“I’ll be back,” Renee said when she was finished.
Stefan listened closely. He heard the en suite door slide open, and then close again.
He smiled. He tested the first knot and his hand slid easily free. He pushed his hand quickly back inside the knot and then moaned loudly enough that Renee might hear him, playing his part of the helpless bound victim.
Renee re-entered the bedroom a minute later, coming to the bed on a cloud of fresh perfume. She picked up her panties off the floor and held them in her hand mischievously.
“Open your mouth,” she said.
Stefan obeyed – and Renee wadded her damp panties between his lips. “That’s to stop you waking Tink while I’m using and abusing your body!”
She knelt on the bed and swiftly straddled Stefan’s prone body. Then she reached back behind herself, and took him in her hand again.
“Pleasure me!” she growled, and then guided him against the wetness at her center.
He filled her with a single fluid stroke, a meeting of their two bodies in the same instant, as Stefan thrust up urgently with his hips, and Renee lowered herself down onto him.
“Yes!” she screamed.
She leaned forward and flattened her hands against his chest. “Don’t move,” she breathed urgently, as she began to grind and rock her hips back and forth in a rhythm that was primal and unmistakable. Her fingers became claws as she dug them into Stefan’s chest, clasping at him as her body tightened and clenched around his hardness. It was a slow, erotic dance, and in the anonymity of the semi-darkened bedroom her writhing shadow played against the wall as she used him to lift herself higher and higher towards the inevitable peak.
Heat filled her. Her nipples filled and firmed. Her heartbeat became erratic as she fought against the urge to lose herself in the wild demand for her release.
She leaned forward and pulled the panties from his mouth, then gave her breast to him and he took it hungrily. She felt the drawing tug of his lips and she shuddered. Then suddenly Stefan’s hands were free, and his arms were locked around her back, holding her in a vice-like grip. Renee had just a single moment to wonder how he had escaped – and then he was filling her again and again, no longer able to restrain himself – overcome with the same burning hunger as her.
Renee gasped as she felt him pushing inside her, seeming with every frantic thrust to drive the breath from her lungs. She screwed her eyes shut, now limp and trapped, and she clung to him as the breath sobbed from her, aware of nothing but the frenzy of sensations that were erupting inside her with every demanding thrust of his hips.
She cried out as her climax hit her, feeling herself break free and begin to float. With a hoarse shout Stefan thrust into her one final time and then stiffened, his head thrown back and the thick cords in his arms and necks bulged taut. Renee felt the white hot pulse of his release and then they were collapsing, weak and shuddering as they clung desperately together.
Eight.
When she woke, Renee was overwhelmed with such a sense of well-being she felt as though she might burst with joy. Her whole body tingled with excitement and anticipation. It was a happiness so complete it seemed to fill every corner of her soul.
For long moments she lay with her eyes closed, enjoying the wonder, feeling the satisfied, fulfilled ache deep within her body and inhaling the musky scent of the man in bed beside her.
“I am in love!”
She lifted her hand and looked at the diamond on her finger. It sparkled like white fire in the filtered morning light through the curtains and her thoughts drifted back over the moment Stefan had proposed to her the evening before.
Then she sat up in the bed and the sheets dropped to her waist as a fresh thought suddenly struck her.
She had to tell Tink!
When Stefan came from the bedroom some time later, Renee and Tink were huddled close together on the sofa, chattering excitedly about wedding gowns, flowers and guest lists. Jeffrey squirmed between them, climbing over their arms and legs in curiously exploration, and waggling his tail in desperate pleas for attention.
“Congratulations!” Tink bounced off the lounge. Stefan was wearing faded blue jeans and an open-necked shirt. He was rolling the sleeves up past his elbows when Tink unexpectedly launched herself at him. He caught her easily, but her momentum had him stepping back to regain his balance.
“Wow,” he said. “I guess you’re happy about the news.”
“I’m thrilled!” Tink grinned. Her huge dark eyes were swimming with happy tears and she sniffed loudly. Then she planted a kiss on his cheek. “It’s about time you made an honest woman of this lady.”
Stefan grinned. He let Tink go and she stared up at him. “So when is the happy day?”
“I don’t know,” Stefan said. “Renee and I haven’t talked about it yet.” Stefan looked across at Renee, his expression questioning.
“Well… now is a good time, don’t you think?” Tink said, and Stefan had the sudden sneaking suspicion that Renee had coached Tink to ask the questions that she herself wanted answered.
He looked at Renee. “When would you like to get married?”
“As soon as possible,” she said earnestly. “Tomorrow? Is that too soon?”
Stefan laughed. “I thought you would want the whole white wedding spectacle. Isn’t that every young girl’s dream?”
Renee shook her head. “Not mine,” she said. “My dream is to be married to you – the sooner the better.”
“But… but what about family? What about a church and the gown? Aren’t those things important?”
“The gown, yes. Nothing else. I don’t have family, Stefan. At least no close family members I would want at a wedding. And I don’t need to get married in a church. I just want to marry you as soon as we can…,” her voice softened suddenly, “unless you think we should wait...”
“No,” he said, meaning it. “I don’t want to wait.”
Renee’s face lit up in a beautiful smile, relieved at his reassurance. Stefan sat down on the sofa beside her and put Jeffrey down on the floor. The little pup gave him a disgruntled yap and then sulked across to Tink.
“I have a friend who might have some good ideas,” Stefan offered. “She’s a wedding planner in Bishop’s Bridge. I can call her and arrange for you to meet – if you’d like some help.”
“Please.”
He nodded. “I’ll call her.”
“When?”
“Now…?”
“Yes. Please. I could meet her today if she has an available appointment.”
Stefan gave Renee a puzzled look, but reached into his pocket for his cell phone. He dialed a number and then went and stared out of the bay window as he waited until his call was answered.
“Chrisy? Hello. It’s Stefan,” he said suddenly.
There was a pause and then Stefan chuckled.
“Yes. I’m calling to ask for your help. I’m engaged to be married and –”
Renee watched Stefan nod and smile as the woman on the other end of the line burst into excited chatter. Renee could hear her delight from on the sofa.
“Thank you,” Stefan said. “Yes. We’re both excited. She’s a lovely, lovely girl. In fact I’m calling because I want you to meet her. We’ve decided we want to marry as soon as possible, and I was phoning to employ your services as our wedding planner.”
More chatter from the other end of the line, then Stefan asked, “Today?”
Renee waited. She watched Stefan’s face closely, trying to anticipate his reactions and read his expression. He turned from the window suddenly and stared at the clock on the wall, and then at Renee as he spoke again.
“I’m sure that would be fine,” he said. “Thank you. Her name is Renee, and I’ll make sure she is on your doorstep at 1pm.”
He ended the call and smiled. “Done,” he said. “The lady’s name is Chrisy Golfin. She runs a wedding planner service from her home in Bishop’s Bridge – and she can meet you for an hour thi
s afternoon.”
Nine.
Chrisy Golfin’s house was set back from the road on a leafy street in the suburbs of Bishop’s Bridge.
Renee parked the car and sat quietly with her hands in her lap for a moment. Beside her she knew Tink was thinking the exact same thoughts, feeling the exact same feelings.
The house was picture perfect, right down to the gleaming white picket fence. It was the house from every girl’s romantic fantasies.
A neat garden of gaily-colored flowers bordered the fence, and continued beyond the gate to form an edge along a cobblestoned path that led to the front porch. A green leafy tree shaded the front lawn, and underneath it Renee saw an ornate cement bird bath.
It looked like a happy house. A happy home. The front windows were open, curtains drifting lightly in the breeze, and Renee could hear the soft muted sounds of music coming from inside.
A woman in jeans and a t-shirt appeared suddenly in the doorway. She looked out onto the street and saw them in the car. The woman waved. Renee waved back and got out of the car.
Chrisy Golfin met them on the front porch.
She was a slim attractive woman with long brown wavy hair, brown eyes and flawless olive skin. Renee guessed she was in her early thirties. She met them on the steps, smiling warmly, and Renee felt instantly at ease.
There was a gentle grace and serenity about the woman that Renee found reassuring and calming.
“Hello,” she said. “You must be Renee.” Her voice was a soft cultured purr. The women shook hands and Renee introduced Tink. The young girl smiled shyly.
Chrisy led them inside, down a hallway and into a large living room. In the far corner stood a piano, covered with family photographs. Chrisy saw the direction of Renee’s gaze and smiled. “Family portraits,” she shrugged. “It’s my indulgence.”
She led Renee and Tink to a long leather sofa and then settled beside Renee. She drew her legs up under her, relaxed and composed, and took Renee’s hand like she was an old friend catching up on gossip after being too long apart.
“Stefan said you were lovely,” she said, “but he didn’t say how beautiful you were. He’s a lucky man. No wonder he’s in a hurry to marry you.”
Renee blushed. “I’m the lucky one,” she said. “I’d marry him tomorrow if I could.”
They chatted about inconsequential things for a few minutes, and Renee quickly relaxed. Chrisy was like the older sister she never had, and soon they were laughing and joking together. Chrisy went into the kitchen and came back carrying a wooden tray with coffee cups and a plate of biscuits. She set the tray down on a low table and clapped her hands together excitedly. “Now, lets start planning your perfect day!”
They talked for an hour, discussing timing, marriage celebrants, locations and a dozen other matters that were quickly attended to. Chrisy was impressed by Renee’s simple wishes, and Renee was impressed by Chrisy’s efficient ‘can-do’ attitude.
Tink sat quietly and ate all the biscuits.
All too soon there was a discreet knock at the front door and Chrisy looked at her wristwatch in surprise.
“Heavens!” she said. “It’s after two already.”
There was still so much to discuss, and they still hadn’t even talked about bridal gowns. Chrisy took Renee by the wrists and her voice was low and steady and calming.
“It’s okay,” she smiled warmly. “We made good progress today. All we really need to talk about is a wedding gown, and I have time tomorrow if you’re free.”
“Oh, yes, please!” Renee smiled her relief, “… but I won’t have the car tomorrow. Stefan is taking Tink to meet a friend in the afternoon.”
“So I’ll come to your place,” Chrisy solved the problem. “And I’ll bring along some bridal gowns for you to see. How about 5pm? And I’ll message you tonight if anything changes.”
* *
Tink had filled up on biscuits, but Renee was famished. They drove into Bishop’s Bridge and parked in front of a café. The busy lunchtime trade had passed, but still there were plenty of diners inside, and more sitting around wrought iron tables arranged outside on the sidewalk.
Renee and Tink chose a table in the sun and a young waitress took their orders for toasted sandwiches and soft drinks.
The afternoon sun was warm and bright and Renee relaxed back in her chair and began to replay in her mind all the things she had discussed with Chrisy Golfin. Tink saw the faraway look in Renee’s eyes.
“I liked her,” she said, guessing Renee’s thoughts.
Renee nodded. “I liked her too.”
Their orders arrived and they ate in happy silence for a while. The food was good and the drinks were cold.
After a while Tink said, “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
“I know,” Renee smiled.
“Then why don’t you relax?”
Renee shrugged her shoulders. “Pre-wedding nerves?”
Tink giggled. “Maybe you will turn into a bridezilla?”
Despite herself Renee smiled. “Or maybe you will turn into the bridesmaid from Hell.”
Tink choked on a mouthful of sandwich. “Bridesmaid?”
“Of course!” Renee said. “I’m counting on you. You’re the closest person to family I have.”
Tink gaped, honored but overwhelmed with sudden terror. “Me?” Suddenly she wasn’t just a bystander – now she was the entire bridal party. She reached for her glass and her hand was trembling. “I can’t… everyone will be watching me.”
Renee pulled a face. “You will be fine,” she said. “It’s Jeffery that worries me. I want him to be the ring bearer.”
Tink froze and blinked in disbelief. Renee stared at her straight-faced for just a few seconds longer – and then suddenly they both dissolved into girly fits of giggling mirth.
Renee was still chuckling when suddenly she felt a man’s heavy hand on her shoulder. She whirled around in fright. The man was standing behind her so when she looked up into his face she was staring directly into the sun, hazing his features.
But she knew the sound of his voice.
“Hello, sweet thing,” the man said, and his tone was smooth and silken. “My God, you look beautiful.”
James Matterson leaned over and kissed her cheek.
Renee felt herself go cold – utterly, totally cold. The shock was like a physical blow.
“James…. What are you doing in Bishop’s Bridge?” she stammered. “I thought you had moved south.”
Matterson smiled. Without asking he took an empty chair from a nearby table and sat down close beside Renee. She felt herself cringing away from him.
“I’m just in town visiting my daughter,” he said and his expression was a sudden crestfallen plea for sympathy and understanding. “My wife and I separated. It’s been pretty hard for me.”
He turned to Tink and gave her a brave little smile, and as he did so he possessively draped his arm across the back of Renee’s chair. Renee folded her arms and leaned away from the man. He noticed, but said nothing. Instead he spoke warmly at Tink. “Hi. My name is James. I’m Renee’s former lover.”
Renee turned to face him, her expression aghast, and she was shocked at what she saw. He was still the same James; he hadn’t changed a bit – but it was only now that she saw him for who he really was. She saw the short, springy dark hair, and she saw the ears – big as the handles of a beer glass – that protruded from a ferret-like face. She saw the pale uneven skin and the greedy little eyes… and she wondered how she had ever loved this man.
She pushed herself away from the table, out of the circle of his arm and got to her feet angrily.
“Go away, James,” she said in a low, dangerous voice. “Go back south. Get away from me.”
Matterson lowered his eyes very slowly over her body with such intimate deliberate insolence that Renee folded her arms again and took another step back from the table. Just the way the man looked at her made her skin crawl.
“That’s no wa
y to speak to your old boyfriend,” he smiled, and then lowered his voice like a conspirator. “Surely you still remember all those hot and sweaty nights we spent together.”
She nodded. “I do. And I still can’t wash your stench off me,” Renee hissed. “Do you remember spending a week in hospital while your ribs healed? Do you remember how Stefan beat you to a pulp?”
He didn’t like that. His mood suddenly darkened and the thin-lipped smile slid off his face. He shook his head, sorrowful and disappointed. “Such a shame,” he frowned. “We were so good together, Renee. We could be again… if you wanted to give us another chance.” He reached out for her but she backed away.
She laughed, but it was a bitter, angry sound that jammed in the back of her throat. “Go to hell!”
Matterson got up from the chair slowly. “Fine,” he shrugged. “But if you change your mind…” He took a sip of her soft drink and then turned on his heel and strode away down the street without another backward glance. Renee waited until he had rounded the corner before she sat back down. She was trembling with anger and outrage.
“Nice guy,” Tink said sarcastically.
“He’s an asshole,” Renee snapped. She tipped the remainder of her soft drink into a nearby pot-plant.
“How long did you two…?”
“Till I met Stefan, and until I found out about his wife and daughter.”
Tink sat back in her chair nodding sagely, and puffing out her cheeks. “Men,” she sighed, as though she were revealing an age-old secret gem of wisdom. “You can’t live with them – and you can’t just shoot the bastards.”
Ten.
It was late afternoon when Renee and Tink arrived home. They came up the steps with their arms full of shopping bags, and were greeted at the door by Stefan.
Renee dropped her parcels on the living room floor with a melodramatic exhausted sigh, and threw her arms around Stefan with enough enthusiasm to startle him.
Her Master's Kiss Page 18
