Claire Thompson - romance unbound

The little café was a not much more than a hole in the wall nestled between a dry cleaners and a video store in a strip mall. But as they stepped into the place, it was like entering another world. The walls were completely covered with brightly dyed cotton batik tapestries depicting scantily clad Thai women in artful poses, with peacocks, flowing waterfalls and mountains as a backdrop. The room reeked of incense and cinnamon and was almost entirely lit by a myriad of little candles in glass cups placed on every available surface. The place was small and only held four tables, none of which were occupied at the moment. Will led Trisha to a table as a small woman appeared, bowing toward them, her smile shy but inviting.

Will ordered two Thai iced coffees and a plate of almond cookies. Trisha asked, “Where did you find this place? It’s like we’re in another country!”

“Isn’t it great? I like to hunt down the exotic. Make it my own.” The double meaning, as his fingers again grazed her arm, was not lost on Trisha.

After the hostess delivered their coffee she retired discreetly behind the counter. Will leaned over the table and said, “Tell me your secrets.”

Trisha was sipping the coffee, which was very strong and very sweet, but quite delicious. She still felt a little drunk from the tequila, but her head was clearing. “Excuse me?”

“Let’s skip all the small talk. Who our parents are, what we want to be when we grow up.
Let’s skip all of it. Let’s go right to the heart of the matter. There’s something between us. We knew it the minute we saw each other. Our connection is already forged, Trisha. All we have to do now is seize it. I want you. I know you want me.”

Trisha started to deny it. To behave as if affronted. To protest she was not “that kind of girl”, whatever that meant. Even as she opened her mouth to pretend her innocence, something in his eyes stopped her.

His eyes, like clear blue topaz wrapped around black onyx, stopped her. The intensity of his gaze fairly took her breath away. It was as if he could see right into her mind, her heart. God, yes, she did want him! Trisha felt her nipples standing at attention as his eyes raked over her. She felt the swelling heat in her sex and shifted in her chair slightly, crossing her legs as if he too were aware, as if he could see past her little dress to her secret desires.

Will leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Shall I tell you about yourself, Trisha? The things I see, the things I deduce from the way you hold yourself? From the way our bodies seemed to meld when we danced? From the sweet blush on your cheeks when I told you I knew you wanted me?”

The man was too much! His easy confidence, his obvious certainty of his own charms bordered on the arrogant. Yet Trisha, despite an effort to deny the effect he was having on her, found herself spellbound. Yes, she wanted to hear about herself from this man. It was as if he were going to reveal things to her about herself she had never dared acknowledge—even in dreams.

Will was watching her and Trisha forced herself to look away from his magnetic stare. She ducked her head, busying herself for a moment with the napkin in her lap. She could feel those blue eyes on her and knew he was waiting for a reaction, a response.

Slowly she looked up. She would meet this man head-on. Whatever game he was playing, she knew she was hooked. She wanted to shout, “Yes, tell me! Tell me who I am!” Instead, she held herself carefully aloof, exerting all her self-control as she said softly, “Go ahead. Tell me what you think you know.”

Will’s mouth broadened into a wide smile. Again, she was taken with the joy that seemed to shine on his face when he grinned. All the potential danger of that craggy, serious demeanor evaporated when he smiled. She felt herself smile back, unable to resist the little flood of happiness released inside of her.

Will touched her hand lightly with his own. Trisha sat very still so he wouldn’t remove it. Leaning close over the little table he said, “I see a woman who has held herself apart. A woman who keeps quiet about what really moves her. A strong woman who knows her own mind but is careful. Perhaps too careful when it comes to her feelings. When it comes to what she craves. What she longs for.”

Trisha lifted her chin slightly in defiance, yet she could not deny his words. He continued. “You need someone strong. Someone who can appreciate your strength, your courage, yet not be afraid to exploit your vulnerabilities. I mean that in the most romantic sense. My impression of you, lovely lady, is that you have closely held secrets.