One Last Kiss: A Second Chance Romance

by Lauren Wood

  “The staff is only around during the day. I pride myself on being able to take care of myself and I want the same thing for my son. It might not be practical, but it’s necessary to stay in touch with my roots. Your room is the first one down the hall on the left. It took me a moment to figure out what were the best accommodations for you. Get settled in and join me in the kitchen at your earliest convenience.” The winding staircase had ornate carvings in the banister. The place was not cookie cutter by any means.

  “I feel like I’m underdressed. Give me a few moments to get into something a little more comfortable.” I didn’t mean to make it sound sexual, but my tone was laced with seduction.

  “I’m sure anything you wear will be fine. You could wear a garbage bag and still look sexy.” The words coming out of his mouth made me feel like I was trapped. This was the first time he had ever said anything remotely inappropriate.

  “We can discuss the ground rules after dinner. I don’t mind rolling up my sleeves and doing dishes. Growing up, I learned to be responsible for myself. My parents were always in and out of my life never quite able to stand still in one place for too long.” In retrospect, I noticed they didn’t sleep in the same room when they were underneath the same roof.

  “I have some ideas how to make this work in a more efficient way. I hope you will excuse me and I don’t want anything to burn.” The only thing that was burning was my fever to have him on top of me in a way that would bring about a squeal of delight from my lips.

  With his hands in his pocket, he strolled down the hall to the kitchen where a medley of different spices assaulted my olfactory senses. He really did have a gift and one that I was going to enjoy tasting on my palate.

  My love life was dismal and potential suitors didn’t stick around long enough to get to know me. I was closed off emotionally and physically. It sometimes felt like I was wearing a chastity belt from back in the day. A man would have to be extremely patient and willing to wait to get beyond the restrictions leading to the heaven between my legs.

  I carried my luggage upstairs and went into the room assigned to me. The huge window brought in natural light from the backyard. There was a multitude of wildflowers growing in the garden below the window sill. The smell brought me back to my childhood when I was using my own green thumb to make something beautiful with my own hands.

  The huge king size bed hovered off the floor a few feet with a huge mattress that felt like a pillow of clouds when I lay down on top of it. I looked at the ceiling and at the fan sitting idle above me. The room was spacious and there was something of a feminine touch in some of the finishing touches.

  There was no way that I was going to live out of a suitcase. It was impersonal and made me feel like I was one step closer to going out the door. I wanted Daniel to realize I was a permanent fixture for as long as he needed me to be there. There was no point in ambushing him and I was going to give him the time to come to me on his own terms.

  It took about 10-minutes to put everything away and to pick out a dress for dinner. It was a little black number with straps over the shoulders crossing over my bareback. It was a departure from my regular attire. The hint of the swell of my breasts every time I took a breath was a little risqué.

  I suddenly felt like there was a cold chill running down my spine. I turned and half expected Evan to be standing in the doorway watching me with a critical eye. Instead, Daniel was glaring at me with his arms crossed defiantly. I was about to say something, but he turned and walked down the hallway swiftly and out of sight.

  It was obvious he was under the impression I was there to replace his mother. I was going to have to set him straight at dinner before things could escalate. I didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings.

  The clock on the black wood nightstand was flashing the neon red sign of 6:00 PM. I took off my glasses and replaced them with the contacts. It was clinically entertaining to see the transformation appear in front of my eyes. I no longer looked studious. This was the kind of woman who would have gone to a frat party without thinking twice about it.

  I casually made my way downstairs and stopped to look at the photographs of the happy family. If Evan had his way he would have made each one disappear. He was keeping them up to remind Daniel of the mother he had lost. I would have done the same thing had I been in his shoes. It was a good way to keep her memory alive.

  I followed the aroma like the pied piper playing the flute to rid the town of unwanted pests. Something really did smell delicious and I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into whatever concoction he had made.

  The kitchen was immaculate and somehow he had managed not to make a mess. Everything was where it was supposed to be. The table was set for an intimate dinner with three in attendance. The China was quite spectacular with a flower design most likely something his wife had picked out on the spur of the moment.

  “I hope you like Beef Wellington. This is my unique take on it. It has been marinated with red wine, wild mushrooms, onions, and a mixture of different spices to whet your appetite. I also have some baby carrots sautéed in butter with garlic mashed potatoes and this decadent gravy.” He was making my mouth water with anticipation.

  “Daniel, my name is Denise Sand. I want to be upfront and honest for the reason for my visit. I’m here for you and not your father. There is nothing between us except for a deep respect for each other. I don’t want you to misconstrue what is going on here.” He softened a little, but he was understandably suspect of my motives.

  “I don’t understand.” I was going to have to be a little more forward with my approach.

  “Your father is concerned about these nightmares you are having. I am here to give you an outlet to talk openly about your feelings. You can say anything you want to me without your father being involved. I would suggest there should be an open dialogue between the three of us.” His arms went slack and he relaxed enough to know there was nothing going on between me and his father.

  Evan waited patiently for the conversation to end before serving dinner. The steam rising from my plate was an intoxicating scent. This was worthy of high praise from any expensive restaurant in the area. I couldn’t see any critic finding fault in what was a masterpiece on a plate.

  “Denise will be staying with us for the foreseeable future. I don’t need to know what the two of you talk about. Feel free to say what is ever on your mind. I hope we can reach a consensus on how to proceed.” The only sound during dinner was an appreciative tone coming from my mouth after each sampling of what was served.

  “I have to give my compliments to the chef.” I was so far from my home and yet I felt perfectly comfortable surrounded by this dysfunctional family.

  “My life is hectic and this is my way to find time to enjoy the simpler things in life. I have my wife to thank for opening my eyes to the little things. She made me smell the roses and to look at the world through fresh eyes. She told me I had to get in touch with my inner child.” The beef was so tender it broke away on my fork and melted in my mouth.

  The complement of garlic mashed potatoes and baby carrots sautéed in butter was an explosion of flavors. The mushrooms were my favorite.

  “She sounds like a wise woman and you were lucky to have her in your life. I would like the both of you to rekindle a memory of her in your own words. Write down your thoughts on paper and take the time to live the memory. Don’t run away from those things that made you a family.” This was my form of therapy to get them to recognize she would always be in their heart.

  “I don’t want to remember her. It’s too painful and you can’t make me.” He dropped his fork and left the table without asking to be excused.

  “You must forgive his lack of manners. He’s only doing this to get underneath your skin. His nightmares will slowly subside, but I don’t think he wants them to. It’s the last connection he has to his mother and he’s going to hold onto it for dear life.” I finished every single morsel on my plate and was tempted
to lick the plate clean afterward.

  “I appreciate your insight and I probably would have shown my anger by screaming. With you as a buffer, I can listen and act accordingly. I couldn’t tempt you with a decadent delight. I don’t want to pat myself on the back, but this is one of my finest creations.” The buildup was to have me drooling at the prospect of consuming such a delicious finish to the meal.

  “How could I possibly refuse when you make it almost irresistible?”

  The chocolate soufflé was light as a feather.

  He was waiting for a reaction and it was almost better than sex. I didn’t have any reference, but this was what I dreamed it would be like.

  “I do believe you said something about doing the dishes. I’m going to take you up on that offer. I have some phone calls to make in my office. I promise to make breakfast the meal you will want to start your day with.” He left me to clean up and I watched him walk away with a catch in my throat.

  Chapter three

  He was in my thoughts and the dream of our bodies connected in a physical way was enough to wake me up with the sheets drenched in my sweat. The lips of my sex were slick to the touch and the temptation to take matters into my own hand was almost too hard to pull away from. It cut me deeply to know that I was affected in this manner. Being this close to where the magic happened in his master bedroom was asking for trouble.

  I had heard him wandering the halls like some ghostly apparition not able to rest until some unfinished business was concluded. It was 6:00 AM and I was due in the office at 8:00 AM. This was a good time to take a shower and prepare myself mentally for the day.

  I went into the bathroom and found myself staring at the naked body of Evan from behind. I didn’t notice the adjourning door. The bathroom was shared by his bedroom and the one I was currently occupying. I didn’t know what to do and standing there like a deer in the headlights wasn’t exactly my finest moment.

  My eyes traveled down the contours of his muscular shoulders, down his spine and over the prominent globes of his ass. I would have gladly gotten down on my knees to hold the eighth wonder of the world in the palm of my hands.

  I broke from my mental trance and tried to exit the room without being noticed. I backed up and I would have gone undetected, but I stumbled and slammed heavily against the door. I rang my bell and lost consciousness for a second.

  “Denise…are you OK? You took a nasty fall and I hope nothing’s broken.” I blinked my eyes and right in front of me was the enlarged condition of his arousal.

  “The only thing bruised is my ego. I’m a little embarrassed, but I’ve not the only one that should be.” I could’ve turned away, but it was like a car accident on the side of the road.

  “Jesus… I’m sure this is more than you wanted to see of me.” He scrambled for a towel to cover up his dignity and lost his balance on the wet floor. He landed right there in front of me with his legs spread.

  “I don’t know about you, but this is becoming some kind of slapstick comedy routine. We are adults and we should be able to see each other without giggling like teenagers. Get a hold of yourself and I don’t mean that literally.” I thought I had everything under control, but my hands were slippery.

  I tried to get up and fell face first into his lap. The feel of his shaft hotly touching my cheek was like I had died and gone to heaven. I moved to grab onto something for support and found his unyielding stick of dynamite ready to go off in the palm of my hand.

  “I think you should leave before we make this any more awkward than it already is.” My mind was overcome by the sensation of his manhood touching any part of my body.

  “This was perfectly innocent and it’s not like we set out to be intimate in this way. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again by coordinating our schedules in the morning.” I was still holding onto him and for some reason, I began to squeeze.

  I stared at the long and imposing vein down the back. The head was shaped like one of those mushrooms I had consumed at dinner. This one looked far more delicious than anything I would find on a plate.

  “That sounds great, but you still haven’t taken your hand off of me.” It felt like a hot poker burning me. I lifted my hands and surrendered while tiptoeing backward out the door.

  “I apologize for making this arrangement less than ideal. You have my word it won’t happen again.” I was using the clinical side of my brain to leave before I jumped into his arms with my legs wrapped around his waist.

  “I’ve gotten to see more of you than I have the entire time in your office. I have a confession to make and I hope I’m not doing something foolish.” I stopped with my feet firmly planted within the threshold of my bedroom.

  “You can say anything to me without worrying I’m going to judge you unfairly. I know sometimes the body wants something it shouldn’t.” This had never happened before, but I didn’t want him to know that.

  “I have had some impure thoughts about you. I always wanted to see if there was a hot-blooded woman underneath your clinical gaze. I have given it a lot of thought sometimes when I was talking to you on the couch.” It was pretty evident from how his pants had suddenly become too tight for him.

  “I noticed, but I didn’t think it was professional to mention it. If we are confessing then let me tell you there have been times where my fantasies have become somewhat explicit about you.” He wasn’t trying to cover up and the bobbing evidence of his excitement was easy to recognize.

  “I’m glad we were able to discuss this. It doesn’t mean anything is going to happen. We are consenting adults, but we also have free will to refrain from doing something stupid.” It sounded like we were on the same page, but he had done nothing to keep the temperature from rising in the room.

  “I could give you a hand and it wouldn’t do anybody good to have you walking around frustrated all day. It’s clearly something you need. I would take me up on my offer. Think of me as a doctor, detached and completely immune to your sexual charm. I would never betray my oath.” It sounded somewhat condescending, but he wasn’t refusing my request.

  “I think we both know this is a dangerous slope. I don’t want to do anything to ruin this arrangement to help my son. He is more important than some quick release of sexual endorphins. He almost became an orphan and I still haven’t forgiven myself for taking away his mother.” I took a step closer and I used one finger to motion him into a position where I could put my hands on him again.

  “You’re thinking about this too much. It’s a very simple exercise and in the time we have argued about it you could’ve already finished.” I was sweating bullets at the possibility of giving him a moment of sweet relief.

  “I feel it’s safe to warn you that I was thinking about you before you came in here. I was about to do something in the shower to keep me from knocking on your door. If you’re sure this won’t affect our working relationship then I would be a damn fool to refuse.” We were crossing a line and I didn’t care about how this was going to make things look.

  I didn’t want to give him a chance to change his mind. This was the first time I had gone this far with any man. I wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. I put out my hand and he laid the heavy protrusion in the palm of my hand. The heat and the weight were soon feeling the friction of my bare fingers dancing over his flesh. He had grown another inch with the pulsating reminder of what was currently building in his balls seen in the different color of his knob.

  I felt like I was playing with fire, but I was willing to risk getting burned. I stroked the skin of his shaft up over the head to reveal the pearl drop of wisdom. I moved my thumb across the clear liquid. It was sticky to the touch and I spread it in a wide circle around the head of his monument of manhood.

  He took my fingers and he began to deeply suck each one. I watched as his mouth devoured each digit leaving behind a glistening shine of his spit. He returned them to his heated missile which looked like it was ready to launch.

  I easily
glided my fist up and down his pole. It was thick and demanding. The clear fluid was flowing freely and I was using it in conjecture with what he had done with his mouth to my fingers.

  “I’ve… I’ve never done this before. I know I come off as worldly, but there is something painfully lacking in my life. I need to do something reckless and careless for the first time in my life. This is the most adventurous I have been and I don’t want to lose this feeling.” I was jacking his pipe and waiting for his declaration of excitement to spill from his lips.

  “I’m not sure what you are trying to say. I can’t concentrate with all the blood situated where your hand is.” His well-defined pectorals were rising and falling with each sexually charged breath coming from his body.

  “There’s no reason to get into it right now.” I had done my fair share of research on the Internet on how a man reacts to certain stimulus. The head was extra sensitive and I made sure to give it a thorough going over.

  “I think this is some of the best sex I’ve had in a long time. I know it’s only a hand job, but I haven’t been with a woman in any regard since my wife died.” I felt honored to be his first and I could only hope he would feel the same way when he learned of my dark secret.

  “I know there’s a burning desire inside you and I’m standing right next to the fire boiling in your balls. I would like to see you cum for me. Call this my first initial lesson into my sexual discovery.” I watched intently and he thrust forward in my fist with the knob puffing up like a balloon.

  “It’s been too long… too fucking long… AHHHH.” His strangled cry of release was followed by shooting streams coating my fingers and pooling in the palm of my hand.

  I continued to work his shaft until every single drop had been extracted from inside of him.

  I continued to jerk him off even after he had already been drained dry. The substance clinging to my fingers had inexplicably turned into a white paste.