Looking at the box Claire pondered the possibilities of his regifting. Her eyes opened wide. She lifted the velvet lid to reveal her grandmother’s necklace. It looked perfect, absolutely no evidence of the accident it had endured. She beamed at Tony, closed the box, and put it on the bedside stand.
Scooting close to him, resting her head on his chest, her green eyes gleamed with moisture. “I think you are doing a great job of enticing me to feeling better. I wonder sometimes how I got here.” The fatigue made her head pound. She closed her eyes, the moisture escaped as tears onto Tony’s chest. Her shields were down and mask gone. “I know I am here because you own me and my debt. Sometimes I feel that way, but other times you make me feel special.” She nuzzled into his warm side. Her words slowed, fatigue was prevailing. “I don’t know anymore if you are using me or if you care about me. I know what I hope.”
He listened to her. Her words ran together but she continued, “I want you to know it didn’t start this way, but, Tony, I am willing to do what you ask, not because of my debt but because I want you to be happy.” She couldn’t give him gifts in black velvet boxes. She could only give herself.
He kissed her hair, tasting her scent mixed with hairspray and perfume. He held her soft body against his. “Thank you for making me happy.” Caressing her silky shoulder, he wanted her, all of her.
“Thank you for helping my necklace too.” She fell asleep with her head on his chest, her breathing rhythmic and even.
“God help me, I do care about you.” Gently hugging her against his chest, he tenderly moved her hair away from her angelic face. Seeing her sleep, peaceful and trusting, his thoughts of waking her for his desires were quickly replaced. He held her close, closed his eyes, and joined her in sleep.
Love comforteth like sunshine after rain. —William Shakespeare
Chapter 24
Tuesday morning bustled with activity. Tony left early for meetings. Eric chauffeured Claire to a spa appointment for a highlight treatment. During the two months since her last appointment, she’d barely ventured outside. She needed sun and blonde to maintain her hair. The sun wasn’t going to happen, but the blonde could.
Claire agreed to a hair appointment and a manicure but declined other services. The idea of having a massage, someone touching her, made her very uncomfortable. Afterward she had Eric take her back to the apartment, where she rested until Tony returned in the evening. He told her that they had plans for the following evening. He also asked if she went shopping. She had not. Her head ached and was too tired. The answers didn’t please him, but he didn’t complain or argue.
Wednesday late afternoon Claire prepared for their plans. She didn’t know what they were or where they were going, only to be ready by five. The night before Tony looked through the closet inspecting the clothes Catherine had packed. After only brief scrutiny, Tony announced that nothing she had brought would do for their plans. He wanted her to wear something special, something she chose, and everything brand-new.
It took her the better part of the day. She left the apartment early in the morning and visited Manhattan, Soho, and the Upper East Side. All of her work paid off, she’d done it. Actually, she’d gotten her new outfit and a few more things. Due to her post accident leaner body she decided some new slacks, jeans, and sweaters were in order. She refused to even calculate the total of her expenditures. Tony would know with a click of his computer, but she wasn’t concerned. He liked her to spend money. With Eric available to get her packages, the shopping thing was getting easier.
Her new outfit consisted of a black one-shouldered silk crepe dress with a long-sleeved overlay from a quaint little boutique in Soho. The Valentino bow pumps were a perfect match from Nordstrom’s, and the Kate Spade shoulder bag and stretch wool long coat came from Saks. Due to the cool November temperature the associate recommended hosiery. When they showed her the thigh-high sheer hose, she knew she’d successfully followed Tony’s rules and covered her legs at the same time. Of the extra items she found, her favorite was a cashmere hoodie, dusty rose and amazingly soft. It would be perfect for snuggling up at home with a book on a cold winter day.
Something about the thought of home meaning Tony’s home perplexed Claire. She decided it was what it was. As he had put it, her actions in Chicago resulted in the consequence of needing him to keep her from having more accidents. It wasn’t up for debate. She also knew things could be considerably worse than snuggling with a book by the fire in her suite in her cashmere hoodie and some comfortable jeans. She did her best to compartmentalize. It made the fire, book, and hoodie all very pleasant.
Tony entered the bedroom as she wore a black silk robe and worked on her hair. She knew that during her recovery he only visited his district offices via Internet. He’d sent Timothy to do some of his bidding, but his presence had more influence. Some things needed to be dealt with in person. If his mood was any indication, the business dealings were going well.
He came up behind her and kissed her neck, igniting an immediate fire within her soul. Her busy day allowed only a short nap, but his kiss sparked her to full alert. Her hair was pinned up and she was curling the ends.
“Good evening, Claire. I trust you were successful with your shopping endeavors today?” She happily informed him that she’d done very well, even finding some extra items. His grin showed his approval. “I can’t wait to see tonight’s ensemble.”
He went to the dressing room to prepare for his shower. Completely nude and ready to enter the steamy water, he paused to caress Claire’s skin. Reaching around her he worked his hands under her flimsy robe. “Do you think joining me in the shower would be detrimental to your hair and makeup?” He nuzzled her neck.
She could smell his intoxicating scent. His chin’s stubble triggered goose bumps on her arms and legs. “I think it would.” Her voice resonated unconvincingly.
“Then perhaps we should plan it for another time?” His hands didn’t obey his words.
“Or . . . we could postpone your plans?” Claire’s eyes closed, head tilted against his chest, and hands massaged his strong arms. She turned to face him. He was visibly glad to be near her.
His voice gravely and low, he said, “Oh god, I want to, but we have plenty of time for that. Tonight I have special plans for you.” He gently pulled away from her. “And so far you look amazing. I believe I like your outfit now better than the one you bought.”
Claire flashed a modest smile accompanied by blushed cheeks. He’d removed the robe. “It is November. I believe I may get cold as we walk the streets of New York,” her voice reflected Tony’s playfulness.
“Perhaps, but if I have anything to do with it, cold is not what you would be feeling.” He left her for the shower. It amazed her how he could flip a switch that immediately sent her entire body into mayhem. She concentrated on breathing, replaced her robe, and went back to her hair. Her mind, however, was in the next room thinking about Tony’s steamy shower and slippery soap suds.
Claire wore her hosiery and dress when Tony reentered the bedroom. His gaze lingered on her. “I think you look stunning.” His expression wasn’t in complete agreement. He approached her and lifted the hem of her dress, just high enough to expose the tops of the hosiery. His grin broadened. “My! What will they think of next? Very good.” He lightly kissed her lips. Claire smiled. He was so predictable; well, sometimes.
By the time they reached the front doors of the building Eric had the limousine warm and ready for their adventure. Once in the back of the car Claire asked Tony about their plans. He would only disclose that their first stop was dinner. The cold crisp night air formed crystals on the windows of the limousine, making the lights of the city shimmer. They seemed to flash rhythmically with intensity that mimicked the hum of music coming from the cabin’s speakers.