Love on the Sound

by Matthews, Jamie

  “It’s your birthday. What kind of schmuck would I be—oh, my God. Are those whales?”

  “I’ve been on this plane before. Here.” Amy unbuckled her seat belt and shoved at Ben until he slid into the window seat. “And yes, those are whales.”

  She spent the rest of the flight highly entertained, as Ben asked question after question about the islands they flew over, the Olympic Mountains, or sometimes just sat, seeming to drink in the view with awe.

  When they landed in Seattle, Amy hugged Nell goodbye.

  “Thanks for helping with my surprise. I owe you one.”

  “Enjoy my present.” She winked and waved them off to where a black town car waited.

  Amy slid into the car and ran her hand over the soft as butter leather seats. Ben greeted the driver and poured Amy a glass of champagne from an ice bucket.

  “Oooh, bubbly. I’m so spoiled right now.”

  Ben clinked his glass with hers. “To a fantastic birthday. I hope you like it.”

  “I already do. So, where to first, sir?”

  He kept her in suspense, but soon enough they pulled up to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.

  “I’ve always wanted to visit here!” Now it was Amy’s turn to bounce up and down in her seat. She grinned at him.

  “Me too. I love his stuff.”

  “You probably have his stuff,” Amy retorted as they walked up to the museum entrance.

  Ben shook his head. “You know, I don’t. I’m not sure why. I love his work. I don’t have much artwork in the L.A. house.”

  Amy found it interesting that he referred to it as his L.A. house, rather than just “home.” But, the moment they stepped inside, they both fell silent at the dazzling displays of light shooting through the vivid glass art. They toured the garden exhibit first and both stared, amazed, at the gigantic sculpture of red and yellow flowers suspended high on the curved glass ceiling, bright against the steel gray sky. Two hours went by in a blur of discovery, and unlike every other man she’d been with, Ben didn’t balk when she dragged him into the gift store. In fact, he lingered longer over the displays of local artwork and bought two paintings—both small and simple, with the same vivid colors found in the glasswork. One depicted a garnet red octopus, tentacles swirling around green kelp, the other an orange and white striped clownfish nose to nose with a sea dragon.

  “Lucas said they’re going with an animal theme for the baby’s room,” explained Ben as he arranged for the paintings to be shipped to New York. “These are okay for a nursery, right?”

  “They’re fantastic. Unique, bright and cheerful.”

  She fell in love with a painting of the nighttime sky above Mt. Rainier, the mountain a snowy, silvery shadow, trees black on the horizon, and a sliver of moon surrounded by sparkling stars. When Ben tried to pay for it, she elbowed him out of the way.

  “Your present to me is this trip, and that’s enough.” She hugged the package to her chest as they walked back outside. “That was so amazing. I’m starving. What’s for lunch?”

  “How about seafood or Japanese?”

  “You’re prepared.” She shot him a look. “Depends on what’s for dinner, I suppose.”

  “Well…I made reservations somewhere.” Ben looked uncertain. “It sounded so cool at the time, but now that we’re here, I’m realizing you probably have been here a hundred times already.”

  “You’re doing great so far. Tell me.”

  “Sooo…dinner at the top of the Space Needle? I can change it—”

  Amy stared at him and found herself unable to stop smiling. “You’re a total tourist geek.”

  “I know.” Ben pulled out his cell phone. “I can’t help it. I’ll change it.”

  Amy pushed the phone away, practically knocking it out of his hand. “Don’t you dare! I love touristy things. Love, love, love them. I’ve been dying to eat at the top of the Space Needle, and everyone keeps telling me that only tourists do it, and it’s so cliché, blah, blah, blah. Tourists do it because it’s fun!”

  “Exactly! They’re tourist attractions for a reason, right?”

  They grinned at each other. She linked her arm with his as they walked to where the town car waited.

  “Finally I get to see Seattle with someone who isn’t a stick in the mud. Let’s go to Pike’s Place Market.”

  “Same wavelength. Matt’s on the Market. Most romantic restaurant according to Zagats.”

  Amy snuggled close and laid her head on his shoulder. “Sounds perfect.”

  At Matt’s on the Market, a quaint place with red brick walls, they sat at a table in front of one of the huge arched windows overlooking Elliot Bay. Amy swooned over the catch of the day and mooched some of Ben’s mussels and clams, all the while enjoying an excellent, crisp white wine. She noticed a few diners glancing Ben’s way but those that noticed him seemed content to leave him alone, a relief.

  After lunch, she dragged him to Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, an eclectic store gracing the Seattle waterfront since 1899. As she suspected, Ben got a huge kick out of the odd merchandise and displays, including a mummy, shrunken heads and more. She just browsed, but he picked up a wallet decorated with comic book panels for his friend Steve.

  They strolled through the market, Amy eyeing the fishmongers and the vegetable stands. Ben agreed they would stop by on the way home the next day so she could bring some fish home. They walked along the waterfront and a short while later, arrived at the Edgewater hotel, a beautiful building right on the water in the heart of downtown. The town car driver had already dropped off their bags.

  Amy wandered around the lobby while Ben checked in, admiring the huge river rock fireplace and view of the Bay. When they got in the elevator, her mouth dropped open when they zoomed to the top penthouse suite. Ben unlocked the door and ushered her in, and she gasped at the huge room, windows everywhere with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains ringing the Bay. The suite was a split-level, with a big four-poster bed upstairs, and a living room and dining room below. She marveled over the two sided gas fireplace, one side facing out to the living area, one side to the bedroom. A private deck held Adirondack chairs and a chaise lounge.

  “Ben, this is so beautiful.” She checked out every inch of the space, automatically noting the luxury touches and wondering how she could translate them to the inn…on a much smaller budget.

  Amy peeked into the bathroom and almost clapped her hands like a child at the sight of the whirlpool tub. “We are so taking a bath later.”

  Ben grinned. “We are, huh?”

  She wrapped her arms around him and pressed up against him. “Mister, you are going to get so lucky. I can’t believe you went to all this trouble.”

  “I wanted to spoil you.” He brushed a strand of hair off her face. “You work so hard. I rarely see you take a day off.”

  “I take time off all the time. Kayaking, visiting friends in the village…”

  “Right, after you walk up and down the stairs a million times carting loads of laundry and scrub dishes and vacuum and take care of guests, sometimes you go out and get even more exercise rowing a boat. So lazy!” he teased. “I’m talking about being pampered.”

  A soft knock sounded at the door of the suite, and he untangled himself. “Speaking of which…I booked us massages and pedicures. They’re going to set it up here in the room.”

  Amy practically melted into a puddle. She loved, loved, loved massages. And, Ben was right. She rarely indulged. It was expensive. Who had time for a pedicure when her feet were covered in hiking boots or Danskos half the time anyway? She watched him let the spa technicians in, charm away their initial surprise at the sight of the famous movie star. He came back over holding two terrycloth robes.

  “Hang on. You’re getting a pedicure too?”

  He actually blushed a little. It was so adorable that Amy wanted to cuddle him. “I had to have one once on a set because they were going to shoot a romantic scene barefoot on the beach, and the director said my
feet were typical gross, dry, calloused guy feet. And, well, I was on my feet all day, and they hurt, and it felt really amazing. Relaxing. So, I um….enjoy them once in a while.” He finished undressing and shrugged on his robe, shooting her an imploring look. “You can’t tell anyone. They’ll revoke my man card.”

  “You’re secret’s safe with me. Although I may require 34 orgasms in payment instead of just 33.”

  “Naughty.” He belted her robe for her, nipped her earlobe. “I like it.”

  It had been years since she’d had a massage, and she’d never had a couples one. It was sweet to lie on her table, her head turned towards Ben. They didn’t talk, and sometimes she just closed her eyes in pleasure as the masseuse found and untangled knots Amy didn’t even know she had. Still, when she opened her eyes each time, she saw Ben watching her, deep blue eyes lazy and at half-mast, a small smile curving his lips.

  The massage over, she practically floated to the armchair where the pedicure station was set up. Ben poured her a glass of champagne, and she sipped, the bubbles tart on her tongue. They talked about the Winter Village Gathering, a holiday kick off in the village, held at dusk the day after Thanksgiving. All the businesses decorated for the holidays, and the village gathered to watch the holiday lights twinkle on, munch on goodies and sip hot chocolate. As the crowd oohed and ahhed when the lights sparkled on, Amy had relaxed in the circle of Ben’s arms. She was still glowing from his heartfelt toast at Thanksgiving the day before, and the way he’d looked at her with his heart in his eyes. But yet, a part of her held herself back, not wanting to get too involved.

  Now, as she watched his obvious pleasure in the pedicure, his easy way of putting the spa techs at ease, not to mention the thoughtful way he’d planned the whole birthday celebration, she thought she might just be in over her head.

  When the spa treatment was over, Ben swept her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom, while she giggled.

  “I better get to work. Sheesh. 33—no—34 orgasms? Good thing we’ve got a few hours before dinner.” He unbelted her robe and slowly slid it off her shoulders.

  “Mmmm. I see you came prepared.” She nodded toward the nightstand where he’d set out two strips of condoms and grinned. Amy watched as he removed his robe. “No rush.” Head spinning a bit from the champagne, she ran her hands over her breasts, down her torso, spread her legs slightly. Smiled. “That is, if you can wait.”

  Ben cocked his head. “Is that a challenge?” He got into bed and straddled her.

  She arched up, rubbing her center across his penis, which hardened even more. Ben pushed himself against her, and she moaned, her nipples already firming to tight peaks. He fastened his mouth to her breast, teeth scraping over her nipple, while at the same time sliding his fingers inside her. Amy gasped, shocked to find herself at the edge of orgasm already, and even more shocked as his fingers curved deep inside her, unerringly finding her g-spot. Her head fell back as she orgasmed, convulsing in hard waves.

  Ben leaned down to kiss her neck, then whispered in her ear. “That’s one.”

  He slid down her body and fastened his mouth over her center while the aftershocks still quaked through her. Amy squirmed, flesh still sensitive, but then moaned when his teeth lightly scraped her clitoris. He grabbed her butt, lifting her up at an angle while his tongue went to work, and before she would have thought possible, she orgasmed again.

  Ben lifted his head and grinned. “That’s two.” He looked at the clock. “Seven minutes. A new record.”

  Amy lay back, limp and relaxed down to the tips of her fingers. “I’d high five you, but I don’t think I can move.”

  He hopped off the bed and came back carrying the bottle of champagne. He poured some in a glass, dipped his finger in and swirled it over her breasts, then licked it off. “Mmmm. Tasty. We’ve got half a bottle left.”

  Amy closed her eyes and gasped as more champagne dribbled in an erotic stream down, down, down her torso. “Oh, God. Happy birthday to me.”

  He licked, bit and nibbled his way over every inch of her body. Then, when she didn’t think she could take it anymore, he slid a condom on and entered her, slowly, sweetly, bracketing her hands in his. Tortured her by moving inch by inch until she writhed, begging for more. Then, he slammed into her fast and hard, and she came violently, screaming. He followed almost immediately, shouting her name, then collapsed on top of her. Both of them lay there, panting. Amy felt both exhausted and energized, her body still vibrating from the force of her orgasm.

  “Three down. Not too bad.” Ben rolled off her and cuddled her to his side.

  “I take it back. I don’t have 31 more in me. I release you from your challenge.”

  The last thing she heard as she drifted off to sleep was his slightly evil chuckle as he murmured, “We’ll see about that.”

  ***

  “I’m starving,” Amy proclaimed, wiggling her pedicured toes and stretching her legs, which looked pretty damn fabulous in Hannah’s present that she’d found in her suitcase—the adorable little black dress she’d been eyeing for months at a store on San Juan Island.

  “After 12, so am I,” murmured Ben. He peeked around his menu.

  Amy met his gaze, the heat sparking between them, until she wondered if they should just forget dinner and go back to the hotel—and to bed. Again. Then, she shook her head, her stomach rumbling.

  “I think you have me in a sexual fog.”

  Of course, the waiter chose just that moment to stop at their table, and Ben didn’t bother to hide his grin as Amy blushed down to the roots of her hair. The waiter didn’t show any sign he’d heard her, just recited the specials. Amy ordered the crab cakes with as much dignity as she could muster, while Ben got surf and turf.

  She pointed accusingly at him when the waiter walked away. “Not one word, mister.”

  The lights of Seattle spread out beneath them, and the moon sparkled over the bay. The restaurant rotated in a circle, so slowly that it wasn’t jarring, and they could enjoy different views of the skyline.

  “So, how goes the screenplay?” Amy asked.

  “Fantastic. I’m about two-thirds of the way through.”

  “Can I read it?”

  Ben considered. “I don’t normally like people reading before its done, but actually, if you don’t mind, it would be helpful. It would be good to see if I’ve captured the feel of Lopez.”

  “I’d read it right now if it wouldn’t be rude,” Amy said with a smile.

  “When we get back home,” Ben said.

  Amy was struck by how easily he referred to On the Sound as home. Then again, he traveled so much from movie set to movie set, he probably knew how to settle in now matter where he landed. The children’s theater workshops ended the week before Christmas, but he hadn’t brought up any plans to leave when they were over. He would leave, eventually, and move on. After some time, she’d probably read about his marriage to another actress, and there’d be other men in her life. She glanced across the table at his handsome face, animated as he talked about where they might go the next day before heading back. Trouble was, at that moment, she didn’t want any other men. Just this one. Holding hands, chatting over dinner, rolling around in bed, kayaking through the water.

  “Why are you frowning?” Ben laid his hand over hers. “Everything okay?”

  Amy forced a smile. “Of course. Just hungry.”

  The waiter arrived with their appetizers, and she shrugged off her mood. Ben was here now, and she vowed to enjoy every moment…and after dinner, every inch of him.

  Dinner was excellent—neither left a crumb on their plates. Ben ordered dessert—a chocolate mousse concoction with whipped cream—to go, with a meaningful look at Amy. She laughed.

  Back at the hotel, Amy walked in to find the lights off, the room lit from the gas fireplace. She wandered to the windows to enjoy the view of the bay at night. When Ben disappeared into the bathroom, she remembered Nell’s present. She snuck into the bedroom, undr
essed and slid on the silky sheer tank top and made a face at the thong, then put it on. She turned, trying to catch a glimpse of herself in the reflection from the window.

  Ben opened the bathroom door and stopped midstride at the sight of her. His eyes darkened, and he held out his hands. She let him lead her into the bathroom, where tealights flickered on every available surface. The whirlpool tub steamed with hot water, on top of which he’d scattered rose petals.

  “I’m trying to pamper you, and you’re trying to seduce me,” he accused, running a finger down the silky material, sliding it around to cup her butt.

  “Who wants to take a rose petal bath alone?” she teased, getting to work unbuttoning his shirt. She pointed at the strip of condoms on the edge of the tub. “You’re the one trying to seduce me.”

  “Hmmm.” He leaned close and kissed her deeply, running his hands up and down her back.

  Amy unbuckled his pants and slid them down his legs, then made short work of his boxers. When he stood before her, naked, she made a humming noise of approval.

  She eyed him, a slight smile on her lips and began to inch the strap of the negligee off her shoulder. His eyes stayed fixed on her fingers, while the sheer material began to drop one slow inch at a time. He swallowed when she eased the material over her breast, lazily circling her nipple with one finger. When her breath began to catch, he hooked his fingers into the edge of her panties and pulled her closer. He grabbed the other shoulder strap with his teeth and gently eased it down, teeth scraping while she shuddered. She reached out and cupped his balls, smiling when his penis jerked in response. She began stroking him, while he pulled the rest of the top off with his teeth, then pushed her back against the edge of the tub. Again just using his teeth, he began tugging the thong off, and Amy moaned at the almost unbearably erotic sight of his dark head beneath her, the feel of his teeth sliding down her skin.

  “Oh, God,” she groaned when he dragged the thong down and lightly bit her clitoris.

  Impatient now, he dragged her thong all the way off, and came back up to possess her mouth, his tongue seeking hers. She met him thrust for thrust and led him into the whirlpool tub. The water splashed and bubbled around him, and he immediately took advantage of the jets by tilting her up so the water pulsed against her core, as he ravaged her breasts. She writhed, desperate, and he turned her around so the jets pulsed against her nipples. After a pause to slide on a condom, he entered her from behind. Amy locked her arms back around his neck as water beat on her sensitive breasts, as his hands slid down to toy with her clit, and he thrust deep. The orgasm exploded through her just as he came, and they rocked together in the water.