Romantic Short Stories

A Moment Stolen

** This was a scene I had for a story I have yet to write, about twins that live very different lives that were interested in the same man. Sometimes I get these snippets, but they are so vivid that I have to jot them down for fear they will escape me. Hope you enjoy it. 

A MOMENT STOLEN

"Sabrina?" Eric burst into her dressing room.

Jesse gazed at her hands, willing them not to shake. She sighed and met Eric's intense stare. His look of desire was unmistakable. He pulled her close to him. She'd give anything to be looked at like that. He must have looked at Sabrina a million times like this, but she wasn't Sabrina.

"I wanted to talk to you about your sister."

Jesse tried not to show any surprise at his statement. 

"You know your sister is special to me and I just want to know..." 

Jesse knew no such thing. He's always kept his distance from her. Sabrina was the one to get all of his time. All of his affection.

The whirlwind that was Tiffani halted Eric's next words upon entering the room. 

"Doesn't anyone know how to knock anymore?" Jesse wondered dejectedly, already missing Eric's touch when released his hold on her and backed away upon Tiffani's entrance. Obviously, their conversation will have to wait.

His intensity of a moment ago completely dissolved into a lazy smile as he leaned against the wall, arms folded. 

"There you are?" Tiffani said to Jesse but not before flashing Eric a thousand-watt smile. 

"The woman is shameless," Jesse thought. Tiffani's headset hung haphazardly from her neck and she kept glancing from her clipboard to Jesse. "You're not dressed?" she said her brows drawn in concern.

"Dressed? For what?" Jesse asked, fearing the answer. 

"The cocktail party," Tiffani said pointing at her clipboard, "we have egos to caress, people to schmooze, donations to collect. You'll be expected to make an appearance." 

By you, Jesse knew she didn't mean Jesse the brilliant marine biologist but Sabrina the supermodel. 

"You know I'm really not feeling up to well. I'm sure my sister can take it from here," Jesse said poignantly to Tiffani, trying not to give herself away but desperate to end this charade. 

"Oh, didn't I tell you," Tiffani said not missing a beat, "Jesse has been called away, an emergency with one of the sea animals." Her grin could only be described as wicked knowing she had Jesse outmatched and now backed into a corner, after all, it was her idea Jesse take her sister's place on the runway. 

"And," Tiffani continued, without mercy "you know how important the park is to her. Without her there, we are going to need you, more than ever, to keep the masses happy." 

 "Fine," Jesse said knowing she was defeated. "If you see my sister, tell her we need to talk," Jesse said glaring murderously at Tiffani. No longer all business and back to her bubbly self, Tiffani agreed. 

"Sure. Now get dressed. The party starts in twenty minutes," she said before bouncing out the door.

Turning around in her chair, Jesse leaned back and began rubbing her temples. Her head was pounding. How was she expected to continue this farce? A tramp down the runway was one thing but to play Sabrina up close and personal was something entirely different.

Jesse jumped slightly as a pair of very capable hands began kneading the tension from her shoulders. She had almost forgotten Eric was in the room, almost. Well, at least one good thing would come of this deception she may actually learn what it was that Eric wanted to tell Sabrina about her. 

"That feels heavenly," she said closing her eyes and enjoying the sensations Eric's hands on her caused. 

Eric looked at her with concern in the mirror before them. "You said you weren't feeling up to par. What's wrong?" Opening her eyes she met his gaze. 

"Headache is all," Jesse said nonchalantly. 

"We really need to talk." Eric paused, "But I guess now is not the time. You have to get ready, but may I escort you to the party?"

"I guess." Jesse tried to sound disinterested although her stomach fluttered at the idea of having Eric by her side all evening. 

"I have a decision to make," Eric said, "and I am hoping you will help me. You will help me won't you?" He asked leaning in and kissing the soft skin of her neck, which was already sensitized by his touch.

Jesse's eyes closed. "Hmmm?" She sounded dazed. Her head was spinning, no not her head but her chair as Eric turned her around again and pulled her out of it and into his arms. 

"I thought I knew what I wanted before I saw you walk that runway but now... you've given me a lot to think about with those sexy looks of yours and I don't mean your figure." Eric untied her robe and slipped his hands around her waist.

His touch heated her skin. "This may be your only chance, Jesse," she told herself, remembering their last shared kiss as she stared transfixed at his soft lips. She wanted to taste them again. She no longer cared if he thought she was Sabrina, it wouldn't be the first time and she hungered for his touch.

He caressed her with his eyes and followed suit with his hands. Jesse turned her head upward ever so slightly inviting him to take her lips to his. With one hand pressed against the small of her back, Eric entangled the other into her soft brown hair. He held her firmly in place before capturing her mouth and delving into its depth.

Jesse melted against him, clinging to him and giving back all she received from him in that kiss. Eric reluctantly pulled away, biting his lip ever so slightly. His eyes narrowed as he looked into her eyes. For a moment, Jesse feared he might know. 

"Is it possible for twin sisters to kiss the same?" she wondered, but the look was so fleeting Jesse thought perhaps she misread it. He was now smiling at her and his dimple deepened making his smile mischievous.

"Now get dressed," he told her. "I'll meet you back here in about half an hour. I'm sure Tiffani won't come entirely unglued if you're fashionably late." 

Jesse only nodded as she reached back to the chair to steady herself. He opened the door but before he stepped through, he echoed. "I know you'll be busy, but don't forget I need your help."

And with those mysterious words, left her alone, wondering what the evening held in store for them both.