Baby V (Chianti Kisses #1) (16 page)

Closing my door and locking it behind me, I drop the heavy object on my bed before tearing into it. With wrapping and bows strewn aside, I have a full view of the contents piled inside. There are several blu-ray movies... all chick flicks, but good ones. Titanic, Pretty Woman, Pretty In Pink, While You Were Sleeping, and of course, The Notebook.

There are bags of microwaveable popcorn, and boxes of movie theater type candy. A skimpy small pink Yankees tank top and matching boy shorts are folded on top. The irony of the clothing is not lost on me. Dom knows
I’
m no fan of baseball even though I am from a family of die hard Yanks fans. So... he had liked my picture from last night, huh?

And lastly, there are a bunch of brochures of local charities and foundations. The card is strategically placed behind the gifts. I sit down on my settee to read it slowly, wanting to savor the communication with Dom, even if i
t’
s only one sided at the moment.

V-

You looked soo damn good in my shirt last night that I thought i
t’
s about time you had your own. Yo
u’
ve been a hold out long enough, but i
t’
s time to change that. My girl needs to support like I do. I ca
n’
t wait to come home and see you in this. The trip is a disaster, much harder than we thought. Thinking of you wearing nothing more than my shirt is
n’
t helping, either.

Miss you,

Dom

oh, and in my dreams... the shirt is off.

Kill me know, I can die a happy woman. Not only is Dom calling me his girl, but h
e’
s also dreaming about me wearing practicall
y…
nothing. What I would
n’
t give to be in his hotel room right about now. The next few days are going to be torture!

I enter Do
m’
s cell phone number several times before finally having the courage to hit send on the keypad. Butterflies swarm with each passing ring before he finally answers.

“
Hey gorgeous. You called at a good time. I can really use a distraction right about now
.
”

I’
m nervous that he might be in yet another late-night meeting, but glad that h
e’
s able to take the call.
 “
Well, then.
I’
m glad I can be of some assistance. I hear things are getting touchy down there... you hanging in there
?
” I try to downplay my concern, but I want to make sure Do
m’
s all right.

He stifles a small forced grunt.
 “
Baby, it takes a lot more than a few hiccups to rattle me. I
t’
ll work out, your brothe
r’
s here to help me control the situation. Enough about boring ATH nonsense. If you really want to distract me, tell me what yo
u’
re wearing
.
”

H
e’
s fine, the same old Dom. But, ther
e’
s no harm in pacifying him a little.

“
Hmmm... le
t’
s see.
I’
m wearing your t-shirt agi
n
…”
 
I lied. I was
n’
t even in pajamas yet. But, he does
n’
t need to know that. I
t’
s much more interesting this way and I was in fact offering him the distraction he had asked for.

Do
m’
s not the most patient of people. I can mentally picture him loosening his tie as he speaks,
 “
And?...
.
” coaxing me to distract him even further, How should I answer? Ther
e’
s no reason to stop now, I might as well jump right in.

“
And nothing. Tha
t’
s all
I’
m wearin
g…,
” not bad for my first foray into erotic phone calls, I think. A tinge of guilt settles in and I think maybe I should in fact wear the t-shirt. Succumbing, I slip into his old shirt while quietly hanging onto the phone trying desperately not to give myself away. I can hear his breathing quicken and become heavier.

He lets out a small moan of satisfaction at my state of dress
.
“
Are
n’
t you a naughty little thing. I would give anything to be that shirt right now. You know what would make this even hotter right now, baby
?
”

My breaths speed to meet his.
I’
m the one wh
o’
s supposed to be trying to excite him, not the other way around, but, I ca
n’
t wait to find out. I lick my lips, wanting to know.

“
What would that be...
?
” Oh God please let it be something that will calm this fire rising inside me.

He is taking control of the conversation now, but it feels natural, as I wait for his direction
.“
Go lay down in my bed
.
”

I’
m speechless, floored, my mind spinning. Do I sit here and play along, pretending? Or do I actually do as he says to reap the full effect of his command? I stand and slowly advance through the door into his adjoining room, slip into his bed, and under his sheets.

The luxury linens feel cool and crisp against my skin as I slide over them. I summon all of my will to control the shakiness in my voice,
 “I’
m here
.
”

He seems more relaxed now, speaking slowly and with a measure of restraint
.
“
Good. Just listen to my voice and do as I say, baby. Try not to talk to much, just listen. Close your eyes now
.
”

I close my eyes, blocking out the small amount of light that my sight had adjusted to in the darkened room. A measure of fear creeps into my mind for a fleeting second. Not of what might be out in the dark, but of what
I’
m going to find inside it.

“
Lean all the way back and stretch out your legs. Take your hand and touch your neck, softly. Can you do this baby? Right where I kissed you that night..
.
”

I slide my legs straight in front of me and raise my fingers to the spot near my ear where Dom had first set fire to my soul. The instant my finger tips touch the sensitive patch of skin, I immediately begin to quiver as the rush pours over me. I gasp trying to catch my breath from the intensity of it.

“
Shh... baby just relax. Feel my lips now, kissing you there, kissing you deep. Now feel my kisses move across your neck to your throat
.
”

My fingers trail along to the spot Dom instructed, burning a path as he goes. I do
n’
t realize that
I’
ve hissed out in glorious pain at the heat until I hear the sound.

“
Good... baby, I know. That feels good.
I’
m imagining the
y’
re my lips pressing on you, wanting you. Now very slowly, move your fingers down to the hollow at the bottom of your neck. Very. Slowly
.
”

The phone had disappeared. I
t’
s only Do
m’
s voice calling out to me from the dark, his lips on my body. I do as
I’
m told. When I reach the bottom, I pause wondering where h
e’
s going next.

“
Yo
u’
re so fucking sexy, baby. I love listening to you react to me. Now take your fingers over your chest, slowly, feel me kissing them, sucking harder on them as you touch the center, the peaks getting so much more sensitive and firm. The
y’
re getting harder now are
n’
t they, baby
?
”

My back arches as he leads me to more and more pleasure.

“
Feel me kiss deeper and firmer. Tha
t’
s it, baby. I want you so damn bad right now. Right there in that bed where
I’
ve thought of you a thousand times. My lips are moving down your middle now, your soft, supple tight skin begging for them. Oh baby, you have no idea how hot you are right now, the things I want to do to you in my bed. Now, my kisses are moving down to your hip, staying there, tender. Lift your hips for me baby, just a little. Oh tha
t’
s good. Do you like me kissing you there
?
”

I ca
n’
t speak as
I’
m getting weak, my energy escaping and leaving me with a void that is filling with a longing I ca
n’
t satisfy.
I’
m able to exhale sharply resembling words as best I can.

“
Yes
.
”

Dom groans low again, obviously satisfied with my increasing level of tension.
 “
I know you do baby. Now very carefully I want you to slide down the crease of your hip until you reach the soft spot between your thighs
.
”

I freeze. I ca
n’
t do this, can I? I mean, this is crazy, is
n’
t it? He seems to sense my abrupt hesitation.

“
Do
n’
t worry baby, I
t’
s just me. I want you to touch yourself, because I want to touch you so damn bad. I feel you with my lips, warm, soft. I smell your sweet body as if you are right here in bed with me. Touch yourself, for me..
.
”

My mind is trying to pull my hand back but I want to please him, to do as he says. My heart is pounding as I impulsively do as he instructs, feeling myself.

“
Oh babe, tha
t’
s it. Oh my God yo
u’
re torturing me.
I’
m slowly kissing you now, where yo
u’
re most sensitive. Feel the moistness my mouth leaves behind. Yo
u’
re soaking my bed right now, are
n’
t you?
I’
m tasting you, you taste so good. Oh God, I want so much more
.
”

I’
m moaning now as his lips are moving over me, where none have ever been. A scorching heat is building in me as my body grows ever more tense. The muscles of my legs are forming delicate cramps bearing more and more of my body weight as I reach, yearn for him. I can't control myself anymore. H
e’
s done something to me. I need him. I call out to him to satisfy the tremendous swelling of my body as I know only he can.

“
Oh God... Dom... I, I... Oh..
.
” My voice is singing now.

“
Tha
t’
s it baby. Please... do
n’
t stop. Just feel me, let me make you feel me
.
”

I shatter as he speaks, Falling back deep into his bed in a million pieces. My legs convulse, clamping together as my pounding heartbeats slow. The sweat on my brow cools as I lay there in my weakened, vulnerable state.

Do
m’
s breathing also calms, keeping rhythm with my own, guiding me back down.
 “
Babe, you are so beautiful. I love that you trust me enough to listen to me like this. Are you relaxed now
?
”

How am I supposed to answer him right now? Do
anything
  right now?
I’
m completely spent, fragile even. I hold the phone closer and turn on my side drawing my knees up. I am able to whisper softly to him.
 “
That was... that was..
.
”

“
I know baby. Sleep now.
I’
ll stay here for a little while. Just sleep
.
”

I nuzzle my head into his pillow, picking up his scent hidden below the outer covering of material. I fall into such a deep sleep, a peaceful sleep.

CHAPTER 12

The next couple of days are a high for me. In a state of complete bliss, I fill my days with errands for mom, lounging by the pool and finishing my little pink book. I have even managed to browse through the different brochures that Dom sent along with my gift basket. I know he expects an answer to his job proposal when he returns, and
I’
m sure the brochures are meant to serve as an initiative to get me started on my decision.

Dom and I share our daily texts, nightly calls and racy pics. We also share an unspoken longing as well as spoken promises to be fulfilled when he comes back home. I find it almost ironic that w
e’
ve become so much to each other in such a short period of time, yet i
t’
s taken our entire lives so far to build up to it.

The days are getting hotter and the unofficial start of Summer is upon us with long daylight hours stretching into night. Just more time for me to try and occupy, keeping myself busy until Dom returns. Maybe I had overestimated how relaxing and enjoyable a summer without any responsibilities would be. At this rate, I woul
d’
ve been bored to death by the fourth of July. Do
m’
s job offer is looking better and better every day.

Never actually looking forward to seeing Tanya, at least our lunch date will serve as a distraction on my last day before Dom comes home from Miami. Careful not to overdress as
I’
m sure Tanya will be doing enough of that for all of our sakes, I select a simple cream color summer shift dress from my closet and match it with a pair of strappy brown leather sandals. A thin violet cardigan finishes off my  outfit and I stroll out to meet my faux-friend with a loose head of curls and an open mind.

Maybe sh
e’
s changed, maybe sh
e’
s matured? Maybe
I’
m just kidding myself and sh
e’
s still the same raging bitch sh
e’
s always been.

My grown-up car and I travel along to the Garden City Hotel where I was told we would meet. Honestly, the place is beautiful... but as soon as I had learned of the choice in location I was sure it was Tany
a’
s suggestion. It is
n’
t much of a drive for me, thankfully, but Theresa would have to make her way out from Manhattan. I
t’
s an even further drive for Mary.

John will be flying home with Dom, so
I’
m sure Mary had to scramble around for a sitter for the kids while she attends our little lunch date. Leave it to Tanya to pick somewhere most convenient for her as she lives all but fifteen minutes away.

The valet gladly takes possession of my car as I step into the hot afternoon sun. The cardigan I brought will only be necessary if w
e’
re seated in heavy air conditioning, but I bring it anyway. Better safe than sorry. Mom and I often had high tea in this very hotel when I was younger. It was our escape from all of the testosterone at home. The
dé
cor has changed over the years but enough continuity and familiarity with the place affords me a moment or two to reflect on my childhood tea-parties. Spotting my table, the hostess brings me to join them.

Thankfully, Mary had been the first to arrive and thoughtfully ordered a waiting round of drinks as Theresa and I take our seats, having walked in slightly behind each other. I share a warm, heartfelt greeting with each of the women before taking my seat and a big gulp of the drink presented before me. I glance at the empty seat to my left and decide to comment about what the other ladies have politely decided to overlook.

“I’
m so glad we could
all
  make it on time this morning
.
” Light laughter erupts between us, with nearby tables turning heads to witness.

Chatting away, w
e’
re having such a pleasant beginning to our lunch meeting that
I’
ve virtually forgotten about our missing member when Tany
a’
s loud, booming and whiny voice penetrates our conversation causing the three of us to pause our discussion and roll our eyes simultaneously. Tanya barrels through the formal dining room like a bull in a china store, wearing her oversized crystal studded sunglasses, a tight short dress bearing far too much of her over tanned cleavage for a family-friendly establishment, all the while rudely speaking into her cell phone.

She is however kind enough to end her phone conversation several minutes after joining our group.

“
Gawls, I am
soo
sawry
I’
m a couple of minutes late..
.
” She is in fact twenty-three minutes late.
 “
I just ran into soo much traffic on my way here
.
” Her heavy over-exaggerated accent overwhelms her words.

We all know that there is never any traffic during this time of day on a Sunday in this part of town, but we politely welcome her into the fold. Everyone except, Theresa... sh
e’
s becoming visibly flustered.

With our lunch choices served, the superficial chit-chat begins to wane. Not wanting this fiasco to drag out any longer than absolutely necessary, I decide i
t’
s time to get on with the show.

“
So... the baby shower. I think we all pretty much agree that we should pick a date within the next month or so in case Cecily delivers early. Tanya, do you have any ideas on a location yet
?
”
 
I stab at my Cobb salad waiting for her answer, not doubting that it will of course be eccentric.

She takes her sweet time, finishing off her second mimosa of the day while leaving us hanging before she speaks directly to me as if our companions have suddenly evaporated.

“
Well, Baby V
.
”

I hate when she calls me that. I barely know the woman and I certainly have never given her invitation let alone permission to use such a private nick-name.

“
I was going to plan something right here in the hotel, a brunch maybe. But then, last night, I found out that
you
are going to be the Gawdmother, and so I think that
you
should handle all of the impawtant details like that
,
”

Ah, so I get to do all of the work, because Tany
a’
s bitter. Great.

Theresa pushes her unfinished panini away from her, her expression now looks sickened. Sh
e’
s held her tongue as long as she could. I can tell she ca
n’
t hold it longer.
Oh please do
n’
t let this cause a scene in the middle of the damn restaurant!

“
Tanya. If you knew that Vincenza is going to be the Godmother and you would be leaving the planning to her, why did we need to meet like this
?
”

As if she just realized for the first time that there are actually other women at the table, Tanya turns to her, feigning shock at the hidden condemnation in the question.

“
Becaws, up until laast night, I was pawsitive that I would be chosen as Gawdmother.
I’
m Cecil
y’
s second cousin, ya know. I assumed she wood do the right thing.

Here we go. The two women stare each other down from across the lace covered table. This needs to end just as quickly as it began.

“
Tanya, dear,
I’
m sorry if yo
u’
re disappointed that my
brother
  and his wife want me to be the Godmother of my own little niece or nephew. I know yo
u’
ll be a great help in making sure that Cecily has a wonderful party.
I’
ll handle the details. I know yo
u’
re very busy and I would
n’
t even dream about asking you to take on more stress in your life right now. Le
t’
s enjoy the rest of our lunch, OK
?
”

I think I may have diffused things a little bit. The two women seem to still be on high alert, though. Tanya pushes her sunglasses on and takes her napkin from her lap, thrusting the crumples fabric on to the table in spite. Taking one last sip of her recently replenished mimosa, she address us one last time.

“
Thaank you gawls for lunch. I reawly have to be going now. Theresa..
.
” she slants her head so her eyes can peer just over the bedazzled rim of her expensive glasses to eye her opponent
,“
... say
hi
  to your brother for me. Tell him he still owes me dinner
.
”

And with that, she leaves. It was the better part of a full minute of blank stares as we all absorb the ridiculous escapade that just went down at our table. Mary shakes it off while mumbling under her breath.
“
Stupid girl
.
” She waves down our waiter as he approaches.
 “
Another mimosa, please. Hold the orange juice
.
”
 
The waiter looks mildly confused at the request.

Now that we are in more pleasant company we enjoy ourselves and the remnants of our meeting.  Free of children, brothers, husbands and mothers, we relax and indulge in a little girl time and dessert. We splurge on a sampling platter of finger sized treats, munching on cream puffs and petit fours. In my twenty-two years I have never been able to eat a cream puff graciously.
I’
ve seen it done by others, but am just not capable of it. Once again, I am the center of attention and laughter as yet another cream filled pastry-puff falls victim to my curse.

Between bites of gooey sugary treats and sips of warm beverages, we hammer out the details of Cecil
y’
s surprise shower. That was, after all, why we came today, with or without miss Tanya.

I will host the party at Albert
i’
s, a quaint Italian restaurant favored by my family for decades. The Alberti family comes from the same village as Theres
a’
s and mine. I
t’
s also where Tony proposed to Cecily two years ago. Mary will order the invitations, I will plan the menu and favors while Theresa plans the party games and orders the decorations.

We aim for the third Saturday, pending availability at the restaurant.
I’
m sure Mario, the owner, will make the space available, but I make a mental note to make the phone call as soon as we leave. Three weeks is
n’
t a whole lot of time to put this thing together, and every day counts.

Our waiter begins to hover as we embark on the third hour of our lunch. Mary finally excuses herself to get home and get the kids ready for camp and play dates the next day. I thank her for making the trip. We are close, but not as close as Cecily and I are. The age gap sometimes wedges itself in where Mary and I are concerned, but I really did enjoy spending the time with her.

Theresa decides to take me up on my offer to drive her back into the city. I
t’
s completely out of my way, but it will save her a train ride, and it will allow us to keep our gabfest going. I settle the check, insisting on treating the ladies after they tolerated Tany
a’
s rudeness partly because of me. Feeling guilty for monopolizing the table for so long, I leave our wait staff an overly-generous tip.

Cruising out onto the highway we make good time on our journey before the conversation inevitably turns to the topic of Tanya. After several cheap shots by Theresa, I finally ask the question I have been waiting years to ask, never feeling that it was any of my business until now.

“
So, why do you hate her so much? I mean I get the whole disliking her thing, but you spew venom when you talk about her
.
”

Theres
a’
s lip curls in an involuntary knee-jerk reaction to the thoughts crossing her mind as I ask the question.

“
You have no idea. She is a pathetic fame whore and a liar. She tried to get all chummy with me back before the wedding just to get in good with Dom. Sh
e’
s as fake as a tub of margarine and I ca
n’
t stand that. Dom did
n’
t see through her act right away. They went on a couple of dates after the wedding and by the time he wised up and would
n’
t give her the time of day anymore, it was too late, she act
-
”

Theresa catches herself mid-sentence, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. She was rambling on about her hatred for Tanya, letting it consume her enough not to censor her words. She definitely did
n’
t mean to say as much as she had. I act cool, unbothered by the sudden bomb left in my lap.
When Dom would
n’
t give her the time of day anymore?
Anymore?! What the hell is this?
Anymore
implies that there was once a time when there was a
more
. Ugh. My stomach is turning as my lunch is in danger of making a repeat visit. Collecting myself, I ask the most obvious question.