A Dark and Stormy Romance

By Euphemia Clathering

Sarah and Daniel are madly in love but they must stay vigilant as life can change as quickly as the weather.
Action, romance and humor fill the rainy days between New York City and Long Island's Manhasset Bay—but inner strength is tested during the worst of the storm. Daniel played the hero once. Who will take that role the second time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Euphemia Clathering
• Release date: Oct 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9780990330028

Euphemia Clathering

Euphemia Clathering worked at Comedy Central with unknowns such as Stephen Colbert, and siblings Amy and David Sedaris. She worked at the Metropolitan Opera and partied with Placido Domingo. She mopped the sweaty brow of Robin Williams after an exuberant stage performance. And when she lived in the Hotel Chelsea, the ghost of Nancy Spungen often stopped the elevator on the first floor, hoping someone would save her from her murder by Sid Vicious. Euphemia's stories will always shock and delight.

Book preview

A Dark and Stormy Romance

Kathrine Piper

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Published by Whispering Wife

©2014 by Kathrine Piper

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

without the express written permission of the publisher

except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 978-0-9903300-0-4

WhisperingWife.com

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter One

Hungarian Dances

Summer kicked off with a blistering start, like the fiery passion of a new romance. It had been hot—like the ardor that heated Daniel’s blood whenever his lover Sarah was within view. Sarah’s bold brown eyes were as invigorating to Daniel as a refreshing cup of iced tea and her beautiful soul splashed his heart with adrenalin. She captivated him like no other.

The solstice had thrust itself upon the city, but as it waned and waxed and the days meandered into July, the temperature gradually mellowed. Balmy weather wrapped gentle arms around the people of New York.

Within three months of Daniel’s and Sarah’s first date, the two were not only lovers, but the best of friends. They moseyed through mild, pleasant evenings as they meandered into steadfast friendship.

At the street corner, he met her with a hug.

I’m so glad you were able to come with me tonight, Sarah. Your work hours are too long.

That’s how the job is, but I have nothing booked for the next few days. It will be fun to go to this performance without having to rush home to bed. I mean, tonight I don’t have to get any sleep, she clarified coyly.

Daniel felt a little rush at the thought of being with Sarah in her quirky, pre-war apartment. He looked into her eyes and imagined kissing them closed—feeling his lips brush against her long curly lashes. Every part of him wanted contact with every part of her.

On the street, he chivalrously hooked her arm within his.

As they strolled, Daniel and Sarah—and thousands of other urbanites—headed to Central Park to hear the New York Philharmonic perform a selection of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. The performance would be in the Great Lawn, and it was free to anyone with a blanket or a lawn chair—or even just a plastic garbage bag and a rear end—so a crowd was guaranteed.

Despite the numbers, the lovers only had eyes for each other.

The weather was warm but dry, and it had been over a week without rain. New Yorkers were jovial because of all the extra sunshine without any mugginess. As it happened, the skies had remained clear all day until just before the time to gather for the concert. By six-thirty, humidity began to roll in. Clouds threatened rain, but people assumed—with their collective New York attitude—that any rain would be brief or evaporate before hitting the ground. The rain wouldn’t dare mess with their plans.

Daniel stayed cool as he ambled with Sarah, wearing his standard Silicon Alley high-tech attire of sockless sneakers and rumpled khaki cargo shorts. He displayed an executive flare with his pricey designer shirt, but he kept himself casual by rolling up his sleeves to expose his toned biceps—to catch the afternoon’s gentle breeze and Sarah’s gaze.

Sarah worked as a professional shopper to style commercials, videos and photo shoots. She spent her days pulling from the stock of high-end designer shops, but for her own style she preferred the less pretentious look of quirky thrift shop garb. A purveyor of all things unique, tonight she was dressed in a very old vintage linen blouse, a deep blue pleated mini-kilt and scruffy black Converse high tops.

Daniel thought she looked adorable and noted that she even managed to roll a flip into her hair, despite the growing humidity.

Hey, cutie-pie, would you let me carry that big bag for you? he offered. What’s in there anyway? It looks heavy.

I schlep giant shopping bags all day. This is nothing. It just has my ancient tartan blanket for us to sit on and some snacks and cups. Oh, and I think I threw my phone in there somewhere too.

Do you want to stop and check for it before we go any further?

No. I’m sure I have it. I can’t miss a call if anyone needs me to work.

Wouldn’t it be more secure in your backpack?

Nah. It’s harder to answer it quickly when I have to fuss with zippers—and there are too many zippers in this thing. As it is, I keep misplacing my lip gloss. I don’t want to also misplace my phone.

Then I shall continue the important job of carrying the wine.

"That is important. And what kind of wine is hidden in your brown paper bag for our enjoyment this evening?"

A light, effervescent Portuguese Vinho Verde.

My favorite! Daniel, you remembered. She smiled widely.

I have made it my mission to remember your favorite things. He gave her cheek a quick, tender brush with his finger. You may enjoy this wine during musical interludes but you are not allowed to become more than the tiniest amount of drunk.

I can’t get drunk on that stuff. The alcohol content is too low.

You can too get drunk on it. I’ve seen you. His sideways glance reminded her what a lightweight she was.

Alright, I’ll pace myself between your delicious kisses.

Daniel stopped walking. Sarah, still linked at his elbow, also stopped. Groups of fast-walking people split to maneuver around them. Daniel wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him for a spontaneous, but deep, kiss. She melted into his body and responded fervidly.

I wonder if you know how much I love you, Sarah, he breathed the words into her mouth as his lips lightly touched hers.

I do know, and I love you too, she replied with sincerity, looking intensely into his eyes.

They concluded their romantic interlude before continuing their walk in silence along the winding paths of the park. Although they didn’t speak, their glances, their smiles and their interlocked fingers spoke volumes.

Hey, sweetheart, I have a present for you, Daniel announced once they reached their preferred spot and settled on her blanket.

You do? My very own virtual reality combat training goggles for maneuvers through Bergdorf Goodman? Where did you hide them? I don’t see them!

No, he laughed at her reference to his software company’s lucrative military contracts. It’s not so fancy. It’s just a little something that immediately made me think of you—so I had to buy it. He reached into the paper bag and handed her a small, rectangular box. Here you go.

You’re always thinking of me, and I feel like I do nothing for you. Her smile became