Fervent Desires

Chapter 17- Emergency Exit

I woke up around dinner. Erica was already up and digging through her bag for an outfit. The room was dimly lit and the setting sun cast a glow on the walls around us. We were supposed to have dinner on the patio, where we were able to have a magnificent view of the sun setting over the mountains. Cynthia offered us glasses of wine and a platter of stuffed mushrooms as we sat enjoying the view. Dinner was served as the sun set in the background, producing an incredible display of colors. As hot as it was, I had to admit that the sunsets in Arizona were unparalleled.

We enjoyed BBQ lamb and roasted potatoes, Lydia was a fantastic cook. We sat on the porch drinking wine and watched as the last of the evening light disappeared over the mountains. A feeling of bliss came over me and I couldn't tell if it was the slight buzz I had from the wine or the affection I felt just being there with the people I loved.

“You have a lovely home,” expressed Erica and I smiled at her over my glass.

“Thank you,” Cynthia and Lydia responded in unison.

“I’ve been trying to get Taylor to come out and see the house for two years now,” Lydia added.

“I’ve just been busy,” I defended, trying my best not to sound too guilty.

“That’s our Taylor, always working, never taking a break,” she smiled “You’re good for her,” she reached over and squeezed Erica’s hand.

Cynthia and Lydia soon cleared the dishes and quietly disappeared into the house, leaving Erica and I alone. We sat in silence, listening to the sounds of the Arizona night.

“How was your first trip to Arizona?” I was the first to break the silence.

“Fantastic,” she responded, turning to look at me.

“So am I forgiven?” I ventured.

“We’re not quite there yet,” her response was slow.

“I’m not getting any tonight am I?” I gave her my most charismatic smile.

She gave me a slick smile before shaking her head no.

“Well, I think it’s about time we go upstairs," I said before pushing out of my chair and extending a hand to Erica. She promptly took it and I led her inside. We said good night to Cynthia and Lydia who were doing dishes in the kitchen and headed upstairs.

We arrived in the guest bedroom; where Erica promptly changed into her sleepwear. She donned a pair of silk panties, coupled with a silk negligée; which was so short that her butt practically hung out.  Her full breasts were barely covered and I could see her n*****s clearly outlined underneath the fabric. I felt my stomach curl as my eyes scanned her body. She was punishing me and I loved every minute of it. I reached for her and she promptly slapped my hand away, waving her index finger in the air like she was scolding a naughty child.

“You can’t have any,” she said playfully.

A smile curled my lips. “What do I have to do to get some?” I asked thoroughly turned on.

“Be a good girl,” she responded, “for now you’re on time out”.

I spent the better part of the night thinking up new ways to weaken her resolve and she spent the same amount of time spurning my advances; and trust me there were many. It was a game that we both enjoyed and by the time we finally fell asleep it was well into the night.

I woke up at five in the morning to the ringing of my cell phone. I answered the phone sleepily and realized that it was one of our Accountants, Steven.

“I’m sorry to bother you Ms. Vanderbilt but I have something that you need to see right away,” his tone was urgent.

“Ok send it to me,” I was concerned, it was unlike Steven to call me out of the blue.

“I need you to come in,” his tone was earnest.

“I’ll catch the first flight out,” I responded before hanging up the phone.

I quickly woke Erica and informed her of the situation before heading downstairs to find Lydia. I found her in the living room, always the early riser. I swiftly caught her up to speed and informed her that a flight was leaving in the next two hours.

“But you just got here, I can’t believe you’re leaving so soon,” she said hugging me.

“I know but I have fires to put out,” I responded, already half way out the room.

I needed to gather my things as fast as I could. Fortunately,  I had brought very few things with me to Arizona and I had barely unpacked any of it. I descended the stairs thirty minutes later, almost walking in on Lydia and Erica who seemed engaged in a muted conversation. I pressed myself against the wall so they wouldn’t detect my presence.

“Taylor has always been closed off,” I heard Lydia say. “I know she really cares about you though, I can see it in the way she treats you”.

“Really?” I heard Erica respond, “sometimes I’m not so sure”.

“Trust me,” was Lydia's firm reply.

There was a pause and I peered around the corner to see them embracing. I waited ten seconds before entering the room.

“What did I miss?” I asked.

“Oh nothing,” Responded Lydia quickly. “I was just telling Erica that you guys should come back soon.”

Erica looked at me with tender eyes. “Are you ready?” I asked, reaching for her hand and placing it against my lips.

She nodded, we grabbed our bags and headed for the car. Cynthia was still asleep so Lydia drove us to the airport on her own. Erica stole tiny glances at me the entire trip and I knew Lydia must have said something to trigger that kind of response from her.

“What?” I asked, the fourth time she looked at me.

“Oh nothing,” she responded, with a slight smirk.

I knew it had to be something but I didn’t feel like arguing with her. I settled into the seat and closed my eyes. Steven had sounded agitated on the phone. It took a lot to worry him; that meant I had a massive problem on my hands and I was on pins and needles wondering what it was.