by Glynis Astie
I inspected the caller ID. “Kate! Are you OK?”
“I should be asking you the same question, my dear.” Irritation colored her tone.
“Why? What’s the matter?”
“You were supposed to call me last night, remember? I was worried when I didn’t hear from you.” I could hear her pouting over the phone.
“I’m sorry! I got home late and didn’t want to wake you.”
“You must’ve had an exceptionally good time.” Was that sarcasm, Kate?
“I did, but not the good time you’re talking about.” I giggled.
“Good girl! You need to make him wait a little bit longer.”
“I didn’t say nothing happened, you know...” I smiled to myself. Louis and I had shared a very intimate and lengthy kiss in my apartment after he walked me home. It took every ounce of restraint I had not to pull him into my bedroom right then and there.
“Really? Do tell.”
“The man is the most amazing kisser ever. Never in my life have I experienced anything like it.” I became breathless just from the memory of last night.
“Oooh! When are you going to see him again?” She was pretty breathless herself.
“Tomorrow night. He’s making me dinner at his apartment.”
“Whoa. Sounds like a big night.” She couldn’t contain her chuckle.
“Hey, now. There’s no need to be rude.” I laughed.
“Of course not. You’re always perfectly virtuous, Syd.”
“You’re a bit smug for someone who’s only slept with one man!”
We both started laughing. “I love you, Kate.”
“I love you too, Syd. Talk to you later!”
To my great dismay, I found myself buried in benefit audit paperwork for most of the day. In the late afternoon, my phone rang. Please let it not be another employee with an issue. I had already had more than I could handle.
“Sydney Bennett, how may I help you?”
“There is no help for me, Duck. How’s your day going?” My dad has been calling me “Duck” for as long as I can remember. He once told me that I looked like a duck when I was unhappy about something. Unfortunately for me, the name stuck.
“Hey, Dad. The day is going slowly. I’m bogged down with paperwork.”
“Just shred it all. No one will notice.” He was completely serious.
I laughed. “That may have worked in your day, but now people would notice. AND I’d get fired. I can’t imagine you would be happy about supporting me again. I’m supposed to be financially independent, right?”
“You young people are so serious. It isn’t a big deal.”
“Easy for you to say, Dad. You were always your own boss. You never had to explain to anyone why you messed up. Although I can only imagine what you would have said if you did.” The thought made me chuckle. My dad had a way with words, especially the profane ones.
“I have to explain it to your mother often enough. She seems to understand.”
I had made the mistake of taking a sip of tea while he was speaking and started to cough. Once I had regained the power of speech, I spluttered, “You never admit doing anything wrong.”
“I didn’t say I admitted doing anything wrong. I always have to explain to her what other people have done wrong.”
I couldn’t suppress a full blown cackle. “Dad, you’re something else.”
“I know. You’re a very lucky girl.” My dad could be quite smug, but it only make him more adorable.
A glance at the clock told me I had cut things too close. “Crap! I have to go, Dad. I’m meeting Maya for drinks in an hour and I have a stop to make on the way.”
“Have fun, sweetheart. Say hi to Maya for us.” My parents absolutely adored Maya. Parents were her specialty.
“I will. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, Duck. Listen, don’t forget to call your mother. She misses you.”
“I won’t forget. It’s hard to catch her these days since the store is so demanding.”
“She always has time for you, Syd.”
“I know, Dad. I’ll call her very soon, I promise. Bye!” I grinned as I hung up. I was lucky to have parents who loved me as much as they did. Now I just had to find a man to help with that job. I wondered if Louis might finally be the one.
I ran down the sidewalk in a vain attempt to be a little less late for drinks with Maya. Picking out a new outfit for dinner at Louis’ tomorrow night took a little longer than I expected. I should have had Maya come with me. Shopping is like second nature to her. Because of this she had very little tolerance for those of us who were slightly challenged. She wasn’t going to be happy about my lateness.
I pushed open the door to Charlie’s and spotted her right away. She was at the end of the bar talking to a tall, dark and handsome man. There was no way I was going to get in the way of this. I nodded to Charlie at the bar and grabbed a table. Twenty minutes later, Maya came over to the table with a very satisfied smile on her face.
“Hey, Syd!” She grinned at me. “I’ve met the most wonderful man named Edmund.” She sat down and continued to smile.
“Edmund! You scored one of the kings of Narnia?” I giggled and she gave me a blank look. “Seriously, Maya? You’ve never read the Chronicles of Narnia?”
She shook her head at me. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Honestly, Syd, you’re lucky you’re pretty.”
Over drinks, Maya approved my outfit choice for dinner tomorrow evening. I had purchased a steel gray silk tank top and a pair of fitted black pants. Maya told me my chunky black Mary Janes would top off the outfit along with the silver hoop earrings and bangles she had brought me. She gave me a few hair and makeup tips and sent me on my way.
“Call me tomorrow night, Syd. There will be many details for you to share.” She winked wickedly.
“As long as I don’t get home too late!” I sang as I walked away.
The next day flew by in a blur and before I knew it I was getting ready for my date with Louis. When I finished primping, I gave myself a last look in the mirror before I left the apartment. I had followed Maya’s instructions to a “T” in doing my hair (up in a bun with a few tendrils spilling out) and makeup (smoky eyes and plum colored lips) and was satisfied with the results. The jewelry she had lent me perfectly complimented my clothing choice and I felt rather sophisticated as I strolled out to my car. This night was going to be wonderful.
I arrived at Louis’ corporate apartment five minutes before our agreed meeting time of six-thirty. I hoped he didn’t mind that I was early. I rang the doorbell and nervously adjusted my bracelets. A moment later, Louis opened the door wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt and jeans.
I burst out laughing. “Nice shirt!”
He pretended to be offended. “I think so. The saleswoman said it went perfectly with my complexion.” He chuckled. “It was Hawaiian shirt day at work. They are trying to create a more comfortable working environment. The American workplace is rather odd.” He shook his head.
I laughed and threw my arms around him, inhaling his intoxicating scent. Except this time it was laced with...bacon? “What have you been cooking? It smells delicious.” I grinned.
He pulled me into the apartment. “Veal wrapped in prosciutto.” He was suddenly horrified. “You do not have any issues with veal, do you? I did not realize Americans were offended by such a delicious meat.”
Oh, how this man made me laugh! “No, Louis. I love veal. Dinner sounds wonderful. Thank you for cooking for me.”
“You are well worth it, Sydney.” He walked over to me and put his hands on my shoulders. I peered up at him and completely lost my train of thought. His eyes should be registered as a lethal weapon. It really wasn’t fair.
“You look absolutely beautiful, mon coeur.” There was that suggestive smile again. I didn’t stand a chance. He kissed me for the first time in two days and I was beyond ready. My hands found his face and I pulled him even closer to me and deepened the kis
s. He responded and I’m pretty sure some very naughty things would have taken place on the kitchen floor had the smoke alarm not gone off.
“Shit! I am sorry, Syd. Just give me a minute.” He turned off the burner and raced out of the kitchen. He was back a minute later with a broom and hit the smoke alarm a few times. Thankfully, it stopped ringing and he smiled sheepishly. “You are far too distracting.”
“I’m sorry, Louis. I couldn’t help myself.” I could feel the blush covering my face.
“You look so lovely when you blush. I am happy to cause this reaction in you.”
“I bet you are” I smacked his arm and put my purse down on the kitchen counter. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
He came up behind me, put his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder. “No, thank you, mon coeur. Everything is ready, though some of it may be a bit well done.” He smirked.
He pulled out a chair for me at the dining room table and poured me a glass of wine. He disappeared into the kitchen and returned with the most colorful and delicious looking salad I had ever seen. It was filled to the brim with exotic fruits and vegetables and was topped with his family’s special salad dressing, which was absolutely delicious. Despite a lot of prodding, he wouldn’t reveal the secret recipe to me.
“I cannot spoil the mystery.” He smirked. “I have to keep you guessing.”
Next he brought out the slightly singed veal wrapped in prosciutto with rice and grilled vegetables. After we had eaten this incredible dinner, he brought out dessert wine and a chocolate soufflé.
“Louis! I’m not going to fit into any of my clothes if you keep feeding me like this.” I laughed.
He narrowed his eyes at me. “That is the idea.”
My face turned beet red. Louis laughed. “You are easily embarrassed. It is adorable.”
I covered my face with my hands. He knelt in front of me and took my hands away from my face. “I am only teasing you! You do not have to be embarrassed.” He stood up and brought me up with him. “Sydney, you are an exceptionally beautiful and captivating woman. It is perfectly natural for me to desire you.”
I blushed even deeper and he sighed. “What will it take for you to relax?”
I gazed at him longingly. “Maybe we could go somewhere a little more private?” The last thing I wanted was for Louis’ roommate to interrupt us.
He led me into his bedroom and closed the door. “Is this better?”
I wrapped my arms around him and nodded. “Much.” Unable to resist any longer, I pushed him down onto the bed and kissed him.
Louis tore away from me and held my face in his hands. “Sydney, are you sure you want to do this?”
“Why don’t we give it a try and see?” With that, all conversation ceased. I was so distracted, I didn’t even begin to wonder what was wrong with Louis.
Chapter Eight
As it turns out, I was ready, but Louis wasn’t. Well actually, we both weren’t. Neither one of us had condoms. Way to spoil a party! I don’t think I’ve ever been as disappointed about anything in my life. The only positive thing I could think of was I would feel like less of a slut now that our first time would have to wait until his birthday. At least I will have known him for a week by then.
I had spent the week being so distracted by Louis, talking to him, thinking about him, imagining kissing him, doing other things with him...I had totally forgotten to buy him a birthday gift. It was now Friday night and I had to find a great gift by Sunday. He had to work all day Saturday, which meant I had time to work with, but it was still going to be tough. I wanted to give him something special, yet we had known each other for less than a week, so I didn’t want to buy him something with too much meaning since this might freak him out. I knew I was totally overthinking this. I needed an expert.
Maya picked up on the first ring. How did she do that? She must have her phone permanently attached to her face. “I need help.”
She sighed. “Tell me something I don’t know. What is it this time?”
“Have I told you how obnoxious you are lately?”
“You better watch it, girl. You still owe me and clearly you need my help, so...”
“Fine. I give up. I need to buy a gift for Louis for his birthday, but I’m at a loss for what would be…appropriate.”
She snorted. “Appropriate? Syd, you crack me up. Stop thinking so much! I’m sure you already have a great idea, but you’ve talked yourself out of it for some crazy reason.”
I sighed. “It frightens me how well you know me. Or am I just that easy to read?”
“What do you think?” We both laughed. “Now tell me your idea.”
“Well, he loves this group, the Bloodhound Gang, and they’re playing in the city next week. I went online and there are a few really crappy seats left for Tuesday night, but I thought it would be fun. Is it…lame?”
“It’s not lame! It’s incredibly thoughtful, as usual. I totally give you props for going to such an awful concert for him. That band sucks!” She added sound effects for emphasis.
“Thanks! I so love hearing your opinion on things. It’s always nicely put.”
“Hey, honesty is important. You know you love me.”
“Yes, I do...for some inexplicable reason. But seriously, the show is a nice gift, but I have to give him something on his actual birthday.”
She burst into a fit of giggles. “I thought you had something very...um...special to give him on his birthday.” She laughed so hard, she dropped the phone with a loud clatter.
“Nice, Maya!” I cleared my throat. “I hope it will happen, but it’s not a gift. Gross! It’s something I want too, you lunatic!”
She composed herself. “OK, I got it. What about a picture frame? You could have a photo taken that night and put it in the frame for him to take back to France.”
“No way! Too presumptuous; we’ll probably never see each other again.” I blushed and was thankful she couldn’t see it over the phone. I didn’t need any further mocking.
“Syd, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’ll make something happen. I can tell.”
“Maya, I love you, but you’re on crack. You saw him look at me the night he met me. There’s no way he was in that place then or is even there now.” I didn’t want to hear this. It would get me to hope and I couldn’t afford to do that.
“Have it your way, Syd, but I think I’m right. You wait and see.”
Suddenly it hit me. “I know! I’ll buy him a plant. He was just saying the other day how bleak his apartment is and he loves greenery of any kind.”
“Very sweet, Syd, but I think you’ll be the one making his last week a lot better!” She cackled.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself! I have to run. Call you later!” My face was crimson. Why was it so easy for her to get under my skin?
“Bye, hon! Be good!” Maya truly knew how to end a conversation.
By Sunday afternoon, I was in good shape. I had bought Louis the concert tickets and a beautiful ficus plant which would brighten up his corporate apartment. I had also borrowed my favorite dress of Kate’s - a sparkly silver strapless sheath dress ending a few inches above my knees. I straightened my hair, added light makeup (subtle hues on the eyes and lips) and a few pieces of simple jewelry, finishing off the look with silver strappy sandals. Not bad, Sydney.
Louis rang the doorbell at exactly six o’clock. I opened the door and stood admiring him for a moment. He was wearing a French-blue long-sleeved collared shirt, charcoal gray pants and black shoes. The blue of the shirt intensified the color of his eyes, if that was even possible, and the effect was breathtaking. I was stunned into silence.
Louis smiled at me. “May I come in?”
I shook the thoughts out of my head. “Of course; I’m sorry. I was distracted by how gorgeous you look.” I blushed profusely following my admission.
“You are the one doing the distracting, mon coeur. You look...well...I wish I could find the right word
s.” He thought for a moment. “I think breathtaking is the word I am searching for.”
I blushed even deeper and studied my shoes. I wondered if I would ever learn to take a compliment.
Louis approached me and ran his hands down my arms. “Sydney, you know what it does to me when you blush. We are not going to make it to the restaurant at this rate.”
I gazed up at him and made a decision. I slid my arms around his waist and ran them down over his firm behind. Then I reached up and kissed him very slowly.
“Sydney...” He whispered.
I pulled him towards me and led him to my bedroom without breaking the kiss. Once we were inside, I locked the door and turned to face him. Before I knew it he had me pinned to the wall and was kissing me hungrily.
“You have no idea how much I want you.” He panted and felt for the zipper of my dress.
“I think I have a very good idea, Louis.” I kissed his neck and began to unbutton his shirt. He groaned and carried me over to the bed.
“I can’t take any more waiting, mon coeur. I have wanted you since the first moment I saw you and the desire has only deepened the more time we have spent together.”
My mind started to wander to a very sarcastic place, but I tuned it out. I wanted this man so badly and I didn’t care if I would never see him again after next week. For once, I was living in the present. Kate would be proud.
The sex was extraordinary. Never in my life have I felt so intimate, so breathless and so SATISFIED. The man really was good at everything. I’ve had orgasms before, but this experience was truly mind blowing. I could not stop smiling, which amused Louis to no end.
He smirked at me. “You look pretty happy, mon coeur.”
“Mmm...an accurate assessment, Monsieur Durand. You are an incredible man.” I snuggled into his chest.
“Well, with enough practice, you get good at things.” His eyes danced.
