Lilah's List (14 page)

Tyler continued to scan The List. “I was around when some of these things got done. Let me see…
kiss a stranger
is me, right?”

“Yes, you weren't a complete stranger, but close enough.”

“Good, when you look back over the experiences you've had in New York, you won't be able to think about them without thinking of me.”

“That goes without saying. There's no way I would think of this trip without thinking of you.”

Tyler put The List down and leaned toward her. “Okay, now there's one more thing on your list that I want to take part in.”

“What's that?” Lilah asked, her thoughts still focused on the accomplishments of her trip.

“Item number 38.”

Lilah felt her whole body grow warm. “Item number 38?”

“Yes,” he said, tugging the T-shirt over her head. “I've been doing some research, and I think we can get that done. I'm willing to dedicate the rest of the day to accomplishing the task.”

L
ilah didn't get back to her hotel until late Sunday evening. Tyler hadn't wanted to let her leave, but she couldn't go another day without fresh clothes. As soon as she let herself into the room, the phone was ringing. “Hello?”

“Wow, it must have been good. I've been calling since yesterday.”

“Hi, Angie,” Lilah said, feeling her cheeks warm with embarrassment.

“Sooo?”

Lilah sucked in a deep breath. It was hard to talk about her feelings for Tyler. That made them real. But Lilah knew it would be futile to try to put Angie off.

“I had a great time…visiting. Tyler is a wonderful…host.”

“Okay, Queen of the Euphemism. I'm glad to hear that. Can I ask one more question before your head explodes into a million pieces from the embarrassment?”

“What is it?”

“What are you going to do about Reggie?”

“Reggie who?”

“Reggie Martin. Number one on your list. Are you still planning to have a date with him?”

Lilah could honestly say that after Saturday night, she hadn't given Reggie a second thought. “It's not as complicated as it sounds. To check the item off The List all I need is something that qualifies as a date. It could even be a double date where I'm with Tyler and Reggie brings someone else. You see? I wouldn't be going behind Tyler's back. It'll work out somehow,” she said.

“I don't think I've ever heard you sound this worry-free.”

“I'm living in the moment and it feels good.”

“Good for you. But you sound tired. Didn't get much sleep, did you?”

Lilah giggled. “No, not much. But item 38? Check.”

Lilah stared down at the plate in front of her. She smiled prettily at the waiter, but as soon as he walked away, she looked imploringly at Tyler.

“I didn't think they'd still be in the shell.”

“They're snails. What were you expecting?”

“I wasn't expecting them to look like snails. I thought they'd be in a sauce over pasta or something. You know, like food.”

Tyler gave her a sympathetic smile, then took a hearty bite of his shrimp cocktail. He'd brought her to one of the most romantic French restaurants in New York so she could try escargot. But now that she had it in front of her, she was having second thoughts.

She stared down at the fine bone-china plate, but she couldn't get past the tiny snail shells arranged in a neat little circle. Beside the plate was a strange pair of tongs, obviously meant to hold the shells stable while she picked out the meat with the tiny fork.

Taking a healthy gulp of wine, Lilah picked up the tongs. “Are you sure you don't want to get in on this?”

“Hell no,” Tyler said without hesitation. “That's all you.”

“Okay, here goes nothing.” Lilah grasped the first tiny shell in her tongs, bringing it up to her face for closer inspection.

Holding the tongs in one hand, she approached the shell with her tiny fork. She must have been gripping the tongs too tightly because as she probed the shell with her fork, the snail shell sprang out of her grasp and across the table.

It landed with a plop in Tyler's shrimp cocktail.

Lilah covered her mouth. “Oops. I'm so sorry,” and then she couldn't suppress a peal of laughter that escaped from her lips.

Tyler gave her a wry look as he picked up his spoon to fish the snail out of his cocktail glass. “Yeah, you look really sorry, too. I distinctly remember telling you that I didn't care for any.”

He placed the snail neatly back on her plate, though now it was liberally coated with a tangy red sauce.

Lilah shrugged. “Who knows, maybe it's better that way.”

Tyler shook his head in exasperation as Lilah giggled. “Quit stalling, Lilah. You can't have your filet mignon until you finish your escargot. Or better yet, just eat one.”

Lilah bit her lip. “It's harder than it looks.”

Then, to further Lilah's embarrassment, a passing waiter must have heard her last comment. “Madame, do you need some help?”

He then proceeded to instruct her on the proper way to grip the tongs and pry out the delicious morsel. With the snail now skewered by her tiny fork, Lilah no longer had any means of stalling.

She nodded politely at the waiter until he walked away. She didn't know what was about to happen, but she was sure she didn't need an audience.

Lifting the fork to her mouth, she popped in the escargot and began chewing rapidly. The most dominant flavors were garlic and butter.

Tyler was watching her with unveiled disgust. “How is it? Is it nasty?”

Lilah shrugged. “You know, actually…it's not that bad. It's chewy.” She pushed the plate away. “I could probably go on eating it, but I can't get my mind past what it is. So, eat escargot…check.”

Tyler smiled. “Good job. Now let's find the waiter and have him take it away before I lose my appetite.”

“You big baby. They weren't that bad.”

He made another face. “They definitely don't look like they belong on a dinner table. They should be out on the street crawling free.”

“Well, don't worry. I know what will take your mind off that.”

Tyler sat a little straighter, picking up the seductive tone in her voice. “I'm listening.”

It was a quiet, romantically lit restaurant, so Lilah didn't want to say the words out loud.
I'm not wearing any underwear,
she mouthed to him.

She watched a slow smile curve his lips as her message soaked in.

“Really…” All of his masculine appreciation came through in just that one word. “Is that a treat for me?”

Lilah gave him a coy smile. “It's on The List.”

She'd been hesitant at first. But now that she was sitting across from Tyler, she was glad she'd gone for it. Her simple black silk sheath fell below her knees, protecting her modesty, while silhouetting her curves to their best advantage.

“Have I mentioned,” Tyler said softly, “how much I love your list? When you're through with this one, I have some suggestions for the next one.”

“Like what?”

He winked at her. “I'll write them down for you.”

A thrill rushed up Lilah's spine. Tyler's words implied that he planned to be around for a while. The thought of having him in her future felt really good.

He didn't know how he'd made it through dinner, Tyler thought as he rushed Lilah into his apartment. Ever since she'd mouthed the words to him, all he'd been able to think about was the fact that she wasn't wearing any underwear.

As soon as the apartment door closed behind them, he was pulling Lilah back into his arms. While his lips found hers in a hot, breathless kiss, his hands slid down her back. He joined the smooth glide of his palms from her waist to her hips then back up to cup her derriere.

Lilah's soft hands were stroking the muscles in his neck, which felt bunched and tight in his urgency. Gathering the fabric of her skirt, Tyler dipped his hands under the hem. And they met skin. Wonderful, soft smooth skin.

A wave of heat surged through him and he was lifting her. He raised her until her legs could circle his waist, then he turned until Lilah's back was against the wall.

His lips and teeth nipped and sucked at her neck, while he reveled in the feel of her bare skin beneath his hands. Lilah made soft gasping sounds as she fought the buttons on his shirt. She tugged and pulled until he could shrug off his coat and shirt in one motion.

Then her hands were everywhere. She played with the tiny points of his nipples and the long ridges of his back. Then her hands were dipping lower into the waistband of his slacks.

Even with the support of the wall, Tyler felt his knees growing weak. They weren't going to make it to the bedroom. With Lilah still wrapped around him, he took a step back. He lifted her until Lilah's feet could touch the floor, then he stripped her dress over her head in one motion.

Using their discarded clothing as a pallet, he laid her out on the carpet. The sight of Lilah's nude form outstretched and waiting for him sent Tyler over the edge. There wasn't time to pull off his pants. With his remaining energy, he freed himself to put on the condom he'd taken from his wallet.

Then he lowered himself over her. Using his fingers to make her ready for him, he surged into her body. And together they hurtled into a new realm of sensation.

“Y
ou're not jealous, are you?” Lilah asked Angie as they strolled down Madison Avenue.

“Maybe a little bit. But I realize this isn't all about me.”

“Don't say that. I wouldn't even be here without your encouragement.”

“But I wouldn't dream of standing in your way. I would hate for you to miss out on the experience of a lifetime because you're worried about my feelings.”

“I feel so foolish. You know this really isn't my style. And I'm still not convinced that I'm cut out for this.”

“Nonsense. He's perfect for you. You'll see.”

They stepped off the sidewalk into the Luigi Giuliano designer boutique. Today she and Angie were shopping for the designer dress she would wear on her thirtieth birthday. She was going to really have to ramp up her real estate sales when she got home to justify the lofty price tags they'd been reviewing all afternoon.

“I still think, if you design something and charge me a lot of money for it, that would count.”

“For the last time, hush. Now, we've been to seven stores and you won't commit to anything. But I'm convinced Giuliano is perfect for you. Very tailored with a sexy edge. I think his styles will flatter your curves.”

When Lilah had added
own an expensive designer dress
to her list, they had still been in college. Angie had recently become obsessed with fashion, and they'd spent hours poring over fashion magazines and dreaming of becoming rich and famous enough to own such things of their own.

Since those days, Lilah had worn business suits to the office and jeans around the house. For the last several years, she'd been so far removed from that life that she didn't know what was in style and what wasn't.

But Angie, on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with. She knew all the designer names and had spent the morning explaining the tips and tricks to finding clothes that flattered her petite figure.

To Lilah's surprise, she finally found
the
dress in Luigi Giuliano's store. It was emerald-green and complemented her complexion perfectly. She'd known the second she saw the airy silk fabric that she had to have it.

The material was gathered over her breasts, which she'd always worried were on the small side until she saw them in this dress. The dress was sleeveless except for the bands of material that draped her arms just below her bared shoulders. The empire waist clung to her form until it flared gracefully around her hips. The short flirty hem ended mid-thigh, making her feel fresh and young.

The full-service boutique was going to make some custom alterations and send the dress to her hotel by Friday. Lilah clapped her hands with excitement as they left the store.

“Yea. I don't even think I was this excited about my wedding dress.”

“Thanks a lot.” Angie punched her in the arm because she'd been the one to make it.

“Sorry. You know what I mean. I've never had a dress like that before. I didn't even know I wanted one until now. For the first time, I think I'm actually looking forward to my birthday party.”

“That's because you have a boyfriend.”

“I don't have a boyfriend.”

“Even if you're not ready to call him that, it's still true.”

“No—”

“Do you have any idea how different you've been since you've been with Tyler?”

Lilah frowned. “Different? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—”

“No, I mean in a good way. You're not making excuses anymore. Excuses not to enjoy yourself. Excuses not to live in the moment. You're back to your old self, the way you were before Chuck—”

“You've noticed that much of a change?”

“Hell yeah. But I think it was your marriage that changed you. Now that you've finally stopped punishing yourself enough to let someone else in, I think you're recovering your old spirit.”

How had she become so disconnected with herself? This time in New York had refreshed her soul in a lot of ways. The List had forced her to stop listening to that fearful voice in her head that held her back.

Nothing on her list was practical, but the act of doing some of those things had been truly liberating. Allowing herself to love Tyler—

Love Tyler? Was she in love? Lilah was so startled by that thought she stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.

Angie turned around. “What's wrong? What happened?”

“Nothing, I guess I was just realizing that you're right. It feels good to get back to myself again. It's been a while since I've felt so free.”

Angie slipped her arm through Lilah's and tugged her along. “Now that's what I like to hear. Now aren't you glad I talked you into coming to New York?”

“I'm very glad I came.” Lilah had come to New York to complete The List with Angie. However for the last few days, she and Tyler had been working on it together. “Can I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

“I came to New York to spend time with you. Are you upset that I've been spending so much time with Tyler?”

Angie rolled her eyes. “Girl, don't you know me better than that?”

“I just mean that there were a few things on The List we'd planned to do together that I ended up doing with Tyler.”

“It's been great having you here, Lilah. But to be honest with you, some of the late nights were getting to me. Besides we both knew there were a couple of things on that list that I was not going to be able to help you with.”

Lilah laughed with Angie. “Okay, good. And how is everything going at work?”

“Nothing worth mentioning.” Angie's face clouded for a moment, making Lilah wonder if her friend was holding something back.

“Don't worry, you're too talented to be a costume designer off-Broadway for much longer. Keep in mind that you can move back to D.C. and design clothes for me exclusively.”

“Yeah, right. If I charged you for all the clothes that I'd made for you over the years, you'd know that you couldn't afford me.”

Lilah laughed. “I know that's right.”

Once back at her hotel, Lilah went straight to work, finishing the scarf she'd been knitting for Tyler. Thankfully, she was nearly done, but it had been difficult to work on it over the last several days with Tyler around so much. It wasn't the most beautiful scarf in the world, but she knew Tyler was the kind of man who would be able to appreciate the fact that she'd made it with love.

Oh God. There was that word again. She was in love with Tyler. After her divorce, Lilah didn't know that she was even capable of falling in love again. Now she realized that what she was feeling with Tyler in no way resembled what she'd shared with Chuck.

It wasn't that she hadn't loved her ex-husband, but it now felt a lot more like friendship than grand passion. She'd thought that kind of love was for novels. But Tyler never acted jealous of her time spent elsewhere. He was happy to be with her, but he had a life of his own and was a complete person without her.

Chuck's favorite phrase was that she completed him. It was too much pressure to be everything to someone. It was nice to know that Tyler wasn't insecure. Lilah found that incredibly sexy.

Now the big question was…did Tyler love her?

Lilah's List Blog Entry, November 7, 2007

I don't know if anyone's reading this blog besides my friends—shout out to Angie and Maureen—but, just in case someone else out there cares, I've been so scarce lately because it's easier to write when I'm upset or stressed out. Lately, I've been so happy, I haven't had the pathos needed to pour my heart out on the World Wide Web.

Tyler closed his browser. He couldn't read Lilah's blog anymore. He felt like he was invading her privacy. Fortunately she hadn't gotten specific in reference to him, but she'd made it clear that there was a man in her life and that she was happier than she'd been in a long time.

He went to the phone and dialed Reggie's cell. He got his voice mail again. For the last two days he hadn't heard a word from his brother, and Tyler knew exactly what the problem was.

They'd gotten Reggie's full support team together to discuss the national tour he'd been begging for. Reggie hadn't been pleased to hear that the group wasn't ready to back him on the scale he'd wanted.

Reggie was expecting a luxury tour bus, an A-list backup band and dates booked at super-dome arenas branching from the west to the east coast.

Tyler thought a tour was a great way for his brother to showcase his talent and get up close and personal with his core fan base. But, the fact was, Reggie couldn't afford to finance the grand tour he envisioned, and his record label wouldn't even consider it.

If Reggie wanted to tour, he was going to have to do small club venues, sticking to one of the coasts to cut travel costs.

Reggie's problem was that he wanted everything overnight. And nothing worth having could be achieved that way.

Tyler sighed, walking away from the phone. This was the worst possible time for Reggie to be pitching a fit. Tyler needed him and he needed him right now.

He had to set up a meeting with Lilah and Reggie. Tyler didn't want to be the reason Lilah couldn't complete her list. When he could have gotten Reggie to show up whenever he'd wanted, Tyler had kept him away. Now that he
wanted
Reggie to get together with Lilah, the kid was nowhere to be found.

With Reggie in this mood, there was no telling how a meeting with Lilah would go. If he did show up, he might sulk and barely speak to her, or Reggie might throw him under the bus by telling her that Tyler hadn't worked that hard to arrange a meeting.

Tyler paced the room. Lilah's birthday was Saturday, so he had to sort this out immediately. Picking up his keys, he headed out the door. There wasn't time to waste. He had to go find his brother right now.

Lilah came out of Tyler's kitchen and sat beside him on 4the sofa. “That talking stove is pretty tricky, but I think I've figured it out. The roast has about fifteen more minutes, then we can eat.”

“Great.”

“What's the matter, Tyler? You've been preoccupied all evening.”

He squeezed her knee. “I'm sorry, Lilah. I didn't mean to neglect you. It's Reggie. He's giving me the cold shoulder. He's still not talking to me.”

“He's still upset about the tour thing you told me about?”

“Yeah, can you believe when I went over to his apartment today, he wouldn't even open the door?”

“Wow, are you serious?” She began kneading the tension out of his shoulder muscles. “Don't let it get to you. I'm sure he'll calm down in a few days.”

Tyler sighed heavily. “You don't have a few days. I don't know how I can arrange a meeting between the two of you if he won't even see me.”

“Don't worry about that. My list isn't that important. To be honest with you, it's fairly ridiculous for me to think I need a date with a celebrity I barely know. These last two weeks have shown me that each individual item on The List isn't what matters. What matters is that I know when I put my mind to something, I can make it happen. After all the great adventures I've had, I couldn't care less whether I ever get a date with Reggie Martin. I'd much rather date you.”

Tyler reached back and squeezed her hands. “I hear what you're saying, but that's not good enough for me. I'd hate to send you home to D.C. knowing that you didn't complete The List because of me.”

“It wouldn't be your fault, Tyler.”

“Actually, it would be. Lilah—”

She climbed onto his lap, forcing his back against the cushions. “You're stressing yourself out. I'm going to have to insist that you relax.”

“But I wanted to—”

“Shh. We've only got fifteen minutes, so that doesn't leave any time for talking,” she said, pulling her sweater over her head and pressing her lips to his.