Interview with Love (13 page)

As soon as they arrived at her house, Vaughn ushered Sienna upstairs, helped her out of her clothes and into comfortable pajamas. He insisted she get in the bed and rest. Propped up with several pillows behind her, a book and several magazines next to her and the television remote, Sienna felt pampered.

“Hey, do you want me to call Vivian and tell her you're back or do you want to let her know?”

“I'll call her,” Sienna sat up to kiss him. Vaughn met her half way.

Their kiss was chaste, but when both pulled away their eyes held a glint of something more.

“I don't think I'll ever get used to kissing you,” Vaughn admitted.

Her cheeks reddened. “Nor I.”

Vaughn went downstairs to make her some tea. Sienna glanced around her room. She was glad to be home, but part of her missed their desert paradise. She sighed, loudly, just thinking about the weekend. She picked up her cordless phone and dialed Vivian's number. Vivian answered on the first ring.

“So, what happened? Did you and Mr. Deveraux get down and dirty?”

Sienna blushed and melted against her pillows. “Vivi, I don't even know where to start,” she gushed.

Vivian screamed excitedly into the phone. “You'd better start with the clothes, and don't stop till they're off.”

“Well, we didn't exactly have sex.”

“You didn't? Why not? I thought for sure you going to Sedona for the weekend would put the icing on the cake.”

Sienna filled Vivian in on their outing and her subsequent accident. She recounted their amazing night together and her doctor mandated down time.

“I'm relieved you're okay, but that sort of puts a damper on your would-be sex life.”

“Tell me about it,” Sienna sighed. “Still, I'm just glad we've come to an understanding about it—about everything. Things are so good between us, Viv. Vaughn is incredible. He is attentive, he treats me like a queen and he gets my temperature rising with just a look or the way he says my name—and his kisses—”

“Please tell me the bun's gone,” Vivian interrupted.

Sienna laughed and then winced at the stitch in her side. “Don't make me laugh, it hurts, and no my choice of hairdo hasn't changed.”

Vivian exclaimed, loudly into the phone. “I don't know why you insist on wearing that ridiculous style to begin with. It's a real buzz kill, you know.”

“You've mentioned that.”

“I'm sorry, but it's foolish to think a centuries-old, outdated hairstyle is going to keep your natural beauty from shining through or keep people from noticing you.”

Sienna sighed, loudly. “Vivian…”

“We'll skip the lecture—for now. I want to know more about you and your new boyfriend.”

My boyfriend.
Sienna said the title in her head. It was strange, but at the same time perfectly normal to think of Vaughn in that capacity.

“How long will it be before you can sample the cookies?”

“Viv, how many slang words do you have for sex, anyway?”

“Girl, please. I could go on all night,” Vivian retorted.

“Anyway,” Sienna continued. “The doctor said no strenuous activity for the next few weeks.”

“What about if you got on top?”

“Vivian,” Sienna chided.

“You could stand up and—”

“Will you knock it off? You're making this more tortuous than it has to be. Besides, Vaughn has been beyond diligent ensuring that I don't injure myself. There's no way we're consummating this relationship until I get a clean bill of health from a medical doctor,” Sienna said, wistfully.

“Suit yourself, but it seems like there are plenty of work-arounds.”

“We'll use the time to get to know each other better. I'm looking forward to discovering more about Vaughn. He's such an amazing guy.”

“Amazing?” Vivian repeated. “Me thinks you've got it bad, milady.”

Just then Vaughn walked back into the room. A smile lit up her face. “Viv, me thinks you're right.”

 

The next few weeks became a well-established routine. Vaughn had worked from Sienna's house the first few days, but then had to return to the office to handle some key meetings. The Best Kept Secrets campaign was in full swing and the men's undergarments were in massive demand. Dexter Clothiers executives couldn't have been happier. They were spending millions on promoting the new line which made everyone at Chase & Burroughs ecstatic.

Sienna still wasn't able to travel for work so she concentrated her efforts on writing proposals for prospective clients and getting caught up on paperwork. Vaughn would call her several times throughout the day to check on her. When he got off work he would come over to cook dinner or run errands for her. After dinner, they would play cards, watch a movie or just talk about their day.

Every night Vaughn slept at her house. Most night's their sleeping together was chaste. On a few occasions, one or both of them would have difficulty adhering to the ‘No Sex' rule. They would chalk up their momentary lack of will power to being human and end the night in each other's arms.

Sienna had a hard time keeping her parent's from fussing over her. They still hadn't officially met Vaughn yet, but had talked to him often on the telephone. Gordon and Cassandra kept her company most days and Vaughn was there at night.

One night when she and Vaughn were playing cards she looked up from her hand. “After I'm cleared by my doctor I want to have a dinner party.”

“You do? What's the occasion?”

“It's two-fold, actually. I want to say thank you to everyone for taking such good care of me since my accident. The second is that it's high time I met Carlton and Angella and you met my parents face-to-face.”

Vaughn grinned. “I see your point. Sounds like a plan. I'll set everything up.”

“No, I can do it. You just let your family know and I'll tell my parents.”

“Doc, you sure you're up to this?” he said, searching her face.

“Yes, I'm sure. I'm fine, Vaughn.”

“You can have your party, but I will be helping.”

There was no arguing with him when he used that tone. She simply smiled and resumed their game.

Later that night when they were in bed in each other's arms, Vaughn sat up. “Hey, I want you to close your eyes.”

Sienna's eyebrow arched. “Why?”

“It's a surprise. Come on, no peeking.”

Sienna sat back against the pillows and closed her eyes. Checking to make sure she wasn't peeking, Vaughn waved his hand in front of her face several times.

“I may not be able to see, but I can still sense things you know.”

He laughed at that. He reached over and retrieved a gift wrapped square box from the nightstand. Vaughn placed it in her lap. “Open your eyes.”

Sienna's eyes flew open and zeroed in on her legs. “Vaughn, it's beautiful.”

“Sweetheart, the beautifulness is actually in the box,” he teased.

Rule number nineteen: If your man gives you an unexpected gift, don't embarrass yourself by ripping the paper asunder.
Her fingers gently tugged at one scotch taped side. Her face was a mask of concentration, her bottom teeth worrying her lower lip while she tried her best to coerce the tape to release the paper. When one side came free Sienna almost whooped aloud with joy.

“Doc?” Vaughn said, suddenly.

Sienna looked up from her task. “Yes?”

He retrieved the box from her hand. “It's not that serious,” he said, ripping the gift wrap from the box.

“Vaughn,” she glowered at him. “I would've been done in a few minutes.”

“Of never,” he said, dryly. “Now we're done, so open it.”

She rolled her eyes. Her false show of annoyance was forgotten when she opened the box. She opened the tissue paper and gasped. There was a framed picture of her and Vaughn from the restaurant by Oak Creek. Draped over the frame was a gold chain holding a small square covered in tiny diamonds. She ran a finger over the small pendant. “Our first picture together,” she said, softly. “Vaughn, thank you.”

She picked up the necklace and watched fascinated as the light danced off the brilliant gems. He couldn't contain a grin. “Are you going to ask me?”

She nodded, her laughter echoing around the room. “I give up. What is it?”

“It's where it all began.”

Sienna leaned in to let Vaughn secure the clasp. She fingered the jeweled square, her face a mask of concentration. Finally, she figured it out. Tears brightened her eyes. “Third base.”

He kissed her soundly. “Where the magic started.”

“After I regained consciousness, of course.”

He shook his head and smiled down at her. “Even incoherent, bloodied and disheveled, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen.”

“You're idea of beauty is slightly askew,” she concluded.

“Hardly. You're unique, Doc, completely one-of-a-kind.”

A shadow crossed her face. Her smile faded.

“Hey, what is it?” he caressed her cheek.

“Nothing,” she said, pulling him into a tight embrace. “Thank you for my gift, Vaughn. I'll treasure it always.”

She ran her hand down the front of his chest. Unable to stop herself, her hand continued around to his backside. When she squeezed, his arms tightened on her shoulders. “You're playing with fire again, sweetheart.”

“Tonight, I'm going to be living dangerously Mr. Deveraux, so I suggest you get used to it. Maybe tonight we'll get past third base.”

Vaughn's eyes darkened with desire. “Sienna, you know we can't—”

She kissed his neck and ran her tongue over his collar bone. “I know,” she cut him off, “but I intend to have a real good time practicing.”

Sienna sat at her desk making last-minute corrections to her grocery list. She'd done the bulk of the shopping already and had just a few things to pick up on the way home.

“What are you doing here?” Vivian asked from the doorway.

“I left my To-Do list on my computer,” Sienna replied, still typing.

“I could've saved it to my flash drive and dropped it by your house, you know.”

“I brought mine. Besides, I had a doctor's appointment this morning so I was out and about anyway.”

“How did it go? Did you get a clean bill of health?”

“You bet I did. I even asked my doctor to put that I could resume all my activities in writing so that Vaughn would believe me. Trust me he's going to sulk when he finds out I went without him.”

“So that means—”

“Absolutely,” Sienna grinned. Standing, she retrieved her thumb drive and put it in her hand bag. “I've got to go. See you tonight around six?”

“Of course. Is tonight the big night?”

“Vivian, where have you been? Of course it's a big night. My family and Vaughn's are meeting for the first time. Everyone except his parents though. They couldn't make it this weekend.”

“Uh, yes I know, but that wasn't the big night I was talking about. I was asking if you and Vaughn were going to…you know…tonight?”

“I'm so not answering that. You're bringing the wine, and that CD of yours I wanted to borrow, right? I want everything perfect,” Sienna said, anxiously.

“Will you relax? Everything will be fine. Don't start thinking things to death.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. “I wasn't doing anything of the sort.”

“Uh-huh. How many cookies did you eat today?”

“None.”

“Donut holes?”

“Zero.”

Vivian was thoughtful for a moment. Suddenly her eyes narrowed. “Cream puffs?”

Sienna looked away guiltily. Not…many.”

“Define not many.”

“It's irrelevant,” Sienna said, dismissively. “I'm fine.”

“If you say so, but just remember, it's a dinner, not a wedding rehearsal.”

 

The rest of the day went by without incident. By five fifteen Sienna had the appetizers laid out on colorful plates in strategic locations, wine and other beverages were chilling in ice buckets and the candles around the first floor were ready to be lit. She took a deep breath and surveyed her handiwork.
Beautiful.

She walked back to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to retrieve the olive tray. On the way to the counter, Sienna tripped on the area rug. She righted herself before the tray hit the floor, but the olives weren't so lucky. Half of them went airborne flying off the plate and scattering onto the floor.

“Oh no,” she exclaimed. She sat the tray down and bent down to pick up the wayward olives. She dumped them in the trash and went to the fridge to get more.

Upon inspection Sienna discovered she was fresh out. “Great,” she said, moaning aloud.

She contemplated calling Vaughn or Vivian to ask them to get more. “No, I'll go myself. I'll get back and have everything set up before anyone arrives.” With her plan of action in place she headed for the door. Before she got there her house phone rang. Pressed for time, Sienna chose to ignore it. She retrieved her purse off the table and headed out the door.

 

“Uncle Vaughn are we almost there?”

“Yes Angella, we'll be there in about five minutes.”

“Great. I can't wait to meet her,” she replied, eagerly.

“Neither can I,” Carlton agreed with his daughter.

Just then Vaughn's cell phone rang. He answered it on speaker. “Hello?”

“Hi, it's me. How close are you to the house?”

Vaughn heard the edgy tone in Sienna's voice and switched the call to his handset. “We're almost there. Why?”

“Oh thank God. I'm running late. I had a mishap with the olives and had to go out to get some more. There was a ridiculous line at the grocery store, but I'm on my way home. I just wanted to ask if you wouldn't mind meeting my parents without me. You know, just in case you get there first.”

“Sweetheart, it's no problem. I'm sure we'll be fine. Relax, and I'll see you shortly, okay?”

He heard her sigh. “Thank you, babe.”

“You're welcome, Doc.”

Vaughn hung up. Pierce gazed at him from the passenger seat. “What was that about? You sounded like a hostage negotiator trying to talk someone down.”

“She's just nervous about this dinner party,” he explained.

“I can see that. I should have brought her some Be-Dazzled. That would've helped. There's just a hint of lavender in my new fragrance. It calms and soothes them.”

“If you needed something for Sienna, Vaughn I could've brought something from work. I just created this new aromatherapy massage oil. It's got Lavender and German Chamomile mixed with just a hint of Vetiver essential oil. It will give her emotional stability and—”

“Well my perfume works like that too. I mean it really gets them in the mood to get loose with the—”

“Pierce,” Vaughn said, loudly.

“What?”

Vaughn tilted his head to the back seat. “Can we save the chemistry lesson for later?”

Pierce glanced over his shoulder at Angella and an annoyed looking Carlton. “Uh sure. Sorry about that. I figure if your girl's a basket case…”

“She's not a basket case,” Vaughn said, slightly annoyed. “Sienna just wants this evening to go well. It's really important to her. So be on your best behavior, little brother.”

“Aren't I always?”

There was a car in Sienna's driveway so he parked at the curb. “Someone beat us here,” Vaughn replied turning off the engine. Vaughn jumped out of his Ford Explorer and walked around to the trunk. Opening the tailgate, he sat the ice cooler on the ground in front of Pierce and handed another large bag to Carlton. He placed his laptop bag on his shoulder.

“Please don't tell me you plan on working this evening?” Carlton said, aghast.

“Just a few files I need to e-mail back to the office. Then that's it for the work stuff.”

“Hey, don't I get to carry anything?”

“Of course, Angel. I saved the most important item for you.” Vaughn winked. He handed her a cake box. “I thought you'd like to share your favorite with Sienna and her family.”

Angella's face lit up. “Uncle Vaughn, you brought a coconut cake with strawberry preserves in the middle?”

“Yes, specially ordered for my two favorite ladies to share.”

Angella turned to face her father. “You think she'll like it, daddy? Not everyone may like strawberry preserves in the middle of their cake. Most people like the icing there instead.”

“Don't worry, darling. I'm sure Sienna will love it as much as you do,” Carlton replied, tweaking his daughter's nose.

She laughed and followed the three men up the driveway.

Vaughn used the key Sienna had given him when they returned from Sedona. He opened the door and stood aside while everyone entered.

“It's pretty,” Angella concluded.

“Yes, it is. I see the patio door is open. Why don't you guys take this stuff out there and get it set up. Angel, you make sure they do it right, okay?”

“Sure, Uncle Vaughn. Let's go guys,” she commanded walking in front of them.

“A true Diva in the making,” Vaughn teased her father.

“Tell me something I don't know,” Carlton groused.

Vaughn went in the kitchen to check on Sienna.

She was standing on her tip toes trying to reach a wine glass. He watched her struggle a moment before she cursed the wineglass. Smiling, Vaughn walked silently across the room to help her. “Here, let me get that,” he said, leaning in from behind her. He raised his hand over head effectively trapping her against him. He lowered the glass and moved back an inch so that she could turn around. When she did, she looked him over thoroughly before slipping the glass from his fingers. “Thanks,” she replied with amusement.

“All my pleasure,” Vaughn said. Suddenly, he noticed her hair was out. It was in a straight style that framed her face. He also noticed she had added golden highlights.

“Wow,” he said, with surprise. He hugged her to him and whispered in her ear. “I love the new hairdo. It makes you look even hotter.” Before she could respond Vaughn kissed her. It was a deep thorough kiss meant to show her just how much he admired her new look.

There was a loud crash behind them and the sound of glass breaking.

“Vaughn?” A woman cried out.

Startled, Vaughn released her. He spun around. There were several people standing in the doorway with various expressions on their face. When he zeroed in on the person standing slightly in front of everyone with a look of utter shock the color drained from Vaughn's face.

“Sienna?” he mouthed.

Vaughn slowly turned to face the woman behind him. He blinked repeatedly then staggered back like she'd branded him. “What the hell is going on?” he said, hoarsely. He tore his gaze away from her to the crowd gathered at the doorway.

“Uncle Vaughn, isn't it obvious?” Angella spoke up. “Miss Sienna has a twin.”

“A twin?” Vaughn repeated.

Still ashen, Sienna glanced over Vaughn's shoulder. Her sister returned her stare without wavering. “Yes, Vaughn, I have a twin. The woman behind you is my sister…Sasha.”

She looked derisively at her sister. “It appears an introduction isn't necessary, but the man you were all snuggled up with a moment ago is my boyfriend, Vaughn Deveraux.”

“I wouldn't exactly call it snuggling,” her sister retorted. “Charmed to meet you, Mr. Deveraux.”

“You're right. From where I was standing it looked more like your tongue was down his throat,” Sienna snapped.

“Oh contraire, darling, if anyone's tongue was in places it shouldn't have been it was definitely your boyfriend here.”

“That's because I thought you were Sienna,” Vaughn said, icily. “A point you could have clarified immediately.”

“You're right,” Sasha replied, nonchalantly. “I could have.”

Before anyone could respond Gordon moved further into the room. “Sasha, it's been a long time, kiddo.” He hugged her to him. “I thought we'd have heard from you by now. What have you been doing with yourself?”

“You mean besides feeling up my boyfriend?”

“Sienna,” her father chided.

“Don't you Sienna me, Dad. She breezes into town—unannounced—breaks into my home, she lets Vaughn think she's me, and you want to read
me
the riot act?”

“I didn't break into your home,” Sasha clarified. “I used a key.”

“A key you'd better be leaving on your way out,” Sienna snapped. “Which still leaves me with the same nagging question, why are you here?”

“For a visit. Besides, I heard you had a new man in your life. Keeping him for over two months has to be some kind of record for you. I thought I'd fly in to see who had you so enamored.”

Sienna turned to her father. “You did this,” she said, accusingly. “Daddy, how could you?”

Her father didn't look the least repentant. “I simply mentioned that you'd invited us over to meet Vaughn and his family. I didn't know your sister would fly all the way from London just to meet him.”

“Oh she met him all right,” Sienna sent a frosty look to her sister. “Is this what you had planned? To come over here and try to mess things up for me?”

Cassandra immediately put herself in the middle of the fray. She walked over and embraced her stepdaughter. “Hello, darling it's good to see you.”

“Hi, Mom.”

“Look, I don't mean to ruin a family moment, but I think I'm going to need a few answers.” Vaughn looked at Sienna sharply. “Like why I'm just now finding this out?”

“Gordon, it's obvious these three have some talking to do. Why don't we take everyone else out to get some dinner?” Cassandra said, looking at Pierce, Carlton and Angella still standing in the kitchen surveying the scene.

“You're right. I think we could all do with a change of venue,” he concluded regarding both daughters. “You two get this sorted out. This nonsense has got to stop. We're family,” he chided. “It's time you two started acting like it.”

“Dad—”

Gordon's stance was firm. “I mean it, Sienna, you too, Sasha. You two get this bad blood between you aired out. I'm not tolerating another family gathering or holiday with my two girls at odds with one another.”