CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The next day came, Tuesday, Day One of my separation from Daniel. No phone call from Daniel, and I was still walking around in a daze. Casey stayed by my side every moment of the day. The only time she managed to leave was when Richard relieved her, and only then so she could hunt with Nathaniel. Mostly, I stayed in my room in bed, attempting to sleep my misery away. I would wake only a few times to see him sitting quietly in my room. He never really spoke much, just watched me intently as my eyes would open and close. Most of the time, I slept trying not to cope with the separation from Daniel.

That night was a vague memory. I wasn‟t sure if it was a dream. I remember I woke up suddenly, tears streaming down my face; the dream I was having was unclear. All I know is that my heart was crushed. I remembered hearing Richard‟s soft voice as he spoke to me.

“I am here. You are safe. No one is going to hurt you.” I remember the words clearly as his cool breath gently brushed over my face. “I swear it, with my life.”

My eyes closed, feeling the relaxing tones in his voice, so soft and soothing. The cool finger gently running down the side of my face and I felt safe again. Whatever my dream may have been, I must have called his name out in my sleep. He was there, watching over me while I slept, my guardian angel.

It was Wednesday, Day Two of my separation. I think it was late in the evening when Casey picked me up from the bed, and walked into the shower with me. She held me under the water. The fog had not lifted from my loss, and I couldn‟t even fight against her as the water poured down my grief stricken body.

She mentioned she had something exciting for me. My remark was asking her if I was going to be the main course at a vampire buffet, a sad and sick joke as she called it. I dressed while she acted as my coach, pushing and rushing me to hurry. I almost fell twice as she pulled me down the steps towards her little black Mercedes. Nathaniel and Richard must have dropped the car off sometime during the week. I don‟t ever remember seeing or hearing them.

Casey drove past Atlanta and circled around on the Atlanta beltway. She pulled the car up to Atlanta Speedway. As she pulled in, I noticed the large trucks and stock cars.

We drove around until we made it to a decent parking spot. I turned to Casey, as she looked to me with a glimmer of hope.

“I said it was a surprise. You are going to have a ball. Trust me.” She smiled broadly.

We left the car, and walked to the trailer that had the number sixteen pasted on the side. We walked to the back of the huge black trailer, and stopped as Nathaniel popped his head around the corner. She gave a little jump into his arms as he grabbed her and held her to him. He flashed a toothy smile toward me as he sat her down.

“Julie, I am so glad you could make it. I hope Casey didn‟t ruin the surprise.”

I shrugged my shoulders, “I still have no clue.”

“Julie!” another female voice said as I looked up and saw Adrianna walking toward me. Her French accent definitely gave her away. She held her arms wide as she grabbed me and gave me a gentle hug. “Oh, it is so good to see you again. Come,” she took me by the hand.

I glanced over my shoulder to Casey. Casey nodded and smiled as she waved me on. My frown clearly showed her I disapproved of leaving me alone with this woman.

Adrianna took me down to the garage area where a crew was already working on the number sixteen racecar.

“I‟m going to need a new distributor!” a voice shouted out from under the hood.

As we walked closer, the mechanic‟s head popped up and looked around the car. It was Raphael. He was wearing a crew uniform and began wiping his hands with a shop towel.

“Hey babe,” he spoke excitedly as Adrianna walked toward him. His gaze immediately settled to me. “Julie? Hey, it‟s great of you to join us tonight. Do you know anything about cars? I‟m going to need an assistant if my brother doesn‟t find me a distributor soon.” Raphael said as he looked towards Lance.

“Slow your roll, brother!” Lance shot back.

“What are we doing?” I asked looking at the racecar.

“Racing!” Lance said handing his brother the part he needed. “How‟s she looking?”

“Great, I think. The damn thing was shot when he did the final run last night.”

Raphael‟s hands moved so fast I could barely see them as he placed the part on.

“Hey, get her suited up and we‟ll take her down to pit row with us.” Lance said smacking Adrianna on the hip with the shop towel. She laughed as she grabbed it and threw it back in his face.

“Great idea! I think we have another uniform that will fit her,” she said as she grabbed my hand.

“Wait. What…I don‟t know anything about cars!” I trailed off as I was lead outside the garage.

“Nonsense. Don‟t worry, Julie, it‟ll be fun. You‟ll see. There is nothing like being on the pit crew.”

We walked back to the trailer, and she found a uniform that looked as though it would fit. Pushing me into the changing area, she closed the door as I changed. I stepped out and everything was in a rush from there.

Nathaniel pulled a new black Dodge truck alongside us. Adrianna climbed into the back and held her hand for me as I climbed in. We held onto the cab as Nathaniel drove us down to the pit crew area. I looked around and saw about ten other cars lined around the track.

“Okay, are you going to explain?” I asked Casey as she walked up to me.

“Twice a year a group of, well, their friends,” she motioned toward Lance and Raphael, “join together and meet here to race their cars. It‟s kind of a tradition. There are fifteen cars total racing tonight.”

“Are all of them…?” I asked looking around. Vampires? I couldn‟t believe it.

Casey nodded and smiled.

“How?”

“They put together their own organization. It‟s just for fun. They rent the speedway out for the night. Come on,” she said looking up as they placed the number sixteen car in line.

“This is our pit crew, Raphael, Lance and Nathaniel. Leona is our crew chief on the radio up there.” She pointed to a tower. “Adrianna stays here relaying messages to the crew. We‟re going to hang out here and have some fun.”

Just then, Nathaniel pulled the black truck in front of us. The door opened and Richard stepped out. The fog began to lift a little. His smile broadened when he saw me.

“So you came to join my pit crew?” he asked as he strolled toward me. “Well, you are going to need…” His hand slowly moved to his head as he removed his hat. Richard took a step closer and placed it on my head. “A hat to make it official.”

“Well, I wasn‟t sure I volunteered.” I muttered as he arranged the hat on my head.

“Julie, it is very good to have you here. Maybe you will bring me some luck.” He smiled as he stepped back.

My luck wasn‟t so good right now. How in the world did he expect I would bring anything but bad luck? I forced out a smile as Casey reached for my arm and pulled me back as the announcements began.

“There is a monitor over here where Adrianna watches the race. We can watch with her.” She pulled me to the inside.

After a few announcements and the National Anthem, I heard the words that every racing fan loves to hear, “GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES!”

I looked at Casey as I heard the words, “Let's go racing boys!”

“Is that?” I said as my eyes widened.

“You mean DW?” She smiled.

Surely, it couldn‟t be. No, I shook my head, no way.

The racecars roared to life and the sound was louder than thunder. I turned to watch as I saw Richard pull out onto the track. For some reason, my curiosity was perked as I watched the other cars follow behind him.

Casey and I returned to Adrianna‟s side as we watched the starting pole positioning line up. Richard‟s number sixteen was in third position. A bright red corvette, the pace car, lead the pack around the track. After almost a complete lap around the track, the corvette veered off into the pit lane as the green flag waved. The sound of the engines roared, and the cars sped out.

“Richard is in third position. His partner Mickey is in eleventh.” Adrianna pointed at the screen.

“I don‟t understand.” I said.

“Well, this is a tough track. Richard is going to need Mickey closer to help him during the last laps. They are running two hundred laps tonight.”

I watched as Richard closely followed the car in the lead.

“Back off, Richard!” Leona warned over the radio. “Save it for the last few laps. You don‟t want to burn too many tires up in the first laps.”

“I want him this time.” Richard voice replied over the radio.

I looked to Adrianna trying to figure out what he was talking about.

“Jeremy Winters. He‟s won the last two races. Richard almost had the win at the last race when Jeremy‟s partner rubbed Richard‟s car too hard, and they both wrecked. It left the win for the last lap open for Jeremy.”

“So they don‟t play fair.”

“Vampires never do,” Adrianna said smiling. “That‟s okay. I think Richard‟s got a few tricks up his sleeve this race.”

During the next few laps, we watched as the cars continued switching positions until the ultimate happened. Someone had a tire blowout that called for a caution. We watched as the rear side of the car hit the wall and slid down the track.

“GO HIGH - GO HIGH!” I heard Leona shout over the radio.

“I can‟t see! The smoke!” Richard called out.

“GO HIGH!” she shouted again.

I held my breath as I saw Richard‟s car enter the smoking area where the car was sliding down the track. My heart pounded in my chest as his car disappeared in the thick of the smoke.

“FLOOR IT!” Leona shouted.

We all stared at the screen as we saw his car come flying through the smoke undamaged. Everyone, including me,. was jumping up and down screaming for joy.

“Caution flag, Richard. Come on in. Good job!” I heard Leona coach.

We saw the yellow flag as the pace car pulled back onto the track. Nathaniel grabbed the gas and Raphael and Lance grabbed tires and headed out waiting on Richard.

“Two tires - Right side only.” Richard said as he began his approach down pit row.

“She‟s shuddering on the right side.”

“Check the tire pressure guys!” Leona replied.

I was amazed how well she was tuned in to the racecars. “She‟s pretty good.”

“She love‟s stock car racing.” Casey stated. “She‟s probably one of the oldest living fans.”

“She is the oldest living fan, Mon Cheri.” Adrianna said laughing.

I couldn‟t help from laughing as I watched the two of them. This was exactly what I needed to bring me out of my desolate state. Casey, again, was the friend and sister that I truly needed.

She glanced to me and smiled. “Having a good time so far?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

We watched as Richard approached and the car skidded to a stop. Nathaniel ran out with lightning speed and changed the tires as Lance reached down and lifted the car for him. Raphael filled the car with gas. I thought for a moment that NASCAR could only wish they had a vampire to change tires during their pit stops. I had to laugh at my sick sense of humor. Nathaniel checked the air pressure in the right tire then tapped the hood of the car.

Richard pulled the car off and headed back on the track. The pace car veered off again and the green flag was flying. The cars roared once more as the pack separated.

We were finally down to the last five laps. The past caution flags and wrecks had whittled the pack down to only eight cars. Richard had made it to second position after his caution during the previous lap where he had a tire blowout. I had never seen any driver drive the car as hard as he did to catch up to Winters. Winters was now in first position and Richard was closing in tight behind him.

“Careful, Richard,” Leona cautioned.

Winter‟s partner was coming close behind Richard‟s car.

“I‟m seeing red! I‟m seeing red!” Richard began on the radio.

I looked to Adrianna for an explanation. “Winter‟s partner is in Richard‟s sight.

He‟s nervous at what he will do on this last lap.”

“White Flag! Hold it, Richard. Hold it! Help‟s coming!” Leona shouted.

The cars were now on the last lap of the race. Richard‟s partner was on the tail of Winter‟s partner. We watched as Richard‟s partner gave Winter‟s guy a huge bump in the rear causing him to lose control. His car hit the wall and bounced off into a spin.

“GO! GO! GO! GO!” Leona screamed over the radio.

Richard came out of the last turn and floored the car. The two cars were now nose-to-nose. Winter‟s turned his car down to bump Richard.

“HIT AND RUN!” Leona shouted.

“I GOT HIM!” Richard shouted back.

Richard tapped the brakes as Winter‟s car went down to tap his car. Richard hit the gas and bumped the rear of Winter‟s car causing it to spin upward in front of Richard. Richard moved the car down only to tap the front of Winter‟s again as it spun around. We held our breaths as we watched Richard gain control of his car and head for the finish line. The white flag waved as Richard crossed.

“HE WON!” everyone screamed around me.

I watched in amazement, and finally had to ask the most stupid question.

“Is that allowed?”

“Of course. Vampires don‟t play fair remember?” Adrianna said as she continued cheering.

Well, it‟s a good thing vampires don‟t race NASCAR or they would all get expelled!

Worse yet, they might eat the other drivers if they lose.

I put my thoughts of the recent horrid events aside, and joined in with the laughter and cheers. Yes, this was going to be a day for me to remember. Vampire racing, and I had a great time. We all headed out to meet Richard as he was making his last victory lap with the white flag.

Pulling down to his pit stop, Nathaniel all but pulled him out of the car. They were all cheering loudly. Richard was smiling and dodging the champagne spraying in the air. Adrianna handed him a towel as he began running his hands through his wet sandy brown hair. Looking up, he saw me standing behind a few people.

“My good luck charm!” he shouted as motioned for me to come to him.

Casey gave me a push forward and I stumbled in shock. I moved through the crowd of people making my way to him. Another person walked to him carrying a trophy. She was a beautiful, curvy and exotic blond even with her pale skin. I couldn‟t help from noticing her jacket was unzipped low enough to expose her well-endowed breasts. She seemed to be a little disappointed as she looked to me then Richard when she handed him the trophy.

“KISS!” Someone yelled out among the crowd. My head snapped around to see who began such a craze as the whole crowd followed by chanting the same words.

Richard held the trophy in the air, reached around my waist, and pulled me to him.

He looked down at me and smiled. Leaning closer to me, I heard him whisper. “Do you mind? It‟s kind of a tradition. The winner gets a kiss from his good luck charm.”

I gave him a puzzled look as I mumbled something like it was okay. It wasn‟t exactly clear as to how it came out but he knew what I meant.

“Make it a good one brother!” Someone yelled out. Probably Nathaniel.

“Yeah!” Another male voice roared. That voice was definitely Lance.

Richard turned to smile at the crowd and leaned in to kiss me. He stopped as he came only inches from my face. A wicked grin crossed his lips as he took a step away from me and held the trophy out for someone to take it.

“YEA-AAH,” I heard a deep voice roar.

The sound of the Beastie Boys playing Fight for Your Right played over the loud speakers. You have got to be kidding me. My eyes rolled in the back of my head. I was not going to like this one bit.

As soon as I heard the words of the song, Kick it, my heart began beating wildly. His hand slipped around my waist and he pulled me closer to him. Richard leaned forward arching my back in his arms; his hand went to my face, gently moving to the back of my neck. My pulse pounded in my ears as I watched his face coming closer to mine. I trembled when his cold lips touched my lips ever so lightly. A ragged breath escaped my mouth as my lips parted to his. Gently, he moved in closer and the kiss became more passionate. I could feel the coolness of his tongue tracing the inside of my mouth. As my knees went limp, he caught me in his strong arms and pulled me deeper into the kiss. I melted in his arms. The taste I remembered soon overtook me. I could faintly hear the screams and cheers of the crowd around us as my hand went to his neck. He pulled back from the kiss and looked at me. I was woozy with intoxication and he knew it. Holding me steady with his arm, he turned back to the cheering crowd.

At this point, I had to hold onto the car just to stand up. My God, I thought this man is unreal. I had lied to myself. His arm still held me tight against him as he knew I wasn‟t ready to stand on my own yet. He looked down at me once again and smiled. Damn him. I shook my head as I saw Casey and Adrianna making their way through the crowd to take me away.

Casey‟s hand covered her mouth, trying to hide her laugher. Adrianna at least had the decency to bite her lip until they got me through the crowd. Once we were through the crowd, Adrianna let it slip. Casey couldn‟t even talk to me, she was laughing so hard.

I stood there in front of them with my hands on my hips. Casey finally gained a little control of herself. She walked over to me, put her arm around my waist and pulled me close to her side.

“Julie, I‟m sorry but it was just the expression on your face,” Casey laughed.

“He is known for being a great kisser.” Adrianna smiled having some consideration for me. “There are probably twenty-five women out there waiting for him to win a race.

You just happened to be his good luck charm tonight.”

“So?” Casey shot out, “Is his reputation ruined?”

I looked at both of them and shook my head. “Damn ya‟ll.” I laughed with them.

For the first time, I actually felt like laughing. Tonight was a surprise in more ways than one. For some odd reason, it reminded me of my fourteenth birthday party when Casey dared Daniel to kiss me. Again, she puts me in the middle of a situation where I have to kiss someone, a definite feeling of déjà vu.

“Well, I probably need to get her back home. I don‟t exactly think she would enjoy the celebration party,” Casey said.

“Why? What happens? Please don‟t tell me you go out and drink human blood,” I tossed out.

Adrianna looked and Casey then to me. “Well, some of them have what they call groupies. We usually don‟t participate and leave early. We have a few glasses of wine and celebrate at home.”

“Will all of you leave?” My question was mainly interested in whether Richard was going to participate in the group activities.

My question was not answered as Richard and Nathaniel were walking up. I loved to watch him walk. He had the sexiest walk I have ever seen. It was something about the way his legs moved, his back and shoulders straight, he walked proudly, like he was a great ruler from a time long past. Casey left my side and went to Nathaniel. Richard moved closer to me. He shot a quick glance to Adrianna and smiled.

“So, have they invited you to our home for the winner‟s party?” he asked as his eyes trailed to me.

My heart started that rapid beating again. I wondered if he was thinking I would be a part of his groupies. I cleared my throat as I considered the visions of vampires feeding off young women, and passing them around like whores.

“Well,” I wrinkled my nose. “I‟m not into the group thing.” I watched as his eyebrows rose and realized I may have said the wrong thing. I always manage to say the wrong thing to him. “I mean a groupie. Group. The group thing … I mean.” Oh, I realized I was making it worse. My face burned as the blood rushed to the surface.

Richard chuckled lightly. “Oh, I see. Well, neither am I. We basically head back home and have a few glasses of wine to celebrate. I am sure I have a type of wine that would satisfy your taste buds.” He smiled.

My heart stopped suddenly and began again. I wasn‟t sure how to take his offer. I glanced at Casey. She only smiled and turned her head away from me to face Nathaniel.

Adrianna was the only one who came to my rescue.

“Yes, that is a good idea. Richard owns a vineyard in France. He has an exquisite wine collection.”

“I would be honored if you joined me, Julie.” He voice was velvety smooth and alluring.

“Well, sure, why not.” I spat out.

“Great. You can ride back with me. I need to change, so don‟t disappear on me.” He said as he walked off and slapped Nathaniel on the arm.

Nathaniel shot me a warm glance and smiled as he trailed off behind Richard.

Casey‟s eyes twinkled with a humor that made me uncomfortable. I know she wanted to say something, and I was very proud of her as she kept her thoughts to herself. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but at least it had pulled me out of the dark hole I had been sucked into.

“Come on, Julie, let‟s get you changed.” Adrianna said now taking me by the hand.

The thoughts traveled through my mind how different these people were from the snobbish family I was used to. The change of pace was refreshing as I could see why Casey enjoyed being with Nathaniel. Most of my life, I was raised around social events and high priced dinner parties. Rarely did our families go to a race, even though we lived so close to the track. My father‟s hunting outings with Thomas consisted of killing werewolves. Here, I saw the vampires live a more relaxed and enjoyable life than the rich and uppity Lycans.

I changed clothes and joined Casey and Adrianna outside the trailer. We were discussing the periling moments of the race when Richard pulled up in his black mustang. The driver‟s side door opened and Richard eased out of the car. We all watched as he walked smoothly around the front of the car to the passenger side and opened the door. I couldn‟t help from taking notice of how nice he looked. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans, with a black dress shirt un-tucked and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair was still damp, and he had it combed straight back revealing a clearly defined widow‟s peak. His sandy brown hair looked darker wet, giving a more surreal appearance to the mysterious vampire he really was.

Taking a deep breath to prepare myself, I turned to Casey and Adrianna. “Okay guys, I‟ll see you back at the house.” Raising my eyebrows, I turned and walked to the mustang that waited.

Once seated inside the incredible man-car, I couldn‟t help from getting goose bumps on my arms as I heard the engine rumble as the car took off. My old mustang was nothing compared to this horse. I smiled to myself as I realized the car fit Richard. It was stylish, but masculine, power behind a sleek appearance and muscular underneath a hard exterior. Yes, that would pretty much describe Richard.

I sat quietly, watching him pull out onto the main road. Slowly he leaned over, reaching for the stereo controls. He paused for a moment and glanced over to me.

“What kind of music do you prefer?”

For a moment, I couldn‟t even remember as my gaze lingered on those lips that had kissed me so passionately less than an hour ago. Tightly I closed my eyes and concentrated hard.

“I like almost everything. What about you?”

“It depends on my mood.” A sly grin crossed his face as he pushed a couple of buttons. His hand returned to the steering wheel and a smooth jazz song came.

“Feeling mellow?” I asked smiling.

He glanced at me and smiled. “Somewhat.”

A smile crossed my face as I turned my head and looked out the window. Funny, I imagined Richard more of a gothic rock fan. However, I enjoyed the soft and soothing sound of jazz. I leaned back against the leather seat and relaxed.

“So, did you have a good time tonight?” His voice was so smooth it sounded as if he almost purred.

“Yes.” I nodded feeling the beat of the music. “I had a very good time. I loved being in the middle of the action. Watching the monitor with Adrianna and Casey. Not to mention listening to Leona. She‟s awesome. Especially, when you ran through that smoke. We all froze while watching you. I‟m surprised you didn‟t hear us all cheering.” I rambled on in an excited voice.

He chuckled lightly. “I did hear you,” he said motioning to his ear.

“Oh. You have extended range hearing.” I said nodding my head. Of course, I thought, he was a vampire.

“So how exactly did you manage to start racing cars?”

Richard relaxed back in the seat and dropped his right hand down across his leg. I didn‟t realize at first that he was tense.

“I guess you would say I have always had an interest in cars. Ever since Ford began.” He looked at me and smiled then turned his attention back to the road. “A few of us got together and went to the car races at night back when racing began. Soon, there were more of our kind joining in with us. There was no way we would be able to compete with humans without exposing ourselves. So we just decided one night we would get some cars and have our own race. Over the last few years, we have developed quite nicely.”

“So you just race twice a year?”

He nodded.

“How can you stand it? If it was me, I would want to be out there every weekend.”

“So you are a groupie?” He glanced toward me with a wicked grin and then he laughed lightly.

The vision returned of those young girls.

“No! You know what I mean. It‟s just exciting.”

“Yes, but it‟s even more exciting when you wait. Sometimes the waiting makes the win so much sweeter.” His right eyebrow rose, and a wicked grin crossed his beautiful face.

For a moment, I wondered if we were talking about the same thing. Apparently, my mind went in another direction as my face became hot. It was a good thing the inside of the car was dark so he could not see the red glowing on my checks.

“So how many wins have you had?” I managed to recoup.

“A few.”

“How many is a few?”

“Five in the last twenty years, none in the last five years. Like I said you brought me luck tonight.”

“So it was a sweet win tonight then?” I teased.

“Very sweet.” He smiled broadly, and I could see his brilliantly white teeth shining through the dark.

I turned back and stared out the window as I listened to the music. The rest of the ride was quiet as we turned down a paved road and headed deep into the wooded area.

It reminded me of my driveway. Secluded. Soon we arrived at a large two-story home.

We pulled around to the garage where he parked the car. Before I had a chance to open my door, Richard was already standing beside my door opening it for me. He held his hand out for me as I stepped out of the car.

We walked into the huge living room where Richard picked up a remote control and turned the stereo system on. A different type of music played. I listened carefully and noticed it was gothic rock. I laughed a little as he turned to me.

“What?” He asked looking at me in surprise.

“Nothing.”

“If you do not like it, I can change it.”

“No, no it‟s fine.”

“I will be right back,” he said as he dashed off.

A few seconds he returned with a glass of white wine. He handed it to me proudly.

“This is from my vineyard in France. It reminds me of you.”

I took the glass and inhaled the fragrance.

“A light fragrance. Floral and fruity.” I took a sip and let it settle on my tongue for a moment. “It is excellent.”

A huge smile crossed his face. “Yes, it is Le Croux De Grave„. One of my favorite rum wines.”

“I didn‟t think vampires could eat or drink.” I said taking another sip.

“Actually, we do not eat human food. However, I have not lost my taste for a good wine, and do indulge in it every now and then. The other‟s usually made a cocktail mixture with the wine to make it more palatable for them to consume.”

“Palatable?”

“Well, we will just say it gives a new meaning to a Bloody Mary.”

I gasped as I set the wine glass down.

“Oh,” he said in surprise. “I am sorry. I did not mean that your wine was spiked.

Your glass is fresh from the bottle.”

My eyebrows rose. “I„m only joking. Your wine is very delightful.” I said as my lips curled into a smile.

We both turned as I heard the door opened and Casey and Nathaniel appeared.

Leona and Lance followed them into the room. I looked for Adrianna and Raphael, but didn‟t see them.

“Adrianna and Raphael are coming a little later. They need to hunt first,” Casey stated as she walked toward me.

“Anyone up for a drink?” Nathaniel shot out.

“Two!” Lance yelled out grabbing the control from Richard.

“Let‟s get this party started, brother!” he said, changing the music to a sultry Latin salsa.

Leona walked over to Lance bringing him two shot glasses of a red substance; I didn‟t dare ask. I glanced to Richard, and he rolled his eyes and smiled. They downed the drink together as Leona moved with Lance dancing around the large room.

“Here you go.” Nathaniel handed Casey a glass of what I was guessing was a red wine cocktail mixture.

I watched as she took a sip, then turned the glass up and finished its contents. She stood and held her hand out for Nathaniel. He finished off his glass and set it down on the coffee table beside hers. I watched as they strolled off to the middle of the floor. I forgot Casey knew how to salsa.

“Do you salsa?” Richard asked.

I frowned slightly as I watched the four of them on the floor. Pursing my lips together, I looked up to him and smiled. “Not very well.”

“Come on. I am a very good teacher.” He held his hand out.

I took his hand and we headed out to join the rest of them. Slowly, I turned to face him as I glanced around at Casey and Nathaniel. A cool finger under my chin directed my attention to him.

“Stay focused,” he cautioned as his hand slipped around my waist and he took my free hand in his.

I kept my eyes locked onto his. Richard moved on the beat of the music. He stepped to me, and I took a step back. We did it again. Soon, his cold hands slid around my hips as he moved me, guided me, more fluidly with him. I wasn‟t sure if it was his cold hands that sent the shiver up my spine, or my own desire for him. Concentrating on the movements, it wasn‟t long before I caught on. He smiled as his hand returned to mine, and he pulled me closer to his body. It almost felt like we were doing a mixture of a salsa and a tango, the way Richard moved me. He let me out on a spin. When I returned, I could feel his knee between my legs, and he moved me against his body. He was an awesome dancer; I gave him that. Not to mention, I loved a man who could take the lead.

After my initial shock was over, I had the hang of it and we were dancing. Our bodies moved together in a beautiful rhythm, sultry and seductive. What else would I have expected from Richard, a waltz? No, not Richard, he had style and finesse in everything he did. He was a model of perfection and definitely too good to be true. The muscles in his arms flexed against my fingers. He moved me gently, with ease, pulling me closer to his cool body, my hot body melting into his. Our hips met, closely and tightly we moved together as one to the rhythm of the music.

I had begun to let go and have fun. Casey and I even switched with Richard and Nathaniel a couple of times on a spin. We laughed as we switched back partners. It wasn‟t long before Richard appeared to keep me on a tighter lead. He spun me out and pulled me back to him as we kept dancing. His hand pressed flat against my stomach holding me close to him as we moved together. My hands instinctively went up over my head, feeling his fingers trace up my side to my hand. He gave me a little shove, and pulled me back to face him.

The world I knew spun around me as his hand gripped the back of my neck. My body pressed tightly to his as we moved together. I felt his leg slip between mine again as he pulled me backwards in a dip in his hand. He then, with one hand resting on the small of my back, pulled my body up along his leg. My breath caught for a second in my throat, and then I exhaled when he pulled me tight against him. It was a feeling that made the blood suddenly rush through my veins. His hand cupped the back of my neck and pulled my face only inches from his as we kept moving to the rhythm of the music.

We were eye to eye, as the world disappeared from us.

He turned me into a spin and pulled me back to his hard body as the music ended.

The heart inside of my chest pounded, not from the dance but from the look on Richard‟s face. Our faces were close enough I could smell that faint floral fragrance. His eyes stared deep into mine as we held each other for a moment.

Slowly his eyes traveled down to my lips, then back to my eyes again. My heart beat loudly as I could feel the fire flaming through my veins. He held me tight against his body, but did not move one inch toward me. My thoughts traveled back to the first kiss.

“The first kiss. Why did you…” I stopped.

The expression on his face changed, his face softened. He turned his head slightly to the side and exhaled. He had been holding his breath.

Turning back to me he looked deep in my eyes. “I was afraid it was the only chance I would ever have.” He paused, his attention directed toward Adrianna and Raphael who had just entered the room.

Richard loosened his hold on me as I stepped back. He glanced at his watch, then at Casey. I looked down at my watch and realized it was already three in the morning.

Casey walked over to me and put her arm around my shoulder.

“I better get you back home. It is late and you need to get some rest,” she said lightly.

I glanced back to Richard, then again to Casey. “I guess you‟re right.”

“Come on. I will walk you to the car.” He said as he slipped his arm between Casey and me.

We walked out the front door, to the car where he opened the passenger door for me. I eased into the seat and turned to see him with one arm on the car door, and the other on the hood hovering over me. He frowned slightly as he looked down at the ground then looked at me.

“I really hope you had a good time tonight,” he said softly.

I smiled. “Yes, Richard, I did. Thank you. OH! And I loved your wine,” I said smiling.

He chuckled as a smile crossed his face. “Good,” he said, then his eyes narrowed.

“Until next time.” He reached down, took my hand, and pressed it to his lips. Moving back, he closed the door and gave it a little tap.

Casey started the car and pulled off. I couldn‟t help but look in the mirror as I watched him standing in the driveway watching us drive off. It was such an odd feeling, watching the distance become greater between us. It was a feeling I couldn‟t put my finger on. Curiosity, admiration, respect, none of these words could fully express what I was feeling. Richard was the most charming man I had ever met, and I truly respected him.

I was surprised, as Casey remained quiet while we drove back to the house.

Though at this moment, I was glad she did. I was tired. When we made it back, it was all I could do to walk up the stairs and crawl into my bed. Within seconds, I was out and in a dream world. Sleeping softly as the day‟s memories flooded my dreams.