Songs for Perri (20 page)

The hard steel was a grim reminder that this was no game they were playing, no movie they were in. The acting was real. The stakes were peoples' lives. It was why it was necessary to lie--not any more than you had to, but necessary.

By her adamant repudiation of lying, she had forced her family to lie to her. Now even she was having to lie.

She wouldn’t be able to tell Stormy any more about this. She had texted her cousin on the flight down, letting her know some of the details.

A shiver pressed its cold way down her spine as she recalled Owen's warning. She shouldn't trust anyone, even Hugo. Joe might be able to compartmentalize his emotions, but Perri doubted if she could do the same.

It was still early in the evening. What should she do? She didn't feel like going to bed; she was still too wound up after having seen Owen.

Should she see if Hugo was in? No, she argued silently with herself, it would be better to not see him. She showered, washed and dried her hair. It was still only seven. Restless, she turned on the TV, flipping through the channels. Nothing worth watching. Disgusted, she turned it off again.

This restlessness was unusual. Usually she found plenty to occupy herself while on trips alone. The phone rang and she snatched it up without wondering who was calling. "Hello?"

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"Hugo here. I heard your TV. Feeling better?"

Her heart raced at the sound of his voice. She did want to see him—very much—after all.

As a consequence, her voice reverberated with expectant eagerness. "Oh...yes. Much better."

"Join me then. I've already eaten, but—”

"I don't want anything," she interposed quickly.

"Fine. Come on over...or shall I join you?"

"Wait. I'll get dressed."

"No need." He chuckled good-humorously.

Perri felt her face grow warm. There was every need, as far as she was concerned. Hanging up, she pulled on undergarments, then a sweatshirt and slacks; looked at herself in the mirror, and yanked the outer garments off again.

She had spent enough time today in slacks. From her small supply of clothes, she laid out a pretty white embroidered Mexican dress she had bought in Phoenix, sleeveless, with flared shirt and an elasticized neckline. Much better. A fluffy underskirt and sandals, a touch of makeup and some silver earrings. She was ready.

Suddenly it was impossible to wait any longer. Driven by the need to be with this exciting man whose voice had shaken her heart, she flung open the connecting door.

Hugo was standing by his suitcase, dressed in white cotton slacks and a half-opened Mexican shirt designed to arouse female instincts. He wasn't wearing his dark glasses and a glow of pleasure lit his face as he greeted her, dark eyes alight in anticipation, his hand outstretched.

Responding to the warmth of his welcome, she rushed to him with ardent enthusiasm, colliding against the hardness of his muscular body. Gathering her close, Hugo kissed her urgently, demanding a response that she gave. She desperately needed the feel of him—the physical comfort of the touch, scent, sight and sound of him—after being released from the strain of the search. Demanding comfort, she pressed herself harder against him, seeking the solid core of strength that was as much a part of him as his music.

As the weight lifted from her shoulders, her feelings for Hugo—set free from the tight constraint she had put on them—expanded in a rush to fill the void and swirled upward in ecstatic joy. There were no half-measures with Perri. She had always know this would be the way it'd be for her...as it had been for Crystal. When she finally loved a man, it would be completely.

His lips sought deeper commitment and she answered in kind, desperate in her need to ease the fierce emotions coursing through her. Her happiness swelled and soared, to meet his, challenging him to come with her to a new world of shining glory. Her face, always so patently expressive, revealed a love ready to be generously given.

As if he realized she had cast aside her doubts and made her decision for him, Hugo, with a broad grin of triumph, kissed her again, dark eyes glowing with a deep inner happiness that reflected her feelings exactly.

Fiercely, she clung to him, her face against his smoothly shaven jaw, breathing in the mint of freshly applied aftershave, the sweetness of his breath. His chest was so deep it was hard for her to reach around and she dropped her hands lower.

"Ah, my dearest," he spoke huskily, his now ragged breath stirring her hair, "I don't think this was such a wise decision after all."

"Why not?" she queried, her mind churning with the heady emotion of being in his arms.

"The bed's too near and you're far too lovely," he confessed. "And tonight we're in perfect harmony."

She felt that way too. As if their souls had joined together to create a sweet-flowing melody unique to just them. "I can almost hear music," she admitted.

"There's no almost with me...with you around I constantly hear it. My trouble's getting one tune written down before a new one comes."

"Really?"

"Uh huh."

"You're not kidding?"

"No."

"I set you off?"

"In more ways than that. Let's get out of here. There's a marimba band playing at the Seaside Hotel. How does that sound?"

Wise, she thought. "Wonderful," she said, but he was still holding her and his lips found hers again—almost desperately—as if he had not spoken.

She hadn't realized just how strong he was until he lifted her like fluff and spun her around, cradled in his arms. She clasped her hands behind his neck to hang on. He stopped abruptly and put her down. The room was still spinning, and not just from being whirled about by him.

Unlocking her hands from around his neck, he held them against his chest, kissing her once more, his seeking lips sending feathery shivers of desire racing down her spine. The feeling of absolute joy spread, as her entire being joined in the chorus, its volume swelling, eager and clamoring for more, wanting a meeting between them; intense and emotional.

As emotion overwhelmed then, they broke apart with a gasp; then clung tightly again in unison while the shudder that ran through Hugo's tall frame was echoed in Perri's smaller one. So tightly did he hold her that she would have felt crushed...except she was beyond noticing; everything was so wonderful! Everything was blended, synchronized with passion.

Hugo stumbled over his words. "Sweetheart, my darling Perri. You...you're all a man could ask for. So lovely...so completely feminine. What have you done? You make my heart spin."

"And you make my head spin. What—”

"Hush!" He laid a finger tenderly against her lips. "It's too soon for us, my dearest. Much too soon. A dramatic overture...nothing more right now. Therefore, let us get out of here before I forget my prom—, my good intentions, and make love to you. But first, come here with me."

She followed him to where his luggage lay, watching curiously as he reached into his grip and pulled out the silver serpent bracelet she had admired in the jewelry shop. "This is for you."

Perri stood speechless as he slipped it around her wrist, clamping it on so it wouldn't fall off. "Oh, no, Hugo, I couldn't—”

Again the finger was laid on her lips, to be replaced by his lips after he said, "Shh. I want you to have it."

His right hand came up to cradle her head, slipping decisively under the vibrant shock of hair so noticeable that it had successfully caught her brother's eye...and attracted Hugo as a moth to a beacon.

His kiss was deep, far-reaching as if with it he could quench a thirst for her which he refused to slake any other way. This time he was holding her so tightly it hurt, yet she welcomed the slight pain which seemed to inflame her feelings even more.

The way she felt right now, he could have asked her anything and she would have given it. So she nodded and kissed him back, this kiss lasting even longer, promising even more.

Breaking away, he caught up his leather coat and urged her through into her room where she put on a cardigan. Wordlessly they left through her door, seeking out the restraints imposed by being in a public place.

But the way Hugo draped his arm around her and the stars that shone in her eyes announced to even the casual observer that they were destined for love.

They actually didn't speak much that night, for Hugo had forgotten his dark glasses and Perri found out that his potent glance could ask, or agree, or laugh with her...or devour her completely without any words being needed. All night he made love to her, emotionally—with a touch of his hand, his eyes, a smile. He never said much, yet she knew exactly what she meant to him.

It was sobering to know how much happiness she could give with her own quick smile.

So much for not letting him get serious about her. Or her with him. Like water behind a broken dam, their feelings had been impossible to restrain.

It was late when at last they walked hand and hand along the sands, listening to the rhythmic roar of the breakers. As the evening grew cool, Hugo had put his coat protectively around her shoulders. She breathed in the rich smell of the leather, warm and comforting, her heart beating strongly with joy and love for this man.

She might have to learn to put up with Donegal, but that was a small price to pay for Hugo's love. And, as he had so readily pointed out, rock stars have a notoriously short time in the limelight before their fickle fans replace them with someone else.

"You're so dear to me," he confessed, his hand gripping hers as if in terror of losing her as they wandered along under the moon.

"And you to me, Hugo. It seems like I've known you for years instead of days."

"I'll be going home soon. I'll need your address. And phone. I'll get in touch with you there."

"How soon?" she asked, saddened and yet relieved. If Hugo left, then she wouldn't have to keep evading him while she saw Joe. And if Hugo left, he couldn't be drawn into this dirty business.

"I have one more weekend left, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Then my engagement is over and the band will be leaving. How about you?"

"I've done what I came down for. I should be able to leave soon, too. You were a lot of help. You would make a good partner."

"You'd make a good wife." The words were apparently out before he could stop them.

Her breath caught, and he added, hastily, "Don't say anything, Perri!" He spun to face her, catching both her hands in his with an earnest pleading. "I know...that was a dumb thing to say."

She started to protest, but he waved her silent. "I've jumped ahead a few stanzas. But remember it." Taking a deep breath he added, "I'll ask you again, later, when the moonlight and roses are gone and you've had a chance to see my home...where I do what I call my real work: composing music and raising a few cows on the side. I just want you to know where I'm headed." He paused, cocking his head at her wryly. "I was never one for waiting around. I wonder if I can wait that long, this time."

On that they went inside the hotel. He kissed her briefly at her door and left her. Inside, though, the connecting door was still open and he laughed wryly at himself and closed it...but she heard no lock click and didn't bother locking hers.

It was the fifth marriage proposal Perri had had, if it could be called such. She'd had no trouble turning the others down. This one was different.

Walking over to Crystal's picture, Perri picked it up. "You would have liked him, Mom," she said. "If only you had had the chance to meet him... you'd have nodded your head and said, "This is the one, Perri. I feel it, too. Don't let him get away."

And bowing her head she wept for several minutes.

When the tears had run their cleansing course, she folded the frame and carefully put it away in her suitcase.

Next morning Hugo and Perri leisurely covered a grid just outside the Golden Zone, and Perri suggested lunching at the same restaurant.

Carl was there, and he had Anna with him, chatting and seemingly to be hitting it off great. They asked Hugo and Perri to join them, but Hugo, ensconced securely behind his dark glasses again, refused, saying he wanted Perri to himself...which brought a knowing smile and raised eyebrows from Anna and made Carl look surprised. Perri merely waved and smiled, while wondering if Anna would buy a car from Carl when she got back to the U.S.

Perri had carried Joe's camera, taking a picture or two of Hugo — although he wouldn't take off his dark glasses—and following Owen's directions, stepped into the restroom where she passed the camera to a Mexican woman who told her to return that evening.

Perri didn't feel like shopping, so Hugo hired a
pulmonía
to take them to the aquarium. Perri suggested visiting a different restaurant, so they had supper at Lario's, their mood enhancing the lovely piano music being played.

Hugo was the most tender suitor Perri had ever had. He was such a total romantic, his eyes so eloquent, she finally understood why he wore the protective glasses. It wasn't only to keep any rock fans from figuring out he was Donegal.

Clamping down on her feelings, Perri refused to allow Hugo to come into her room afterwards. "You were right," she said. "Let's stay out of our rooms together."

"But—”

"I'm going to get an early night...maybe I can finish my work tomorrow. Then I'll be free to do more things with you."

"Let's go down to the lounge then."

"No. Good night, Hugo."

"You aren't seeing anyone else, are you?" he asked, suspiciously.

"No." Only Joe. What would she do if he saw them? Why did men always think the worse?

"I guess you do look tired. But I can't kiss you properly out here."

"That's what I'm afraid of." She put her hand against his chest and pushed him back. "Good night."

"Till tomorrow then."

She entered her room, waited five minutes, then slipped out as quietly as possible, praying he didn't knock on her door while she was gone.

Joe was waiting outside the hotel and with a barely perceptible motion of his head waived her on, then followed her in another taxi. It was comforting knowing he was following now, but...had he been watching her and Hugo during the day? Probably. If so, he must have seen how real their "act" was becoming. At least she wouldn't have to underline to him how she felt towards Hugo.