Addicted to you, p.6
Addicted to You, page 6
A nagging apprehension gnawed at Bess. She would be glad when Marissa Bank’s business with the store was complete and out of Elin’s life.
“What were the arrangements you made with her?”
“She said she would call me. That was last Thursday. I keep expecting her to call but so far, she hasn’t. You don’t think something has happened to her, do you?”
“I doubt it. She is probably just busy.” Bess had never had a client make a partial payment let alone a full one and never return, but she wouldn’t put it past Marissa Banks. There was something just not right about the woman. Bess didn’t like the way she looked at Elin when she first came into the shop.
“Why don’t you give her until tomorrow afternoon, and if you haven’t heard from her you can give her a call.” Bess was just acting like a foolish mother hen.
“All right,” Elin said nervously. “I just don’t want to—”
Bess held up her hand and shook her head. “Don’t worry it will all work out.”
“But I need to make sure Sarah is available.”
Bess’ heart went out to Elin. She remembered how anxious she had been with her first big sale. “You know, dear, we have all been there and we all survived.”
“What do you mean?”
“We all have successful conclusions to our first big sale and you will be no different. Trust me, it will all be fine.” She drew Elin in for a light hug. “Stop worrying.”
“I’ll try.”
†
By two o’clock on Thursday, Elin was a nervous wreck. Marissa hadn’t called for an appointment. Elin couldn’t shake the feeling that she must have done or said something wrong to make Marissa not call. Again, thoughts and feelings for Marissa played on the edge of her consciousness. Now it would be her responsibility to make the first move. Secreting herself in her workroom, she placed a call that had her insides all a flutter.
“This is Marissa Banks’s office. May I help you?” the male voice announced.
“Yes, this is Elin Prescot. I would like to speak with Ms. Banks about an appointment I need to make with her.”
She heard the man’s sharp intake of breath.
“I don’t see your name anywhere. When is the appointment exactly?”
“No, you misunderstood. I don’t have one. I need to make one.”
“I see,” the man said in a matter of fact tone. “Is this relating to a financial concern?”
“No, it’s personal.” Elin didn’t think that she should be discussing Marissa’s clothing purchase with the man.
“I see,” he said again. “Ms. Banks is booked solid through next week. The earliest appointment I can give you is two weeks from today.”
Elin didn’t know what to say or do. The man obviously was doing his job and she, at the same time, didn’t want to violate Marissa’s confidentiality.
“Do you want me to set up the appointment for you?” the man asked impatiently.
“No.” Elin took a deep breath to gather her composure. All the stress of waiting for the call had caught up with her and she felt her body tremble. “Will you please ask her to call me at 555-8274. It’s important that I speak with her at her earliest convenience.”
“Certainly. Will there be anything else?” he asked gruffly.
“No.”
“Thank you for calling.”
The line then went silent and the tears that brimmed around the edges of her eyes began to fall.
†
“Excellent, Marcus. There is hope for you yet.” Marissa scooped up the message with the number and went to her office.
Everything was going just as planned. She looked at the clock on her desk and noted the time. She’d call her back just before five. A feral smile crossed her face.
“Hmm, Elin Prescot, you are about to have the ride of your life.”
Several hours later, Marissa dialed the number and was pleased to hear Elin’s voice. “This is Marissa Banks, may I please speak with Elin Prescot?”
“Speaking.” Elin let out a breath she had been holding. It seemed like forever until she heard Marissa’s voice.
“Elin, darling, I am so sorry that I haven’t been able to get back to you before this. The market was doing strange things this week, requiring my full attention.” She heard Elin sigh. “Will you forgive me for my tardiness?”
“Yes.”
Marissa smiled when she heard the coolness in the one syllable answer. “Please don’t be angry with me,” she said in her most conciliatory voice.
“I’m not. I was just worried I had done or said something wrong.”
A broad smile crossed Marissa’s face. Perfect. “Not possible. I really am sorry. Can we make an appointment for tomorrow?”
“The man I spoke to on the phone said you were booked solid,” Elin countered.
“I was, but I’ve rearranged my schedule and I can be there by five tomorrow afternoon. Will that be a good time?” Marissa knew that the shop closed at five, which fit perfectly into her plans.
“I am not sure Sarah can be here at that time. If there are any changes that we need to make, we should schedule for next week.”
Marissa heard the dejection in the girl’s voice and smiled. “Not to worry about that. If need be, I will come back next week. Listen, I am really anxious to have the clothes, so if it won’t be too inconvenient for you, can I come tomorrow?”
Elin sighed again. “Tomorrow at five will be fine.”
“Perfect. Thank you so much for understanding.” She paused then added, “Elin, you’re the greatest.”
“I’ll see you at five tomorrow then.”
Marissa heard the softening of the voice and knew she had achieved her goal. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”
†
“Excuse me, Miss,” a man said as he knocked into Elin.
“Sure, it’s okay,” she said several moments later as she looked around, wondering who she was talking to. Ever since Marissa left the store a week earlier, she had found herself daydreaming more and more about the woman during her subway ride home each evening. With glazed eyes, she watched as the landscape whiz by, taking very little note of where she was until she realized the train was about to pull away from her stop.
“Please let me by, this is my stop,” she said frantically. Once her foot touched the platform, she shook her head and sighed deeply. “What is going on with me?” Her dazed condition continued as she walked to her apartment. Not until she unlocked the door to her apartment and Kati rubbed up against her leg did she realize she couldn’t remember walking to the building or climbing the stairs.
The last seven days had her fixed on one thing only—Marissa Banks. She hadn’t slept soundly or eaten much since her last encounter with Marissa. When she called earlier that day, she had felt anger and jealousy that Marissa’s job interfered with her calling sooner. Elin couldn’t deny the warm feelings she had when she heard Marissa’s voice, and the pang of sadness she felt when Marissa hadn’t recognized her voice. A vision of Marissa invaded her mind as she stood stroking Kati while she watched children play in the street below.
“She certainly is quite charming, Kati. Did I tell you how funny I think she is?” She lifted the cat to her face and kissed its fur gently before placing her on the floor. “Well, she is.” Elin shook her head as she tried to summon up a thought that still refused to surface. Marissa was beautiful, talented, and charming. Something just beneath the surface of the woman intrigued Elin. The attraction that she felt was increasingly difficult to deny—Marissa Banks captivated her.
Elin walked to the small kitchen table that held the bouquet that Marissa sent her. Many of the petals were drooping and some, she suspected, had fallen on the table from Kati swiping at them. She bent slightly and breathed in the delicate scent of the flowers. Her mind again turned to Marissa. There was something about how the cool eyes seemed to be picking her apart with delight that made her want to know more. Marissa exuded danger and that had a draw all its own.
“For heaven’s sake, she’s old enough to be my mother.”
Once again Elin found herself at the window looking down at the people passing by. Her eyes trailed to two women walking hand in hand down the street.
“I want that,” she whispered. “Is that what it is like to be attracted to someone? Holding hands, unaware of who else is there, not caring what they think?” She walked over to the couch, sat down, and flicked on the television. Silently she welcomed Kati who jumped up and nestled next to her. She mindlessly stroked the cat while blankly looking at the screen. Marissa played on the edges of her mind again, taunting her to realize a truth of which she was not aware.
“If only I could figure out what it is. Maybe when I see her tomorrow I will understand,” she whispered to Kati.
Later that evening, she woke on the couch with a start. It was midnight and she hadn’t eaten or showered.
“I’ve got to get a grip.” Getting up, she went into the bathroom, showered, then went to bed. Tomorrow is a big day. With that thought in mind, she drifted into a fitful sleep.
Chapter Six
Bess’s concerned eyes focused on a haggard-looking Elin. “Do you want me to stay with you while she is here?”
“No. No, I will be fine. You are having the kids over for dinner tonight and don’t need to be here babysitting me.” Elin smiled. “I’m just really nervous...you know... first big sale and all.”
“Is that all?” Bess looked skeptically at the girl.
Elin took a deep breath and closed her eyes, wishing Bess would just disappear.
“I have to admit that your constant warnings about Marissa have me rattled.”
Bess’s eyes widened. “Oh no, please don’t feel that way.”
Wearily Elin closed her eyes again. “I really don’t know how else to feel, Bess. Frankly, I haven’t seen any indication at all that Marissa is anything other than sincere.” She opened her eyes and fixed them on her boss. “Yet you keep telling me to be careful.”
“It’s only because I have seen far too many people in my life that prey on others.” Her eyes searched Elin’s. She smiled fondly. “It’s my mother hen coming out. I care about you and want to protect you.”
“I don’t need to be protected, Bess.” Elin gritted her teeth. “I am twenty-six years old. I pay rent, have a job, and even can go to the bathroom alone.” She squeezed Bess’s hand. “I know I haven’t been out in the world as long as you have but I think I have a pretty good handle on life and people. I know you worry about me but please trust me. I will be okay.”
Elin’s shoulders relaxed and she gave Bess a smile. She knew she had exaggerated about having things under control. At the moment that was something she’d rather not share. “Are we good?”
“Yes, we are good.” Bess realized she had crossed a line after hearing Elin’s angry retort. “I do trust you. I also care about you, Elin. It’s that mother hen thing.” She didn’t really trust Elin for she could feel there was more to the story but at that point she had no other choice but to end the conversation.
“You have my cell number if you run into any problems or need help. It won’t be a problem to come back if you need me.” She patted Elin’s arm. “I need to go now. Please don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I won’t. Have a great weekend,” Elin said anxiously.
“Same to you.” Reluctantly Bess left. “Be safe, Elin,” she softly prayed.
†
Marissa stood outside Boutique La René and watched Elin pace in the shop. Occasionally the young shop girl would swipe at her eyes. Marissa smiled. She’d worked this scenario enough to know exactly why Elin was crying and inwardly she patted herself on the back. She checked her wristwatch. Five fifteen. Perfect. Elin turned and went into her office and soon returned with her coat and purse in hand.
“It’s time.” With a triumphant smile, she walked quickly toward the door when she saw Elin look up.
Once Marissa opened the door she said, “I am so sorry I am late. I had a client that just wouldn’t leave.”
“I thought you weren’t coming,” Elin said, her voice trembling before her eyes found the floor.
Marissa engulfed her in a hug. “Oh, I am so sorry to have caused you concern.” She stepped back a bit and lifted Elin’s chin before she gently wiped the tears away. “Did I cause that?” she asked.
Elin stepped farther away.
“No. I didn’t sleep very well last night, and it has been a really long week.”
“Would you rather do this next week?”
Elin’s eyes widened, and she blurted, “No! Please, I have everything ready and you did say you were anxious to have the clothes.”
“Okay, but only if you’re sure.” At that moment Marissa’s body tingled with what she knew would be another victorious conquest.
An hour later, Marissa had tried on all the clothes.
“Absolutely wonderful. Everything is perfect.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy that you are pleased with the choices and the fit. Please just give me a minute to finalize everything for the shop’s records.”
While Elin sat at the table and began the final paperwork, Marissa took in her long-tapered fingers and imagined them stroking her. She closed her eyes relishing what the moment would be like.
“We can send them out to your residence if you’d like.”
The words brought Marissa out of her reverie and she smiled. “Not necessary, Elin, I have a service standing by to come and get them. Can I take up just a little more of your time?”
Elin had a puzzled look and Marissa surmised that the young girl’s mind was whirling with muddled thoughts of what was to come. She doesn’t want me to leave. How sweet.
“You can have all the time you need,” Elin finally said.
“Good.” Just what she wanted to hear so Marissa picked up the phone. While placing a call to the delivery service, Marissa smiled while her eyes seductively scanned the firm taut body. The erotic memories of her reaction when she fantasized that Rachel was Elin came back to her.
“Okay, they will be here in five minutes.” A shiver ran through her body as she remembered how it had felt when she held the young girl in her arms earlier. “I was thinking that you might let me take you out to dinner.” She cocked her head. “It’s my way of saying thank you for all you’ve done for me.”
“You really want to have dinner with me?” There was a definite tremble in Elin’s voice.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” Marissa pointedly let her glance linger on the girl’s breasts.
“Well for starters, I am sure you could come up with someone who is more mature and sophisticated than me. I’m not very worldly. Most of my life I’ve had one goal and that was fashion.”
For a long moment, Marissa gazed at Elin. The girl was different from anyone else she’d ever met. She was unassuming, completely open, and naïve. Until she’s been with me and then she will never be the same again. My god, is she a virgin? This will be bliss. “You have no idea how very special you are. Do you?”
Elin shook her head and looked away.
Marissa gathered Elin in her arms and held her close. “There is no one else I’d rather be with.” When she peered into the smaller woman’s gaze, she saw what she hoped to see. Slowly and purposely, she lowered her head to touch Elin’s lips gently. She pulled back slightly.
“Will you please have dinner with me?”
“Yes.” For a second Elin’s mind flitted to Kati and whether there was enough food before she felt Marissa’s lips. All else was forgotten. Never had she known such bliss in the simple yet erotic kiss. She knew in that moment that she would always crave Marissa and the way she made her feel. For the first time in her life she was floating on a cloud that she had no intention of getting off.
Chapter Seven
Dinner, at the elegant Olica Restaurant inside the Kimberly Hotel, with Marissa was like a dream come true for Elin. The French cuisine along with red wine was everything she had ever dreamt about romance. Marissa was charming, solicitous, and made Elin feel completely at ease. When they spoke, Marissa’s eyes focused on her, making her feel as if she were the only person in the room.
“Oh, the meal was marvelous. Thank you so much for everything,” Elin said.
“No, thank you.” Marisa reached across the table and took her hand. “Until you came along, I had no idea how lonely and boring my life had become.”
“You have a way of making me blush.” Elin was certain that her face had turned scarlet.
“I like how it looks on you.”
Elin was way out of her element and for a fleeting second a sense of foreboding filled her mind. Marissa was like no one else she had ever met, and she desperately wanted to have a relationship with her. Slow down, girl, don’t do something you will regret. With that thought, she knew she needed to distance herself. “Will you excuse me for a minute?”
Marissa let go of her hand. “Certainly. Don’t be too long. They will be bringing the dessert tray soon.”
Elin got up and walked toward the ladies room, frantically trying not to turn around and run back to the table.
“What the hell am I doing?” she whispered. She knew she was on a collision course with her destiny in the form of Marissa Banks. The woman was no longer playing on the edges of her consciousness—she had enveloped Elin fully.
As she returned from the ladies room, she felt the dark blue eyes that were appraising and wanting her. She was totally smitten with Marissa and wanted to know her in every way.
“I missed you,” Marissa purred.
