Her Officer in Charge (21 page)

“I’m so happy to hear from you,” she declared, sitting down at the kitchen table. “I have a million questions, but I know better than to ask any of them.”

“You’re a quick learner,” he chuckled.

“Not really. I’ve just given up.”

“It’s simple, Bella; the less you know, the safer you are.”

“Huh, when you put it like that, it makes sense. How are you? What’s going on?”

“Fine, no problems on my end. Everything has evolved exactly as we anticipated.”

“I have to ask, though I already know the answer, what’s going to happen with us now, I mean, with the show?”

“My band is going on tour, so—”

“Please,” she interrupted him.

“Fair enough,” he laughed. “How many commitments do you have?”

“Three, wait, four, yes, I have four. This coming weekend we have two back-to-back, remember? Friday and Saturday. Good grief, I just realized, that’s only a couple of days from now. Can I do it?”

“Do you want to?”

“Uh, yes, I have to, I can’t cancel at the last minute, unless you’re not available.”

“I’m available, and I’m going to do my best not to let you down on the others. I’ll know more in a couple of days, but I’m good for the next two weeks.”

“I haven’t heard from any of the event planners so nothing new has come in, but Scott, I can’t imagine doing a show so soon. I feel like I’ve run a marathon.”

“You have,” Scott replied soberly. “Start thinking about it, get your focus back, you’ll be fine. Play the show tape while you’re going about your day. It will help get your head back in gear. Performing will be good for you. It will help get you back into the swing of your life.”

“My life,” she repeated. “I’m not sure what that is anymore.”

“Big changes.”

“Yes, very big changes. My show seems so… unimportant.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. You make people laugh, you amaze them, they forget about their problems when they watch you.”

“That’s true, I guess. I’ve been doing it for over a year now, almost every weekend. Maybe it’s time I looked at doing something else. Without you it won’t be the same.”

“You’ll find another sound man, of course you will. My advice, don’t book any more shows, do the ones that you’re committed to, then see how you feel. You might just need a vacation.”

“Possibly,” she murmured.

“The shows this weekend, aren’t they at the camp just about thirty minutes from here?”

“Yes, they are.”

“At least that’s something. Is there any other reason you need to drive all the way back to the city?”

“Gosh, my mind has been out to lunch. When Vince suggested I stay for a few days, I should have remembered I was going to be performing there this weekend. I’m a ninny.”

“No, you’re not, you’ve just been totally distracted. So, I guess I’ll see you soon. I’ll pick you at Vince’s on Friday afternoon, text me the address.”

“This is too weird,” she muttered, “way too weird.”

“It’s good. It’s just what you need,” he assured her.

Ending the call, she stared out at Vince’s manicured backyard.

It was forever ago that I walked into that venue and saw him. He took my breath away then, and now he’s taken my heart. What am I supposed to do now? I can’t even imagine doing a show this weekend. Scott’s right, I’ll put the show tape on, that will help. It had better. I can’t let those people down.

As she listened to her music throughout the afternoon, and recalled her many past performances, she laughed out loud at certain sound effects and sang along to various songs. When she began to prepare dinner, she rehearsed the act in her mind, and when she’d finally turned the tape off to shower and prepare for Vince’s return from work, she knew she was ready for the weekend.

She was laying the table when she heard him roll into the driveway, and, pulling the bottle of chilled Sauvignon Blanc from the refrigerator, she popped the cork and splashed it into the waiting wine glasses.

The salmon was wrapped in foil packages ready to be put in the oven, the rice she’d already made and would zap in the microwave when the salmon was cooked, and the salad was waiting to be tossed. She had styled her hair and applied her makeup, and now he was home.

She couldn’t wait to see his face.

When he entered the kitchen she thought he looked tired, but as his eyes took in the table with the candles and cloth napkins, and the freshly opened bottle of wine, his eyes lit up and he broke into a broad smile.

“What have you done?”

“I’ve made us dinner.”

“Sweetheart, what a wonderful surprise, thank you, and look at you, you look fabulous. I love that dress.”

“You always know the right thing to say,” she sighed. “I think you’ll like what’s under it even more.”

“Ooh, don’t start or we’ll never get to eat whatever it is you’re cooking. What are we having?”

“I hope it’s okay. Salmon with a lemon dill sauce and rice, a salad with a honey-lemon dressing, and I picked up an apple pie from a bakery.”

Laying his bag on the counter, he opened his arms.

“Come here, you precious girl. It’s been a long day, and what a treat to come home to this.”

“I thought you looked tired,” she remarked as she closed her eyes and surrendered to his hug.

“I want a sip of that wine, then I’m going to shower.”

“I’ll start everything.”

Breaking away, he took a swallow of the light, crisp wine, kissed her warmly, then sighed heavily and smiled before heading down the hallway into his bedroom. Stripping quickly, he stepped into the shower, and as the water streamed over him and he washed off the day, he thought about how marvelous it was to walk in the door and be greeted by her.

Bella, I’m going to miss you when you head back to the city. The weekend’s coming up and I haven’t even asked you if you have a show booked. I want more time with you before you head back, more than just a couple of days. Who would have thought a spunky stage hypnotist would be the one. The one? Early days, but I can’t imagine my life without her in it. Her and her smart, adorable, sassy mouth.

Dressing quickly, he headed out of the bedroom, and as he entered the hallway, the smell of his dinner wafted around him.

“My gosh, Bella, that smells amazing,” he remarked as he entered the kitchen.

“I hope it is,” she smiled. “Have a seat.”

“Can I help?”

“Nope, it’s all under control.”

“I’ll take the wine over,” he offered, “my small contribution.”

Sitting down, he eyed the salad in the bowl in front of him, then watched her plate the food. As she set the perfectly cooked salmon on the table, she leaned down and kissed him.

“It makes me very happy to do this for you,” she said softly.

Looking up at her, Vince felt his heart swell.

“This is the first time I’ve had someone cook me dinner in this house, and I’m very glad it’s you.”

Not knowing what to say, Bella sat opposite him and watched as he took the first bite.

“My God, girl, where did you learn how to cook? This is fabulous.”

“I dated a chef for about five minutes.”

“That long?”

“There were three of us in the relationship.”

“He was married?”

“No.”

“I’m not sure I understand, why were there three of you?”

“Me, him, and his ego.”

Vince laughed out loud, almost choking on his food, and took a sip of wine as he caught his breath.

“I’ve heard that about chefs.”

“I don’t know if it’s true of all of them, but he fit the stereotype completely,” she declared.

“Bella, I didn’t ask you, and I’m sorry, I should have, but are you booked anywhere this weekend?”

“I am,” she said dramatically. “I was about to tell you. Scott called, and I’m ashamed to say I’d completely lost track of the days. It flipped me out when he reminded me.”

“I’m sure. So, what’s happening?”

“The good news, at least I hope you think it’s good news, is that I’m performing at the base about thirty minutes from here.”

“That is good news, very good news, because that means you can stay here, right?”

“Yes,” she smiled, “if that’s okay.”

“Okay? I couldn’t be happier.”

“I have two shows though, Friday and Saturday night. Scott’s picking me up here on Friday afternoon.”

“Tell me where the venue is on the base and I’ll meet you there.”

“That would be fantastic, I would love that.”

“I’m coming as your bodyguard.”

“Even better.”

They chatted about the show, and as she stood up and started to clear away the plates, he reached out and took her wrist.

“The plates can wait,” he murmured, standing up. “It’s time for dessert, and I don’t mean the apple pie.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

As he clutched a fistful of her hair, his lips met hers with an all-consuming kiss, expelling her thoughts and demanding her body respond. Feeling her yield, he pulled back and swept her up, carried her through the house to the bedroom, and, laying her on the bed, he deftly peeled off her dress, pausing to gaze at the tantalizing sight of the salacious lingerie. A black and red satin bustier held up her black stockings, but there were no bra cups or panties to impede his eye or touch.

“Surprise,” she breathed.

“Beautiful Bella,” he crooned, sitting on the bed and trailing his fingers across her breasts. “This calls for something special. Close your eyes.”

Her butterflies sprang into their fluttering dance, the erotic anticipation sent goosebumps popping, and moments later, when he returned and secured the blindfold at the back of her head, she mumbled his name.

“What is it?”

“Can you sweep me away, do things to me, stop time? I love you, I want you to possess me. Can you possess me?”

“Bella, I’m aching to possess you. I can, and I will, right now,” he breathed into her ear, then, traveling his lips across her neck, he lightly sucked and nipped as his hands kneaded her breasts. She moaned her hunger, but he slowly pulled back.

“I have to fetch some surprises,” he purred. “Behave yourself. I’ll only be a minute.”

“Yes, sir, please hurry.”

Parting with a kiss to her shoulder, he moved across the room into his closet, and, unlocking his special cabinet, he gazed fondly at his collection of implements and toys. Choosing fur-lined leather shackles, he carried them back to her, and, taking his time, delighting in the ritual, he locked them on both her wrists and ankles.

“How do they feel?”

“Wonderful, sir, thank you.”

“Time to bend you over the bed,” he said, moving her body. “Feet on the floor, shuffle them apart.”

Though she had fantasized about it many times, Bella had never been in a spreader bar, and as she waited for his return the thought floated through her mind. Moments later, when she felt him hook something onto the ankle cuffs, she gasped in joy and shock.

“Sir,” she bleated.

“What is it?”

“A bar? Am I in a bar?”

“Yes, Bella. Is this a first?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll leave it as it is, but over time I will make it wider.”

It was intense and controlling, and oddly awkward, but her focus shifted as he moved her arms above her head and snapped together her wrists. She could hear a rattling sound, and she realized he had attached a length of chain to the snap between the cuffs and was pulling it over the side of the mattress. Tugging against it, she discovered there was no give.

“No, Bella, you cannot move your arms. The chain is secured to the bed frame.”

“Sir?” she gasped.

“You’re at my mercy,” he declared, sitting beside her and smoothing his palm over her seat. “Your legs are spread for me, and you are completely helpless.”

“Sir,” she repeated.

“First, a few swats for good measure.”

Lifting his hand, bouncing it from cheek to cheek, he quickly reddened her backside, then, moving his fingers inside her glistening slit, he found her exactly as he expected her to be; soaking wet. He toyed for a few minutes, exploring and teasing, then, stepping back, he paused to enjoy the sight.

“You are simply gorgeous,” he purred. “I’ll never forget how you look at this moment, Bella, not ever.”

“Thank you, sir,” she mumbled, “and I’ll never forget this feeling. I’ve never been in a position like this before.”

“It’s the first of many,” he promised, leaning down to place his lips at her ear. “Don’t go anywhere, I won’t be long.”

He heard her groan as he headed into his closet to undress; knowing his brief absence would fuel her need, he took his time. After putting away his clothes, he turned back to his display of implements, selecting a riding crop and a deerskin flogger, and slowly ambled back to her.

Laying them on the bed beside her, he gazed down at her bright red bottom, then ran his hands over her full plump moons. Listening to her sighs and moans, he continued fondling and squeezing, then, clutching her cheeks, he slowly, purposefully pulled them apart. She gasped and wriggled, horrified at the lewd exposure, but he ignored her protests, keeping them firmly separated until she finally stopped squirming.

“You must learn, Bella, whatever it is you’re protesting will continue until the protest stops. I take it no one has ever dallied between your cheeks.”

“No, sir, never,” she groaned, the humiliation clear in her voice.

“That’s going to change. I’ll let you think about it, you can dwell on it, consider the possibilities.”

“I don’t want to consider the possibilities,” she retorted.

His palm began spanking her backside before the words had even left her mouth.

“Ow, sir, ow. Ow.”

“That was rude and disrespectful,” he scolded.

“I’m sorry, sir.”

“Again you wanted to test me?”

“Sorry, sir,” she repeated.

“Who’s the officer in charge?” he demanded, grasping her cheeks and repeating the libidinous play.

“You are, sir,” she squeaked.

“I know you are the expert when it comes to the power of suggestion, but I have my own brand of mind magic.”

“Mind magic, sir?”

“Yes, for example, if I said to you, don’t think of a penguin, what would you immediately think of?”