He rolled her onto her back as her long brown hair fanned the pillow behind her glowing face. “Not as beautiful as you look this moment.”
Claire felt her cheeks blush. Her eyes went to the grand ceiling above as she felt his lips nuzzle her collar bone and move south. “Mr. Rawlings, I believe we were discussing lunch?”
His smile filled her as much as his actions. Claire didn’t want to enjoy it or him. But she did. When she sat to get out of his bed, her vision turned toward his grand fireplace. There were so many good memories associated with that hearth and the warmth radiating from it. What caught her attention causing the air to leave her lungs was above the fireplace.
“Tony,” she stammered, “how long have you had that there?”
His expression changed. Had he forgotten her wedding portrait was hanging above his fireplace? “Ever since you left.”
Perhaps it is impossible to wear an identity
without becoming what you pretend to be.
– Orson Scott Card
Chapter 48
Pictures of Tony and Claire flooded the internet. Someone at Brent and Courtney’s house made good use of their cellphone. There were even pictures of Claire with Sue in Iowa City. Claire wondered, isn’t there any real news happening in the world right now?
As she viewed each picture, Claire questioned her expressions. How long could she continue to argue her facade? Was she truly that accomplished at lying, or had Tony’s bold move and forced togetherness induced his desired outcome? Could Claire possibly be enjoying herself with him?
As she completed the final touches of her wedding attire, Claire thought about their afternoon. From his office, to his suite, and the pool deck with the warm sultry water...his expressions and touches kept her body on high alert. Even while napping under the shade of a large umbrella, Claire remembered the feel of his large strong hands caressing her skin with sunscreen. It wasn’t the first time her body rebelled against her better judgment. Claire reasoned, tomorrow I will fight. Today I want to enjoy.
Radiant was the word in Tony’s mind as he watched Claire descend the grand staircase. With the blush of afternoon sun on her cheeks, her hair and makeup done to perfection, and the light green Herve Leger dress she’d found in the closet, Claire looked radiant.
As the Gucci, strappy, five inch heeled sandals clicked across the marble floor, the adoration she saw in his eyes made her cheeks redden.
“I think it’s true what they say,” Tony purred.
She raised an eyebrow, “What do they say?”
“You are glowing – absolutely radiant!”
“Thank you, Mr. Rawlings.” She took in his toned muscular body, covered exquisitely with his customary Armani silk suit. “You are rather handsome yourself.”
They made their way to Tony’s waiting Mercedes and drove to Davenport. On the way Claire asked about Eric. Other than picking her up from the airport, she hadn’t seen him her entire stay.
“Well, if you recall, I offered his services this morning for your trip into town.”
Claire blushed at the memory of her return. “Perhaps I should have taken you up on that offer?”
His hand caressed her knee, “I believe I’m very happy with your choices; bold and cheeky is proving to be another pleasurable lesson.”
“Why, Anthony,” her faux southern belle accent purposefully elongated the yyy, “who would have guessed, you could be open to new things?”
Thankfully, she was sitting and seat belted into the soft leather seat, because Tony’s expression made her knees weak. And the sound of his deep sensual voice caused her insides to melt, “I am always open to new things, especially so -- if they involve you.”
Once again she felt the blood rush to her cheeks as they rose in a genuine smile, causing her emerald eyes to glisten. Claire turned and watched the passing scenes beyond the passenger side window. Was she flirting? Was he?
Entering the cathedral, Claire and Tony blended into the groom’s guests. Claire couldn’t believe she was actually attending Caleb Simmons’ wedding. It had been a dream of hers since learning the date in a letter from Courtney while in prison. Glancing down at her hand resting comfortably in Tony’s, she thought about how long ago prison seemed. Never in a million years could she have predicted her current location, watching Courtney and Brent escorted down the aisle. Courtney looked beautiful in a mother-of-the-groom sunburst gown. Claire had heard all about it when Courtney first purchased it. Again, neither woman ever foresaw Claire seeing it in person.