"Let's do it this way. Let's use words." Carolyn cupped Annelie's chin. "I've already told you I'm falling in love with you. It's true, Annie. I love you."
Tears welled up in Annelie's eyes. "Carolyn…" She coughed, blushing profusely.
Carolyn winked at her. "Now, don't choke. I'm not dangerous or anything."
"Yes, you are," Annelie said, sounding serious. "You're very dangerous to my peace of mind, my heart, and my concentration. Then again, I wouldn't have it any other way." She paused and drew a trembling breath. "I love you too."
Carolyn leaned in for a kiss. "I'm glad. I think I knew, but I love hearing it." She snuggled close again, getting comfortable against the pillows. "This feels so good."
Mimicking Carolyn's movements, Annelie spooned behind her, nuzzling her hair. "I agree. I don't think this bed has ever felt better." She slid her hand down the curve of a hip. "I hope you're not too tired."
"Still a little breathless, but not really tired. Why?"
Annelie's low alto voice reverberated against Carolyn's skin. "I want you again."
***
In a drafty trailer far from Annelie's home, a thin, balding man raised a bottle of beer to his lips and sipped it while he kept his eyes glued to the old TV set. The beautiful blonde on the screen had changed from a scrawny, gangly child into a stunning woman. His lips parted in a smirk to reveal nicotine-stained teeth, and he gave a husky chuckle.
"How about that. Little Annie grew up."
Chapter Twelve
Carolyn's hair fluttered in the wind from the open window as she drove toward a newly opened shopping mall. Handling the yellow vehicle as if it were an extension of herself, Carolyn looked more content and relaxed than Annelie had ever seen her.
After a quick breakfast of Carolyn's Royal Copenhagen coffee and toasted bagels with cream cheese, Annelie had announced she would take the day off and just be available via her cell phone.
"What about going shopping?" Carolyn had asked, glancing at Annelie over the rim of her mug. "I need to pick up a few things, and we could take the Corvette." Carolyn wiggled her eyebrows at her own suggestion, making Annelie laugh aloud before she agreed.
Annelie was amazed by the calm and soothing ambiance between them, a restful camaraderie that she hadn't expected. Leaning back in the passenger seat, she enjoyed the ride to the mall.
When Carolyn pulled into a large parking lot and carefully parked away from any other vehicles, Annelie smiled at her knowingly, the smile turning into a worried frown when she heard Carolyn groan after she got out of the car.
"What's wrong?"
Carolyn sighed, smiling sheepishly. "I used muscles last night I didn't know I had. All night, I might add."
"Oh, my. Well, that'll teach us not to be so enthusiastic," Annelie joked.
"Don't say that. Practice makes perfect."
Hooking her arm under Carolyn's, Annelie leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Well, in that case, I'm all for perfection."
Once inside the mall, they headed for a store that carried clothes by several famous designers. An efficient shopper, Carolyn bought several pairs of chinos and short-sleeved shirts, as well as a new denim jacket and sneakers, which Annelie suggested.
"Are you planning something special, since you want me in shoes like these?" Carolyn asked, winking as she pulled out her credit card.
"As a matter of fact, I do." Annelie hadn't realized until that very second she had a plan brewing. "I have a brilliant idea."
They walked out of the store and headed toward the center of the mall where several smaller vendors had kiosks. "You can't hold back on me like this. You have to tell me." Carolyn raised an eyebrow.
"You're cute when you're demanding," Annelie teased. "All right, all right. Tomorrow's Friday, and I've given everyone the day off because they worked overtime to put the Orlando convention together. How would you like to drive up to Orlando and spend the weekend at Disney World?"
Annelie kept walking and finally realized Carolyn was no longer beside her. Stopping, she turned around and saw her standing a few steps behind, looking cemented to the floor. "Carolyn?"
"Disney World? As in rides, exhibits, and…Mickey Mouse?"
"Exactly. Fireworks…parades…restaurants…"
Carolyn's eyes began to twinkle, and then she tossed her head back, laughing huskily. "Oh, you never cease to amaze me, Annelie," she said. "I'd never have guessed you were thinking about Disney World…but why not! I'd love to go. Once we get back to New York, we won't have much time to run and play."
"I'll call Jem and have her make the arrangements."
They walked in silence for a moment, looking in the windows of the shops they passed. Carolyn glanced at Annelie with a thoughtful expression. "I just thought of something. You'll be stuck in New York for the time being too and won't be able to spend time with your friends down here…Annie, why don't we ask some of them to join us at Disney World? I mean, unless they already have plans."
Annelie's heart overflowed. Part of her wanted Carolyn to herself, but another part wanted to introduce her into her circle of friends, to make them understand she belonged. "Are you sure? It could be fun, of course."
"I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise. Just so I still have you to myself all night, naturally." Carolyn gave a broad grin.
"That goes without saying. We can fit several more in the Lincoln, plus luggage. How about Jem and Charlotta, and…I think Kitty and
Sam are still in Orlando."
"Great. Sounds like we could have a lot of fun."
Annelie turned to Carolyn, looking down at her smiling eyes. "So it's settled, then." "I can't wait."
***
They continued their shopping, and at one point Annelie asked Carolyn to wait while she disappeared into what Carolyn called a gizmo store. Turning around to scan the windows of the store opposite it, Carolyn had a sudden idea.
She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Annelie was occupied with the salesperson, then hurried across the marble floor toward the store. Less than ten minutes later she placed a neatly wrapped item in her large bag, smiling inwardly as she walked back to the other store just in time to greet Annelie.
"Did you find whatever you wanted in there?" Carolyn raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I did. Sorry, it took longer than I thought."
"Not a problem, but now I'm hungry. Should we grab something in here or…?"
"Why don't we drive down to the beach and see what we can scare up?"
"Sounds like a plan. Let's go."
They gathered their bags and headed toward the parking lot. As Carolyn drove the car out of the parking lot and headed toward the highway, Annelie opened her purse and pulled out her cell phone, pressing the speed dial.
"Jem, Annelie here. Yes. Shopping, actually. Good. Now, Carolyn and I have a great idea. How would you like to join us and go to Disney World over the weekend? Friday to Sunday. You do? Great! I want to take Charlotta, if possible. As far as I know, Kitty and Sam are still in Orlando. I don't think they'd mind switching to our hotel. Can you take care of the bookings? Brilliant. Thanks. I'll call Kitty and Charlotta later. Okay, talk to you soon. Ciao."
"I take it Jem's game?" Carolyn asked.
"Yes, she didn't have any plans for the weekend. She'll take care of everything."
"Super. I look forward to it." Carolyn smiled, not taking her eyes off the traffic ahead of them. A soft touch on her thigh made her give an inaudible gasp.
"Why don't we take the scenic route, along the beach drive?" Annelie suggested, making little circles on Carolyn's leg.
"Oh, goodness, Annie, I'll do whatever you want, but you better not touch my leg like that while I'm driving."
"I thought you were completely absorbed in driving this car. How can one little caress have such an impact?"