Authors: Joanne Schwehm
I needed to get up. I was afraid of what I would say. “I’ll be
right back.” I headed toward the bathroom.”
“Don’t take too long.” I looked back at him. His hands were
clasped behind his head, and he looked as though he’d just conquered the world.
I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his chest, arms, and face. He definitely had
the total package.
I got cleaned up and wiped the eyeliner and mascara off from
underneath my eyes. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t believe all of this
was happening to me. If I hadn’t wanted to write a romance novel and hadn’t
confided in Julie, I never would have gone to the Speed Dating event and thus
never would have met Alex. It’s so funny how things turn out. I went back into
the bedroom, and Alex was still in the same position. I just laughed at the
shit-eating grin on his face. He looked edible.
I climbed on the bed and cuddled up next to him. I propped my
head on my hand and started making circles on his magnificent chest with my
fingers. “What’s that look for?”
He took my hand and kissed my knuckles and then each finger one
by one. “I was just thinking how lucky I am that you came into my life.” He
looked at the bracelet on my arm and exhaled. His eyes became sad. “I wish you
could have met my mom. She would be so happy that I found you.” His fingers
were softly trailing up and down my arm.
“I would’ve loved to have known her too. Want to tell me about
her?”
He kissed my bracelet and held my hand to his chest. “My mom was
the best. I played lacrosse when I was younger, and I was very good. I was playing
on the Junior Varsity team when I was in the seventh grade. She came to all my
games, never missed one. She was everything to me. She was about five foot five,
had dark hair and brown eyes, and had a beautiful smile. Everyone used to say
we had the same smile.”
He looked up to the ceiling, as if he were looking into heaven, remembering
her smile.
“She was wonderful and a very giving person. She helped watch the
neighbor kids when their parents worked since my mom was home because my dad
didn’t want her working. It was too bad because she was a talented interior designer,
but my dad didn’t like the way it looked if my mom worked.” Alex shook his
head.
“He should have been proud of my mom; I was. All my friends
called her Mom and thought I was the luckiest kid around. My sister, Ellie, was
five years older than I was. I always thought she was lucky because she spent
more time with Mom. She even got to be with her when she died.” A tear ran down
his cheek.
I rolled on top of him and kissed his tear away. “She sounds like
she was wonderful, Alex. I think she was lucky to have a son like you, just as
I’m lucky to have you.” I laid my head on his heart, and we held each other,
the beat beneath my ear lulling me to sleep.
I was home, making sure I had all my things packed for
the trip. Alex, Julie, and Brett were expected to pick me up within the hour. I
was so excited. I’d had a great weekend with Alex. We spent Sunday together
going over what we needed for the trip, and Alex made sure to tell me that he
was going to take me shopping while we were in Europe. I couldn’t imagine
shopping in Italy and Paris. I hadn’t written in my journal in a couple of days,
so I figured now would be a good time.
Entry 7—Alex—My Everything
Saturday night Alex took me to a fundraiser supporting
Education against Drunk Drivers, and he gave a speech that I knew was difficult
for him. I wish I could have held his hand while he spoke, but I am sure that
would have turned some heads. Speaking of heads, boy did they turn! I knew Alex
was a good catch, but I never thought he was considered the one to catch. To me,
he was Alex, my Alex. He is my world now, and I would give up anything for him,
just as I am giving up the notion of writing my romance novel about a man and
the romantic things he does or doesn’t do. Alex is everything romantic: his
smile, the way he looks at me, his touches, just everything. I think I would
die if I didn’t have his touches. I fell fast for Alex, and his wanting me is
extraordinary.
I met his dad, and I feel bad for the way they are with each
other. I can tell they are both hurting in different ways, but some are the
same too. They both lost what sounds like two wonderful women; Alex resents his
dad for it and misses his mom and sister terribly. I am sure that his dad feels
horrible too. It’s sad because they lost each other during this time, and it
should have brought them together. Families are funny that way. Alex will be meeting
my parents next week. That should be interesting.
Until I return!!
I closed my journal and tossed it in my drawer. My parents were
beyond excited that I was coming to Paris and bringing friends with me. I hadn’t
told my mom that Alex was my boyfriend because when I’d told her we were
visiting, I wasn’t sure what we were to each other. I knew my mom, and if I’d told
her I love Alex, I would have gotten the third degree and Alex would have
gotten worse than that. I suppose when we got there she would find out, but
maybe by seeing us together, she’d be more accepting of the idea instead of me
just springing it on her.
I looked at the clock and figured Alex should be at my place
soon. I knew Brett and Julie were already with him. I went through my carry-on
bag for the hundredth time, verifying I had my ID, passport, cell-phone charger
with a European adapter, and my parents’ info. I also had my laptop and some
other things for work.
I was going crazy waiting in my apartment, so I decided to head
down to the lobby to wait for them there. I took the elevator down, and as soon
as the door opened, I saw Julie. “We’re going to Europe today!” She was yelling
and jumping up and down.
All I could do was laugh. I love Julie; she’s the best. “How
awesome is this, Jules? We get to be together and with our men. If you’d told
me a month ago that his would be happening, I wouldn’t have believed you. Where
are the guys?”
“They’re in the car. They told me to come get you. I think they
wanted me out of there because I was bouncing around the car like a lunatic. But,
come on, we are going to Europe!” She grabbed both my hands in hers and started
swinging me around in a circle as if we were kids.
“Okay, okay! Let’s get to the car so we can get to Europe.” I
wheeled my bag and Julie took my carry-on.
We arrived at the airport, and Alex had purchased us first-class
tickets. I was so surprised. I’d never flown first class before. The plane was
great. The seats reclined all the way to look like a bed. It was as if we had
our own room with a TV monitor, charging station, really nice pillows, and
blankets. The seats were lined up one in front of the other. Alex was behind me
rather than next to me. I was a little sad because I wanted to hold his hand
during the flight and cuddle with him. But, who was I to complain? This was
awesome.
We sat down and buckled up per our flight attendants’
instructions, Alex knocked on the back of my seat. I unbuckled and propped
myself up so I could see him. He was so gorgeous. “As soon as that fasten
seatbelt light is off, I’m coming up there. Be ready. This is an overnight
flight.” He winked and I couldn’t help but smile. I was so happy.
I sat back down and clicked my seat belt. I was staring at the seatbelt
light, willing it to turn off, and we weren’t even in the air yet. I grabbed
the magazine that was provided and started glancing at the movies that were
going to be shown on this flight. I had seen most of them, so I figured I’d
just listen to music and read.
We were in the air and were being served dinner, which I had
never received on a plane. The flight attendant brought me my tray, and there
was a white orchid in a vase. I looked up at her and she smiled; then she
looked at Alex and winked. My smile broadened knowing he’d done this. He was
the ultimate romantic boyfriend.
The dinner was actually good, which surprised me since I’d heard
horror stories about airplane food. I had a glass of wine too, it was awesome. I
took the flower out of the vase and held it when my tray was removed. I turned
to thank Alex, and he was sitting in his seat with his left leg bent over his
right and his chin propped up in his hand. He had the most genuine smile. He
definitely looked pleased with himself, but there was something else:
contentment.
“Thank you for the flower. I love it.” I had it in my hand, so I
lowered my nose to it and inhaled. “This scent. . . I love that it reminds me
of you.” I smiled and turned back into my seat. I put my headphones back on, closed
my eyes, and held the flower to my cheek.
The sky was darkening; it was getting late. I reclined my seat
and looked up to see the fasten seat belt sign turn off. I smiled. I covered
myself with the blanket and settled into what I now considered my bed for the
night. I heard Alex talking to the flight attendant. I couldn’t hear what they
were saying, but she had a huge smile on her face when she walked by me.
I smelled him before I saw him. I needed to ask what cologne he wore,
or maybe it was just the scent of my orchid. I rolled to my side, and he slid
in next to me. We were facing each other. “Hey, babe,” he whispered.
God, he was sexy as hell. “Hey, what are you doing?”
“Kissing my girl and then going to sleep.”
“I don’t know that the flight attendant would approve.”
He was kissing me on my neck and around my ear. “She lives in the
city, so I offered her unlimited VIP access to the club if she ignores us. I
told her I didn’t want to get her in trouble, but if she could do what she
could, it would be appreciated.”
He looked proud of himself that he was able to work this out. He
covered himself with the blanket and held my hand until we started our descent.
Sadly, he had to return to his seat, but we’d been lucky to lie next to each
other all night.
The sun was shining, and the city of Tuscany was
amazing. This had to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. The
landscape of rolling hills and bricked streets was just amazing. Everything
about it was fantastic, even the people; they were all so nice and friendly. It
was different from New York. There weren’t horns blowing, and people weren’t
racing around, not caring about who was in their way.
It was calm, almost serene. Alex was holding my hand and Brett
was holding Julie’s as we walked into the villa that Alex had rented. I
couldn’t believe how gorgeous it was. The marble foyer was grand, but not over
the top. There was a country-style kitchen and an expansive living area with
couches and occasional chairs. The home was decorated in rich earth tones; it
was welcoming and warm. Julie loved the villa as well. “Dude, this place rocks!
Thank you so much for bringing us here! Look. You can see the sea and there is
a pool; it’s unbelievable, Alex!”
Alex laughed. “I’m glad you like it and that you and Aubrey could
join us. Your marketing strategies are the key for us being successful; we need
you both here for this.”
Julie realized she’d just called him “Dude.” “Um, yes, of course,
Alex, I didn’t mean to imply that we were on a vacation.” She stepped into her professional
persona. “We’ll work very hard to make sure that this venture is a success. That’s
our primary goal and objective. We’re here for you and your business, sir.”
What the hell had just happened to her? Was it jet lag? All the
three of us could do was stare at her. Brett had his head tilted to the side
like a dog when you call its name. I think if he could have made his ears move
he would have. I stood there with my mouth slightly opened. Alex had one arm
across his chest and the other hand propping up his chin. He looked the most
serious, and he was the first one to laugh. Brett and I followed.
“Geez, Julie, lighten up!” Alex was laughing. “I know this is
technically a business trip, but we’re all friends, and I want us all to have a
good time while we’re here. Although, if you could refrain from calling me
“dude” in front of potential business associates, that would be great. He
shoved her shoulder.
~*~
We spent the next few days visiting wineries in
Northern and Southern Italy. Between the wine and the food, I was sure I gained
ten pounds. Alex and Brett made great contacts with some of the wineries, and Julie
was busy taking photos and gathering the necessary information she would need
to come up with a great marketing plan. I was helping Julie. My experience
really wasn’t needed until Julie wrote all the copy for the plan. When we were
leaving Sicily and on our way to Paris, I was a nervous wreck. I could only
imagine what my parents were going to think. I told them I was coming on
business, but I knew that when I introduced Alex as my boyfriend it would be a
surprise to them. Hell, it was a surprise for me.
We checked in to the hotel where Alex had rented us a suite. The
hotel was amazing. The lobby was incredible, adorned with copper and beautiful
columns. The staircase was curved and expansive. I imagined a bride coming down
the staircase while the train of her white gown followed behind her. We took
this grand staircase to our suite; all the while I was imagining me in that
flowing gown. I looked over at Alex, so self-assured and amazing; yeah, I could
definitely picture it.
Alex unlocked the door to our room, and before I could look
around, he lifted me up. My legs instinctively wrapped around him, and he
grabbed me and pushed me up against the door. I could feel the panels of the
door on my back. I instinctively reached for the doorknob for support, but he
whispered that he had me. Boy, did he have me! I tightened my legs around him,
and my elbows rested on his shoulders, my fingers in his hair.
“I need you, Aubrey, right now.” He feverishly kissed me; his
tongue darted in and out of my mouth then down my neck, sucking my pulse. I
felt his arousal press between my legs. His hands kneaded my breasts; I was
going to lose it.
“Ahhh . . . Alex . . . I’m . . . going . . . to . . . ahhh. I
want to feel you, Alex.” I lifted his shirt off, and he followed suit with
mine.
He pulled down the cups of my bra, freeing my breasts, which
welcomed the cool air. Our chests rubbed together while my hands explored his
back. He had me pinned so tightly against the door that I thought I could go
through it. His thighs held me up so that I hardly needed to hang on.
I moved my hands to his pants; I needed them off. He sensed my
need for him. He gripped me around the waist and carried me to the bedroom. He
tossed me on the bed, stepped back, and looked at me. I was lying there in just
my jeans and my bra, which was only half on; my eyes were fixed on him.
His gaze became animalistic. “Strip for me.”
My heart pounded at his voice and command. “What?”
“I said, ‘Strip for me.’”
I stood up next to the bed. Alex leaned against the wall a few
feet away. He had his arms crossed, and his eyes were full of lust. I focused
on him. I wasn’t sure I could do this, but I wasn’t going to let him down.
I stared into his eyes. I licked my lips and ran my hand down my
stomach until I reached the button on my jeans. I slowly unbuttoned them,
turned around, bent over, and lowered them. I heard him take in a breath, and I
knew I was affecting him. My ass was in the air, and my hair was grazing the
floor. I took the opportunity to look around my leg and glance at him as I
stepped out of my jeans. He looked as if he were in a trance. Good. This was
working. I reached for my panties and lowered them next. I stood and turned to
him. I slowly walked toward him, unhooking my bra in the process. I lowered the
straps with my fingertips, one arm at a time. I held on to the strap with my
index finger and extended my arm. I dropped the bra to the ground, and it
landed at his feet. His eyes followed it all the way down. I stood there naked.
His eyes roamed my body. “You’re beautiful.”
He quickly removed his jeans and boxers. He picked me up, and I
found myself pinned to the wall that he had just leaned on. My left leg was
supported by his right arm. He thrust two fingers inside me. I bucked up
against him. I needed him.
“Take me to bed.”
He spun me around, and before I knew it, I felt the cool sheets
against my back. He flipped us over and moved me on top of him. His hands were
kneading my breasts, and I was rubbing my sex up and down his stiff length,
coating him. He felt amazing; I felt . . . Alex.
I took his arms by the wrists and held them down on the mattress.
I positioned myself so his erection was pushing into me. I took him all the way
in and felt completely full. I lay on him, chest to chest, and kissed his
jawline, feeling his light scruff on my lips. I kissed the corner of his mouth
and he smiled. I straightened my arms to look at him. I couldn’t get over the
beauty this man possessed. He had a light tan from all the outdoor winery tours
we’d enjoyed, and he was sporting a five o’clock shadow, which looked beyond
sexy.
I straightened myself and sat up on him. I threw my head back and
started to raise and lower my hips. I rode him until I could feel myself
tighten around him. I knew I was reaching my peak. I moved faster with
determination.
He put his thumb on my clit and rubbed it. “Massage your breasts,
Aubrey.”
I did. It felt good and odd at the same time. I’d never touched
myself, well, not when I wasn’t alone, so I stopped.
“I said, ‘Massage your breasts, Aubrey.’”
Again I complied; it did something to both of us. His hands went
to my hips, and his fingers gripped my ass. He was making me go faster, and he
was thrusting into me. “Alex . . . I . . .”
“You feel so good, babe. Come for me . . . now.”
We both exploded. I could feel his heat, and I was clenching and
shaking around him. I felt sated and exhausted. I collapsed on him. He held my
face in his hand, holding my hair back. “The things that you do to me, babe,
and the way you make me feel are incredible; you’re incredible.”
I honestly didn’t ever think I’d ever get sick of hearing those
words. He thought I was incredible. Why couldn’t I just say it? I love you,
Alex. See, I could think it, but I couldn’t get the words out.
I kissed his lips. I didn’t want this feeling to end, but I eased
him out of me and got out of bed. I grabbed his hand and tugged it toward me.
“Let’s shower; we’re meeting my parents soon, unless you’ve changed your mind.”
In a way, I hoped he had. My mother could be difficult, and that was
putting it mildly.
“Never, I want to meet them and thank them for you.”
“Are you real?”
He was pulling me toward the bathroom. “Come shower with me, and
I’ll show you how real I am.”
I followed him into the shower where we made love again.