Free Coming Attractions by Bobbi Marolt

remembering her inability to structure a proper sentence in Cory’s presence and realizing that now she wanted nothing less than to feel all of Cory against all of herself.
    “Okay, Townsend, settle yourself.” She took a deep breath and looked around the outside of the performing arts center. “Now what do I do? Go home and clean something? Oh, I’m getting awfully good at that. The whole place looks like the Ajax white knight moved in.”
    Helen cringed and groaned. “Damn it. Knighthood is reserved for Englishmen. I know that. I don’t even know if the Queen still does it. Of course she does. Maggie Smith, Anthony Hopkins, Paul McCartney.” All wore the modern title of Dame or Sir. “Cory must think I’m an idiot.” Helen pushed herself up from the fountain. “Well, little birdies, I’ve my intelligence to prove.”
    She made a single phone call before leaving. “Hi, it’s Helen Townsend. Can you have the Princess ready in a few hours?” She looked at her watch. “Four sounds perfect.”
    *
    The return walk to the Dakota afforded her time to pull her emotions together. By the time she reached Cory’s door, she felt more comfort with the direction she was about to take. She knocked softly on the apartment door.
    “It’s open.”
    Helen opened the door. “You don’t say that in New York and survive,” she said in warning, and closed the door behind her.
    Crouched in front of the aquarium, Cory swung around, lost her balance, and fell to her knees. She blushed, then smiled bashfully. “I’ve misplaced my social graces as well. I had a feeling it was you.”
    “Proper position for a knight to greet her lady.” She dropped her pocketbook and jacket to the floor. She approached slowly and knelt in front of Cory. Her eyes never strayed from Helen.
    “It was a Royal Command Performance.” She took Helen’s hand, brushed her lips across the fingers, kissed the tip of her thumb. “Knighthood is reserved…” Her voice mingled with the soft sounds of a bubbling aquarium.
    “I know,” Helen said. “I came back to…to tell you…” She moved forward and nuzzled Cory’s ear. “You’re a tease.” She bit into Cory’s neck. “An attractive, soft, warm, and wonderful tease.” She licked the abused flesh.
    “No.” As Cory pulled Helen’s mouth close to her own, her eyes searched Helen’s. “This is real.”
    Their mouths came together. Cory’s tongue slid deeply into her and Helen hungrily captured each stroke. Her hands swiftly traveled over Helen’s breasts, down her sides, and beneath her sweater. Her fingertips painted lightly over Helen’s belly while warm lips rained kisses onto Helen’s face.
    “Come to my bed,” Cory said.
    “No.” Helen released Cory’s hair from the elastic and gathered it into her hands. She nuzzled the cool thickness, breathed the lilies. “I want you here. Right here in front of the fish, but not now. Not yet.” She moved away and took a deep breath. “We’re going for a ride.”

Chapter Eight
     
    “Where are we heading?” Cory asked while they sped along I-684.
    “Westchester County Airport.”
    “Oh. Is someone waiting for you? If I’d known you had other plans, I would have invited you for another day.”
    “No other plans,” Helen said. “There’s something I want to share with you.”
    “Okay.” Cory turned in her seat to face Helen.
    “How was your trip to Boston?”
    “Perfect. The Pops pianist had taken ill and they called me to cover for him. I always have fun with that group. I was also asked to conduct two pieces.” She held her arms in the air and motioned a down beat. “There’s nothing like conducting a group of talented musicians.”
    “Multitalented, huh? I have to admit that I don’t own any of your recordings.” She pulled into the airport. She hadn’t been there in months and it was time to spread her wings. “Follow me,” she said when they left the car.
    A short walk later, an airport official met Helen on