Claiming Claire

By RedHairedandFriendly and Tseranc

A story about two people, both looking for what seems to be missing in their lives. Both powerful in their public lives, one struggles with the need to give up everything and not feel weak and frail, the other looks for his missing half. Please fill free to PM either one of us with comments or suggestions. We hope you enjoy Claiming Claire.

Music played a bit to loud to chat comfortably with anyone more then two or three feet away and the partygoers mingled, taking hordevoures and champagne from the passing wait staff. Jason was nodding agreeably with some old fart who liked to hear himself speak. This benefit banquette was more boring then the last. They were supposed to be great fun for a 28-year-old, single, rising star, such as himself, but he found that they seldom lived up to his standards. But then, few things did.

He pardoned himself from the conversation he was ignoring and went in search of another glass of the mediocre champagne, when out of the corner of his eye he caught a exquisite sight. The creature's crimson red hair was piled high atop her proud head. Her earrings dangled near her neck, tempting one to admire the graceful lines. Her elegant black dress hugged all the right places, and floated down to the floor, showing class and style. He found himself staring; needing to know who this woman was.

He casually strolled up to her, handed her a full goblet of champagne, took the empty one and gave it to a passing waiter. “Jason Claremont, you’ve been expecting me,” he said interrupting her conversation. Maybe he was her client too, or a prospective one. Either way, Ol’ Roger knew when to let Jason be and he gracefully bowed out leaving Jason alone with the gorgeous woman.

Jason took a sip of his drink, his eyes locked with hers; daring her to challenge his comment.

Claire's emerald eyes made contact with the rude gentleman, after Roger Dankert left her side. Yes, she was thankful the old man was gone, his eyes hadn't bothered once to look at hers, so she wasn't going to miss him. Nevertheless, she was faced with another man that was overzealous in wanting to lavish her with attention. She was tired of the scene and had hoped to bail out early, but now it looked like she would be forced to make small talk with more potential victims of the law.

She tilted her head to one side and stared at the new glass of champagne, she also noted his comment about her waiting for him and she smirked. “Have I?” she asked. Her bristles were stirred and she wondered if perhaps the young man thought her just a quick roll in the hay and hoped she'd be out the door come morning. However, she wasn't. Claire Debutante came from a long line of women that were anything but weak housewives with nothing in their hands but baby bottles and soiled linens. She was a lawyer, one that was at the top of her game, and so it wasn't a shock to have some young pup come out and make an attempt to woo her for a few minutes of play.

She sipped the drink, letting the bubbles tickle her lips, before slipping her pink tongue out to taste the liquid. She wondered if perhaps the man needed her for something and that was why he had been so pompous and overbearing. “Can I help you... Mr. Claremont was it?” she asked, not bothering to extend her hand in greeting, she did however smirk over his last name and her first. "This should be fun," she thought to herself. While she waited for him to make his needs known to her, she studied the suit he was wearing, noted its cut as well as how it fit his frame. He wasn't the most handsome or dashing man in the room, but he was obviously one with the most balls, to approach her in the manner that he just had. She found herself curious as to what he needed so desperately that he would throw all sense of propriety out the window.

Jason enjoyed the all business demeanor the woman had put on, not even a handshake to welcome him closer. Good, he liked a challenge – made the game worth playing.

“No, no help required Miss….?” He left the name for her to hopefully fill in. Despite all her annoyance with being interrupted, he could see in her eye the amusement and curiosity as well. Good. “I had just decided to save you from Roger there, you looked like you needed a bit of saving.”

She really was beautiful, a little older, but that just gave her the ability to be full of class while still being incredibly hot at the same time. All sorts of images ran though his head of what to do with this woman, but those would have to wait. “I figure you were about as bored with this place as I was, before seeing you, and you were probably about to discretely exit stage right. Am I close?” He grinned. It wasn’t quite a smile; for the only joy in it was over the plot he slowly reveled to her. “However, before we go, there is something you should see. Not everyone who comes here knows about it…but there is one point in this building with a truly amazing view,” he extended his hand; palm up, to complete the invitation. She cautiously placed her free hand in his, and let herself be lead through the crowded banquet hall, and out a side entrance.

Cool air hits them both immediately, and they welcome the lack of a hundred or so of their closest friends. She is led further on, into the service area, through the kitchen that had been preparing all the food for the party they just departed. Jason waved to several of the chefs, calling them by name. Once through the kitchen they came to a hallway of small offices. A door was open, the room dark. She hesitated going in there with a strange man, until she saw out the window; at which point she dropped his hand and walked in first, forgetting the young man who brought her hear.

At this particular building there were several wonderful views of the downtown skyline, but very few rooms had the angle to see the bay, the bridge and all the lights of the night. This room, near the kitchens and the staff, out of the way of all the proper business suites was the one that had “Jason Claremont, Architect” stenciled plainly on the door.

He came up behind her, put his arm around her waist, and said nothing for a long moment. He shared this window with relatively few people. It was his drafting room; the business office for clients to visit was upstairs along with the rest of firm he worked for. This view was his, yet she seemed to fit right in. Her enjoyment of it solidified his resolve to have her. She too had good tastes.

After a comfortable moment, “I never did get your name.” He didn’t move, just looked out the window. Her mild perfume enhanced his enjoyment of the scene even further. He’d never look out this window without wanting her here with him.

The view was exquisite. The lights reflected on the water as did the moon and stars. If Claire had been with someone who knew her, they would know that she often spent her nights on her yacht that was anchored in the harbor. She looked out over the boats and looked for her slip and spotted it. She could have shared the information with the man, but she chose not to once his hands slipped around her waist and held her to him. She sighed and rolled her eyes, refusing to acknowledge the thrill that swept over her. She turned in his arms and placed her hands on his chest.

Claire’s fingers toyed with the lapels of his jacket and she looked up at him. “Mr. Claremont it is a lovely view and from your knowledge of the building and its routes, as well as the lettering on the door, I would conclude you designed it. Very nicely I might add. However,” she slipped her hands from his lapels to his hands that were behind her. “You did not need to rescue me.”

She stepped back at the same time she pulled his arms from around her. “Roger would have left me after he was told I was not representing his son for the minor infraction of tax evasion. He was only interested in me for that reason and I was quite safe.”

Claire moved back into the office and flicked on the small lamp that rested on the man’s desk. “I was about to leave, but it seems you stalled me,” she emphasized the words “I” and “you” letting him know that she was leaving alone.

“If you’ll be so kind to escort me back to the party where I can retrieve my wrap, then my driver will take me home,” she looked back at the young man. “It is a pity Mr. Claremont that you are not older. Your boldness was refreshing.”

She took the time to look about his office noting the design as well as how the room was not garishly large, but the way it was angled and the way the furniture had been placed it gave the illusion of being larger than it was. “You’re good,” she said and flicked the light off. “Perhaps I’ll cross paths with you again. In the meantime young man. . . we’ll call this evening lesson one. . . how not to rudely interrupt a conversation.”

Claire walked back to the door of the office and opened it. The light spilled in and highlighted the woman in the long black dress as she looked back at the man that she was finding harder and harder to not find stimulating.

Several nights had passed since the banquet, and still she was on his mind. He’d done some asking around, and found out a good deal about the object of his distraction. So now the next play was to be made.

Her name was Claire, Claire Debutante. She was an over achiever in the realm of kick ass lawyers; probably why Roger had been interested he mused. Apparently in the court room she had no equal. Jason didn’t know a great deal of specifics about law and court proceedings, as he’d always kept his nose legally clean. What no one could find out for him was about her personal life. Nothing. He had sources pretty much everywhere in this town, and not one scrap of information on hobbies, boy friends, what gym she went to. Nothing but the yacht registered in her name. But that in itself was not information…all successful people in this town had a damned yacht. He wanted to know if she used it. Was it used to meet clients on, or lovers? Did she have it as a trophy or as an escape from the city?

And no one knew. Did the woman even have a personal life?!

Well, she was about to. It was almost time; the single rose would be arriving any moment now. He sat in the limo at the curb of her office building. He’d taken steps to make sure all her appointments canceled for this evening, leaving her unexpectedly free. That ended up costing a good deal more then he imagined, which just made him all the more curious about her.

Meanwhile, his chauffeur was knocking lightly at Ms. Debutante’s office door. He came in and delivered the rose, the note attached simply read:

Dinner. My treat.
Signed,
Boldly Refreshing

The chauffeur waited a few moments at the edge of the door. Then added a specific message, “You’re Limousine awaits Madam.”

Claire looked up at the man in the black and white chauffeur uniform and read the card again. As she did she breathed in the fragrance of the rose and pressed the petals against her lips. She had known who’d sent it the minute the man had been allowed into her office. “Him,” she had thought to herself. Jason Claremont had done his homework and found her.

She looked at the gentleman and wondered what would happen if she sent him on his way with a bud free stem and a lipstick kiss on a piece of paper. She almost did just that, but instead decided she had nothing to do this evening, so she would see what Mr. Claremont had up his sleeve. If anything it gave her something to do. Her clients had canceled meetings left and right, now she knew what was up and she found herself humored by the young architect as well as more than attracted.

She grabbed her purse and briefcase and followed the driver out of her office. The only time they stopped was for her to give her secretary the stack of cases she would need filed by morning. The two people walked outside, the chauffeur and the lady. Her navy pinstripe skirt and jacket looked as professional as the black slacks and coat the driver wore. Her legs were covered in the thigh high, nude stockings. Her feet lifted only two inches from the concrete, the heels short and sensible. The jacket was closed, yet did little to hide the firm breasts covered by a silk spaghetti string top. Its ivory color complimented the white strapless bra and matching thong.

“Miss,” the driver said, opening the rear door of the limo.

Claire smirked at the “Miss” and chuckled to herself. “Miss is better than Ma’am,” she thought to herself. She slid in slowly, making sure Mr. Claremont, who she had no doubt was waiting inside, saw every long inch of leg as she snaked into the car. Once she settled in her seat, the door was firmly closed behind her. Her eyes sought out her abductor and she tilted her head.

“Good evening Mr. Claremont,” Claire said. Her eyes stared straight ahead at the man that sat across from her.

“I take it you are ready for another lesson? This one on how to ask a woman out to dinner?” she felt the smirk on her lips turn into a grin and she shook her head in amusement. “So Mr. Claremont. . . why have you chosen me as your next ‘flavor of the month’?” she asked.

Claire had done her homework too. He was listed as one of the area’s most eligible bachelor’s. Had dated a few models, but for the most part had kept pretty private over the last two years. He’d been seen with a lovely young blonde, but not much was known about her either. Obviously he had ties with people, because it had not been an easy feat for him to cancel all her appointments, she would deal with that later thought, right now she was curious as to his answer for her ‘ice cream’ question.

The perfectly professional, yet dazzling woman poured herself into the car. No matter what comments she might make, her actions spoke volumes more. She was here.

However, her question was just, and deserving of an answer; no matter how sarcastic she chose to phrase it. “Hmmm, flavor of the month? Do you think you’d be more of the exotic new flavor…or the tried and proven favorite?”

He wave his hand imply he was joking, then continued. “You’re not some periodic fix. You’ve genuinely captured my interest. I’m sure you own ‘homework’ can attest to my lack of whimsical flings. So please, relax and enjoy yourself. It’s not as if you’re being tied down just yet.”

He pressed a button raising the privacy screen between them and the driver, sealing the two in together as the car took off smoothly. “Where we’re going does have a dress code, but it’s usually only the men that the jacket rule applies to.” He smiled charmingly at her. He loved her attire, but if they dined like that someone might think he needed the professional services of such a sought after lawyer. Personally he wanted to avoid that.

He pointed at a rack of clothes in the back containing various dresses, with boxes of shoes and accessories below them. All were of differing classy styles. “They are all your size, not an easy bit of information to acquire by the way. If you would like to change for dinner, take whatever you wish when we arrive. They cater to we working busy bodies who manage to find the time for a civilized meal, but not the time to return home first.” Her eyes seemed to lift in mild surprise that he’d thought of the change and that he had provided a selection. He was sure she’d enjoy at least some of his choices.

It took a bit of time, but eventually they arrived. A large square building with many accents and beautiful lights greeted them as he helped her from the limo. The sight was built precariously on the edge of a cliff. Each of the seats offered a spectacular view of the bay below.

He didn’t want to bring up work, but he was proud to be a part of this place. It was built long before he was born, but the new owners had asked his help in remodeling and restoring it two years back.

He could only guess which garments she’d chosen, all held secret in their black garment bags. Together they stepped up to the Matrie d’ “Ah, Mister Claremont, how great to see you again so soon! Your usual table is ready, though this time for two, as you requested.”

“Thank you Stewart. I think I’ll wait while the lady gets dressed.”

He stood calmly as he watched her disappear down the hall that leads to the ladies changing room and restrooms. Anticipation building to see which she chose. Each of the four would look stunning on her, as well reveal something about her.

Claire Debutante took the garment bags into the ladies room and rested them all on the plush love seat that rested under the garishly large painting that was suspended from a thin wire. She’d dined before her at this particular establishment and again the young man had impressed her with the fact that he seemed to be a regular. This particular place reeked of money so when she unzipped each garment she wasn’t surprised to see that she to would reek of wealth, though she already had plenty to spare.

She took in the small white sacks that where hooked around each hanger as well as a ribbon that looped through four pairs of shoes that were in a small bag all their own. She chuckled and knew that deep down her secretary had to have been behind Mr. Claremont getting so much of her sizes to a "T".

It really didn’t take long for her to decide which dress to wear. She closed off the purple, black, and royal blue dresses and plucked the long, floor length red one from its home. Her fingers ran over the red rhinestones that adorned the stretch mesh and lame material. Her eyes smirked as she realized how much of her skin would be barely hidden behind the opaque material. She could have chosen some of the more risky outfits.

There was one that had such a low V cut that she could have tempted the young man with the swells of her breasts. Another had a slit up the side that would have gone to her hip and the last had been one that was simple a glorified bra with a skirt and a sash that would have traveled from hip to one shoulder and then around her back. She recognized all the designers and knew he’d paid a fortune for them.

Once she slipped off her bra, knowing it would not work for this dress or any of the dresses he’d purchased she lifted the gown and slipped herself slowly into it. She then smirked as she looked at herself in the mirror.

“Damn,” she muttered then chuckled softly as her fingers moved down gathered up the hem of the dress and slid her thong off as well as her stockings.

She folded them both up and laid them to the side, adjusted the double spaghetti shoulder straps, and grabbed the shoes that would accompany the fine dress.

Her body, now only encased in the sparkling red dress was soon adorned with a pair of leather heels that had her wondering about the gentleman’s taste in footwear. These shoes she did not recognize the designer and wondered where he had found a pair that came with a chain that ran from the front of her foot to the side of her arch. She then found herself curious as to the other shoes and quickly scanned them with more interest then just a passing glance.

The ones for the purple dress had ribbons that would have been wrapped around her calf muscles and then tied, another pair had a small key and lock combo on the front of the strap that circled the ankle, and the final pair was more a boot than a shoe. She found herself entranced with the entire selection and wondered if she would be able to weasel the designer's name from his lips or not.

She pulled the small white bag from the hanger and smiled wide when she read the jewelers name on the plastic. Her grin only grew when she reached in and pulled a large black box from inside its housing. She opened the lid and closed it. Her eyes registered her shock. Her fingers timidly reopened the velvet lined package and she removed the ruby and diamond necklace and earrings. When she had gotten finished fondling the priceless gems, the ruby beaded chain hugged her neck, the pendant cluster lay nestled against the center, caressing the sensitive skin.

She piled her hair up higher securing it with pins she had in her purse. The earrings soon graced the soft lobes of her ears and she applied a soft sheen of lipstick. The light burgundy color accented the natural pink of her cheeks. With a deep breath she returned to Claremont’s side, handing the unused garments to his driver that had parked the car and made his way quietly to the lobby.

Once the man took the bags from her, Claire, slipped up to her date and took his palm. “I didn’t need these,” she told him, handing him her matching thong and strapless bra.

She curled his fingers over the white undergarments and cocked a brow at him. “Ready to dine?” she asked.

____
Dress in Red, Shoes in Red, Jewels

As she approached his grin widened noticeably. She looked more amazing then even he thought while shopping for he dresses. But then shopping over at Ralph’s store was always a pleasure. The man was always so helpful in both regards to apparel, be it for a man or a woman. That might be because he rather liked both men and women equally, Jason mused.

Her comment and ‘gift’ brought only a quick chuckle, as he closed hid fingers around her unmentionables, and quickly placed them within the inner coat pocket of his jacket. It wouldn’t do to have the ladies undies brandished for all to see.

The Matrie d’ tried to not look shocked, and for the most part succeeded. Wealthy people were always strange, even if he knew Jason was not in the same financial league, just yet, as his date. Somehow though, as he recalled, Jason always found himself in the wealthiest of company. Stewart new how he could afford this particular restaurant…Rick, the owner loved him. In fact, he didn’t know one person that didn’t love Jason. “If you would care to follow me, I’ll show you to your seats.”

Jason loved Stewart’s personal touch. If Rick was too busy to come out and great him at the door; then he would come by sometime during the meal. In the meantime Stewart was a great guy himself. Taking care to have them seated himself, versus having one of the normal staff lead them. They were seated at a table in the corner, hidden away by a half wall. There were no bad seats in the place. Not one. The floor layout was the most painful design Jason had remembered working on. But every table was an island to itself, and each booth is own world. Privacy from other tables and booths was assured; carefully cut away from each other’s view by lattice, tasteful decorations and half walls. But this was his favorite spot. The table for two was beside a huge window, running from floor to ceiling. It’s complete view of the hills and the bay below was simply breath taking.

He, ever the gentleman, helped his date into her seat before taking his own. Soon the waiter came buy, with bread and a bottle of wine. Appetizers were ordered and they were soon left alone for a few moments.

“You look even more stunning then when we first met, if that is at all possible.” He raised his glass in a toast, “To the beginning.” A simple toast, but it was what he wished to celebrate. Her glass met his, and she smirked at his choice in words; always the over confident one.

“So, I know how great you are in court, how wealthy you clients are, and your dress size. I know how hard and often you work, and even of a few past relationships. But, what I couldn’t find out, and has plagued my mind since the banquette, was what makes Claire Debutante tick?”

Her answer was cut off by the delivery of the calamari. He ordered entries for them both, demonstrating he already knew her favorite dish here. But soon, they were once again alone to resume.

Claire sipped her wine and smiled back at the man who had somehow weaseled his way into her thoughts. She had thought of him since meeting him at the party and now he was with her trying to tempt her into revealing more about herself then she normally did on the first date. After all, this was what they were doing, having a date. He had pulled on the shots, but in reality she could have denied him access to her. He wasn’t God. He was simply a man who was determined.

“Tick?” she smirked and placed her goblet down. “I didn’t know I ticked. I glide Mister Claremont. Ticking seems so,” she thought for a moment. “Ticking seems so common. I’m anything but common.” She winked and sipped her wine again.

“I enjoy the water. I have a yacht and though I don’t captain it I do have fun. I’m often there on the weekends and only my secretary and family can contact me.” She laughed and added, “However, by the looks of things you probably knew that. . . not to mention you could probably reach me as well.”

She said nothing more of how he got his information on her tastes, styles, and sizes. His admission of working his charm on her secretary was written all over his face. “Remind me to thank her,” she told him, lifting her glass and touching it with hers. She finished her wine and as the meal progressed she revealed a few more things about herself, things both written and not written about her.

She shared with him that she was the only child of a wealthy doctor and successful lawyer. Her mother had retired recently from her practice in family law and her father would be retiring at the end of the summer. She told him a few intimate details about her childhood, such as pets and best friends.

In return and over dessert Jason shared with her bits and pieces of his life as well. Each one gave the other enough details to make the meal enjoyable and flow nicely. If someone were to look at the couple they would see two friends that looked as if they were bordering on the edge of something more.

Claire felt herself relax with his words. She enjoyed the security that his steady gaze gave her and she welcomed the feeling of protectiveness he seemed to convey when she had excused herself from the table to move to the ladies room and he had escorted her. She knew that some would see it as childish, but she saw it as a need to look out for her. The gown she was wearing was not one that left anything to the imagination, so in a way Jason protected her from the steely looks of hungry males and the jealous gazes of evil women.

When the meal concluded, she waited for Jason to offer his arm and take her to whatever he had planned next. She didn’t question why she was letting him have his way. For now she would enjoy the ride... until he got to the point where all her past dates had gotten, the point where they attempted to always outshine her and thus found themselves frustrated with the difference in their stations in life.

He had been pleased beyond words at how well the meal had gone, and now, as he guided her back to the awaiting limo it was time to reveal a bit more of himself. He watched her sensuous form melt into the leather seat as he held the door for her. He followed in, closing the door behind him. The driver needed no instructions, he’d been told the plan much earlier.

The date had started out a bit like a fencing match; each probing the other for some weakness to exploit. Fortunately that didn’t last long, and her genuine interest had begun to show through. The details he shared with her were not particularly intimate, but she learned how he too had grown up an only child. He’d had a brother, but he died in the hospital only days after birth. He told her of his love of the ocean that they seemed to share.

As the limousine pulled away and headed north, Jason inched a bit closer to his infatuation. He placed his right elbow on the back of the seat and turned toward her; his head propped up and held on his right hand. His left hand took hers as he looked directly into her eyes. “I’m glad you’re having a good time tonight.” Sure, it was an assumption on his part, but unless he read body language a lot worse then he credited himself, she was getting comfortable around him, and did in fact enjoy the surprises and his company. His face was rather close to hers; yet he made no move. Just sat here confidently next to her as they rode on.

It seemed like such a short ride, but he knew that was the company he was in. it had been nearly an hour and a glass of champagne before the car turned and slowly took the steep downward incline. Moments after that it flattened out and came to a stop. The driver then came to open door for them.

Jason started taking off his shoes and socks, tossing them back and rolled up his slacks before getting out of the car, then lending his hand for Claire to take. Once she emerged and realized they were on a rather secluded beach, she followed suit and took her heeled shoes off, adding them to his in the back of the limo.

He led her down the beach, near the waters edge. The moon lit the area beautifully, silhouetting the trees, rocks and brush, as well as reflecting off the calm water. The cliffs and then the tress below them surrounded the entire beach. No man made sounds could be heard from within the private bowl. They walked along the shore, silently. She held her dress up out of the wet sand and he had managed to hold onto her other hand as they walked. Once reaching roughly the center, he turned them around to see the entire glory of the site he’d chosen to share tonight.

“This is all mine.” He said with a great deal of pride. “The dresses, the jewels, the limo. I had gotten those things by deals and having connections. Expensive yes, but not nearly as costly as it would have been for anyone else,” he confessed without the hint of regret or deception.

His free arm extended as if to display the entire scene around them. “This is what very nearly all my modest wealth has gone toward, and will continue to go toward. A house over there.” He pointed back against the tree line, and continued to point things out as he spoke. “A dock there. A guest house tucked over there.” His smile was impossible to contain. He loved this place, and wished he’d come to enjoy it more often.

“This place, and what I will build here, say more of me then any stray facts I could share with you. That is why you are my first guest here.”

The night air brushed against Claire and she rubbed her shoulders over the slight chill that it brought with it from the sea. She looked at the area, noted its beauty and found herself further entranced with the man at her side. She wondered for a moment when he had made the cross-over from young man to adult male.

Was it during dinner? Was it the forceful nature that he had displayed in picking out her clothes? Or in reality did it all roll back to that first meeting? That first interruption of a boring conversations? Claire would never know, but now she found herself respecting the man more than she had respected anyone in a long time.

“This is all lovely and quite breath taking Jason,” she told him. Her eyes met his and she felt a wave of desire crash over her, just as she had a number of times during dinner. She fought it. There was something different about Jason, something deeper and she felt that if she were to explore him further, explore what she was feeling further she would be sucked in. Claire was a strong woman, she had no desire to be brought to heal by anyone.

Her thoughts collided with her desires as she stared silently at his eyes, then his lips. She wondered what it was that had beckoned him to her. His hand enveloped hers, again something she had never experienced before with someone. Though she was older, more experienced in the world of business, and possibly wealthier, she felt as if this man was more powerful than even her father. Her father, to Claire was a powerful man.

She squeezed his fingers and turned back to the water, letting her feet squeeze the wet sand. “I do not have my own home. I could. But there is no need. There is only me, so I prefer to stay in the city in my suite at the Renault,” she said. As the waves began to lap at her feet, the wind picked up and the next words she whispered and carried them away. “Until I find someone who gives me a reason to leave.”

The moment seemed right to her, something told her he wanted it, so she leaned back against him and wrapped the hand she’d been holding around her waist. Claire held his palm against her stomach while she place her head against his shoulder. She felt enveloped by his being and didn’t want to lose that feeling, so she tightened the hold on his hand.

She held him to her, displaying her desire for such closeness. It made his heart leap. She fit perfectly in his arm and against him, like two puzzle pieces, finally being interlocked. But also in the embrace he noticed her chill in the wind. Her dress, as stunning as it was on her, offered little protection from the elements, so he excused himself from her hold just long enough to take of his jacket and place it over her shoulders. His hand then snaked back around her, and returned home over her stomach.

“I too live in town, until I find the time and money to build the house here. Make’s the commute to work easier as well,” he chuckled. "I image you spend far too much time at the office as well." He hugged her close as they walked in the slowly rising tide. The moon lit her eyes in a magical way, and only hoped she felt the same of his baby blue’s. Soon the magic must end, and he’d have to take her home, but right now he just enjoyed, and relished the fact she was warming up to him. A long way to go…but it’s a start.

Eventually they found themselves back at the limo. He took a towel from the driver, and sat her down in the seat, her feet dangling out as he dried them off for her. He then dried his own and crawled in beside her. The door shut behind him, and he turned to her he found his face remarkable close to hers. They hovered there, the silence of the night the only thin thing between them. Eyes locked, a desire behind them, yet also reservations.

He moved first, finally, and locked his lips with hers. She didn’t respond at first, but only a second later her body overrode her brain and she kissed back.

They had arrived at the Renault a few minutes ago. The car stopped, but they still were busy exploring the hunger behind each new kiss. Finally he broke off, and trying not to sound too sad, “We’re at your building. May I escort you to your suite?”

Claire's body was humming by the time the driver stopped and had it not been for Jason pulling away from her, she would have continued kissing the man by her side. Her eyes fluttered several times. She blushed a deep crimson as the thought of taking the man up to her room and devouring him passed through her thoughts. She smiled softly and leaned back in for another deep kiss. "Next time," she told him. Her finger caressed his lips and she slipped from the car.

She turned back and lifted her fingers in a small wave goodbye then hurried into the hotel before the rumble of a threatening storm made its self known. She moved quickly through the lobby, waving to the attendant behind the desk. Her fingers hovered over the button of her floor and she waited, wondering if perhaps she should turn back and invite him up. Common sense reared its ugly head and she pressed the button. "Don't hope," she whispered to herself. She would not press her luck with Mr. Claremont. She was feared she'd disappoint him. There was something about her and the lack of desire that seemed to leave her and her partners unsatisfied. The evening had been so perfect she didn't wish to ruin it.

Once inside the elevator her state of dress returned to her attention from the numerous stares she'd received as she waited for her floor to appear. She snuggled into the warm jacket and chuckled. "The ol' take his jacket routine. . . and I didn't even mean to do it," she thought to herself.

Finally, she arrived on her floor and moved through the small group of guests, the men leering openly, the women glaring hotly, their eyes full of jealousy. She slipped her key card into the door and walked in. Immediately she was greeted by the ice-blue eyes of her Siamese cat, Cocoa. She stooped down and picked up the graceful feline and carried her to the kitchens. “Hello love,” she whispered as she snuggled her nose into the pregnant cat’s fur. With great skill she managed to hold the swollen cat and open a can of tuna which was soon dumped onto a plate and devoured by the lovely animal. Seconds later Cocoa’s mate Coffee appeared and he too shared in a second can of the delectable treat.

Claire slipped off her shoes and carried them in one hand while she walked over to the 55-gallon aquarium and fed her salt-water fish. She then slipped into the lush leather sofa and laid down. Her eyes stared at the ceiling and she wrapped herself tight in Jason’s jacket. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent while she remembered every detail of the night.

not to butt in or disturb the flow, but I like this story......in fact, looked for it when I came online... very romantic.....

The next afternoon Jason sat in an overly plush chair, like a few others in the room did. It was a small gathering today, only four other then Jason showed up. The Mayor - Monica Rodriguez, the CEO of some company Jason could not immediately recall - Mr. James Benedict, Mr. Michael Wilton -Chairman of the board at Jason’s firm, and Ralph. No one knew his last name.

Jason had been staring off into space, thinking about his success from last night. A complete success; to include Claire’s own anticipation of a ‘next time.’ Hell, she even had his jacket still, offering one possible excuse to she her…soon.

But his attention was soon snapped back to the people gathered in the extremely exclusive country club parlor. The Mayor had decided it was time to harass him…again.

“So Mr. Claremont, seems someone was busy last night. With a lawyer none the less.”

“Oh that’s right, how did that go Jason?” Wilton inquired.

“A gentleman would never kiss and tell,” he smiled, and tried to brush Mistress Rodriguez off. She reached down and pet one of the two slaves she had brought with her, one of which was a Senator, who sat at her feet on their leashes.

“Miss Debutante seems to be rather...powerful Jason, don’t tell us all you’re switching sides, and going sub?” She laughed at her own joke. She had hated him ever since he tossed her daughter out on the street. She had been his last long term relationship – over two years ago now. It was one thing to date the mayor’s daughter, but Jason’s boss had discovered that the younger Rodriguez was kept as a pet. Jason had been in that particular lifestyle for several years, starting in college – but he never guessed it would get him invited into such an elite crowd.

It was Master Wilton who had invited him, impressed at the nerve it took to keep the Mayor’s daughter. However, that relationship had ended once Jason discovered she had sex with another Master without his consent. She cheated. Her stuff…all of it; especially the more embarrassing outfits were out on the doorstep for the world to see when she got home…and wasn’t allowed in.

The odd thing in Jason’s mind was the reason why Monica hated him after that. It wasn’t the fact he had truly shamed and embarrassed her daughter; it was the implication she had raised a poor slave. But whatever the case Monica was the only person pretty much anyone knew that didn’t love Jason. He was a great guy and a good Dom…even if a little bit of a light weight in the lifestyle.

“Monica, shut up.” It was Ralph this time. He had the most impressive ‘display’ today, and always did. Two slave boys and two slave girls…all dressed in the most revealing and provocative leather attire. Ralph was the power and originator behind this ‘club’, and had, by far, the most diverse in tastes. He turned to Jason, “Good luck with her kid, if that woman had much of a sex life, we were all pretty sure she would belong here with us, but then again, that would make the prize so more worth winning – am I right?” He just smiled.



Later that evening, Jason was riding the elevator up to Claire’s office. He was glad to be out of his ‘circle of friends’. The favors and power trades that made up most the deals going on between fellow Masters was the real wealth Jason had tapped into, but it came with a price. Monica, and those like her, drove him nuts. So obsessed with the power trip of it all. Their gaudy displays of ‘ownership’ had always made him irritated (though the one time he brought Monica’s daughter and had her lay at his feet was truly amusing). It wasn’t about that, or shouldn’t be at least. It was the enjoyment of the trust your pet placed in you. That was the high he lived for.

The elevator doors parted, and he stepped into the reception area, winking quickly at Claire’s secretary. It was getting late; Claire would have no more clients tonight, but would likely be busy researching and preparing for tomorrow. Jason took a seat and grabbed a magazine off the small table. He would just wait for her to come out before monopolizing another of her nights.

The following day moved slowly for Claire. She was buried in mounds of paperwork by the time lunch came around. She managed to have a granola bar and a glass of tea, before one of many rescheduled meetings took place. Claire gave up her lunch hour for two clients that Claremont had forced out of their slots yesterday and she’d stayed two hours past her normal time in order to carry out the remain four clients business that he’d cornered for her. Her secretary had opted to stay and catch up on work as well, though Claire knew it was just to make up for letting Claremont railroad her for information on her boss.

Once the day was concluded she paged her secretary and dismissed her. She didn’t come out of her office, nor did her secretary tell her anyone was waiting for her. Claire stood up and walked away from her desk. Her shoes were long ago abandoned and she had no desire to put them on again. Every time she looked at them she glared. Her feet were tired, her legs exhausted, her head hurt and her shoulders were stiff. She looked at her leather sofa and sighed. It looked inviting yet she knew if she gave in she’d be asleep and another night on a couch was not something she wanted.

She picked up her briefcase and called down to let them know to have the car ready. She tucked her shoes under her arm and opened the door with her free hand. Once the door was slightly ajar she used her foot to finish opening it the rest of the way, as her other hand pulled the pins from her hair and helped ease the tension of the day as her curls cascaded down her shoulders and fell along her back. She heard something, a shift from one of the chairs in the lobby. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a small smile crossed her lips as she recognized the scent of Jason.

Turning slowly Claire spotted him in the corner of the dimly lit office. Only the lamp beside him was lit. “Good evening, trouble,” she greeted him. Her brow lifted as she noted his relaxed state of dress and she chuckled. “Do you actually work?” she asked him.

She sighed and nodded her head toward the door. “If you’ll be so kind as to lock up for me. I am exhausted. Seems all my appointments that were suddenly canceled yesterday actually had business to conduct, imagine that.”

She rose a brow at the young man that looked as if he had had a decent night’s sleep. “Must be nice to have all the time in the world to sit and relax.”

Claire closed her eyes and reopened them. “Sorry, its just been a very long day. I haven’t eaten since lunch and that was a granola bar. I fell asleep on my couch last night, had meetings up the ying yang and Jason. . . I am just wanting to go home.” Claire wasn’t sure what possessed her to let down her guard, but something did, something told her that right now this young man was there and he’d be willing to take care of her.

He grinned wickedly at her title for him. “Trouble” If only she knew how right she was.

“No, I don’t really work, that seems like such a hassle!” Truth be known, he had worked late for the past week every night, as he gathered bits and pieces of information about her. He was well ahead of projected timelines and his boss was pleased. The extra work might even pay off in a promotion this time, but regardless; it had already paid off for Jason, as he locked her office door as requested and took her briefcase to lighten her load.

In the elevator ride down, she looked even more tired then the dim light of her reception area had shown. He had placed his arm around her, and she melted into him. Not of any sense of passion, but that of exhaustion.

Claire’s car was ready and waiting for her; though to call it a mere car seemed unjust. She owned the latest Cadillac 2006 STS-V – a beast of a machine. Jason helped her into the rather costly vehicle, before adding himself to the back seat with her. Her driver seemed puzzled, but heard no objection, and thus went about his way of taking them both to the Renault.

The drive was short, adding to the convenience of where she currently lived, and all the while Jason heard neither complaint nor objection from the tired woman next to him. Even as he accompanied her in the elevator leading to her suite she seemed comfortable with his presence. Not that he would have put up with much of a fight, she did say ‘next time’ after all. Claire slid her key card home and let herself in, leaving the door wide open for him to follow. And follow he did, which lead to his first surprise. Cats. Two of them.

No one had mentioned cats to him, and it seemed none of his contacts could come up with such a fundamental bit of information as to if she were a pet person or not. He gently shut the door behind him, took his own jacket off and placed it in the closet. The place was huge, his architectural mind running over every detail. This building was built before he’d been in the business, but he still admired the effective use lines and subtle divisions to make such a large space seem so cozy. He heard her in the kitchen, where she fed the felines tuna. “Why don’t you go relax on the couch, I’ll bring you out something to eat here shortly,” he grinned as she complied with wonder and doubt in her eyes. Apparently not many of her uptown boys had the ability to prepare a meal.

He examined the contents of the refrigerator, and laughed. If she was much of a cook, she must practice someplace other then home. Two bottles of wine, a jar of jelly, and a jug of milk was all the rather large unit held. He yelled sarcastically to her, “I love how well stocked your kitchen is!” Examining the cupboards showed only that the felines were rather spoiled…more so it seemed then the human occupant of this suite.

He placed a call down to the hotels’ restaurant, and had them bring up some items to be billed directly to him. Within minutes the knock came at the door with his remote shopping. She really was well off if they respond this quickly to such an odd, late night request.

At least she had all the utensils and appliances a well-stocked kitchen should possess, which made preparing her a lemon and capers salmon, rice with sautéed mushrooms and a nice glass of chardonnay so much easier.

He brought the feast to her on the couch, a plate for each of them in hand, and then retrieved the wine. The smells of his labors drifted through the house, enticing all present, be they the well-fed four legged people, or the humans. Claire’s eyes lit up at the sight of the food before her, and the aroma of it had more promise then most things she had recently consumed. Jason was actually quite the chef, loving to cook for himself and on rare occasion, friends.

“I hope you enjoy it, it’s the best I could do with what I had to work with. One might think that someone so financially secure might be able to afford to have food in the kitchen, but I guess it was just good fortune I came along,” he teased her, though he doubted she had noticed, her fork already frantically pacing between her luscious lips and the plate.

Claire sighed as the food melted on her tongue and filled her empty belly. She managed to mumble a few moans of pleasure and when she noticed his expression she cleaned off the prongs in a most provocative manner. Her smile then lifted her cheeks, reaching her eyes, and adding a sparkle to her lips. She watched Coffee jump onto Jason’s lap, she chuckled as he barely managed to save his plate from finding a home on his legs. “That’s Coffee, he’s a wicked one. Cocoa is hiding, she’s expecting, so she probably won’t come out until she hears the cat food can being popped open.” Her fingers reached over and she scratched the Siamese cat’s ears.

She then stood up and took her plate, now completely free of food and Jason’s. She made her way to the kitchen and rinsed off the plates before sliding them in the dishwasher. The sound of the cat food opening was all it took to drag the swollen Cocoa out from under the recliner and her mate jumped off Jason’s lap, almost as quickly as it had appeared. She emptied the cans and then walked back into the room where Jason was sitting. She grinned and walked over to the fish aquarium and fed the saltwater fish their food, before returning to Jason’s side.

“If you want to hang around your more then welcome. I’m going to change out of this though,” she smiled down at him. “Thanks for the food. I’m impressed. You’ve surprised me again.” She picked up the Universal remote and handed it to him. “The stereo or the TV pick your pleasure.” Her fingers touched his and she felt a spark cross between them. She let her touch mingle for a moment, before slipping her fingers from the gray, plastic controller.

“I’ll be back. Please make yourself at home,” she added, before turning away and heading into her Master Bedroom Suite. Once inside she closed the door and leaned against it. Her heart pounded in her veins and her pulse raced as she remembered the touch of his fingers against hers. She eventually collected her thoughts log enough to gather her wits and change clothes. The business suit found its way in the hamper, which she knew would be empty by the time she returned home the next night. The suit would be pressed and in her closet before she would require it, but she was aware that her name granted her certain perks and the housekeeping staff knew they were rewarded generously by her personally every Friday morning.

Claire slipped into a T-shirt, and sweat pants before brushing out her hair and removing her make-up. She looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. “Well. . . there is a real woman under all the glamour,” she told her reflection. She didn’t manage to leave her room, completely free of color. A small dab of pale peach lipstick graced her lips, but that was all the cosmetics the powerful attorney wore when she returned to the rising architect’s side.

“There. . . I’m more comfy,” she said as she walked back to him and took a seat at his side. She smiled over at him, and for a moment was lost in his eyes. She blushed and turned back to the Television. “Ahh. . . news. My favorite,” she winked, as a reporter was shown with a microphone shoved into Claire’s face. “That gentleman is annoying,” she told Jason as the news reporter continued to push against her. The video clearly showing Claire’s annoyance at her personal space being invaded.

He took in the new view, Claire in rather casual attire. It pleased him, that she felt she could be so comfortable near him. She remained just a bit tense, as if waiting on his reaction to her choice in appearance – which told him she wasn’t simply too unapologetic with him to care what he thought. She cared, and hope he accepted. This was good.

“I’m amazed you handle it so well…the public eye I mean. I tend to enjoy my more… quiet celebrity, where only a few know my name so well.” He handed her a full glass of wine, and took his own. Then flipped the TV off, and the music on. Some smooth jazz, just to keep the mood mellow.

He sipped his own glass slowly, then set it down once more, stretching out on the couch, his arm over the back of it, behind her head. He wide position seemed inviting, maybe even expecting, but not demanding. His eyes locked with hers, desire apparent in both of them, yet he made no further move. She would have to come to him. She would have to snuggle closer, to place herself at his side, for anything to continue. He wanted her, but still would not bend to someone else’s standards. She would have to give herself up to him. It may be a slow process, but Jason relished the task before him.

He smiled, never breaking the link in their gaze. “Come here,” he said softly, but it somehow carried the weight of an instruction.

Claire felt the weight of his words caress over her. Something told her this was more then a request. She felt as if he were giving her an option. She could stay where they were and nothing would happen. Claire also had a feeling he would leave, something she didn’t want to happen. She wasn’t sure what he wanted, besides the obvious, but she was curious enough to find out, and something told her she could trust him also.

With the grace of one of her felines she slipped herself up against him, resting her wine on the table. The music played quietly. The noise of the TV a distant memory as she felt herself melt against him. She rested her head on his chest, her arm on his thigh, the other on her stomach and she felt the warmth of him blanket her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes on the feel of him against her.

She breathed in his scent. It was the same as the one she’d slept with the night before, when she had fallen asleep with his jacket, a jacket, she thought, would hopefully never be asked for. Even now it was hidden in her closet, so no one from housekeeping would remove it and have it cleaned and pressed, losing the scent of him.

Claire’s ease was so evident in her posture that when her breathing became long and steady, and her body slipped down slowly, it became apparent to her houseguest that the long night, the warm meal, and the heady wine had all worked together and the woman fell fast asleep on her friend’s lap. Her rudeness she would chastise herself for in the morning, right now her mind told her all was well and she had to give up what she had left in her and rest, so she did.

The sounds of her breathing mixed with the sounds of the stero as well as the soft churning of the salt-water aquarium. Coffee jumped up and nuzzled his Mistress' nose, she wiggled it and rolled toward the couch, snuggling deeper on her companions lap as the cat made short work of his fur, before he too cuddled beside her.

Within moments of her complying with his request to join him, she was asleep in his arms and one of the cats had decided that it was a good idea to join them. Despite the opposite span in age, he thought she looked like a young child finding the comfort of home. She was at ease both with herself and with him.

Good, trust must come first. Little else matters.

He turned the stereo down to a very mild background noise, slowly and quietly kicked off his shoes and enjoyed the rest of his wine with the arm not wrapped about the lovely woman. Every once in awhile the cat looked up at him, as if sizing him up. Obviously the feline was the protective sort with his human. Jason laughed inwardly at the thought; poor cat had a right to worry for Claire. Jason was about to open a whole new world for her. Well, if it all went well.

He had started to nod off, and realized that would do no one any good. Sleeping in such positions would surely yield some interesting pain come morning. So, it was off to bed.

He had no idea how he managed not to wake her, most likely just a result of how tired she truly was, but he lifted Claire into his arms and carried her to her own room. He placed the unconscious woman down on the large four-posted bed and pulled the blankets over her. He leaned against one of the sturdy cherry finished posts as he watched her sleep for a moment, before leaning over to kiss her forehead in a wish goodnight. He left the room, closing the doors silently, and found his way to the guest room that had been offered.

Visions of Claire in her bed danced in his head throughout the night as he slept. Wonderful thoughts of how she would appear tied in various ways to those sturdy posts. It was with those thoughts that he awoke early in the morning, and set about to see some of them come true. He grinned the entire time he washed and groomed himself for the day as he plotted.

He called down to have a large breakfast brought up to her room, and the staff seemed eager to comply, though shocked that the request came at all. Apparently his future pet seemed to habitually skip breakfast. That would not do.

Jason waited at the door so the knocking would not wake her, tipped the delivery boys and wheeled the great smelling spread of food inside. He continued wheeling it directly into her room, after having thrown her doors open with great fanfare.

“Breakfast, is ready!”

She shot up, her hair a tangled red mess that hung half covering her face. Seemed he was not the only one who had done a bit of tossing and turning during the night. He placed the cart by the barely conscious lawyer, and hopped into the bed next to her.

“Most important meal of the day, you know,” he chuckled, and kissed her softly before she had the chance to process all that had happened.

Had she been given a chance to yell or shout at the man that had suddenly climbed into her bed she would have, but for a moment she was shocked by his behavior. She looked at the breakfast before her and chuckled.

“Making yourself at home are you?”

Pushing her fingers through her hair, Claire sighed. “I like you Jason. . . but I’m not about to play house with you.” She slipped out of the covers and grabbed her robe and went into the bathroom.

She closed the door and sat down on the lid of the toilet. She shivered as she realized that the man had wedged himself into her life in less then two weeks. Here it was Saturday morning and he was in her bed, no . . . it was obvious they hadn’t had sex, she was still in her sweats, but he had stayed the night. He had ordered her breakfast. He had put her to bed.

She gnawed on her lower lip and thought of how he had taken control of everything the last few days and how much she had enjoyed it. She hadn’t been taken care of before.

Claire rose from the seat and pulled off her clothes, then started the shower water. She looked at herself in the mirror, before climbing into the steamy enclosure. But while she did look at herself, she counted the wrinkles on her face, those that were easy to see and those that she thought were there.

The young man in the other room had swept in and just placed himself in her path. Her fingers shook as she pulled the glass door to the shower open and she slipped inside. Once the door was closed she tried to not think of the man on the other side of the room.

Her fingers moved over her skin, the soap growing more thick with bubbles and as they did, her eyes closed and she finally gave into the pictures of Jason that had plagued her thoughts for the last nine days.

Gently her hands played across her skin. Her fingernails grazed her breasts and her nipples, then they skated further, as she imagined Jason’s mouth against her flesh. Playing house was not something she was looking for, she wasn’t willing to give up that much control.

He was young and infatuated that was all. . . he was pushing his limits and she just had to reel him back and let him know that she wasn’t the kind of woman you pushed.

As she climaxed, she did admit once more that the feel of him protecting her was welcoming and something she did enjoy. Could she give that up?. . . the power?. . . Could she just let him take control of her life? Would he be strong enough to? She shuddered again as she pictured him taking care of her. How wonderful would that be?

He was actually a bit taken back by her hasty exit from bed, and he rather doubted it was the cuisine that had offended her. It was a delicate time, if he pushed to fast now, she would run; not enough and she’d over analyze things.

So he ate some fruit from the cart, while stretched out in her bed. He consumed grape after grape, and the occasional cantaloupe slice. The minutes passed by, and still she did not reappear. He could still hear the water running, so either she typically took record length showers – which would very much conflict with the rather timely nature she had – or she was delaying facing him.

By the time she finally did reemerge into the bedroom, he had finished his eggs and retired back to the living room where he had found some classic Bugs Bunny and Friends on the TV. As Claire came out to see if she had run him off she saw only a rather young man stretched comfortably on her couch watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Jason looked up at her as she entered, “Is this the image you prefer of a man my age? Simple. Childish. I mean if I were to play house with you, I may a well assume the correct role, am I right?”

There was no anger, malice or judgment in his flat tone of voice. Just simple statements designed to crawl under her skin. It was then that it hit him. The scent nearly any man worth his own sweat could pick up instantly…that of a satisfied woman. The long shower was now pleasantly explained. She had already given in, she just couldn’t admit it. This brought a huge grin to his face, as he rose off the couch to approach her. His baby blue eyes turned to glistening ice as they locked with hers in. “I’m not here to play games, to prove myself – to you or anyone, or to toy with your emotions. I’m not here on a whim, or ill conceived plan woo you for you money.”

He let the words hit with the force they had been projected, then softened his approach as he took her hand, which protested slightly, then lay uncaringly in his. “I’m here because you are worth it. Worth enjoying, seeing, and listening too. Worth enduring your attitude long enough to break through to you. I’m here because you are worth having.”

He stepped back from the barely robed woman, letting her hand fall back to her side as he released it.

“I’ve never, not once, accepted anything but the best Claire. That should tell you where you stand in my eyes. It should lend you enough confidence to try something new.”

Claire gnawed on her inner cheek as she listened to his words. They could tell they were sincere. They were words she’d heard before, but this time the man that spoke them seemed to mean it. She found herself studying the angle of his head as well as the sound of his voice.

“I’ve played house before,” she whispered. Her eyes looked down and she studied his chest as she took the steps that closed the distance between them.

She pressed her head to his chest, her fingers curled into fists and she whispered against him. “I don’t want to play house with anyone... I’m really to old for that.” She then looked up at him and swallowed the lump in her throat.

The sounds in the room faded as she watched his facial expressions. The noise from the Television grew silent. The bubbling of the aquarium was non-existent as she felt her fingers unclench and her hands splay open and slide up his chest. She blinked several times and licked her lips, moistening them and taking another calming breath.

Coca and Coffee tried to tempt her away from him. The both of them were twirling around her and Jason’s feet. Her lower lip trembled in anticipation and she waited for him to kiss her, but he didn’t. She could tell he wanted to, wanted the same thing she did, but he wasn’t moving. She wasn’t sure what he wanted, then it occurred to her that perhaps this kiss was like last night. Perhaps he wanted her to come to him, just like he had when he wanted her to lay down beside him on the couch.

She felt her blush increase and she swallowed her fear and stepped up on her toes. Her hands moved further up and she slipped them into his hair. She kept her eyes on his as she pressed her lips against the warm, welcoming ones of the man that was making her tremble with need. Her eyes closed and she waited for him to take over, something told her that was what he wanted...expected, and so she did. Her pulse raced. Her throat constricted and her heart drummed a beat that seared her soul.