Course of Action Read online

  “Annie…” She raised her hands, cupping Annelie’s shoulders, pulling her closer and kissing her right collarbone. “I’m not sure this qualifies as taking it slow, but I’m certainly not uncomfortable.” Turning her head sideways, she nuzzled the curve of the soft breast.

  “Me either.” Annelie’s voice was husky. “Mmm.”

  With reverence, Carolyn lowered her hands and cautiously cupped the full breasts, tingling as she touched Annelie in this intimate way. The hard nipples pushed against her palms, making her want to explore precisely how rigid they could become. Her own breasts ached to be touched, but she focused on Annelie, absorbed with the feel of her body.

  As she moved her hands in slow circles, the puckered skin tightened even more. “Am I doing this right?” Carolyn was breathless and a trembling smile formed on her lips. “Do you like it like this?” Her fingers tweaked the nipples in a way she herself liked.

  Annelie swayed and held on tighter to Carolyn’s shoulders. “Yes, yes…please, I need to…sit down.”

  “Here, let’s get undressed first,” Carolyn suggested, suddenly feeling self-confident. She unbuttoned her own blouse and pulled it off and was reaching for the clasp of her bra between her breasts when Annelie’s hands stopped her.

  “Let me.” Annelie unhooked Carolyn’s black satin bra, her eyes locked on the skin she was revealing. She reached down and undid Carolyn’s slacks, pushing them down slender hips.

  Standing before Annelie, Carolyn felt her heart overflow with emotions. Fast-growing tenderness rose within her, along with the arousal stirring deep inside. She trembled, unable to take her eyes off the enticing curves before her.

  Annelie undressed until she too was wearing only sheer white panties. “Are we going too fast?” she whispered.

  “I think we are,” Carolyn allowed, her voice throatier than usual. “I just don’t know how to slow down or stop. I can’t even remember why I should…”

  She pulled Annelie into a firm embrace, their bodies meshing together as she claimed the other woman’s mouth, parting her lips to kiss her feverishly. When she felt Annelie’s tongue enter her mouth, caressing hers over and over, she nudged her toward the bed, and they both tumbled onto it, inadvertently breaking the kiss. Reaching for Annelie once more, she held her close while she let her lips trace her lover’s jawline, down her long neck toward her breasts.

  Closing her mouth over Annelie’s taut nipple for the first time and hearing her name whimpered in response was something Carolyn knew she would never forget. The taste and texture of the pebbled skin, combined with the trembling hands laced in her hair, made her forget any insecurities. She hooked one leg across Annelie’s legs, holding her tight, while she cupped her lover’s breasts, alternating between them.

  “Carolyn, please…oh…” Annelie gasped. “You’re driving me crazy. Please come here.” She pulled Carolyn up against her, hugging her and placing kisses on her forehead. “Shh…now we’re moving too fast.”

  “Don’t you want me?” Carolyn murmured huskily, her heart hammering in her chest.

  “I want you more than I can say,” Annelie vowed. “I could ravage you all night and it still wouldn’t be enough, but I don’t want to rush things.” She leaned over Carolyn and kissed her lips gently. “I want us to do this slow, and right.”

  “But it feels so right.” Carolyn blushed but kept her promise to level with Annelie on everything. “I’m on fire. I want you so much.”

  A faint smile appeared on Annelie’s lips. “And I want you. Your touch, your body…everything about you.” She reached down and cupped Carolyn’s left breast, gently flicking her thumb over the nipple, which was as hard as her own. “I could go into detail about what I want to do with you and for how long…” She slowly licked her lips.

  “Annelie,” Carolyn growled, her voice a low purr. “So, what do we do when we feel this way, then? Leave the room?”

  Annelie kissed the tip of Carolyn’s nose. “No, silly. Let’s just play it by ear. We’ll know when the time’s right. Tonight, I wanted you to see how much I want you.”

  Carolyn tugged at a blanket lying at their feet. “And you did,” she whispered. “You let me touch you. You liked how it felt.”

  “No, you’re wrong,” Annelie objected, pulling Carolyn closer under the blanket. “I loved how it felt.”

  *

  The limo driver navigated through the heavy Manhattan traffic on the way to the Pierre, a famous hotel next to Central Park. The press conference would take place in the Wedgwood Room.

  Annelie glanced at Carolyn, noticing a frown on the otherwise smooth forehead as she stared out the tinted window.

  “You were exhausted when you got back yesterday. I never had a chance to ask what your sister and brother-in-law said when they heard about the role.”

  Carolyn turned her attention from the traffic and gave Annelie a quick smile. “Beth was delighted, of course—partly because I’ll be working in New York once we start to shoot. I tried to tell her I won’t be able to go to D.C. very often during filming, but I’m not sure she heard me.”

  “How’s she doing? She okay?”

  Carolyn raised a hand and rubbed the back of her head. “I think she’s doing fairly well. However, she seemed a bit…I don’t know, too animated. She couldn’t sit still while we were talking. She kept getting up to fetch things or to go to the bathroom. Joe seemed concerned.”

  “Did he say anything to you?” Annelie had felt Carolyn’s stress level rising ever since she’d returned from the capital the previous night.

  “We talked when he walked me to the cab. Sounds like all her test results are fine. She doesn’t show any of the signs she did when she lost the other two babies. Still, I couldn’t help feeling something was wrong.”

  Annelie took Carolyn’s hand. “She’s scared. Perhaps her fear’s affecting her more than she realizes. She’s at a crucial period, isn’t she?”

  “Yes, she’s eleven weeks now. I know time will work in her favor, and I tried to tell her so.”

  “I’m glad you could be the bearer of good news. They must’ve been thrilled you’re going to play Maddox.”

  “Me too. The news did distract Beth for a bit.”

  They rode silently in the limousine the rest of the way, Annelie careful not to let go of Carolyn’s hand until the vehicle stopped at the back entrance of the Pierre.

  “We’ve arranged to come in through the back door, since we don’t want to spoil the surprise. If everything goes according to plan, Harvey and Helen should be there already.” Annelie squeezed Carolyn’s knee reassuringly just before the driver opened the door and offered them a hand.

  “Welcome.” Gregory met them at the hotel’s rear entrance. “Nice to see you again, Ms. Black. Annelie, everyone’s here and we’re ready to begin.”

  “I know you wanted me to speak, but I’m glad we decided for you to make the introductions,” Annelie said.

  “Only if you listen in the wings and keep an eye on us.” He grinned.

  “That’s my specialty. So, how’s the media turnout?”

  “The place is packed. All the major networks and entertainment channels are here, as well as newspapers and magazines, even several e-zines.”

  Annelie discussed some last-minute details with Gregory while they walked through the hotel toward the Wedgwood Room. She glanced at Carolyn gliding beside them, concerned as she saw the other woman press her lips together. She hoped this was merely a sign of how Carolyn focused before an appearance.

  Harvey, his wife, and Helen greeted them in the green room. To Annelie’s relief, Helen’s presence seemed to distract Carolyn, who lit up as soon as she saw the other actress.

  Gregory winked at them, rubbing his hands together. “Wish me luck, folks. This is it.”

  As he disappeared through the doorway, Annelie could hear cameras go off before the door closed behind him. Someone spoke Annelie’s name, making her turn around.

  “Annelie, good to see
you again.” Regina Carmichael extended a hand. A striking woman in her mid-fifties, she had been Annelie’s first choice as director of the Maddox films. The charismatic woman was known for adapting several other best-sellers for the big screen. Regina kept a strict regime on her sets and enjoyed an impeccable reputation for sticking to budget without compromising on quality.

  “Regina, you look wonderful. Carolyn, this is Regina Carmichael. Regina, Carolyn Black.”

  “Regina, how are you? It’s good to see you again.”

  “I’m fine, and you look ravishing. I told you, black’s your color.”

  Carolyn gave a husky laugh. “Oh, please, not again.”

  “A private joke?” Annelie looked from one woman to the other. “Now I’m curious.”

  “I directed Carolyn in a movie made for TV about five years ago. Our designer insisted on dressing Carolyn in psychedelic colors, so we had constant battles with wardrobe. We tried to tell her—where this lady is concerned, less is more, and preferably black.”

  Annelie had to laugh at Carolyn’s visible distaste. “Psychedelic colors? Oh, goodness, that must’ve been a sight.”

  “It sure was. I confiscated the negatives.” Carolyn smirked.

  “Ms. Carmichael, you’re on.”

  Regina squared her shoulders. “See you in there.”

  Annelie watched as Carolyn began to dig frantically in her purse. “Did you forget something?”

  “Damn it, I need a smoke before I go out there.” She sighed impatiently when her search seemed fruitless. “Shit.”

  Annelie cupped the other woman’s elbow and guided her toward a private niche. “Carolyn, you can’t smoke in here, and you don’t have time to do it anywhere else.”

  Dark gray eyes looked back at Annelie. Frowning, Carolyn slapped her palm against the wall. “God, I don’t know why I’m so damn nervous. I hate when my nerves do this to me. I should know how to deal with the jitters better.”

  “I know a way to beat them.” Carolyn’s eyes narrowed, and Annelie knew she was taking a big chance.

  “You do?”

  Glancing over her shoulder to make sure they were out of sight, Annelie pulled Carolyn into her arms.

  “You’ll do just fine out there, and I have something for you far better than any cigarette.”

  “Really?” Carolyn breathed, wrapping her arms around Annelie’s waist.

  “Yes.”

  Tipping Carolyn’s head back with a gentle fingertip under her chin, Annelie brushed her lips softly.

  “Annie…” A soft gasp.

  Taking advantage of the half-open mouth, Annelie deepened the distracting kiss, which turned into a passionate embrace. Only the fact they were close to Helen and Harvey kept Annelie from losing herself in the woman in her arms. Slowly letting go, she looked down at the dazed expression in Carolyn’s eyes. “There, you see, all relaxed.”

  Relieved to see the familiar slow smile appear, Annelie dared breathe again. “So, purely for medicinal purposes?” When Carolyn wrinkled her nose, she added, “I aim to please.”

  Carolyn laughed and reached into her purse. “Lipstick for me and handkerchief for you. You were wearing colorless gloss, right? Here, let me help you.” She carefully wiped Annelie’s lips before reapplying wine-shaded lipstick to her own.

  As Carolyn turned to go back into the green room, Annelie stopped her. “I have a suggestion,” she said in a low voice. “When we’re done here, we have a week before the whole circus begins. Why don’t we go back down to Florida in the meantime? I have things to take care of down there and—”

  “And I need to start studying the script. Sounds like a plan. Can we leave tonight?”

  “If possible, or tomorrow morning.”

  “Deal.”

  They walked back into the room where Helen was sitting on a couch, talking with Harvey and his wife. Annelie looked at Carolyn as she made her way over to the other three, now every inch the self-assured professional.

  The door opened to the Wedgwood Room, and they could hear Gregory announce, “I present to you two amazing actresses and an equally splendid actor, who will portray the key characters in Delia Carlton’s famous novels.”

  The actors walked over to the door.

  “First, in the lead role, as Diana Maddox—Carolyn Black!”

  Carolyn took one step through the door before turning her head over her shoulder and shooting Annelie a broad smile. Winking, she mouthed, “Showtime.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Annelie smiled as she regarded the sleeping form to her left. Carolyn had rushed from the hotel to her apartment, picked up a few necessities, taken a cab to Annelie’s place, and ridden with Annelie to LaGuardia. Though excited about the press conference, she had eventually fallen asleep on the flight to Miami.

  “Can I get you anything?” a flight attendant inquired.

  “No, thanks, I’m fine,” Annelie said, glancing up. “Oh, wait. May I have a blanket for my friend?”

  When the flight attendant returned with a blue blanket, Annelie tucked it around Carolyn, careful not to wake her. Leaning back in her seat, she smiled at the thought of a week in warm weather, alone, more or less, with Carolyn. She longed to hold the other woman in her arms, undisturbed, just being close. Imagining Carolyn’s body fitting so well with her own, when they snuggled during the night, made Annelie’s heart beat faster.

  There was something frail about her delicate hands, and yet they could be so strong when pushing Annelie onto her back, roaming her body. Carolyn’s eyes, changeable, commanding, yet vulnerable, were one of her biggest assets, adding to her mystery. Annelie had seen them shoot daggers, well up with tears, darken with passion, and light up with mischief and laughter.

  At first, she thought it was yet another actor’s trick, a learned trait the other woman could switch on and off like a faucet. She still considered Carolyn artful but had consciously decided to trust that her lover wouldn’t put on an act around her, at least not when it mattered.

  Carolyn stirred next to her, reaching out a hand from underneath the blanket. “Annie?”

  “I’m here, Carolyn.” Annelie took the hand in hers. “Go back to sleep. We won’t be in Miami for another hour.”

  “Thought you’d gone,” the husky voice whispered. “Perhaps a dream.”

  “Shh. I’m not going anywhere without you.”

  Annelie kept Carolyn’s hand, stroking across it with her thumb. This touch seemed to soothe the exhausted woman, who snuggled closer and let her head fall on Annelie’s shoulder. “You promise?”

  “I promise.”

  The soft scent of Carolyn’s musky perfume enveloped Annelie, making her stealthily kiss the auburn hair. Tenderness almost choking her, she rubbed her cheek against the top of Carolyn’s head, not caring about the flight attendant’s curious looks.

  *

  “Home, sweet home,” Carolyn exclaimed when the cab drove away.

  “Glad you think of it that way,” Annelie remarked, pulling her bag up the driveway. “It’s a nice change from the busy streets of New York. It’s amazing how quickly you get caught up in the pace up there.”

  Carolyn smiled at Annelie as she wrinkled her nose. “I know. We were there less than a week, and still it’s such a relief to be back here. Perhaps the fact we’re going to stay in New York while shooting the movie factors in?”

  “Sounds plausible.”

  They walked up the driveway and Carolyn stopped at the stairs leading up to the garage apartment, suddenly feeling hesitant and ridiculously shy. “Well, I—”

  “Do you—”

  They both laughed and indicated the other should continue.

  “You first,” Carolyn insisted.

  Annelie shrugged. “I was going to ask if you’d rather stay at the house with me. I mean, you can use the garage apartment as much as you like…but I’d miss you if…” Her voice trailed off as she gestured between the house and the apartment, a faint blush on her cheeks.

  �
�Same here, but I didn’t know how to put it,” Carolyn confessed. “I didn’t want you to think I was taking things for granted.”

  “I know you’re not. I want you with me as much as possible while we have some free time.”

  “You’re right. So, should I unpack in the guest room in the house for now?”

  “No, I’d rather you unpack in my closet and stay with me in my bedroom.”

  Carolyn inhaled deeply. “But what about Mary?”

  “Mary’s loyal and won’t raise an eyebrow. She’s as straightforward as can be and protective of me, which extends to friends and people I love.”

  Carolyn wanted to ask Annelie what category she fit in but knew the driveway in front of the house, fully visible to the neighbors, wasn’t the right place.

  “Lead the way,” she murmured, feeling her cheeks burn.

  Annelie gave her a curious look before they walked inside.

  The cool house was a welcome change from the humid evening outside. Annelie walked up to the small marble table in the hallway and picked up a note. “Mary’s shopped for us and fixed something to eat.”

  “Great, but I’m not hungry yet.”

  The women walked to Annelie’s bedroom, Carolyn stopping on the threshold to take it all in. The warm, golden sand walls, chocolate brown curtains, and elevated queen-size bed reflected their owner’s personality, Carolyn thought. Feeling how exhausted she was, she couldn’t wait to lie down on the golden brown and off-white checkered bedspread and rest her head on the large pillows. The Polarfleece blankets folded neatly at the foot of the bed looked soft and were just what she needed to wrap around herself.

  Annelie turned off the ceiling light and switched on the small lamps in the window and on the nightstands.

  “Better,” she said. “I don’t like ceiling lights.”

  “Cozier,” Carolyn agreed. She pulled her bag into the room and looked around for the closet door.