Chapter Twenty-four

Ninety minutes later, at 11:49 P.M., Valen climbed into the back of his black town car and closed the door, effectively shutting out the crazy world of political campaigning. He could not remember when he’d looked forward to the end of a party so much.

Since last October when he’d announced his run for the Senate, Valen’s life had become a nonstop series of meetings, appearances, parties and powwows. As state comptroller, his schedule had been rough as well, but campaign life had definitely kicked the concept of all work and no play into a much higher gear. Tonight he wanted to play, and he wanted a playmate who intrigued and excited him. Pia Jamison was that woman. It was as if he’d been waiting forever for her to come into his life and fate had decided that now was the time, and tucked safely in his pocket was the place.

Valen reached into his jacket and retrieved Pia’s invitation. He took a moment to examine the presentation. With its chocolate and blue satin bow and name tag, it looked more like a gift than an invitation. Little did she know that time away from the rigors of his dreams and responsibilities was the most precious present she could ever extend. Smiling at her thoughtfulness, Valen slipped the tie from the envelopment and opened the four flaps to reveal his destiny.

 

Thursday, May 21

“There must be something between us, even if it’s only an ocean.”—Terry McKay, An Affair to Remember

Your presence is requested in the eighty-sixth-floor observatory of the Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue at midnight for an evening to remember

 

“An evening to remember, indeed,” Valen murmured, noting the date. “Mr. Lee, to the Empire State Building. And please, drive carefully.”

On the ride over, Valen studied Pia’s invitation, reading between every line to garner any hint about her feelings. “There must be something between us, even if it’s only an ocean.” Pia had chosen the perfect quote to describe his mind’s ponderings. There was something solid but currently indefinable about what was happening between them, but whatever it was, it had definite possibilities. Were those possibilities ocean deep? Only time would tell. But right now Valen was ready and willing to wade out into the surf to find out.

He arrived at the New York landmark and to his surprise found the elevator door open and a glass of champagne awaiting his arrival. “Eighty-sixth floor,” Valen requested, though he had the feeling the elevator operator already knew. Free from the constraints of public scrutiny, he gulped down the sparkling wine, hoping to sedate his nerves. He wasn’t sure what awaited him, but whatever it was, Valen was already having a great time.

The doors opened and Valen stepped out into the warm night air to find a silent and completely deserted observatory deck. He checked his watch. He was only minutes late, so certainly she hadn’t left. Perhaps she was running late. Valen stood paralyzed by indecision. Should he return to the lobby or wait for her here?

A flash of the movie on which this evening appeared to be themed ran through his mind. Would he be like Cary Grant, waiting in vain for a lover who never arrived? While Valen’s logic didn’t play out the whole cab accident scenario, he had to wonder if Pia, skittish as she’d been in the past, had changed her mind.

Off in the not too far distance a fluted rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Knock Me Off My Feet” caught his ear. Valen turned and slowly walked toward the pleasantly haunting sound. Another wave of luscious anticipation swept over him as he approached the curve that led to other side of the deck.

As Valen made the turn he saw her standing at the rail, looking absolutely stunning, gazing out into the city lights. Through the miracle of connected friends, Pia had managed to turn the back corner of the observatory into a private and very romantic stage set for a lovely night of city gazing.

Nearby, a single, high bar table topped with flickering tea lights and flanked by two stools sat as focal point of this enchanting setup. The stools sat high enough to see over the rail and out into the impressive Manhattan skyline. Nina Horton, a popular jazz flautist and a friend of Pia’s, sat in the shadows, physically removed from the scene, her music filling the spaces between conversation and the faint night sounds of the city below.

“I thought this would be a nice place for a nightcap,” Pia said as he approached.

“This is your favorite spot in New York?” Valen asked, feeling his smile stretch wider than it had in years.

“It is tonight.”

“Well, Ms. Jamison, you have managed to do something that nobody has done in a long time.”

“What’s that?”

“Surprise me.”

“Good. Then maybe this really will be a night to remember.”

“How did you manage all this?”

“You aren’t the only one in this town with connections. The only caveat is that we have to be out of here by one o’clock, but that gives us nearly an hour to enjoy the view.”

“And each other,” Valen added.

“And each other,” Pia repeated. “More champagne?” she asked, reaching into the wine bucket standing nearby and filling his empty glass.

“Thank you. Are you joining me?”

“Sparkling wine for you, sparkling water for me.”

“It is so beautiful and peaceful up here,” Valen remarked. “Thank you, Pia. This is such a needed respite. It seems I never get the chance to do anything normal people do anymore—go to the movies, read a good book, play Scrabble—you know, stuff that pals do together. You have no idea how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

And it was true. Pia could not know that there was nothing he coveted more these days than privacy. Most of the women he’d dated of late would have surprised him with dinner or drinks at some major Manhattan hot spot—more for the opportunity to see and be seen with him than to enjoy each other’s company. Pia’s planning of this quiet evening meant for just the two of them, away from the prying eyes of the public and press, made this night, and her, all the more special.

Pia smiled, pleased that he was pleased. The two once again lapsed into companionable silence, taking a moment to enjoy “I Am Singing,” another Wonder selection from his favorite album.

“I’d be happy to pal around and do some normal stuff with you,” she offered.

“I would like that very much. So, buddy, would you like to dance?” Valen asked, extending his hand.

Fifteen minutes into the next day, Valen Bellamy finally got what he’d been aching for since walking into the Metropolitan Museum several hours ago—to hold this lovely lady in his arms.

“Nice touch,” he whispered in her ear.

Pia closed her eyes and took a second to enjoy the tickle of his breath on her ears.

“Can’t go wrong with Stevie. Plus, I was feeling very competitive when I was planning this. You did such a lovely job with breakfast in the park that I had to step up big-time. Very impressive, Senator.”

“Apparently not impressive enough, as instead of creating intrigue and interest, it seemed to cause your avoidance. What were you running from?”

Another pause while Pia contemplated her answer. Should she tell Valen the truth? That while her physical attraction to him had been immediate and strong, she’d chalked those feelings up to her parched libido? That she was not interested in falling for any man at this time, particularly one she knew she could never have? And that tonight was simply about achieving a professional goal while having a little personal fun?

Valen stopped dancing and widened the space between them so he could look at her. Tenderly lifting her face with his hand, he brought her eyes to his. “Pia, I asked you a question. What were you running from?”

Influenced by this fantasy environment and the warmth of Valen’s embrace, and thoroughly enjoying the close proximity of his manly smell and body, Pia opted for the truth…or at least most of it.

“This,” Pia replied in a barely audible whisper before reaching her lips toward his. Valen responded by once again closing the gap between them and returning her kiss with a light, sensual one of his own.

Looking deep into her eyes, he gently parted her lips with his tongue and began to tenderly explore the sweetness of her mouth. With just the right amount of pressure and speed, their tongues and eyes danced a sexy tango that sent quiet explosions of desire through Pia’s body. In another example of expert timing, Valen withdrew, and his lips began a slow, seductive march down her chin across her shoulders and up her neck, landing on her ear, where his tongue and teeth took over. He nibbled and gnawed until Pia felt her knees and defenses go weak.

“Pals don’t kiss like that,” she said with a breathlessness that Valen found irresistible. “How could you know?”

“How could I know what?” his mouth once again returned to her ear to ask.

“You kiss me like you know me,” Pia told him, enjoying the caress of his hand down her back. “Like you’ve been doing it for years.”

“Maybe I have. Maybe we were great lovers in another life and have returned in this one to find each other.” Inwardly Valen smiled, intrigued by the idea.

“Senator, you sound like a Democrat. A new age Democrat, at that.”

“Just another amazing effect you’ve had on me,” Valen admitted before pulling Pia back into his arms and devouring her mouth with his. This time his kiss was hungry and possessive. It was a kiss that crossed the line between interest and possession. A kiss that both scared and seduced.

“It’s almost one,” she said, pulling away, both relieved and disappointed by that fact.

“Okay, Cinderella. I don’t want you to miss your pumpkin. But I would definitely like to see you again.”

“I’d like that,” she agreed.

The truth, Pia finally admitted to herself, was that she was lonely and enjoyed Valen’s company. And the pal thing she could do. It was perfect. No commitment, no nasty breakup when the time came, just two friends spending time together.

Two friends that are obviously very attracted to each other, Pia’s brain commented, sending a shiver down her back as a quick reminder of his kiss.

True, dat, she agreed. This definitely cannot be a friends with benefits situation.

“But…”

“But what? I promised I wouldn’t be grumpy.”

“There is something you should know about me before we proceed any further.” Pia looked at his handsome face and took a deep breath. This would be a tough admission. “And I won’t hold any grudges if you decide to just walk away now.”

“Okay,” Valen said, convinced that there was not much she could say that would deter him.

“I’m…celibate,” she said, at the last minute opting to go for the secret she already had years of experience revealing. It was so much easier than confessing that she was pregnant. Besides, it was the truth. Since her night with Grand, she had not had sex and had no intention of partaking again until after the baby was born.

“That’s not something you hear much these days,” Valen said with a poker face. “How long?”

“Five years.” The number automatically slipped out of her mouth and Pia didn’t bother to correct herself. What was she going to say? Five years except for one night four months ago?

Valen was shocked and disappointed but at the same time impressed. Celibacy was not an easy state to exist in these days, which he knew from his own experience. “Well, I respect that.”

“Thank you.”

“And it doesn’t change my desire to see you again.”

His words caused Pia’s face to break out into what must have been a contagious smile as Valen returned hers with one of his own. “I still like to kiss, though,” she admitted. “And hug.”

“Well, then, I think we’re going to be best friends,” Valen said pulling her close.