Ribbon of Steele: A Romance of Suspense (6 page)

"Why do you ask?"

"I remember you telling me the city made you feel like you're in a maze," he replied. "Most city people don't say things like that," he continued with a grin.

Lizzie was impressed that he had remembered. "You're probably right," she replied. "But in my field, there's not much going on outside the city."

"Unless you build it yourself," he said winking at her.

"Can I ask you something?", questioned Lizzie.

"Sure, said Mackenzie leaning forward and taking a bite of his filet.

"That's the second time you've said that, and the only work you've seen of mine are decorations for a small party," said Lizzie. She paused for a moment. "Its just weird. You seem so sure that I could make it on my own. That's like my biggest fear, Mackenzie. I think you are more sure than I am."

She wondered if she had overstepped or let the fun escape from the conversation they had been having
.
Nice Lizzie, way to ruin the moment by calling the guy out on his compliment.

Mackenzie paused for a long time before answering. He stared at her in a studying way that made her shift in her seat. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke.

"I remember working with my father on business deals," he started. "A big part of Steele and Wickes back then was financing small businesses. My father had an uncanny way of knowing if a business would succeed or fail," said Mackenzie, smiling as he reminisced. "I remember asking him one time how he did it. He told me that businesses who are hesitant to borrow money are thrifty, those who talk a big game will probably be out of the game, and those who hone their craft rather than a business plan usually come out on top. He always said that type of business was more willing and able to adapt and the best place to invest."

He took a sip of wine, still studying her. "Lizzie, you are right that I haven't seen much of your work, but I want to. I bet it's amazing. I bet it's amazing because you want to make it better. You're nervous to start something yourself because you don't feel you're good enough, but that's actually the reason you should. You're actually more formidable than you realize."

Lizzie felt her face flush red. Her throat became dry. She didn't know what to say. She was happy when Mackenzie continued.

"Anyway, that's how I see things. I would bet on you to be successful. Although Steele and Wickes is being run a bit differently these days," he said with a forced smile.

"Thank you," said Lizzie. It was all she could think to say. She took a forkful of mashed potatoes.

"The other bit of advice my father gave me Lizzie...is that you can never trust a girl that only eats salad."

She looked at her plate and her filet and mashed potatoes were gone. She hadn't touched her salad. She was embarrassed for a moment, and gave him a guilty smile. They both laughed out loud.

"And if you will excuse me, I am going to select a dessert wine. I will be right back."

As Mackenzie left, Lizzie walked around the room to view the artwork. She stopped in front of the fire to look at the intricate carvings on the marble mantle. After dinner together, he knew things about her that she hadn't even shared with Nicole. She wondered if she had shared too much for a first date.

Mackenzie returned, and for a moment, they looked at each other smiling. Lizzie felt a warmth radiate over her body under his gaze.

"Can in interest you in dessert?", said a voice from behind her. She was momentarily startled as she again hadn't even noticed James enter the room alongside Mackenzie.

Man, that guy needs a bell or something.

She quickly regained her composure. "I hear the chef has made special dessert preparations, so yes I would be delighted."

"Very good," said James with a small smile. "Dessert is served in the parlor whenever you are ready."

Mackenzie joined Lizzie in front of the fire. The glow of the fire gleamed in his eyes. His large shoulders stretched the fabric of his shirt.

"Shall we?", Mackenzie asked.

"Can I ask you something first?", Lizzie asked Mackenzie as soon as James had left. "You're not afraid to cook. You're not afraid to say what's on your mind. You know business, and you have amazing taste in art. You know what my fears are. Is there anything in this world that scares you?"

Mackenzie laughed. "You mean other than Lizzie Fox?"

Lizzie smiled as he continued. "Speaking my mind has gotten me into more trouble than it's worth Lizzie, and trust me, I can't cook. I can only take credit for the dessert, but I do appreciate the compliment." He paused for a moment before continuing. "I don't ever fly. It's a long story, but I spend a lot of time in boats and with Dizzie. That's probably my biggest fear."

She shared a small smile with Mackenzie. She got the sense that he had just told her something that not a lot of people knew, and it made her feel even closer to him.

"I would love for you to try the dessert," said Mackenzie. "I hope you're not disappointed." Mackenzie smiled and touched Lizzie's arm as it rested by her side. He moved his hand slowly down her arm until he was touching her hand. He leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. His lips were soft, and left her wanting more
.
Please tell me he is planning on doing that again
.
He gave her hand a squeeze before motioning his head towards the parlor door.

As he escorted her through the large arched hallway separating the dining room and parlor, he placed his hand on the small of her back. His touch sent a lightning bold through her spine, and she took a quick draw of breath
.
I hope he didn't hear that.

The parlor was lit by a large roaring fire. Looking up, she could see intricate carvings on the wooden ceiling. The room smelled like rich leather and a spice she couldn't place. In front of the fire was a large leather sofa with an end table on either side. On each side of the table stood a tall glass. They looked to be filled with a rich chocolate mousse.

"Cocktail?", he asked.

"Yes please," she replied. She was suddenly nervous
.
Is this the end of the date. Was that a goodbye kiss? Am I going to have a drink and dessert and then go home
?
She didn't want to leave. She sat on the leather sofa as Mackenzie poured two drinks from a large buffet table sitting on the opposite side of the room. He walked to the sofa, handing her a small glass filled with dark red liquid. She took a sip. The liquid had a deep chocolate and raspberry flavor that immediately warmed her insides. Mackenzie sat on the sofa next to her and took a sip of brown liquid from his tumbler while staring at the fire. She watched him as the flames were reflected in the deep brown of his eyes. He turned to look at her. This time, she didn't make any attempt to hide her staring. She looked directly back at him. After what seemed like minutes, he reached blindly behind him to place his cocktail on the end table without breaking his gaze. She did the same. He rose from his seat and she did the same, never unlocking eyes.

He reached out his hand and she took it. As his large hand wrapped around hers, he slowly pulled her towards him. He placed his other hand around her waist and pulled her body against his. His body was firm and warm. He stared into her eyes as she looked up at him. He leaned towards her and she closed her eyes. She felt the warm exhale of his breath and then the softness of his mouth as she separated her lips. She felt a growing warmth between her legs as he moved lower to kiss her neck. She exhaled long breaths of air as he moved his hands slowly down the length of her dress.

He moved one hand to the ribbon tied in her hair and slowly pulled the end, releasing the bows. Her brown hair fell onto her shoulders. Holding the thick ribbon in his hand, he placed his palm on her cheek as he kissed her. With a slow motion he moved the ribbon over her eyes and tied it behind her head. Without her sense of sight, her other senses were highly acute. She heard his breath and felt his touch as his hand found the zipper on the back of her dress. She hadn't planned on having sex with him, but her body was betraying her. The growing wetness between her legs ached for his touch.

He slowly unzipped her dress. It slid from the hold of her small breasts and onto the floor. Her nipples perked at the sudden chill of the room as she stood before him exposed. Her chest heaved as the back of his hand slowly traced an invisible line down the side of her body. As his tongue flicked quickly on her nipple, a new wave of pleasure spread over her body. She arched her back and let out a slow moan.

His hand moved down her stomach, and she could feel it slowly travel beneath the lace of her black thong  panties. His fingers twisted around the curls of hair between her legs. He gave a slow pull and she shuddered. The mix of pain and pleasure was causing her head to swim. He twisted his finger more tightly and pulled again. She let out a small whimper as her body rushed with moisture directly beneath his hand. He released the curls of hair from his finger as she she felt her nipple enter his mouth. His fingers moved lower and he allowed it to slip inside of her. Her legs nearly gave out under the intense pleasure. She could only see blackness as two fingers of his hand moved slowly in and out of her. She could feel the heat of his breath on her neck, and she pushed her hips into his hand with every thrust. He grasped the back of the ribbon and gently pulled her head backwards exposing her neck. She felt the soft warmth of his lips on her skin.

"
You are so wet," he whispered softly in her ear. His tone was erotic and she was completely under his control.

Her hips pushed hard against his fingers and she let out a deep sigh. She felt the pleasure crash upon her, and couldn't stop a moan escaping from her lips as he pushed a third finger inside of her. The intensity of her orgasm was too great, and she began to see stars from behind the blindfold.

She was suddenly aware of how deeply she was breathing. She needed him.

"I'm on the pill and I've been tested, so you don't have to worry about.. You know..." she whispered
.
Where did that come from?

"I'm clean too," he whispered. "I don't want anything between us, I want want to feel you."

Her hands touched his neck and she realized that he had removed his shirt. She ran her fingers through his thick hair as he firmly squeezed her nipple between his fingers. The pain and pleasure made her bite her bottom lip. 

She ran the palm of her hand down his chiseled chest and over the thickness bulging in his boxer briefs. She heard him release a breath for the first time. He grabbed her wrist and spun her body until he was behind her. He kissed the back of her neck and shoulders as she pushed her firm ass backwards to meet him. Still holding her wrist, he lowered his boxer briefs, exposing his cock. He moved the small strip of fabric of her thong to the side and slowly entered her from behind. Another wave of warmth crashed over her body as she pushed backwards with each slow thrust. He released her wrist, and gently eased her forward. Instinctively she put out her hands which met the soft smoothness of the leather couch. Leaning forward, she moved her ass higher in the air. His rhythmic thrusts pushed deep inside of her.

"You are so tight," he said in a deep whisper. She had never been spoken to this way in bed before, and her body responded with another wave of pleasure. He turned her over so her back was flat on the leather sofa. The cool of the leather perked her nipples and caused her to arch her spine. She felt him enter her again and she let out another long moan. His slow, deep thrusts were too much for her to handle. She grabbed his ass and pulled him deeper inside of her as the waves of her orgasm rippled through her body. She let out a short scream as she came, unable to  to contain the pleasure within her body.

"Deeper," she said in a whisper.

She rocked her hips with every thrust of his cock, pulling him deeper inside. She could feel his body spasm, and then felt a warmth deep inside her as he finished. He thrust his hips a few more times and let out a long breath. Her body went limp from exhaustion. They lay for several minutes as she felt his heart and breathing slow. Still inside of her, he slowly removed the blindfold from her eyes. She saw him naked for the first time.