Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 88

"You were a godsend today," Carrie said as she added more scarves to her empty display rack. The sale had been a huge success. She and Lisa had been busy most of the day and if Simone hadn't shown up, both women were positive they would have collapsed by early afternoon.

"Yes, I suppose I was," Simone shrugged. She finished folding up the few remaining blouses and then moved to stand beside Carrie. She held out her hand and said, "Now, give me those. Lisa and I can take care of it. Good-bye, Carrie."

"I'm not leaving. I can't leave, yet. Look at this place. It's a sty-"

"But Mrs. Hardy is right," Lisa said as she returned from the stock room, carrying several hangers of skirts. "Don't you need to get ready for the video showing tonight? We could handle it if you left."

"I'd hate to leave you both with so much work to do-"

"Carrie, you're getting on my nerves," Simone interrupted her. "Would you please just go?!"

"Well, far be it for me to want to get on your nerves," Carrie replied with a small laugh. "I'll leave now. Will I see you two at Jacks tonight?"

"Not me," Simone said, shaking her head. "But tell Dawn and the kids that I'll watch the broadcast at home, so I'll be with them in spirit."

"I'll tell them, and what about you, Lisa?" Carrie asked, looking at her young employee. Carrie smiled as she took in how much the young woman had changed in the weeks since she'd join Carrie. Gone was the all-black attire and make-up, and in its place was the face of a fresh-faced teenager. Carrie smiled again and said, "The invitation was extended to you, too, of course. If you'd like, you're more than welcome to go with me."

Lisa smiled and as she was about to accept Carrie's invitation, a light tap sounded against the glass pane on the door.

"Hold that thought," Carrie said as she turned away to answer the door. She parted the blinds to see who was out there and a deep sigh escaped her when she saw the face of Stefan Cassadine smiling back at her. She unlocked the door and opened it slightly. Her eyes danced with merriment and remembered passion as she said, "May I help you?"

"Yes," came his husky reply as his eyes centered on her full lips before traveling slowly up to look into her brown eyes. Her lips parted, silently tempting him and unable to resist the urge, he leaned against her and lightly brushed his lips against her cheek.

"What do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?" she asked. The slight tremor of her voice and the deep breath she took were the only outward signs she allowed to demonstrate just how deeply his touch and nearness affected her.

"Yes, Stefan. Why did you stop by?" Simone asked, suddenly appearing at Carrie's side. A teasing smile lifted the corners of Simone's mouth as she said, "You missed the sale, but I'm sure you could still find something you'd like..."

"Thank you, Simone, but I have all that I need. To answer your question, I came by to see if you would require an escort to the engagement this evening. If so, I would be honored to oblige," he said, his eyes on Carrie as he waited for her response.

"Thank you, Stefan, but as you can see, I'm not even dressed, yet. I have to go home and change and then, there's dinner..."

"I know that this is rather presumptuous, but I was hoping that we could dine together," he said, and when she looked as if she might object, he quickly continued. "I have a brief meeting and in that time, you could ready yourself. I have to be honest and tell you that I couldn't imagine you looking more beautiful than you do right now."

Simone's eyes widened at Stefan's bold compliment. She looked at her friend to see her reaction and she was not surprised to see that Carrie had fallen for it...hook, line, and sinker. Simone felt a laugh build in the pit of her stomach and in an effort to prevent its escape, she coughed as she moved away to join Lisa as she counted the cashbox. She and Lisa exchanged a knowing glance before they directed their attention to preparing the bank deposit.