continuing applause, Lady Winston-Bell held up one hand for silence.
“The judges have decided that one more award can and should be made. The Cunard Line, represented by their cruise director, Miss Maida Hass, has graciously agreed to grant a special award, for suitability for its clients, creativity, panache in presentation, and courage under stress; the Queen’s Golden Award, to Mrs. Lauren Rose, September Song.”
The applause was sincere and hearty.
Mike came on stage to lead Lauren toward Lady Winston-Bell to receive her award. It was a golden heart on a slim gold chain. He offered her his arm and she was surprised and touched to see that he had tied a violet silk scarf, one of her signature items, around his sleeve. He intended to escort her offstage to accept the congratulations of the audience, as Maartens had done for Madame Shere, but he was caught by the incredulous joy on Lauren’s face. He stood looking down at her for a moment. She looked back at him, the love she felt for him plainly visible in her glowing eyes and soft mouth. Suddenly ignoring the delighted audience, Mike swept her into his arms and kissed her.
Laughter and applause.
Then Lady Winston-Bell announced, “If that is what happens when one wears a September Song dress, I intend to buy nothing else.”
Sir George rose to salute her from the audience. “Hear! Hear!” he called to her, smiling. This brought down the house.
When he finally got Lauren away from well-wishers—among whom Carlos and Herbert were significantly missing—Mike led her firmly to his suite. Lauren sat down on the chair, still stunned. The man grinned as he poured her sherry. “Drink this. The show is over and it won’t matter if you get a little mellow.”
Lauren accepted it without comment, and drank it down.
“You can have one more, and then I have another relaxing therapy in mind for you.”
Lauren smiled up at him. “You were right, you know. What we have—what I feel for you,” she corrected herself, “is too special to be spoiled by bargaining. Being commercial, you called it.”
Mike’s eyebrows rose. “You mean you aren’t holding out for marriage?” He was sorry as soon as the words left his lips; surprise had caused him to say what sounded crudely offensive at this point. He stared at Lauren apprehensively. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.”
“But you were right. I think we both have a lot to learn about love. And I want to learn it with you.”
Mike came to her swiftly, a man of experience and passion, but with almost a youthful look of delight and anticipation on his face. He swung her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. There, he set her on her feet beside his bed and went back to lock the door.
“Nothing is going to interrupt us now,” he whispered as he came back and drew her into his arms. “I love this dress on you, but, darling, I think I’ll love it better off.” And he began, with big hands that trembled just a little, to undo the glittering, small collar and remove the caftan.
Sensing his need, Lauren didn’t try to help in his task. Very soon he had her before him in the two scraps of satin and lace that were her only other garments. Hose and dress were flung aside casually, but Lauren didn’t object. The dress had indeed served its purpose, bringing her where she most wished to be, into Mike’s arms. His hands were gentle on her body. Then they stilled, and he lifted his eyes to hers. Soberly he placed her on the bed.
“I want to take off my clothes now. It isn’t fair that I’m still dressed.”
As he quickly disrobed, Lauren wondered at the sensitivity this man was learning to show. That he should stop to think of her feelings, when he so evidently wanted and needed her. She leaned up and helped him undo the well-fitting dress trousers. She heard his breath catch in a gasp.
She looked up quickly. It was all there in his face, the need, the passion, the pleasure. She went on with her task. In a few minutes he was beside her on the bed.
“Are you comfortable? Too cold?” he asked, warmly possessive.
She put her arms around his neck. “I’m comfortable.” It didn’t seem necessary to make any speeches. He was here; she was with him, where she passionately wished to be. She loved him better than anyone or anything she had ever known. Lauren