Scribbling down some notes on the pad at her elbow, Stephanie was so engrossed in the magical, fantasy world of faeries and trolls that she started and dropped her pencil at the knock on the door jamb. Looking up she saw a body standing in the doorway with a vase of flowers for a head. An enormous vase of flowers.
“Can I help you?”
The flower-headed body stepped forward. “Are you Stephanie Stinson?”
She smirked; the vase had a voice that sounded distinctly like Darcy. “Yes, that’s me.”
Another step, the vase was lowered to her desk and Darcy’s ebony headed, creamy skinned face appeared. With her red lipstick today she reminded Stephanie of Snow White. “Someone’s got an admirer. These were just delivered and since I was coming this way anyway,” she shrugged “hope you don’t mind.” She plucked the card out and handed it to Stephanie. “Who’s the guy?”
No she thought, she didn’t mind. It was nice to have found such a good friend here. She opened the envelope and tugged out the card. They were from Richie.
See you tonight.
~R
She couldn’t hide a smile. It had been a week since their talk on the beach and in the days between there had been phone calls, texts, e-mails and a movie. Tonight, though, he was coming to her place. She was going to cook dinner for him.
Darcy watched her new friend’s smile soften and go a little dreamy as she looked at the card and the huge arrangement of fall flowers. Whoever he was, he must be doing okay to send flowers that big. “So, when did you meet Mr. Mysterious and does he have any cute, single friends?”
Stephanie drew her attention up to her friend’s face. “We met several weeks ago. We sort of just kept running into each other and it snowballed from there. And I don’t know if any of his friends are single. Not the three I know of anyway. “I thought you were all about that guy, Derek, in the mail room?”
She made a face, “meh, he’s okay I guess. There’s just no spark there, you know?”
Stephanie nodded her head, feigning understanding. There’d been more than just mere sparks with her and Mark and now with Richie, if she could just let herself go, she was sure the fireworks there would put the Fourth of July to shame. “What about Jim? You two seem to get along great. Anything there?”
Darcy sighed and her cheeks took on a hint of pink. “I’d like there to be. But he only sees me as a friend, damn it.” She leaned in to the flowers and inhaled deeply. “So what’s mystery man’s name?”
Stephanie tapped the card against her chin. Should she tell Darcy who she was seeing? Would her new friend freak out? Maybe she should just keep it simple for now. “Richard, and he’s a really nice guy.” She tucked the card back into the flowers. “He’s coming over for dinner tonight.” She glanced at the clock. “Crap, go away now Darcy. I need to finish reviewing this manuscript and get out of here early today.” If she didn’t get out at least close to on time, Richie would end up at her house before she did. Friday afternoon traffic in LA was a nightmare.
“Okay, okay,” Darcy held up her hands. “I’m going, but just one more question.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “What?”
“Is he good in bed?”
Stephanie felt her whole face flush and she pointed toward the door. “Out, now.”
Darcy studied her friend’s red face. “You have slept with him, haven’t you?”
She just continued to point at the door. “Go.”
“Oh my God, you haven’t. It’s been how many weeks? What are you waiting for?” Darcy shook her head in disbelief.
Stephanie sat down hard in her chair. “I really don’t want to talk about this right now Darcy. Please?”
Darcy came around the desk and rested her hip on the edge of the desk facing Stephanie. “Look, I won’t pretend to know what you went through or how difficult it was to pick yourself up and move on after that, but you need to get back out there again. You are too young and too pretty to live the rest of your life alone.” She stood and smoothed her skirt. “And take it from me, being alone is no fun on a Friday night.”
Stephanie watched her friend leave. “I don’t know, being alone on a Friday night isn’t so awful” she said to the vase of flowers. She thought about all the lonely Friday nights she had spent in the last year and a half. “Then again, maybe she’s right” she murmured as she picked up the forgotten manuscript and dove back in to the land of the fey.
When she looked up again, it was growing dark outside and quiet in the office. She looked at her watched and groaned. It was nearly six. She’d never get home before Richie got there. “Shit.” Snapping her phone up from her desk, she tapped out a quick text, gathered her things and hustled out to her car.
~
Standing in front of the mirror, Richie smoothed his t-shirt down and ran his fingers through his hair. He’d been looking forward to tonight ever since he’d dropped Stephanie off from the movie a couple nights ago. He was slowly beginning to discover just how weird and wonderful she was. The woman didn’t drink soda, never had. Or eat much popcorn at the movies. She told him she preferred sweet snacks and then proceeded to dig a tootsie pop from the depths of her purse.
Was it possible to be envious of a piece of candy? Watching her suck on that lollipop had been torture of the most painful kind. He was trying to be a gentleman and not push the sex issue with her, but she hadn’t been playing fair with the lollipop. He’d been fantasizing about her mouth ever since.
He blew out a disgusted breath and stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. “Get yourself together man. She’s not like the other women you’ve been with.” One last finger comb of his hair and he strode back into his bedroom and picked up the gift bag from the bed. Just as he was sliding his phone in his pocket it vibrated.
He smiled as the little icon indicating a text message appeared on the screen. It was her.
[6:10 pm] Just leaving work, will be home ASAP. Bring your suit… hot tub is up and running.
His smile widened. Maybe she was starting to come around after all. Grabbing a pair of swim trunks from his dresser he headed downstairs and out to his car.
~
Turning onto her street, Stephanie blew out a stressed sigh. Finally. The traffic had been worse than normal that night. And of course there had been an accident. Pulling into her driveway she frowned at the black Ferrari already parked there. So much for getting hore before he did. She checked the dash clock. It was nearly 7:30. Shaking her head she grabbed up her purse and attaché and climbed out of the car. Her car door slamming was echoed by another. Moving around the front of the car she met him at the walk.
“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a real bitch tonight.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “No problem sweetheart. “ He followed her up the walk, admiring the sway of her hips in the slim fitting black slacks.
She stowed her purse and hung up their coats then headed to the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to have a glass of wine. It’s been a bottle and a half kind of day.” She didn’t wait for answer, but proceeded to pull her favorite Reisling from the fridge along with a plate of cheese and fruit.
Standing by the breakfast bar he unwrapped the plate while she poured herself a glass of crisp golden liquid. He watched as she rolled her shoulders. “Rough day?”
She took a healthy sip and closed her eyes. “God that’s good.” Setting the glass down, she rubbed her temples. “Work was busy, normal. I got engrossed in this really good manuscript. That’s why I was late. But, it was the ride home that damn near did me in.” Opening her eyes she focused on him. Damn he looked good in her kitchen. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked around, over her shoulder, leaned back to look at the table. “Where are they?”
“I left them at work so I could enjoy them next week.” She opened the cabinet behind her and pulled out a glass. “Can I get you something to drink?”
He smirked. “Got any diet coke?” After their little discussion at the movies the other night, he was sure she would tell him no.
“Actually,” she moved to the refrigerator. “I bought some yesterday.” She smirked back at him. “Just for you.”
When she set the can down next to the glass in front of him he tugged on her wrist, pulling her around the counter to stand in front of him. “Thank you.” He dipped his head and his lips found hers in a quick, firm kiss.
Before she could stop herself her hand slid up his warm, hard chest, coming to rest against his neck; her thumb caressing his jaw. Her mouth slid across his, nipping lightly at his full lower lip.
“Can I help you?”
The flower-headed body stepped forward. “Are you Stephanie Stinson?”
She smirked; the vase had a voice that sounded distinctly like Darcy. “Yes, that’s me.”
Another step, the vase was lowered to her desk and Darcy’s ebony headed, creamy skinned face appeared. With her red lipstick today she reminded Stephanie of Snow White. “Someone’s got an admirer. These were just delivered and since I was coming this way anyway,” she shrugged “hope you don’t mind.” She plucked the card out and handed it to Stephanie. “Who’s the guy?”
No she thought, she didn’t mind. It was nice to have found such a good friend here. She opened the envelope and tugged out the card. They were from Richie.
See you tonight.
~R
She couldn’t hide a smile. It had been a week since their talk on the beach and in the days between there had been phone calls, texts, e-mails and a movie. Tonight, though, he was coming to her place. She was going to cook dinner for him.
Darcy watched her new friend’s smile soften and go a little dreamy as she looked at the card and the huge arrangement of fall flowers. Whoever he was, he must be doing okay to send flowers that big. “So, when did you meet Mr. Mysterious and does he have any cute, single friends?”
Stephanie drew her attention up to her friend’s face. “We met several weeks ago. We sort of just kept running into each other and it snowballed from there. And I don’t know if any of his friends are single. Not the three I know of anyway. “I thought you were all about that guy, Derek, in the mail room?”
She made a face, “meh, he’s okay I guess. There’s just no spark there, you know?”
Stephanie nodded her head, feigning understanding. There’d been more than just mere sparks with her and Mark and now with Richie, if she could just let herself go, she was sure the fireworks there would put the Fourth of July to shame. “What about Jim? You two seem to get along great. Anything there?”
Darcy sighed and her cheeks took on a hint of pink. “I’d like there to be. But he only sees me as a friend, damn it.” She leaned in to the flowers and inhaled deeply. “So what’s mystery man’s name?”
Stephanie tapped the card against her chin. Should she tell Darcy who she was seeing? Would her new friend freak out? Maybe she should just keep it simple for now. “Richard, and he’s a really nice guy.” She tucked the card back into the flowers. “He’s coming over for dinner tonight.” She glanced at the clock. “Crap, go away now Darcy. I need to finish reviewing this manuscript and get out of here early today.” If she didn’t get out at least close to on time, Richie would end up at her house before she did. Friday afternoon traffic in LA was a nightmare.
“Okay, okay,” Darcy held up her hands. “I’m going, but just one more question.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “What?”
“Is he good in bed?”
Stephanie felt her whole face flush and she pointed toward the door. “Out, now.”
Darcy studied her friend’s red face. “You have slept with him, haven’t you?”
She just continued to point at the door. “Go.”
“Oh my God, you haven’t. It’s been how many weeks? What are you waiting for?” Darcy shook her head in disbelief.
Stephanie sat down hard in her chair. “I really don’t want to talk about this right now Darcy. Please?”
Darcy came around the desk and rested her hip on the edge of the desk facing Stephanie. “Look, I won’t pretend to know what you went through or how difficult it was to pick yourself up and move on after that, but you need to get back out there again. You are too young and too pretty to live the rest of your life alone.” She stood and smoothed her skirt. “And take it from me, being alone is no fun on a Friday night.”
Stephanie watched her friend leave. “I don’t know, being alone on a Friday night isn’t so awful” she said to the vase of flowers. She thought about all the lonely Friday nights she had spent in the last year and a half. “Then again, maybe she’s right” she murmured as she picked up the forgotten manuscript and dove back in to the land of the fey.
When she looked up again, it was growing dark outside and quiet in the office. She looked at her watched and groaned. It was nearly six. She’d never get home before Richie got there. “Shit.” Snapping her phone up from her desk, she tapped out a quick text, gathered her things and hustled out to her car.
~
Standing in front of the mirror, Richie smoothed his t-shirt down and ran his fingers through his hair. He’d been looking forward to tonight ever since he’d dropped Stephanie off from the movie a couple nights ago. He was slowly beginning to discover just how weird and wonderful she was. The woman didn’t drink soda, never had. Or eat much popcorn at the movies. She told him she preferred sweet snacks and then proceeded to dig a tootsie pop from the depths of her purse.
Was it possible to be envious of a piece of candy? Watching her suck on that lollipop had been torture of the most painful kind. He was trying to be a gentleman and not push the sex issue with her, but she hadn’t been playing fair with the lollipop. He’d been fantasizing about her mouth ever since.
He blew out a disgusted breath and stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. “Get yourself together man. She’s not like the other women you’ve been with.” One last finger comb of his hair and he strode back into his bedroom and picked up the gift bag from the bed. Just as he was sliding his phone in his pocket it vibrated.
He smiled as the little icon indicating a text message appeared on the screen. It was her.
[6:10 pm] Just leaving work, will be home ASAP. Bring your suit… hot tub is up and running.
His smile widened. Maybe she was starting to come around after all. Grabbing a pair of swim trunks from his dresser he headed downstairs and out to his car.
~
Turning onto her street, Stephanie blew out a stressed sigh. Finally. The traffic had been worse than normal that night. And of course there had been an accident. Pulling into her driveway she frowned at the black Ferrari already parked there. So much for getting hore before he did. She checked the dash clock. It was nearly 7:30. Shaking her head she grabbed up her purse and attaché and climbed out of the car. Her car door slamming was echoed by another. Moving around the front of the car she met him at the walk.
“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a real bitch tonight.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “No problem sweetheart. “ He followed her up the walk, admiring the sway of her hips in the slim fitting black slacks.
She stowed her purse and hung up their coats then headed to the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to have a glass of wine. It’s been a bottle and a half kind of day.” She didn’t wait for answer, but proceeded to pull her favorite Reisling from the fridge along with a plate of cheese and fruit.
Standing by the breakfast bar he unwrapped the plate while she poured herself a glass of crisp golden liquid. He watched as she rolled her shoulders. “Rough day?”
She took a healthy sip and closed her eyes. “God that’s good.” Setting the glass down, she rubbed her temples. “Work was busy, normal. I got engrossed in this really good manuscript. That’s why I was late. But, it was the ride home that damn near did me in.” Opening her eyes she focused on him. Damn he looked good in her kitchen. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome.” He looked around, over her shoulder, leaned back to look at the table. “Where are they?”
“I left them at work so I could enjoy them next week.” She opened the cabinet behind her and pulled out a glass. “Can I get you something to drink?”
He smirked. “Got any diet coke?” After their little discussion at the movies the other night, he was sure she would tell him no.
“Actually,” she moved to the refrigerator. “I bought some yesterday.” She smirked back at him. “Just for you.”
When she set the can down next to the glass in front of him he tugged on her wrist, pulling her around the counter to stand in front of him. “Thank you.” He dipped his head and his lips found hers in a quick, firm kiss.
Before she could stop herself her hand slid up his warm, hard chest, coming to rest against his neck; her thumb caressing his jaw. Her mouth slid across his, nipping lightly at his full lower lip.
He growled low and he angled his head to deepen the kiss. The hand that held hers drew her closer, pressing her hand to his chest while his free hand slid around her waist, holding her against him. He kissed her with all the pent up desire he had been holding in check for the last few weeks.
His heat and the hardness pressing against her belly had her easing back from him. Her eyes were blurred as they met his. Her hand fell from his face and his grasp and she took a slight step back, trying to catch her breath and find a coherent thought. “I should-” she stopped. I should what?
Richie reached for her hand; palm to palm he tangled their fingers together and kissed her again. “You should what sweetheart?”
Sucking on her lower lip she looked up at him. “What?” God, where had her brain gone?
He chuckled. “You started to say ‘you should’ but didn’t finish your thought. You should what?”
She shook her head slightly. “I think I was going to say I should go change my clothes, but now I’m not sure. I can’t seem to think right now.”
Bringing their clasped hands to his mouth, he pressed his lips to the back of hers. “Go change. We have all night sweetheart.”
Awww if only our Real Life Richie could find himself someone like Stephanie he'd be in a better place right now.
ReplyDeleteLovin your story Steph thanks for sharing it with us. :-)
So her fortress is slowly crumbling...
ReplyDeleteMore please!!!!
Wonder what she's going to put on? LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm betting on her chickening out - I mean not being ready yet. Maybe a little heavy petting though.
She seems to be loosening up. I can't wait for the next chapter. Don't wait too long.
ReplyDeleteGuess rich just has to keep her not thinking lol
ReplyDeleteNever a bad thing. Sometimes you need to shut off that internal censor and go for it.