PREVIOUSLY

Téa quickly began to gather her bags. “You go ahead. I’ll be along in a minute.” She breathed a sigh of relief when Todd complied, leaving her a moment to gather her wits. A night alone with Todd in a romantic place like the Bayberry Inn? Her mind reeled at the possibilities. But Todd was just looking for a place to crash after his drinking binge, right? He wasn’t a Bayberry Inn type of guy. Swallowing hard, Téa willed her breathing to return to normal. It wouldn’t do to let herself have too high of expectations for the evening, especially with Todd incapacitated like he appeared to be. “Oh well. Qué será, será,” she said with a deep sigh. She picked up her bags and headed for the inn.

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The brilliant gold and fiery orange of the setting sun rivaled the colors of the surrounding woods as Téa enjoyed the view from the deck of the suite at the Bayberry Inn. Noticing a distinct drop in the temperature, she pulled her heavy wool sweater tightly around her body and snuggled into it. She leaned back in the comfortable old porch rocker and took another sip of the Calvados, French apple brandy, that Mr. Barkus had sent up to their room with his compliments. As she noted the vendors and merchants packing up their wares and collapsing their tents across the broad lawn, she thought how peaceful the scene looked. If only her spirit could be even half as peaceful. The truth was, she was in a turmoil of conflicting emotions.

After they were shown to the suite that afternoon, Todd had wasted no time in flinging himself across the large four-poster bed in the main bedroom, clearly interested in nothing except sleeping off his over-indulgence in alcohol. A bit piqued, Téa had gone back to the Apple Festival, returning just a few minutes earlier with several more purchases in hand. Now, as she rocked gently in the crisp autumn air, she thought about two packages that were waiting for her in the smaller, more utilitarian of the two bedrooms of the suite. Realizing that they needed a few articles if they were going to be spending the night, Téa had bought herself a pair of pajamas. They were flannel boxers in a bright plaid, with a baggy white T-shirt appliquéd with matching plaid apples. She had obtained a pair of apple print boxers for Todd at the same homemade clothing booth, but she was sure he’d hate them, even though they were the most subdued item she could find. She’d picked up a few toiletries in the Inn gift shop, including what was euphemistically referred to as “protection”, telling herself it never hurt to be prepared.

But her thoughts returned again and again to the second of the packages that awaited her in her room. She had seen it earlier in the afternoon in a booth that dealt in vintage and antique linens and clothing. It had called to her then, and she had lingered over the garment, fingering the fine fabric and lace, but had reluctantly left it behind when she couldn’t think of a reason to own something like it. But when Todd had unexpectedly agreed to take the vacant suite at the Bayberry, she had quickly returned to the booth to make the purchase. It was a fine lady’s chemise, dating from the turn of the previous century, and it remained in almost perfect condition, probably having spent the last century carefully folded in some attic trunk. Made of the finest embroidered batiste cotton, it was almost sheer. It had been designed to wear with a tightly laced corset, so the cut was full and flowing. Tiny mother of pearl buttons fastened the bodice, and a thin blue velvet ribbon threaded in and out of a casing over the shoulders to tie enticingly at the top of the button placket. Beautifully made hand-tatted lace adorned the cap sleeves and hem of the snowy white garment. Although it appeared to have been made for a small woman, maybe even a girl, Téa had instinctively known that it would fit her trim figure perfectly.

Snorting derisively at her foolishness, Téa took another sip of the brandy. The chemise was definitely something to be worn on a wedding night, or for a very special evening for two. Although she had initially had high hopes for something to happen between Todd and her that night, in the cool air of the early evening, she realized her mistake. Was it just last night when she had given him her noble speech about waiting until he was ready? And here she was planning to seduce him, and in the very place where he had balked at intimacy before. She felt her cheeks burning in shame. It was definitely the plaid boxer PJ’s and the virginal twin bed for her tonight. The pity was, Todd looked so damned sexy stretched across that big tester bed when she had checked on him a few minutes earlier. Dressed completely in his trademark black, sprawled faced down over the starched white sheets and faded antique quilt, he had seemed like an alien conqueror reluctantly trapped in a world of softness and comfort.

Téa started as she heard a loud groan somewhere in the suite behind her, followed by the sound of the bathroom door slamming violently. She could hear water running, and what sounded like a glass breaking on the floor and muffled cursing. Biting her lip, she fought off the urge to interfere, knowing that Todd needed some time to deal with the after-effects of his drinking binge that afternoon. Téa braced herself for the worst, worried that a hangover might produce one of his nasty, bitter moods, when he would take out his pain on anything or anyone around him, including her. After what seemed like an eternity, she heard a light footfall behind her. Todd came through the French doors and on to the deck. Without a word, he passed Téa and went to lean against the railing, wincing gingerly at the setting sun. “Hey,” he said softly without turning around.

“Hey yourself,” she answered lightly, not daring to move from the safe haven of her rocker. To her surprise, Todd said and did nothing, staring for what seemed like forever at the gorgeous scenery and sunset. Téa let him have his privacy, somehow sensing that he was suffering, and solitude was what he craved. After the sun had completely plunged below the horizon leaving a beautiful orange afterglow, she heard him sigh deeply. Slowly, he turned around, leaning his back against the rail, and running his hand through his hair.

“That was great,” he said, seeming surprisingly calm. He looked for a moment into her eyes, then shifted his away, as though embarrassed. “You know, I’m…uh….not the….outdoorsy…type,” he said in a stilted voice, “but never getting to see the sun rise or set is one of the worst things about being locked up.” Téa stared at him, trying to keep her expression neutral. An admission of weakness from Todd Manning was the last thing she had expected, especially not a confidence about his time behind bars. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked up at the sky above him, leaning his head back. “You can’t see the stars at night, either,” he continued. “Even if they let you near a window, the security lights drown them out.” This was weird, Téa decided. Here they were alone together in a romantic country inn, and Todd chooses this moment to talk about prison.

Clearing her throat, she changed the subject, and hopefully the mood. “So, how are you feeling?” she asked brightly. “You looked a little worse for the wear after all that ‘apple juice.’”

“Um, I’m feeling OK, I guess,” he mumbled, returning his gaze to her face. “I could probably drive home now, if you wanted.” Téa felt her heart sink.

“Do you want to?” she asked evenly. He shrugged, indicating neutrality.

“May as well stay, I guess. We paid for the place, after all.”

“Your enthusiasm is overwhelming,” thought Téa sarcastically, although she tried to hide her annoyance. To her chagrin, Todd whipped around away from her, and stared again into the deepening dusk.

“You know, I thought about ending it, that last time in the City Jail,” he said quietly, almost as though he had forgotten her presence. Téa gasped aloud, feeling the icy hand of fear grip her heart. “All that stuff about Michelle…I couldn’t handle it. Then you left me, and Blair took Shorty away…I had nothing left.” Getting a grip on her emotions, Téa risked a step forward, and tentatively stroked his back. To her relief, she felt him relax at her touch.

“Shhhh, Querido, that’s all over now,” she soothed. “You’re free.” After a long pause during which Todd said nothing, Téa ventured, “Todd, what has caused you to brood so much about prison today? Was the Apple Festival THAT bad?” She hoped the joke would lift the oppression that seemed to hang over them.

He tensed, shuddering. “I had a nightmare,” he said in a strained voice, putting his head down. With a strangled moan, he caught her to him, holding her tightly against his chest as they both stared out into the darkening night. Téa stroked his back, seeking to soothe him, to drive away the demons that haunted his inner thoughts. “I’m an idiot,” he spat, disgusted. “I just had to say I’d rather do time than come to the Apple Festival,” he continued. “Delgado, I’m sorry I said that, and I’m sorry to dump all this on you. I would do anything to stay out of jail; I’ll kill myself before I let them take me back!”

“Todd!” she shouted, becoming even more concerned. “No one is going to lock you up again. Where is this coming from?”

He pulled away, again raking at his hair. “I don’t know. I’ve just had this feeling lately. And your old boyfriend Syko made some threats…”

“Since when do you pay attention to threats from cops? Bo is always trying to pin something on you.”

“But Sykes said he would put me away for Michelle’s murder, Téa. You saw his face this morning! He was so pissed…” Téa was wracking her brain for some word that would ease his fears when someone knocked loudly on the door to the suite. Todd jumped, but Téa was quick to tell him that she had ordered room service.

“I figured you wouldn’t be in the mood to eat in the dining room,” she said calmly, “and you need to eat something to settle your stomach.” She marched into the suite and proceeded to let the bellman in. The young man carefully moved a table in front of the fireplace and set it with fine linen. Soon, the food was set out under dome-covered serving dishes while the table waited, invitingly set with fine china and crystal. While Todd watched listlessly, leaning against the doorjamb of the door to the deck, the bellman produced a match and carefully touched off a fire that had already been laid out in the fireplace. After the man had left with a hefty tip in his pocket, Téa moved to the table and leaned over one of the chairs, sniffing at the food.

“C’mon, Todd,” she coaxed. “I promise there is nothing here that is even remotely connected with apples.” She gave him her most enticing smile. Finally, although he still appeared to be brooding, Todd slowly joined her at the table. After they were seated, Téa was reaching for one of the dome covers when her hand was snatched up by Todd, who held it to his face, staring at her with abject need in his eyes.

“Don’t leave me, Téa,” he begged. “Just don’t leave me. I can take anything…as long as you believe in me…as long as you’re with me.”

“I’m here, my love,” she purred, blinking back the tears she felt stinging her eyes. “You aren’t alone any more.” To her relief, Todd took a deep breath and released her hand. He reached for one of the serving trays.

“I don’t care if it IS more apples,” he said gruffly. “I’m starved.”

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The door to the suite burst open with a loud slam, accompanied by the sound of laughter. “I told you, Delgado! I tried to warn you…this place is cursed!” Todd laughed loudly, and Téa paused, enjoying the unaccustomed sound for a long moment. Her companion noticed her staring at him a moment. “What?” he asked self-consciously. Téa tried to act nonchalant, not wanting to make him nervous with her scrutiny. She reached up with a grin and pulled a dark red leaf from his messy hair.

“Uh, a souvenir of your shameful loss,” she said, her eyes bright. His eyes locked on hers, he put out his hand and gently plucked a handful of leaves from her wind-blown tresses.

“Hmmmm, six leaves to one…I think that makes you the loser, Delgado.” He walked to the fireplace and took up a poker, stirring up the smoldering embers. He bent down to add a couple of small logs, and soon the fire was cheerfully crackling again. As it warmed up in the suite, they both removed their coats and Téa poured each of them a snifter of the brandy. She handed his to Todd, failing to mention that it was made from apples. The two of them settled comfortably on the sofa, staring into the bright fire. Todd broke the silence. “This place really needs to invest some money in their equipment,” he mused. “First the sleigh breaks down, and now the hay wagon throws a wheel.”

Téa shrugged. “Well, it was fun while it lasted. I think I enjoyed the walk back through the woods better than the hayride, anyway,” she said, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.

“So you enjoyed being buried in leaves by the master of all leaf fights?” he said, still chuckling quietly.

“Listen, Manning,” she teased back. “There isn’t a person on earth who would give you the victory in that fight. When it comes to leaves per armload, I definitely got the better of you!”

He slowly reached out, wrapping a tendril of her hair around his finger. His eyes glowed in the firelight as he said, “I’ll give you the victory, Téa. You’re better than me in so many ways.” Téa patted his hand gently, mesmerized by his gaze.

Taking a deep breath she said, “I almost forgot. I got something for you today.” She got to her feet and went into her room, flicking on the light. Rummaging through the bags, she finally found what she was looking for and turned around. To her surprise, Todd was leaning against the door, looking around the room. She shyly approached him and held out the bag. He took it tentatively and looked inside, finding the apple print boxers.

“Uh, thanks….I think,” he said, obviously trying to hide his true feelings. “These are…these are….

“Save it, Todd. I know you hate them, but they were all I could find for you to sleep in. Just throw them away if you want.”

He shrugged helplessly. “Thanks,” he said again. “Listen, I want you to take the other room,” he said, changing the subject. “It’s got that big bed, and you know I don’t sleep much anyway.” Téa bit her lip, inwardly assessing the risk.

Reaching a decision she said, “You know, Todd, I wouldn’t mind sharing the big bed tonight.” Seeing his eyes widen in surprise, she quickly added, “We don’t have to do anything. I just thought after your nightmare, you might sleep better with some company.” During the long silence that followed, Téa cursed herself for a fool. “Now you’ve done it!” she thought. “He’ll go screaming into the night again.” He swallowed hard.

“Uh….that would be nice, Delgado,” he said weakly. Téa breathed a sigh of relief as he quickly turned on his heel. Heading toward the large bedroom, he striped off his turtleneck sweater and tossed it on the floor. Téa watched as he knelt by the fire in his T-shirt and carefully added some wood. He looked up at her, and for a moment he seemed frightened. Téa told him she was going to take a shower and would join him in a while, thinking that he could use a little time to get used to the idea of sharing a bed with her. Closing the door behind her, she reached for two bags and carefully spread out the flowing chemise and the apple pajamas on one of the twin beds. Her lip firmly between her teeth, she looked from one to the other in worried confusion.

A short while later, Todd waited in the four poster bed, propped up on a pile of pillows and plucking nervously at the starched white sheets. He wore the boxers Téa had given him, along with a white T-shirt. The door to the bedroom was open, and the warm glow of the fire in the sitting room was the only light still visible in the suite. He was nervous about sharing a bed with Téa, worried that his desire for her might get the better of him. Although he had been through a lot of therapy since their marriage, given his past, he still worried about frightening or hurting her. The irony of the situation was that he wanted to make love to her tonight, but they had agreed to take things slow. So, although he had hoped that the unexpected night in the Bayberry Inn might signal the end of their long, self-imposed celibacy, he would have to be content just having her in the same bed. Brooding, he heard a noise in the outer room. Someone was stirring the fire, making sure it was safe for the night. As he peered into the gloom of the doorway, he slowly became aware of a figure coming toward him. She wore a luminescent white garment, which flowed around her as she approached. As she paused in the doorway, the light from the fire shined through the flimsy fabric of her gown, silhouetting every detail of her shapely figure. Todd gasped to himself at the sheer beauty of the vision.

Téa nervously approached the bed, wondering again if her choice of bed wear would drive Todd right out the other side. Using the darkness as a cover, she quickly slid a few condoms under the pile of pillows as she lifted the sheets and slipped in between. She leaned back and turned to her companion, searching his face for any kind of reaction. For a long while, they stared at each other in silence, the few feet between them seeming like an impassable gulf. Finally, Todd spoke in a strained voice. “Delgado…you, uh….you look nice.” Téa relaxed a little. Reaching out for his hand, which rested on the coverlet, she took the risk of sliding a bit closer.

“Is it OK if I hold your hand, Querido?” she asked, caressing his fingers lightly. “It seemed to help you sleep that time in the penthouse.” Todd nodded mutely and the two settled into the pillows to sleep. After about ten minutes, Téa could tell that Todd was still tense, and frankly, she was longing to be closer to him. “Todd?” she asked tentatively, getting a grunt in response. “Would it be all right…I mean…do you think you could hold me? Just for a little while? I’m kind of cold.” Realizing that her excuse sounded lame, Téa waited nervously for an answer. After an uncomfortably long silence, she felt Todd’s hand on her forearm, pulling her closer. With a sigh of contentment, she rested her head on his shoulder. His arm wrapped tightly around her back, caressing her bare arm lightly. Softly, she rubbed her palm over his chest, feeling the strong muscles under the T-shirt. She nuzzled her nose into his neck, drinking in the clean smell him. “This is nice,” she murmured. She startled slightly as she felt a kiss on the top of her head, and she looked up.

Suddenly, his warm lips claimed hers in a gentle, but urgent, kiss. Responding, Téa brought her hand up, entwining her fingers in his hair as she felt his tongue lick along her lips and tentatively probe inside the softness of her mouth. He broke away, trailing kisses along her cheek, over her ear and down her neck. Téa leaned her head back into the pillows, moaning softly as his kisses aroused a deep desire in the very core of her body. The kisses stopped, and she felt him pull away, although his hand continued to caress her cheek. As she opened her eyes, she saw him lick his lips, hesitating. His eyes dropped to the tops of her full breasts peeking over the lace of the chemise. Sliding a finger down his cheek and placing it under his chin, she slowly forced his head up until she was staring into his golden eyes. Reaching up, she plucked the blue velvet ribbon at her cleavage, untying it in an unmistakable act of invitation. Todd drew his breath in sharply.

“Are you sure, Téa?” he asked in a husky voice. “Because we don’t have to…” Placing two fingers over his lips, she silenced him.

“I want you to make love to me, Todd. I’ve wanted it for as long as I can remember.” His eyes narrowing in desire, Todd returned to her lips, kissing her harder, more urgently. Suddenly his body went rigid.

“Oh God,” he groaned. “I don’t have any…I didn’t think to buy…you know…”

“Shhhhh,” said Téa, reaching under the pillow and pulling out the condoms she had placed there earlier. She smiled at his obvious surprise. “Didn’t I ever tell you I was a Girl Scout?” she purred seductively. A hint of a grin played along his lips as he took the packets from her and placed them on the bedside table. He settled comfortably by her side, tracing her facial features with his finger.

“You’re amazing, you know that Delgado?” he asked in wonder. “You always know what I need, and when.” Téa reached up both hands and pulled Todd’s head down to her own.

“No more talk,” she whispered. “Don’t tease me, Todd. I need you—now.” Closing his eyes, he kissed her passionately, stealing the very breath from her body. His hands slipped down the soft skin of her arms, pressing her body against his own. With a touch as soft as a feather, his fingertips lightly brushed her breasts, causing her to moan. He sat up, propping her against the pillows, facing him. Bringing his head down to her chest, he sucked at a nipple through the thin fabric of the chemise, wetting it with his saliva. She gasped as he flicked the ends of the velvet ribbon out of the way, and began deftly undoing the mother of pearl buttons that held her bodice together. When the garment was completely unbuttoned to the waist, he paused a moment, looking into her deep chocolate eyes, and stroking a finger lovingly along her neck. Then, shaking slightly, he reached for the opening of her gown, and reverently drew the two sides apart, sliding it partially over her shoulders. He stared at the beauty of her exposed breasts, his mouth gaping slightly with desire. Gently, his hands reached out, massaging the tender flesh, his thumbs lightly flicking over the nipples. Arching back and squirming, Téa grabbed at his neck, insistently pressing his mouth to her quivering mounds.

Todd took one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking gently, but firmly at the tender nub. A hand at the other breast twirled the nipple between his thumb and forefinger. He moved his mouth to the other side, gently nursing, lapping hungrily at the protruding peak. Téa pushed back into the pillows, reveling in the feeling of his silky hair trailing over her exposed flesh. She grabbed handfuls of it, gasping as the roughness of his mustache and goatee brushed her sensitive skin. The glorious sensations of Todd’s lovemaking combined with the pent-up desire of a long stretch of celibacy brought Téa quickly to the brink of orgasm. Wanting to prolong the ecstasy, she pushed Todd’s head aside, panting wildly in an attempt to regain control. As she sat up, the chemise slid to her elbows, baring most of her upper body. Todd stared at her, breathing raggedly.

Téa reached out and grabbed the hem of his T-shirt, dragging it up over his head. Pulling her arms free of her own garment, she pressed her naked flesh against his. She could feel the heat of his skin and the pounding of his heart. They leaned into each other for a moment, each struggling to maintain control of their raging desires. Collapsing onto the pillows, they kissed and stroked each other. Téa’s hand slid down Todd’s taut belly, tentatively reaching for the proof of his lust. She massaged him gently through the thin fabric of the boxers, watching in fascination as his head lolled back and his eyes became smoky with desire. Becoming bolder, she slowly rolled down the waistband and grasped him, causing him to arch back with a strangled groan. He bucked and squirmed, managing to kick off his boxers on his own. As their eyes locked, both realized they had reached the moment of truth.

Todd fumbled for the packets at the bedside, but was thwarted as Téa got to them first. She quickly tore one open, and seductively rolled the condom into place, cupping and stoking him. Rocking back on her knees, she wiggled completely out of her nightgown. Quick as a pouncing tiger, Todd grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back against the pillows, rolling on top of her. He nuzzled her neck, nibbling at her earlobe. He reached a hand down and ran his fingers through the silky curls below her navel, using a finger to drive her to the very edge of ecstasy. Then holding himself up on his powerful forearms, he slid himself into her waiting core, watching her face in fascination as she gasped and hooked her heels behind his back. They lay together quietly for a few moments, letting the waves of desire wash over them.

“I love you, Querido,” whispered Téa softly as she reached up to pull his mouth to her own.

“You’re everything to me, Téa,” he gasped into her ear. “I love you so much…” Slowly, he began to move inside of her, pounding with an urgent rhythm as she squirmed below him, clutching at his shoulders and clawing wildly at his back. “Oh God!” he gasped as the fire within him began to rage out of control. Téa felt the burn deep inside and arched back, clinging to her lover with all her strength. Biting into Todd’s shoulder to muffle her cries, Téa let wave after wave of pleasure wash over her. Finally, Todd went rigid, opening his mouth in a soundless scream, squeezing his eyes shut tightly as he felt Téa shuddering below him with a similar passion.

Spent, Todd collapsed onto his partner, breathing raggedly into her ear, and feeling the wild beating of her heart against his chest, matching his own. It was a long time before either of them felt able to speak or move. But eventually, Todd managed to slide to the side, gently cradling Téa in his arms, and kissing lightly at her eyelids.

“What?” she asked sleepily as she felt him begin to shake with soft chuckles.

“I was just thinking,” he said, purring into her ear. “If this is your idea of taking it slow, I don’t think I’ll survive when you pick up speed.”

She opened her eyes, grinning at him seductively. “Well, start thinking of your epitaph, because I’m not finished with you yet, Manning.” Their lips met again, softly, but with the promise of more pleasure yet to come.

TO BE CONTINUED

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