Disclaimers: are the same as
all subsequent parts.
Special Thanks: To the fans
for all of your support and to the webmasters who tirelessly support all of the
bards.
NEW ADDRESS: Please take note that I have a new email address, as
I will no longer use AOL’s service. The new address is Cruise@clububer2000.com
Lark’s knees
weakened from the kiss Rayne placed on her hand. ‘It’s not where I wanted
Rayne’s lips, but at least the woman kissed me. She takes my breath away.’ Lark
thought dreamily as she finally steadied her frail extremities
and stared into Rayne’s deep blues. “I’ll be expecting your call.” Lark softly
spoke and smiled staring into the eyes that melt her heart.
She was disappointed, but it was a beginning and that’s all she could ask for
from Rayne right now. “Oh, here is your jacket.” She offered when she
remembered she was still wearing it and reached to hand it to Rayne.
“No, it’s okay
you can give it to me tomorrow and that way you won’t be cold on the ride
home.” Rayne offered with a smile and opened the door for her.
“Thank you,
that’s very sweet.” Lark giggled and climbed into the limo. Rayne closed the
door and Lark quickly opened the window. She had to see those alluring
blue eyes one last time. “Have a good evening.” Lark smiled, her green eyes
sparkling in the moonlight.
“Same
to you.” Rayne
grinned and watched as the limo slowly pulled away. She turned her head to
watch Lark and waved when she looked back at her. She sighed and lowered her
head when the limo disappeared down the road. ‘Why didn’t you just ask her
to stay?’ She inwardly questioned and looked down the darkened, abandoned
road regretting her decision to not ask her to stay. She entered the villa and
tossed her keys on the table. She picked up the phone and punched the numbers
into it, holding the device to her ear. “Hey, Holly.”
She flatly greeted.
“Hi
Rayne. Are you okay?
You don’t sound too good. Did your date not go very well?” Holly worried by the
tone in her voice that the date wasn’t what she had hoped for.
Holly fired off
the questions quicker than Rayne could respond, but she managed to interrupt
her, “No, Holly it was absolutely wonderful. I had a great time with Lark.
She’s fabulous.” Rayne admitted and smiled as she thought back on the lovely
evening, and walked down the
hall towards her room.
“What’s wrong
then? You sound kind of down. Oh, is she there and you can’t talk about it?”
Holly chuckled when it dawned on her the reason she might be so quiet and
evasive.
“No,
she’s not here.” Rayne laughed and sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m alright. A
little disappointed with myself for not asking her to
stay, but I’m fine. Thanks for being so concerned.” She answered and began to
take her shoes off.
“Well, what
happened? Why didn’t you ask her to stay? I thought you said the date went
well.” Holly inquired intrigued and confused by what was going on.
“I’ll tell you
about it tomorrow okay. It’s late and I don’t want to think about my reasons
for not asking her to stay right now. I would like to just enjoy the afterglow
of the date. Know what I mean?” Rayne asked and lay back on the bed.
“Sure, I
understand.” Holly answered and knew it was Rayne’s polite way of telling her to
back off and shut up.
“Hey, what do
you have planned for
“Nothing. Why?” Holly queried.
“Well, Lark
invited us to a pediatric AIDS Benefit Carnival tomorrow
and I wanted to make sure he could make it.”
“Trust me, even if we did have something planned for him do you
think he’d pass up an opportunity to hang out with his aunt and his favorite
actress?” Holly questioned incredulously and chuckled.
“His
favorite actress?”
Rayne asked with a laugh, surprised by the comment.
“Yes, he has
deemed her his favorite actress since he saw her at your place. I guess she had
some kind of an affect on him.” She laughed, as did Rayne.
“He’s not the
only one she’s made an impact on.” Rayne added with a chuckle and smiled happily
as she thought about how Lark made her feel. “I’ll
come by in the morning to pick him up. I’m not sure what time the event is, but
I imagine it’s in the early afternoon.”
“Sounds
great. I’ll make a
huge breakfast and you can tell us all about your date.” Holly invited and
chuckled.
“I knew you
wouldn’t let that one slip by you.” Rayne laughed and added, “I’ll see you in
the morning and be sure you make some blueberry muffins.”
“You got it.
Sleep well.” Holly agreed with a chuckle.
“You
too. Bye.” Rayne
replied and clicked off the phone. She sighed and laughed thinking about how
Holly wasn’t going to let the details of her date with Lark go
without explanation. She rolled onto her side and picked up Lark’s card from
the nightstand to call her. She blew out the breath in an attempt to calm the
butterflies in her stomach and waited for Lark to answer the phone. ‘Hmmm,
she may not be home yet.’ Rayne thought discouraged as the phone rang many
times.
“Hello!” Lark
replied, breathless as she rushed into the house and picked up the phone.
“Hey, Lark its
Rayne.” She greeted and suddenly felt too restless to lie still on the bed. The
nervous tension she felt when talking to Lark coursed through her. The
woman had the same affect on her when she was in Rayne’s presence. She padded
across the room to the French doors that led to her patio and opened them.
“Hi Rayne. I’m sorry I just got in the house. Whew!” She exclaimed
and sighed to calm her labored breathing from running into the house. She had
heard the phone and hoped it was Rayne, but had a hard time opening the door in
such a rush.
“Oh, sorry well
take your time and catch your breath. I can call back or you can…” Rayne
offered and was interrupted by Lark.
“NO! No, aah I’m fine as long as you don’t mind me breathing hard to
catch my breath.” Lark giggled and quickly thwarted her attempt to hang up.
“Oh, I don’t
mind listening to you breath hard Lark.” Rayne commented before she could think
about what she was saying. ‘Shit! What the hell was I thinking by saying that!’ She wondered flustered by the woman on the other
end of the line and slapped her forehead hoping it would knock some sense into
her.
Lark was stunned
and moved the phone away from her ear, staring at it. She covered the receiver
and excitedly voiced, “Yes!” from the comment. She knew by the playful sexual
innuendos they exchanged at dinner and during their walk that Rayne was very
interested in her. She truly believed that she could make a lasting impression
on the dark haired beauty if she would only agree to a date with her and
finally that happened. “Well, you certainly take my breath away.” Lark casually
and chuckled, tossing her purse on the couch. She kicked off her high heels and
headed down the hall to her bedroom.
“Oh, aah well, I spoke with Holly and she said that it would be
okay for
“That’s great!”
Lark enthusiastically answered and opened the door to her bedroom. “Oh, my god!” Lark replied stunned.
“What? What’s
wrong Lark? Are you okay?” Rayne worriedly asked, hearing the tone in Lark’s
voice change.
“No, I’m not.”
Lark answered stunned as she looked at her bed.
“Is someone
there? I’ll be right there. Hang up and call the police.” Rayne anxiously
informed her and rushed to put her shoes on.
“Oh,
no! I’m so sorry. I
didn’t mean to scare you Rayne. I was shocked to see that Elaine had cleaned
off my bed.” Lark told her apologetically.
“Why would
Elaine be cleaning off your bed Lark?” Rayne defensively and jealously asked.
She had a sneaky suspicion that maybe Elaine lied to her about her relationship
with Lark.
“Do I hear a
tinge of jealous in your voice Rayne Donovan?” Lark flirtatiously asked and
grinned wickedly as she sat on the edge of the bed.
Rayne was silent
and smiled sheepishly admitting in a low tone, “you
got me lady. I admit I it, I was jealous.” Rayne laughed and walked back to the
door to the patio.
“Don’t be she’s
like a sister to me. She was just doing me a huge favor by cleaning off the
mound of clothing I had there when I was trying to find an outfit for our date.
You’re the object of my desire.” Lark informed her, feeling a tingling
sensation from Rayne’s admission and was surprised that Rayne said that to her.
“Really? I didn’t know that, but it’s good to
know.” Rayne teasingly answered and smiled broader, feeling warmth consume her
from Lark’s admission. She grinned happily as she stared out
over the darkened ocean, enjoying the feelings that Lark elicited whenever she
spoke to her. She knew exactly how Lark felt about her, it was hard not too as
she made her feelings very clear.
“That doesn’t
scare you away?” Lark tentatively asked and hoped it wouldn’t.
“Not
at all.” Rayne softly
answered and blushed. She sat in the patio chair and propped her feet up on the
railing, wiggling her toes in the cool ocean breeze.
“I’m happy to
hear that.” Lark answered and smiled, her heart racing faster. “What kind of
cologne do you wear? I love the smell of it.” Lark asked and breathed in the
scent of it from Rayne’s jacket.
“It’s ‘Curve’.
You like it huh?” Rayne asked and chuckled.
“Yes,
very much. I don’t
think I can give you your jacket back though. It smells too good.” Lark giggled
and pulled the large coat around her, pretending as though it was Rayne wrapped
around her.
“Oh, so that’s
where you are getting a whiff of my cologne.” Rayne laughed and ran an absent
hand through her dark hair.
“Yes, I still
have it on. It makes me feel close to you.” Lark admitted, smiling. She didn’t
want to hold anything back. Even if she wanted to it wouldn’t work as the
comments just flowed from her mouth without any thought or hesitation.
“I was thinking
the same thing about you Lark as I sit here looking out over the dark ocean and
I hear the waves gently lap against the shore. It makes me think of our walk
earlier and how much I would like for you to be here.” Rayne replied in a low
sultry tone, staring off in the distance. She decided to let her heart speak
for her feelings of Lark and she wanted the alluring woman to know just how
interested she was in her.
“Well, someone
didn’t invite me to stay.” Lark teasingly laughed.
Rayne chuckled
knowingly and replied, “Yes, that’s my fault. I should have suggested it and I
apologize. I’ll have to issue you a rain check.” Rayne coyly offered and
smiled.
“An offer I
cannot refuse and when might I cash in that rain check?” Lark flirtatiously
asked.
“Soon,
very soon.” Rayne
voiced softly.
“I look forward
to it.” Lark purred into the receiver.
Rayne blushed
and chuckled, “So, where is the benefit tomorrow and what time is it at?” she
asked changing the subject. If she didn’t change it quick she’d have to hang up
and take a cold shower from all the bantering.
“It’s at a park
down in Key Biscayne at
“Okay, well do
you want to meet us over at my place and then we can head down south? It should
take us about an hour to get there from here, counting in the traffic delays
that I’m sure we’ll encounter.
“That sounds
like a plan. I’ll be there at
“No,
not at all. I’m cool
with Elaine as long as she doesn’t have any romantic interest in you.” Rayne
answered and didn’t feel as insecure or jealous about Elaine as before.
“None
what so ever. Trust
me when I tell you that Rayne.” Lark answered adamantly and felt a tingle in
her spine that Rayne was being somewhat possessive towards her in regards to
Elaine.
“Your word is good
enough for me.” She was happy that she heard that from Lark and believed
her. “So, what should I wear?” She casually asked and stood up.
“Shorts and a
T-shirt are fine. It’s a carnival outdoors so everyone will be dressed
casually.” Lark informed her.
“Great, I like
parties that are casual.” Rayne laughed and walked back into the bedroom.
“Well, I’ll see you at high noon then.”
“I can’t wait.”
Lark excitedly replied.
“Sweet dreams
Lark.” Rayne commented with a sly grin.
“Oh, I’m sure I
will now that I spoke to you before heading off to bed.” Lark teased and smiled
wickedly, thinking of the dreams she would be having of Rayne later on.
“Same here Lark
Morgan.” Rayne sexily answered and lay on the bed. She rolled onto her side and
rested her head in her hand. “I had a great time this evening and I look
forward to tomorrow. Good night.” Rayne softly told her.
“Me
too, good night.”
Lark answered smiling and sighed when she clicked off the phone. She dropped
the phone on the bed and looked up at the ceiling lost in her thoughts of
Rayne. “She makes me so hot!” She proclaimed and quickly headed into the
bathroom for a cold shower.
Rayne clicked
off the phone and her hand dropped to the bed. She smiled giddily as she
thought back on their wonderful evening and the phone conversation. She looked
forward to their date the next day. She noticed a magazine on the nightstand
with an article of Lark in it that she had picked up a few days before. She
placed the phone on the bed and reached over, grabbing the magazine. She put it
on the bed before her and looked at the alluring picture of Lark. “What is it
about you Lark Morgan that drives me so wild? Could it be those gorgeous green
eyes, the sexy body or that fabulous personality?” She asked the picture as if
it would answer her. “I think it’s a combination of all of them. I love the way
I feel when I’m with you, there’s no denying that.” Rayne smiled and lay back
on the bed. She closed her eyes and stared at the mental picture of the woman
who had managed to capture her affections. She had warmth and a wondrous
sensation course through her as she drifted off to sleep with an attractive,
blonde actress heavy on her mind.
“What the hell!”
Elaine stated stunned to see the sight before her when she entered the house.
“Lark what are you doing up at this hour? I can’t believe it, are you really
Lark Morgan?” Elaine teasingly asked as she approached the dining room table
where Lark was sitting.
“Oh, stop it!”
Lark blushed embarrassed and playfully slapped her friend’s arm.
“I can’t believe
that you are out of bed before
“I have the
benefit today Elaine.” Lark smirked and placed a piece of toast in her mouth.
“Yes, I know
that’s why I’m here. I thought I would have to drag your sorry, sleepy ass out
of bed to make it in time.”
“Well, I asked
Rayne to accompany me there along with her nephew.” Lark blushed and scrunched
her shoulders from the tingling sensation she had every time Rayne’s name was
mentioned.
“I see that your
date went well and that she’s had a positive influence on getting you out of
bed!” Elaine chuckled and laughed when Lark joined in.
“I would love
for her to have a positive impact on getting me into bed instead of out of it.”
Lark added and laughed harder along with Elaine.
“Oh, let me call
“I’ll have to
tell you on the way because the limo is here. I called and asked that they come a littler earlier than scheduled seeing as how we will
be picking Rayne and Brandon up.” Lark informed her with a chuckle and stood
up, grabbing her purse from the counter along with a piece of toast.
“Damn, I don’t
even have time for breakfast.” Elaine added and followed Lark out the door as
she struggled to hold her paperwork and the phone.
“You can have my
other piece of toast.” Lark offered as they exited the house.
“Oh, you are too
kind to me Lark.” Elaine sarcastically quipped with a laugh as they walked
towards the limo.
“Okay, I’ll keep
it then. Beggars can’t be choosers.” Lark teasingly giggled and moved the toast
to her mouth.
“Give me that!
“Auntie Rayne!
Is it true that we are going to a carnival with Lark Morgan?”
She laughed and
picked him up. “You got it little man. She promised that you would have a blast
there.” She informed him smiling and carried him towards the dining room.
“Oh, yes! This is
going to be so cool.” He excitedly smiled and looked at his aunt. He placed his
small hand on her cheek as she looked at him. “I am so happy that you and Lark
are getting to be better friends.”
“Oh, I’m sure
you are.” She chuckled and tickled his ribs, laughing harder when he squirmed
in her arms.
“You’re killing
me! Stop, please!” He laughingly pleaded.
“Only if you
tell me that you didn’t eat all of the food your mama is making for breakfast.”
Rayne teased and laughed.
“I didn’t I
promise!” He swore and held up his hand as a promise of his oath.
“Okay, well I’m
hungry so let’s eat!” Rayne chuckled and led him towards the table. “Hey Holly.” She smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “Old man.” She taunted her brother and smirked when she
looked at him.
“Tell me again
why you invited her Holly?” He sarcastically asked and looked at his wife.
“She’s your
sister.” She commented sardonically and looked at him with a sly grin.
“Yeah, we’ve
been trying to get rid of her for some time, but she’s like a loyal stray. She
keeps coming back!” He answered laughing.
“Well, stop
feeding her!” Holly added, snickering.
“Oh,
you two are really funny. Did it ever occur to you that I come around because I
feel sorry for the two of you?” Rayne countered jokingly with a laugh and
sipped the coffee before her. “I’m sorry you have such silly parents Brandon,
but you can be safe in the knowledge that you have a wonderful aunt to make
sure that you grow up normal.” Rayne teased as she looked at
“Yeah,
they’re alright for parents.” He laughed glancing at them then looked back at
his aunt. “I’m going to watch ‘toons’ until you
finish eating. Hurry up okay, I’m ready to go.” He encouraged and climbed off
her lap.
“Well, isn’t he pushy.” Rayne laughed and watched him skip over to the TV to
watch the cartoons. She turned back to the table, “Did he already eat?” she
asked and grabbed a muffin from the plate.
“Yes, and we’d
like to thank you for getting him so riled up!” Holly sarcastically replied and
buttered her muffin.
“Hey, what can I
say? I have to keep this family on their toes!” Rayne jokingly commented and
stuffed her mouth full of the muffin, and grinned.
“Come on, give
us the scoop Rayne. We have to know how the date went last night.” Holly
eagerly encouraged staring at her sister-in-law, and waited for her to answer.
“I would say it
went well if you two are going out again today?” Shayan
mischievously smirked and looked up from his plate towards his sister.
“Oh, it went
great. I really had a fantastic time.” Rayne smiled exuberantly.
“That’s
wonderful Rayne, but why did you sound so down on the phone last night then?”
Holly questioned, still confused by her demeanor the previous evening.
“Well, when I
spoke to you I was disappointed with myself for not asking her to stay. I
wanted her to, but I didn’t want her to. Does that make any sense?” She asked
with a silly grin, and hoped she was explaining herself.
“I suppose, but
if you explain your reasoning a little more then maybe I can tell if you’ve
completely lost it or not.” Her brother suggested with a smirk.
“Normally I
would have just cut to the chase and done the deed with my other dates, but I
didn’t want to be that way with Lark. I wanted our first experience to be
special and not just to have sex with her for the sake of it.” Rayne explained
sincerely.
“Oh, that’s so
sweet!” Holly gushed and felt her eyes watering. She slapped her husband’s arm
when she saw him roll his eyes. “You’d be wise to take a hint from your sister
mister!” She warned and pointed at him as he and Rayne laughed.
“Besides, I was
nervous as all hell!” Rayne sheepishly admitted and laughed. “When I’m with her
she does something to me and I lose control of my composure.” Rayne grinned
radiantly.
“It sounds like
you are pretty smitten with this woman Rayne.” Shayan
observed from what she told them and from the look on her face. He had never
seen her so happy.
“Completely. She’s so intriguing, vibrant, sincere,
stunning,” Rayne snickered and raised an eyebrow in appreciation of Lark’s
beauty, “and real. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman and then some.”
Rayne smiled infatuated with the woman. She stared at her plate lost in her
thoughts and feelings for Lark.
“That’s
fantastic Rayne.” Holly enthusiastically replied and brought Rayne out of her
revere. “So, she’s not some self absorbed celebrity then?” She queried
curiously.
“Not
at all. In fact, she
loves to shop which is good news for you Holly.” Rayne sarcastically informed
her and snickered.
“Are you
insinuating that I like to shop? You must be mistaking me for someone else.”
Holly teasingly protested.
“Yeah,
right! I have the
bills to prove that she’s the one you are referring to.” Shayan
jokingly commented and playfully blew his wife a kiss.
“She’s into
traveling, writing, reading and she loves children.” Rayne excitedly told them
and felt a tickle in her stomach when she spoke of Lark.
“Wait! You had
the children talk on the first date?” Shayan asked,
surprised and shocked.
“Yeah,
why?” Rayne asked,
defensively.
“You don’t have
the children talk on the first date.” He informed her; shocked that she had
discussed it with Lark.
“Oh, really
mister ‘I want you to be the mother of my children’ on the first date! That is
the person I’m talking about right?” Holly countered accusingly and looked at
her husband questioningly.
Rayne chuckled
under her breath and held her hand to her mouth to conceal her smile. She
couldn’t wait to hear her brother squirm out of this one. Shayan
looked at his wife and grinned. He gulped the lump in his throat and looked at
his sister. “Like I said, talking about children on the first date is
wonderful.” He changed his tune and laughed with the others.
“You
sissy.” Rayne teased
and laughed harder.
“I’m surprised
you didn’t haul ass when that topic came up Rayne.” He stated, grinning.
“Yeah, I was surprised
myself. It’s so strange. Every time anyone else brought up the topic, including
Karen, I felt trapped and I couldn’t get out of the conversation quick enough,
but not with Lark. I felt so at ease with her and the conversation was so
right. I’m afraid I might be looking into all of this too much and too quickly.
I mean, we only mentioned to one another that we love
children, but it felt so right discussing it with her. The affect she has on me
scares me. I want to be with her, but when I am I feel like a silly, little
schoolgirl.” Rayne admitted with a grin and looked at her brother.
He glanced over
at his wife and back to his sister. He knew what was going on with his sister
and this woman. It was written all over her face, ‘She’s in love with her. I
know it.’ He thought confidently and replied, “Don’t fight the feeling sis.
Follow your heart and be yourself with her. I have a feeling you are holding
back with her. I know how you like to conceal your true emotions Rayne.”
“I know, it’s
just frightening for me to lay my heart on the line again, but it’s too late.
She’s captured it and I don’t know what I would do if it were broken again but
I can’t turn back now. The feelings I have for Lark are far stronger than the
one’s I ever had for Karen and if I’m holding them back it’s because I’m trying
to keep from being hurt again.” She explained sincerely.
“I know hun. Just take it slow and get to know her better.
Hopefully, she feels the same for you and your heart won’t be broken again.
You’ve got to take a chance on love again Rayne. You know you can’t live in the
past and close that wonderful heart of yours any more than it already is now.”
Holly touchingly encouraged and patted her hand comfortingly.
Rayne looked at
her smiling knowingly and replied, “Thanks.” She turned when
“I think it’s
time for us to go Auntie Rayne.” He excitedly suggested, looking up at his
aunt.
Rayne looked at
the clock then to him. “Yes, we’ve got to boogie buddy. Go get your helmet and
jacket.” She instructed and smiled.
“Yes!” He
excitedly shouted and ran off to retrieve the items.
Rayne, Holly and
Shayan laughed as they watched him run off. “I should
have him home by early evening.” Rayne informed them smiling and rose from her
chair.
“Have fun!” They
suggested and looked at
“Oh, I will or
Auntie Rayne will kick my butt!” He laughed as he put his jacket on.
The group headed
out to the driveway. “You be careful with my son on that motorcycle.” Holly
cautioned worriedly.
“Mom, come on!
I’ll be fine. Besides, Auntie doesn’t live that far away.”
“Give your mama
a kiss and I won’t worry so much.” Holly suggested smiling and leaned down.
“There ya go ma!” He giggled and kissed her. “Bye dad!” He smiled
and kissed his father who knelt before him.
“Bye son. Be a good boy.” He smiled and patted his back.
“Always
dad!”
Rayne placed him
on the motorcycle in front of her and started it up.
“Hello Lark, I’m
“Well, hello
“I have seen all
of your movies and I really love them. You are my favorite actress.” He
enthusiastically informed her, looking up at her, as she stood upright.
“Thank you, I appreciate you being such a big fan.” Lark laughed
and looked up at Rayne.
Her mouth
dropped open when Rayne removed her helmet and tossed her dark hair side to
side as she approached. “I’m sorry we are late.” Rayne apologized and leaned
down, placing a soft kiss on Lark’s cheek. ‘I hope she doesn’t mind.’
Rayne thought inwardly of the kiss, which just came instinctively to her.
When Rayne’s
lips brushed her cheek it caused a million sensations throughout her. “Aah, no I aah think I’m a little
early,” she finally replied, flabbergasted by the gesture.
“I’m going to
put the motorcycle in the garage and toss our jackets inside. Let me have your
jacket buddy.” Rayne asked, looking down at
“Come on over
Elaine grinned
and winked as
“Hi,
nice to meet you.” He
smiled and reached out to shake her hand.
Elaine chuckled
and shook the hand offered. “Same to you.” She giggled
and stood upright as Lark stood behind him. “He’s quite the heartbreaker.”
Elaine whispered to Lark.
“He gets it from
his aunt.” Lark chuckled, along with Elaine.
“Are you sure
he’s not her son? They look like they could be mother and child.” Elaine
observed surprised by the uncanny resemblance of the two.
“I asked the
same thing and thought the same thing, but he’s her nephew.” Lark giggled happy
that he wasn’t her son.
They all looked
over at Rayne when the garage door opened.
“I can’t help it
Elaine. I love the way she looks in tank tops and shorts.” Lark answered,
looking at her friend. “Her muscles are so toned and sexy that I can barely
stand it!”
“I know, but you
are drooling all over yourself and it’s not something that a self respecting
celebrity such as yourself should be seen doing.” Elaine teasingly laughed as
Lark playfully slapped her arm.
“Is everything
alright?” Rayne asked oblivious to their conversation and wondered what was
going on from the looks on their faces as she approached, stopping next to
Lark.
“Perfect,
just waiting on you.”
Lark answered with a grin.
“Hi
Elaine.” Rayne
greeted and smiled.
“Good morning or
afternoon.” Elaine chuckled unsure of the time and climbed into the car.
Rayne sent a
tingling sensation straight to Lark’s core when she placed her hand on the
small of Lark’s back guiding her towards the car. ‘She has no idea how much
that turns me on.’ Lark thought flustered as she took her seat.
Rayne climbed in
and closed the door as the car began to move. “Hold up!” She called out and
felt the car stop. “
“I’m sorry. I
was excited and forgot.” He apologized as he watched his aunt click the belt
into place.
‘How sweet.’ Lark thought admiringly as she watched Rayne with
“Apology
accepted.” She grinned and leaned back to her seat. She reached for her seat
belt and clicked it into place. She looked at Lark who stared at her and
quickly snapped hers into place.
Lark looked at
Elaine and nudged her with an elbow to make her place hers on. Elaine groaned
and did as everyone else by placing her seat belt on. “Elaine, do you think
that I could be in one of Lark’s movies some time?”
“
Lark giggled softly and waited to see how Elaine was getting out of this one.
“Are you an actor Brandon?” She asked with a smile.
“I’m sure I
could be.” He answered sincerely and confidently.
“Well, I would
have to speak to your parents and see if they would allow you to do something
like that okay?” She asked sweetly.
“Okay, that
sounds great!” He enthusiastically answered and wiggled his small legs that
hung in midair off the edge of the seat.
Rayne lowered
her head and chuckled at his precariousness. “I’m sorry.” She apologized softly
and glanced at Lark sideways.
“No problem. I
could get him a part in one of my movie’s if he parents would allow it.” Lark
offered with a smile.
“Thanks that’s
sweet of you. Let’s not mention it again and he might forget about it.” Rayne
answered with a grin as Lark smiled in acknowledgement of the request.
The ride down
was filled with conversations about Lark’s movies mainly from
“Is there going
to be a lot of photographers here Elaine?” Lark questioned and checked out the
area as the limo waited in traffic.
“More
than likely.” Elaine
answered and craned her neck to see how the scene looked.
“Please tell me
that they won’t have a red carpet for me to walk down?” Lark asked embarrassed by the fact that she might have too.
“They didn’t
mention anything about that when they sent me the material.” She informed her.
“I’ll get out and grab the credentials for Rayne and Brandon before you all get
up to the front of the line.” Elaine suggested and quickly climbed out of the
car.
Lark lowered her
head and rubbed her forehead irritated, then looked up at Rayne. “I’m sorry,
but there is probably going to be a lot of people taking pictures. I had hoped
we wouldn’t be bombarded by them, but it looks like I have to take the
obligatory pictures.” Lark explained regretful as she looked ahead and saw the
other celebrities being bombarded by the press. She had hoped it would be a
small event without a lot of press coverage considering the fact that it was in
“It’s okay Lark.
Don’t worry.” Rayne smiled and comfortingly patted her leg.
“Thanks.” Lark
smiled appreciatively, enjoying the hand on her thigh.
“Whew!” Elaine
gasped when she jumped into the car and plopped into the seat next to Rayne
with Lark moving towards the door. “Here are your credentials.” She offered and
held them out to Brandon and Rayne.
They took them
and placed them around their neck as the limo came up to the drop off spot.
“Okay, here we go.” Lark commented and climbed out of the limo when the attendant
opened the door. She stepped away from the door and waved with a smile. She
looked back to see Rayne climb out with
“Miss
Morgan, over here!” A
photographer shouted and waved to get her attention.
Lark moved
closer to the photographer and posed for the picture.
“I think he’s a
little nervous.” Rayne answered and patted his back comfortingly.
“Aah, I’m sorry
“I’m fine. I was
just surprised by all the attention directed towards us. I’m used to it being
directed to the person I’m protecting. Is it always that crazy when you make
appearances?” Rayne inquired for future reference.
“Yes and
sometimes more especially if it’s an awards show. I’m really sorry I placed you
both in that situation without explaining what to expect. It’s a lot to ask of
anyone even if you do deal with similar publicity in your job Rayne. I
apologize from the bottom of my heart.” Lark wholeheartedly apologized.
“Thanks but you didn’t have to apologize. I guess it bugged me because I’m
used to having other agents around me and I don’t focus on that aspect very
much. Don’t worry though, I’ll get used to it.” Rayne smiled reassuringly.
“So, does that
mean you’ll accompany me on other public appearances?” Lark flirtatiously asked.
“Of course, but
I’ll be more prepared next time.” Rayne chuckled and winked.
“I’m happy to
hear that. Now, let’s have some fun!” She enthusiastically suggested and led
them away.
“Did you have a
blast like I knew you would
“Yes, I loved
it!” He grinned exuberantly.
“How
about you?” Lark
asked smiling and looking at Rayne.
“I had a great
time.” Rayne answered with a chuckle.
“I heard they
raised a lot of money.” Elaine mentioned and leaned her head back against the
seat.
“That’s great
and thanks for your monetary contribution Rayne. The gesture was very sweet.”
Lark smiled gratefully as she looked at the object of her desire.
“No problem, it
was for a worthy cause and I was pleased to help out.” Rayne casually answered
and smiled.
Lark looked at
Elaine and chuckled when she noticed she was asleep. Rayne glanced over at
“That’s not a
bad idea. I think we are all beat and deserve a good nap.” Rayne suggested and
leaned her head against the seat.
“I’m always up
for sleep.” Lark giggled softly and nestled her head against Rayne’s arm.
Rayne smiled and
looked down at the blonde leaning against her. She enjoyed the woman being so
close and placed her hand on Lark’s leg, resting it there. Lark’s heart skipped
a beat and she placed her hand on Rayne’s as she closed her eyes. Rayne leaned
her cheek against Lark’s head and reveled in the woman’s closeness. ‘This
feels so right. I can’t believe I’ve fallen so quickly and hard for her.’
Rayne thought and inhaled the strawberry scent from Lark’s hair. She smiled and
looked outside the window at the beautiful blue-green water as they crossed the
bridge heading towards the interstate, finally feeling truly happy after so
many months of heartache.
Rayne opened her
eyes when she heard the window inside the limo move down. “Are we going to your
home Ma’am?” The driver politely asked, looking back at her through the
rearview mirror.
Lark woke up and
sat up, trying to gather her bearings. Rayne looked at
“Not
at all. Just give him
the address and we’ll drop you off.”
“Great, aah the address is 1313 SE 13th Terrace, which
is four blocks south of my house.” Rayne advised the driver and leaned back on
the seat when he nodded his head in acknowledgment of the directions.
“Thanks, I
really appreciate it.” Rayne smiled gratefully.
“It’s not a
problem. Besides, I’ll get to spend more time with you.” Lark
answered smiling.
“Very
true.” Rayne added
with a snicker and looked up as they turned down the street. She watched as the
driver pulled the car into the driveway and quietly moved over towards
“Sure.” She
smiled and accidentally bummed Elaine who groaned from being brought out of her
state of sleep. “Sorry.” Lark giggled quietly and looked from Elaine to Rayne.
Rayne picked
“Should I
knock?” Lark inquired and looked up at her.
“Nah, just open
it up please.” Rayne asked and entered the house when
the door opened.
“Aah, there’s my baby.” Holly sweetly greeted and looked at
her sleeping son.
Rayne smiled and
looked at Holly who averted her eyes to Lark then back to Rayne. “Holly, this
is Lark. Lark this is my nosey sister-in-law Holly.” Rayne sarcastically
introduced the women with a sly grin from the comment about Holly. “I’m going
to take him to his room.” Rayne informed them and quickly headed down the
hallway with her nephew.
“Hi, it’s a
pleasure to meet you. We’ve heard so much about you.” Holly exuberantly greeted
Lark with a handshake.
“Same here and I
hope it was all good that you heard?” Lark jokingly asked and chuckled
nervously, hoping for the best.
“Oh,
absolutely.” Holly
added with a grin and glanced over her shoulder when she felt her husband touch
her. “Honey, this is Lark. Lark this is Rayne’s brother Shayan.”
“Hello, it’s nice
to finally meet you Lark.” He cordially smiled and shook her hand.
“Same
here.” Lark smiled,
nervous and worried that she wouldn’t make a good impression on Rayne’s family.
“It seems that
you’ve made quite an impression on my son and my sister.” Shayan
commented with a smile and felt Holly jab him in the ribs with her elbow.
“Well, the
feeling is mutual Shayan. They are wonderful and I
really enjoy being around them.” She smiled apprehensively and looked over
their shoulder when Rayne appeared. She blew out the breath that she held and
felt calmer in Rayne’s presence.
“Okay, leave the
lady alone you two. We’ve got to go, see you later.” Rayne hurriedly commented
and quickly ushered Lark out when she saw how nervous Lark was with her family.
“Oh, well aah it was nice meeting you Lark and please come back soon.
Thank you for inviting
“You’re welcome
and it was great meeting you.” Lark replied with a smile.
“I’m sorry I didn’t
think they would gang up on you like that Lark. I should have never left you
alone with them. I hope they didn’t make you feel uncomfortable.” Rayne asked,
nervous that she was upset.
“I was nervous,
but they are lovely people and I was worried about making a good impression on
them. I would love to get to know them better.” Lark admitted and smiled
hopeful as she looked up at Rayne.
“You made a good
impression on them by being with me and trust me you’ll get to know them
better. They’ll drive both of us crazy until we do something with them.” Rayne
informed her and laughed as did Lark. She held the door for Lark who
climbed into the limo and Rayne followed her.
The ride was
short and both women regretted having to say goodbye. Rayne exited the limo as
did Lark. “Oh, I forgot! Here is your jacket.” Lark leaned in the limo and
retrieved the jacket. She stood up and looked at Rayne with a grin.
“Too
funny Lark. You
didn’t have to give it to me right away.” Rayne blushed and accepted the
jacket. They stared at each other unsure of what to say. They knew goodbye was
not an option.
“Well, aah I guess I should be…” Lark tentatively began hoping
Rayne would ask her to stay and was interrupted by Rayne.
“Would you like
to stay? We could go out for some dinner or something?” Rayne nervously asked,
hoping she would accept the offer.
Lark’s heart
raced and she smiled giddily, “On one condition?” She flirtatiously asked.
“Ooh,
conditions. I think I might like this okay, what is the condition?” Rayne playfully
asked and grinned.
“That you take
me for a ride on your motorcycle.” Lark asked with a wide smile.
“You got it.”
Rayne agreed with a laugh.
“Fantastic!”
Lark exclaimed enthusiastically and turned to Elaine. “Can you send the limo back
for me later?”
“Lark, I could aah give you a ride home.” Rayne offered, smiling.
Lark’s heart
skipped a beat and she winked at Elaine before turning to Rayne. “Thank you
very much. I’ll accept the offer.” Lark grinned and turned back to Elaine, leaning
closer to her. “Beat it babe,” she commented with a giggle joined by Elaine.
“You two have
fun and try to be home early dear. I don’t want you traipsing all over town
with some leather clad, motorcycle driving woman all night!” Elaine teasingly responded,
as Lark blushed embarrassed by the comment.
“She’s safe with
me, I promise.” Rayne smiled and took Lark’s hand in her own, moving her away
from the door. She closed the door and both women waved as the limo pulled
away. “Now, it’s my turn to show you a good time.” Rayne flirtatiously grinned
and held Lark’s hand, leading her towards the villa.
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December 2001