want any.”
Mona pushed past him and said, “Hi, Angie. What's up with the grouch? I gave you the entire week to get your fill of each other. I'm here to rescue you, you poor woman.”
“Thank God,” Angelica said in a dramatic tone with her forearm to her forehead, “I thought I'd never escape his clutches.”
“Hey,” Cray said.
Mona traipsed to the kitchen, poured herself a cup of coffee, added cream and sugar and returned to the table where they finished their breakfast.
Cray said, “Help yourself, Mona. Don't be shy.”
“Thanks, I did. Where's your jelly? If you're not going to eat that extra slice of toast, I will.”
Mona munched her toast and sipped her coffee as she said, “Angie, why did you say that Dirk and I will have fun together, but it won't be more than a fling?”
Cray said, “That's out of left field. What gives?”
“We have spent a minimum of three hours on Skype every day this week except for the time the sirens blew and he had to run to the firehouse.”
Angelica laughed. “He is dedicated.”
“He's serious about helping those in trouble,” Mona said, “I approve of that. Besides, he called me back later. Six hours difference in time is a killer.” She yawned to prove her point.
“But you'll gladly sacrifice sleep to engage in a long distance relationship,” Cray said.
“Yeah. I don't mean any offense, Cray, but Dirk is ripped. He's got a muscular chest with rippling pecs and a six-pack that would make any normal female swoon.”
“He showed you his chest?” Angelica asked perplexed.
“He did when I asked.”
“What did you show him you brazen hussy?” Cray asked.
“Well, he did say it's only fair since I saw his bare chest.”
“You exposed your breasts to him?” Angelica asked surprised.
“Not completely, for heaven's sake. I kept on my red, lacy demi-bra. Of course, that leaves little to the imagination.”
“Are you trying to give the poor man a coronary?” Cray said.
“Why, Cray, I'm surprised at you. I'm your sister. I hope you're not ogling me. That's smacks of incest.”
“Stop it, Mona. You're not amusing. I watched the guys ogle you at the pool when you sashay in your bikini.”
“Do you want to defend my honor like a big brother should?”
“I would come to your defense if need be, even though you flaunt your body and taunt men.”
“You don't approve.”
“Mona, I don't believe that any woman “deserves it” when she dresses in a provocative manner and I do believe that no means no when a woman says it, but there are men who don't adhere to that standard and it worries me when I watch a woman tease men with her assets. That's all I'm saying.”
“You're right, Cray. I'm sorry. It happened with Dirk the night he called me back and I'd drunk a half bottle of wine. I did get a little crazy and so did he. Alcohol affected me and adrenalin from the fire call had him hyper. It hasn't happened since nor did it happen before that night.”
“I'm quite sure Dirk is an honorable man and wouldn't take advantage of a woman, but I do agree with Cray that there are some men who are not as principled. Mona, you're a beautiful woman. I never deliberately taunted or teased a man, but when I modeled, I was expected to prance around in skimpy clothes and strike sensuous poses. A lot of the men I worked with were gay, so that didn't pose a problem, but there were onlookers who thought they had a license to touch the merchandise. Many times I warded off unwanted advances with nasty words and promises of prosecution.”
“I get it, I really do. Angie, Dirk and I click. I'm aware that there's no chance anything can come of it except maybe a fling when he comes here in May, but as it stands now, the thought of it scares me to death because I could fall for your brother.”
“Mona, you don't fall for any guy,” Cray said, “Why is this different?”
“I can't answer that. Why did you and Angie fall in love almost at first sight?”
Cray smiled and Angel returned it. “Fair question. We've discussed it and can't find the words to explain the immediate attraction.”
“Since we're not on the same continent and May is months away, I'm going to stop sweating it,” Mona said. “Guess who else is Skyping on a regular basis.”
“Darja and Birch,” Angel said. “Ladd asked me for Bekka's number so they might be, too.”
“Cray, did you know that Ladd got a girl pregnant?” Mona asked.
“Yes, Ladd talked to me about it at the time. Our mother slipped up by mentioning it.”
“Her passion got the best of her as she tried to instill compassion in Ladd for Lake's dilemma, ” Mona said.
“Yes, Lake and Ladd confide in each other in times of need. I wouldn't want to see a split between them.”
“I have you,” M
ona said, “Who does Birch rely on for support and advice?”
“Mona, if Birch is ever in a bind, he'll come to you.”
“I doubt it,” Mona said.
“Cray is right, Mona,” Angelica said, “There's a bond between you. I saw it from the start. You two banter and tease. Only people with deep trust, regard and love for each other do that.”
“Yes, but I depend on Cray. We're the two mavericks in the family. I wouldn't turn to Birch.”
“Perhaps not, but he'd come to you,” Angelica said.
“Family dynamics,” Mona said, “It's interesting, isn't it?”
“Fascinating,” Angelica said, agreeing. “Is Lake okay?”
“No, clue. I didn't talk to anyone in White Plains since we left. Are you two going to the Silverman's bash tonight?”
“Yes. You?” Cray said.
“Yes, with Freddie. We have a good time together and he's a great dancer. He'll kiss me at midnight, but I'll sleep alone.”
“No spark between you?” Angel asked.
“We could rub our sticks together for hours and there wouldn't be a spark. It's a shame because he's a nice guy, good looking and wealthy.”
“I thought he dated that what's-her-name,” Cray said.
“It turns out that old what's-her-name is high maintenance and clingy, not Freddie's cup of tea. I don't think she did much for him in bed either, but I'm guessing. Freddie doesn't kiss and tell no matter how much I nag him.”
Angelica laughed and Cray shook his head in dismay. Mona said, “I guess that's all the news that's fit to print. I'll see you tonight. I get the impression you'd like me to leave.”
“No, not at all,” Angel said.
Cray said, “Don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.”
“Brotherly love. Ain't it grand?” Mona said shrugging into her jacket and heading for the door.
Cray, elegant in his Armani tuxedo and Angelica, gorgeous in her white Grecian style gown created a stir when they entered the party a bit late due to a traffic jam. Their hosts, the Silverman's noted the pause in the conversation, the murmurs and turned to see their friend Cray Phillips cross the floor with the most stunning woman they'd ever seen. No one at the party recognized her and everyone wanted to learn more about her.
“Where's Mona?” Sylvia Silverman whispered to her husband as they crossed the floor to greet Cray and his date. “She must have the scoop on Cray's date.”
“Cray,” Slyvia said giving him air kisses on both cheeks. “How wonderful of you to come. Please introduce us to this wonderful creature with you.”
Cray shook Sherm Silverman's hand and said, “Slyvia and Sherm this is Angelica Andersson my beautiful future bride.”
“You're engaged?” Sylvia said. “How is it I don't know this? Oh, my dear. You are so lovely. Is it true that you've managed to snare one of the city's most eligible bachelors?”
“It appears so,” Angel said smiling. “When he proposed Christmas Eve with his family present I could hardly refuse, could I?”
“Who in the world would want to?” Sylvia gushed.
“Indeed,” Angelica said. “Certainly not I.”
“This is such a surprise. How long have you been dating? When did you meet?”
“We met on the sixteenth,” Angel said.
“Of what month?” Sylvia asked.
“This month, December,” Angel said.
“Oh, my. Do you plan a long engagement?”
“As soon as school is finished in May, we'll marry.”
“Oh, where do you go to school?”
Cray decided to step in and said, “Angelica teaches at Columbia University. She's a doctor of Philosophy. We plan to spend the summer abroad in an extended honeymoon.”
“This is cause for a special celebration. Do you mind if I announce your engagement and we'll raise a toast to your happiness?”
“It isn't a secret,” Angelica said, “Of course, we don't mind and it's so gracious of you to do that for us.”
Sherm said, “It's a good way to stop the whispering and speculation. Everyone knows Cray and the two of you caused quite a stir when you entered. Sylvia, notify the waiters to prepare and serve champagne.”
“Of course, darling. I'll do it now.”
“They're lovely people,” Angel said as they walked further into the ballroom holding hands.
“Yes, they truly are. Seldom have I seen Sylvia flustered, but she was tonight.” He grabbed two drinks from a passing waiter and handed her one. “Drink up, darling. We'll be running the gauntlet and then after the announcement and toast we can have fun. Did I tell you how magnificent you are?”
“Yes, many times. Funny though I never tire of hearing you say it.”
He bent his head and brushed his lips against hers.
Chapter 13
The Silverman's gathered their guests and made an elaborate toast to Cray and Angelica. It took another thirty minutes for Cray and Angel to accept the congratulations and good wishes from the many guests who wanted a personal word with the couple. At last, Cray held Angelica in his arms and waltzed her in wide circles around the room.
“Darling,” she said, gazing up at him, while they danced, “Are all these people your personal friends?”
He smiled at her. “Some I've known for years, some are recent friends, others are acquaintances and there are those I never met. Why do you ask?”
“I'm wondering how large the wedding guest list will be.”
“The only ones that count are you and me. As long as we're both present, the rest don't matter.”
“Be serious, sweetheart.”
“What's wrong?”
“Cray, I don't want our wedding to be a media circus and filled with people we barely know or don't like. I consider a wedding ceremony a beautiful and solemn affair, but also a celebration of our love. I don't take the vows lightly.”
He tilted her chin upward with the tip of his index finger. “Nor do I, Angelica. It's probably the reason we never married. It will create a problem though. Between my parent's friends, associates and mine they'll feel snubbed.”
“Oh, Cray, I don't want to cause problems for your parents and you.”
“How large is the Norwegian contingent that will want to attend?”
She groaned. “I forgot about them. Let's elope. This whole thing is getting ridiculous.”
“We're only doing this one time, honey. I want to see you walk down the aisle to become my wife with our families and closest friends in attendance.”
“What are we going to do?” she asked.
“Since we're being married in White Plains at my parent's house, we do have a legitimate excuse not to invite hundreds. Why don't we throw a huge party here in the city to celebrate our engagement and pending nuptials? We can explain that we want a small ceremony, but didn't want to ignore our friends.”
“Will that satisfy them?”
“Yes, I'm sure of it.”
Mona and her date approached them and said, “In case you didn't notice, the band is taking a break. Why are you two in a clench in the middle of the floor?”
Angelica and Cray glanced around them and began to laugh. Cray said, “We were engaged in a serious discussion.”
“I can see that and so can everyone else. What gives?”
“Why don't we take this discussion to a quiet corner?” Freddie, Mona's date said. He lead them to a small unoccupied parlor decorated in authentic Victoria furniture. “This used to be the receiving room in the old days. The Silvermans never use it, but in keeping with the mansion's age, it's the one room that honors that prudish era.”
Cray and Angelica explained their dilemma and how they proposed to solve it. Mona said, “Let me give you the party as my weddi
ng gift to you.”
“Mona, we're talking probably six hundred people, I can't allow you to do that,” Cray said. “It will cost too much money.”
“You pay me a lot of money. Please, it's my gift to you. There's a firm in town called Fantasies Unlimited. They throw the most fantastic parties. Angie, I'll need a guest list and addresses from you. The rest I can handle. Wouldn't it be great to do this in March?” She stood and said, “Okay, it's planned. Let's get out of here. This damn furniture is uncomfortable and the stuffing is jagging the hell out of my ass and thighs.”
Freddie laughed and said, “It's horse hair, Mona, and the reason I love you is because you exude refinement and class.”
Mona grabbed his hand and said, “Come on, the band is back. Let's dance. I'll shake my booty for you.”
Freddie rolled his eyes and said, “It's such a shame there's no chemistry between us because I do enjoy your company, but the thought of us in bed together makes me cringe.”
“Makes me want to barf,” Mona said, getting the last word.
Angelica looked at Cray and they both laughed. “We don't have that problem, honey,” Cray said as he led her back to the ballroom.
The band counted down the final seconds of the old year and on the stroke of midnight, Cray bent Angelica over in a kiss that went on and on into the new year.
A few days later, Angelica arranged her notes at the podium as her students filed in the room, the first day back after the Christmas break. She gave them a few minutes to chat after the long break and then asked them to be seated. At the top of the classroom a door opened and in walked Cray. She grinned and he winked at her and took a seat on the top row.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you're refreshed and ready to work after a relaxing break. Today we're going to break from tradition and discuss the subject of love. We'll talk about platonic love later in the course, so named because of Plato's take on the subject. Everyday people from all walks of life expound on their meaning of love. Often those thoughts, spoken or written are circulated and become well-known and repeated. Some are cynical and some are romantic.”
“I'm guessing today's lecture is taking place because of that sparkler on your left hand ring finger,” a student said.