A Taste of Pleasure (22 page)

On the way out, she hugged and thanked Max. As she stepped back, their eyes met, their faces so close they almost touched. She could feel electricity surging between them, but
she refrained from kissing him and he respectfully followed her lead.

Max let her know that he could begin work as soon as the papers were signed. She called to schedule an appointment with the sign man for the following day. She knew the building would be hers and she wanted to get the ball rolling.

She decided to stop in at Jon's place and invite him to a late lunch. She hadn't talked to him since she'd found Deacon and Jen together at the coffee shop. She hadn't even told him yet about finding them in bed together. She didn't want to burden him with her troubles, but it seemed only right to tell him the rest of a story he participated in.

Jon was delighted to see her as always and thrilled to escape the monotony of his day in the hot kitchen. They enjoyed pasta, salad, and bread at a nearby Italian restaurant. He patted her hand and comforted her as she relived the trail of clothing that had led to Jen's bedroom that night. Then she told him of her dream and the building she was buying for the antique shop. He summoned the waiter and ordered a bottle of red wine to celebrate. He could hardly contain his excitement for her.

“Well, London, even though there won't be an engagement party, it looks like I'll still be able to plan a different type of celebration for you this year. You must let me help you with a grand opening event for the new store,” Jon pleaded.

“There's no one else I would rather have catering the event. I was thinking we could have a masquerade ball the night before the grand opening. What do you think?”

“Oh, darling, I think that's a fabulous idea.”

“Okay, good. Then for the grand opening, I want to hold a silent auction for several unique pieces. The competition will get wealthy customers eager to buy and interested in the new store, not to mention raise money I need to get
inventory. I have Max Callaghan doing the renovations on the old building.”

“Oh my, Max the mountain man? Now, London, I don't want to see you rebounding so quickly into his arms. I see the way you're glowing. Make sure you channel your energy into your new venture and not into his pants.”

They laughed together, but she made no promises. They sat plotting the events together all afternoon until she finally headed home, eager to research the countless French antique vendors and to start placing orders.

Her email inbox had several new messages from Deacon. She moved them to the trash bin without even bothering to open them. She surfed craigslist and eBay, saving potential items to her browser favorites. Her list grew as her eyes began to glaze over. She'd almost forgotten how early she had gotten up that morning. She yawned and clicked a few more times when something caught her eye. She found the most perfect Louis XVI crystal chandelier. The “buy it now” price was right and she placed it in her cart. She almost clicked to pay, then hesitated. She was a little superstitious at times and didn't want to jinx anything by jumping the gun. Although it was also an auction item, she noticed that it wouldn't be sold for a few more days, so she saved it in her cart and logged off. No sense in buying it before she had the building in her name.

She was exhausted, yet her mind was still frenzied with excitement about the wonderful changes in her life. She got ready for bed and picked up a good book to help her wind down as she settled in. She adjusted her bed lamp and read a few pages. Her eyes were blurry and she was easily distracted by the noise of the frigid winds blowing outside. She glanced over at the dresser and the box with her engagement ring in it. She rose, walked over, and tucked it away in the drawer as
she blinked back tears. She paused at the mirror, giving her reflection a confident smile of approval, then crawled back into her warm, cozy bed. She read a bit more and then dozed off halfway through the first chapter.

She awoke to darkness, startled and alone. She was unable to recall her dreams or what had caused her to jump. She was still overly exhausted from the emotional roller coaster she'd been riding the past several days.

She got out her toy and inserted it deep inside herself, letting the vibration bring her the release she so needed. She rested a while longer, waiting for the sun to rise again.

Today was the day she would become the proud owner of the modest building that she would transform into Le Magasin d'Antiquités. She finally arose to shower and get dressed for her appointment to close on the purchase of the building. She put on a black skirt with black tights for added warmth, and her new long, charcoal gray sweater. She cinched up her belt and selected some coordinating silver jewelry to complement the silver accents on the sweater. She slipped on her new black over-the-knee boots and checked the mirror. Looking and feeling fabulous, she called Mr. Thomas to make sure their meeting was all set. He answered on the first ring, confirmed that everything was in order and told her that he would meet her at the bank. She bundled up in her black imitation-fur coat and selected a stylish purse and other accessories from her recent shopping trip. She grabbed a yogurt with granola from the refrigerator and she was ready to roll.

The bank was a short jaunt from the château, and she got flutters in her tummy as she pulled into the parking lot. Most of the staff knew her well, as her grandmother used to do business there. London received several warm greetings as she walked in and Mr. Thomas was in the conference room, waving
her over. The meeting was brief as there was no mortgage involved. She signed the papers, the funds were transferred, and Mr. Thomas handed her the deed. She also transferred the remaining dividends into a new bank account strictly for the business. She thanked everyone and sashayed from the bank, feeling euphoric.

She headed over to the sign maker, arriving a bit early for her appointment. She had sketched a rough draft of her ideas. She wanted to create a black sign in the shape of the Eiffel Tower, with Le Magasin printed vertically and d'Antiquités curved across the bottom in gold elegant lettering. She discussed her business plans briefly with him and how she was considering selling jewelry in addition to furnishings. He suggested including small symbols on the sign depicting furniture and jewelry with splashes of red to add some color. He worked up a sample of the graphics on the computer screen, and she was pleased with their final creation as she placed the order. She was ecstatic about her decision to include jewelry sales in the new store. It added new challenges to the adventure, and she couldn't wait to begin another treasure hunt online.

When she got back to her store, she looked at the bare walls and saw the blank canvas of possibilities. She called Max to let him know the building was hers. He congratulated her and shared in her excitement for the project. He was anxious to begin and was in the area, so he offered to stop in to discuss their time line and the extensive ideas they both had rolling around in their heads.

She wandered down to the basement as she waited for him. She explored the basement further as she had noticed some items stored down there. They were covered in dusty tarps at the far corner, and her curiosity was sparked as she proceeded to reveal what had been left behind. She tugged at a canvas and to
her surprise, she unveiled the old jewelry showcase that had belonged to the previous tenants. It was elaborate and brought back many fond childhood memories as she recalled peeking through its glass, marveling at rubies, diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and ornamental pieces that captured her attention and inspired her imagination as a little girl. She was stimulated by this discovery as she heard footsteps upstairs.

“London?” She heard Max call out in his deep, sexy voice.

“I'm down here, Max. Hurry, come see what I've found!”

Max hustled down the staircase to find London beaming at him. He looked exceptionally handsome today in blue jeans with a casual sweater, a bulky black leather jacket, scarf, and gloves . . . not his normal work clothes. He was even clean-shaven.
He sure cleans up nicely
, she thought. She was animated, talking fast, enthusiasm radiating from within her as she filled him in on her latest decision to sell jewelry and how it must have been meant to be as the display case was left behind.

“Slow down, slow down.” He laughed at her as he looked over the case.

She took a deep breath and giggled. She was overcome with excitement.

“It's good to see you so happy, London. And yes, this looks to be in good shape too. I think it's a great idea since this used to be a jewelry store. You'll broaden your market and increase traffic through the new store,” Max said approvingly.

“I just can't wait to get started on everything!” London exclaimed, bursting with exuberance.

Max flashed an affectionate smile. He shared in her eagerness and she was glad to have him helping her achieve her dreams. With his strength and proficiency in construction, and her creative flair for style, she knew anything was possible.
They proceeded back upstairs to discuss building materials and the floor plan again. Max brought up some pictures on his tablet and London showed him her selections for black and white ceramic tiles and parquet flooring to emulate the style throughout Le Château. They browsed images of the palace and he made notes of the details as she pointed them out. He suggested they take a trip over to the local building supply so that she could look at some of the items and ensure the actual textures would be right.

“Good idea,” she replied, looking forward to going just about anywhere with him at the moment. They climbed up into his pickup truck together. As they pulled out of the snowy exit, Max discussed the limited parking area with her and asked if she planned to acquire the adjacent vacant lot. He explained that not only would she need the space for her customers, but it also would be helpful when he brought in his construction equipment. She hadn't thought about it, but she agreed that it would be worth buying. She always hated jockeying for a parking space at her favorite stores, and she wanted her new place to offer a pleasant and relaxing shopping experience from beginning to end.

As they drove, she called Mr. Thomas to inquire about the availability of the vacant lot. She was pleased to find that it was available and she informed him that she would take it. As she hung up, she remembered the crystal chandelier on eBay and felt a sense of urgency. She didn't want to miss out on it.

“Can I use your tablet real quick to make a purchase?”

“Sure,” Max replied. “What else are you buying today?” he asked with a sarcastic grin.

“Oh, let me show you!” she responded as she pulled up her virtual shopping cart. He was impressed with her choice. Relieved. She was now the owner of a Louis XVI chandelier,
her very first purchase, and she explained her plans to have him hang it in the room where she would have the dining service set up.

They spent what seemed like hours at the supply store, exploring all of her options for building materials to incorporate into the interior of her new tiny palace. By the time they left, it was already afternoon and he drove her back to the antique shop. She pressed the auto-start button to warm up her SUV as they sat talking in the parking lot, watching more snow begin to fall. She realized that she hadn't eaten anything all day except yogurt and she was famished. She also realized that she didn't want to go home alone.

“Would you like to join me for lunch at my place? I have a new recipe I'd like to try and maybe you can help me in the kitchen. You're such a great cook. . . .”

Max hesitated, studying her face for a clue of what the menu choices might be today. He nodded as a smile spread slowly across his face. “Sounds good, I'll follow you.”

She watched his truck behind her in the rearview. It was a sexy ride that suited him. She'd been able to resist him at the store since her mind was so focused on the business, but she wasn't so sure her defenses would be as strong at home.

They were quite a team in the kitchen together as they whipped up a spinach-and-bacon quiche. They brushed against each other as they worked closely preparing lunch. She watched his fingers touching the food. She remembered how he touched her the day of the rainstorm a few months ago. He looked up at her as he whipped the eggs. His rhythm duplicated his thrust. After he placed the quiche in the oven, he took out some crescent rolls, opened the container, and took out the dough, his fingers molding it into mounds, then cutting it into small round rolls, and finally placing them
on the cookie sheet. The quiche was delicious. They tidied up the kitchen together and she filled the coffee machine to brew a cup.

She stood at the counter, rinsing the sink and running the disposal when he came up behind her. He massaged her shoulders and she went limp. He kissed her on the back of her neck, sending chills across her body. His body pressed against hers and she could feel his heat. She turned around to face him, their eyes locked, and her breathing became sporadic. She kissed him on the lips just as the coffee was done brewing. She smiled and slipped away from his grasp. Saved by the cup.

She looked out to see the snowfall increasing, then turned on the weather channel. A winter storm was moving in. Max said aloud what she was hearing.

“Looks like I should stay for a while.” She nodded, smiling at him as she strolled back to the kitchen.

He started a fire in the fireplace while London retrieved his coffee and put a bottle of wine in the refrigerator to chill. Big snowflakes blew by her window in gusts as the wind howled. She brought him his coffee and they sat down on the sofa by the fire. He flipped channels on the TV, each one beeping and flashing the weather alert across the bottom of the screen.

Before long, the only light around them came from the TV and the fireplace. Max caught her staring at him and smiled, touching her cup with his. “Only now am I noticing what a resemblance you have to Robert Redford,” she said.