MAIN CHARACTERS 

EVANGELINE

TODD

RJ 

Compared to all she endured at the hands of one Mr. Todd Manning the cab ride home was quite uneventful which suited her just fine. She ran delicate fingers through her smooth tresses easing back into the leather seating. The cab driver maintained his focus on the road ahead while she turned her head sideways catching glimpses of the outside world.

Llanview city streets appeared quiet on a Thursday evening. The illuminated high rises streamed past her cab window and few pedestrians traversed the sidewalks. Everyone appeared restrained probably anticipating the weekend when they could finally let loose before that dreaded Monday morning came around again. 

It had been six months since she left her childhood home in Atlanta. Her mother warned her about the pitfalls of branching out on her own and at first she was fearful of accepting Nora’s invitation to join her in Llanview. You see Evangeline had come to a crossroads in her life. Attending law school seemed to be the right choice after all hadn’t she dreamed of becoming a lawyer in the same way her father once was. Now she wasn’t sure about her career path or where her future plans might lead her.  

What was that exquisite aroma? It was lulling her senses. Hmmm…she couldn’t wait to get home, shower, light her scented candles and crawl into bed. The events of this evening were being pushed aside. Although helpful she hoped not to come across that Manning character ever again. Cute but way too conceited for her sensibilities. She smirked at their brief encounter but recalled those blue eyes gazing at her intently…She immediately cleared away that thought. Concentrating on RJ’s Las Vegas weekend getaway was much better – hanging out by the pool at the Marriott, sipping champagne and who could forget about the nightlife and after. Her body became nervous with anticipation.

***

Soon the cab braked in front of her apartment building. She requested the cab fare.

“There’s no charge. The ride has already been paid for.”

“Humph…must be that Manning guy,” she speculated, twisting her mouth. She thought hard about paying the fare regardless but then thought better of it. If Manning wanted to spread his money around so be it.

The taxi man gave her a warm smile, opening the door. “Have a good evening.”

Edging her way across the seat the jacket partially slipped from her shoulders. When she adjusted its position it dawned on her that she had failed to return Todd’s jacket.

“Shit!”

“Is there something wrong?” he asked concerned, offering his hand which she accepted.

“No…Oh…no…How much…how much is the fare again?” she asked confused.

“Ms. I told you that it has already been taken care of.” He shook his head.

“Sorry…”

“I understand – one of those nights,” he chuckled.

“Yeah one of those nights,” she whispered to herself.

***

The jacket hung loosely from her shoulders as she made her way through the doors of the Omni Apartment Complex. There was that suspicion that Todd would use it as an excuse to get in contact with her. What could she do? Her pulse rate accelerated and she chewed on her bottom lip, pushing the elevator door button. Tomorrow she could have it delivered. Damn! They met at a club and he was such a nice bastard – she resigned to the fact that she didn’t know that much about him. Although they knew each other asking RJ would be inconceivable. Her only other option was Nora. Yeah Nora could help. She lived in Llanview long enough to know most of the jokers who hang around town. She took in a deep breath and exhaled. For now she had found a workable solution that she was happy with.

She turned the key in her lock, opened the door and flicked on the lights. Her cozy, one bedroom apartment was revealed. Living room furnishings represented her simple elegance with its mixture of earthy colors for the sofa, chairs and coffee table while the artwork displayed on her walls reflected her modern style. Her small kitchen was situated just a few feet away. The only disappointment was the absence of a terrace where she could relax and enjoy the evening. All in all it was a pleasant, affordable apartment and RJ wasn’t paying the rent. Even though he offered she usually declined.

The jacket she placed carefully on her chaise. She caught herself staring at it, stroking it lightly, that fragrant smell again. The jacket you fool her mind screamed. His scent was all over her. Evangeline…She kicked off her shoes stripped away her clothing, tied her hair into a ponytail then disappeared into the bathroom.

***

The elevator doors retreated. A short walk through the entranceway to his penthouse door but someone was waiting to greet him. He expected to find her standing by the center table. The security downstairs informed him about his uninvited guest.

“Blair,” he said dryly.

She was dressed in a black trousers, black sweater, hair straggly from her periodically running her fingers through it. She appeared to be very upset but he certainly didn’t care.

“Where is she?” she asked bluntly.

Todd strolled past her then looked at his Cartier. “Did I miss curfew?” he smiled.

“No you’re missing a date,” she shot back. Todd’s face wrinkled in disgust. CSI Blair would be a thorn in his side. “She probably freaked when you told her about yourself.”

“Just the part when I explained the type of woman I have for an ex-wife. I told her you only get crazy when there’s a full moon but since isn’t one out tonight…,” Todd shrugged, taking out his keys.

Blair simmered. “You should have told her that you bring out the beast in me.” Todd was unresponsive – finding his front door key was more of a priority. “Why did you have your locks changed?”

Earlier she tried her key to his penthouse and was caught off guard when the door didn’t open. That small change gave her an ominous feeling. Todd was making small changes in his life without her input.

“Simply put Blair I’m tired of you interfering in my life!” he announced.

“Yet you allowed me to get pass security…”

“Shouldn’t you be at home with our daughter?”

“Starr is fine. She’s at her Aunt Dorian’s.”

“Another nut job,” he muttered, unlocking the door.

“What did you say?”

“I said Go Home Blair.”

“I’m going to find out who she is.”

He blocked her from stepping inside. “I’m warning you if you pull this shit again…I swear you won’t be able to sniff the fucking side of the building,” he growled

“The mother of your daughter deserves to know the type of women her daddy is messing with.”

He grabbed her arm. “My life is my life. Don’t fuck around in my business! Get out of here!” He pushed her away.

“We are two halves of a whole Todd. Two peas in a pod… I’m the only…” He slammed the door in her face and made his way through the semi-darkness.  

TODD! TODD!  She pounded on the door.

Blair was a fucking nuisance. Her unannounced visits to the penthouse needed to be halted immediately.  His cell phone came to life. Sensing who it was he threw it violently across the floor. The battery popped out but otherwise it remained intact. 

He ran up the stairs making a beeline for his bedroom. Once inside he perched on the edge of his bed trying to forget this last run-in with Blair. These frustrating encounters frequently ended in a passion-filled evening but he was about to turn over a new leaf in his life which meant doing away with some bad habits.

Ordinarily he removed his shoes first then his jacket but… where was his jacket.

“Where is it? Where is it?” he reiterated, scratching his head. “Ah.” Now he remembered. “Evangeline Williamson.”

His mind swelled with possibilities as a wry smile spread across his lips. He continued undressing. Before proceeding to the shower he switched on his entertainment system. Bon Jovi’s Bed Of Roses started to play.

Sitting here wasted and wounded at this old piano
Trying hard to capture the moment this morning I don't know
'Cause a bottle of vodka is still lodged in my head
And some blond gave me nightmares, think that she's still in my bed
As I dream about movies
They won't make of me when I'm dead

He increased the volume… stared in the mirror. Clearly he wanted another man’s woman….he wanted RJ’s Evangeline. What would be the dangers involved in pursuing her?

***

Evangeline stooped down retrieving her discarded clothing and depositing them into her laundry basket and the shoes she stashed away in her closet. However where could she place Todd’s jacket. It being so visible was nerve-racking. She debated taking it into her room but envisioned him with a wicked smile on his face, adding a smug comment like, My jacket can go into your room why cant I. Why did it matter? Forget about Todd! It was time to light her candles and get some rest.

She heard an unexpected knock at her door – either security wasn’t doing their job or it was RJ coming over to spend the evening. RJ!

“Come on babe. Open up.”

“What are you doing here?” she asked a little nervous.

“What do you mean what am I doing here. My woman lives here.”

“Didn’t know you were coming over? You never called.”

“I promised to call you didn’t I. Sorry about that baby. I’ve really messed up this evening but I’ve brought a little something to make it up to you. Your man is getting lonely out here. Open Up!”

“Just a minute!”

She was running around with the jacket in her hand. It seemed juvenile but who wanted to be questioned about another man’s jacket. The same man who rudely interrupted their evening together. In vain she searched for a discreet hiding spot but then reluctantly decided to hide it in her closet.

“Hey what took you so long?” he asked stroking her arms then kissing her.

“Maybe that was your punishment for breaking your promises,” she explained in a breathy voice. He gave her a box filled with gold-wrapped chocolates. “Ohh…rochets...my favorite chocolates...”

“RJ scores some major points,” he laughed. She set the box on the end table. He sniffed the air. “I smell something…different.”

She quickly improvised. “Maybe it’s my new body lotion. I hope you like it.”

“Hmmm…it could be.” Her untied bathrobe exposed enough of her toned body to ignite his arousal.  “Girl you smell good enough to eat.” His arms encircled her waist, drew her closer and kissed the side her neck.

Evangeline moaned saying, “Let’s get it started.”

He lifted her into his arms and carried her off to the bedroom.

***

Water cascaded over his chiseled frame. He leaned forward both hands placed against the shower’s walls. Bed of Roses played on in the background.

Well this hotel bar's hangover whiskey's gone dry
The barkeeper's wig's crooked
And she's giving me the eye
Well I might have said yeah
But I laughed so hard I think I died
Ooh yeah 

The image popped out of nowhere – Evangeline standing before him naked. His eyes had never come across saw such beautiful woman. She tossed her hair from side to side then gazed at him – her left hand gentle squeezed those lovely breasts pinching her erect nipples while her right hand traveled downwards. Her eyes closed while her mouth uttered inaudible sounds, caressing her secret cove.

He longed to hold her in his arms but she was only a creation from deep inside his subconscious and yet he couldn’t resist the imagery. He moved his right hand up and down his growing arousal, whispering her name. He threw his head back. The droplets of water came down forcefully stinging his forehead, heightening his intense experience. A loud groan pushed passed his lips and his breathing came out in short spurts.

The minutes ticked slowly by. He stroked himself faster and faster searching for that sweet release. Finally he exploded, sliding down to the ground, catching his breath.

The sounds of the water and his own breathing brought him back to reality. Another song was playing – Bruce Springsteen’s I’m On Fire.

At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
And a freight train running through the
Middle of my head
Only you can cool my desire
I’m on fire  

He seemed powerless against the surge of emotions he was experiencing. One meeting and Evangeline was having a major affect on his conscious. Part of him hated losing this amount of control and another part wanted to know the woman he was falling for. Falling for? This couldn’t possibly be happening this quickly. He turned off the shower, grabbing a towel. After he got some rest his thoughts would return to normal.

***

By the time morning arrived RJ had already showered. She stayed under the covers, resting on her side, watching him dress beside the bed. Urgent business was the reason for his leaving. Just add it on to the number of excuses she had been receiving for the last month and a half. It was her fault for accepting them without much explanation.

From the first time they met there was that physically attraction but so far nothing else. The sex was great but a significant relationship wasn’t in the offing she surmised. It upset her greatly. One area of her life where she couldn’t succeed was her personal relationships. They burned hot with passion but flamed out in the end.

“Just remember to have your things packed because this afternoon we’re jetting off to Las Vegas!” Evangeline only smiled. “You’ll have me all to yourself.”

“All to myself,” she sighed.

“Do you want me to send you some breakfast?” He asked, sliding his hand along her thigh.

“Actually I’m having breakfast with Nora.”

RJ shook his head and got up to leave. He refused to talk about Nora because he knew that it would result in an argument.

“See you later.” He kissed her goodbye.

Instantly her mind drifted to the jacket in the closet. After RJ had fallen asleep she barely slept. She sensed another man in the room, watching her. A very creepy feeling that brought goose bumps up and down her arms. The sooner she got rid of the jacket the better for her physique.