Lust and Lies 04 - Pretty Maids in a Row

His eyes never left her as they both took a drink and set their glasses on the coffee table. "How was dinner?"
    "Very nice. I'm sorry—"
    "Tch-tch. There's no need for an apology. I shouldn't have tried to muscle my way in on your time with an old friend."
    Holly took his hands in hers. "Philip, I know you think I've been... behaving strangely—"
    "It's all right, darling. I understand."
    Holly shook her head. "No. I need to explain."
    He squeezed her hands. "First, I have a confession to make that might save you any explanation. Please don't be angry with me. I was worried, so I called Bernie."
    Holly's chin lifted defiantly. "You called my father?"
    Philip shrugged and lowered his eyes. "I love you, Holly. I thought something was wrong and you were keeping it from me. I only wanted to find a way to help."
    "He told you what I talked to them about?"
    "Yes. And I'm absolutely sick about it."
    Holly didn't care for the fact that Philip had gone behind her back for information or that her father would betray her confidence. Her voice was tight with displeasure as she spoke. "I was planning to explain everything tonight."
    "Don't you think you should have explained years ago?" he admonished testily. "All this time, I thought I was an inadequate lover."
    Guilt diluted her annoyance. "Oh, Philip, no. I never wanted you to think that. I told you I was the problem, not you."
    He stroked her cheek and softened his voice. "I know, but I always wondered if you were just trying to spare my feelings."
    Holly leaned toward him and lightly touched her lips to his. "Please forgive me."
    He gave her a brief kiss in return. "You know I'd forgive you anything. If you want to talk about it, we can."
    "Actually, I'm a little relieved that I don't have to repeat it again."
    "Who were they?" he asked abruptly.
    Holly blinked at the harsh tone of his voice, then shook her head. "I'd rather not say. It isn't important anymore."
    Philip frowned, but let it drop. "This also explains why you've changed the subject every time the Ziegler hearing came up this week."
    Holly prevented herself from visibly reacting and cautiously asked, "Why do you say that?"
    "The similarities are rather obvious—like you, Cheryl Wallace was a young co-ed brutally raped because of a man she trusted, he and his friends went unpunished while she suffered more abuse and held the secret inside all this time. The fact that her assault also occurred at Dominion must be upsetting to you as well. Unfortunately, it looks like Ziegler is still going to go unpunished."
    "Then you believe Cheryl Wallace's story?"
    "Absolutely. But I'm not on the Senate committee."
    "Too bad. She really could have used a friend like you on her side. But at least I have you on mine. Thank you for believing in me... and her." Her arms circled his neck and she gave him a more sensual kiss. She knew that years of anticipating her rejection kept him from immediately responding.
    "I had more planned for this evening than just talking. I had wanted to start with a romantic dinner, but my friend's schedule fixed that. And now that you and my father have eliminated the need for a lengthy explanation, the only part of the plan left is the seduction." She saw Philip's reaction in his eyes, yet he made no move toward her. "I've done a lot of soul searching recently and I believe I've come to terms with what happened. I'm hoping it will make a difference between us."
    Philip swallowed hard. "It's been a very long time, Holly. I don't want to misunderstand what you're saying."
    Holly lowered her eyes. "I'm—I'm asking you to make love to me... if you want to, that is."
    Still prepared for rejection, Philip's kiss was hesitant, until her lips parted invitingly for him. His hands shook as they spanned her waist then eased up her back.
    Holly ended the kiss and whispered, "Let's go into the bedroom."
    She felt the old fear and ordered it away. This was Philip, she reminded herself. A wonderful, sweet man who deserved her love. She turned the light on next to the bed then turned her back to him as they both began to undress.
    The suggestion of what they were about to do had him partially ready. Watching her remove her skirt and blouse took him the rest of the way. He folded back the bedding and got under the sheet while she removed her hose and underpants from beneath her full slip.
    She turned toward him, hoping he'd not ask for more.
    Reading the uncertain look in her eyes, he patted the spot on the bed