How was she going to survive a week without Ivan? Tiffany asked herself this question a dozen times.
He had lit a fire in her over the past few days, and it wasn’t about to be extinguished by some sexy promises made during their late-night conversations. She wanted all of him, and this time nothing short of them consummating their feelings would do.
Just then Tiffany’s cell phone rang. She picked it up and looked at the screen. Blocked. Normally those types of calls meant an annoying telemarketer, or someone trying not to be traced. “Hello?”
There was a stretch of silence, followed by a loud click in her ear.
“Strange,” she said into the phone before hanging up.
Tiffany made it till about four o’clock before she told Celeste that she was heading home. As she drove, she noticed storm clouds moving in. It was sunny for the moment, so she put her windows down and cranked up the music. While she was jamming, her Bluetooth kicked in and she heard her phone ringing. She turned the music down and answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey, honey.”
“Hi, Ms. Jeannie. How are you?”
“Running around like a fox in a henhouse. I’ve got so many things to wrap up before Saturday.”
“Anything I can help you with?”
“No, dear, I’ve got my family on party detail. They aren’t happy, but they’ll get over it.”
“I’ll be there early on Saturday to help out,” Tiffany assured her.
“Ivan called to tell me that he won’t be able to make it. He said he’s got to go out of town, but then you knew that, didn’t you?”
Warning bells were clamoring in Tiffany’s head. She had to tread carefully. “Yes, he did mention it the last time I saw him.”
Just recalling their last encounter had her fidgeting in her seat.
“Cliff, it doesn’t go there,” Norma Jean yelled. “I’m sorry. I’ve got to run dear, before my husband breaks something. I’ll see you on Saturday. And be early. I’ve got some great things lined up.”
“Will do,” she promised before ending the call.
Tiffany wondered if Norma Jean suspected anything. She brushed that fear aside. One thing was certain—Jeannie did not do subtle. It wasn’t in her nature.
When Tiffany got home, she sprang into action. She wanted to look her best for Ivan’s last night in town. She chose a sensual, floral body lotion and a dress guaranteed to drive him crazy.
A while ago she had purchased a silky, violet-blue, spaghetti-strap dress with a diamond-shaped cutout in the middle of her back. It exposed a fair amount of skin without being too overwhelming. Tiffany felt it was the perfect night to christen it. She picked a pair of silver, jewel-studded sandals to go with it. For her hair, she chose a softer, sleek look and shimmering violet-tinted lip gloss. She was putting on her silver teardrop earrings when the doorbell rang. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand. It was seven o’clock on the dot. Excitement fluttered within her. “Right on time,” she said aloud.
When she opened the door, Ivan’s eyes devoured her. His stunned expression was all the validation she needed. She felt like a knockout.
“Wow.”
Ivan scanned her entire body again before he spoke. “You’re stunning. I feel like it’s my birthday—and you’re my gift.”
She beamed. “You haven’t seen the full view.” She turned around to show him the back, and felt ultra sexy when he whistled appreciatively.
“You’re wearing the hell out of that dress, Miss Gentry.”
“Thank you, Colonel Mangum.”
*
While Ivan drove, they discussed the details of his trip.
“I’ll print out a copy of my itinerary for you,” he told her. “Right now, it’s looking like I’ll just be gone a week.”