Chasing Terpsichore (Muses Across Time) (4 page)

* * * *

After the last class had finally finished, Corey blessed the foresight of having a shower installed at the dance studio. After sliding the mop broom around to touch up the floor, she entered the bathroom, undressed and turned on the water. She sighed as the cool spray ran over her sweat-slicked body. The water started doing its magic.

Thunk.

What was that?
She turned the tap off and inclined her head towards the door, but heard nothing more.

Maybe it was the wind, and the anticipation of dancing with James making her jumpy. It shouldn’t because she had no doubt he would be there. The package she’d sent to his office contained an enchanted note planted deep in a box where no one else could touch it. He would come to her, she knew it. Her body tingled at the thought and she smiled at herself in the mirror as she dressed. Her body was looking pretty damn good, and her clothes accentuated her curves in all the right places. It had been a long time since she’d had this much fun. She shivered. Oh yes…the anticipation. She couldn’t wait.

She’d chosen a demure, but deceptively seductive dress. It covered her skin completely, but through the swirls of aquamarine and black flowers, it clung to her curves like a second skin—so much so that James was in for a surprise when he ran his hand over her back. She giggled, thinking of his conservative self—shocked by her lack of underwear.
Oh yes, he is going to get an education he will never forget.

At the loud knock on the front door she stopped breathing.
He’s here
.

She left the bathroom and all but ran to get to the door. But a few steps into the studio she stopped dead…and screamed bloody murder.

* * * *

After parking his car on the street in front of the dance studio, James shook his head. What was he doing here? Before the package had arrived he’d already decided not to see Corey again. It hadn’t been an easy decision to make considering the restless night he’d spent dreaming about her amazing body, those unusual eyes, and the promises her kiss had hinted at. She’d told him she would thank him in more fun ways, but he had intended to politely refuse. Burying himself in work all day unfortunately had failed to quell the memories of her scorching mouth and the feel of her body pressed against his.
I’ve got it bad
. Maybe that explained why the minute he’d smelt her perfume in the box and touched the smooth paper of the invitation, all he could think about was seeing her again. He’d convinced himself he could get her out of his system if he saw her one more time. God, he hoped he was right.

He admitted to being curious to see what she had planned. The vague note said something about taking two to tango, or something equally cliché. The little he knew of Corey guaranteed that, whatever she was up to, she wouldn’t be an average date. He smiled at that thought.

Checking out the street, he was surprised to see such a quiet neighbourhood. He’d had visions of nightclubs and sex shops, and this tidy strip of shopfronts certainly didn’t fit that picture.

He stood back and inspected the tasteful signage announcing ‘Terpsichore’s Tango’. Terpsichore? The Greek Muse of Dance? He remembered his ancient history classes, and the mythological group of beautiful women who’d inspired the people of Olympus. She definitely had the looks, and she’d inspired some rather creative dreams last night. Yes, the name certainly fitted.

A loud scream came from inside her studio.
What the—?

His hand shook as he tried the handle, but it wouldn’t budge. He shouted through the door. “Corey? Are you okay? Let me in.”

No answer. He slapped his hand on the wood, with no effect. Next he tried butting his shoulder against the door—he put all his weight behind it and shoved. It took three attempts before the old wood surrounding the lock started to give. He stood back and kicked the door in, slamming it against the wall behind, causing the glass in the window to shatter. He raised his hand to prevent the door flinging back into him while he moved quickly inside to check on Corey.

He found her standing frozen in place, staring at a grotesque body hanging from the ceiling.

Fuck!

As he drew closer he was relieved to see that it wasn’t a real body, but an effigy of Corey, and the doll appeared to be strangled. He called her name, but Corey didn’t react. He raced to her side, and pulled her into his arms, turning her away from the ugly sight in front of her.

He looked around the studio, and spying a door to the left, he led Corey into a small sitting room.

“Sit down and catch your breath while I call the police.” He flipped open his phone to dial the number, but Corey placed her hand on his forearm.

Her eyes implored him. “No. Please, no police.”

He helped her to sit down on the small couch. “We should report this. I’m a solicitor, I’m obliged to call it in.”

She touched his arm again as he sat next to her. “I’ve already spent enough time with the police over the last few days. I don’t need to draw any more of their attention.”

He grasped her icy hands between his and rubbed gently. “I can understand that, but listen to me, Corey, this was more than just a sick joke. We need help to find out who did this.”

Her eyes pleaded with him to leave it alone. “It was probably kids.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think so. What if it’s the jerk who caused you all that trouble yesterday? He needs to be stopped. We can’t let him get away with that.”

“But what if it’s not him?”

She shivered, despite his efforts to warm her. He scanned the room, spying a coat hanging on a hook near the front door. He placed her hands gently back into her lap, then stood and grabbed the coat. He slipped it over her shoulders and pulled the sides together. Her breath brushed against him, sending shivers over his skin and he fought the urge to pull her into his arms again. “Even if it is a kids’ prank, we need to let their parents know.”

“I’m sorry, James. I can’t face the police again. Not tonight.” Her eyes filled with unshed tears. He saw fear, but underneath he also glimpsed a stubborn streak a mile long. Sighing, he realised she wouldn’t give in, no matter how many logical and legal arguments he used. “Fine. I’ll go and cut the doll down and check out a few things. Will you be okay in here while I’m gone?”

She flashed him a brave smile, visibly relaxing as she leant back in the chair. What she didn’t know was that he planned to show the doll to a detective he knew. He couldn’t let this go without first making some effort to find the culprit. They may try again and she could be in grave danger.

The doll was strung up over the exposed beam that ran across the ceiling of the studio. The rope was a thick plastic twine, not unlike the type used to tie a load of rubbish on the back of a trailer. Easing the ghoulish figure down to the floor, James was careful not to touch the mannequin more than needed. He frowned as he looked at the horrible purple face where a fake crimson tongue had been sewn in, flapping about like it was alive. The wig consisted of long red curls in a macabre facsimile of Corey’s wild hair. It was impossible not to see this as a threat. It didn’t matter what Corey said, he couldn’t let this go. He would find out was who was doing this, and why. He was a Barrington, and Barringtons didn’t leave women in danger. To be truthful, he couldn’t speak for his cousins, but he knew that
he
didn’t.

It took only a few minutes to carry the light bundle to the trunk of his car. He returned to find Corey still huddled on the seat. She looked up as he entered the room. He was struck by how fragile she looked sitting there all alone, clinging to the edges of her coat as it hung loosely over her shoulders. He barely knew her, but in the short time since they’d met, he’d seen her as someone always in control, and definitely a woman who knew what she wanted and went for it. Now she appeared vulnerable and unsure of herself. The urge was strong to wrap her up in his arms and reassure her that everything would be okay, but he held back. A relationship with her was not on the table, and he didn’t want to give her the wrong impression. In her fragile state, she deserved honesty. As he drew closer she looked up, her eyes shimmering, but determined.

“You’re my hero—again. I don’t know how I’m going to ever repay you, James.”

He sucked in his top lip and stared at the ceiling. “No payment necessary. I’m only doing what anyone would do.”

She stood, offering the coat for him to hold open for her. As she slid her arms in, she looked over her shoulder. “Not everyone is as caring as you are. It’s a rare thing, don’t diminish it.”

After looping the last button, she reached up and softly kissed his cheek. “Don’t stress or go reading anything more into this. I’m an affectionate person and I like to reward good deeds.”

Resisting the urge to grab her by those shoulders and show her a real kiss, he pulled his car keys out of his pocket and stepped away. She reminded him of what he wasn’t ready to accept. He didn’t need her kind of reward in his life right now. His promise to his father didn’t allow for it. So why did his mouth go dry thinking about what form her reward might take? He cleared his throat as she buttoned up her coat. “Do you want to have a bite to eat? Take your mind off things for a while?” His voice cracked as he spoke.
Oh great.
What the devil was happening to him? Where was his legendary control? God, he hoped she didn’t notice. She didn’t need any more encouragement and neither did a certain part of his anatomy.

Her hand touched his shoulder. “James?”

“Yes?” He cleared his throat, feeling the heat from her touch burning through his jacket. “So, are we on for dinner?”

She smiled, showing him she knew exactly what he’d been thinking. His heart rate kicked up a couple of notches.

“That would be lovely, James. Lead on.”

* * * *

Garlic and red wine.

The closest thing to ambrosia this world provided. Corey breathed in the heady aroma of the luscious sauces and sighed. Oh yes, she would have to take some of her favourite things from this world back with her—if she ever got back home. James might be uptight a lot of the time, but he knew his food and wine. The small trattoria bustled with a crowd of diners, but the maître d’ smiled widely, finding them a small table near the rear terrace. A portly waiter flapped a crisp white tablecloth over the table with a flick of his wrists and produced a single red rose in a vase for decoration. He refused to let Corey seat herself, insisting on holding her chair out and seating her himself.

“We are honoured to have such a
bella
lady in our midst this fine evening.”

He kissed the air above her fingers as she pulled her hand away. Catching a glimpse of James’ face out of the corner of her eye, she almost laughed out loud at the scowl he aimed at the flamboyant Italian. “You are good for my ego,
signore
. I might come here again, if only to hear more of your compliments.”

James grunted, placing his hands on the table. “I’d like a bottle of your best Merlot, two glasses and a couple of menus, please.”

The waiter continued staring at Corey while he answered. “Right away, sir.”

Corey giggled as the waiter stayed rooted to his spot. Spying his name tag, she leant forward. “Umm… Bruno?”

He snapped out of his daze and blushed. “Oh, yes. I’m sorry, I will get the wine.” He bowed with a flourish to Corey and winked. “I shall return in a few minutes.”

James watched him with serious eyes as he walked over to the bar and selected a bottle of wine and two glasses. “I suppose you get that a lot.”

Many times.
She smiled wistfully. It had been some time since she’d experienced it. Men watched her dance, but this was different. This type of adoration was harmless. It felt good, and she needed the boost. “Not lately, but it’s flattering, and I must admit it’s good for my ego,” she smiled. “I never knock back a good compliment. Does it bother you?”

He shook his head a little bit too quickly. “No. Why should it?”

Tucking a few loose tendrils of hair behind her ear, she sat back in her seat.
Oh yes, it does
. Even so, he denied it, but she could see it made him uncomfortable. Maybe he wasn’t so immune to her after all? She smiled back at him. “That’s good, because I’d hate it to ruin our dinner.”

He reached across the table and touched her cheek. “I’m being a jerk, aren’t I? I should be cheering you up, not acting like a dickhead.”

She leaned into his warm palm, soothed by the feel of his surprisingly soft skin. “You’re doing fine. I feel better already.”

James removed his hand as Bruno returned with the wine and the menus. He tasted the small amount poured into his glass, and nodded, prompting him to fill both their glasses. How Bruno didn’t spill any was a mystery to her as the smiling Italian didn’t look away from Corey’s face the whole time. James raised his glass and offered a silent toast towards Corey and Bruno finally got the message and stood back from the table, breaking his stare and turning to James.

“The specials tonight are grilled scampi with melted garlic butter, and fettuccine alla Calabrese.”

James arched his brow. “Corey?”

Oh yummy. “Oh, they both sound so delicious. I’ll have the scampi please.”

“It’s for two, madame. Would the gentleman like to share?”

“That’s fine. We’ll share.”

“Are you sure, James? I can have something else if you don’t like scampi. I don’t mind.”

He smiled at her across the table. “It’s your night. Besides, I love to share, as long as it’s large enough that we both get to enjoy it.”

Bruno nodded, bowing to them both as he backed away. “As you wish.”

* * * *

Corey moaned with pleasure from the first bite.
The scampi is so delicious it should be illegal
. She closed her eyes and savoured the light texture dripping with lightly flavoured butter. Licking each of her fingers to catch the drips, she opened her eyes again and looked directly into James’ face. Her skin heated as her eyes met his.
Maybe there is hope for him yet.
Scooping up a forkful of the delicate scampi flesh, she offered it to him, who surprised her by grabbing her wrist as he slowly drew the luscious piece of seafood into his mouth. Using his thumb, he traced circles across her skin as his lips encircled the fork.