Baby V (Chianti Kisses #1)
Page 9
I secretly beam with satisfaction at my newfound strength. It’s short lived and quickly turns to trepidation as he falls forward, bracing himself on the wall around me. His body towers above me, inches away. I can see his biceps flexing as he supports his weight on them. The muscles of his clenched jaw twitches.
I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Anxiety rises, and I notice my chest swell as my breaths come fast and shallow.
His eyes open, darker and larger than they were. He lowers to me, his lips hesitating to touch mine, deep brown eyes invading my own. After what feels like an eternity he states matter-of-factly “V... you know what you’re doing to me. I’ll let you have the upper hand this time but when I get back, it’s my turn.”
I pant as my insides perform cartwheels. He forcefully kisses me, sliding me up against the wall as he pushes his body mass deeper in. I’m caught in a vice, unable to move other than to the passion of his mouth. My hair jostles free from its towel and springs free around me, its dampness cooling my now burning skin.
Dom fists my hair harshly and expertly pulls it back, lifting my chin as a result. His tongue strokes mine fluently with a rhythm that is deep, wanting. The heat of my skin is scalding now causing me to moan in need of some way to soothe it.
Dom releases his kiss but holds onto my tangled hair tight, searching my eyes as if he were reading my soul.
“Be good while I’m gone, hmm? I’ll call you tonight, baby.”
With one final sweep of my upper lip, he pushes himself from the wall around me and is gone, disappearing through the door to his own room, leaving me in knots.
CHAPTER NINE
Dressing in a pair of skinny capris,tank top and flats, I accept the fact that I need to get out of here fast. I need air, space... not to be surrounded by reminders of Dom every where I turn. I swipe a hair band from the bathroom counter and hold it in my teeth as I grab my curly, naturally drying hair into a loose ponytail.
My purse and jean jacket are the last to be taken in my exit. Dom’s left by now... the women of the house are gathered on the front porch waving at the shrinking car in the distance. I hurry past them afraid to make eye contact as if they’d be able to see evidence of my recent behavior.
“Bye Momma! I’ll be home late. Love ya!”
I fumble in my purse as I increase my pace over to my car, parked next to moms, thankful someone had thought enough to bring it over from our old house before I’d arrived. I’ve always taken good care of it, but it is obvious that it’s been recently cleaned and detailed as I open the door and slide in. The leather being shiny and the air scented. I turn the car engine, fetch my phone and quickly text Theresa before heading away down the drive.
ON MY WAY OVER!!! WE’RE GOING OUT FOR A DRINK. ASAP.
Ideally one doesn’t escape to the sister of the man she’s currently obsessing over, but with Stephanie half-way around the world and my sister’s in law both busy with kids/impending babies, it’s my only viable option.
My Mercedes purrs softly as it speeds along, destined for Theres’a building. I’ve missed driving my own car. It was a gift from my family last year on my twenty-first birthday. The old VW Beetle I’d been driving since eighteen was starting to feel cramped and had lost it’s appeal once I left my teenage years behind. I donated it to charity when this baby appeared in my driveway with a big red bow around it. Apparently I was not the only one who’d tired of the yellow bug I was driving.
John had thought it time for me to start acting like an adult... with a respectable adult car. I hadn’t picked it out but I loved it just the same. It was just a shame I couldn’t take it up to school with me. St. Bart’s has a very strict“no car policy”on campus. Of course they did. It would be a means of escape and they wouldn’t risk that, now would they?
Traffic starts to build as I head into the city but I make pretty good timing, I think. I drive along the narrow streets near Theresa’s building, searching for a parking spot. Parallel parking isn’t my strongest attribute so I decide to pass over a few empty spots until I come to one I can realistically enter with little to no damage to either care next to me. Now parked, I add some gloss to my lips utilizing the rear view mirror.
Shoving my keys deep into my pocket, with the beeping of the locks behind me as I walk further away, it strikes me that Theresa might not be home. She never answered my text and it isa Tuesday Afternoon, after all. There is a strong probability that she’s at work, in her office twenty minutes away.
Crap!
I’d been in such a hurry to get out of the house that I hadn’t thought this through. I check my phone to inspect the inventory of incoming messages, but there are none.
Walking in to the small lobby of Theres’a building I smile at the older doorman bidding me welcome as I enter. He looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t seem to recall his name. I haven't been here since before Christmas and I don’t want to risk offending him.
“Um, hello. I don’t know if you remember me? I’m a family friend of Miss DiBenedetto on the third floor. I’m not sure if she’s remembered to meet me for coffee today.” I flash him my best please help me, I’m lost, kind of smile. “Do you know if she’s in?”
Either I am really convincing as helpless or he remembers me from my many visits, because he smiles and nods, divulging the information I need. “Oh, yes. Miss DiBenedetto arrived home early from work about ten minutes ago. Please head up.”
Such a nice man. I thank him kindly and continue my way to her condo. I remember the first time I visited her last summer after she’d moved in. I was so jealous. Dom had bought her the condo after graduation, so that she would be close to her office at ATH. What I wouldn’t give to have my own place. John would never buy me one like Dom had for Theresa, He’s too old fashioned and controlling to believe That I can take care of myself in a “big, bad, dangerous” city like New York all on my own.
I can’t buy one for myself yet, as I won’t have access to my trust until I am either married or twenty-five as per dad’s will, whichever comes first. So, I’ll have to do it the tried and true way of getting a job, most likely a paid internship given my lack of credentials and rent an apartment with a roommate to split the expenses. Stephanie’s solution to share the rent on an apartment is a blessing even if means living with a virtual slob. Otherwise, I’ll be cruising the roommate section on Craigslist with nothing but a hope and a prayer that I don’t end up living with a psycho.
The elevator deposits me on the third floor down the hall from Theresa’s private sanctuary. The building is old... I guess it’s more politically correct to call it a landmark, but completely remodeled, warranting the hefty price tag. I press the doorbell and wait, admiring the carpet, fresh flowers and lighting in the hallway.
About to press again, I hear the chain sliding on the other side of the door. Theresa opens and steps aside, allowing me to pass.
“Hey... I just got your text a little while ago. You’re lucky I’m playing hooky for the afternoon or you’d be drinking by yourself.” She is still dressed in her business casual clothes, but has managed to change in to her pink fuzzy slippers.
“Yeah, sorry. I forgot that some people actually work,” I joke back.
Theresa’s condo is large for a single girl on her own, but it’s better to have too much space than too little, I guess. I park my behind on a breakfast stool at her kitchen counter and drop my head down on the granite as she slides the lock back on the door and joins me.
“I need to vent and I need you to be a good friend and just pacify me,” I muffle into the cool countertop.
Theresa laughs back. “Oh, God. I’ve seen this before. It’s a guy. I’ll get the vodka.”
I raise my head to observe Theresa breaking out the frosted bottle from the stainless steel freezer compartment. She mixes some fruit juice and ice in the blender before pouring the alcohol in. Very thoughtful. It’s still early enough where we don’t want to act like alcoholics, anyway, by drinking it straight.
“Ahem... to men. May they continue to drive us crazy and make it worth the while.”
I clink my glass to hers.
“Nicely done.” Tasting the cold sweet concoction, I note that it is heavy on the vodka but definitely presentable. I control myself not to drink the required amount for brain freeze before setting it back down on the coaster miraculously placed in front of me. Theresa is nothing of not an obsessive, neurotic neat freak. That had been a strong deterring factor in my seriously considering rooming with her in her new-found palace of freedom. That, and it will probably put her in a tough spot with the family who will positively be against me moving out.
“OK. Spill it.” She gestures to the living room and starts to walk in its direction with her drink in hand, waiting for me to respond.
I follow with my own half empty drink to the sectional sofa along the walls of the decent sized room. Placing my pink icy beverage on yet another coaster on the coffee table, I slip off my flats and cuddle my feet under as I sit on the butter soft suede. Theresa sits cross legged facing me.... waiting. Here goes nothing.
I take a deep breath, a large sip, and I start.
“Let’s say, hypothetically, a girl starts something with an older guy. Something crazy, intense...” I suddenly have the need to take my jacket off as my skin begins to burn thinking of Dom’s eyes. Theresa waits patiently, eyes laughing as I peel the denim off.
“And this girl, let’s say she’s not exactly, er, well versed in those kinds of things. You know, maybe things are getting carried away and she’s going to fall flat on her face like an ass when he realizes.” I take one last gulp as I finish the drink.
Theresa gets up on cue to fetch the pitcher and refills our glasses. When my second serving is poured I sit back and wait for it. Theresa sips slowly as if thinking before offering her words of advice.
“Ok. This girl. Does she really like this guy? Or is she just looking for a sure thing?” That’s why I love this chick. She gets right to the nitty-gritty.
Another sip, another dose of courage.
“I think she really likes him.” My eyes widen in response to a sudden possible revelation.“Theresa! What if he’s just looking for a sure thing! How can you tell?” I slump back into the cushion with the sudden realization that this could simply be a convenient live-in drive-by. I loose sight of Theresa as I’m lost momentarily in my own thoughts. She puts her drink down, fingers free to twirl around some of her hair.
“You have to listen to your gut, V. I don’t think it is, though. you’re not exactly the kind of girl that gives off the whole I’m an easy lay kind of vibe.” Once again her bluntness takes me slightly off guard, But, it’s what I need right now. No need to worry about a bruised ego when it comes to my v-card.
She’s right... Dom knows me well enough that he could never confuse me with an “easy lay”. But, that is after all what he’s been used to. I voice my concerns.
“But what if he has a history, A reputation of being kind of, er, experienced…” I hide my face in my glass as I finish the sentence, trying to mask the blushing of my face.
Theresa looks slightly impatient. “All right, let’s just get to the chase, V. Does he know you’re a virgin?” I swallow hard practically choking on the cocktail. She rolls her eyes. “OK. I take it back. He’s got to know. You practically have innocent tattooed on your forehead.” She laughs a little to soften the blow. “I love you, but seriously, this is bound to happen sooner or later, You’ve been locked up in that convent too long.”
Oh please!
“How did you get to be a sexpert all of the sudden? You were locked up in that convent with me! And this is a hypothetical girl, remember?” I retort, I know I sound like I’m making fun of her, but I really am curious. Has one year really changed all that much for Theresa?
She’s the one to blush now. “I’ve been dating... besides, I got out a lot more than you did while we were in school,” she explains, “so back to this hypothetical situation. How far have things gone?”
“Further than I’ve- I mean she’s- ever gone before.” It’s no use. The cat is out of the bag. She knows it’s me and I might as well stop playing games. “Ugh... OK! It’s me, alright? Happy? Come on, Theresa, just help me.”
She appears satisfied as she sits on the edge of her seat with a look of purpose. Reaching next to me and into my purse, she grabs my phone.
“I’ll help you. But. This entitles me to inside information, alright missy?”
At this point I will promise anything for a little help. She quickly maneuvers her way around the internet on my phone screen, presses a few buttons and then hands the phone back to me.
“Here, Read this. Thank me later.” She gets up and heads back into the kitchen.
Is this for real? Surely this can’t be a real book. I look around before secretly selecting the “buy now” button. For an extra $7.99, I can expect my discreetly wrapped book at my door by tomorrow. Done. I hear Theresa’s voice returning from behind as I tuck my phone away and notice that the battery icon is flashing. Damn. I forgot my charger at home. Whatever. Calls can go to voicemail tonight.
“Pizza’s on it’s way!” Theresa manages to order dinner, change into jeans and a t-shirt and put her hair up in a funny looking clip in less than ten minutes flat. “Now, no more boy talk unless it’s about Jacob or Edward,”she puts the blu-ray in the player and sits back down on the couch next to me.
~*~
One large pepperoni pizza, another pitcher of pink drinks and two Twilight DVD’s later, we are gabbing like old times. It’s been a while since our last girl’s night and it’s definitely over due. The sun has long since set as we finish our gossip session. Empty plates and cocktail glasses litter the sofa table. We decided somewhere between the first and second movie that I’d be staying the night to avoid driving.
Our sleepover has progressed to green acne face mask stage as we laugh in the bathroom waiting for them to harden. The phone rings and Theresa makes her way to the nearest receiver to answer.
“Hello?... hey big brother, how’s Miami? What? Of course I didn’t skip out early. Nope, just a run-of -the-mill, average day. You know... just reports and stats.... and.... stuff. V? Yeah... she’s here.”
I freeze when I hear my name. He’s asking about me? I turn the the mirror and straighten my hair on instinct as if he is really here and not just on the phone. Theresa comes back to the bathroom with the telephone hanging loosely in her outstretched hand. I fumble to face her nervously, taking the phone while pointing to the spare bedroom.
“I’m just gonna take this in there.” Waiting until the bedroom door is completely shut behind me, I creep over to the farthest corner. “Hello?”
“Hey baby. Don’t you answer your phone?” Oh no. His voice alone is enough to make me begin to perspire.
I crack the window as I sit on the ledge. “What?... Oh, It died. You tried to call me?” Well duh! How would he know I didn’t answer unless he’s called. I scrunch my eyes tight. Stop sounding like an idiot, V.
“I told you I would. I’m about to call it a night. I tried your cell, tired the house. But.... no V, anywhere.”
He’s about to go to bed? I wonder if he’s in his boxers yet? My heart skips a beat. Maybe he’s commando. Lord strike me now. Calm. Sound calm, I keep repeating in my head. It’s not like I haven’t spoken to him on the phone before. Why is it so different this time?
“Yeah, we’re just catching up. I didn’t feel like driving back tonight. How’s your trip?”
“It would be a whole lot better if I didn’t have to worry about where you’ve gone
and run off to, with no means of contact, baby.”
I hold my breath. It’s refreshing to know that he’s looking for me, but I don’t need another person monitoring my daily activities. I change the subject quickly.
“Well... I could always install a tracker on my phone, make it easy for all of you.” My voice is becoming agitated.
“OK, OK. At least I know you’re safe. We’ll talk about the tracker when I get home.” He exhales. “I miss you. I didn’t think I’d miss you so soon, but I do.”
The light strip under the door suddenly blocks out. Theresa walked by it, I’m sure. “Umm... yeah. Look, I can’t talk long. Your sister is going to think something’s up.”
“Something is up, V. In more ways than one. Alright, I’ll let you get back before you give us away. But, not until you tell me want me.”
I see the shadow make it’s way across the floor again. Time is running out, so I answer him.“What do you think? Now, I’ve got to go.”
Dom laughs.
“There’s my girl. Call me tomorrow. And baby...” He doesn’t wait for an answer. “Charge your phone and answer the next time I call.” The phone clicks as his voice ends.
As I leave the bedroom with hardly one foot out the door, Theresa appears. Her hands are on her hips, her face suspicious. The green mask has been washed clean and her brows arched as she begins to fish for information. “You two were talking for a while.”
No we weren’t. I’m lucky if we said ten sentences. I wanted to say a lot more, but her pacing back and forth in front of the door had pretty much squashed that. I sheepishly try to downplay the phone call.
“He just needed to ask some questions about me maybe taking a job at the company.” I’m thankful for the green clay covering my face, hiding any tell-tale signs of my lie.
She steps out of my way as I head to the sink to wash the beauty treatment from my face, but follows close behind. “Don’t lie to me, Vincenza Lombardi. I’ve known you since you were born and you are a piss-poor liar. He’s the one, isn’t he?”