Interview with Love (20 page)

“Okay, moving on,” Sasha announced. “How many O's have you had in a single session?”

“Four.”

“Three.”

“Seven.”

“What?” Vivian and Sasha both stared incredulously at Sienna.

“Seven?” They both repeated.

“Yes,” Sienna replied before taking a sip of her wine.

Vivian peeled with laughter. “Were there battery operated accessories involved?”

“No,” Sienna blushed.

“You freak,” Sasha laughed so hard she started to hiccup. “I can't believe Dr. Bookworm here is a closet Kama Sutra expert.”

“Well, it is a book,” Vivian reasoned.

“I did not read the Kama Sutra,” Sienna clarified.

“We'll you're going to have to give up some details about this encounter with Vaughn, freak girl,” Vivian giggled. “Because I know it wasn't with any of your old tired, raggedy two-week boyfriends.”

A few minutes later, Sienna's cell phone rang. Three pairs of eyes glanced across the room. Determination crossed Vivian's face.

Sienna gasped. “You wouldn't?”

“Watch me,” Vivian cried out, as she jumped off the bed and went running for Sienna's phone.

“No,” Sienna practically screamed giving chase. “You'd better not.”

“Sasha, I need back up,” Vivian called over her shoulder.

Sienna made it across the room before Sasha had even looked up.

“Dr. Lambert's telephone,” Vivian answered, with a hint of amusement.

“Hi Vivian, may I speak with the good Doctor, please?”

“Oh, hello Vaughn,” Vivian said, turning so Sienna wouldn't pull the phone out of her hand. She ducked and weaved as her friend attempted to retrieve her cell phone. “Sure. You know we've been having such a good time this evening. Do you know it only took us seven minutes to get checked in at the hotel? And between the three of us we've only had seven drinks?”

“You don't say?” Vaughn chuckled with amusement.

“Vivian, if you don't hand me that phone so help me,” Sienna threatened.

“Fine,” her friend giggled, relinquishing her iron grip. Calmly, she gave it over to Sienna. “He's all yours.”

Sienna snatched the phone away. “Hello?”

“Hi, sweetheart.”

Sienna's heart thudded. “Hi.”

“Do I even want to know what that was about?”

“Um, not really,” Sienna laughed scurrying into the bathroom. Once inside she shut and locked the door. She lowered the lid on the toilet seat and sat down. “How's Las Vegas?”

“Lonely as hell without you. I'm about to go back into a meeting shortly. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

She beamed at the compliment. “Vaughn, isn't it kind of late for a meeting?”

“Not for my client. You and Vivian having a good time?”

“It's getting there. Sasha's with us.”

“Really? How'd that come about?”

“The parents' machinations. They're hoping we'll learn to be more civil to each other.”

“I'm sure it would make things a lot easier for them, sweetheart.”

Sienna sighed into the phone. “I know, Vaughn. I'm trying, but I swear she rubs me the wrong way almost every time she opens her mouth.”

“Hey,” he soothed. “You'll be fine. So, what do you have on?”

Sienna crossed her legs and leaned back. “Nothing glamorous, I assure you. Just some of my usual cotton pajamas.”

“Mine?”

She glanced at the phone in astonishment. “How'd you know?”

“Lucky guess,” he bragged.

“They make me feel closer to you,” she admitted. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too, Doc. Though I have to admit, you won't find me wearing your pajamas.”

“Not even a bra?”

“Especially not a bra,” he snorted. “Though I might bring one with me the next time, or some other intimate article of clothing,” his voice lowered.

Sienna heard background noise. “Vaughn, where are you?”

“In a conference room. The meeting just started back up.”

Sienna's cheeks reddened. “Will you stop talking about my underwear in front of people?”

“Would you rather I talked about you out of them in front of people?”

“Crazy seems to be contagious tonight.”

“You and I have a date when we return home.”

She beamed. “I can't wait.”

“I think it fair to warn you that neither of us will be wearing any clothes.”

“My kind of date,” she said, seductively.

Vaughn expelled a ragged breath. “You do that thing you just did with your voice again, and I'm hopping on a plane.”

Sienna closed her eyes. His face materialized before her. “Will you call me tomorrow?”

“Try and stop me.”

“Good night, Vaughn.”

“Good night, Doc.”

After Sienna hung up, she sat a long time just staring at the phone. She ran her thumb over the darkened screen. Her heart ached when she was away from him. She fingered her necklace. In the span of a few months, her world had been turned upside down. It was hard to imagine what she did to occupy herself prior to meeting Vaughn.

Who are you kidding?
She chided. It was all about work. Though work was essential, she was also anticipating the time she spent in his company. Vaughn had introduced her to a world of fun that she'd only read about. She wasn't as much of an adrenaline junkie as he was by any means, and no matter what he said, rock climbing and sky diving were out, but so far she liked everything else he'd taught her. It made her feel alive.

He makes you feel alive.
She corrected herself. “Oh Vaughn, it looks like Vivian was right,” she whispered. “I have gone and fallen in love with you.”

“What are you wearing tonight?” Sasha asked.

“Hmm…I think I'll wear my short black dress. It's off the shoulders and makes me look amazing. Wait till you see the new strappy heels I found to go with them. I'm going to be all sorts of sexy,” Sienna exclaimed.

“And you call me the narcissist,” Sasha quipped.

Before Sienna could retort Vivian made a grand entrance into their room. She'd chosen a red wraparound dress with matching stiletto heels. Sasha's dress was deep purple.

“I can't believe dinner is so late. Do you know I had to eat a pre-dinner snack earlier just to keep from getting gas pains?”

“First off, that was seriously too much information. Secondly, quit complaining. The later the reservation the more likely we'll see a few celebrities,” Vivian concluded pushing Sienna toward the door.

Before they left the hotel they asked an employee to take two pictures of them.

“We really appreciate it, Vivian told the man. “This way when we tell people how hot we looked and they don't believe us, we'll have another picture to show them as backup.”

“You're ridiculous,” Sasha observed. “Sienna how in the world have you tolerated her all these years?”

“Partially because I'm the only one that will put up with her for prolonged periods of time,” Sienna said, jokingly.

“Kind of like you.” Vivian eyed Sasha.

Without a word Sasha swept past them and out the door.

 

Dinner reservations at Le Cirque were for eight o'clock. Sienna had difficulty not staring at her surroundings. The place was packed and there were lots of beautiful people enjoying the ambiance.

Vivian made sure she was positioned so she'd have a bird's eye view of the door. They ordered appetizers and a bottle of wine. While their server was filling their glasses, Sienna glanced around. “Sasha, there's a guy to your left staring at you,” she said, quietly while staring at her menu.”

“Not interested,” she replied. “Besides, we're twins. How do you know he's not staring at you?”

Vivian followed Sienna's gaze. “She's got a point. You don't want to at least look over at him? The man is fine. Somewhere in this city is a magazine cover missing its model.”

“Hardly. I've got a boyfriend already, and trust me none of these men can match what perks I get being with him.”

Sienna and Vivian both glanced up over their menus. “Perks? What kind of perks?”

“The usual; house, trips, jets, boats, top shelf vacations.”

Sienna's eyes widened. “What a minute, why are we just now hearing about a boyfriend?”

“Maybe because it just came up,” Sasha reasoned.

“So who is this man of means?”

“Milo Georgopoulos.”

“He's Greek?”

Sasha nodded.

Vivian took a sip of her wine. “How long have you been dating?”

“Four years.”

“Good grief girl, I'm sure the man has traded in a car or two in that time frame. Do you plan on getting married any time soon?”

“No.”

Unable to help herself, Sienna eyed her sister curiously. “Why not?”

“Because he's already married.”

Vivian choked on her wine. “Are you serious? Interesting. I wouldn't have pegged you for the other woman type.”

“Sasha, why are you involved with a married man? You can't be thinking he'll leave his wife for you no matter what he promises.”

“I know he's not leaving his wife, Sienna. His father-in-law is a high-powered banker with global connections. His wife is worth billions. It's a marriage of convenience for him—nothing more.”

“Do they have any children?” Sienna asked.

Sasha fingered her wine glass. “Three.”

“I'd say that was more than just convenience,” Vivian said, dryly.

“Viv,” Sienna admonished.

“What? You aren't saying it, but you're thinking that it's all kinds of crazy, too. Sasha, you are a beautiful, intelligent woman. Granted, you get on my nerves, but I'm sure you could get any man you set your sights on. Why waste it on someone that can never be completely yours?”

Sienna scrutinized her sister. “Do you love him?”

“Like a woman possessed,” she laughed, but there was no humor in it. She took a sip of wine, and then cleared her throat. “Now can we please talk about something else?”

Everyone pretended to study the menu, but each was lost in their own thoughts.

“We are sitting in one of the most popular dining establishments in this city. I've personally seen three famous people, and I'm trying my damndest not to stare them down like they owe me money. We're supposed to be having a great time not sitting here all morose,” Vivian reached over and grabbed their wine bottle topping off everyone's drink. “A toast ladies. No men problems or cat fights. This weekend it's all about us.”

Sienna and Sasha both raised their glasses and clinked Vivian's. Taking a sip, she set her glass on the table. “So, what are we eating?”

 

“Sorry you didn't get your island man with the killer accent,” Sasha told her later. “Todd wasn't so bad, though.”

“Wasn't bad? He was all kinds of hot. I don't know how I relaxed enough to even enjoy it. Every time he laid his hands on me all sorts of sexy images would pop into my head. Yum. Talk about torture,” Vivian leaned her head back and sighed.

“Well I enjoyed the woman who did my massage. She was great.”

“Sienna, you're a coward. I can't believe you picked a woman. You could do that any time.”

“I don't think Vaughn would appreciate my being rubbed all over by another man.”

“Girl please, he tripped your light fantastic seven times in a row,” Vivian cracked up laughing.

Sasha glanced curiously at her sister. What does dancing have to do with anything?”

“Not a thing. That's Sienna's code name for seriously intense, butt naked sex. Trust me, right about now Vaughn Deveraux is hardly worried about Sven, one hour, and a tiny bottle of massage oil.”

 

“I must tell you I'm thrilled to finally get to meet you and, trust me, I don't say that very often. I heard you're the best, and that's exactly what my new lines need. I've done my homework, Mr. Deveraux. You come very highly recommended and that was enough to get my attention.”

“Thank you, Miss Simone for giving Chase & Burroughs this opportunity.”

“It was my pleasure. I appreciate you being able to accommodate me last minute. I met your brother while at the Shopping Network, you know. When Pierce told me about your company and some of your work I knew we'd be a great fit. The Best Kept Secrets campaign was brilliant.”

“I appreciate the praise, Miss Simone. I wrote down some ideas on the plane ride here that I think would fit your new line. You indicated your target audience is women from every background, ethnicity and age group and that you wanted a truly universal appeal.”

“That's right, Mr. Deveraux.”

“Call me Vaughn.”

“Then I'm Natalia, darling. Miss Simone is my mother.” She flashed a cosmetically flawless smile.

“Fair enough.”

“You see Vaughn; I wanted to create that special scent that sets the wearer apart. We created a remarkable line of cosmetics as well that makes a woman feel truly desirable, and not just to a potential love interest, but to themselves. It's bold, timeless and hard to resist—like me.”

Vaughn hid a smile. “So you want it to boost their confidence. To give them that edge which ultimately carries over into every nuance of their lives, correct? That meeting with the new boss, the marathon they just ran, the first day of kicking a habit, helping a friend or loved one through a crisis, or dealing with one of their own. Inner Beauty accentuates the inner strength women have to go above and beyond in their day-to-day lives.”

“I knew you'd get it,” she said, excitedly. “My instincts are never wrong when it pertains to money, fashion and people.”

“My team will get to work on it immediately.”

“You'll be working on this personally, right? I won't be pawned off on some junior team. That doesn't suit me at all, darling.”

“Of course not. I'm the lead on this from start to finish.”

“Good, because I'm not investing millions on a campaign being led by an amateur; I demand the best at all times, and there's nothing I won't do to get it.”

“That is absolutely what you'll have. I give you my word.”

She put her arm on his shoulder and squeezed. “I certainly hope so, Vaughn. I will admit many find me difficult to work for. That's their problem. I make no apologies for my aggressive nature. In my industry you have to be powerful or you get eaten by the wolves. I don't plan on being eaten, darling—at least not by wolves,” she said, brazenly.

At that moment Pierce returned to the table. “Sorry about that. One of my fans wanted to get a photo and an autograph.”

“No need to apologize, your brother and I were going over our respective visions for Inner Beauty. I must say he's got it all—you both do. Talent, looks and a keen intellect, I'm telling you it's an explosive combination,” her smile encompassed both men. “I'm sure I'm the envy of every woman in here.”

“Maybe not every woman,” Pierce chuckled.

“Come now, you know exactly what affect you have on the opposite sex,” Natasha replied. “I find that utterly fascinating in a man.”

Their waiter returned. “Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”

Natasha observed Vaughn as he perused the menu. “Oh, I don't need any more time. I definitely know what I want.”

 

“Anyone want dessert?”

“You two have at it. I'm going to the bathroom,” Sasha announced.

When she'd gone, Vivian leaned toward Sienna. “Can you believe she's having an affair with a married man? You didn't know anything about it?”

“No, I didn't. You know this is the most we've talked or been civil to each other in I don't know how long.”

“You're her sister, give her all that analytical advice you're always boring me to death with.”

“Very funny,” Sienna said, sarcastically. “When it comes to Sasha, I find my analytical skills are…ineffective. Besides, what am I supposed to say that she doesn't already know?”

They stopped talking when they saw Sasha approaching. Her facial expression was strained. When she sat down, she placed her hands in her lap. Sienna touched her sister's arm.

“Sasha? What's wrong?”

“I'm uh…I'm not feeling that well. Do you mind if we leave?”

Vivian and Sienna exchanged glances. “Sure. We'll signal the waiter and pay the bill.”

“I've got to get some air,” Sasha announced standing up. “Sienna…um, could you walk me out while Vivian takes care of it?”

“Sure.” Sienna stood up and put her hand at her sister's elbow. “Viv, you got it?”

“Yeah, go ahead I'll be out in a minute.”

Sasha was walking quickly, but their progress was hindered by a large party trying to get by. “They'll be all day,” Sasha complained.

“Don't worry,” Sienna soothed. “We can go this way.” She guided Sasha around the throng of people. There was a loud high-pitched laugh a few tables away. Sienna's head turned in that direction. When she saw the occupants she stopped dead in her tracks. The color drained from her face.

Sasha tugged on her sister's arm. “Come on, Sienna. Let's go.”

Sienna stood transfixed. Her breathing stilted. Her hand covered her heart as if to protect it. “Vaughn.”

Vaughn was casually seated at a table near them with a well-dressed woman who was literally draped over him like a coat, laughing up at him.

Vivian came up on Sienna's left side. “Honey, maybe one of us should go over and—”

“No,” Sienna's tortured reply was barely heard over the activity around them.

Time slowed and the noise around her receded. All Sienna could focus on was Vaughn with a gorgeous, well-endowed redhead gazing at him like he was an after dinner mint. She watched him lean in to tell her something. Her smile was feline.
Was he asking her back to his room?
she asked herself. Sienna started shaking. Her body felt hot and cold simultaneously. The fight or flight instinct kicked in. She wrenched free of her sister's grasp. Her feet were moving before her brain caught up.

“No, wait,” Vivian cautioned, loudly.

In her haste to leave, Sienna collided with a waiter. They both went tumbling to the floor. The plates of food he was carrying shattered on impact. All eyes turned toward the deafening sound.

“Miss, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you,” the man apologized, helping her up off the ground, and then wiping the food off her dress. “Are you all right?”

“Fine,” she said, batting his hand away. Once she'd gotten back on her feet she didn't waste a second. She bolted for the door.

“Sienna?” Vaughn's voice boomed over the chaos.

Don't stop. Don't look back.
Her inner voice prodded her forward. She ran as fast as her heels would allow.

He caught her before she reached the door. He wheeled her around to face him, his hands on her shoulders. “What are you doing here? Baby, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?”

“No,” she said, softly and then louder. “No, I'm not okay. Get your hands off me.”

“First, tell me why you're leaving?”

She tugged her arm, but his hold remained unbreakable. “Because I don't care to see my boyfriend snuggled up to another woman. Let me go, Vaughn. It's obvious you're enjoying yourself. Don't let me interrupt you. Go back to your date,” she cried.

“Date?” Vaughn blinked, and then laughed.

“You think this is funny?”

“It's not what you think.”