by Mia Ford
“Last evening, before I left for the restaurant, you told me that you cared for me deeply. That you wanted nothing more than to be with me. What has changed since then? What makes you think that we don’t even know each other?” she said, aware of the tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. She was already awash with guilt, full to the brim with the anxious thoughts in her head…with the decision she had to make. Who knew when Calvin might call and demand for her answer? And Frank was only making it worse for her. He was making her feel like she was all alone.
“A lot of things have changed since you went to the restaurant, hasn’t it?” he asked and Veronica watched in silence as he gulped the whole drink down his throat in one go. He slammed the glass down on the bar and proceeded to fold his arms over his chest. His eyes seemed like they were trying to burn a hole right through her head. She had never seen Frank so angry. This was probably what people talked about, when they said that he was a difficult and harsh man to work with.
“What’s changed? You know nothing about what happened at the restaurant. You’re only making assumptions and taking your anger out on me!” Veronica’s voice was raised now, but she couldn’t control herself. Even though the truth was that a lot of things had changed, Frank had no way of knowing that. And she was sure that he hadn’t followed her to the restaurant and seen Calvin proposing.
“You’re right, I have no way of knowing exactly what’s changed. Especially since the first thing you did when you came home was have sex with me,” he said, maintaining his calm deep voice.
“You wanted it too!” Veronica said, aghast.
“You’re right. We both wanted it, but you failed to point out a crucial factor of the night. Which was entirely your responsibility,” he said, keeping his small glimmering dark eyes trained on her. Veronica could hardly look at him any more, without the fear of breaking into a volley of tears.
“What crucial factor? Why don’t you just tell me what’s on your mind?” she said, through gritted teeth now. She could sense that she was beginning to lose her patience.
“I found it, Veronica,” Frank said and drew in a tired deep breath. “The ring. It fell out of your purse in the study, maybe when we were stripping our clothes off each other. I found it when I came back down to turn off the lights after you were already in bed,” he continued.
Veronica could do nothing but stare at him, her mind had stopped functioning.
“It’s a beautiful ring and I suppose congratulations are in order!” he added.
Chapter 9
“Frank, I…” Veronica tried to formulate the words but he only waved his hand away like he didn’t want her to bother with an explanation.
“Like I said, Veronica, I respect your decision. You’ve decided to marry him, and that’s fine. What I am concerned with is that you kept it from me and then proceeded to have sex with me, knowing fully well that you now officially belong to another man,” he said and turned away from her with a jerk, to pour himself another drink.
Veronica stepped towards him when his back was turned, in the hopes that she might be able to find the words to explain it to him better. She wanted to get closer to him.
“I wanted to, Frank…I really did,” she muttered and he turned to look at her again.
“But you didn’t, did you?” he said and Veronica noted how completely calm he sounded, despite the anger she could see in his eyes.
“You told me that you didn’t want to hear the details then, not before we made love first,” she argued in a strained voice and Frank sighed and shook his head.
“When your first words weren’t - it’s over between us Frank, I assumed that there was no reason for us to not continue as usual,” he said, his voice rising a little but within seconds he had calmed himself back down. “I had no reason to believe that anything had changed. I asked you to spare me the details of an awkward date with an ex boyfriend, not spare me the most important detail; that you are now engaged to the man I thought you were going to break up with,” he said and with a huff he shook his head, as though there was something funny about that.
Veronica stared at him, her dark eyes widened, her breathing going heavy.
“I’m not engaged to him, Frank,” she said and suddenly the sarcastic smile from his face dropped.
“What was the ring for then? It certainly looks like an engagement ring to me,” he said and took a swig of his drink.
“Yes, Calvin did propose, but you should have asked me first Frank, instead of just assuming things,” Veronica said and now it was her turn to fold her arms over her chest. Frank followed her movements and she noticed the way he gazed for a few moments at her breasts before looking away. Despite the conversation they were having, Veronica was well aware of the existing sexual tension in the room.
“I haven’t given him an answer. He forced me to take the ring with me, to think over my decision. But last night, when we had sex, I wasn’t and am still not engaged,” she said.
A silence hung between them for a few seconds. Frank was breathing hard. She could see how his knuckles had turned white as he gripped the glass tightly in his hand. It was like he didn’t believe a word of what she was saying.
“Frank…” Veronica said, taking a few steps towards him. Thankfully he didn’t move away this time, but neither did he reach for her.
“I didn’t say yes because I’m torn, don’t you see that?” she said and he clenched his jaw.
“But you didn’t say no either,” he said and Veronica could only stare back at him.
In a flash he had slammed the glass down on the counter and taken two long steps in her direction. She was in his arms and Veronica let out a sigh of relief. She had spent the whole day yearning, craving for his touch and now finally she could have it.
“I’m sorry, Veronica. For losing my temper at you. I don’t want to push you to make a decision, that was not my intention,” he said and she looked up at him.
“I thought you didn’t care about me any more. That you were suddenly bored of me,” she said with a quivering lip. Frank lowered his face so he could kiss her. Their kiss this time was soft and meaningful. His hands remained on her arms, keeping her close to his chest. When he pulled away, Veronica looked up at him again.
“I haven't made my decision yet, because I don’t want to lose you, Frank,” she admitted and he nodded his head.
“But Calvin is the right choice for you, isn’t he?” he asked, and she noticed the change in his tone.
“We have a history together,” she said and Frank nodded his head.
“And no baggage,” he added and Veronica looked away from him.
He had tightened his grip on her arm and she could now feel his heart beating against hers.
“I don’t know what to do, Frank. I’m so sorry that it upsets you. I don’t mean to keep you hanging like this,” she said and Frank hooked a finger under her chin and tilted her head so that he could look down at her face. A soft, encouraging smile had formed on his lips.
“You’re not keeping me hanging, Veronica. You’re only filling my life with joy. I was afraid of losing you too, which is why I got angry,” he said and she bit down on her lip. It was getting harder and harder for her to control the feelings of arousal that were coursing through her veins.
“You haven’t lost me yet, Frank,” she said, almost in a whisper and he smiled. His fingers found their way down, and then under her blouse till he found the snap of her bra. She felt her bra straps sliding down her arms. Frank helped to pull them off and they fell to the floor.
“No, I haven’t lost you yet,” he said as he undid the buttons on her jeans and thrust his hand in, under her panties, till she could feel his fingers slipping into her again.
Chapter 10
Frank was bringing her to the brink of an orgasm, as he continued to push his two fingers into the soft deep core of her. He held her tightly with his other hand and they stood pressed together, in the middle of the living room. Veronica noted th
at all the lights were on, the curtains at the windows weren’t drawn and they had never had sex in the living room before. A thrill ran down her spine, as though they were doing something dangerous tonight.
Frank’s breathing was heavy and he thrust his chin towards her as he kept stroking her wet center. His fingers had found their way in, deep into that spot she knew was going to make her come.
Her fingernails dug into Frank’s biceps as she clung to him, her eyes rolling in her head from the pleasure. He hadn’t even bothered to roll down her jeans, he just held her in that position while he made her inch closer and closer to the brink.
“Don’t stop, Frank, please don’t stop,” she cried and just as she said it, she felt him sliding his fingers out of her. When his hand was out from under her jeans, he held her by the waist lightly, looking down at her. She was quivering, her thighs were still shaking from coming so close to an orgasm.
“I can see your nipples. They look like they want to be sucked,” he said, with a soft smile dancing on his lips. He lifted his left hand and it found her pert bare nipple, through the thin fabric of her blouse.
Veronica moaned, as he pinched her nipple. She had never thought she could feel this much pleasure in pain. He squeezed her breast and toyed with her sensitive erect nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
“You have to beg me,” he muttered, keeping his eyes focused on her.
“Please, Frank. Please!” she cried, digging her nails deeper into his biceps.
“Show me what you want,” he said and she drew away from him. She hurried to strip herself of her clothes. First her blouse, then her tight jeans and followed by her panties. Within a minute, Veronica was standing completely naked in front of him, with not a stitch of clothing on her. Frank on the other hand was fully clothed. He was in his crisp dark suit and starched white shirt, replete with textured blue cufflinks. He hadn’t even loosened his navy tie yet.
“Show me, Veronica,” he said, stepping back. He wanted to see her in full naked view. She could sense his hungry eyes on her, and when she looked down she saw the raging erection in his pants. But he still didn’t make a move to take his cock out.
She got down on her knees, on the soft fawn colored carpet and then sat down. With her open palms supporting her body, she spread out her legs, opening them wide so that he could see how wet she was. How badly she wanted him inside her.
Frank stood over her, watching her for a few seconds more. Then his hands went to the zip on his pants. Then the buttons and slowly, but surely, his pants came sliding down to the floor.
With his eyes still on her, as Veronica wriggled on the carpet with her legs outstretched, Frank unbuttoned his shirt, loosened his tie and dropped his clothes. Veronica opened her mouth, drinking in Frank’s powerful muscular naked body. Those glistening chiseled abs, the strength in the muscles on his thighs. The smattering of short curly black hair on his chest that she wanted to weave her fingers through.
Frank kneeled down in front of her, and she started moving her hips. His cock was big, glistening at the top with precum. He pointed it towards her, as he grabbed her ankles and placed them gently on his shoulders. Veronica felt helpless in his hands, like he could mould her like clay if he wanted to.
With her feet up in the air, Frank moved forward, placing his bunched up fists on either side of her. Then, just as she moved her hips, trying to reach him, he thrust himself in. He needed no help. His cock was hard and she was wet and ready. He slid in smoothly and they both groaned. This time the waiting had seemed longer than usual.
She felt him slide deep inside her, reach her there where his fingers had been. He moved, pushing his cock deeper and deeper into her, and then pulling out again. Their eyes were locked, Veronica grabbed her own breasts, squeezing them for support. Frank increased his pace when she least expected it, and now she was sure that she was going to go over the edge.
“Veronica…” he said her name softly and she released. She could feel herself drip as he continued to drive into her, fast and strong. He grunted and she saw the beads of sweat on his forehead that were beginning to form. He came too, only seconds after her orgasm began to soften. Frank’s body jerked and he gritted his teeth, releasing his hot seed in her with multiple jerks, till she knew that he was done.
Frank drew in a deep breath and then gently, he lay himself on her. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, and they were both panting softly.
“How is it always so good with you?” he asked, almost in a whisper as she felt his cock beginning to slacken inside her. She could do nothing other than smile at him, a genuine heartfelt smile. Because she had the same question in her mind…how was sex always so great with him? Now, after seeing Calvin just the previous night and being reminded of their relationship, Veronica was certain that sex had never been this good with him. Calvin had never been able to satisfy her this easily. But was it enough to choose Frank over him?
Chapter 11
When Veronica woke up the next morning, she found Frank’s broad chest pressed against her lips. His arm was around her neck and she was nestled into his chest while his leg covered her thigh, almost like he was afraid she might try and escape at night.
She had an instant smile on her face. It was nice and comforting to wake up next to this man, she thought. Veronica tried to wriggle free from his arms, realizing that they were both too late for a run now and she would have to go straight to making breakfast again.
Frank blinked his eyes, forcing them open when he sensed her moving in the bed.
“Where are you going?” he mumbled in a groggy voice that sounded happy at the same time. He reached for her just in time and tugged at her arm so that Veronica came tumbling back into bed with him.
“We’re late. I have to make breakfast and get the girls ready for school,” she protested, laughing at the same time. Frank only wrapped his arms around her tighter, making it impossible for her to escape.
“Let’s all stay in today,” he said, smiling at her. Veronica’s eyes widened and she laughed.
“What do you mean?” she asked and Frank drew some strands of her dark curls away from her face.
“I mean, I’ll stay at home. The girls can skip school and we can all stay home and spend the day by the pool,” he explained and Veronica couldn’t suppress her smile.
“You’re going to skip work for a whole day?” she asked, arching her eyebrows up.
Frank laughed and she noticed how his shoulders shook when he did it.
“Did you think I was incapable of staying away from the office?” he asked and pulled her in closer, nuzzling his face into her hair. Veronica giggled and tried to pull herself away from him.
“That’s the impression I got,” she admitted and when their gazes met again, she noticed the warmth and softness in his dark eyes. Frank looked content and happy.
“Well, I want to make it up to the girls for my absence yesterday,” he said and Veronica bit down on her lip.
“They’ll be so excited. They missed you all day,” she said and tried to break free from him again.
“As for you. Maybe a whole day with me and the girls, might help you make your decision,” he said, and leaned in to nibble her ears. Veronica felt her muscles stiffen. She had forgotten about that completely. She was so taken up with Frank’s happy demeanor that she’d forgotten about the decision she still had to make. Was that a sign? That an expensive diamond ring in a velvet box was lying on her dresser. Given to her by a guy she had been with since college…and she had completely forgotten about it.
“What are you thinking?” she heard Frank’s voice which snapped her out of her thoughts.
“That you’re making it harder and harder for me to make a decision,” she said, pursing her lips. She didn’t want to spoil their mood with serious talk, but she couldn’t help it now that he had brought it up.
“I’m only making my case,” Frank said, the smile still not leaving his face. He leaned in and kissed her on her c
heek then, and Veronica felt a warm glow spreading through her body right after. That was the kind of kiss she wanted to be greeted with every morning. Did it matter what her parents thought?
“Well, you’re making a strong argument. We have to get out of bed now lazy bones. The girls need their breakfast on time, even if we are staying in,” she said and pulled away from him. This time Frank relented and she was able to jump off the bed.
She was naked still, and remembered how they had run up the stairs with their clothes in a bundle in their hands the previous night. It was a moment of madness and after they fell into bed in her room, they couldn’t stop laughing. She couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed that hard.
Frank was watching her. She could sense that he had his eyes on her back as she pulled out fresh clothes from the closet to change into.
“Veronica…” he called out to her, and she whipped around to look at him.
He was half-sitting in the bed, with his head propped up by his hands. His arms were folded behind his head and he was staring at her, not smiling any more. He looked handsome in the morning golden glow of the room. His hair looked just as scruffy as his beard now, but she didn’t care. She liked looking at him like this.
“What is it, Frank?” she asked, breaking the silence.
“I just wanted to reassure you that you can take your time with this. I know I was angry yesterday, but I’m not today. The decision is yours and I will respect it no matter what. I don’t want to come between you and your happiness,” he said in a somber voice.
Veronica nodded her head, already feeling like she was drawing closer to a decision. No matter what her parents planned for her future, and how much history she shared with Calvin, no body could make her feel the way Frank did. In just the span of four weeks, she had felt so many emotions for him. Turning quickly from lust to something more. She knew she couldn’t deny it any more. She was in love with him. He respected her and gave her space. He was everything she needed.
