Welcome Readers...into my Dreams and Imagination.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Eleven, Part Two

Hey all,

Ready for more?  I have the feelings it's the calm before the storm, but I honestly don't know why.  Oh well, I guess we'll see.

Enjoy!!!

 
Hustle Into Love

~*~

* * * * * 

“That’s so sad.” Chantal rested her chin on her folded hands where they rested on Mace’s bare chest. “To have loved for all those years and not been able to show it. It breaks my heart.”

Mace ran his hand down her naked back. “It was hard at first. Listening to him, I mean. But I think he really does love him. This Aaron.”

“I wonder what he’s like. He’d have to be a good man. Lì wouldn’t choose anyone else. But I wonder if he’s handsome or kind or likes pizza.”

Mace laughed. “Pizza? Why pizza?”

She shrugged. “Why not pizza? It’s a major food group you know.” She grinned. “Though I don’t get to have that one very often.”

“I don’t see why not.” Mace’s eyes smoldered. “Your figure is fine just the way it is.”

“That’s because I don’t visit that food group very often. Remember today’s word.”

Abstemious.” He took on a long-suffering look. “Characterized by eating and drinking in moderation. I remember.”

“Exactly.” She patted his cheek like a teacher rewarding a bright student. “Still, I’m glad he opened up to you. It’s important for you two to be honest with each other.”

“You could have told me.”

She shook her head. “No. I couldn’t have. I didn’t know the details.”

His eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

Chantal giggled at the astonishment on his face. “I didn’t know, Mace. Yeah, I knew Lì was gay, and I knew he had someone special, but that’s all. I didn’t know his name or how they’d met. Lì never told me.”

He still looked shocked. “But…you’re his best friend.  Ummm...other than myself of course.”

“Yes. But I’m also a woman and a much younger woman at that. We don’t have sleepovers and tell secrets while we braid each other’s hair.”

“That’s good to know,” Mace growled.

She rolled her eyes. “What I’m saying is Lì wouldn’t feel comfortable talking to me about it. The only reason he shared his lifestyle choice at all was the night we met he had to tell me the truth. If he hadn’t I would have had him tossed him out of the club.”

“Why?”

“Lì wasn’t the first man to ‘offer’ me the sun and the moon. I had guys like him come in once a week.” Chantal lay back on the pillow and assumed a dramatic pose with the back of her hand against her forehead. “I can make you a star, baby,” she growled in a masculine voice. “Stick with me and you’ll make millions. Jerks.”

Mace snorted and rolled to his side. “Then how did you know—”

“I didn’t.” She shook her head. “No. That’s not quite true. I knew from the beginning there was something different about Lì. I was actually disappointed when he made the offer. I thought he was like everyone else. I was ready to call security. But then he told me he didn’t think of me that way. I put one and one together and actually came up with the right two.”

“But you knew about this Aaron.”

“Not the details,” she repeated patiently. “Lì and I have known each other for almost ten years. He has never tried to pretend he wasn’t what he is. When it was time for them to spend time together, he told me. I didn’t ask for more and he didn’t offer. And that was okay with me.”

Wrapping one of her curls around his index finger, Mace frowned. “I don’t think I want it to be that way. Not with me. He shouldn’t have to hide what he is.”

“I’m glad.” Chantal shifted so she could look at Mace. “Lì needs to know you love him no matter who he chooses to have sex with.”

“Jesus, Chantal.” Mace’s cheeks went ruddy. “I don’t need a word picture.”

“Stop it,” she said unrepentantly. “People in love have sex. And Aaron and Lì are in love. If you want to your brother to feel comfortable talking to you about this, you have to accept all of it.”

“You’re right. You’re right.” Mace pulled her closer. “I do love my brother and he deserves to be happy. If he wants Aaron in his life, we should give him the chance to be. Here in Macau or even coming back home to Chester for the holidays. If our mother knows—”

“That won’t happen.” Chantal shook her head, interrupting him. “Your mom may understand and accept, but Lì would never flaunt that in front of her. He’s just too Chinese.”

There was a moment of silence as Mace thought it through. Then he sighed. “Yes. Of course. But that doesn’t mean he can’t come to England at all. He can come visit me. They’d both be welcome and comfortable there.”

Her heart melted into a gooey little puddle. “You’re pretty special, you know that?”

Mace flashed her a grin then pulled her beneath him. “For letting my brother visit?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yeah.” He kissed her. “So now Lì will have at least two places in Europe he can use as vacation spots.”

Chantal frowned. “Two?”

“You have a place in Paris, right?”

She nodded.

“Then if he’s not staying with us in London, he can visit us in Paris. And bring Aaron.”

What was left of her gooey heart pounded out the rhythm of the fastest Irish jig. Her longing for a future with Mace made it hard to breathe. They loved each other, of that she had no doubt, but he’d never said anything about what might come next.

She swallowed hard and touched his cheek. “What exactly are you saying?”

He brushed his lips over hers. “What do you think I’m saying?”

“Mace!”

He chuckled. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t tease.” He bent and kissed her again, this time with more passion. “I love you, Chantal. Do you really think that would stop at the border of Macau?”

“So—” she took a deep breath, praying he was saying what she hoped he was, “—you’re thinking we might have a future together?”

“For someone so intelligent, there are times when you are incredibly dense.”

“Damn it, Mace,” she wailed.

He laughed aloud this time. “You are so ridiculously easy to mess with, I can’t help it.” He framed her face in his hands. “But it only makes me love you more.”

“Mace.” But this time she said it breathlessly.

“You are the most important person in my life,” he whispered. “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life—”

The phone rang, interrupting whatever he was about to say. Chantal’s eyes narrowed. “I’m getting really tired of you getting phone calls right in the middle of something important.”

Mace winced. “I’m sorry. It might be Lì. He was supposed to get the results about the bombing. I…um…probably should get that.”

“Fine. Whatever.” Chantal pulled away and waved her hand. Disappointment made her chest hurt, but the irritation and worry on Mace’s face added amusement to the mix. “Talk to your brother rather than about our unimportant future together. See if I care. See if I give it another thought. See if I—”

His passionate kiss shut her up, even as the phone blasted next to them. She was aware of his arousal throbbing against her and she melted against him like chocolate warmed in the summer sun.

“Okay,” she panted when he broke the kiss. “So, I guess I can forgive you. This time.”

Mace chuckled as he rolled towards the phone. “My love, you always say and do the unexpected.”

She lay quiet as he answered. It was Lì, and Mace listened more than he spoke. When his back stiffened, she instinctively put her hand on his shoulder in comfort. She waited until he hung up the phone before asking,

“What is it?”

There was fury in Mace’s face as he turned back towards her. “The bomb results came back. It was built from a material manufactured in Thailand. Because it was imported, they know who brought it in.”

Chantal sat up in surprise. “You know who planted the bomb?”

“We know who purchased the materials.”

“Who?”

“A company called STM Incorporated.”

She suddenly got a very bad feeling. “And STM stand for…”

Mace’s face went even grimmer. “SunTrust Manufacturing.”

She swallowed hard. “And the reason you have that funny look on your face is because it’s owned by…”

“Hui Sun.”


~*~ 


Just a heads up.  I'll put March and April's comments together for the monthly prize.  And then we'll get back on track.  Hope you liked today's installment.  A little more of the mystery is revealed...

Hugs,
CJ England











Follow Your Dreams
http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

14 comments:

Chele Blades said...

really glad your back...love this story,

Hope we get to find out who is behind this, mace & Chantal get engaged & Li & Aaron are welcomed into the family...but of course then that would be the end and that just will not do *sigh*

i guess i will leave the writing to you but i will be back every tues & thurs

Phylis said...

You are such a tease! Forgive me if there are mistakes in this. I'm typing one handed because the carpal tunnel in my right hand is acting up...big time. Can you say ouch?? Sorry, I am super bexcited yhat Mace and Chantal are back and you as well! Thanks for sharing more of your wonderful imagination!

Carrie said...

Can't wait to see what happens next. I wonder if its the father, the daughter going behind the father's back or if its both of them becasue Mace dumped the stuip girl. if it is waht a sore loser.Just have to wait and see.

Ashley L said...

I knew it all along! Well, at least I think I know who planted the bomb. I'll just have to wait and see for sure. Definitely glad to be back!

Mannouchka said...

Dear Cj,

I so happy for that entry, they found who put the bomb woo It's getting more and more interesting
Wish you a great long week-end and
Happy Easter to all of you
Cheers

CJ England said...

Thanks Chele,

I'm not sure yet who is behind it. Everyone is being very closed mouthed about it. I sense a twist coming. LOL

CJ England said...

Phylis,

Rest your hand. God, that's got to hurt! Glad you're here and enjoying the story.

Hugs and feel better.

CJ England said...

Carrie,

I keep asking that same question and no one will tell me. I'm the author and I'm being kept in the dark.

What a drag.

CJ England said...

Thanks, Ashley.

I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. I think it's going to be a big one.

CJ England said...

Happy Easter back atcha Mannouchka!

I have a basket for Jonathon. We'll see what he gets for me! LOL

Susan Bloomingdale said...

Tuesdays and Thursdays take too long to get here!! Love the way the story is progressing!! Missed these woman, oh and of course, you too!! Welcome back :)

CJ England said...

Thanks, Susan.

I missed you all too. At least I had Mace and Chantal with me. LOL

SharonJM said...

Now that, that particular shoe has dropped. I hope that Mace and Li nail them to the wall.

CJ England said...

SharonJM,

I actually tried to write ahead so I'd know what was going on, but I couldn't.

I enjoy these cliffhangers as much as you all do! (said tongue in cheek) LOL