Deny Tomorrow Page 16

  Arianna’s heart caught in her throat. “No. No. Nothing like that.” She looked over at Tony. “We’re hiding out here from, uh, my stalker boyfriend. Trouble seems to find me no matter where I go,” she said with a nervous chuckle.

  “Well, you’re as beautiful as ever, but what’s with the servant’s uniform?” André asked, stepping back to look her over. “It’s so not you.”

  Arianna laughed. “It’s a long story. I’m dateless, and there’s no way I’m going to go to this party with everyone else coupled up. For kicks, I decided to help with the serving. It gives me something to do, and it’s not much different than waiting tables at the club, so I don’t mind, really.”

  André gave her a puzzled look. “Sure, if you say so, but anyway, what bad luck for you and Lisa. Don’t know how it happened but if Zach Acevedo is protecting you, you have nothing to worry about. He’s the wealthiest man on this island, and I hear he has connections all over the world. I’m not sure how he got involved, but that’s fortunate for you. Not to mention the guy is absolutely gorgeous. I’ll trade you places anytime you want, darlin’.”

  “You’re bad,” Arianna said, amused. “Sorry to disappoint, but I’m afraid he’s taken.”

  “By you?” André asked. “Oh, God! What a lucky girl!”

  “No, definitely not by me. Heavens no! Anyway, you absolutely cannot tell a soul you saw me here. No one. Not even my mother, not that you would ever talk to her, but no one. We can’t tip my ex-boyfriend off in any way about where I am. He’s obsessed with me and quite dangerous. Do you promise?”

  “Arianna, of course. You have my word. I swear,” he said, crossing his heart. “Not a soul.”

  “Thank you! Now go get set up. Your audience awaits.”

  Hugging her once again, he rushed off.

  After dinner, the guests settled back in preparation for Andrés first performance. Arianna poured herself a tall scotch and water and found a secluded place to sit and enjoy the music. She hadn’t done any singing or performing since college, but music was an integral part of who she was. Nothing stirred her blood more than hard pounding, loud music. André had a beautiful singing voice, and the band played a nice mix of songs ranging from contemporary to retro. It felt good to just relax and let the music, aided by the tall scotch and water, take her to a happy place where there were no kidnappings, murder, or espionage.

  After the first set, André came over to where Arianna had sequestered herself, a cheeky grin on his face. Lisa was tagging along behind him looking rather smug herself.

  “Hey, darlin’,” André began. “I have a great idea.”

  “Yeah,” Lisa chimed in.

  “Oh, no. Why am I getting bad vibes about this?” Arianna asked.

  “No really. You see, I was just thinking how great it would be if you sang with us tonight,” André said.

  “Yeah,” Lisa agreed. “You practiced with the band, but never got to perform because we had to leave abruptly. I’m dying to hear you sing.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. First, of all, I don’t think Zach would like that idea, and secondly, I haven’t practiced or anything.”

  “I already asked Zach,” Lisa said. “It did take him by surprise, but after he thought about it a minute, he said he didn’t care. I can’t think what it would hurt. I doubt anyone is going to go running out of here telling your ex-boyfriend they saw you. They don’t even know him, or… ahem, anyone else that might be looking for you.”

  “Anyone else?” André asked, a frown crossing his face. “Is there someone else looking for you guys.”

  Lisa shot Arianna a nervous look. “No, of course not. Just a figure of speech... no, no one else, of course.”

  “Hmm!” André paused a minute. “Well, anyway, as far as you being out of practice, I don’t think that will be a problem. It’ll all come back to you once you start singing.”

  “And what do you propose I wear? You know, servant’s attire isn’t exactly the going rage.”

  “True, but we can figure something out as soon as you agree to sing. What do you say? Ever since we practiced, I’ve been dying to perform this set with you, darlin’. Please,” André begged.

  “Yes, please,” Lisa pleaded.

  What a novel idea, Arianna thought…actually stepping out of kidnapping mode... survival mode… and doing something normal. Something she enjoyed doing before this all began. But maybe that was exactly what she needed... a chance to be normal again.

  She looked at André and Lisa’s anxious faces before finally responding. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

  “Yesss!” André and Lisa said in unison, high-fiveing each other.

  “Good. Let’s go,” André said. He led her over to the stage.

  “Okay, we’ve got to pull this together fast.” Arianna ducked behind some tall music cases at the back of the stage. She had an idea about how to transform her servant’s attire into something suitable for performing.

  She removed the vest and slipped off the white dress shirt and her bra. Next, she put the vest back on and cinched it tight around her waist by adjusting the strap in the back. Using the black bow tie, she twisted her hair up into a loose pony tail, giving herself a youthful and trendy look.

  “Wow! Very nice!” André said as she stepped back onto the stage.

  The V-neck of the vest plunged just low enough to show a bit of cleavage, and the open back added a nice touch of sex appeal, while the tight Capri pants finished the look. Servant to diva in less than five minutes. Borrowing a bright shade of lipstick and some blush from Lisa, she completed her stage makeup-up and was ready to go.

  “You look fabulous!” Lisa said. “You’re going to shock the hell out of these guys. I can’t wait.” She gave her a big hug and rushed off to join Tony.

  Arianna knew she had a good voice, not necessarily great, but one that had a unique quality which people enjoyed. The entertainer in her, however, was the thing that inspired her to perform because she had no desire to make a living as a singer. Like other things of her youth, she had left this aspect of her life behind.

  For this performance, she was singing mostly duets with André. What topped off all of her performances was her ability to sell the song. She looked good. She moved well, and she exuded sex appeal. Truth be told, the women in the audience probably wished they could emulate her and the men probably wished they could be with her. When you had this going on, you didn’t have to be the best singer in the world.

  Eye contact while performing was important as well. The more eye contact you made with an audience, the better to draw them into your performance. Tonight was rough, however. Zach’s eyes never left her for a second. She did her best not to look at him. Tried. Really tried. It didn’t work, and of all the times for their eyes to meet, it happened during the Lady Antebellum duet, “Need You Now”.

  It’s a quarter after one

  I’m a little drunk

  and I need you now.

  It was an intense moment. It was also irritating. Why, oh why, couldn’t she be singing something like Miley Cyrus’s, “I Came in like a Wrecking Ball” or maybe, Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”? Anything except a song about love, desire, and need when their eyes met.

  “GOD, I think I’m in love,” Parker Zales said, gawking at Arianna. Parker had been one of Zach’s close friends for years. “But didn’t I just see her waiting tables earlier? Too cheap to hire separate help, are you, Acevedo?”

  Zach just shook his head. If he only knew…

  As the performance ended to rousing applause, Parker said, “Come on, Zach. You gotta introduce me to this girl. What do you know about her? Is she single, I hope?”

  Zach shrugged and escorted Parker toward the stage. Lisa reached Arianna first and engulfed her in big hug almost bowling her over. “You were great! Everyone absolutely loved you.”

  “Whew! Thanks, but I was really nervous tonight.”

  Tony leaned down and surprised her with a kiss on the cheek. “I had no idea you wer
e such a good singer. I thought diving was your forte,” he said with a wink.

  Arianna shook her head as a sly grin played across her lips.

  Out of nowhere, Juan swooped in and gave her a big bear hug.

  “Put me down, you dog,” she said, weakly protesting.

  “Hey! Hey! Let me in here,” Parker insisted. Looking at Zach, he elbowed him in the ribs and said, “Well?”

  Zach winced from the jab, and said, “Arianna, I’d like you to meet Parker Zales. He owns a chain of five star hotels, so if you’re ever looking for a singing gig, give him a call.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Arianna.” He stepped forward and air kissed each side of her cheeks. “I loved your performance, and you can work for me anytime you want.”

  “Why, thank you. That’s a very generous offer.”

  “For an amateur, you have potential,” Lydia piped in. “Maybe you should give up your job as a service employee and try to make a career of singing. If I were you, I’d leave here and take Parker up on his offer.”

  “Why, thank you, Miss Calhoun,” Arianna replied. “I’ll keep your advice in mind.”

  “And now, Arianna,” Parker said, “if you have any energy left, I’d be honored if I could have this dance.”

  She glanced at Zach, not sure whether he was okay with that or not.

  “Well, Acevedo?” he asked. “Certainly you’re not going to make her work right through her break, are you? Never mind. Here. Forget about him.” Parker took Arianna by the hand and led her out onto the dance floor.

  As they slow danced to the ballad playing, Parker did his best to convince Arianna she should spend the rest of the evening with him.

  “I’m very flattered, Parker, but I’m afraid I’m involved in another relationship, but thank you very much.”

  “Are you sure? I can show you a really good time. I’d love for you to be my guest on my yacht… no strings attached, of course.”

  She had experience with guys like Parker. They thought their money could buy them anything. She had no time for men like him. Giving him a kiss on the cheek, she said, “You’re very sweet, and I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid I’m tied up at the moment.”

  Parker struggled to hide his disappointment. “Well, if you happen to change your mind, I’ll be here all evening, and I’m not leaving until tomorrow afternoon.” He kissed her hand and led her over to where Zach and Lydia were dancing.

  “Hey, buddy,” he said, tapping Zach on the shoulder and looking at Lydia. “I can’t let the night get away without dancing with this lovely young lady, too. Here. You dance with your star attraction while I see if I can’t steal your woman away from you.”

  Before anyone could decide if this was a good idea or not, Parker twirled Lydia on down the dance floor with her protesting to no avail as he whisked her away.

  Zach and Arianna stood there staring at each other, immobilized with indecision. Finally, Zach stepped forward and put his arm around Arianna’s waist and took her hand in his, laying it gently on his chest. Still, they continued to stand there, looking at each other for what seemed like an eternity before finally beginning to dance.

  Arianna could hardly breathe, and her heart was pounding in her chest. She did her best to calm herself so Zach wouldn’t notice how rattled she was, but it was futile. Of course, he noticed. He always noticed everything.

  His hand touched the bare skin of her back, and suddenly her whole body was on fire. Leaning close to her ear, it seemed he was about to say something, but then, changing his mind, he pulled back and sighed heavily.

  Arianna looked up at him and fought to hold his gaze. Feeling her cheeks redden, she lowered her head and looked away. Her pulse was racing wildly, and she didn’t know if she could take much more of this closeness.

  Leaning down again, Zach whispered, “I’m sorry about what you’ve been through.”

  His remark shot through her like a bolt of lightning. She looked up at him, searching his face for the meaning to what he’d said, looking for the sincerity behind the words.

  “I’m responsible for all this, and I’m sorry,” Zach said.

  Arianna was too dumbfounded to speak.

  Zack slid his hand slowly down her back to a new position and pressed her more tightly to him. Once again, the touch of his hand against her bare skin took her breath away. But more than that, something else was beginning to affect her. It was the niceness coming from him... a niceness that was causing her defenses to melt away.

  This could not be, she thought to herself. She didn’t want to like him. She didn’t want him to be nice because when he was nice, she had no reason to be angry with him. Without a reason to be angry, she could easily see herself falling for him, and that scared her. All of a sudden, her closely guarded feelings were unraveling, and she felt like she was losing control.

  Zach’s heart was racing, too. As he held Arianna in his arms, the fresh scent of jasmine and freesia teased his senses. Her soft, silky skin was just begging him to caress it, and as her breasts pressed into his chest, he felt himself becoming aroused. When the music finally stopped, he couldn’t make himself let go.

  They stood there for a moment looking at each other, both trying to say something, neither one finding the words. Unable to stand it one more moment, Arianna pushed abruptly away from him and rushed off.

  She had to get away. Being so close to him in such an intimate manner was unbearable. She went to the nearest bar and grabbed a bottle of scotch and headed for the beach. She wanted to get away from this party, this place, these people. Him!!! Wanted to go somewhere and think… and drink… and drown all of this out.

  Arianna sat on the front porch of the little beach house sipping scotch and listening to the sound of the surf rushing in and out on the shore. This peaceful, calming setting was in sharp contrast to the riot of emotions raging in her head. Zach scared her so much. To be precise, it wasn’t him, but rather her feelings toward him that scared her because as she’d stood there in his arms tonight, she could no longer deny the fact that she was in love with him. But any acknowledgment of those feelings, she feared, would take her on a journey she felt hesitant to go on.

  Up until this point, by simply focusing on her anger, she’d done a good job of denying the attraction. Now, with the anger dissipating, she had nothing to hide behind and was forced to come face to face with her suppressed feelings.

  She went into the beach house in search of more ice. Filling her glass, she turned to leave when she saw him standing in the doorway. Not knowing why he was there, at first she was afraid she’d done something wrong, so she moved cautiously toward the door.

  “Zach! I, uh, guess I should be back helping with the party, but I didn’t think you’d mind if I came down here for a while.” She tried to skirt past him and go out the door.

  “I don’t,” he said, putting his hand on the doorframe, blocking her exit.

  Puzzled, she looked up at him and asked, “Well, uhm, is there something you need from me or came to tell me?”

  “Yes,” he said. Reaching down, he took the drink glass from her hand, threw it out the door, and then, kicked the door shut with his foot. Taking her by the shoulders, he pressed her into the wall.

  Arianna gasped and her heart lurched in her chest, but before she could utter a single word of protest, he leaned forward as if to kiss her, and then hesitated. Stepping back, he studied her face a moment, ran his knuckles gently down the side of her cheek, and traced the outline of her lips with his finger. Lifting her chin, he leaned in and tenderly kissed her.

  Arianna made a feeble attempt to push him away as ambivalence pooled with desire. In only seconds however, she was lost in his kiss. Relished it. Eagerly returned it as the kiss quickly turned from tender to deep and hungry.

  Zach ran his hands up and down her body, fondling her breasts, his thumbs thrumming across the hardened nipples. He let out a soft groan and slipped both of her arms above her head and leaned into her with the full len
gth of his body, pressing his knee between her legs while sealing her to the wall with his kiss.

  He released her hands from over her head, only this time instead of trying to push him away, Arianna immediately began clutching his shoulders, arms, and back... anything and everywhere on his strong muscular physique.

  Once more, his hands roamed up and down her body. She squirmed as if trying to get away, shaking her head from side to side, saying no, though everything inside of her screamed yes. If she thought he’d unnerved her before with just a look, it was nothing compared to the torrent of passion he was unleashing now with the touch of his hand.

  Slowly, he undid the three buttons of her vest, but made no move to take it off. Instead he let his fingers trail across the swell of her breasts, edging their way down her firm, flat navel to just inside her pants, on into her panties… kneading, caressing, then, out again.

  He pushed her pants down low on her hips and let them rest precariously there. The sensation of being half exposed as her pants hung loosely below her navel was intoxicating, and she could see that he was as measured in his lovemaking as he was in all the other facets of his life.

  He once again pinned her arms above her head and held them there while he kissed her deeply. Her chest heaved, and she knew that at any moment her breasts would fall out of the vest. The more she heaved the more the material slipped away. The more the vest slipped away, the more the excitement built as her breasts became more and more exposed and so the more she heaved and squirmed.

  Just the thought of this excited her beyond what she could have ever imagined. She wanted, yet didn’t want, to be naked before him. It was such an exquisitely exciting feeling, she thought she would incinerate at any moment.

  And sure enough, the vest fell away, revealing her nice, firm breasts. He gently brushed his knuckles across the taut nipples and watched her as she watched him continue his long slow seduction, seemingly helpless to stop any of it. Then, he leaned down and taking first one, then the other breast in his hand, lifted them to his mouth and gently suckled one puckered tip, flicked it with his tongue, nipped at it, before finally nursing greedily as she moaned with pleasure.