Solid Stone: Choices

by E. G. Patrick

“Can I have this one?” Shit that sounded feeble!

  “Yes, of course. Would you like to look at some others, maybe something a little more formal?”

  I’m really trying not to sound too excited. “Okay, let’s look at something a little more formal.” He smiles again. My eyes land on a smaller, more elegant purse—a black suede clutch with a crystal Gucci closure. This is more obvious, but I really like it. Nicole brings it down for me to look at. “This is beautiful,” I say to myself.

  Adam agrees, “It’s nice, you can use it tonight when we go out for dinner.”

  I smile at Nicole. “We’ll take that one as well.” Money being no object comes with a powerful feeling. I like hanging out with this handsome overachiever. He’s spent money on me before, but this just feels different because we’re doing it together. We’re both agreeable. Nicole being a good sales person shows me a matching wallet for my leather everyday bag.

  “Let me pay for the wallet,” I say to Adam quietly.

  “It’s your birthday.”

  “I know, but you’re already buying me two purses, I can get this one, okay?”

  “Okay, if you insist.” He smiles and nods. This is also new, no debating.

  At the check-out counter, I hear Nicole give him a total of $5,606.40. I’m calm and collected when I take out my credit card to pay for the wallet, which is far more affordable. Each purse is placed in a Gucci protection bag, tissue wrapped, and then put into two Gucci store bags, which Adam carries.

  “Thanks so much!” I’m excited by the purchases and on my tip toes I quickly kiss him on the lips. That momentary connection feels really good, and he didn’t seem to mind.

  “You’re welcome. What else would you like to look at?” We find ourselves walking into Neiman Marcus, where I find a very pretty high neck black and white cocktail dress by a designer named Carmen Marc Valvo. Standing in the change room, I think back to the last time I was in one and how Adam joined me. The tingles rise when I think of what he did to me, and how he had me pinned up against the wall with my legs wrapped around him. I’ve got to stop this.

  I love the dress. “You look beautiful Violet, it suits you. Will you wear that tonight?”

  “Yes, if you’d like.”

  “I’d really like that.” I hope he knows spending time with him means more to me than the shopping spree. Adam’s now saddled with bags, so I take the dress bag from him as he reaches for his phone. “Ed, meet us at the restaurant on Pearson?”

  He hangs up and says, “Let’s have lunch now.” We approach an Italian restaurant and Ed’s waiting by the entrance. Adam hands him the shopping bags and says, “Why don’t you grab lunch, it’s on me. I think we’ll be another couple of hours, I’ll keep in touch.”

  “Thanks, sir,” Ed says before he leaves.

  We’re seated and given menus. “What are you thinking?” Adam asks.

  “That I’m enjoying your company, and not just because you smell nice or spent a lot of money on me.” I give him a big cheesy grin. I’m really starting relax and enjoy myself.

  He laughs. “I’m glad you think I smell nice. I like hanging out with you.”

  “Hanging out,” I enunciate each word. “I’m flattered you’ve come all this way just to hang out with me. I know you’re a very busy man.”

  “We’ll always be friends, Vee.” He smiles at me.

  I laugh hearing him say ‘Vee’, but I love how he says my name Violet—only he does it in a way that makes my heart feel like summer and all tingly at the same time. “I like it when you call me Violet. It’s okay to keep calling me that.”

  “Okay Violet.” I tingle all over again.

  “Perfect.” You’re perfect.

  “Would you like some wine?” I nod yes and he orders a bottle. He says almost sheepishly, “We can be friends, can’t we?”

  “I thought we already were.”

  “We’ve got history, you and I, and that means something to me,” he says.

  “Me too, we’ll always be connected in some way, I’m pretty sure of that.” I mean every word. The waiter pours two glasses of wine and rests the bottle on the table.

  It’s a white wine and it’s crisp and delicious. “It’s very nice. I like this one a lot.” I pick up the menu. He smiles, tilting his glass in my direction before taking another sip.

  He says, “What are you going to have?”

  “I think the tomato and cheese salad with salmon.”

  “That sounds good, I’ll have the same.” The waiter comes back and Adam orders for both of us. He pours more wine in my glass and doesn’t seem concerned about how much I drink. Maybe it’s because it’s my birthday, or because we’re just friends—who cares, I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.

  I take a sip of wine and then ask, “So, have you been seeing anyone?”

  He puts his glass down. “No, I haven’t been seeing anyone, not since you. Too busy with work, you know how I am.”

  “Yes, I do. I just can’t imagine you alone for months, that’s all.”

  He becomes serious. “Let’s not go down that road. It’s your birthday, let’s not get heavy. I’m really enjoying our day, okay?”

  I nod, wondering why he didn’t ask me if I was seeing anyone, so I tell him. “Okay, but just so you know, I haven’t seen anyone either. I’m not being heavy, just stating a fact, since I asked you. Okay, back to my birthday now.” I smile widely and he smiles back.

  We laugh and reminisce, and even talk about Claude, the hot racing car instructor I had. Adam doesn’t seem to mind. Maybe we really can be friends after all. I feel light-hearted and hope this feeling carries when he’s gone. I really hope it does, it’s less painful.

  When we’re finished we decide to walk around a bit more. “How about some bling?” he says out of the blue.

  “Bling? Where did that come from?” I say trying not to laugh too hard.

  “And when did you become so judgmental?” He laughs. “Behave, you of all people should know better.” There’s a twinkle in his deep blue eyes. Behave has a more significant meaning given our past. No one would imagine the distinguished Adam Stone with a riding crop and blind fold, except me. That damn tingle comes back, and I’m pretty sure the same thought flashed through his mind too.

  §

  We’re walking through the door of Cartier. A male sales associate approaches us this time. “Hello, my name is Luke. Please let me know if you need help with anything. You seem like a handsome couple, are you looking for engagement rings?” Oh, that was awkward.

  Adam looks down at Luke. “Sure, let’s see what you have in two carats or more.” Adam’s teasing the poor guy and I feel sorry for him. An engagement ring, now that would be the best birthday gift ever, but I know it’s not happening and keep my irrational thoughts in check. Luke seems very happy now. We follow him to a room where we’re seated and offered a glass of champagne. I just stare at Adam, not quite sure what to do next. This is down to him now.

  Luke leaves us for a moment. “Really? You’re going to torture the poor guy?”

  “Relax, whatever we really buy today, he’ll still get his commission. We have time to kill. Dinner isn’t until eight tonight.”

  “You’re terrible,” I say and become quiet when Luke comes back in the room with a black velvet lined tray with five rings. The amount of sparkle on that tray is something I’ve never imagined—it lights up the room like a high-voltage light bulb! I play along as Adam picks up one of the larger diamond rings. He takes my left hand and my heart starts pounding as I watch him slide a large diamond onto my finger. It’s absolutely stunning and I’m mesmerized by it! Adam seems to be admiring it too.

  “It looks really nice,” Adam says openly. My heart’s beating way too fast, and I’m finding it harder to breathe. I take it off quickly, realizing this is something that should be taken seriously. I polite
ly hand the ring back to Luke and excuse myself. I feel like I’m about to well up. Adam’s right behind me. “What’s wrong?” he asks.

  “Getting engaged shouldn’t be a joke.” I manage to hold back tears and take a deep breath. I’m stronger than before I tell myself.

  For a second I think he’s about to reprimand me, but he doesn’t. He sounds worried. “I’m sorry, that was in poor taste. Honestly, Violet, I’m really sorry. Let’s find you something else, please?” I hesitate until he takes my hand. I like holding his hand, it feels familiar and comfortable. He leads me over to look at necklaces and earrings. The change in scenery seems to help.

  The display is beautiful and I decide on a pair of white gold hoop earrings, which I learn are called, “Love Earrings.” Luke seems quite happy with my selection. Soon Adam hands me a small Cartier bag to put in my purse.

  “Thank you, they’re really pretty. I’ll wear them tonight.” I’m feeling better now, more in control.

  Adam sounds excited. “I can’t wait to see them on you. It’s almost six, I should drop you off so you can get ready. I’ll come back to get you around seven-thirty, okay?”

  “Okay, where are you staying anyway?”

  “I’m at The Suites again.” Adam takes out his phone and it’s not long before we’re in the car, making our way back to my place. He walks me right up to my apartment door carrying my shopping bags. Leaning against the door, I’m willing him to kiss me, but he doesn’t. It’s disappointing, but probably best for both of us. Instead, he takes my hand and kisses the back of it and says, “I’ll see you at seven-thirty.” I smile and close the door.

  §

  My head is filled with the day’s events, especially the engagement ring. There was a wishful moment when I thought he may have been serious. I would’ve happily said yes, and probably danced around the store in elation. Really! Sighing out loud, I take the bags into my bedroom and lay the dress on my bed and pull out the Gucci evening bag to admire it. He’s spent a small fortune on me today. Do friends really do that? My mind trails back to the “Love Earrings.” What are the chances I’d choose them? Until now I hadn’t even noticed there were diamonds spread out around each hoop. Lying down beside my dress, I run my hands along my inner thighs, Adam comes to mind and the sensations begin. I want and need to feel his hard body against mine. Steamy scenes from the past possess my thoughts. I’m a big girl and I’m going to seduce him tonight. It’s my birthday, he can’t say no.

  §

  I’m feeling very elegant in my new dress and carrying a Gucci evening bag. I’m also feeling confident about my plans for him tonight. The apartment buzzer brings me back to reality. “I’m on my way down,” I say into the speaker. As I’m about to close the door I take another look at the large vase of tulips. I can do this!

  Chapter 7

  “Adam”

  She’s on her way down and I can’t wait to set eyes on her again. The engagement ring fiasco…I shake my head. It made me feel like a royal jerk. That wasn’t the best way to kill time. I don’t know what I was thinking? Maybe deep down I wanted to see my ring on her finger. Stop it Stone! Being around her just makes it difficult to think straight sometimes. My eyes widen as I see her coming down the last few steps, the sight of her takes my breath away, and she has no idea how much.

  I give her my biggest smile. “You look sensational!” She spins around in the dress, making her girlishly hot. I can’t help myself, my hands have a mind of their own when they grab her around the waist, forcing her to stop suddenly and face me. I whisper in her ear, “You’re making me want to kiss you, very badly.”

  Her eyes seem to be daring me to do it. She makes it obvious when she puts her arms around my neck and says, “So, why don’t you?” She presses her body up against mine. My heart pumps like a racehorse. I pull her in tight and her body feels so damn good against mine. My tongue dances around her delicious mouth. Fuck, I miss kissing her. The chemistry is exactly as I remember it, and I’m on fire. When I release her, she needs to steady herself. Now that makes me smile. Satisfied with her response, I stand aside so she can walk ahead of me. She looks just as good from the back as she does from the front. Perfection!

  My driver closes the car door. I look down at her legs and the dress is much shorter when she’s sitting. She notices me looking. “I should’ve done the sit-down test. Is it too short?”

  I know I’m coming off a bit possessive, but I can’t help it. “It’s okay because you’re with me.” I place my hand over the bare parts of her exposed thighs adding some length to the dress. She doesn’t seem to mind, and touching her feels really good.

  §

  The restaurant is modern, upscale, and packed. It normally takes months to get a reservation here, but she’s worth it. The hostess seats us in a booth against the wall. Violet sits in the middle of the seat, until she realizes I’m going to slide in beside her. She grins like she knows I’m trying to be a human shield, and she’s right—I don’t want her legs on display. I grin back when she crosses her legs and her dress moves up a bit higher. She catches me looking down at her legs, but I don’t care, they look great.

  “This is really nice. Swanky, it suits your style.” She rests her hand on my arm.

  “So I’m swanky now, am I?” I laugh.

  “Well yes, and very handsome, if I may say.” She sounds sultry.

  What’s she up to? Let’s find out. “You’re flirting with me and you haven’t even had any wine yet. I can’t wait to see what happens when you do.”

  “If it gets me what I want tonight, I’ll be a very satisfied woman.” She sounds surprisingly bold, making me wonder if it’s me that she wants.

  “Haven’t I already given you what you want?” I can’t resist.

  “Oh, the day’s been amazing, but I’m hoping for a standing ovation this evening though. I think there’s a bit more we can do together. I’m open to it if you are.”

  I’m intentionally firm—it comes naturally. “Be careful what you wish for, Violet.” She crosses her leg in the other direction, and I’m watching. A waiter approaches the table—I welcome the reprieve to scan the wine list, and settle on a Californian cabernet. She likes the cabs. “And like I said, be careful what you wish for, Violet,” I say again, making sure she heard me.

  “And like I said, I’m open to it if you are.” Her message is loud and clear, but we’ve agreed to just be friends? There’s lust in her eyes and I’m having trouble holding back—she’s beautiful. Damn it, my hand speaks its mind and uncrosses her leg so it can slide under two layers of napkin and dress. Oh fuck, she’s wearing garters. The feel of her silk stockings is like magic to my hand as I slide it all the way up to her lace panties. I wonder what color they are. I use my knuckle to press against the front of her. She tenses, looking at me and I look back, determined. When I slide my knuckle downward, she lets out the breath she’s been holding. My cock throbs and it’s my turn to breathe. My knuckle rocks back and forth until her eyes begin to open and close. I could make her come now, but I’m not going to. I apply a little more pressure teasingly, just enough, but not enough. I grin as I trail my hand down her inner thigh, making her legs tremble. Looking into her eyes, I hold my knuckle up to my nose like a wine cork. “Mmm, delicious.” She crosses her legs again, swallows, and seems flushed. The waiter appears with our wine and grins at me, thinking my grin is for him.

  Sounding composed she says, “Aren’t birthday wishes supposed to come true?” She sips some wine.

  “Yes, but you told me you’re not supposed to tell anyone, right?”

  She looks up from the menu. “I haven’t even begun to tell you what I’m thinking, so I guess we’re good then.”

  Ha, ha, good one, babe. “Then yes, we’re good and aren’t we just friends?” I flinch in my head having said the ‘friend’ word.

  Her brown eyes seriously lock onto mine. “You don’t
have to worry, I’m not the same as before. I’ve got more experience now.” She holds my gaze. “Remember the first time you took me horseback riding?” I nod. “You said I could possibly be your best friend. Well, maybe that was some kind of universal hint, an omen.”

  “I do remember.” I don’t want to upset her. “Okay, let’s eat and then we’ll see where the evening takes us, okay?”

  “Okay,” she says casually. Her emotions are in check, that’s for sure.

  “Are you ready to order?” She nods and I signal for the waiter.

  Before I have a chance to ask her what she wants she tells the waiter, “I’ll have the catfish please. I feel like trying something new tonight. And I’ll start with a house salad.”

  The waiter smiles and says, “Good choice.”

  I’m amused at how she shows her independence. Actually, it’s really sexy. “I’ll have the braised beef, and the house salad to start as well.” The waiter nods and leaves us alone again. “So, I hope you’re still enjoying yourself?”

  “I am, and I’m hungry. I can’t wait to taste the food here. I’ve read about this place. Doesn’t it take a couple of months to get in here?”

  “That’s right. Let’s hope it lives up to its expectations. It’s my first time here.”

  “Did you pull some strings to get us in here, or did you really book it two months ago?” She laughs.

  I laugh. “I’ll never tell.”

  “Yeah, right, I know you’re good at pulling strings.”

  “I prefer pushing boundaries, but you know that.” I can’t resist.

  “Don’t I? So, why are you really here?”

  She’s changed her direction and I wasn’t expecting that. “To celebrate your birthday, I told you that.”

  “So that’s it? No hidden agenda or strings attached?” She laughs again. I’ve forgotten how quick she can be.

  “It’s your day so you’re calling all the shots.” Our salads arrive, cooling down some of the heated tension between us.

  “Mmm, I love the dressing,” she says dangling the fork from her hand.