A Demon in Stilettos (6 page)

My mind must be working overtime. I feel like I made love, allnightlong.
Sighing softly, she ran her fingers over her bare tummy and scratched. Simultaneously, she realized she was completely nude.
Why would I take my clothes off?
Coy raised the sheets and peered at her exposed breast.
Something is not right.

Turning her head to her right, Coy caught a glimpse of Lincoln John’s sleeping face. With mouth agape, she flinched, scooting quietly toward the edge of the mattress. Although the bed was king-sized, how could she have missed an entire man lying beside her; especially Lincoln Johns?Confused, her heart raced in her chest. She gazed about the predominantly male bedroom.

What happened? How did I get here?
Staring at Lincoln’s gorgeous face, she eased out of bed as quietly as she could. Trembling, she looked upon his sleeping body—a Greek god, swaddled sensuously in dark blue sheets. Keeping an eye on Johns, Coy crept about, looking for her shoes, finally she spotted them beside the bed. Taking the shoes into her arms she then eased toward the bedroom door and tiptoed downstairs.

Once downstairs, she found her black dress, and shimmied inside it. Grabbing her keys off the coffee table, she grasped the stilettos, placing them under her arm.

Within seconds, Coy slid into her new car, and drove away.
What the hell happened? How did I get here? I know I didn’t drink anything. How could Johns have taken advantage of me like that? How dare him! The last thing I recall is getting dressed for the Chem Chicks’ night out. I have a feeling something went horribly wrong. God knows, I don’t mind being with Lincoln Johns, but I don’t recall how, and I don’t recall why.

Coy banged the steering wheel.
What did I just do? What?
She cast her gaze around the interior of her new car.
And suddenly, I decide to make a major purchase—like a car? I just don’t understand this! Is this some sort of amnesia?

Seeing the sun coming up, Coy wiped sweat from her furrowed brow and glanced at the clock in her dash.
Shit! It’s six-thirty. I’ll be late for work. Johns will never respect me after this, I just know it! I can’t face him today. I just can’t!

There was no doubt she’d made love. Her passage felt stretched, and throbbed in memory. After taking a long hot shower and washing her hair, Coy decided she needed the day to regroup. She was much too embarrassed to face Erin, or anyone. Holding a cup of coffee, she paced the floor of her apartment. Shaking her head periodically, she tried desperately to recall the events that occurred the night before.

Notwithstanding, she was a thrifty person, but somehow she had an overwhelming urge to buy a new Cadillac. And, why would she dump most of her clothes at Goodwill Industries, and leave an itemized tax receipt on the table. Sipping a large mug of coffee, Coy absently turned on the television, then got online. Was she losing her mind? The entire event left a bad taste in her mouth. Feeling she’d lost control, Coy decided not to leave the house at all.

* * * *

Later that afternoon, Coy heard a knock at the door. Dressed in pajamas and a tee, she opened the door. Seeing Erin, she cast her worried gaze toward the floor. “Hey, Erin. Come on in.”

“Well,
Miss Lab Rat
,” she sassed. “I guess you needed all day to recuperate from last night.” With eyes dancing, Erin placed her hands on her hips. “What happened to you, last night? We waited, and Bonnie even sent you a text.”

Ashamed, Coy stroked her arm and cleared her voice. “I know. I decided to take a drive.”

“A drive.” Erin bobbed her head, and pursed her lips. “We’re sitting at the restaurant, dressed in the hottest fashions, and you decided to take a drive?”

“Y—yes,” she stammered, twirling her hair around her finger.

Erin gazed around the apartment as if looking for something out of the ordinary. “Coy VanAlstine, I smell a lie.”

Coy turned her back, but lashed out at her friend. “Believe what you like. I don’t need to answer to you.”

Placing her bag on the sofa, Erin sat down. “Do I even know you anymore?” She shrugged. “What brought about this change? Yesterday, you had lunch with the doctors, plus you’ve been rude to me and the other guys. Who are you, anyway?” she stormed, rising from the sofa. “You owe me an apology.”

“I’m sorry!” Coy closed her eyes against Erin’s verbal assault. Humiliated, she held her head in shame. “I’m sorry,” she admitted softly. Tears stung her eyes. “I don’t know how to explain it,” she whimpered. “I just haven’t been myself lately. Maybe it’s my new vitamins. I don’t know. But, all of a sudden, I feel so different, so alive, so daring.”

“Blame it on anything.” Erin said haughtily, then grimaced. “Hormones, PMS, depression, all I know is that Lincoln Johns was lurking outside the lab all day.”

Erin’s words jolted her; Coy raised her head, her heart filled with hope. “He was?”

“Ah, yeah.” She reached into a bowl of popcorn that Coy had been eating. “He even asked where
you
were.”

Coy cringed. Gathering her nerves, she asked timidly, “What did you say?”

“What do you think I told him?” Erin blasted, with upturned palms. “I told him the truth.”

“You did?” Coy scowled and walked toward her. She sat on the arm of the sofa.

“Sure, I told him you contracted strep throat yesterday and could hardly talk.”

“You didn’t.” Coy sank down, and let out a silent curse.

Erin picked up the remote control to Coy’s television. “He’ll never find out, anyway.”

Suddenly, a hazy picture flashed in Coy’s head. She visualized the sheer pleasure on Lincoln’s face as he experienced making love to her. She remembered teasing Lincoln with the ripe tips of her breasts, while he trailed hungrily after them. Releasing the thoughts, she reeled with embarrassment and her voice trembled. “Believe me. He’ll find out.”

“Don’t worry. Despite what you’ve done to me, I’ve still got your back.”

“Gee, thanks.” She rolled her eyes.

Erin plopped down on the sofa. “Why you ungrateful, whore!”

She threw up her hands to calm her. “I’m sorry. It’s just that this situation is so complicated.”

“Well, you’d better have your hot booty at work tomorrow. Work is stacking up, and we have strict deadlines.”

“Yeah.” Coy tugged her earlobe. “I’ll be there tomorrow.”

* * * *

The next morning, when Coy’s cell phone alarm rang, she sat up in bed.
I can do this.
She stretched, and stuck her feet into her slippers. Before she had time to think, Coy got dressed, then slid her feet into the stunning black stilettos. Feeling faint, she grasped her head, paused, and lowered herself toward the bed. After a few minutes, she felt better than ever. Like a mysterious siren, she twisted her hips and headed for the door.

Coy drove her red Cadillac past the gate and Robert scratched his head. Having no regards for his existence, she totally ignored him. Waiting near Coy’s parking spot, Erin paced. Before Coy could turn off her motor, Erin started screaming. “Oh, hell. Not you again.”

Closing her door, Coy pocketed her keys and walked toward Erin. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” Erin receded. “You’re all dolled up again. It’s just that when you dress up with those heels, make-up and curls, you act differently.”

“I do not.” On those words, she left Erin standing on the concrete sidewalk.

After opening the glass door, Coy turned and noticed that Erin was standing still. “Well, you coming in, or not?”

Erin shuddered. “I’m surprised you asked.”

“Look, Duchess. I’m trying to be nice to you. What’s the problem now?” Coy scanned her badge. “You said I was a bitch. So, now I’m trying to be a nice bitch.”

“What!” Erin’s ears reddened as she laid her badge back in place. Her eyes held a blank stare.

Looking around the corner, Coy inquired, “Wonder if that sexy Lincoln will drive past to get coffee?”

Erin frowned. “He always comes this way, Coy,” she stated flatly. “He’s the first person we see each morning. You know that.”

True to her word, Lincoln Johns walked around the corner. When he reached the elevator he paused. In a lively tune, he sang out, “Good morning, ladies.”

Coy parted her lips, then swept her tongue against her straight teeth. “Hello, yourself. I had a wonderful time Tuesday night.” Erin jerked her arm, but Coy ignored her.

Johns bit his lip.His eyes closed mirthfully. “Likewise,” he crooned. “We must visit again sometime.”

“I’m game.” She smirked. “You naughty boy. Don’t forget next Friday night.”

Johns shook his head and ran his fingers through his brunette hair. “There’s no way, I can forget our date. Plus, I’ve already purchased the tickets for the show next week.”

“Good boy.” She patted him on the head, and mussed his hair.

After a seductive wink, Johns walked toward the cafeteria, and Erin turned toward Coy. “What the hell was that all about?”

Exasperated, Coy pulled her fingers through her hair. “There you go again. What’s with you and my dating someone?” The elevator opened and they stepped inside.

Erin gnashed her teeth and snapped, “That someone is Doctor Lincoln Johns. Youare a lab rat. I don’t know what kind of potion you drank, or if you found some monkey bones or something, but something is seriously wrong with you.”

As they passed floor after floor, Coy watched the buttons light up. “Am I going to hear this shit all day?”

Breathing hard, Erin stuck out her chest, and addressed Coy. “You went to see, Lincoln Johns? You said you went for a drive.”

“I did.” Coy pulled a curl. “I drove right into his arms.”

“You’re a liar! Johns wouldn’t have you. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I believe you’re embellishing the truth. I’ll bet you had coffee with him, in the same restaurant, but different tables.”

“Perhaps.” Coy smirked. “But, I love that cute tattoo beside his stiff Johnson.”

“You lie!” Erin curled her fist. “How could you stand there and lie like that?” The elevator door opened and Erin stormed out.

Coy seemed puzzled. “Look, we had a great time. I’m not ashamed of that.”

“Listen, you.” Erin slammed her hands against the lab’s door. “I’m tired of this game. You did
not
have sex with Dr. Johns.”

Coy opened her locker, tossed her purse inside, then she shot Erin a look. “Okay.” Ignoring Erin, she gathered supplies to start her new cultures.

* * * *

Preparing for her break, Coy removed her bonnet, mask, and lastly her gloves. While washing her hands, she saw Johns as he walked down the corridors. Standing in front of the lab, he greeted Dr. Williams with a friendly hand shake. Their muted conversation had no effect on Coy.Engulfed in a sociable exchange, Johns gestured with his hands. Periodically, he nodded his head while peering discreetly into the lab’s window.

Coy tossed her paper towel and stared; watching every movement of Johns’ toned body. Sensual memories engulfed her. Sparks of passion fluttered toward her lower regions. Looking through the thick glass, Coy parted her lips. She slid her fingers across the starched fabric of her lab coat and cupped the sides of her breasts. Her tips had grown taut, and she gently tweaked them.

Seeing, her blatant sexual overtones, Johns stepped in front of Williams, thereby turning Williams’ back toward the thick glass. In this position, Johns had blocked Williams’ view inside the lab.Outside the lab, Johns watched. Shifting his weight from foot to foot, he engaged in idle conversation.

Through the window, Coy stroked her palms across her cheeks, then ran her fingers along her neck. After lifting her cascading curls, she displayed her kissable neck. She moaned deliciously, then parted her engorged lips.Sweeping her tongue along the contours of her upper front teeth, Coy slowly unbuttoned the top button on her lab coat. Dainty fingers slid haltingly over pearl white buttons, she unbuttoned the second button, exposing her once-hidden cleavage.

Johns hesitated, widened his eyes, then continued his conversation with Williams.

Pulling her upper arms against her breasts, Coy squeezed her breasts together, causing them to plump invitingly. Memories of their lovemaking swirled aimlessly about her passage. Suddenly, her breath caught in her throat, and she jerked forward.

While Coy seduced Johns, his thoughts seemed to falter. He eyed Coy, placed his palm against his neck and stroked his shoulders. There was no doubt; Coy’s arousal was affecting his judgment. Johns stammered his way through the conversation.

When Williams prepared to leave, Johns placed his hand on his shoulder and held him a few moments longer. His deliberate ploy to delay was obvious to Coy.After a few moments, Williams finally tore himself from Johns’ idle conversation. Watching him walk away, Johns then turned and locked eyes with Coy. He stepped toward the glass, shook his head, grinned, and then shook an accusing finger.

* * * *

Johns worked in his office through lunch. Pecking on his computer, he labored diligently at his desk.Hearing his doorknob turning, he elevated his head.Unexpectedly, the door opened quietly. Before he could gather his thoughts, Coy stepped inside his office and closed the door. Seeing the hungry expression on her face, Johns leaned back in his chair, rolling away from his computer. A smile seamed his shapely lips. “Well. The temptress strikes again.” He slowly rubbed his palms together.