Risky Pleasures (10 page)

Lacy came into the room tentatively and sat on a stool by the island. She played with the placemat. Her head was bent forward, her hair shielding her face.

“We never got to talk about…our son,” Lacy said softly.

Archer stiffened. “There is nothing to say. You killed him with your drunkenness.”

Lacy flinched then slumped even farther. “I know. I was in a bad place. And I’m sorry, Archer. So sorry for that. Sorry you didn’t get to know him.”

“What, you’re clean now and this is one of your steps? Am I just supposed to offer you absolution? Is that what you’re here for, Lacy?”

Archer crossed his arms over his chest. His heart raced and pain filled him. Lacy stood slowly, her body rigid.

“No, that’s not what I want. Why I am here. This isn’t about you, Archer. This is about our son.” Her voice broke and she took a shuddering breath, shaking.

Archer clenched his fist.

Lacy seemed to pull herself together. “About doing right by him. I don’t want or need your forgiveness. I can’t forgive myself, so how could I ever expect you to? I’m here to tell you whatever you need to know about your son. Something I should have done a long time ago. When you are ready to know, to talk about him, call me. I’ll be leaving as soon as I pack.”

Lacy turned then walked to the doorway. She moved as if in pain. Archer watched the woman he had eventually married in a drunken rush. Although their marriage had been short and volatile, he had loved her as a friend first. He went over to her, pulling her back against his chest. Lacy stiffened. Archer put his head on top of hers, as he had done often when they were together.

“I don’t know if I can ever forgive you, Lady…but…I’d like to know more about him.”

“I haven’t heard that nickname in a long time, Risk. It doesn’t fit anymore,” Lacy said tearfully.

“It does and always will, Lady.” He held her.

Lacy sighed, resting back against his chest. Archer inhaled the familiar rose scent of her. Lacy patted his arms around her waist then stepped out of his embrace to face him. The impish look in her gaze was one he recognised from the past.

“You do know Victoria won’t stop if you keep being a nice guy. She’s a real bitch.”

“Language, Lady.” Archer laughed.

“It’s true. She has it in her head that if we get back together she can get to your money. She doesn’t know you very well.” Lacy shook her head.

“Victoria only cares about herself. And nothing outside of what she wants matters. She’ll get it.” Archer shrugged.

“I hope so, before she does something stupid.” Lacy’s expression became serious. “I for one think you and Delicia are meant for each other. Even in high school I could tell you had a thing for her.”

“I didn—”

She put her finger over his lips, stilling his words. “You did. All of us on the cheerleading squad knew it. Hell, they warned me to keep away from you and I did until…that night.” Lacy closed her eyes briefly. “I never thanked you for saving me from him.”

“Shh…that was never necessary.”

“It was. You kept saying I never needed to thank you, but you didn’t have to save me. And I thank you for it. It is what brought us together. First as friends then lovers. So some good came out of it. Meeting you and being together,” Lacy said softly.

Archer drummed his fingers on the countertop. “It was the right thing to do. No man has the right to force a woman.”

“Very true. But he isn’t a man. He’s a worm. I’ve spotted him around town but avoided him.”

“Keep away from him, Lady. He hasn’t changed just gotten worst.” Archer said.

“I plan to. Now, off the memory train. You don’t let Delicia get away from you. Promise me, Risk,” Lacy said.

“You always were a bossy thing.”

“And you know it. I love you and always will. I want you to be happy.” Lacy cupped his cheek.

Archer smiled uneasily. “Okay.”

Lacy snorted. “Not in a love, love sense you goof. In the used to be my friend and then husband, but I still care one. Please, you aren’t even my type anymore.”

Archer frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, you are a big strong man and I should fall at your feet and praise the gods that made you.”

“No need to be sarcastic, Lady. I get it.” Archer chuckled.

“Now go to your woman.” Lacy patted his arm.

“I’m on my way. Where’s Victoria?” Archer asked curiously.

“I have no clue. I was coming back from my walk when she left. I think it might have been just before you arrived.” Lacy shrugged. She turned and walked away.

“Do you miss Tony, Lacy?” Archer said.

She put her hand next to her head on the doorjamb then whispered, “Every single day.”

“Me too. I will…want to take you up on the offer of talking about him. But not yet. I’d like if you can, for you to stay a little while longer so we can talk about…Tony.” Archer cleared his throat.

“I can stay for as long as you need. Took a sabbatical from my job,” Lacy replied.

“Okay. Thanks. What do you do?”

“I’m a counsellor for victims of violent crimes and grief,” Lacy said.

Archer was shocked. Lacy glanced back at him.

“I have lots of experience with it. Might as well use it. I’m going to take another walk. Need to clear my head a little. Have fun at Delicia’s.” Lacy walked out.

Archer didn’t try to stop her this time. He picked up his mail and bag then headed for his car. He paused by the living room door.
Where the hell is Victoria?

* * * *

Delicia turned on the pedestal, looking at the outfit in the various mirrors. The halter-top shirt had a handkerchief hem, the peach and white flower design of the fabric complemented her skin. A sweetheart neckline and princess cut gave definition in the right places. The matching pants had an intertwined white and peach scalloped crocheted lace at the bottom of each leg that rested just below her knees. Delicia put out one of her feet. High-heeled sandals left her toes bare—they were painted a pale peach with a white design. Frowning at herself, Delicia wondered how she’d let herself be talked into polish on her toes, for Christ’s sakes.

“She looks good. And it suits her, if I do say myself,” Deyon De’clare said.

“And it keeps with her not being much of a dress person,” Arissa said.

“And will bring him to his knees to kiss her delectable toes. Don’t you agree, honey?” Katiya Wright, her other sister, said.

A man with inky-black, shaggy, shoulder-length hair came into view in the mirrors. He was very big—muscular and intense. He walked around to where she stood on the pedestal and stopped when he faced her, studying her out of indigo eyes. He joined her on the raised platform and took her hand. He raised it to his lips and kissed it gently.

“Delicious. If Archer doesn’t fall to your feet, call me. I’ll gladly do it.” He winked.

“Warwick, behave.” Katiya sounded amused.

Warwick Taylor winked again then released her hand. He slid his arm around her waist and turned her to face the trio of women. Delicia had asked Deyon to make her an outfit for her date with Archer. This was their first date that wasn’t so athletic and she wanted it to be special. Deyon had done it gladly, spending hours and working late to get it finished in under a week. Delicia was unsure what Deyon would come up with, since she wasn’t into really feminine clothing—she was more a pants and shirt woman. But now, seeing the outfit, she’d admit Deyon had matched her athletic side with a sophisticated, sexy one perfectly.

“You have done an excellent job, ladies,” he said.

“Like I need you to tell me that,” Deyon snorted.

“You know you’re fabulous.” Warwick blew her a kiss.

The women glanced at each other uneasily. Delicia bit her lip, stifling a laugh. They had convinced her to use her getting her outfit to teach Warwick a lesson, which seemed to be failing.

“And now that the show to convince me to back down on wanting to take part in every step of the planning for my wedding to Katiya is over, I’ll head home.” Warwick got down then kissed Deyon and Arissa on the cheeks.

He pulled Katiya into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. Pulling back, he ran his finger over her cheek.

“See you at home later.” Warwick strode to the door of the fitting room then paused. “Katiya?”

“Yes, honey.”

“Don’t honey me. It wasn’t necessary to torture me with a day at the spa getting pampered with four women to have me back off. All you had to do is ask. You’re going to make this up to me. Now, I need a drink.” Warwick blew out a breath yanking open the door then walking out.

“I will make it up to you, honey,” Katiya promised.

“Christ, who knew women could talk so much. Or there were so many places to pluck, tweak and all that shit. I didn’t want to know all that. Leave some mystery on the process to the wow. Wait until Calix, her brothers, Tarak and the others hear this shit. I’ll never live it down. I’ve been plucked and tweaked. Have polish on my damn nails and toes. I don’t care if it’s clear. It’s polish, for fuck’s sake. Yeah, I need a really strong drink.” They could hear his muttering as he disappeared from view.

They waited a few moments until they were sure he was gone then started to giggle. Delicia stepped down and collapsed on the large couch with the other women. They laughed hard.

“That was so mean. Hell, I felt like I was being tortured
tooooooo
.” Delicia leant back chuckling.

“He had me worried for a bit. Took it all without a complaint. And yeah, he will be ribbed about this.” Katiya wiped her wet eyes.

“Serves him right. Questioning me about the type of dress and fabrics and all that. Hell, he knew more about fabric than you did,” Deyon said.

“He’s been researching it. He’s a computer geek with unlimited access to info at his fingertips. His assistant called me and begged me to help. He was driving her crazy with showing her swatches of fabrics and wedding things. I know he wants to be part of it, but it was getting ridiculous. When he called Mom and the aunts to set up a planning session I knew it had gone too far. He had to be stopped.” Katiya shook her head.

“I’m glad we did it. Maybe Deiter hearing about Warwick’s experience will stop him from falling into madness. He was already making noises about wanting to be in on the process. Hopefully this will nip it in the bud.” Arissa made a cutting motion with her fingers.

“Still think it was mean to poor Warwick and to me. Funny, but mean.” Delicia chuckled.

“And you were a good sport about it, Lis. Thanks for going along. Now, tell us about you and Archer,” Katiya said.

“Ummm…there’s nothing to tell,” Delicia said, standing.

Deyon pulled her back down onto the couch.

“Girl, I made a dress in a week for you. Worked my fingers to the bone. You better be giving up some details. And as graphic as possible.” Deyon wiggled her fingers.

Delicia tried to say nothing, but they prodded her until she spilled about her and Archer. They listened and laughed, teased and made raunchy comments. When she discussed his mother, they got loud.

“She did not call you the maid. Did you deck her? Please tell me you decked her,” Deyon said.

“No—”

“Why the heck not?” Katiya said.

“Just a little
pow
to the kisser,” Arissa added.

“Hush, you violent wenches. Let me talk.” Delicia laughed, then explained why she hadn’t.

“Aw…I always liked Archer’s dad. He is cool. Used to come by my house and change my oil when I was out of town for an extended time. Archer does it for me now,” Deyon said.

“He’s why Archer is the way he is,” Delicia said.

“Yeah. He raised Archer right. Made him a hell of a man. So, when’s the wedding?” Katiya asked.

Delicia blinked, startled. “We’re just dating. Not engaged.”

“Not yet. But you all sound serious. And Archer strikes me as a man who goes all or nothing. He’s going to propose, I know it. Listen to your big sis,” Katiya said.

“Yep, he is. And then I will make you a fabulous wedding dress and bridesmaid gowns. Just set a date after these two, so I have time,” Deyon added.

“At least you’ll know some of our measurements,” Arissa said.

“Yep, saves some time. I’ll just have to get the sizes for the other bridesmaids she picks.”

Delicia let them talk around her. There was no doubt who some of her bridal party would be if she got married. That was a big if. They hadn’t even got that far. Hadn’t even said the three little words. Delicia stood, then went behind the curtain to the changing area to undress and put on her street clothing. She held the garment as she returned to the open area.

“Let me get a bag for you for that,” Deyon said.

She left, then came back holding a garment bag with Deyon’s and the shop’s logo on it. Deyon put the outfit inside and zipped it up. She put the shoes in a shoebox that had the same logo then into a bag, also with the emblem.

“I’m glad you had shoes to match the outfit,” Delicia said.

“You’re lucky I did. I didn’t design any. Thankfully the shoe maker and designer on staff had something. Now, have fun with Archer.”

“Thanks.” Delicia replied, then waved at her sisters.

She strode to the door. As she stepped into the hall, she glanced down the empty expanse. The room they’d used was the largest—it was Deyon’s personal room. She knew there were six more rooms down the long hall, which were used for custom designs or fittings. She passed them as she left. Entering the main room of the boutique, Delicia took in the spacious floor, bustling with customers. Racks of clothing were set up throughout and there were couches along the walls for people to sit. There were changing rooms close to each sitting area, which could be used for people to try the stock from the floor.

Deyon’s catered to full-figured women. Every item was designed by Deyon, including accessories and lingerie. She even did some of the shoes. She believed in outfitting from the inside out and head to toe. The shop had affordable as well as higher end clothing, and other items on the rack made in mass amounts. They changed based on availability once what was made had sold out, then if there had been a high demand for the item it might be made again. If not, another design would take its place. They also designed on a commission basis. Deyon was a sought after designer and had lines she’d created for most fashion weeks around the world. She was also an ex-full-figured supermodel. A custom design by her was worth a lot of money.