Free Sensations by Tessie Bradford Page A

mouth to issue another stunned “what", then closed it when Carol laughed and patted her arm. “Hang in there, I'll explain once we're settled."
    "Here you go, beautiful,” Dan said as he handed Vivian her cocktail.
    "Thank you,” she replied with a shy smile.
    "Colin's still behind closed doors, Carol, but I'll let him know you're here."
    "Thanks, and tell him no hurry. We're early, and have lots of catching up to do."
    Vivian followed her to a large round table on the far side of the room. Instead of having chairs, it was the only one with a semi-circle booth. As she slid onto the comfy leather seat, she noticed the curtained area slightly to her left. A stage, maybe? If so, Vivian was not at all certain she wanted to be sitting this close. She took a healthy swig of her beverage.
    "Okay, I'm listening."
    "Colin contacted me through my website. He and his partner are opening two more clubs and needed an interior designer. We met, he loved my work, hired me on the spot, made love to me on that very same spot, and we've been inseparable ever since. Wedding is next Saturday at two. Of course, you're my maid of honor. Can you take another few days off? We need to power shop for dresses."
    "That's it? Interview, sex, wedding, shopping; end of story? I get the fact that you're way more of a free spirit than I am, Carol, but this seems pretty out there, even for you!"
    "I know it sounds crazy, Viv, and nice look of horror by the way, but I'm happier than I've ever been. I never realized where I went wrong in the relationship department until I met Colin. He's exactly the type of man I need. He's shown me things about myself I had no idea I was missing, or wanted."
    "Wow, you're being uncharacteristically vague. I want to hear about him , who is he, how is he different from other guys? At the risk of opening the flood gates of too much info, talk to me, Carol.” Her ten-thousand-watt smile spoke volumes to Viv before she opened her mouth.
    "Okay, let's do stats first. He's four years older than me, six feet something tall, weight proportionate to height."
    "You are such a smart ass,” Viv laughed, shaking her head.
    "He's never been married, has no kids, lives in a mansion, drives a killer convertible, is college educated, and loves to garden.” Carol made a production of using her fingers to count her points. “He's attentive, considerate, passionate, and, oh yeah, intense, and demanding in the most delicious ways imaginable. The first time he whipped out his...” Carol held up her hand and waved it in front of her friend.
    "Filter, please! Intimate details are so not necessary, but are you sure what's going on between you two isn't, well, revolving around the physical? It's been quite a while since you dated."
    "Not as long as it has been for you, sister,” Carol reminded her with a smirk. “And yes, our relationship is based on far more than sex, although it is really, really hot sex.” Vivian rolled her eyes and groaned at Carol's suggestive leer. “I have no doubt that he is the one I'll spend the rest of my life with. Won't you please try to withhold judgment until you get to know him?"
    Vivian's heart melted at her friend's pleading tone. She took a good look at her. Something was definitely different. There was a confidence and a glow about her that she'd never had. “Of course I can, honey,” she said.
    "Carol's here, Colin, with a guest,” Brad announced through the intercom.
    "Thanks, Brad, I'll be there in a minute."
    "She said to tell you no rush."
    "Got it.” Colin switched off the audio.
    "Tough break, dude, not even married yet and she's giving you the cold shoulder."
    "Not hardly,” he said with a smile to his partner who lounged casually in the chair on the other side of the desk. “Her friend just got back into town yesterday, been gone since right before Carol and I met. I'm sure they want some time to talk. She's nervous about her reaction to our relationship. Tells me she's a bit