Forbidden Attraction

Champagne All Around

Andrew has his hand on the small of my back as we are walking out towards the main area. In a different situation, had I not been feeling extremely jubilant, I would not have allowed him to overstep his boundaries. I do not really have time to think about it anyways because I am surprised a few steps out of the hallway when the room begins to applaud. What a response!

All my worries, running from an abusive home and lover, trying to live a life that I could only dream of having, and the freedom to choose a stage by choice and not by force. I am more than delighted, I think I feel free and alive for the first time.

The clapping continues for only a second before a loud whistle gets our attention. It is Ben. Everyone quiets down to hear what he has to say.

“I personally, couldn’t be more pleased with tonight’s performance. If I could be so bold to say, it was a privilege for all of us in the audience to witness such a spectacular debut. I guess I should have charged extra at the door.” The crowd laughs in agreement. “Well, you all know where to come back and see her. Miss Raine Albright is now the official lead singer, exclusive to The Moonlight Lounge. Congratulations Raine! How about a round of drinks on me everyone?!”

The whole place goes into an uproar clapping, whistling, and cheering. Ben gives a signal to the jazz band and they instantly begin to play something classy and upbeat that fits our celebratory mood. Waiters begin to fly around the room delivering glasses of champagne as Andrew leads me over to Ben and his personal table, so we can pop open our own bottle.

A tingly feeling starts to course through me when I make eye contact with Ben. He licks his lips and gives me a charming side smile. He is standing behind a chair he pulled out for me, watching me walk towards him. There was a subtle look of lust with the twinkle in his eye, but it is like he is trying to hide it underneath his cool exterior. It excites me and I did not realize I was biting my lower lip until I see his gaze move to my mouth. A warmness crawls up my cheeks as I take the seat between my two attractive new acquaintances. It is time to figure out what makes these men tick.

Andrew pours champagne into our three glasses.

“Thank you for the congratulation speech Ben. That was very nice of you. And thank you both so much for putting me on cloud nine. I don’t think I have ever been happier.” I extend my glass out in front of me. “To The Moonlight Lounge.”

“And to you Raine, to your success! To all of our success here at the lounge.” Andrew says in a genuinely excited voice.

“To Raine and The Moonlight.” Ben puts his elbow on the table and moves his glass to meet ours.

We start talking about our ages and where we are all from. I am surprised on both accounts. I giggle a little when I find out they are both only thirty. I explain to them how mature they seem managing their own nightclub. They both laugh at that and are surprised themselves to find out I am twenty-eight. Each of them swears up and down that I look much younger.

Most women would be flattered by this, but I have been hearing it since I was a teenager. It has actually proven to be quite frustrating when people look at you and assume you can not be taken seriously. Then once my real age is learned I usually get the same reaction... A woman my age should be married and starting a family by now and if I am not married then I must be easy. Even now I notice a slight change in my company’s behaviors. Their knowledge of my age naturally shifts their perspectives of me from the marrying type to the bedding type. Well, I am not that easy, just unlucky with love I suppose.

Finding out where these two wealthy men came from is the bigger shock of the two. I feel a little foolish and then humbled when I hear they are from a poorer part of the city. I am inspired by them both having the motivation to get this far. I am not too specific about where I came from and they are gentlemen enough not to pry. Of course I have some explaining to do about my big voice and little stardom. We all come to the conclusion that fate has its own plans and perhaps I am meant to be right here and now at The Moonlight Lounge.

About an hour and a half of drinks and conversation go by. My head is starting to feel a little fuzzy and my cheeks are warm. I see it is after midnight and I decide it is time for me to be heading home.

“Well boys, I’m going to call it a night.” I can see my companions are saddened and Ben checks his watch as though he has lost track of the time.

“It’s late Raine. Let me give you a ride home.” Andrew jumps up to pull my chair out for me.

“Oh no, I couldn’t. A taxi will do just fine. Besides, you’ve done so much for me. I already owe you.” I touch his arm in a friendly manner.

“Okay then Drew, can you lock the place up tonight? I have another meeting uptown.” He put his hand on Drew’s shoulder and got a quick “sure” in return. “I’ll walk you to get your coat Raine. I’m on my way out.” He held out his arm to escort me.

“Goodnight Drew. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I give him a sleepy-eyed little smile.

Ben and I get to the main entrance to leave and he grabs the fur coat I point to. He holds it up for me and I can’t help myself. I walk up to him and look in his eyes before I turn my back to him and move my hair to the front. I am slipping the fur coat up over my bare shoulders when I happen to see Drew across the lounge. I thought he was looking at us but he turned away too quickly when I tried to make eye contact. I was going to wave bye again.

Together Ben and I walk outside. The shock of the cold night air almost hurts as it fills my lungs. A sudden gust of icy wind blows in my face so I turn away. I am facing Bens chest when I notice he has brought his hands up on either side of my face to help block the wind. The fingers of one hand lightly touch my wavy hair and he rubs a lock of it between his thumb and index finger. I am watching as he moves his silent gaze from the hair in his hand to my eyes. It seems like he is thinking, maybe he wants to say something, but instead he looks away and gestures to the porter.

“Hey Tony, I want you to use my car and drive Miss Albright home.” He doesn’t move his eyes from me and I can barely look away.

“That’s too much trouble!” I protest.

“No renowned employee of mine is going to be caught riding around in a Taxi. From now on, Tony will take you wherever you need to go.” He puts his finger up between us to stop me from arguing. “Raine I mean it. And don’t worry about me. I have another car around back.”

“You’re something else aren’t you?” I say with a daring smirk.

“Goodnight Raine.” With the wink of an eye, he turns and walks back into the club.