It's A Crime

by C. E. Hansen

  “Mr. Grayson, you startled me. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Good afternoon, Dannie.”

  “I was just making a quiche and salad for lunch. Would you like any?”

  “No, thank you, I’m actually on my way out. I’ll be in New York.”

  “On business, sir?”

  “Yes. I should be back in four days.”

  “Is there anything I can get for you? I could pack you something to take with you?” She trailed off.

  “No thank you, Dannie. I’m fine. Enjoy your lunch.” Cole turned to pick up his duffle. “Would you call Peter and have him bring the car around?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “Have a good trip, Mr. Grayson.” She walked to the phone and called Peter.

  He stepped into the elevator.

  Peter was waiting at the back door of the Black BMW SUV when Cole exited the building. He opened the door for his boss and took the duffle to stow in the trunk. He pulled away from the curb, easing onto 16 Street toward Broadway, toward Grayson Industries Airport.

  Cole took his seat on the jet, fastening his seatbelt and turned to Jessica, the stewardess, and asked for a Blanton’s—Neat. She placed his drink on a linen napkin next to him on the table.

  “Can I get you anything else, sir?”

  “No thank you, Jessica.” Cole lifted the glass to his lips and pulled his phone out of his pocket; no missed calls or texts. He leaned back and smiled remembering Grace’s grimace after her first sip of Blanton’s. He opened his briefcase and leaning back in his chair began to read the paperwork from the New York City acquisition. He was content the purchase was completed. Now he could start planning the move to New York City. Sandra advised him she would be making the move and was looking forward to living and working in NYC. Jenna was still on the fence; all of her family lived in Denver. A few of the agents stated they would be making the move as well.

  He closed his eyes and his thoughts drifted. He remembered a beautiful, golden haired, blue-eyed woman and her perfect curvy body. A smile tipped up the corners of his mouth.

  Chapter 17

  I was so regretting my choice of gowns. I tried on six but decided on this one for no good reason. It wasn’t the designer. It wasn’t the color or cut or fit. I had to believe I lost my mind. It fit too tight on my chest and too loose on my waist. I found myself drifting through the days not thinking or caring. Unfortunately, it showed in my work, and my choice of gowns.

  I pulled my cell from my clutch and noticed I had two missed calls, both from Cole. My heart jumped when I saw he left a voicemail. I immediately pushed the voicemail button and put the phone to my ear, not caring the man to my left was speaking to me. He had annoyed me all night by “accidently” rubbing his hand over my bare shoulder. Another reason I cursed this gown. I immediately smiled broadly when I heard Cole’s voice and nearly fell over getting out of the chair when I heard the context of his message.

  I quickly pulled the napkin to my mouth and turned to excuse myself, making my way to the ladies room. When I entered the elegant, cavernous ladies’ lounge I put the phone to my ear and listened again to Cole’s message.

  “Grace?” My mother’s voice called softly but with the tone she reserved for me when I had been naughty. Dear Lord. She must have spotted my quick retreat and followed me.

  I jumped, not expecting her behind me.

  “Mother. Don’t do that. You scared me.”

  “Dear, what is wrong? I saw you exit the dining room so quickly, I was sure you had a health issue.”

  “Oh, Mother, please.” Annoyance seeped into my voice. Nothing was going to ruin my good mood. Cole was coming! “You left because you thought someone else might find out why I left before you did.”

  “Grace, that is no way to speak to me,” she chastised. “You know I care little for gossip and care greatly for you.”

  “I know, Mother.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Grace, your tone is disrespectful.”

  I thought better of my behavior.

  “I’m sorry, Mother,” I responded. “I apologize. I am just very uncomfortable and would like to leave.” I was hoping to get my mother’s approval, while at the same time not really caring if she gave it.

  “Grace, we are the benefactors of tonight’s affair. We cannot be the first to leave,” she said exasperatingly. “I don’t know what has gotten into you, but you will just have to find your manners and persevere.”

  “I understand, Mother.” I reconciled myself to the fact I would have to take a different tack.

  “I apologize. I will be out in a moment. I just want to freshen up.”

  She looked at me questioningly. “I will be at my table. I will see you shortly?”

  “Yes, of course,” I acquiesced.

  “Very well, Grace.” Katherine Chancellor, Belle of the Ball, took out her compact and re-powdered her face. “I will see you outside.”

  The steady click-clack of her heels echoed her departure. I locked myself in a stall and quickly texted Cole. “ASBURY IT IS, BUT I CAN THINK OF THINGS TO DO OTHER THAN TALK.”I pressed send, quickly reapplied my lip-gloss and returned to my chair.

  The evening progressed so slowly I thought I would explode. I smiled when the band started to play, signaling to the benefit patrons the second half of the evening would be starting. The orchestra started and the guests made their way to the dance floor. I took this opportunity to plot my escape without alerting my mother and stepfather to my plans. I watched as my stepfather escorted my mother to the dance floor.

  That is when I walked toward the kitchen and took the stairs down one floor and walked to the elevator bank. I pushed the down button. Tonight’s event for Children’s Charities of America, although for a good cause, had been tedious. It was a gathering for the extremely wealthy and influential patrons to pat themselves on the backs for being a decent people. The fakeness of it all was nauseating.

  I exited the elevator and walked through the lobby toward the curb. I nodded to several acquaintances while keeping my focus. Sam, our driver for the night, was nowhere to be seen. I was desperate to get home, shower, change and get an overnight bag together before heading to the Asbury. I found the driver of a close family friend. Kurt. I half ran, half walked up to him.

  “Kurt, can you please take me home?”

  He looked at me and smiled a weird smile, quickly nodding.

  “I’m sorry to be a bother, but can’t stand the thought of getting into a cab in this dress and I’m in a hurry.”

  I quickly jumped into the backseat and gave Kurt my address. After driving uptown for the better part of twenty minutes, Kurt pulled over to the curb, got out and opened the door. I scurried to the passenger side and climbed out.

  “Thanks again, Kurt, you’re the best!”

  “You are most welcome, Miss Preston.”

  Tony opened the door to the building for me.

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure, Miss Preston.”

  I rushed into my apartment, clawing at the back of my gown and nearly ripping it apart trying to reach the zipper. I was just happy to be out of that dress. The fit was a nightmare. When I was getting dressed for tonight at my mother’s house, I never thought this night would end this way...

  I was sure my perfectly planned night out with the girls surely had something to do with the timing of his arrival in New York. In any case, I was exhilarated. The adrenaline coursed through my body. I quickly got undressed, leaving my gown in a discarded heap on the floor and got in the shower, mentally planning what items to pack.

  I turned the shower off and stepped out. Grabbing a fluffy warmed towel from the towel bar, I briskly dried off my body and opened my lingerie drawer and chose a caramel gold bra and matching thong.

  I turned on the light in my bedroom and walked into the closet. I opened my Gucci overnighter and tossed several sets of perfectly matching lingerie I purchased after Cole�
��s departure. Wishful thinking. I had hoped he would, as he said, come back to NYC.

  I rifled through my huge walk in closet grabbing several outfits to cover any number of occasions such as an evening out, dinner for two, and play clothes for a planned night in. I thought I should grab two more changes, so I did. You would think I was going away for a week instead of just a few blocks uptown.

  I tossed matching shoes and clutches in my wheeled case, grabbed my toiletries and shoved them into my pocketbook. I brushed my teeth and called down to the garage for my car to be brought up.

  For my twenty-sixth birthday, last year, I bought myself a White Mercedes CLA. It rides like a dream; I love it. I pushed the code for my alarm into the panel shutting the door behind me. The elevator doors just closed when the thought came to me, I wasn’t prompted to turn off my alarm when I entered my apartment earlier tonight. I was sure I put the alarm on.

  Jonathan pushed the curtain away from him as he stepped away from the window. He wiped his mess on the expensive brocade upholstering the overly expensive winged-back chair, a sadistic grin tipping the corner of his mouth. He licked his full lips in anticipation.

  After adjusting his clothing, he walked to the door, turned and reset the alarm, removed his key from the lock, and placed it in his pocket. He walked to the emergency stairway, but not before turning his face up to the camera smiling.

  The elevator doors opened and a couple got in from the 45 Floor. I must have been smiling like a crazy person; they looked at each other then back at me. When we finally reached the lobby, they exited rather quickly. I was certain they were relieved to be out of the confined space they shared with the crazy lady from upstairs.

  Tony opened the door and as the couple exited I followed them out. He immediately took my bags from me.

  “Ah, Miss Preston.”

  “Tony.”

  “You seem to be in good spirits.”

  Ya think?

  “I am looking forward to my night, Tony.” My crazy smile widened. My car was brought to a stop next to where we stood. Tony lifted my bags and placed them into my opened trunk. I walked quickly to the driver’s side and turned to Tony. “See you in a few days.” I momentarily hesitated. “Tony, if my mother asks, you didn’t see me.” I smiled brightly at him and got into the car.

  Tony tipped his hat and leaning toward the open window said, “See who?”

  I laughed out loud and slowly pulled away.

  Fifteen minutes later I pulled up outside the Asbury Hotel. While waiting for the two cars in front of me to pull up, my excitement for this evening built. The butterflies started flying in my stomach. The thought of seeing Cole again sent a shiver through me.

  Four days ago I was saying goodbye to him. It felt like an eternity. The memories of our time together had me panting, nearly out of breath. The butterflies were doing somersaults now. Holy Hell.

  I shook my head, trying to focus and looked up as the car in front of me moved forward. I pulled my car up to the entrance of the hotel and climbed out of my car. I leaned over to grab my pocketbook and looked up to see three men exiting the building, one dressed better than the next, all walking toward me. I looked behind me, seeing no one and flushed at the thought they were here for me. The first man bowed and took my car keys, another removed my bags from the car and yet another walked over to where I stood slack jawed and greeted me by name.

  “Miss Preston.” He spoke eloquently, “My name is James. Mr. Grayson has instructed that you be brought up to the apartment and made comfortable.”

  “I’m good with that plan,” I said.

  James smiled and instructed the first man to drive my car to the private area reserved for Mr. Grayson. Then in a commanding yet kind voice, he instructed the second man to take my luggage directly to the apartment and hang the garments in the closet in the master bedroom. I was overwhelmed to say the least. I’m used to being treated well, but this went a step further. James escorted me into the lobby, stopping briefly to give Mr. Grayson’s directive to the pretty brunette at the reception desk, and continued to the single elevator last to the right, the same elevator Cole used during my last visit. Must be his private elevator. Once inside I quivered with anticipation.

  James reached into his pocket, pulled out a key he inserted into the panel and pressed in a code. The elevator sprang into action and climbed smoothly to the top floor. Once stopped, the doors slid open and I stepped into the lobby.

  James’ phone rang. He raised it up, then looked at her. “One moment Miss Preston.” And quickly answered, “Yes, sir...She’s just arrived...I will, sir...Yes, sir.” He ended the call and placed his phone in his suit jacket.

  “Miss Preston, Mr. Grayson’s jet has landed and he has advised us he will be here within the hour.” James inserted his key, opening the door. “The chef has been instructed to prepare both you and Mr. Grayson a light supper. It will be up shortly after his arrival.”

  He moved aside, and gestured with his arm to enter the living area. I walked in. A fountain of memories assailed me, a sensory overload. My nerves got worse. I found a heat building in my belly and spreading languidly to my nether region.

  “Um, thank you, James.” I looked around. “Do you think you can, um, maybe give me a few minutes’ notice of Mr. Grayson’s arrival?”

  James smiled knowingly. “I will be happy to, Miss Preston.”

  I unleashed my biggest smile on him. “Thanks. I really appreciate that.” I paused. “And, James, please call me Grace.”

  James half bowed and turned to walk out of the apartment.

  “Good to have you back…Grace.” I found myself smiling after him like a half-assed idiot. I took another look around and without thinking rushed into the bedroom and opened the closet. I stood with my mouth wide open; all the clothes I had packed were hanging neatly in place.

  When the hell did he have time to…?

  I quickly undressed and chose my blue and cream bra, thong and garter set. I pulled up the light beige silk stockings and affixed them to the garter straps. I covered myself in my beige lace and silk wrap, tying it loosely around my waist. After I was done, I looked in the mirror and was surprisingly happy with my reflection. I took the brush from my bag and brushed my long hair, leaving it down draping loosely over my shoulders and back.

  The phone rang and I reached over to the bed stand and managed to pick up the receiver on the first ring.

  “Hello?”

  “Miss Preston...Grace, Mr. Grayson has just arrived,” James said on the other end.

  “Hey, James, thank you. You’re the best!”

  I quickly walked into the living room and poured two short bourbons, placing the crystal glasses on the bar, and was attempting to adjust myself, while maintaining my imperious perch on the barstool. I toyed with my wrap, loosening it more, letting it fall open ever so slightly over my shoulder. I pulled my hair back and was about to rethink the whole stool thing, when the door opened. Cole walked in, and I slipped unceremoniously off the stool. Luckily my feet stopped my free-fall or I would definitely have greeted him sitting on the wooden floor.

  He glanced over at me and his lips curled in to a slow, heart-rending smile when he saw me standing there. His eyes instantly locked on mine as I was trying, unsuccessfully, I might add, to look sexy as hell after slipping off the stool. He stopped in the entryway, breathless, a look of hunger filling his eyes. I have to admit the intensity in his gaze was a major league turn on. He slowly took in my appearance, scouring me from head to foot, nothing escaping his penetrating gaze. The butterflies were doing cartwheels now. My legs felt weak and my breasts heaved; I wanted him. His powerful frame radiated heat and hunger, spurring my own desire for him.

  Chapter 18

  “Oh, damn.” I exhaled in a huff, unaware I was holding my breath. “I was trying to strike a pose, so to speak, you know, look sexy. I wanted to get your attention.”

  “It worked.” A languid smile spread from his lips to his eyes. He walked
closer, his burgeoning erection visible in his jeans. He took his leather jacket off and hastily dropped it on the couch while walking toward me. The halogen lamps hanging over the bar cast a downward glow, which looked like a halo over his head. For a moment, I was looking into the eyes of an angel; he was that beautiful.

  Cole reached me in a few steps. Pulling up my chin his lips devoured mine. He kissed hard, demanding, his tongue claiming my mouth, darting in and out, licking my lips, dancing with my tongue. I immediately went into sensory overload; the taste of him, the smell of him, that wonderful intoxicating smell that infused my nostrils making me heady. His hands moved to both sides of my head, held me in place, and kissed me like a starved man would eat a steak.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled his body closer to mine. His kiss deepened. It awakened that glorious ache in my lower belly. My breasts swelled and spilled over my lingerie, my nipples hardened. I wanted him so badly it was physically painful.

  As if he could read my mind, his hands brushed my hair back and he parted the wrap that covered my body. He inhaled sharply. That sound slayed me, sending shivers up my spine. He turned me on like no other ever did. As he planted kisses down my neck, he gently lifted my breasts out of my corset. I was out of my league. I stood there panting, breasts heaving. His mouth locked on a hardened nipple, his tongue swirling around, licking, nibbling, moving from one to the other.

  The craving for his body grew so sharp, my legs weakened and I held him tighter for fear my legs would give out from under me. He raised his head and our eyes locked. In one swift movement he lifted me in his arms and carried me down the hallway into the bedroom.

  He let me down next to the bed and pushed my wrap off my shoulders. It slipped down my body and fell with a quiet whoosh to the floor. I reached up and skillfully unbuttoned his shirt. I grew anxious and lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the side, then ran my hands over his broad chest, feeling the strong muscles beneath.