What if Todd’s dinner date with Evangeline took place as planned…
7:45p April 4, 2007 The Dinner
Tonight marked a retooling of his relationship with Evangeline Williamson. Todd Manning had spared no expense. The penthouse was set to perfection: dimmed and candle-lit and fragrant-filled with her flowers of choice, Double Delight roses. Their cell phones were muted. Wine chilled in the bucket. The table adorned with her fantasy meal. Her favorite R&B singer, Al Green, crooned in the background, and if the fates were on his side, by the conclusion of the evening, their rhumba would be over and she would be undisputedly his. At least that’s what he planned.
Todd fiddled with his wine glass.
“Todd, this coq au vin is delicious,” Evangeline Williamson beamed, taking another forkful into her mouth. Todd loved her mouth, had fantasized kissing that mouth a thousand times, but regrettably, had only accomplished the deed twice.
Manning blushed under Evangeline’s praise. He often blushed in her presence, of late, overwhelmed by a sense of temerity. He? Thomas Todd Manning, timid, for heaven’s sake!
Todd fiddled with his wine glass.
“Todd, this coq au vin is delicious,” Evangeline Williamson beamed, taking another forkful into her mouth. Todd loved her mouth, had fantasized kissing that mouth a thousand times, but regrettably, had only accomplished the deed twice.
Manning blushed under Evangeline’s praise. He often blushed in her presence, of late, overwhelmed by a sense of temerity. He? Thomas Todd Manning, timid, for heaven’s sake!
Hell, he was so fucking turned on just watching her eat...the gentle contractions of her throat as she swallowed. He felt like a pervert.
Todd shifted in his chair. When…when did he realize he was so smitten with her?
He had no idea.
It just snuck up on him. Wham! There he was. He had to have her. In his bed and on his arm. Having dispatched with faithless Blair, only one obstacle had stood in his way: Cristian Vega. El Fists of Fury had been no match for the cunning of Todd Manning. The unraveling of that lopsided relationship had been brilliant and enjoyable to watch. Talk about laughing all the way to the proverbial bank.
So, she suffered a broken heart—what of it? Better now than later. How long before the Hispanic boxer used her for his personal punching bag? And now that she was free, he’d better grab her quick. The lady changed men like case quarters!
Not that he was judgemental. Not as screwed up as his life was.
Evangeline smiled at him and his heart double-clutched. She was showing a lot of brown skin tonight in her strapless, sleeveless sheath, her abundant hair piled loosely atop her head, exposing her graceful neck. She had no idea how lovely she was to him. She chatted amiably unaware that he couldn’t take his eyes off her long enough to eat his own food. He tossed more wine down his throat.
“I never guessed you were so talented in the kitchen, Todd."
“And you thought I couldn’t boil water.”
“Evidently, you are a man of hidden talents.”
He laughed. “Not so hidden. I borrowed one of Viki’s cook books. The kitchen’s a total mess though. Don’t go in there.”
Todd shifted in his chair. When…when did he realize he was so smitten with her?
He had no idea.
It just snuck up on him. Wham! There he was. He had to have her. In his bed and on his arm. Having dispatched with faithless Blair, only one obstacle had stood in his way: Cristian Vega. El Fists of Fury had been no match for the cunning of Todd Manning. The unraveling of that lopsided relationship had been brilliant and enjoyable to watch. Talk about laughing all the way to the proverbial bank.
So, she suffered a broken heart—what of it? Better now than later. How long before the Hispanic boxer used her for his personal punching bag? And now that she was free, he’d better grab her quick. The lady changed men like case quarters!
Not that he was judgemental. Not as screwed up as his life was.
Evangeline smiled at him and his heart double-clutched. She was showing a lot of brown skin tonight in her strapless, sleeveless sheath, her abundant hair piled loosely atop her head, exposing her graceful neck. She had no idea how lovely she was to him. She chatted amiably unaware that he couldn’t take his eyes off her long enough to eat his own food. He tossed more wine down his throat.
“I never guessed you were so talented in the kitchen, Todd."
“And you thought I couldn’t boil water.”
“Evidently, you are a man of hidden talents.”
He laughed. “Not so hidden. I borrowed one of Viki’s cook books. The kitchen’s a total mess though. Don’t go in there.”
Evangeline suspected that his invitation to dinner was a ruse. She was here for The Talk...and whatever else lurked in his dicey mind. She could handle Todd Manning, and besides, she found his chicanery…well, charming. He was such a sexy rogue with those smoky blue eyes, blondish hair, and clean-shaved rugged jaw that could take a punch.
He had gotten a haircut, she saw. Neck up, he looked like a choirboy. Antithetically, he was dressed in all black in what Evangeline called his “Toddster” uniform. His Armani suit jacket was unbuttoned. His silk shirt was opened at the throat, and chestnut hair peeked out. The man was lethal. And he damn well knew it.
He had gotten a haircut, she saw. Neck up, he looked like a choirboy. Antithetically, he was dressed in all black in what Evangeline called his “Toddster” uniform. His Armani suit jacket was unbuttoned. His silk shirt was opened at the throat, and chestnut hair peeked out. The man was lethal. And he damn well knew it.
Keeping her panties on tonight would be really, really tough, she thought.
Glancing at his watch, Todd Manning also thought of her panties: how adroitly could he remove them?
She said, sincerely: "I do adore you, Todd Manning."
Glancing at his watch, Todd Manning also thought of her panties: how adroitly could he remove them?
She said, sincerely: "I do adore you, Todd Manning."
When you're not throwing tantrums, smashing things, and generally self-destructing.
His mouth twisted sardonically. “You adore me, huh?"
Adore was for babies. He wanted his libido stroked, not his ruby red cheeks. Hell, he wanted to get laid.
"So we're clear, I'm long past adoring you, Evangeline Williamson. More wine?”
Evangeline shook her head, placing a hand over her glass. “No. I don’t think so.”
Todd eyed her suspiciously and dropped the bottle back in the ice bucket, realizing she’d hardly touched her Chateau Mouton. “Oh hell. You're pregnant."
Evangeline’s brown eyes widen in surprise. “What? Todd…No.”
She had been a day late last week. She was often a day late. She didn't panic...and everything was okay.
“Because, Evangeline—if you are, you know I’ll help you. I’ll claim the child’s mine and Vega will never get his grubby southpaw on the kid. We’ll leave Llanview. Hell, we’ll leave the country!”
“Todd, stop it. I’m not pregnant for heaven’s sake. I just want to keep a clear head.”
“Vangie…Vangie…Vangie,” he tutted, eyeing her somberly. “You’re with me. You don’t need a clear head.”
“Trust me. Where you’re concerned, Todd, I think I do.”
“What about me? I haven’t had a clear head since we met.”
She laughed. “You are so full of it!”
"Rare is the woman who sets me back on my heels.” He snapped his fingers, recalling. “The elevator at the courthouse. 2003. I offered you a deal. You blew me off. I thought, hey, she must not know who I am. Then you said, “Get lost, Mr. Manning.”
Her bottom lip furled. “I did not.”
“Or words to that effect. “
“I don’t remember that.”
“And I will never forget. You wounded my ego…just a pinch.” He demonstrated with his thumb and forefinger.
Evangeline rolled her eyes ceiling-ward. But she had to grin. “All I remember is…you were terribly obnoxious…and had a different face.”
Todd rubbed his jaw. “Like my new face?”
“It’s just lovely. As was your old face.”
Evangeline set aside her fork, drank from her water glass, and pressed the napkin to her lips.
"All finished?“
“All finished.”
“Splendid.” Todd rose to his feet. “Let’s sit where we can be more comfortable and talk.”
She stood. “Okay…but…do you mind if we dance first? I love this song.” Al Green’s Rainin’ in My Heart was playing.
“My pleasure.” The Talk could wait a few minutes.
Todd took her hand, led her into the front room where he pulled her into his arms, gathering her close to his lean, hard body. He was tall and so was she. They fit perfectly. His eyes swept her face. “I’ll even let you lead.” Evangeline closed her eyes and dropped her head onto his shoulder as, with arms wrapped around her waist, he guided her in a slow arc in time to the music. Back when she was blind, they danced like this, critical eyes upon them, assessing, judging, jealous. But now it was just the two of them. Sweet.
“You smell nice,” she murmured. She loved the smell of a man’s cologne.
“So do you. What is that?”
“Chanel Sensuelle.”
“Hmm.” He sniffed at her throat. “Sure it’s not called “drive him wild”?
She grinned. “Positive.”
Her arms went up around his neck and with a sigh, Evangeline gave herself up to the slow melody, aware that their thighs brushed together and her nipples pressed against his chest. Certainly not unfamiliar. As their friendship grew so did their affection: hugging, touching, and the like. Cristian would explode: "Does he have to always have his hands on you? I don't like him touching you. There's something creepy about it. Todd's a convicted rapist. I don't want you alone with him." Ha! She felt more protected than threatened when she was with Todd. And the kisses? On Llantano Mountain and their first in the elevator? She had to admit, they rocked her to her core.
The song ended and another started before they could separate. “One more,” Todd suggested. “This is my favorite by Al.” They started to move again, this time cheek to cheek. She was mildly startled when he began to sing at her ear in rhythm with Al Green:
His mouth twisted sardonically. “You adore me, huh?"
Adore was for babies. He wanted his libido stroked, not his ruby red cheeks. Hell, he wanted to get laid.
"So we're clear, I'm long past adoring you, Evangeline Williamson. More wine?”
Evangeline shook her head, placing a hand over her glass. “No. I don’t think so.”
Todd eyed her suspiciously and dropped the bottle back in the ice bucket, realizing she’d hardly touched her Chateau Mouton. “Oh hell. You're pregnant."
Evangeline’s brown eyes widen in surprise. “What? Todd…No.”
She had been a day late last week. She was often a day late. She didn't panic...and everything was okay.
“Because, Evangeline—if you are, you know I’ll help you. I’ll claim the child’s mine and Vega will never get his grubby southpaw on the kid. We’ll leave Llanview. Hell, we’ll leave the country!”
“Todd, stop it. I’m not pregnant for heaven’s sake. I just want to keep a clear head.”
“Vangie…Vangie…Vangie,” he tutted, eyeing her somberly. “You’re with me. You don’t need a clear head.”
“Trust me. Where you’re concerned, Todd, I think I do.”
“What about me? I haven’t had a clear head since we met.”
She laughed. “You are so full of it!”
"Rare is the woman who sets me back on my heels.” He snapped his fingers, recalling. “The elevator at the courthouse. 2003. I offered you a deal. You blew me off. I thought, hey, she must not know who I am. Then you said, “Get lost, Mr. Manning.”
Her bottom lip furled. “I did not.”
“Or words to that effect. “
“I don’t remember that.”
“And I will never forget. You wounded my ego…just a pinch.” He demonstrated with his thumb and forefinger.
Evangeline rolled her eyes ceiling-ward. But she had to grin. “All I remember is…you were terribly obnoxious…and had a different face.”
Todd rubbed his jaw. “Like my new face?”
“It’s just lovely. As was your old face.”
Evangeline set aside her fork, drank from her water glass, and pressed the napkin to her lips.
"All finished?“
“All finished.”
“Splendid.” Todd rose to his feet. “Let’s sit where we can be more comfortable and talk.”
She stood. “Okay…but…do you mind if we dance first? I love this song.” Al Green’s Rainin’ in My Heart was playing.
“My pleasure.” The Talk could wait a few minutes.
Todd took her hand, led her into the front room where he pulled her into his arms, gathering her close to his lean, hard body. He was tall and so was she. They fit perfectly. His eyes swept her face. “I’ll even let you lead.” Evangeline closed her eyes and dropped her head onto his shoulder as, with arms wrapped around her waist, he guided her in a slow arc in time to the music. Back when she was blind, they danced like this, critical eyes upon them, assessing, judging, jealous. But now it was just the two of them. Sweet.
“You smell nice,” she murmured. She loved the smell of a man’s cologne.
“So do you. What is that?”
“Chanel Sensuelle.”
“Hmm.” He sniffed at her throat. “Sure it’s not called “drive him wild”?
She grinned. “Positive.”
Her arms went up around his neck and with a sigh, Evangeline gave herself up to the slow melody, aware that their thighs brushed together and her nipples pressed against his chest. Certainly not unfamiliar. As their friendship grew so did their affection: hugging, touching, and the like. Cristian would explode: "Does he have to always have his hands on you? I don't like him touching you. There's something creepy about it. Todd's a convicted rapist. I don't want you alone with him." Ha! She felt more protected than threatened when she was with Todd. And the kisses? On Llantano Mountain and their first in the elevator? She had to admit, they rocked her to her core.
The song ended and another started before they could separate. “One more,” Todd suggested. “This is my favorite by Al.” They started to move again, this time cheek to cheek. She was mildly startled when he began to sing at her ear in rhythm with Al Green:
“You are so beautiful…to…me…You are sooo beautiful…to...me…can’t you see. You’re everything… I hope for, you’re everything I need…You are so beautiful…to…nobody but me; such joy and happiness you bring; such joy and happiness you bring…like a dream…You’re everything I hoped for…you’re everything I need….and you are so beautiful….to me…You’re just beautiful to me….”
He fell silent for the rest of the song and when they moved apart, her eyes were misting. “Todd Manning, that was…I don’t know…sweet.” And seductive. And sexy. And hot. She’d never had a man sing to her before. She was deeply moved.
Her panties were in serious jeopardy.
“I’m no Barry White, but—”
Evangeline leaned in and pressed her lips against his Adam’s apple. Todd felt a tightening sensation in his groin. Evangeline withdrew quickly. What possessed her?
They locked looks. You are asking for trouble, his eyes spoke.
Her eyes responded, Trouble’s fine.
"Evangeline."
"Todd."
Todd’s mouth closed over hers. Her lips parted eagerly and he tasted the moist underside. An all-consuming heat flushed through their bodies and the dams broke. The floodgates opened. It wasn’t pretty. It was messy. And frenzied with desperation. And wet. His tongue was in her mouth. Her tongue was in his mouth. His hands slipped to her bottom, pulling her up tight against his arousal. Her hands were in his hair, mussing his short, perfect cut.
Evangeline moaned as Todd’s mouth slid to her throat, sucking her skin. “Let’s make love,” he groaned. “Can we do that, Van, sweetheart?”
“No, Todd.”
“No?” His head came up. “Then answer this one question: Why are you leading me on?”
“I-I’m…not…I’m not leading you on. I’m not,” she said, breathless.
“You’ve been leading me on for months. You come here tonight looking all beautiful, smelling all good, showing all this sexy skin, driving me insane.” Todd caught her lips again in mouth-mushing bliss. Evangeline broke the kiss. “We really shouldn’t,” she gasped, as his tongue found her ear.
“I’m no Barry White, but—”
Evangeline leaned in and pressed her lips against his Adam’s apple. Todd felt a tightening sensation in his groin. Evangeline withdrew quickly. What possessed her?
They locked looks. You are asking for trouble, his eyes spoke.
Her eyes responded, Trouble’s fine.
"Evangeline."
"Todd."
Todd’s mouth closed over hers. Her lips parted eagerly and he tasted the moist underside. An all-consuming heat flushed through their bodies and the dams broke. The floodgates opened. It wasn’t pretty. It was messy. And frenzied with desperation. And wet. His tongue was in her mouth. Her tongue was in his mouth. His hands slipped to her bottom, pulling her up tight against his arousal. Her hands were in his hair, mussing his short, perfect cut.
Evangeline moaned as Todd’s mouth slid to her throat, sucking her skin. “Let’s make love,” he groaned. “Can we do that, Van, sweetheart?”
“No, Todd.”
“No?” His head came up. “Then answer this one question: Why are you leading me on?”
“I-I’m…not…I’m not leading you on. I’m not,” she said, breathless.
“You’ve been leading me on for months. You come here tonight looking all beautiful, smelling all good, showing all this sexy skin, driving me insane.” Todd caught her lips again in mouth-mushing bliss. Evangeline broke the kiss. “We really shouldn’t,” she gasped, as his tongue found her ear.
“Give me one reason.” The tongue funneled deeper into her lobe.
One reason? She couldn’t think straight with his tongue devastating her.
She grasped at a lifeline. “I have to protect my heart.”
“I’ll wear a condom,” he quipped.
“I’m serious, Todd. I don’t want to get hurt again.”
He kneeled his forehead on hers. “What about my heart? My heart’s on the line here too.”
“You’re a man. It’s easier for you.”
"Bullshit.”
“You’re rebounding from Blair.”
“You’re rebounding from Cristian. And what did they do? Have revenge sex at the ski lodge on Llantano Mountain.”
“You’re rebounding from Cristian. And what did they do? Have revenge sex at the ski lodge on Llantano Mountain.”
“So—we should have revenge sex too, Todd, to revenge their revenge? Quid pro quo? ” she questioned. “Is that it?”
Todd drew back and cradled her face in his hands. “No, that’s not it. We have both suffered. We need each other. Why shouldn’t we find comfort in each other’s arms? I want you. You want me too. No use in denying it.” Todd dropped his hands and let his eyes glide over her, assessingly.
“You’re shaking. Your nipples are hard. You’re breathing heavy. I bet...your panties are wet.”
“You’re shaking. Your nipples are hard. You’re breathing heavy. I bet...your panties are wet.”
Evangeline blinked. He’d win that bet.
“You want to sleep with me. Dammit, Evangeline, admit it."
She squeezed her eyes shut and made her decision: “Okay.”
“Okay?”
She nodded, opening her eyes and staring at his wondrously sensual mouth. “Okay.”
“Okay what?” Todd pressed, not sure what she was “okaying” to.
“I’ll make love with you.” She would need a Todd-Exorcist not to.
“I’ll make love with you.” She would need a Todd-Exorcist not to.
One hour later: Todd finally had Evangeline where he wanted her: naked in his new big brass bed.
(The old bed went out the door behind Blair.)
Evangeline's brown skin was magnificent against his pristine white sheets. She was stretched out on her stomach, her hands gripping the pillows beside her head, her derriere lifted.
“Todd,” Evangeline whimpered, twisting on his luxurious mattress. Todd lay on his side, his head propped up with his hand, while the other brushed over her skin, neck to calf, reverently, over and over. There was no hurry. Now that heaven was within his grasp.
Her skin fairly well buzzed. Todd had done the same to her front, skimming over her breasts, detouring to the valley between her legs, watching her face as she squirmed and cried delightedly as his fingers played with her.
He was naked too, except for her panties around his neck. They were red like her sheath. Just a scrap of sheer fabric that he sniffed like a bloodhound. He loved her scent. Fresh strawberries.
“Todd...please...why are you torturing me?”
“I want to make sure you’re ready.”
“I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m sooooo ready.”
“Not yet,” he demurred, turning her gently on to her back. He eased over her. Kissed her mouth thoroughly; sucked her nipples, achingly slow, first one then the other. Her belly button came next. Then her tummy. She had to stop him before—“No!”
Todd halted his trip. He lifted his head, his face dark with desire. “What do you mean no?”
“I mean...you mustn't."
"Why mustn't I?" Was she kidding? And why the sudden shyness?
"Because...that's...uh...special privilege. Husband only."
“What husband?” he demanded. Did she have a secret husband stashed away?
“My future husband.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Special Privilege? Sniffing her panties was as close as he was going to get to tasting her? Hell with that. "A million dollars," he offered. He was only half kidding: It would be worth it.
“No sale,” Evangeline sweetly declined, drawing him down on top of her and shifting her legs apart. “Your money has no value here. However, you can do anything else you want, Todd. Anything you want."
"I'll tell you what I don't want."
"I'm open."
"I don't want to use a damn condom with you."
(The old bed went out the door behind Blair.)
Evangeline's brown skin was magnificent against his pristine white sheets. She was stretched out on her stomach, her hands gripping the pillows beside her head, her derriere lifted.
“Todd,” Evangeline whimpered, twisting on his luxurious mattress. Todd lay on his side, his head propped up with his hand, while the other brushed over her skin, neck to calf, reverently, over and over. There was no hurry. Now that heaven was within his grasp.
Her skin fairly well buzzed. Todd had done the same to her front, skimming over her breasts, detouring to the valley between her legs, watching her face as she squirmed and cried delightedly as his fingers played with her.
He was naked too, except for her panties around his neck. They were red like her sheath. Just a scrap of sheer fabric that he sniffed like a bloodhound. He loved her scent. Fresh strawberries.
“Todd...please...why are you torturing me?”
“I want to make sure you’re ready.”
“I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m sooooo ready.”
“Not yet,” he demurred, turning her gently on to her back. He eased over her. Kissed her mouth thoroughly; sucked her nipples, achingly slow, first one then the other. Her belly button came next. Then her tummy. She had to stop him before—“No!”
Todd halted his trip. He lifted his head, his face dark with desire. “What do you mean no?”
“I mean...you mustn't."
"Why mustn't I?" Was she kidding? And why the sudden shyness?
"Because...that's...uh...special privilege. Husband only."
“What husband?” he demanded. Did she have a secret husband stashed away?
“My future husband.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Special Privilege? Sniffing her panties was as close as he was going to get to tasting her? Hell with that. "A million dollars," he offered. He was only half kidding: It would be worth it.
“No sale,” Evangeline sweetly declined, drawing him down on top of her and shifting her legs apart. “Your money has no value here. However, you can do anything else you want, Todd. Anything you want."
"I'll tell you what I don't want."
"I'm open."
"I don't want to use a damn condom with you."
Three hours later: Evangeline lay spent. Exhausted and supremely satisfied, prone on her stomach, her eyelids drooping. Soooo sleepy.
But Todd wanted to talk about the oral thing. “So you and John…never—"
“No, Todd, never.”
Todd lay back with his hands under his head, his ankles crossed, smugly contemplating the ceiling. “Yeah, well, McBain has got some serious hang-ups; but I’m surprised at Vega, the Latin Lothario…"
Evangeline turned on her side, away from him. “John never tried and Cristian respected my wishes. There you have it. Subject closed.”
“R.J. What about him? Oh, that's right: Brothers aren't into it."
“I never slept with R.J.”
“Really?”
She yawned. “Really. So please, can we drop it? It’s no big deal.”
Todd looked dejected like a child that’s had his candy snatched away. “I’m disappointed. I’m good at it.”
“I don’t want to hear about what you do with other women, Todd. Please. Spare me.”
Todd stretched out his hand and caressed the curve of her rump. “I’m really, really good at it.”
“I’m sure you are. But I don’t need it.”
“Well, maybe I do,” Todd replied, yanking her panties over his head and jamming them under his pillow.
She lifted her head briefly. “Todd…can we get some sleep? You wore me out.”
“I wore you out? I was not the one demanding multiple orgasms and I think you cracked my spine with those long, gorgeous legs of yours...Evangeline? Evangeline, honey?”
Todd peeked over at her. Evangeline had dozed off. Or pretended to. Message clear. Subject closed. For now, was his last thought before coiling his pink body blissfully around her brown one, wrapping his arm beneath her breasts, and closing his eyes in contentment.
Next morning: They didn’t move a muscle throughout the night. Todd woke first. He ran his fingertips along Evangeline's arm reminiscing their sexual high jinks. He really had her. She was his at last. His carnal juju had worked. Woo her. Dine her. Bed her. Own her. Nowhere was Todd Manning more diabolerie than in the affairs of the heart. Already, he had their future mapped. What should he call her now? He had to settle on a nickname. Evangeline was a mouthful. His past loves, Blair and Tѐa had been far simpler. Suitable shorties streamed thru his mind. Eva? Vange? Van? Vangie? Angel?
“Vange?” Yeah, that sounded right.
Vange stirred. “Hmm?”
“Let’s do it.”
She snuggled deeper into the mattress. “I need to shower first.”
“I mean—I'm ready to move on."
"I thought we had." Evangeline rolled over to face him. "So what is this? A Toddian Conquest?"
“Vange?” Yeah, that sounded right.
Vange stirred. “Hmm?”
“Let’s do it.”
She snuggled deeper into the mattress. “I need to shower first.”
“I mean—I'm ready to move on."
"I thought we had." Evangeline rolled over to face him. "So what is this? A Toddian Conquest?"
Just the most significant conquest of his speckled life.
Her hair had tumbled loose on her pillow. Todd stuck his hand in its thickness. How did she manage to look so beautiful so early in the morning?
So, he asked her.
To which she grouched: "Don't start. I'm sure I look like hell. Now why did you wake me up, if not for sex? I was having the most amazing dream..."
Duly noted: she wasn't a "morning person".
"I was thinking, Vange, let's make this permanent. What do you say?" He kissed her temple.
Evangeline thought before she said anything. Permanent had a permanency ring to it. "Wouldn't you agree that our present feelings for each other are pretty unassailable?"
"Our bond is strong, yes. We decided that already."
"And that bond can only be strengthened by what we shared last night."
"As mind-bending as the sex was, Evangeline, it's not enough for me."
"What do you want, Todd, exactly?"
"More. All. Us. Love."
"Love. Scary." She was holding out for a fling to work him out of her system.
His mouth trailed downward to her mouth and he flicked his tongue on her bottom lip. "And why is that?"
"I'm afraid if I start, I won't be able to stop. My world will revolve around pleasing you."
"Oh, but I will please you first," he promised, gliding his hand over her belly.
"Todd, if I gain us, I lose myself."
"Evangeline, have you ever lost yourself in any relationship?"
"No. But you, Todd...you're exceptional."
His gaze was warm on her face. "Exceptional rare or exceptional superior?"
He'd take either.
Evangeline grafted her long, supple body to Todd's hard length. He was heating her up, and she was tired of talking. Intercourse not discourse!
"I haven't figured that out yet," she murmurred.
"Then let me help you with that," Todd murmurred back, suckling her throat.
Her hair had tumbled loose on her pillow. Todd stuck his hand in its thickness. How did she manage to look so beautiful so early in the morning?
So, he asked her.
To which she grouched: "Don't start. I'm sure I look like hell. Now why did you wake me up, if not for sex? I was having the most amazing dream..."
Duly noted: she wasn't a "morning person".
"I was thinking, Vange, let's make this permanent. What do you say?" He kissed her temple.
Evangeline thought before she said anything. Permanent had a permanency ring to it. "Wouldn't you agree that our present feelings for each other are pretty unassailable?"
"Our bond is strong, yes. We decided that already."
"And that bond can only be strengthened by what we shared last night."
"As mind-bending as the sex was, Evangeline, it's not enough for me."
"What do you want, Todd, exactly?"
"More. All. Us. Love."
"Love. Scary." She was holding out for a fling to work him out of her system.
His mouth trailed downward to her mouth and he flicked his tongue on her bottom lip. "And why is that?"
"I'm afraid if I start, I won't be able to stop. My world will revolve around pleasing you."
"Oh, but I will please you first," he promised, gliding his hand over her belly.
"Todd, if I gain us, I lose myself."
"Evangeline, have you ever lost yourself in any relationship?"
"No. But you, Todd...you're exceptional."
His gaze was warm on her face. "Exceptional rare or exceptional superior?"
He'd take either.
Evangeline grafted her long, supple body to Todd's hard length. He was heating her up, and she was tired of talking. Intercourse not discourse!
"I haven't figured that out yet," she murmurred.
"Then let me help you with that," Todd murmurred back, suckling her throat.
Afterwards, as Evangeline lounged between Todd's thighs, finger-curling his chest hairs, she made him vow: "You won't hurt me."
Todd hauled her forward and spread a row of delicate kisses above her breasts. "It's written in the wind. I won't hurt you and you won't hurt me."
Todd hauled her forward and spread a row of delicate kisses above her breasts. "It's written in the wind. I won't hurt you and you won't hurt me."
Later that morning: The bathtub was big enough for two. Evangeline luxuriated in the fragrant oils and white bubbles. She was nestled between Todd’s thighs and they were recreating the scene from Pretty Woman while he did all kinds of wicked things to her with his fingers. He was especially creative with the sponge. She felt really happy. They were lovers now. No going back.
However, one topic had to be broached: "Todd, I hate to put a damper on our romantic bath, but we need to discuss...contraception."
Todd flinched. "What about it?"
"In the heat of the moment, or moments," she laughed, "we lost our heads and...well..."
"I didn't lose my head. Neither did you. We're not reckless teenagers, Vange. We did what we wanted to do."
"We keep this up, I'll end up pregnant."
However, one topic had to be broached: "Todd, I hate to put a damper on our romantic bath, but we need to discuss...contraception."
Todd flinched. "What about it?"
"In the heat of the moment, or moments," she laughed, "we lost our heads and...well..."
"I didn't lose my head. Neither did you. We're not reckless teenagers, Vange. We did what we wanted to do."
"We keep this up, I'll end up pregnant."
His seed was bumping heads inside her womb this very minute!
“I wouldn’t head for the hills.”
“You want me pregnant?”
"Now, how do I answer that? Do I want you pregnant? You should want to be pregnant."
“Oh, really? And why is that?”
“Are you happy, Evangeline? Right now, are you happy?”
A part of her cautioned that they were going waaay too fast and she should apply some brakes. But she found herself admitting:
“Yes, very.”
Because she was. In fact, she was giddy with happiness.
“I’m happy too,” he said, pressing his lips to her nape. “Now multiply this happiness one thousand times. That’s what our baby will do.”
Evangeline made a face. “I’m not sure we’re ready for this conversation.”
Hadn’t she just dodged a pregnancy-bullet with Cristian, for heaven’s sake!
Progesterone shots, here I come!
“Fair enough." He would give her this reprieve. He switched gears. "Just for fun, let's set down some Vange and Todd Rules. You go first."
"Okay. Besides the things I already applaud you for...honesty, loyalty, and fidelity—three other things.”
"Am I going to like this?”
“You’d better. That’s how it’s going to be. Number one: I want to maintain my independence. I’m an adult. I know what I want. If I need your help, I’ll ask for it.”
“You are well and lovingly caught, not trapped, my pretty one. Number two."
“I wouldn’t head for the hills.”
“You want me pregnant?”
"Now, how do I answer that? Do I want you pregnant? You should want to be pregnant."
“Oh, really? And why is that?”
“Are you happy, Evangeline? Right now, are you happy?”
A part of her cautioned that they were going waaay too fast and she should apply some brakes. But she found herself admitting:
“Yes, very.”
Because she was. In fact, she was giddy with happiness.
“I’m happy too,” he said, pressing his lips to her nape. “Now multiply this happiness one thousand times. That’s what our baby will do.”
Evangeline made a face. “I’m not sure we’re ready for this conversation.”
Hadn’t she just dodged a pregnancy-bullet with Cristian, for heaven’s sake!
Progesterone shots, here I come!
“Fair enough." He would give her this reprieve. He switched gears. "Just for fun, let's set down some Vange and Todd Rules. You go first."
"Okay. Besides the things I already applaud you for...honesty, loyalty, and fidelity—three other things.”
"Am I going to like this?”
“You’d better. That’s how it’s going to be. Number one: I want to maintain my independence. I’m an adult. I know what I want. If I need your help, I’ll ask for it.”
“You are well and lovingly caught, not trapped, my pretty one. Number two."
“In a word—Blair."
"Blair Blair Blair Blair Blair. Get over her. I did. Next.”
Evangeline considered. “Hmm...we're compatible in bed. No problems there.”
Compatible. He balked at that tame description. “Hell. We are magical together.”
She tipped her head back against his chest. “Rapturous. You are masterful, Todd. I’m still experiencing aftershocks." So there she had it: the reason why, in part, Blair kept taking Todd back. God-awesome sex. "And the crying—that was an added touch.”
“I wanted to show my sensitive side.”
“But can you keep it up?”
“The crying?"
Evangeline splashed water. “No, silly. The block buster lovemaking.”
“All right, I believe that’s a double entendre. So yes…and yes.” He kissed the side of her neck. “I love your enthusiasm. I need a woman to match me in bed."
“So, I'm that woman...and Blair isn't?" She found that hard to believe.
“I can trust you not to wield sex as a weapon or punishment. Or withhold sex from me because of some perceived grievance.”
“We’ll work out any hard feelings.”
Out of the tub, he wrapped a towel around her. “I’m not an easy man to love.”
“But you’re damn hard to resist,” she said and kissed his mouth to seal the deal. “We’re official. We can hang out the banns.”
Three weeks later after a much needed three-day break from each other: “Todd, when I said hang out the banns, I didn’t mean it literally.”
That particular custom of announcing couples unions died centuries ago.
Evangeline stood in the middle of her living room staring at an invitation to THE TODD MANNING AND EVANGELINE WILLIAMSON GALA, a “coming out” party as though they had been in the closet. And she guessed in a way, they had.
“I had my printers put a rush on the invitations. Next Saturday, I want all of Llanview to know that we have moved beyond the friendship stage.”
She handed the fancy velum card back to him. “I don’t think we should flaunt it.”
“Nor hide it. Are you ashamed of me? I wouldn’t blame you. You know—my reputation, my criminal record…I’m pretty much hated in this town by everybody.”
“Stop. When have I ever been ashamed of you? I just don’t think we should shove us down people’s throats. A lot of folk won’t like the idea of you and me, Todd. A few come to mind—your sister, my sister, your ex-wife."
Todd slipped the invite back into his pocket. “Well...we don't have to care what they don't like, do we?"
"Todd, we can't just live in our own little love bubble."
"Sure we can. What else you got?"
“Well, there's this color thing.”
He upped his chin, gazing down at her tantalizing red-painted mouth. “What color thing?”
“We're a mixed couple.”
Todd grinned. “Mixed or mixed up?"
"Todd, be serious."
"You be serious, Evangeline Williamson. McBain? Vega? Card-carrying caucasoids. Remember them? I do."
"They are not Todd. Manning. Other half of Blair. Cramer-Manning. Llanview's elite super couple? Come on, Todd." Evangeline gesticulated.
Todd rubbed his chin. "I see your point. I say we get married and really stick it to 'em."
Evangeline shook her head and rolled her eyes.
Todd couldn't take it any longer. His mouth swooped down and tasted her lipstick. Peppermint. "Vange, you can roll your eyes...you can roll your sexy hips...you can roll your tongue around in your mouth, I'm still going to love you and be with you. I will shout it from Llantano Mountain top. I’ll announce it in a two-page spread in THE SUN."
“No, Todd! You’ll do no such thing."
"I don't care about people," he said. "Screw 'em. Screw 'em, blue 'em, and tattoo 'em. I want everybody to recognize we're Llanview's power pair. A force to be reckoned with."
"I think they’ll get the idea now that we're dating.”
“Dating?” He spat out, like it was a dirty word. “Dating’s for losers. You’re moving in with me. Start packing your stuff.”
Evangeline opened her mouth, stunned. “Move in with you? In the penthouse?”
He glanced around her apartment. “Uh…where’re your suitcases? I’ll help you. The quicker you’re out of here, the quicker we start our new life together.”
“Wait a minute…I’m not moving into the penthouse with you, Todd. No way.”
His mouth compressed. “I don't want to fight about this. If the penthouse isn’t suitable, Vange, I’ll buy a house. You’re mine now. I can’t have you living in this...this...pigeonhole.”
Evangeline’s eyes shot sparks. Backing up, she put distance between them, folding her arms around her waist in defiance and complaint. “Pigeonhole, huh? This is exactly what I was afraid of—we’ve been together not even a month and you want to take charge of my life. Next, you'll insist I quit the DA's office and work for you!"
Todd clapped his ears. "Don't go putting visuals in my head." One stride and Todd was in her face again. He settled his hands on her hips and kissed her...and kissed her... until he was satisfied her resolve was softened before he let up. “Okay, I apologize for the, uh, chicken coop gibe." He'd beg if he had to. "Do you know how I feel when you sleep over and leave my bed the next morning? Lonely and desolate. Please, Vange—I want you close so that I can love and care for you the right way. Sweetheart, you once told me that you get what you give. Remember?”
Evangeline clasped his forearms, relenting. “I have no complaints, Todd.”
“Oh, but I can do better.” His blue eyes swept her face in that loving way he had, hesitating on her mouth, his voice husky when he added: “Plus, sex on tap."
There was that, girl. In three weeks time, he’d drugged her on the sex. Did Todd use lovemaking to manipulate her? No doubt. But Evangeline had not the will nor the desire to take him to task. He fed her sex like a meal. On schedule. Twice a day. Breakfast and dinner. “We’ll cool down,” Todd assured her, as they lay quivering, following a sublime orgasm. Easy for him to say. Sex with Todd was better than any lover she’d been with. It wasn’t so much his sensual technique as it was ethereal. And so powerful, it made her cry. It made him cry.
“Look, let's get out of here. Grab something to eat."
"Okay. I'll go change."
He caught her back. "Don't change. Wear that." His eyes lazed over her. She was adorable in her yellow figure-hugging jumpsuit. "You look like a banana," he teased. And he wanted to peel the jumpsuit off her delicious body, take her into her bedroom and make love to her for the rest of the afternoon. But second things first. Food.
She looked him over as well. "You look like...Miami Vice."
Todd removed his suit jacket and handed it to her. A grey crewneck cotton T covered his lean torso.
"Better," she approved with a nod.
That particular custom of announcing couples unions died centuries ago.
Evangeline stood in the middle of her living room staring at an invitation to THE TODD MANNING AND EVANGELINE WILLIAMSON GALA, a “coming out” party as though they had been in the closet. And she guessed in a way, they had.
“I had my printers put a rush on the invitations. Next Saturday, I want all of Llanview to know that we have moved beyond the friendship stage.”
She handed the fancy velum card back to him. “I don’t think we should flaunt it.”
“Nor hide it. Are you ashamed of me? I wouldn’t blame you. You know—my reputation, my criminal record…I’m pretty much hated in this town by everybody.”
“Stop. When have I ever been ashamed of you? I just don’t think we should shove us down people’s throats. A lot of folk won’t like the idea of you and me, Todd. A few come to mind—your sister, my sister, your ex-wife."
Todd slipped the invite back into his pocket. “Well...we don't have to care what they don't like, do we?"
"Todd, we can't just live in our own little love bubble."
"Sure we can. What else you got?"
“Well, there's this color thing.”
He upped his chin, gazing down at her tantalizing red-painted mouth. “What color thing?”
“We're a mixed couple.”
Todd grinned. “Mixed or mixed up?"
"Todd, be serious."
"You be serious, Evangeline Williamson. McBain? Vega? Card-carrying caucasoids. Remember them? I do."
"They are not Todd. Manning. Other half of Blair. Cramer-Manning. Llanview's elite super couple? Come on, Todd." Evangeline gesticulated.
Todd rubbed his chin. "I see your point. I say we get married and really stick it to 'em."
Evangeline shook her head and rolled her eyes.
Todd couldn't take it any longer. His mouth swooped down and tasted her lipstick. Peppermint. "Vange, you can roll your eyes...you can roll your sexy hips...you can roll your tongue around in your mouth, I'm still going to love you and be with you. I will shout it from Llantano Mountain top. I’ll announce it in a two-page spread in THE SUN."
“No, Todd! You’ll do no such thing."
"I don't care about people," he said. "Screw 'em. Screw 'em, blue 'em, and tattoo 'em. I want everybody to recognize we're Llanview's power pair. A force to be reckoned with."
"I think they’ll get the idea now that we're dating.”
“Dating?” He spat out, like it was a dirty word. “Dating’s for losers. You’re moving in with me. Start packing your stuff.”
Evangeline opened her mouth, stunned. “Move in with you? In the penthouse?”
He glanced around her apartment. “Uh…where’re your suitcases? I’ll help you. The quicker you’re out of here, the quicker we start our new life together.”
“Wait a minute…I’m not moving into the penthouse with you, Todd. No way.”
His mouth compressed. “I don't want to fight about this. If the penthouse isn’t suitable, Vange, I’ll buy a house. You’re mine now. I can’t have you living in this...this...pigeonhole.”
Evangeline’s eyes shot sparks. Backing up, she put distance between them, folding her arms around her waist in defiance and complaint. “Pigeonhole, huh? This is exactly what I was afraid of—we’ve been together not even a month and you want to take charge of my life. Next, you'll insist I quit the DA's office and work for you!"
Todd clapped his ears. "Don't go putting visuals in my head." One stride and Todd was in her face again. He settled his hands on her hips and kissed her...and kissed her... until he was satisfied her resolve was softened before he let up. “Okay, I apologize for the, uh, chicken coop gibe." He'd beg if he had to. "Do you know how I feel when you sleep over and leave my bed the next morning? Lonely and desolate. Please, Vange—I want you close so that I can love and care for you the right way. Sweetheart, you once told me that you get what you give. Remember?”
Evangeline clasped his forearms, relenting. “I have no complaints, Todd.”
“Oh, but I can do better.” His blue eyes swept her face in that loving way he had, hesitating on her mouth, his voice husky when he added: “Plus, sex on tap."
There was that, girl. In three weeks time, he’d drugged her on the sex. Did Todd use lovemaking to manipulate her? No doubt. But Evangeline had not the will nor the desire to take him to task. He fed her sex like a meal. On schedule. Twice a day. Breakfast and dinner. “We’ll cool down,” Todd assured her, as they lay quivering, following a sublime orgasm. Easy for him to say. Sex with Todd was better than any lover she’d been with. It wasn’t so much his sensual technique as it was ethereal. And so powerful, it made her cry. It made him cry.
“Look, let's get out of here. Grab something to eat."
"Okay. I'll go change."
He caught her back. "Don't change. Wear that." His eyes lazed over her. She was adorable in her yellow figure-hugging jumpsuit. "You look like a banana," he teased. And he wanted to peel the jumpsuit off her delicious body, take her into her bedroom and make love to her for the rest of the afternoon. But second things first. Food.
She looked him over as well. "You look like...Miami Vice."
Todd removed his suit jacket and handed it to her. A grey crewneck cotton T covered his lean torso.
"Better," she approved with a nod.
Lunch Stopover: “PAÑERA BREAD good?” Todd suggested as he spun away from the curb.
"Yes, I can get a salad."
She turned on the radio.
Todd turned it off and glanced over at her.
"We love each other. It's not just the sex, you know."
“I know.” They were both hyper-sexual by nature and confusing sex for love had occurred to her. Call her crazy, but she loved him. The hell of it was, she was falling disgustingly deeper in love with him every passing day. She was afraid that she would reach a point where she couldn't live without him. Then what would become of her lovely independence she clung to like a shroud.
Understandably, Evangeline wanted to shy away from the “L” word so soon after Cristian. But Todd wasn’t having it. He insisted they be honest about their feelings, declaring: “So what if you’ve loved other men. I’ve loved other women. Though”—he chortled—“your body count's a mite higher—now don’t go getting your knickers in a twist—we’re devoted to one another now. That’s all that matters."
"Agreed. Sorta like jamais vu," she frenched, then translated when he arched a brow: "Falling in love for the first time."
“Of course, there will be those who won’t understand what you see in me,” Todd said now. Suddenly, he threw back his head and laughed as he had an amusing thought. “I’d like to have been a fly on the wall when the Mexican gave you that 'Todd or me' ultimatum. Clearly, it was going to be me. He should have known that our connection was too strong to put down. He got kicked to the curb and I got his girl. What an idiot!"
Todd always referred to Cristian as the Mexican even though he knew Cristian was Puerto Rican. “Must you gloat? Cristian was deeply hurt by my decision not to cut you out of my life.”
Todd gave a shrug. “I delight in other people’s pain. Especially mine enemies.”
"Ha! There's a word for that."
"Sadism?" he smirked.
"Schadenfreude. Nevermind," she said, as she imagined the word looping through his brain. "You will never change."
“No," he laughed. "And you don’t want me to.”
True. She would not—could not be scornful of him.
Todd loved her. He’d made that patently clear. It’s not that she didn’t believe him. But men had professed their love for her before and the outcome had been disastrous.
"We're here," Todd announced, pulling into a vacant spot.
"Are we getting it to go?"
"Hmm. Let's eat inside this time."
Todd unbuckled his seat belt and leaned over to undo hers as she struggled with its tricky clasp. "Thanks."
He lingered across her lap. "I want to make love to you when we leave here. It's been too long."
Only a few days but it felt like a draught. "Your floor or mine?"
"We are on my side of town."
She almost turned around at the door, when she spotted her sister Layla snuggled up in a booth with sin-man trickster Vincent Jones.
She hated Layla with him.
"Layla hates that you're with me," Todd commented channeling her thoughts.
Her sister waved. Evangeline waved back.
Forget them.
They ate, chatted, and laughed inside the cozy atmosphere and on the way out, holding hands, stopped by Layla's table for small talk. Layla arched a brow at their clasped hands.
Let her.
Let the world.
Later, lying on their love pallet in front of his fireplace They snuggled; the best part of love-making. Her face on his chest, she listened to the thump of his heart and Evangeline was prompted to say, "We need to have a heart-to-heart."
Todd groaned. There goes peace and harmony. "But I don't want a heart to heart. I'm no good at it."
"This won't hurt, Todd, and besides, we never have a chance to really talk."
For legitimate reasons. She was prosecuting a new case and he was running his newspaper. And when they were together, they channeled their communication through their bodies...all that needed to be said. Now they were reaching a saturation point. They needed hosing down. They were becoming addicted to each other. They needed less sex and more words. They needed grounding.
Mentally, she cleared her throat and plunged in: “I look at you, Todd, and I see this drop dead gorgeous guy, sexy, witty, smart, complex… and I’m totally pulled in. Totally. I find I can’t say no to you. I come when you call because you need me. When we first kissed, it was both thrilling and terrifying. Thrilling for the obvious reasons and I wanted more; terrifying because it signaled the death of something precious. I always loved you with a pure love. A platonic love that transcended the burden of physical expression. Transcended sex. All I needed was a hug from you and I was made whole. And when I found myself attracted to you, I wanted the physical, the earthy love, the pleasures, the fulfillment your words and your body promised.”
He caressed her backside. “And now that you have that, you’re afraid it won’t last. Am I right?”
Evangeline nodded. “Layla keeps telling me I go after projects. That I want to fix what’s broken about the man I’m with.”
Todd coughed. “Yeah, I know—McBain, Cristian, R.J. Not me. Don’t get me wrong. There’s a hell of a lot wrong with me. Much of it I don’t understand myself. I’m damaged. As my best friend, you never tried to “fix” me. You accepted me the way I am. You believed in me when no other did. You’re the only one who gets me where I live.” He brought her hand to his heart. “As my lover, I expect no different. I don’t know exactly when I stopped having pure love for you if I ever did; my thoughts of you have been impure for some time now.”
"You’re right. I don’t want to fix you. Sure, I’ve tried to save you from yourself. That was my responsibility as a friend. I accept you the way you are, though. Always have. I told you once before…you are a unique individual. You’re true to yourself. You do what you want to do and you don’t care what people think. I don’t know whether that’s good or bad. A lot of men out there lack your confidence. That’s why they buck heads with you. Sexual jealousy. You can get any woman you want, Todd, if you set your sights on her. You can get Blair back, my darling.”
Todd loved it when Vange called him names of endearment like my darling. It was code for: I know I’m talking nonsense, so don’t take me literally. “I don’t want Blair back. I want you, Evangeline Williamson.”
Evangeline inhaled. “You might not after I tell you this, Todd." Dare she? Dare she admit her deepest, darkest, and most instinctive emotions? And risk losing him?
"I already know. You still have feelings for McBain. I saw the way you looked at each other in court yesterday. I wanted to punch him!"
"I don't know what you think you saw, Todd Manning. I was redirecting John on the witness stand. Nothing more. John loves Natalie. End of story."
"I wonder."
"Hush." She touched his face. "I love you. You know that."
Todd was smug: "I knew that before you knew that."
"Just...let me say this, please. Sometimes...just sometimes, Todd, I feel inappropriately maternal toward you. I want to tend your wounds...protect and nurture... and comfort... and defend you...with a vengance. I'm confused by that and you, rightly, should be concerned."
"Hmm, Vange. I don't think my mother would behave so enthusiastically in my bed nor cry out my name when she comes. Do you think?"
Evangeline blushed. "Well, when you put it that way, no."
"You just plain ol' love me, Vange. O-kay...so...we've given the heart-to-heart a proper burial. Perhaps now is a good time to declare my intentions."
Evangeline frowned. Intentions was a woman's buzzword.
Todd continued: "Besides the invites, I picked up a little something for you today.” He set her aside gently and looked around for his jacket. He crawled on his knees to where he had flung it and dug in the breast pocket, withdrawing a small velvet box, powder blue. He crawled back and pushed it in her hand.
Evangeline straightened upright and sat cross-legged, totally at ease baring her all for his eyes. In a short time, they had become intimately comfortable with each other. When home, naked was their mode of dress.
Her ponytail untidy and her body glistening from sex, she looked like a Lucian Freud nude, and Todd leaned back against the sofa leg, enjoying his worm's-eye view. Her small, perfect breasts bobbed as she jiggled the box. Down boy, he scolded his libido.
“What’s this, Todd?” she asked, cautiously suspicious as though it better not be what it probably was.
“Open it.”
The last time a man presented her a box this small, she had assumed in error that it was an engagement ring. It wasn’t. That man was Cristian.
But this man was Todd. Unpredictable and impulsive.
With unsteady fingers, she flipped the top back, and sucked in her breath. A ring. A two-million-dollar ring. The tiny white price tag said so.
Her heart squeezed. She repeated: “What is this?”
“It’s a diamond solitaire.”
“I know what it is, but what is this? What does it mean?”
“What the hell do you think it means? You want commitment—there, you got it.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s brash and just the sort of thing you’d do. You have the worse timing.”
Todd sighed. “I wanted to wait to give it to you at the gala in the presence of everyone. Do the get-down-on-bended-knee routine. But I guess now is as good a time as any. Of course, if you don’t like it…”
Evangeline glanced up at him. “It’s beautiful, but—”
“But nothing.” He leaned, removed the ring from its niche and slid it on her finger. “Now, I’m glad you like the ring because I really hate returning things. I’ve still got the diamond necklace you threw back at me on your birthday.”
Evangeline leaped to her feet, her ponytail bouncing, and paced back and forth, her hand splayed, staring at the simple but elegant diamond set in platinum.
“I’m scared, Todd.” She spun away to the window, holding the diamond up to the stream of fading daylight.
He was right behind her, speaking at her ear. “Don’t be. I worship you. Marry me."
"It's...it's too soon."
"It's too soon," he mimicked. "I don't know what that means. We've known each other for...what? Four years or so? How much time do we need, Evangeline Williamson? Haven't we wasted enough time on duds? You said you wanted a family, a soul mate. I’m your soul mate. And I’ve already demonstrated my ability to sire offspring. I’ll give you as many as you want. I love being a father. Besides which, you’re almost 40.”
Evangeline turned, eyes narrowed. “I’m 36. Just like you.”
"No no. Not like me. Me-no-pause. Eh?" Todd tapped his watch. "Clock's ticking."
"Considering our heedless lovemaking, I might already be pregnant."
She flung up her hand at the sudden flint in his eye. "No. I'm not. Just saying."
A cellphone rang somewhere but they both ignored it. "You love it raw, and you know it. If anything, we need to double-down."
“Sex is one thing, but marriage, Todd?"
“What, woman? You thought I wanted you for your body? I mean I do. I could spend half my day every day tangled up in those sensational legs—but no, Vange. You mean more to me than that. I don't want to be your boyfriend. I want to be your husband. Marriage is a natural progression for what we have together.”
“You tend to rush into things. And I'm sorry, but this feels rushed."
He touched two fingers to her chest and she was reminded that they were utterly naked, having this conversation. "Don't you want me, Vange? Want our kids?"
"I want you. I want our kids. And if in two years you wake one morning and decide it's Blair Cramer you want? Or Tea Delgado for that matter? What then?"
"Then? Then I'll voluntarily commit myself to St. Ann's. Doubtless, I'd lost my freakin' mind!"
"What if," Evangeline started. "Shhh!" Todd stopped her. "I've got all the 'what-ifs' covered."
Her gaze gentled on his winsome face. He had such an amusing soft sell way of charming her.
"Now, put me out of my misery. Say yes."
She wanted to say yes; she really did. However, these words tumbled out: "I don't want to be your token wife." There! She had to say it.
"What did you just say to me?"
"Todd..."
His hands were like vice-grips on her arms and her nipples grazed his chest as he shook her.
“Don’t. Don’t even think it. Goddamn it, Evangeline—I love you. What do I have to do to prove it?”
God. Did he not give her his time? Shower her with small gifts because she eschewed grander ones? Send varieties of imported Double Delight roses to her office every day. Escort her to the Policeman's Ball (he hated police). Endured a night at the Llanview Opera House. Tell her constantly that he loved her? Show her off proudly every chance he got? Damn near fuck her to death? Give her a 30 carat diamond ring? Propose marriage? What did Evangeline want?
“Maybe you have something to prove to other people.”
His hands fell away from her. Where was this nonsense coming from? “I don’t. I just want you with every fiber in my body. Get that through that wonderful brain of yours. I love you. I can’t get enough of you, Evangeline!”
Evangeline viewed him through her lashes. “So, I’m THE ONE?”
“You and no other.”
“Honest?”
“Honest to God. And I don’t mind saying, it took a really long time getting to this place.”
“Just checking.” Then she grinned and plastered her naked self against him.
Postlude: “Don’t scare me like that. Come here,” Todd enticed her, cupping the back of her neck and drawing her in for his kiss. “Know what I’m anticipating the most about being Mister Evangeline Williamson?” he asked, caressing her derriere.
“Let me think. Special Privileges?”
“You know me well. Any chance for a sampling?”
“Would you have me compromise my principles, Mr Manning?”
“I insist on it. I want all of you."
“I heard a rumor that you were exceptional that way."
“Ah. From Blair.”
“Would you believe a toilet stall at the county courthouse? In unflattering terms.”
“Blair.” They said in unison and laughed.
They fit. They just did. They were perfect together. Evangeline would marry him. How could she do otherwise? And she would do so with eyes propped open, ever mindful of one loophole she could not close. For no matter his assurance and reassurance, there would forever be the looming specter of Blair.
©2011 by phyllisoneidascott
