Chapter Text
“Buy you a drink?”
His voice was deep and confident. She didn’t bother looking at him. She wasn’t in the mood for a pick up- even if the said pick ups were sparse to non existent for her lately. She was tired. Tired of the constant family drama and trying to stitch everyone else’s relationships together but never having time to pursue her own.
Relationship? With who? Your books?
“Another of whatever the lady wants,” his voice said to the bartender. “Keep me company for a few minutes?” He coaxed.
He does sound charming.
“You’re smiling so I’m doing something right.” He gave a slight chuckle. “Come on, I’m not used to asking for company.”
“Fine, we can have a drink together. “
She turned to face her new companion and felt her breath catch. His eyes grew concerned.
“What’s wrong?”
She shook her head unable to take her eyes off his face. She gulped her drink and forced herself to calm down.
What the heck is this. Why does he look like that?
“Can I get you something?” he leaned in to inspect her further. She shook her head and collected herself.
“I’m sorry, but you remind me of someone “
“A good someone I hope?”
She nodded, still a bit in awe.
“Care to tell me who it is that I remind you of that could make you speechless?” his words were playful.
“My ex husband…..” she practically whispered.
“Damn.” He muttered under his breath allowing his face to give way to a scowl briefly before looking away. “Now I understand your reluctance. I don’t like being associated with a fool.”
“Fool?”
He faced her fully.
“You said ex. He let you go, so obviously…..”
She laughed and it was music to his ears.
“What?” he questioned.
“Those are some smooth words, but not necessary. He and I were fine…..”
“But?”
“…..he died.”
He looked at her. She sat with awkward downcast eyes almost hidden by the ash blonde hair that fell forward.
“So clearly I’m your type. I must complement your taste.” He raised his glass in mock salute, took a drink and gave her a charming smile.
She tossed her hair back and tried to gage whether or not he was joking or simply being outrageous to distract her..
Her eyes sparkle like the finest of jewels and that smile- look out.
“What are you doing?” she asked genuinely curious.
He raised a brow.
“I’ve never thought of myself as subtle. I’m a man and you’re a beautiful woman….. need I say more?’
She sat back and took a demure sip of her drink before speaking.
“Something tells me I’m not the type you normally go for.”
“Enlighten me?”
“Leggy blonde with more than a little intelligence? Or maybe a smoldering brunet that gives it to you straight? Either way nothing too bookish.”
“I appreciate all kinds of women. “
“ I’m sure you do, but I was talking about the kind of woman you choose personally. “
I’m certain me and my plus sized self does not fit that mold.
He thought over his most recent entanglements and found some truth in her words. Though the more he thought on the qualities in each woman, the combination seemed to present itself before him.
“I’m trying to get to know you.”
“Sorry, I’m not trying to give you a hard time.” She gave him a kind smile.
He smiled at her too. The duo chatted and enjoyed each other’s company well into the evening. Neither could remember the last time they had felt so completely at ease with another person. It was only after the bartender suggested that they might like a table that they both glanced at the time and saw that hours had passed.
“I’ve taken so much of your time,” she tried to apologize but he wouldn’t hear of it.
“This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
She raised a skeptical brow but felt that he was genuine.
“It’s been nice for me too.”
She stood. He stood. Their eyes held.
“Join me in my suite.” His voice was clear and concise in it’s meaning. Five words that could have heavy repercussions.
What, am I trying to recreate-
“I know that you’re intelligent enough to know that I am not him. Don’t let that be an excuse. Decide on what you want. “
“And the world be damned?” she tried to tease.
“Neither of us are tied to anyone else. So, why not ?”
She wanted to tear her eyes away but couldn’t.
You’re handsome and charming. I’m not a one night stand type of girl.
“I don’t normally- do this.” She gestured to their whole situation.
“I didn’t mean to imply anything negative. We’re adults that are enjoying each other’s company. I would like to continue to do so…..” he flashed her a smile, before finishing, “up in my room.”
She was clearly smitten with him as evident from the blush on her cheeks. She took the hand that he had extended and allowed him to lead her to his suite.
“I thought my room was nice but this is gorgeous. “ she looked at the incredible view. She glanced back at him over her shoulder and saw that he was watching her with a soft expression.
Takes one to know one….. You are a fascinating lady. You love your family and from the bits you’ve told me, that’s no easy feat. So much passion and fire going on behind that quiet demeanor.
He’s watching me. Maybe he’s rethinking his invitation. He’s an affluent businessman and used to a certain kind of woman, so it would make sense that-
“Hey you,” he took the strides necessary to be standing before her, “don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts?”
He didn’t give her a chance to answer as his 6’1” framed bent to kiss the lips of her 5’9” frame. Their arms found their way drawing them into a smoldering kiss that both had suspected and yet both were surprised. There was no denying their chemistry. This was their night no matter what tomorrow brought, tonight was theirs and there would be no regrets.
Morning light spilled through the windows onto the couple entangled on the king sized bed. They lay in each other’s arms happily ensconced in their own world of newness and passion. He wove the fingers of one of his hands in hers, then brought it to his lips to kiss the back of her hand. She watched as he did this and wondered if she would wake from this wonderful dream. He looked at her for a moment before kissing her on the lips.
Dream, smeam! Ahhh…..
You only get more delightful, my dear. Where have you been all my life?
They spent the morning getting intimate. Last night had been fueled by heat, desire, and a need to be fulfilled. This morning, held elements of all those things and more. The kisses were more languid, the caresses were gentle and time was given to do much more exploration. Soft sighs turned into catches of breathes, that gave way to passionate cries.
…..Amazing…..
…..Amazing …..
“Breakfast?”
She nodded and wrapped a sheet around herself to go use the facilities while he made the call to room service. When she got herself a bit more presentable she arranged the sheet as a makeshift dress before returning to the room to get her clothes.
“Hey.” He greeted wearing a robe and bringing one to her. She slid into the robe grateful. He presented the breakfast, seated her at the balcony table, gave her a peck on the cheek and sat across from her.
“Everything looks delicious, but how was it done so fast?”
“I always have my breakfasts requested for early service ready on my call,” he admitted.
Of course you do.
She nodded and dug in.
“I- uh, had them send up something for you to put on- if you want.”
“That’s really sweet of you thanks.”
I’m sure it won’t fit, but hey it’s the thought.
“I hope we can see more of each other?”
“Why don’t we exchange information and see if our schedules can mesh?” she shyly agreed.
Oh I will make sure they mesh.
They ate their brunch, showered and dressed. She was pleasantly surprised that the blue dress that he had chosen fit so well. The neckline plunged more than she would have chosen but the dress was stunning for such a simple style. Standing at entrance to his room both were suddenly shy.
That dress matches your eyes almost perfectly.
This was so nice. You might be crazy enough to actually call….. we shall see.
“I think you know, but I had a great time,” he smiled down at her.
“I did too.”
He traced her cheek lightly then reluctantly dropped his hand. She cradled the side of his face then tip toed to give him a kiss before taking leave. He watched until the elevator closed. He went inside to retrieve his phone to move her name to his special contacts list.
Can’t wait until our next meet, Ann.
In the elevator she relaxed against the cool wall and thought about the dynamic man that she’d just left.
Hope to see you again William.
Genoa City
“You're back,” her brother greeted her and took her bags. “How did it go with your publisher?”
“Fine.”
“Anything interesting happens?”
She looked at him questioningly. He retrieved a paper from the sofa table. She opened it and saw a picture of herself on the front cover with new friend. Her brother watched her while she scanned the brief article and temporarily held the questions he had. She wondered if an article like this had crossed his path. She wondered how he felt about it. She smiled thinking of him.
How are you doing William ‘Bill' Spencer?
Los Angeles
“Good to have you back.” His lawyer and best friend proclaimed upon seeing the man enter. The lawyer watched his friend. “You’re usually more discreet. “ He tossed the paper across the desk to his friend. The man took the paper and opened it. There he was at the bar with the lovely lady that he’d met last night. Of course the paper knew nothing but printed every bit of speculation that it could. He wondered if this kind of article had made it’s way to her home town. This made him think of her and smile.
I wonder how you’re doing Tracy Ann Abbott.