by Aj Harmon
She looked into his eyes and smiled, then pulled his head back to hers and kissed him again. She was boldly declaring her decision to stay, knowing that she’d end up in bed with him. It had been so long and she liked the way he looked at her like she was the cream on the piece of cheesecake she’d devoured just an hour or so ago. She wanted whatever he’d just threatened her with, and, after all, she was a woman and he was a damn good-looking man. Why not enjoy the moment?
She snaked her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer to him. He gripped her hair, forcing her head back and placed seductive and toe-curling kisses down her neck to her shoulder. She couldn’t stop as a moan slipped out and she heard the faint chuckle from his lips on her flushed skin.
Ben’s fingers found the zipper at the back of her dress and gently pulled it down…down all the way to below her waist and then slipped his hands inside the fabric to caress her smooth skin. With her eyes still closed, Sophia fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and one by one slipped the pearly knobs through their holes and pulled up on the cotton, releasing it from his trousers, exposing his chest. Unable to resist, she opened her eyes to admire the taut skin with just a smattering of dark hair over his rigid muscles. His nipples were rock hard like pebbles and she ran the palm of her hand across them and felt his shudder under her touch.
Ben leaned back, breaking his hold on her and took a deep breath. He removed one cuff link and then the other and shrugged out of his dress shirt. He was magnificent and Sophia’s silent gasp had him grinning.
“Like what you see?” he lifted one eyebrow.
“I do,” she replied, and stood up, slipping the dress from her shoulders and allowing to drop in a whoosh to the floor.
“Damn!” he breathed as he clearly appreciated what was before him; lace and skin and those sexy shoes. “I really like these,” he said as he leaned forward and traced his finger along the golden leather straps that encased her foot. “Will you leave these on?”
“Absolutely,” she smiled.
Ben quickly untied his shoes and flicked them off. “Follow me,” he said as he stood and grasped her hand pulling her behind him.
Her heels clicked on the floor as he led her down the hall to his bedroom. He picked up a remote from the dresser just inside the door and played with the touch screen. The curtains closed, two lamps came on and a ceiling fan over the bed began to whir. He replaced the remote and pulled her to him, their bodies touching and heat instantly building.
Sophia unbuckled his belt and unhooked the buttons of his pants, feeling the tip of his manhood as she gently unzipped, exposing the black briefs underneath. She let go and his trousers fell to his feet and Ben quickly kicked them from his ankles and pulled her to him, their skin once again rubbing against each other.
Reaching her arms behind her, Sophia unhooked her bra as Ben nibbled on her shoulders. He grasped one strap in his teeth and pulled it slowly away from her body, exposing her full, round breasts and distended nipples. Dropping the lace from his teeth, Ben hooked his thumbs into her panties and slid them down her thighs, over her knees and still downward. He kneeled and carefully lifted her first foot and then the other, detaching her from the last of her clothing. He kissed the top of each foot as he placed it back on the carpet, then placed small kisses up to her knees. Using his tongue, he caressed her thighs as his hands grabbed the flesh of her ass and held her tight, Sophia grateful as she was beginning to feel light headed. Her heart was thumping wildly in her chest, her breasts aching for his touch, but she could feel herself moisten and readying for what she desperately hoped would happen next.
His lips found her hair and he kissed her and Sophia wondered if her legs would continue to hold her. He kissed her again and then released his hold on her and forced her legs apart, allowing him total access to the treasure that was before him.
“Do you mind?” he whispered.
“God, no!” she whimpered. “Please,” she all but begged.
She didn’t see his smile but felt his moist tongue as he parted her and she stopped breathing as he stroked her nub over and over again. “Yes,” she sighed as her head fell backwards. “Right…there.” It was like a dream as she looked down on his head at the apex of her thighs. She’d read about men who knew how to pleasure a woman in novels but had not experienced it for herself; his head bobbing as his tongue grazed over her and sharp pangs of pleasure streamed through her like nothing she’d experienced before.
Ben held onto her thighs as he devoured her until she grabbed his wrists and cried out as her body shook with complete pleasure and her orgasm all but ripped her apart. Ben’s tongue didn’t still but continued at a slower rhythm, extending her spasms until she thought she would collapse. Then, as her body relaxed, Ben stood and kissed her and she could taste her salty nectar on his tongue. It was by far the most erotic thing she’d ever done and her body reacted immediately as Ben cupped each breast in his hands and rubbed her nipples with his thumbs.
Slowly, he guided her backwards until her knees hit the mattress, then he continued to guide her ‘til she was on her back, a vision of beauty to Ben as he gazed at her pale white skin and her black silken hair splayed across the white duvet. He imagined her to be a Roman goddess and knew he could worship her for the rest of his days.
Shrugging out of his briefs, he pulled a condom from the nightstand and encased his length, Sophia watching his every move. As he leaned over her, she scooted up the bed until her feet were on the mattress and Ben crawled over her like a lion capturing his prey. She parted her legs wide, anticipation and excitement in her eyes as he lowered his body to hers, his shaft poised at her sweetness. He kissed her and she wrapped her arms around his neck and arched her back to him, brushing her aching nipples across his chest, searching for relief. Ben acknowledged her desire and slid down her body and took each elongated bud to his lips, kissing, sucking, biting, until he felt her hips underneath him thrusting upwards, desperate for him. Obliging her, Ben lifted his weight onto his elbows and entered her slowly. She was slick yet tight and when she gasped as he filled her, he stopped moving ‘til she adjusted to him inside her. She was so wet and ready and her sweet scent was driving him to delirium. She lifted her hips to him and he slowly pulled out and then slammed back into her with such force that she slid up the bed. He pulled out and slammed in again, this time to her groan as she grabbed his ass and held him inside. She twisted her hips and shifted her legs and Ben could feel her clitoris pressing against him. She eased her grip on him and so he continued with his movements, each thrust bringing him closer and closer to the edge, each moan from Sophia filling him with more and more desire for her, until he didn’t think he could hold it any longer.
“Please,” he begged.
She ground into him and he bit his bottom lip, using every ounce of control he could muster until she pleaded, “One more,” and he slammed into her at her command and the room shattered around them as he flexed his spine and released and she quivered with pleasure as her orgasm racked her body. He collapsed on top of her, staying inside her where it felt warm and safe. He didn’t argue with the strange feelings…he just felt them and closed his eyes.
15.
“Wow,” she whispered a few minutes later, after she’d caught her breath and her brain began functioning again, allowing her to form words, although the right words wouldn’t come. How could she describe the most amazing sexual experience of her life? How could she explain that it had been with a man that hadn’t been on her radar? How did she gracefully extricate herself from his arms and tiptoe into the bathroom so she didn’t wake him?
Ben had nuzzled on her ear and neck as his heartbeat had slowed and then he rolled off her, made a quick visit to the bathroom and crawled back into bed, pulling her to him. Her head now rested on his chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her and he was asleep. His breathing was slow and deep and Sophia very gently slid through his arm and out of the bed. Ben rolled over onto his side, his breathing unchang
ed. She hurried to the bathroom and shut the door. Flicking on the light, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was messed, her lipstick gone and she could see a faint red mark on her neck. Looking down at her feet, her Jimmy Choo’s were still on. It made her smile. She took care of business and cleaned herself up. Splashing some cool water on her face, she patted it dry with a hand towel and re-hung it on the wall next to the sink. She needed to dress and get home to Alex.
Turning off the light, she quietly opened the door and using the light coming down the hall from the living room, she located her undergarments. Silently, she slipped them on and then reached for her dress.
“Are you sneaking out?”
Sophia jumped. “You scared me,” she whispered.
“Are you leaving?”
Sophia sat on the edge of the bed next to Ben and placed her hand on his cheek. “I need to get home to Alex and I didn’t want to wake you.”
Ben threw back the sheet and stood and stretched. “I have to wake up because I have to walk you home.”
“I’m fine,” she replied. “Go back to bed.”
“Nope! I am nothing if I’m not a gentleman. I will walk you home.” Ben stepped into his closet and pulled out a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. He was going commando. Sophia felt her nipples tighten and a tingling in the pit of her stomach. Just the thought was turning her on, but she had to get home.
Ben helped her with the zipper on her dress and as he held her leather jacket open for her to slip her arms into, he swung her to face him and pulled it closed, his fists still closed around its edges. He kissed her slowly and deliberately, tempting her to stay, showing her what she would miss when she left.
“I would stay, but Alex,” she sighed.
“I know. Let’s get you home.”
As they exited the building, Ben took Sophia by the hand and as she looked up at him, she knew she was in big trouble. She smiled and quickly turned away as they walked to the corner and across the street. Approaching the door, Sophia was finding it difficult to say goodbye. She didn’t want their time together to end.
“I know it’s late,” she began, “but after a few hours of sleep and taking care of some things tomorrow, how about I cook you dinner in the evening? Of course Alex would be there, but we’d…”
“I’d love to,” he beamed, his excitement evident. “Oh,” he frowned. “Actually, I can’t.”
Sophia was surprisingly devastated. She took a second to steel herself and shrugged her shoulders as she said, “Well, it’s no big deal.”
“No!” Ben said. “I want to come, I really do. There’s nothing I’d like more than to spend time with you,” he said softly as he stepped towards her and ran his finger down her cheek and then took her chin in his finger and thumb. “Really,” he repeated. “But I have another commitment. How about Sunday? Why don’t the three of us spend the day together? Picnic in the park? Maybe some Frisbee and a museum? What’d’ya say?”
“I’d like that,” she smiled. “It’s a date.”
Ben left her with a kiss that would be hard to forget and then ushered her inside and all but skipped back to his apartment.
*****
Peter Lathem had raised his boys to be gentlemen and Maureen Lathem had raised her boys to understand social etiquette. Ben would never arrive at a dinner invitation empty handed. Stopping at a small flower stand on the way to Maria’s apartment, he purchased a small bouquet of lilies as his hostess gift. He’d picked lilies because they were always in Matt and Janie’s apartment so he figured women must like them.
As he rode the elevator up, Ben’s thoughts drifted to his previous evening with Sophia. In actuality, he’d thought about it all day. Several times he’d picked up the phone to cancel his dinner with Maria and Luca, but each time guilt had stopped him from doing so. However, now that he was in her building, he was still feeling guilt, only this time because he wanted to be with Sophia. For someone who’d been telling himself over and over again that he was happy and content, he sure as hell wasn’t feeling that way now.
After ringing the doorbell, Ben only had to wait a couple of seconds before the door swung open and the smells of Brazil wafted to his nostrils, making him inhale deeply. Maria stepped aside and welcomed him in.
“Smells amazing,” he grinned.
“I hope it tastes amazing too,” Maria chuckled as she accepted the flowers he handed to her.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Thank you for coming,” she smiled and Ben followed her into the living room.
The table was set and Luca was lighting the tall candles in the middle. She had gone to a lot of work to make everything look and smell wonderful. Ben was feeling guiltier by the minute.
Maria left to put the flowers in water and Luca trotted over to Ben and threw his arms around his waist. “Hi Ben,” he said.
Ben patted his head and said hello. Luca stepped back and offered to take his jacket. Ben slid his arms out of the sleeves and into the waiting arms of Luca who disappeared down the hall.
“Can I do something to help?” he asked as he wandered around the corner into the kitchen.
“No,” Maria smiled. “I’m just getting everything on the table and we are ready.”
Ben watched as she carried through platter after platter of mouth-watering food. As she bent over the table, her dress rode up her thighs and Ben quickly averted his eyes. Somehow he knew he couldn’t look at another woman. Not after last night. He sat in the chair that was offered and Luca came running back and climbed into the place next to him. Maria sat opposite.
“How’s your weekend been so far?” she asked.
“Really good. Yours?”
“Just been cooking,” Luca interjected. “Mama’s been making this all day.”
“Oh Maria! You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble,” Ben offered, now really feeling guilty.
“No trouble at all,” she smiled. “It’s the least we could do and besides, I love to cook.”
“Well, it’s very kind of you to invite me.”
The conversation drifted to Luca and his new school. Ben heard all about his new teacher and all his new friends and about the soccer team and how much fun he was having. By the time they had all finished eating, Ben knew everything there was to know about sixth grade at St. Luke’s.
They all cleared the table, Ben and Luca carrying the plates and dishes through to the kitchen and Maria taking care of them once there. Ben poured himself some more wine and Luca popped the can off another soda.
“No more Coke for you, young man,” Maria exclaimed and yanked the can from his fingers. You go to bed in thirty minutes.”
“Aw mama,” Luca pouted. “Please?”
“No,” she chuckled. “You don’t need the extra sugar or the caffeine! I’ve made dessert,” she turned to Ben. “Would you care for some?”
Ben smiled and nodded and a slice of quindin was handed to him. “You remembered?”
Maria smiled. “You made such a fuss that night at dinner.”
All those years ago when Ben had taken his two companions to dinner, he’d tasted the sinfully delicious coconut custard for the first time. He hadn’t had it since, but it had made an impression on him and Maria had remembered.
Luca took his plate and went to sit at the dining table, leaving the two adults in the living room.
“So how are you liking the new job?” Ben asked between bites.
“Very much,” she nodded. “But let’s not talk about work tonight. We’re enjoying the evening as friends.”
Ben smiled and nodded so he asked her about the city and what she’d seen so far. Maria replied that all she’d really seen was her new office and Luca’s school as she hadn’t really had much time for anything else yet. “But I hope to remedy that soon,” she added.
Once again, Ben and Luca took their plates to the kitchen and Maria cleaned them off under the faucet and placed them in the dishwasher.
“Luca?
” Maria asked. “Please go and brush your teeth and get into your pajamas.
“Do I have to?” he whined.
She gave him a look that Ben recognized. It was the look he’d been given by his mother many, many times as a boy. It meant do what I say now! Luca obeyed and trudged down the hall.
“He’s a good kid,” Ben smiled.
“Yes, he is.”
A few minutes later Maria emerged from tucking Luca in and as she entered the living room, where Ben now sat, she said, “He’s asked for you to go through and say goodnight. Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” Ben said as he stood and headed for his bedroom.
Once inside, he found Luca lying in bed with his covers tucked under his arms, a small bedside lamp casting a soft glow around the room. He sat on the edge of the twin bed and ruffled Luca’s hair. “Thanks for letting me come to dinner. It was nice.”
“Will you come again?” Luca asked.
Ben shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“I think it would be good if you did.”
“We could try to go to another Yankees game if you wanted,” Ben suggested.
“Maybe,” Luca yawned.
Ben chuckled. “Goodnight Luca.”
“Goodnight Ben,” and Luca closed his eyes.
Ben turned off the lamp and walked through the doorway, closing the door behind him. “Already asleep, I think,” Ben grinned.
“That was fast!” Maria was surprised. “Maybe you should be here for every bedtime.”
Whether or not the statement was made in jest, it still made Ben feel awkward. He sat in the arm chair across for Maria on the sofa and tried to figure out what was going on his head.
“Can I get you some coffee?” Maria asked.
“Ah, no, thank you. I should probably get going. Everything was wonderful,” he said as he stood.
Maria followed him to the door. “You don’t have to go, you know,” she said. “You could stay.”
