Occasionally, I sacrificed a piece so that I could get my shoes and tie off, but I was comfortably certain of getting her naked after that. But lately, I’d had to work increasingly hard. The clever girl was learning my style of play, and yesterday she’d taken the shirt off my back. Thank goodness I’d been able to unsettle her with a few choice comments and take back control. I was going to have to go carefully, though. International tournaments might never be the same if I couldn’t get the image of a naked, bright-eyed imp thinking her way around the board.
I was enjoying life since Toni, and tried to stop myself thinking too hard about what I should be planning to go back to. I heard a soft knock on the connecting door to her bedroom. “Come in,” I said and I turned to greet her, my necktie still in my hand.
She stepped into the room, and I felt as if I’d been punched in the gut. She was gorgeous. A delicate evening gown swirled around her elegant form, and silver slippers shimmered beneath the hem. Her hair was twisted on top of her head, making her even taller, and little tendrils escaped, framing her face and softening the effect. Diamond earrings sparkled and glittered on the necklace around her throat. I couldn’t stop myself staring, comparing her with my memory of her in that awful greasy diner. Her little half-smile became uncertain.
“Don’t you like it?” She sounded disappointed.
I shook my head. “It’s not that, it’s … you’re beautiful. I never expected this.” I stepped forward and lifted her hand to my mouth, kissing the back of it. “I couldn’t have wanted a more fairy-tale consort.”
She smiled in relief, and blushed, a delicate rose.
I took her hand and led her to a chair. “Would you wait just a moment? I’m nearly ready.” I turned back to the mirror and checked my tie. “Good.” My eyes sought hers in the reflection. She looked poised and beautiful. Elegant, born to a high station in life. My very own pygmalion. God! I couldn’t give her up.
Then I was taking her hand. “Let’s go.” I looked carefully at her. “Will that wrap be warm enough? I don’t want you to be cold.”
She smiled up at me. “Are we likely to be outdoors for more than about ten minutes?”
“No, not tonight,” I reassured her.
“Then I’m fine.” She picked up her tiny purse and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
* * *
Downstairs, Lawrence was waiting, and he followed us discreetly to the car, getting in beside the driver before we moved off.
Toni looked puzzled. “Why’s Lawrence coming?”
“Oh, he’s organized this for me,” I said lightly. “It’s easier if he takes care of the paperwork.” I didn’t tell her that he’d organized the security for this. I definitely didn’t want the media to find out what we were going to see, and the fewer people that saw us the better as far as I was concerned.
When we arrived at the airport and the car swept up to the jet, Toni turned to me. “Come on, spill the beans. This looks like more than just dinner.”
I grinned. “Oh, yes! I think you’ll enjoy what I have in store for you.” Lawrence was holding the door for her, and the driver opened my side. The pilot waited at the foot of the steps and he saluted us as we went past him and climbed up into the cabin.
Toni was open-mouthed. She looked around as the steward leaped to attention and greeted her. “Good evening, Miss Chapman. Would you care to sit here just for take-off? Then you’ll be able to move to a more comfortable seat.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at him. “It all looks very comfortable.”
I cheered inside. She was every inch a Countess. I dropped into the seat beside her.
“Seattle,” I answered her unspoken question. “Two hours.”
“And are you telling me why we’re going to Seattle?” I could hear her smile and her delight in the tone of her voice.
I pretended to think for a moment. “No, I don’t think so. You’ll just have to wait and see.” I reached across for her seat belt and watched her buckle up, before doing the same. The pilot came through and touched his cap to me.
“Ready for take off when you are, sir.”
I nodded at him. “Any time, Captain.” Then she reached for my hand and gripped it tightly. I turned to her.
“Are you all right flying?” I was surprised.
“Yes, of course, silly.” She rolled her eyes at me. “I just wanted to say thank you.”
I squeezed her hand back. “You’re very welcome, Toni.”
We had a wonderful flight. Toni explored the jet, exclaiming with delight at the cabins, each with their own bathrooms, the dining room, and lounge.