A Demon in Stilettos (3 page)

Coy opened a new box of surgical masks. “Today is my lucky day. I’m going to throw myself in Johns’ path, I promise, he’ll notice.”

Erin stared into Coy’s large brown eyes. “You like beating yourself up, huh?” She snatched a sterile mask from Coy’s box.

“Just watch,” she chuckled. “I’m going to bend him to my will.”

Erin shook her head. “You seem desperate and needy.” Erin pushed her aside. “Needy women are man repellants. Come up with something better.” She pulled the mask around her ears and walked toward her work station.

Chapter Three

The rest of the week, Dr. Johns walked past Coy, seeming to ignore her. Her only saving grace was an occasional hello. On Thursday night, Coy watched television. She noticed how certain starlets got mega attention and some didn’t. What was their secret? Erin’s idea blossomed in her head. She needed to change her man-catching strategies. After taking a sip of her vegetable drink, she untwisted her thick pony. It fell midway down her back.

She stood up and walked toward the mirror positioned on her living room wall.
Erin’s right. I do need some help.
She removed her glasses and widened her brown eyes
. Why would Johns give me a second look, when I look like warmed-over crap?
Walking toward the bedroom, Coy chewed her nail as she pondered
.

Once inside the bedroom, the patent leather stilettos caught her eyes. They sparkled like diamonds and seemed to beckon to her. “I almost forgot about those heels.” She walked over to them and picked them up. The shiny leather bow was sensuous and incredibly sexy. After cleaning them up she had placed them in her bay window. Now tantalizingly, they glimmered in the shadows of her bedroom.

Grimacing, Coy stood in the restroom plucking her bushy brows in the mirror. When she had a nice high arch, she applied an astringent. Not expecting the stinging sensation, she cursed. Hopping on one foot, she fanned away the pain.

After streaking a few shades of make-up on her cheek, Coy finally removed her glasses and cleaned her face. Pulling back the covers on her bed, Coy climbed in and then placed her glasses on the nightstand.Afterwards, she shook her finger at the hazy stilettos perched in the window. “Tomorrow, I’m taking you guys for a spin around the lab.”

As sleep took hold, Coy envisioned her life with Johns. Of course, she could have him. It didn’t matter that his father was head of the research department, she was only following the instructions her body gave her.

The next morning, Coy was eager to get dressed. She put in her contacts, and added a little make-up. Her red dress had a plunging neckline, a dress she’d hardly worn. When she was completely dressed, she kicked off her fuzzy kitten slippers, and then stuck her feet into the mysterious shoes.

Immediately, her head felt light and she sat down. Determined she was going to feel pretty, Coy waited until the feeling passed. Within minutes she stood up, tossed her hair over her shoulders, and then strutted out the door.

* * * *

As usual, Robert glanced athis watch as Coy waited for him to raise the security rail. For some strange reason, he gawked at Coy, then did a double take. Like a hungry wolf, his mouth fell open. A long whistle blew from his lips. “Well, how do you do? Going to be a beautiful day, huh?”

Coy stared out her window at Robert. “Is the rail broken?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that you look so different today. Caught me off guard.”

“Next time,” she said, in a breathy tone. “Keep your mind on your job.”

Robert raised his cap and scratched his head. “No, problem.”

Erin was already standing outside her car and waiting for Coy. With an open compact, she applied her favorite lip-gloss. Coy occupied the empty parking space beside her. Lowering her compact, Erin started in on Coy. “What’s up with Robert, this morning?”

“I don’t know.” Coy elevated her window and shut off her motor. Grabbing her handbag, she stepped out of the car. “I guess he’s got a wild hair in his ass. Looked as if he’d seen a ghost.”

Erin took in Coy’s appearance, and blanched. “Oh my god, Coy! What did you do to yourself?”

Coy frowned. “What on earth are you talking about? Close your mouth, that’s hardly graceful, you know.” She shrugged. “What’s up with you guys? Really. Can’t I wear contacts? I went to The Donut Palace this morning, and Harriet acted as if I were a total stranger.”

Erin swallowed hard.She gawked at her friend who now stood about five-eleven in the shoes. “Did you look in the mirror before you left home?”

“Of course, I did. All I did was add a little make-up.”

“It’s more than make-up, Coy.” She placed her hand on Coy’s shoulder. “There’s something different about you.”

Coy narrowed her eyes. “You think?”

“I can’t put my finger on it, but you don’t look like yourself.”

“Shut up! Are you freaking kidding me?”Coy rolled her exotic brown eyes.

“You aren’t wearing glasses, for one.”

Coy shook her head. “Just said that—what’s the problem?”

“I don’t know,” Erin admitted nervously. “I’ve seen you without your glasses. It’s more than that.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it, Duchess.”

“Duchess?” Erin squinted, then tilted her head to one side.

Leaving Erin behind, Coy walked ahead of her. She swung her hips with a saucy rhythm. The scandalous stilettos struck the pavement with titillating confidence.

Turning just in time to see Erin watching her, Coy scowled. She pushed opened the glass door, and Erin stopped walking. This time, Coy didn’t bother to hold the door. Soon, she strutted inside leaving Erin standing outside.

After clocking in, Coy stood at the elevator and admired her nails. She pressed the button and waited. Suddenly, her lab coat felt small and uncomfortable. The snug fit concerned her, therefore, she adjusted her shoulders. Once she unbuttoned the top button, her breasts plumped forward. “That’s better.” She relaxed her shoulders. Running her fingers through her shimmering raven curls, she then tossed them behind her.

When Erin finally reached Coy, she reprimanded, “Thanks for waiting.”

Elevated by the striking stilettos, Coy looked down at Erin. “Anytime, Duchess.”

“What! Duchess?” She reached up and grabbed Coy by the arm. “What’s wrong with you? What’s with the name calling? Plus, you always wait for me.”

Coy paused. She noticed Erin’s fingers clutched around her arm, then gazed into her startled blue eyes. “Why?”

Erin sputtered, “Did you say, why?” She placed her hands on her hips. “Because I’m your role model. You love me—you worship me.”

Hearing Erin’s confession Coy nodded. “I guess I don’t want much out of life, huh?”

Gnashing her teeth, Erin lunged at Coy.“I know you didn’t say, what I thought you said.”

Coy smirked, and then puffed a sigh. “This is an awkward conversation.” She turned toward the elevator. “I’ve got better things to do.”

Unexpectedly, Dr. Johns’ hearty greeting came around the corner. Erin whispered to Coy. “Okay, here he comes. Act natural, okay?”

“Act what?” Coy glowered, then she saw Lincoln Johns as he strolled toward the cafeteria as usual.

Johns stopped cold. Visibly gawking, he ran his eyes over Coy’s entire body, taking in her cleavage, and lastly, her shapely legs. “Well, good morning ladies.”

Coy folded her arms and cocked her head to one side. “Hi yourself, doctor.” She then turned her gaze toward the elevator.

The elevator opened and they stepped inside. Erin hesitated, then snapped, “What the
hell
are you doing?”

Coy stiffened, closed her eyes and inhaled. “What is it now?” She shifted her weight on the stilettos. “I simply said, hello. What? I didn’t get your highness’ approval. Seriously, what’s up with you today?”

Erin’s mouth hung open. She shook her head. “I don’t know
who
you are.”

“Really.” Coy gave her a sidelong glance. “That could be a good thing, don’t you think?”

As if slapped, Erin became silent. When the elevator’s door opened again, Coy stepped off. She headed toward the lab, never looking behind her.

Once inside the lab, Coy placed her bag in her locker, and reached for a bonnet. She pushed her curls under the cap and prepared for her day.

“So plucking your brows and wearing a little make-up has changed your whole demeanor?”

Coy sashayed to the sink, and turned on the water. After lathering her hands, she brushed under her nails, then held her palms beneath the warm water. “You should try it, Duchess. Works wonders. I feel fantastic. They have a new brand of medication, you know. Works wonders on acne. A little sex wouldn’t hurt either—put a little color in those cheeks.”

“What would you possibly know about sex?” Erin sulked, then placed her fingers to her acne infested face.She narrowed her eyes. “I’m going to watch you today. You’ve got to be off your rocker.”

“Sweetie,” she slapped her rear-end, “my rocker is just fine. Yours, on the other hand, needs a few adjustments.” Coy turned and walked toward her work area.

Erin stood gawking. “Coy VanAlstine. You have one more time to insult me.”

“Okay.” Coy pulled out her tray. A glimmer sparkled in her eyes. “You’re a cellulite pig with delusions of grandeur. Need I say more?”

Tossing her gloves on the counter, Erin fumed. “That’s it! I’m not going to waste my time on a—a, lab rat. I’ve been trying to help you get it together, but today, you’re acting like some skanky street whore.”

As if bruised by her words, Coy pursed her lips. “And I should care, why?”

Erin expelled a low groan. “I don’t know who you think you are, but…”

“You said it yourself, Duchess. I’m Coy VanAlstine. If you don’t have anymore foul observations, or insults. I need to fill my trays with luscious flesh eating bacteria. Yum.” She licked her ruby lips and stared at Erin, waiting for her to speak. Hearing nothing, Coy turned and walked away.

* * * *

Each time Coy looked up from her work, Erin was staring at her.
What’s up with that woman? Can’t I wear a little make-up now and then? I’d better watch her. She’s got serious issues.

By lunch, Coy was famished. She turned off her microscope, took off her bonnet, mask and gloves, then went to wash her hands. Addressing Erin, she called, “I’m starving.”

Scowling, Erin said nothing. Coy watched her sling her gloves and mask into the trash. Turning her head, Coy ignored her childish behavior.After opening her locker, she reached inside her purse, then placed a few dollars in her pocket. Strutting out of the lab, she left Erin behind.

Once in the cafeteria, Coy noticed that people were gawking at her. Ignoringtheir stares and whispers, she reached for a tray and got in line. Hector rushed up behind Coy. “Well hello, sexy lady.”

Towering above Hector, Coy looked behind her.She took in Hector’s curly dark hair, and mirthful brown eyes, thenshe lowered her gaze to take in his build. A muscular appearance, but the gaudy clothing was a complete turn-off. Coy parted her lips. “I see the circus came to town last night.”

Pinching his garment Hector quibbled, “Are you saying you don’t like my expensive shirt?”

“No, it’s not just your shirt. I don’t like anything about you.”

Hector staggered under Coy’s words. “But you love me.”

Coy smirked. “In your dreams—pay for my lunch.”

Hector lowered his brawny shoulders, then cocked his head to one side. “Okay, but if I pay for your lunch, we’re going to sit together.”

“Pay for my lunch,” she repeated, reaching for a wrapped sandwich.

“Okay.” Hector grinned. “Can we sit together? You look so yummy; you could be good for my image.”

Coy stared at Hector and said nothing.

“Okay.” Hector retreated timidly. “I’ll sit in my usual spot.”

After selecting a garden salad, Coy moved toward the checkout counter.

From the rear, Hector touched her on the shoulder. “Where’s your buddy?”

Coy shot Hector a look. “What’s with all the questions?”

“Okay, okay.” He threw up his hands. “I was just asking. You two are usually never apart.”

“Is that a fact? Since she’s acting like queen of the research center, I took herhighness’ scepter. If she continues to talk to me, I’m going to use it to check her temperature. Rectally.”

As if seeing a monster, Hector widened his eyes and drew back. “What da hell!”

Ignoring Hector’s surprised expression; Coy ran her eyes over the young guy who sat at the check-out counter. She cast her gaze toward Hector. “He’s paying for my lunch today.”

The guy smiled. “No problem.”

Coy smiled, brightly. “Now, that’s what I like to hear. Why can’t more men be like you? Sexy. Smooth. Sensuous. When you grow up, call me. I’ve got a crib in my bedroom. I think you’ll fit nicely.”

The guy drew back shyly. He stroked his chin and grinned. “I’ll do that.”