Indecent Proposal (Book 5 of the Forbidden Series)

4

The white one had a stain on the skirt, and the blue one had a tear in the seam. Vi tossed both dresses on the bed with the heap of other rejected clothes she didn’t deem fit to wear for the evening. What did one wear on a date with a music icon? She fished through her limited wardrobe frustrated that she could not find anything suitable that did not have some flaw. A tear from being too old, or a stain from her children. She groaned with frustration and sat down on the edge of the bed wanting to tear the dress in her hands apart.

What was she going to do? Ronny said he would send a car for her at six o’clock. Her time was running out, and she had nothing to wear. She thought about the dresses the women in his party were wearing last night. They were elegant and sexy, the cutting edge of fashion. She had nothing like that.

Jan poked her head into the room and smiled at her. “How’s it going?” She asked standing in the doorway of the bedroom snacking on a bowl of cereal.

Vi laid back against the heap on the bed laying her arm over her eyes. “I give up. I’m not going. I have nothing at all I can wear.”

“Oh, come on. You can’t stand him up.”

“I should show up in rags you figure?” Vi said lifting her arm to look at her friend.

Jan smiled and came into the room. She placed the bowl on the dresser and pushed her dark hair off her shoulders. “What do you say we check my closet?” She said opening the other closet door. Vi sat up and watched as Jan looked through the fair-sized selection of dresses she owned. “Oh, this one would be perfect.” She said reaching into the closet and pulling out a shimmering silver dress. It was short and strapless and shimmered like the surface of a lake in the moonlight. It was exactly what Vi wanted. It was lovely and elegant. Vi stood up and touched the fabric. It was silky smooth and felt like heaven between her fingers. “I have shoes to match.” Jan smiled.

“I want to wear this dress,” Vi said taking it from Jan.

“I’ll find the shoes,” Jan said searching through the bottom of the closet. Vi quickly undressed and stepped into Jan’s dress. She pulled the zipper in the back up as far as she could. Jan found the shoes she was looking for and brought them over. She helped Vi by bringing the zipper the rest of the way up and then handed her the silver sandal styled high heels with thin silver straps that wrapped up around her calves like in the ancient Roman fashion.

Vi walked over to the mirror hanging on the bedroom wall to judge her appearance. She liked what she saw, but her hair posed a problem. It hung down and certainly didn’t work with her outfit. Vi walked over to the dresser and picked up a clip. Then twisted her long hair up off her shoulders and clipped it in place. She looked in the mirror once more; it was better.

“He won't be able to take his eyes off you,” Jan promised, picking up her bowl once more and returning to her snacking. “Are you going to go through with this?”

“Right now, it’s just dinner,” Vi explained.

“That’s why you are fussing over your appearance?”

Vi grinned, perhaps she was a bit excited. After all, it was dinner with a Heathen of all people. He was charming and handsome. “There is no reason for me to look like a slob.”

“You know he wants more than dinner?” Jan pointed out.

Vi stopped fussing over her hair and looked back at Jan. She was aware of it. She wasn’t exactly sure how she felt on the matter. After all, he was old enough to be her father or one of his friends. Then again, her father and his friends had never looked like Ronny. She had never been with any man that looked quite like Ronny. Handsome, chiselled features and hard corded muscle. He would be sexy at any age.

She recalled the way she had felt last night when Ronny had taken her in his arms, when she had thought he might kiss her. The thrill she had felt, the excitement, the disappointment when he had not. “We agreed to see where the night takes us. He has assured me that there is no pressure.”

Jan sat down on the bed as she swallowed another bite. “Well if you decide not to go through with it put in a good word for me. I’d gladly take your place in a heartbeat.”

Vi rolled her eyes. “I’ll see what I can do.” She teased.

A knock at the front door drew their attention. “That must be your ride.”

Vi went to the window and looked down at the street there was a shining black Lincoln Town car with dark tinted window waiting out front of the building. She picked up the small white handbag that had her things and headed for the door. “I will see you tonight when you get home from work.” She said opening the front door to find a well-groomed driver in a chauffeur’s uniform.

He was young with sandy blond hair. He tipped his hat to her. “Miss. Anderson, my name is Felix, I am here to escort you to dinner.”

He had a kind face and a friendly smile. Vi reached for her coat and draping it over her arm she followed the young driver down to the street. Felix opened the rear door for her and Vi climbed into the back of the car. The door closed behind her, and she watched as the driver walked around the rear of the car to the driver’s door and got in.

Vi looked around the car. The rear seat was spacious with plenty of leg room. There was a small bar along the middle section with crystal bottles filled with various liquors. The windows were tinted dark she could see out, but she was sure no one could see in. There was a roll-up partition separating the passenger from the driver should the passenger require privacy. At the moment it was down.

“Do you often drive for Mr. Creek?” She asked after fifteen minutes of silence.

Felix glanced up at her through the mirror. “Yes, ma’am. I drive for Mr. Creek and many of his associates.”

“Do you like being a driver?”

“Oh yes, it pays well, but they tip even better.”

Vi looked out the window as they turned down a residential street into an elite neighbourhood. It was a gated community. She had heard of such places but never actually been in one. The homes were huge, million-dollar homes with beautiful landscapes, complete with fountains and sculptures. This was an exclusive area, not the sort where any Tom and Jane could move in and put down roots. They drove some ways in, and the farther in they went, the more incredible the homes became.

Felix eventually pulled the car up through a rounded cobblestone drive, parking out front of a huge limestone grey house with tall windows, an elegant double door, and tall Roman columns. The house was breathtaking. Felix walked around and opened the door for her offering his hand to assist Vi out of the car.

Vi felt nervous as she stared up at the marvellous home. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. She mounted the stone steps to the front door and rang the doorbell. Vi waited on the step. She looked back to see Felix getting back into his car. The sun was starting to go down, and the streetlights were coming on. The early spring air was chilly she thought about putting on her jacket, but there was little point now she was moments from going inside.

Vi stood up straight and smiled as the door opened. Ronny greeted her with a warm smile. He was dressed casually compared to the last two nights. A white pair of finely tailored slacks and a fitted short-sleeved black shirt. He looked incredible in and out of his suit. Ronny stepped aside and invited her in.

“You look gorgeous.” He said as she entered the foyer. Ronny shut the door behind her and reached for her jacket. “Let me hang that up for you.” Vi relinquished her jacket to him and looked around while Ronny hung it up and placed her handbag in the closet next to the door. “Dinner is not ready yet, what do you say I show you around.”

“Alright.” Vi smiled as he came to stand beside her. Her heart was beating so quickly. She hadn’t been this nervous around a man since high school. She felt his hand move to the small of her back as Ronny guided her through the main level of his home. The floors were dark hardwood, and the walls were painted with colour instead of the uninformed white one saw in most homes. There was fine art hung on the walls, and the architecture was stunning. With detailed mouldings, high ceilings, and lovely old mounted light fixtures.

The main hall broke off into four rooms. Ronny ushered her into the first room through a high archway. A fair-sized old-fashioned parlour with a large stone fireplace. The furniture was antique but in spectacular condition, refurbished most likely. Plush white cushioning with dark wood moulding. A stained cherry wood bar stood in the corner with crystal flasks. There were antique vases and artwork on the various shelving along the walls.

“This is the parlour.” He said walking over to the fireplace. In a metal basket to the side was a stack of wood. She watched as Ronny picked up many pieces and tossed them into the fireplace. He took a lighter from the mantel and set the wood ablaze. In moments there was a roaring fire that warmed the room. “Would you like a drink?” He asked as he wandered to the bar.

“Oh yes please.” She smiled needing something to calm her nerves. It was a bit intimidating to be alone with a man of his stature.

He flashed her a playful smile. “I assume you do not want any rum.” He said taking a bottle from behind the bar and two crystal glasses. She blushed, had it been that obvious that she could not handle the hard liquor as he had? “No worry sweet, perhaps something lighter. A nice champagne.” He smiled.

“That sounds lovely.” She watched as he popped the cork and began to pour the sparkling liquid into each glass.

“I picked this up in Paris the last time I went. It’s a very good year.” He said coming around the bar with a glass in each hand. He handed a glass to her, and she accepted it, her fingers grazing his as the glass passed from his hand to hers. It was as if sparks flew from his fingers into her own.

Vi sipped the sweet champagne; the bubbles tickled her nose. She giggled and rubbed her nose to relieve the tickle. “It’s very nice.” She smiled.

“Come, let me show you the rest of the house,” Ronny said placing his free hand on her lower back and escorting her out of the room. She could feel the heat of his hand through the sheer fabric of her dress. They strolled through the hall and into the next room. A lovely dark room with musical instruments. A baby grand piano was the focal point of the room placed in the center. Hung on mounts around the walls were other instruments.

There was a saxophone that shown so bright she could see herself in it. A wine-red guitar with a signature on it. As Vi strolled through the room, she saw many others, an expensive drum set by the north wall, a violin placed carefully on a mount, a cello in the corner. There was a nineteenth-century settee placed by the window she assumed for guests to sit and listen. An antique phonograph on display in the corner next to it.

“May I?” She asked pointing to the cello.

“By all means.” He nodded and took a sip of his champagne.

Vi reached out and touched the exquisitely crafted instrument letting her fingers slid over the sleek curves and contours. “Do you play them all?”

“Yes.” He answered. She looked at him trying to determine if he were serious. “Does that surprise you?” He asked.

“A little.” She admitted. “Some of these are not exactly rock n’ roll.”

Ronny smiled. “I am a musician first and foremost. A true musician loves the music, no matter what it is.” He said coming to sit at the piano and placing his glass on the top. She turned to watch as he stretched his fingers and then positioning them over the ivory keys he began to play the most beautiful melody she had ever heard. “Do you play?” He asked as he fished the piece and reached for his drink.

“No.” She confessed. “I can’t even sing. I’m afraid I am terribly tone deaf. Do you spend a lot of time in this room?” Vi asked.

“I do.” He said rising to his feet. “I still find that music soothes me. Of course, my greatest passion is still my skins.” He grinned nodding toward his drum set. “Nothing beats a few hours on those. It’s fun, and a good upper body work out.” Judging from the incredible shape his upper body was in she would have to agree with him. “Come there’s more to see.” He said placing his hand on her back and ushering her from the room.

The next room was an entertainment room with a large tan coloured couch and two matching armchairs to flank it. Behind the couch was an oak table with a state of the art sound system and as Vi looked up, she noticed small speakers in the top of each corner of the room. On the wall was mounted a large flat screen television.

The room to follow was the dining room. Like the other rooms, there was fine artwork to admire, but the lighting was soft. A round glass table stood in the middle of the room. It was a fair size not big. Two high backed chairs sat adjacent to one another at the table. Vi thought that odd since most tables had them seated across. The table was set with silver trimmed china, a short arraignment of flowers as a centrepiece and candles.

The dining room led into the kitchen a room that could not be seen from the front hall. The kitchen was large with smooth garnet countertops and stainless steel appliances. Ronny did not have a typical stove one would find in a home. His was custom. The oven was built into the cabinetry, and instead of a stove he had a large flat top grill like one might find in a restaurant.

It looked as if he had already been preparing before she arrived. Vegetables were cut and washed already waiting in a steamer. Ronny placed the lid on top and started the steaming. He then opened the fridge and removed a container and carried it over to the grill. “You cook?” Vi said surprised.

“I do have to eat.” He smiled. “I hope you like fish.” He said taking two fillets of marinated salmon from the container and placing it directly on the grill.

“I would have thought someone with your money could afford a cook.” She explained.

“Ah yes, servants. Well I could,” Ronny explained, “it’s just that I travel so very often that there is little point keeping any full-time staff on at any of my homes. I do hire a cleaning agency that comes in when I am in town to clean and another service to run to the store for me to pick up food and other essentials. Understandably I can’t exactly go strolling about the local Shop and Save for a loaf of bread without getting hounded. I hire a car service also for events and other occasions. Hire a chef if I am hosting an event otherwise I cook for myself. It’s not hard to cook for one person, besides I eat out most of the time anyway. When I leave town, I suspend all services until I return.”

It made sense, what did he need all those people for he was only one man after all. “Well, you have a beautiful house,” Vi said leaning against the counter top and finishing her champagne.

“After dinner, I shall show you the rest.” He promised.

“What more is there?” She asked wondering if he was referring to more intimate settings.

“Downstairs there is a game room, a study, and a few other things you might find interesting.” He said flipping the fish.

She felt the heat flood to her cheeks with embarrassment for where her mind had gone. His intentions had been completely innocent, and here she was with her thoughts in his bedroom. She looked at her empty glass in her hand. Perhaps it was the champagne going to her head.

Vi moved out of the way as she watched Ronny open the oven and with a towel, in hand, he removed a small tray with baked potatoes. She watched as he cut them open the steam rising. From small bowls on the counter, he reached for the fixings sprinkling bacon bits and chives on one and then he looked up at her with a smile. “How do you like yours?”

“The same is fine.” She said. Ronny fixed up the other potato and then carried the tray out to the dining room and returned with it empty placing it immediately into the dishwasher. He checked on the fish and decided it could use a little longer.

“Your glass is empty.” He noted with a smile. “That certainly won't do. Come sit.” He said ushering her back into the dining room. Like the gentleman, he was Ronny pulled out a chair for her. Vi took a seat, and he gently slid her into the table. “I will be right back sweet.” He promised, heading out into the hall.

He returned a moment later with the bottle of champagne he had opened earlier, and with one hand on the back of her seat he refilled her glass and topped his off. He then took the lighter he had brought with him from his pocket and lit the candles. “Aren’t you suave?” She teased drawing a charming smile from him.

Ronny placed the lighter back in his pocket. “Dinner will be served in a moment.” He said heading back into the kitchen. Vi took another sip of champagne as he came back plating the fish and vegetables. He returned the cookware to the kitchen and then joined her at the table. He took the seat next to her.

Vi looked at the wonderful looking meal in front of her. The aroma made her mouth water. Who knew he could cook? “So, a successful businessman, accomplished musician, and talented chef; what other talents do you have?” She asked taking a bite of the salmon. It was euphoria, an explosion of flavour in her mouth. The fish melted away like butter it was superb. “Oh, this is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Ronny said taking a sip of his champagne. “As to your question I have many talents.” He said his tone laced with innuendo.

She blushed and decided to turn her attention back to her food. “You travel a lot. That must be nice. Do you have to hire a translator or do you stick to the touristy spots?”

“Neither, I’ve picked up a few languages along the way while the Heathens were touring.”

“Such as?”

“I speak fluent French, both Québec and European.”

“Is there a difference?”

“Oh yes. Different dialects altogether. People in France don’t even consider Québec French to be real French.”

“Is that so?” She hadn’t realized it was so drastically different.

“I also speak Spanish, Italian, a little bit of Russian, and some Chinese. Chinese is tricky though so many dialects. Do you travel?” He asked digging into his meal.

“No, I’ve been stuck here in New York all my life.” She sighed.

“Have you ever wanted to travel?”

“Well yes but I just never been able to get around to it. Never enough money or time. You know how things can get.” She paused and thought about who she was speaking to. A man who could go where he pleased when he pleased. “Well, maybe you don’t.”

“I do.” He said. “Believe it or not I have not always been this way. There was a time when I was broke. I came from humble beginnings. We all did.” Ronny confessed. “David was raised by a single mother. The eldest of five kids in a two-bedroom trailer. Mike was virtually homeless his parents hated him. He bounced from friends’ houses most his life until he ended up in his grandmother’s basement. Eric’s parents both worked low paying jobs and could hardly make ends meet.”

“And you?” Vi asked curious to know where he came from. “My dad was a bus driver, and my mother worked in a diner all her life. We weren’t rich by any stretch of the imagination. I even had to live at home to help out until I hit it big with the Heathens.”

“I guess it’s just hard to see you as anything else than the man you are now. What did you do before you made it big?”

“I worked like everyone else.” He said drinking his champagne.

“Doing what?”

“I was a firefighter.” He confessed. “For two years.”

Vi looked him over his fine strong physique she could see him as a firefighter. “And the others?”

“David and Mike were siders, and Eric did road construction. One night in front of a label executive changed our lives forever.” Ronny said cutting a piece of fish with his fork. “Tell me about you. How did you grow up?”

“Listening to you.” She smiled. “My parents are fans. My father has every one of your albums.”

He smiled at her comment. “You should bring one to me, and I will autograph it for you. I’m sure I could talk Mike into doing the same. You could surprise him.”

“That would be wonderful he would flip.”

“What does your father do?” Ronny asked picking up his glass.

“He was a security guard for the courthouse. He is retired now.”

“And your mother?”

“A secretary for a plumbing company. Also retired.”

“Did they like your husband?” He asked leaning back in his seat.

“No actually they thought he was a scoundrel, but I ended up pregnant, and my father insisted we marry for the sake of the baby. At the time I thought myself in love, so I didn’t protest. Now I wish I had.” She said taking a bite of her meal. Darcy was a touchy subject to her, and she didn’t feel like talking about him.

He must have sensed it since he changed his line of questioning. “Tell me about your kids. I saw in your picture you have four of them.”

Vi cringed at the number coming out of his mouth. She didn’t want to scare him off, and she was fully aware of how a child could send men running let alone four. “Yes.” She admitted taking a napkin and wiping her mouth. “A boy and three girls.”

“What are their names?”

“Davis, Briar, Parker, and Brea. Davis and Briar are fifteen.”

“Both of them?

“Twins.” She explained. “Parker is fourteen, and Brea is ten.” She told him some stories of when the children were young, and she found herself laughing as she remembered the little things they used to do. She half expected him to be utterly bored, but he ate his meal and not only paid attention but engaged her with questions.

***

They talked as the candles burnt down taking their time to finish their meals. Ronny kept their glasses filled finishing off the bottle. “I do believe we are out.” He commented, placing the empty bottle back on the table. Their glasses full and their plates empty he took Vi’s hand in his. “What do you say I show you the rest of the house?”

“Alright,” Vi said picking up her glass. Her cheeks had taken on a pink glow. “I think the champagne is going to my head.” She said as he pulled her seat out and she stood up.

Ronny placed his arm around Vi’s slender waist to offer her stability. “You really can’t hold your liquor, can you?” He teased. “No more for you.”

“That is probably a good idea.” She agreed, draining her glass and placing it back on the table. “Alright, I’m ready.” She smiled.

Ronny navigated her to the stairs in the hall. A flight led up, and a flight led down. He started down to the lower level, and Vi followed close behind. Downstairs he kept his private office for when he wished to work at home. There was also a large game room with a full-sized pool table and a poker table which he and his friends often made good use of. There were a game console and a dart board along with an air hockey table.

“You like to play,” Vi said as she saw the game room.

“Well, when we all get together we like to horse around. Do you shoot pool?”

“Not really?”

“I’ll have to teach you later.” He offered leading her down the hall to another room at the end of the hall he had a small personal spa. A hot tub and a sauna. Ronny opened the door to the spa and watched her face light up. “I use this room a lot too. It is a great place to relax.”

“Is that a sauna?” She asked pointing to the wooden door at the other end of the hot tub room.

“Yes.” He answered his gaze raked over her. That silver dress draped her body so perfectly drawing the eye to all the right places. Showing off those long silky legs and her firm tight bottom. The way her narrow hips swayed when she walked it was difficult not to stare. Luckily, he had years of practice at being discreet.

He wanted terribly to touch her more than to guide her. Her bare shoulders and exposed neck called to him begging to be caressed, to be kissed. He loved the way her golden locks were swept up off her shoulders and held in place by a single clip. How he wanted to pull that clip from her hair and watch it tumble down her back like spun gold. She was beautiful in a classical way.

“Would you like to see the rest of the house?” He offered. “Or would you like to try the spa out?” He suggested with a smile.

Vi looked up at him surprised by his suggestion. “I don’t have a bathing suit.”

His lips curved in a sensuous grin. “We don’t need one.”

Vi sucked in a breath and looked back at the tub. “I don’t know.”

Ronny headed inside and went to the shelf beside the sauna door. He removed two white towels and handed her one. “You wrap this around yourself.” He offered, turning the dial on the wall to turn on the sauna. “You may change in here, and I will change in the hall if you like. We leave our clothes out here and enjoy the sauna in there.”

Vi looked at the door and bit the bottom lip thoughtfully. He waited for her answer wondering if she might say no, then she smiled and nodded. “Yeah, ok.”

Ronny took his towel and headed for the hallway. “Just knock on the door when you are ready for me to return.” He instructed closing the door behind him. Once alone in the hallway, he removed his clothes and wrapped the towel around his waist and secured it. It wasn’t long before he heard a knock at the door letting him know he could come back in. He opened the door and entered the room.

The sight of Vi in nothing but a towel caused him to pause as he watched her fold her dress and place it on the shelf. It would be difficult to keep himself composed with her looking the way she did. Ronny walked to the shelf and placed his clothes next to her and smiled with satisfaction when she turned and noticed him.

“Good god.” She gasped.

“Problems?” He asked knowing exactly what had caused her reaction. He had seen it before in other women. Between his workout, diet, and the time he spent on his drums Ronny’s body had little fat. A vain man he prided himself on keeping a fit, muscular form. He knew outside of calendar models not too many men looked the way he did. A fact that frequently worked to his advantage.

“No.” She blushed and turned away. “Should we go inside?” She suggested opening the door.

“By all means.” He agreed following Vi into the small hot room. The floors and walls were cedar, and the room smelled wonderful. There was bench seating along the wall and in the middle of the small room a tiny stove with hot stones. On the side a button that released water onto the stones to create steam. There was a single dome light in the ceiling that offered a dim light.

Ronny shut the door tight and then pressed the button creating some steam. He was thankful for the small space it forced Vi to sit next to him on the bench as the hot steam filled the air and he heard her sigh with relaxation. “This is wonderful. I’m glad you talked me into it.” She smiled resting her head back against the wall exposing her swan-like neck.

He was glad too. Ronny took a breath to steady himself as his gaze raked over her seductive form. In her present state of undress, it was difficult to keep focused. He could feel himself growing stiff beneath his towel as he contemplated what lush treasures lay beneath hers.

“I’ve meant to ask you; why do you set the table with the chairs side by side instead of across the table like everyone else?” Vi asked opening her eyes to look at him.

“It’s more intimate.” He said. “More personal. Did it bother you?”

She smiled sweetly. “Not at all it was quite nice actually, being seated so close.”

Ronny flashed a brazen smile; he sensed an opening. “You like being close to me?”

Vi blushed and turned her eyes away. “Maybe.” She whispered.

“Maybe? You’re not sure?” He teased sliding closer to her. “Perhaps we should help make your mind up.”