PREVIOUSLY

“Nah, you’re imagining things,” he murmured. “Just some junky car backfiring, no doubt. We’ve got more important things to worry about, Téa.” He nuzzled her neck. “Like how in the world I’m going to be able to keep my hands off you while we’re ‘taking it slow’.”

*************************************************************************************************************

Todd stopped his pacing long enough to check his appearance in the mirror for the fourth time in ten minutes. He smoothed down the imagined creases in his tuxedo. It was brand new, a concession to vanity that he had indulged in for his date with Téa. Checking the time on his expensive wristwatch, he resumed his nervous roaming through the apartment. Although it was usually expected for a man to pick up his date at her place of residence, Téa had expressed an interest in seeing what he had done with her old home, so he had sent his driver to collect her. An assortment of hors d’oeuvres rested on the coffee table, along with a chilling bottle of champagne. Todd picked up a canapé, then threw it back on the tray impatiently. He took a deep breath and smoothed his hair back, trying to control his nervousness.

He wanted everything to be perfect for his first date with Téa, and he had planned every detail to make sure she had a good time. More than anything, he wanted her to be impressed enough to go out with him again. On a certain level, it was kind of ridiculous, given that they had been married—twice. But Téa had been right. They never did have a normal courtship, and since their earlier efforts to forge a relationship had ended in bitter failure, Todd was willing to try anything in the hopes that they could make it work this time. After the champagne and appetizers, they were heading to the airport for a private jet ride to New York City. He had made reservations at an exclusive restaurant for dinner, and after that, they were going dancing. He had left the details of choosing the dance club to Téa, since she had more experience in that department, and now he looked forward to that part of the evening with trepidation. It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to dance. His mother had insisted on early instruction in the basics, until his abusive father had put an end to it with claims that dancing was an unmanly activity. So Todd could do an acceptable waltz or fox trot, but somehow he didn’t think those were what Téa had in mind when she had suggested an evening of dancing. No, somehow a dance club called La Bamba didn’t conjure up images of sedate couples circling in orderly steps around a dance floor.

Todd stopped again in the foyer and started fiddling nervously with the flower arrangement until he realized what he was doing. He flung away in disgust, and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve been hanging around Viki too much,” he murmured. His head snapped up as he heard a light knocking at the door. He ran the first few steps, then forced himself to slow down and breathe normally as he reached for the knob. Blair barged in, towing Starr by the hand. The little girl carried her stuffed frog and wore a small pink backpack.

“Oh good, you’re home,” said Blair in a distracted manner, barely taking in the preparations for the evening.

“Blair, what are you doing here?” asked Todd in exasperation.

“You’re in luck. I’m going to let you have Starr tonight,” she said. “You wanted visitation rights, well, here’s your chance.” Todd took a moment to hug his daughter, who seemed subdued, then pulled her mother to the side.

“Forget it, Blair. You can’t just dump Starr anytime you want a night off,” he said in a low voice. “I want scheduled visits. In case you haven’t noticed, I have plans tonight.” Blair was already heading to the door.

“Well, you’d better make your daughter a priority if you want to be a part of her life.” Todd noticed an evening dress peeking out from below her coat, and he put a hand on her arm. His eyes narrowed.

“Listen, Blair, I can’t do this. Not tonight. Now you find someone else to baby-sit, because it’s not going to be me.” Blair was opening her mouth to protest when a tiny sniff gained their attention.

“Don’t you want me, Daddy?” said Starr in a tiny voice, clutching her frog pathetically. Todd melted immediately to his knees and took her in his arms.

“Shorty, of course I want you! It’s just that Daddy can’t take care of you tonight.” Blair took advantage of his distraction to quickly fling open the door. She hurried into the hall, then turned around and leaned down to her daughter.

“You be a good girl for Daddy, Sweetie. I’ll be around in the morning to pick you up.” With a little wave, she quickly made her escape.

“Blair, no!” shouted Todd, still clutching Starr. He leapt to his feet and leaned out the door. “Blair!” he shouted at the top of his voice down the hall. But it was too late; Blair had disappeared into the elevator. Todd slammed the door in disgust, then turned to his daughter, who was beginning to sniffle.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” she said, looking at the floor. Todd immediately snatched her up and carried her into the living room. He kissed her fervently and hugged her to his chest.

“You don’t have to apologize, Starr,” he said soothingly. “Both Mommy and I love you and want you very much. But it looks like we both have plans tonight.” He set her gently on her feet, and squatted down so he was looking into her eyes. He reached out and wiped away a tear, noting that she felt a bit warm. “Now you go in your room and see if you can find the new toys I bought for you since you were here last. I’m going to see if Aunt Viki or Jessica can stay with you tonight, OK?” The little girl brightened a bit and trotted off to investigate her new treasures. As soon as she was out of sight, Todd grabbed the phone and began violently punching numbers.

“Hey, Kevvie, kiss my ass!” shouted Todd a few minutes later in response to a recorded message at the home of his nephew. He pushed the disconnect button on the cordless phone and flung it into a couch cushion with all his strength. He had tried every number he could think of, but had failed to locate either his sister or his niece. Téa was due any minute and he was getting desperate. As much as he loved his daughter, he wasn’t going to let her spoil his evening with the woman he loved. He stopped his pacing, suddenly remembering that Jessica sometimes hung around with the Vega kid. Maybe Carlotta had some idea where they were. He grabbed the handset and madly began thumbing through the phone book for the number of the diner.

“Daddy?” said Starr, tugging insistently at the hem of his jacket.

“Not now, Starr,” said Todd, barely looking at her. “Daddy is busy finding Jessica so you have someone to stay with you tonight.” He began madly punching numbers.

“But…but, I don’t feel so good,” said Starr, starting to whimper. Todd glanced down in annoyance, but stopped short, his expression suddenly turning to one of concern. His daughter looked flushed and miserable. He abruptly rung off and put the phone aside. Reaching out a hand, he pressed it to her forehead.

“You’re burning up!” he said in shock. He picked Starr up and held her to his shoulder as he started toward her bedroom. “How could Blair ignore a fever,” he muttered in disgust.

“Daddy?” said Starr, beginning to panic.

“Shhhh, Shorty. Don’t worry, we’ll get you in a cool bath and you’ll soon be…”

“Daddy!” interrupted Starr a moment before she began to vomit. Todd stopped, his eyes wide in shock as he felt the warm substance soaking through his tuxedo jacket and shirt. There was nothing he could do but wait in stunned silence for the little girl’s retching to stop. He gently set her on her feet as she burst into tears. “I’m sorry, Daddy!” she sobbed. “I didn’t mean to be bad!” Todd pulled a handkerchief from his breast pocket and gently wiped at her mouth, a soft expression on his face.

“Listen to me, Starr,” he said, tilting her chin up so she was looking in his eyes. “You did nothing wrong, so don’t be sorry. I’m the big jerk for not paying attention to you.” He hugged her to him, gently stroking her hair.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Téa impatiently punched the doorbell a third time, wondering what was keeping Todd. She could barely control her excitement over the up-coming date with her ex, and she worried that his refusal to answer the door indicated a lack of similar enthusiasm on his part. Her confusion was just starting to turn to anger when the door was suddenly flung open. Téa stared wide-eyed at the sight in front of her, her brain a mass of conflicting thoughts. Todd wasn’t dressed. Matter of fact, he looked like he had just stepped out of the shower. His hair was a wet, tangled mess, and he was naked except for a towel wrapped rather loosely around his waist. He was holding a telephone to his ear as he gestured helplessly for Téa to enter.

“So, Doc, you’re sure it’s just a 24 hour bug?” he said into the phone. “Because I can bring her down to the hospital right now….Tylenol and clear liquids, huh?” Téa watched in concern as he turned his back on her, raking his fingers through his wild mane. “All right, yeah, I’ll keep taking her temperature and bring her in if it gets worse.” His eyes suddenly hardened. “If you’re wrong, and this is something serious, I’m going to stick your stethoscope up your ass!” He pushed the disconnect button and threw the phone into a chair. He took a deep cleansing breath, then looked at Téa, an expression of complete misery on his face.

“Todd, what is it?” she said in concern. “Is something wrong with Starr?”

“Oh, Delgado,” he groaned, “I wanted everything to be perfect for tonight.” Looking down, he was suddenly aware of his appearance. “Oh God! I’m not even dressed!” He started toward the master bedroom, then stopped and shrugged his shoulders in defeat. "I’m sorry, Téa,” he said quietly, his back still toward her. “We can’t go out tonight. Blair dumped Shorty off here without warning, and then I couldn’t find a baby-sitter, and then she felt kind of hot, and before I could do anything she ralphed all over me…” He turned around in confusion as Téa began to giggle.

“I’m…I’m sorry, Todd,” she said, trying without much success to get herself under control. “I know it’s not funny that Starr is sick, but the image of you…” She swallowed down her laughter and approached him, reaching out a hand to caress his cheek. “Of course we have to postpone our date,” she said, looking at him with affection. “I won’t say I’m not disappointed, but the love and care you show to your daughter is one of the things I love the most about you. You take care of her tonight and we’ll do this some other time, OK?” Todd reached up and covered her hand with his own. He let his eyes roam up and down her body, noting how hot she looked in a short, black sequined dancing dress with a pleated chiffon skirt. For a moment, he pictured how the skirt would swing away from her body as Téa twirled around the dance floor, and he sighed in frustration. He pulled away abruptly.

“I’ll have Fred take you home,” he said, turning away. Unseen by either of them, Starr entered the room wrapped in a fuzzy pink chenille robe adorned with frisky kittens and colorful balls of yarn.

“Tee!” she squealed in delight as she ran across the room and threw herself into Téa’s arms. Téa squeezed her and stroked her wet hair.

“I’m sorry you’re not feeling good, Angelita,” she said sympathetically. Starr turned toward her father.

“Daddy, I took a bath like you said. I don’t feel so hot anymore.” Todd approached and felt her forehead again.

“I think the Tylenol is starting to work,” he said, looking relieved. “OK, Kiddo, it’s into bed with you now.”

“But my hair is all messy,” pouted Starr. She turned around, a sly look on her face. “Tee, will you comb my hair for me?” Téa looked startled.

“Now, Starr, Téa has to leave and doesn’t have time…”

“Of course, I’ll comb it,” said Téa quickly. “Run and get the comb, and don’t forget to bring ‘No More Tangles’.” The little girl scampered off. Téa stared at Todd a moment, biting her bottom lip as she mulled over a sudden idea. Glancing at the champagne and hors d’oeuvres, she cleared her throat.

“Uh, you know, I don’t have any other plans,” she said tentatively. “I could stay here and help you get Starr settled, and after she’s in bed, maybe we could spend a little time together.”

Todd looked delighted for a moment. He opened his mouth, then closed it, suddenly looking sad. “This isn’t what I wanted for our first date, Téa,” he mumbled miserably.

“I know, Querido,” she answered. “But I think we could still have a good time tonight. Are you willing to give it a try?"

He flung his arms out to his sides in exasperation. “Yeah, sure. I’ve already been barfed on tonight. How much worse could this evening get?”

“Uh, thanks, I think,” said Téa with a big grin. She plucked at her evening dress. “I think I’m a little over-dressed,” she said sheepishly as Starr trotted in with the comb and detangler. “Do you have anything more….informal that I could borrow?”

Todd looked down at his lack of clothes. “Sure. You fix Shorty’s hair and I’ll go get dressed. Then you can help yourself to anything you want.” He turned toward the door, looking back with a mischievous grin on his face. “I suggest you avoid the tuxedo on the bathroom floor.” Téa giggled as he disappeared down the hall, then gave herself over to the task of grooming Starr.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“Hey, I was watching that!” said Téa, affronted at Todd changing the channel on her yet again. “Don’t you stay on one program for more than 30 seconds?” she asked in frustration. They were sitting side by side on the sofa, facing the large screen TV. Todd wore a T-shirt and sweatpants, while Téa had changed into one of his dress shirts. They both had their bare feet propped on the coffee table, while Téa cradled a large bowl of popcorn on her lap.

“The History channel?” snorted Todd in disgust as he used the remote to flip through several stations. Finally finding something that held his interest, he let the TV linger for a moment.

“Golf?” asked Téa incredulously. “Since when are you interested in golf?”

Todd shrugged. “It’s a sport. Sports are more interesting than that chick stuff.”

“Todd! It’s a preview of tomorrow’s tournament!” She rolled her eyes. “Can you say boring?” She set the popcorn bowl aside and picked up her champagne flute, sadly holding it upside down to show how empty it was. Looking slyly at him from the corner of her eye, she asked if there was any more of the wine in the fridge.

“Nah, I only had the two bottles. There’s plenty of beer, though. Get me one, too.”

“Hey, I’m the guest here!” she said pouting. “You’re supposed to be serving me.”

Todd stopped looking at the TV and turned to face her. “Forget it, Delgado. You’re not getting the remote.”

“Well, I’m not getting the beers,” she said, stretching nonchalantly. Suddenly she startled, looking toward the bedrooms. “Did you hear that?” she said in concern. “I think Starr is calling you.” Todd immediately turned his head toward the hall.

“But I just checked her and she was sleep…Hey!” he shouted as Téa used his distraction to relieve him of the remote. Without missing a beat, he lunged for it, but not before she managed to return to the history program. She held the device at arm’s length away from him, forcing him to stretch across her body in an attempt to reach it. He snatched it away, but before he could touch a button, Téa tackled him, pinning him to the couch with her body. They struggled for a moment, giggling and teasing each other. Bit by bit, the mood became serious. Todd surrendered the remote without a fight and Téa turned off the television before tossing it on the coffee table.

They lay face to face, gently stroking each other’s hair. Téa leaned in and soon their lips were locked in a sensuous kiss. She shivered as Todd’s hand slowly slid up the bare skin of her thigh. After a brief hesitation, he began to lightly pet her bottom where her shirt had hiked up during the contest for the remote. Breaking the seal of their lips, Téa nuzzled her nose into his neck, relaxing against his body and enjoying the sensual heat of his hand through the thin cotton of her panties. His other hand wrapped around her back, holding her close. With a sigh, Téa realized that this is what she had longed for during her entire relationship with Todd--affection and warmth and the closeness that one could only feel in the arms of a soulmate. She dreamily wrapped a lock of his hair around two fingers, letting the silky length slip between them. Raising her head from his shoulder, she looked into the depths of his hazel eyes and drew her breath in sharply in surprise at the desire she saw there. Slowly, Todd’s hand began to slide up her body over the soft cotton of her shirt until it lingered gently over her breast. His thumb lightly brushed the nipple and Téa gasped as it immediately came to attention.

After one more spine-tingling kiss, Téa reluctantly pulled away and sat back against the opposite sofa cushion. Todd quickly sat up, looking frightened. “I’m sorry,” he said in confusion, “I shouldn’t have…I thought you wanted…” Téa grabbed his hand and brought it to her lips, squeezing tightly.

“I do, Querido,” she whispered. “I want you so much….but we said we would go slow. You’ve always been so reluctant…I don’t want you to feel any pressure. I can wait until you’re ready.” He relaxed somewhat, moving a little closer. He stroked a finger down her cheek.

“Téa,” he said in a choked voice. “I think I’ve been ready for quite a while. I know I pushed you away last year…and…and I was so screwed up. I was afraid I’d hurt you, and sure enough, I did—but not with sex. I’ve been in therapy for a long time now, and Susannah and I have talked about all that stuff.”

“You have?” asked Téa, not sure if she liked the idea of the formal psychiatrist knowing the intimate details of her relationship with Todd.

“Yeah. I’ll always be struggling with my anger, but I want to be gentle with you. I…I won’t hurt you, Téa.” He looked so needy, Téa couldn’t help but take him in her arms. She felt his trembling.

“I know that, Querido,” she soothed. “I’ve never been afraid that you would hurt me that way.”

“Even when you know what I did to Marty? What I did to you?” he said in a whisper, stroking her face in the spot where he had once punched her.

“You’ve been through a lot since then, Todd, and you’ve learned a lot about yourself. I know you won’t hurt me. But I’m afraid I’ll hurt you like I did before by trying to force you into something you’re not ready for.”

“Don’t worry about that, Téa.” He looked into her eyes, still stroking her face. “But you’re right. Tonight isn’t the night. Our first time has to be special.”

“Daddy?” said Starr from the hall door, causing Todd and Téa to pull away from each other self-consciously. “My head hurts again.”

“It must be time for more Tylenol,” said Todd swinging the little girl into his arms and heading for her bedroom. He looked back at Téa. “Can you wait while I get her settled?”

“Actually, it’s late and I should be going,” she said reluctantly, hating the look of disappointment she saw on his face. She walked over to him and put one arm around his back and the other around Starr, giving each of them a peck on the cheek. “I’ll just go change and see myself out.” She followed them down the hall, continuing past Starr’s room to the door to the master bedroom.

“Delgado?” said Todd, catching her attention before she went in. “I’m sorry about the date.” He was almost blinded by the smile she gave him.

“Todd, I do believe this was the best date I’ve ever had.” He returned the smile before they each disappeared into the respective bedrooms.

Later, Todd left Starr’s door slightly ajar as he left her room. After checking the apartment and turning off the lights, he headed for bed. As he came through the door of his room, he stopped, dumbstruck by the sight of Téa stretched out on his bed, sleeping peacefully. Her evening dress was still laid out on the bed below her feet as she dozed on her side. Eyeing the white panties peeking out from the hem of her shirt, Todd felt an immediate surge of desire. He walked over and knelt down beside her, lightly stroking her hair. She stirred a bit. “Todd?” she asked sleepily, stifling a yawn. “I’m sorry. The bed just looked so comfortable, and I think I had too much to drink…”

“Shhhhhh,” he soothed, pulling the dress from under her and bringing the comforter up to tuck around her body. “Sleep tight, Delgado,” he whispered. She settled back into sleep. After watching her for a few minutes, he reluctantly got to his feet and headed to the door, dousing the light. “Best date I ever had, too, Delgado,” he chuckled, quietly closing the door. Walking down the hall toward the living room, he checked one more time on his daughter. “Feel free to barf on me anytime, Shorty,” he whispered.

TO BE CONTINUED

This page hosted by Get your own FREE Home Page