by Pamela Yaye
Laughing, they strode through the revolving doors, hand in hand. Eyes tearing from the frigid wind, Simone glanced down the street in search of their limo. “Where’s the limo?”
“Don’t worry. I got it covered.”
“We’re not walking into town, are we?”
Marcus heard the panic in her voice and hugged her to his chest. “No, tonight we’re going first-class all the way.”
“What’s better than a stretch limo?” Simone felt a gush of cold air and spun around. A pair of black horses, each sporting a streak of white hair, galloped up the street, hauling a cozy two-seater sleigh. To her surprise, the animals pulled up to her smoothly and their ruddy-cheeked owner tipped his cap in greeting.
“Your chariot awaits,” Marcus said with a flourish of his hand.
Beyond shocked, Simone took a moment to gather herself. Closing her open mouth, she glanced from her husband to the horses and back again. Over the years, Marcus had taken her on limousine and helicopter rides, but nothing compared to this. Blown away by the romantic gesture, Simone couldn’t find the words to express how she was feeling inside.
The slow, peaceful trek from the base of the Chateau up the winding trail offered a stunning view. A blustery northern wind whipped through the trees, and when the horses jerked to the left, Simone feared the sleigh might tip over. High, thin clouds covered the sky like a veil and the half-moon was flanked by dozens of stars. Snow-blanketed hills, towering meadows and the peaceful sounds of nature created an intoxicating backdrop.
Being in the carriage, surrounded by the soaring mountains, made Simone feel at one with nature and closer to Marcus than ever before. Snug in her husband’s arms, she relished the beauty of the moment. I could stay like this forever.
Wishing it weren’t so cold, Marcus picked up one of the mink blankets provided and spread it over Simone’s shoulders. They shared a smile as he cradled her against his chest. Holding his wife in his arms made him feel strong, powerful, alive. Life was perfect. He had a successful business, two great sons and the love and support of his wife. Simone was the coolest, sexiest woman he had ever known, and although they butted heads from time to time, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. His appetite for her was endless, beyond his control, and when she parted her lips, inviting his kiss, he crushed his mouth against her soft lips.
Simone closed her eyes, submitted to the desperate urgency of his kiss. Her fingertips were numb, but as Marcus stroked the length of her neck and shoulders, her body warmed from the inside out. Desire sparked, grew, filled her from head to toe.
The sleigh stopped.
“We’re here,” Marcus announced, slowly relinquishing his hold.
Simone opened her eyes and blinked into focus. “Here where?”
“I remember a certain someone saying she’d love to have Cajun food tonight.”
Pleased that he’d remembered, Simone squeezed the hand he offered and stepped down from the sleigh. God, I love this man! Underneath his leather jacket, he was sporting a chocolate-brown sweater, dark slacks and casual shoes. Her husband smelled good, looked good and had the confidence of an Oscar winner. He’d stepped up his game tonight, and Simone couldn’t wait to see what other surprises he had up his sleeve.
At the entrance of the Jazz Bar and Grill, they were greeted by the manager and ushered past the waiting area to the chef’s table. There, they sampled crab cakes and watched the head chef flambé their main course. The succulent aroma rising from the stove filled the air. Simone felt ravenous, so downright hungry she wanted to grab a fork and dig right in.
“We should just eat here,” Marcus joked, eyeballing the whiskey-drenched beef.
Simone agreed. “I can already taste it in my mouth—”
Cheers, laughter and whistles erupted behind her.
“It sounds like that’s the place to be.” Marcus pointed his wine flute at the crowd at the adjacent bar. “Are they watching hockey?”
The manager nodded. “It’s usually not this rowdy in here, but our local team is playing, and everyone came out to cheer them on.”
“Then we definitely won’t be eating near the bar,” Simone quipped, “because once my husband starts watching hockey he forgets all about me!”
Marcus chuckled, hung his head. “Guilty as charged.”
Everyone laughed.
“I have the perfect spot for you,” the manager said, gesturing to the revolving doors. “It’s secluded, private and far away from the crowd.”
Simone smiled. “I love it already!”
To escape the noise and gaiety of the crowd, the manager led them into a private elevator that carried them to the second-floor dining room. Inviting and natural, the hushed lighting, soothing teal paint and tall, wingback chairs gave the intimate space a classic, old-world feel. The instrumental music playing created a romantic mood, one that inspired Simone to wrap her arms around her husband’s waist. “I can’t believe we have this whole floor to ourselves.”
“This space is reserved for special occasions and must be booked three months in advance,” the manager explained. “But, like I told your husband when he called, any friend of Angela Kelly is a friend of mine.”
“How do you know Angela?” Simone asked, surprised by his announcement.
“I’ve known Ms. Kelly for years. Thanks to the story she did on uninsured women battling breast cancer, my daughter was able to get the lifesaving treatment she needed for free. Cicelia has been in remission for six years now, but not a day goes by that I don’t think about the compassion and selflessness of Angela Kelly.” He coughed, blinked back the tears that filled his eyes. “Next time you see her give her a great, big ol’ hug for me, okay?”
Simone nodded. “Will do.”
A petite waitress, decked out in an orange football jersey, arrived carrying a tray filled with drinks, appetizers and entrees. After serving the food, the waitress lowered the music, lit the cinnamon-scented candles positioned around the room and then departed with her boss.
Alone now, Marcus reached across the booth and stroked Simone’s arm. “You’re cold.”
“Freezing’s more like it,” she confessed, rubbing her hands together under the cozy, circular table. To please Marcus, she’d bought the clingy designer dress, but there was nothing cute about shivering, and if Simone could change into something else, she would. “This is what I get for wearing a minidress in the middle of winter.”
“I love that dress. It shows off your cleavage and those killer curves of yours.” Grinning from ear to ear, Marcus slipped out of the booth and settled down in the seat beside her. “Don’t sweat it, baby. I’ll have you warmed up in no time.”
A giggle tickled the back of Simone’s throat. And when Marcus nibbled on her earlobe, she shrieked. The deadly combination of his cologne, his tongue and the dulcet sound of his whisper made her head spin and her body quiver with an overwhelming sense of need.
“Better?” he asked, caressing her thighs. “All warm and cozy now?”
“Yeah, but we can’t sit like this all night.”
“Why not?” He dropped a kiss on her lips, tightened his hold around her waist. “We’re the only ones up here. We can do anything we want, and once our waitress drops off dessert, I’m giving her the rest of the night off!”
While J. Holiday crooned about lovemaking and promises of forever, Marcus and Simone fed each other, shared long kisses and admired the stunning mountain view. Admiring the stars in the sky from their corner booth was amazing, the single most incredible thing Simone had ever seen, and when Marcus said the view paled to her beauty, she beamed like the stars in the sky.
“You know what? I think you’re right,” Marcus said, putting down his fork and taking a swig of his ice water. “We should stay a few more days. I’m sure Mom wouldn’t mind watching the boys a little longer
. When I spoke to her this afternoon she said as much.”
“We can’t, Marcus. My interview is on Monday morning, remember?”
A scowl wrinkled his forehead. “I hate the idea of you working, Simone.”
“Why? It’s only a few hours a week.”
“I know, but I want you to be free to travel with me. I love having you close by, and I’m all for mixing a little business with a lot of pleasure,” he announced with a salacious wink. “And, I thought you wanted to get pregnant this year.”
“No,” she corrected, pointing a finger at him. “That’s your dream, not mine. We have two great kids and that’s more than enough for me.”
“But you always said you wanted four or five kids.”
“Yeah, that was before I gave birth to nine-pound twin boys!” Simone laughed and shook her head and the thought of having another child out of her mind. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re done, but if I change my mind, you’ll be the first to know.”
“We’re not done, not even close,” he whispered, slipping a hand under her dress and brushing his fingertips against the front of her satin thong panties. “I’m just getting started, baby, so sit back and enjoy the ride....”
Chapter 12
“Tell me what you want....” Marcus ordered, capturing her earlobe between his teeth.
“I want you to...to...stop,” she lied, ignoring the tingling sensation pulsing in her core. “The restaurant’s packed. Someone could walk in on us.”
“Then I better make this quick.”
Simone pressed a hand to his chest to stop the sensual assault, but as he loved and caressed her with his lips, she couldn’t think of anything she wanted more than to make love. Here. Now. With the cheers of the patrons downstairs playing in the background.
Marcus delved between her legs. Parting her lips with his thumb, he stroked and massaged her clit with expert precision.
“Oh, my... Yeah, baby, that’s it...that’s my spot!”
Simone sucked in a breath, gripped the side of the table so she wouldn’t slide to the floor. His stroke was urgent. Intense. Out of this world. The single best thing to happen to Simone since Spanx were invented. The muscles between her legs quivered, contracted.
To increase the intensity of her orgasm, Simone rocked against his fingers, swirling and spinning her hips at breakneck speed. A groan blasted out of her mouth with the force of a bomb shooting out of a cannon. They came together for a kiss. One laced with hunger and a dizzying blend of passion, need and lust. When they finally came up for air, Simone had a glazed, faraway look in her eyes. And when Marcus eased another finger inside her, diving straight into her G-spot, she oohed and cooed and ahhed.
Opening her legs wider, Simone leaned forward in her seat and rested her body against the table. Thank God it wasn’t made of glass. With all the rocking and bucking she was doing, it would have shattered into a million pieces.
His lips grazed her cheek, caused desire to whip through her flesh and mingle with the shivers shooting down her spine. A fast, hard orgasm—one as powerful as a ten-foot tidal wave—slammed into her, stealing her breath.
Seconds later, her legs stopped shaking, her vision cleared and she reclaimed her voice. Lowering her head, she covered her face with her hands. They were alone, safe from prying eyes, but that didn’t stop her cheeks from burning with embarrassment. Yesterday, they’d had sex in the limo, and tonight they’d gone at it in a five-star restaurant. What had gotten into her? When had she become a raving sex fiend with no conscience? There must be something in the water, she decided, dabbing at the perspiration dotting her forehead with her napkin. Because ever since we arrived in Manchester we’ve been going at it like newlyweds!
“Baby, are you okay?”
Simone nodded, waited for her mind to clear before speaking.
“I’m going to the men’s room,” Marcus said, giving her a quick kiss. “I’ll be right back.”
While he was gone, Simone composed herself. She combed errant strands of hair back into her ponytail, dabbed perfume on her neck and wrists. Straightening her dress, Simone decided there wouldn’t be any more fooling about in the booth. It didn’t matter that her husband’s touch aroused her or that his fiery French kisses were enough to make her come. She was a wife, a mother, a social worker for goodness’ sake! And the last time she checked, getting down and dirty in public was against the law.
Simone was so caught up in her thoughts, so busy berating herself for losing control—again—that she didn’t realize Marcus had returned until she felt his hand on her shoulder.
“We better get going, baby.”
“But we haven’t had dessert.”
“Oh, yes, we did,” he argued, a devilish gleam in his eyes. “It just wasn’t on a plate.”
The heat coursing through Simone’s body torched her cheeks.
“Now, let’s get out of here before I bend you over the table and have my way with you.”
I wish you would, Simone thought, taking the hand he offered. Having sex in public is wrong, but that sounds like one delicious threat!
Downstairs, Marcus squared the bill, thanked the manager and checked out the score of the game. As they exited the restaurant, he hooked an arm around Simone’s waist, held her close. They wandered around the downtown streets, staring into store windows, sharing kisses under the lampposts, revealing in the calm of the crisp winter night.
“How am I doing so far? Are you having a good time?” Marcus asked, squeezing her hand.
“I’m having the best time. I never imagined we could have this much fun in Manchester, but you were right, it’s a very charming place.”
“Ready for more?”
“As long as it includes getting into a cab!” she joked, snuggling her face into the arm of his jacket. “These stiletto boots are all the rage this season, but they’re killing my feet!”
Chuckling, he dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Hang in there, baby. We’re almost there.”
“Almost where?”
“You’ll see. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.”
Marcus was right. Not only did Simone let out a squeal when they arrived at the Magic Ice Festival, she whipped out her cell phone and snapped dozens of pictures of the frozen, life-size sculptures. Every winter, Manchester hosted the World Art Championships, and the one-week event attracted artists, international tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. Created with thousands of pounds of ice and dramatic colored lights each structure stood over ten feet tall and contained intricate, elaborate designs.
Holding hands, they strode through the magnificent, block-long exhibit. They stopped to pose for pictures, bought cappuccinos from the street vendor and cuddled to stay warm.
“Do you want to check out the castle?” Simone asked, pointing up the long, narrow road. “I overheard a kid say it’s the best sculpture here.”
Marcus checked his watch. “We better not. The concert starts in ten minutes and it’s going to take us about that long to get there.”
“What concert?”
“I didn’t tell you?” He wore a surprised face, but his lips were twitching, and there was a stroke of humor in his tone. “Faith Evans is performing tonight at the civic center. One night only and I got us front-row seats.”
“Get out!” Simone shrieked, jumping into his arms. “You’re kidding me!”
“Would I joke about something as serious as that? I know how much you love her, and when I found out she was in town, I bought us tickets.”
“You’re kidding!”
“Babe, you said that already.” Marcus chuckled and hugged her to his chest. “Why do you look so surprised? I told you this was going to be a special weekend for us, didn’t I?”
“I know, it’s just...” she trailed off, shook her head
.
“It’s just what?”
“This is all too much. The carriage ride, dinner and now we’re going to a concert. I’m feeling a little nostalgic,” Simone confessed, thoughts of the night they met filling her mind. “It’s like our first date all over again.”
Wearing a broad, I’m-the-man grin, Marcus pressed his lips to her temple. “The best is yet to come, baby. Just wait until you see what I have planned for tomorrow!”
* * *
“Slow down, Marcus,” Simone cautioned, raising her voice above the clamor in the overcrowded hotel café. “Your food’s not running away!”
Chuckling heartily, Marcus reached out, plucked a hash brown off her plate and tossed it into his open mouth. Sitting at one of the back tables, on cushy, high-backed seats, not only gave the couple privacy, but it put them an arm’s length away from the breakfast buffet. The scent of coffee brewing and bacon sizzling made Simone think of home. And though she’d spoken to Jayden and Jordan a couple hours ago, she missed them dearly and wondered if they were having fun tobogganing with their cousins.
“These ham-and-cheese crepes are out of this world. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely having seconds.”
“Now I know why the boys scarf down their waffles during breakfast,” she teased, unable to resist poking fun at her husband. “They’re imitating you!”
“I wouldn’t be so hungry if you hadn’t jumped me last night in the shower, then roused me awake again this morning. There must be something in the air because you’ve been insatiable between the sheets ever since we arrived in town....”
The warm glow of her husband’s smile and his gentle caresses along her forearm put Simone in the mood—again. Grabbing her glass, she stirred her peach lemonade with a straw, then raised it to her parted lips. If this doesn’t cool me down, I don’t know what will!
Slow dancing last night at the Faith Evans concert had put Simone in the mood for lovemaking. That’s why she had suggested a trip to the hotel specialty store after the concert. Inside Discreet Boutiques they’d picked up gels, lotions and a dizzying assortment of adult toys. While perusing the shelves, they’d flirted, touched and kissed, and even made out in one of the changing rooms. Back inside their cabin, Marcus had fulfilled her every desire, every spoken and unspoken wish, and when Simone finally fell asleep, it was with a dreamy smile on her lips.
