“Actions have consequences. I have been thinking quite a bit about an appropriate punishment.”
Claire decided she had nothing to lose. There was punishment coming, so she might as well push her luck. “Tony, if you would please let me talk. I know your decision is set, but allow me to speak.” Impressed by her strength, he nodded and told her to make it quick. “I was nervous about going to this barbeque today, but I had a wonderful time. Courtney was the perfect hostess and very charming. Everyone was nice to me. I really didn’t know what to expect.” She tried to hurry. “Well, everyone except Bonnie. By the way, I overheard Bonnie and MaryAnn talking and everyone there had your back. That includes me. And Sue, well Sue is lonely. She told me that Tim works long hours, which she mentioned he enjoys, but she is lonely. At some point, she asked me for my number. I don’t have one, as you know. But I thought that sounded dumb, everyone has a cell phone, so I just said I didn’t have it with me and I didn’t know my number. I never call myself. So I am guessing that is why she gave me her number. I really didn’t know she was going to do it. If I did, would I have her do it right in front of you?”
Tony hadn’t stopped her, so she decided to keep rambling, pacing a little. “When Courtney introduced me to Tim and Sue, I told Tim I’d heard good things about him from you. I can only guess that made Sue and I instant friends. Women love to hear good things about their husbands. I would have told you if I’d gotten the number without you knowing. I have no way of calling. And if I just didn’t call, it would appear rude. I know how you feel about appearances.” She didn’t know what else to say, but at least she had said her piece. “I really did well today, this is just a misunderstanding, and your friends are very nice.”
She stood and maintained eye contact. Tony continued speaking as if no words had been spoken. “I have decided you may choose. Perhaps you would like to know your choices?”
Claire’s heart sank. She lowered herself into a chair at the table and looked away. Nothing she said mattered. He hadn’t listened to a word. “Tony, your decision is made, I don’t care.” Defeat filled her voice. She looked at the table, where on a piece of paper was a list of positives from her day.
“The first option is a two-week timeout in your suite.” What? That never crossed her mind. There was no way, she couldn’t take that. She glared at him.
Tony watched her. She stood and met him face to face. God, her strength captivated him. “Then I choose number two.” Claire’s voice sounded resilient. He didn’t respond. The silence grew. He wanted her. He wanted to tell her he was sorry, he had overreacted, but that wasn’t him. He couldn’t.
“Very well, undress.”
She didn’t hesitate, she obeyed his command. She started by unbuttoning her blouse, one button at a time. Then she shimmied out of her slacks, she didn’t argue or complain, and maintained eye contact the entire time. Tony’s arousal was becoming difficult to conceal. Her body before him trembled slightly and his demeanor dissolved.
“Claire, come here.” She did. He held her shoulders and looked into her green eyes. “Damn you, Claire.” He pulled her close. “I make snap decisions based on the evidence I see. Appearances are important. I assumed you had something planned with Sue, something that I hadn’t approved. I was wrong. Your speech,” he lifted her chin, gently this time as his tone softened, “was very brave.” He watched her expression. “It helped me see that I’d jumped to the wrong conclusion.”
He put his head down on her hair. Claire exhaled at the unexpected revelation: Anthony Rawlings was apologizing. She stood still while he encircled her with his arms, her trembling ceased and she let her face fall against his chest, inhaling the scent of smoke on his shirt. She felt his erection against her hips and the tension began to build within her depths. Tony’s tone, now mellow, “Up until the moment Sue handed you that note I was extremely proud of you. You were amazing. Courtney told me that about ten times.” Claire lifted her eyes to see his expression, smiling matching his tone. Claire smiled and felt her body relax against his. “There is something I would like us to do.”
The relief of his apology overwhelmed her. Her body continued its disregard for reason. She wanted him to take her and didn’t hesitate. “Whatever it is, yes.”
“Your hair, smells like smoke. I would like us to shower.” Claire took Tony’s hand and led him to her shower. He followed. Once there she helped him undress, and he started undoing her braid. Under the warm spray of the shower he wet her hair, added shampoo, and gently massaged. “Your hair is beautiful, but it really needs trimming. And the weather is getting colder, so maybe some highlights. I believe you will enjoy the spa. It has a great reputation.”