by Amanda Rose
“okay, first things first. I am going to bring you a glass of wine. Feed the animals. Stoke up the fire and put on some Christmas music. If you like I can find something in the kitchen for food?”
I heard a cork being pulled from a bottle of wine. The sound of wine being poured into a large glass, steps coming down the hallway. Samuel knocked at the door, “I have your wine, a nice cold glass of Chardonnay. It is perfect with a hot bath.”
“Come in, thank you Samuel. I really appreciate your help tonight. I am afraid to trust a stranger in my house, but I need help.”
“I’m there for you Cora. How about some Christmas music, it is the season? Would you mind if I choose something for the evening?”
“I would be happy with whatever you choose Samuel, I am at a disadvantage after all.”
“How about I make something for dinner now?”
“I am at your mercy.” I really was.
I heard some music filtering down the hallway. “ Oh, Holy Night, followed by Silent Night.” Two of my favorite Christmas songs. I was liquefying in the hot salt waters. My eyes were starting to close. The wine glass was slipping from my fingers into the bath. Suddenly a knock sounded on the door.
“Cora, are you okay in there? It’s time to get out and have something to eat. I have the fire stoked and found a few things in your kitchen to make dinner. Do you need some help getting out of the tub?” Samuel sounded worried.
“I’m okay, I’m getting out now. One Sec. “ I slowly pulled myself out of the tub. I pulled a velvety black robe with faux fur trim from the back of the bathroom door. I slid it slowly up my arms and settled it upon my shoulders. I belted it snugly around my waist and could feel the fabric sliding sensuously over my naked hot skin. My ankle seemed much improved as I made my way into the living room. Other Christmas songs were coming from the the stereo. I think “noel” was playing, it was so soft. All of the animals were somnolent. I made my way to the couch and settled in with a sigh. Slowly, I brought my ankle up to the couch. Samuel was there with a pillow to prop my foot up. “Carol of the Bells” played in the background. Wasn’t I sitting here just a short time ago with Lucas? Maybe I was wanton?
“I made you an omelet for strength. Eggs, sharp cheddar, red bell pepper, broccoli and ham.” Samuel said somewhat sheepishly. “I hope you like it?”
“I love it already, I’m famished!” I wolfed it down like I was starving. Immediately I felt I was going to pass out. Whenever I eat rich food on an empty stomach I cannot keep my eyes open. Combine the food with the hot bath , a glass of wine, a warm fire and snow outside, I was toast. My eyes closed.
As I slowly woke I could hear “God rest ye merry gentlemen” playing in instrumental . I was confused at first. I was on my couch and could see the snow falling heavily outside the windows. The fire seemed well tended. I stretched my arms over my head and slowly flexed my foot, it felt good, I felt good. I had no idea what time it was. Time was losing its meaning in the mountains. It had slowed down, life was becoming more simplified. I was wanting this, whatever it was. I sighed.
I heard a cough coming from the floor in front of the fire. I looked under the coffee table and there was Samuel laying on the carpet with all of the cats and dogs curled around him like a new sort of cocoon. He stretched and every animal scattered. Samuel set up slowly looking around a bit dazed. “Sorry, I fell asleep on duty,” he yawned. “ I had a second glass of wine, it knocked me flat. How are you doing?
“I feel pretty good, thanks. My ankle feels so much better.” I was feeling a little shy. I wasn’t sure were to look. Samuel was staring at me with an intense interest.
“I’ll take the dogs out, be right back. Come on Pandora, Honey, let’s go!” Out the door the three went bounding through the snow. I wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. Obviously I was attracted to Samuel, but I had just lain with Lucas. What was I doing? I tried to remind myself, I was a grown woman, I could do what I liked and take as many lovers as I wished. Men did it all the time. It should be the same for women. I tried to convince myself.
Samuel came back through the front door, dogs bounding ahead. Cats running out through the crack in the front door. “My Cats! They cannot be outside!” I panicked . I jumped up from the couch and half hopped to the front door. “They’ll die!” I was trying to get out the front door. Samuel restrained me.
“It won’t help if you twist your ankle again. Do you have some cans of wet cat food. We can try the opening of the can technique sure to bring all cats within a 20 mile radius. I think it is genetic.” Samuel said.
I knew what he meant. The sound of the tin opening from a can of cat food drew cats in like a drug. They could not resist. I handed the tin to Samuel. He pried it open and suddenly three cats were around him like a long lost friend. I slammed the front door shut. He divided the tin between three plates and put them on the ground. Three happy beasts were purring. The dogs were before the fire again. The parakeets were drowsing. I looked at Samuel and he looked at me.
“Would you like a cocktail?” he asked.
“Love one. What did you have in mind?” I asked.
“How about an old fashioned brandy eggnog. Tis the season. First more Christmas music. I have a song I like particularly stored on my phone. “Christmas Canon.” I haven’t heard so much Christmas music in my entire existence until I got here.
Samuel was mixing up our brandy eggnogs with quite expertise. I could only stare at his beauty. I think I mentioned that he was red headed with a slight beard. His muscles were flexing under his thin thermal tee. Not overly large, which I do not care for, but very fine tuned. I wanted to run my hands down his arms and along his chest down to his navel. After that I was not sure where to go next.
He turned to me with the eggnog in hand. “Let’s settle down on the couch.” He smiled. I took the eggnog from his hand and settled down opposite. We sipped in silence, listening to the holiday music in the background. As I sipped the strong concoction, I felt my muscles furthering loosening. I looked at Samuel with half hooded eyes and saw him returning my gaze. “Would you like a massage. I happen to be very good at it.” Didn’t someone just say that to me?
I was feeling the brandy, the bath, a cozy cocoon that I was living in at the present moment. “Please.” Was all I could say. Samuel lifted me from the couch and carried me into the bedroom. Snow was falling outside the windows more furiously than ever. Luckily I had turned the thermostat up in my room and the temperature was conducive to naked bodies. Samuel placed me on my bed and started to take his own clothing off first. His hard body was slightly furred with red gold fur. He was already hard and breathing heavily. He came over to me and eased the velvety fur over and down my shoulders. My breasts were exposed. He untied the belt at my waist and spread my robe open. I gasped as he spread my legs with his hands. He massaged my inner thighs with his hands and I laid back on the bed as I felt his hands come up over my hips to my waist curving towards my breasts.
Samuel’s hands encircled my breasts kneading gently. He rotated my nipples in his hands. He moved up my chest and ran his hands over my shoulders and down my arms to my fingertips. “Scoot further up on the bed, I want to properly massage your body. I am going to start with your feet. Do you have any massage oil on hand or some scented lotion?”
“In the bathroom on the second shelf is a bottle of rose scented lotion.” I found it difficult to speak.
“Be right back.” He said.
My eyes were glued to his body as he moved away. I made myself more comfortable on the bed, surprised I didn’t feel more self conscious. The snow was falling outside the windows covering the evergreen trees like thick frosting. I felt warm and cozy, open to whatever was coming next. Samuel came back in with the lotion. I noticed he wasn’t hard any longer.
“Anything the matter? I asked with a brazen stare.
“A masseuse needs self control. Massage is a very intimate therapy. I want to take it slow and please you.” Samuel uncapped the
rose lotion and poured some into his hands. He rubbed his hands together to warm the lotion and started in on my feet. He picked up one of my feet and started to rub the lotion into the bottom of my foot. Firm slow circles. Next came the calf muscles. He repeated the massage on my other foot and calf. I was already falling into a partial sleep. I had had no idea that a simple foot and calf massage could be so relaxing.
“I want you to turn over onto your stomach now. I am going to work on your back and shoulders.” Samuel directed.
I turned over. Samuel knelt next to me and put his warm rose covered hands onto my shoulders. He started down my back with deep pressure. I moaned. I couldn’t help myself. This was better than Sex. I was limp. I felt hot hands moving onto the back of my thighs working fingers moving up and down in a slow rhythm. His hands then moved up to cover my Ass. A palm on each cheek. More lotion and kneading, I was starting to breath heavily.
“Open your legs.” Samuel commanded.
I opened my legs and felt Samuel move in between them. He lowered himself onto my back. I could feel his prick hard and stiff lying on the crack of my Ass. I didn’t move.
“I am going to massage you from the inside.”Samuel whispered.
I felt the tip of his prick gently prodding my opening. Teasing, easing in a little and then backing out. I was wriggling under him. I was wanting him. I didn’t want to wait and go slow. He must have sensed my impatience because suddenly he pushed into me. His shaft was so deep. I whimpered. He pulled out and plunged in again. I was backing up into him, trying to get him even deeper. He lifted me onto my hands and knees and pushed even deeper. That was all it took, I screamed and my body started shaking. I dimly heard some sort of noise from Samuel. I think it was a sound of satisfaction. We collapsed.
I awoke slowly feeling so relaxed. I could hear quiet breathing next to me. I had no idea what time it was. I didn’t care. I was looking at Samuel when he opened his eyes. He was looking right back. A slow smile.
“What time is it do you think? I am feeling pretty hungry after all that work. How about I make us some food?” he said.
I realized I was famished and ready for some nourishment. “Food sounds amazing at this point. I have steaks, potatoes and some broccoli in the fridge. How does that sound?”
“It sounds perfect. I am going to cook for you to thank you for all of this amazing hospitality. Plus I want you to stay off of your ankle, just to be safe. Let me get dressed and then I can bring you some pajamas to get cozy in.”
“You are so thoughtful. I said.
I watched Samuel get dressed. I then directed him to my supply of winter pajamas. He chose a flannel red and green plaid. Loose lounge pants and a button up top. Samuel went to the kitchen to prep our meal while I got dressed. I brushed out my hair and pulled it into a ponytail. I was testing the weight on my ankle and it did feel better. However, I did not want to take any chances. I would let Samuel have his way. With Dinner I mean.
When I entered the other room I saw a row of patiently waiting animals staring at Samuel. He was already getting there dinner for them. I also saw two Bourbon cocktails sweating on the counter. Fire burning nicely and another Christmas LP spinning on the stereo. I was starting to like someone taking over and taking charge.
You see, I have to be in control and in charge all of the time. It is exhausting which is why I booked this getaway. I was just going to go with this and try to have no expectations. I couldn’t help but think of Lucas. I mean he was just here. Now I am here with someone else. I reminded myself. No expectations. I was a grown woman and could do as I pleased with whom I pleased. I could do what I wanted at any time day or night. I think I was trying to convince myself.
I settled into the sofa pulling a fleecy white blanket with gold snowflakes over my knees. The smell of fresh garlic and broiling steaks permeated the air. Samuel brought my drink to me with a cute Christmas cocktail napkin. Somewhere he had found little red straws.
“Easier to sip with all the ice” he said as he sipped through his own red straw.
“Mmmm, it’s so good. What’s in it?”
“It’s a simple recipe.” He replied.
Bourbon sour:
1 oz lemon juice
½ tsp sugar
2 oz Bourbon
Served over ice with garnish of sugar, lemon and a maraschino cherry.
“It’s delicious Samuel, thank you.” I must remember my manners and not take Samuel for granted.
“Dinner will be ready soon. I’ll join you. Let’s have a Christmas toast. To new friends!” Samuel said.
“To new friends!” We clinked our glasses together. “ Did you know that if you make a toast everyone at the table needs to touch everyone elses’s glass or it is bad luck?” I said.
“I don’t think I have heard of that. It’s good to include everyone though.” Samuel was very kind.
CHAPTER FIVE
We ate dinner on the couch while sipping our cocktails. Samuel revealed he was a teacher at a Charter School down the mountain. He taught Art, Math, Music and Cooking. No wonder his meals were so good. We finished up practically licking our plates. Samuel brought out warm brandy in snifters to enjoy. The snow was still falling. All of the animals had been fed and had bathroom breaks. All had dozed off.
“I noticed that you already have presents under the Christmas tree. Did Santa come early?” asked Samuel.
I felt my face flush crimson. Good thing I was drinking a warm alcoholic drink in front of a nice fire. Maybe he wouldn’t notice. “A friend brought those to me. I am supposed to open one every day for the next 7 days. Starting today.”
“Well, let me get it for you.” Samuel got up and went to the tree. He rummaged through the presents. Each one was uniquely wrapped with vintage paper and tied up with twine. They were labeled #1-7.
“I assume you start with #1?” He said.
I nodded and untied the twine. Carefully I unwrapped the paper . Inside was fresh mistletoe. Now what?I couldn’t kiss Samuel under the mistletoe that Lucas had given me.
“What a nice decoration. I think I need to hang this up. I’ll do it later.” I was trying to avoid any reference to mistletoe being used for an excuse to kiss.
“okay” said Samuel. He looked slightly confused.
“Well, Thank You So Much for everything Samuel. I appreciate everything you have done for me and my animals. I feel like I need to rest and just be in my own space right now. Could I call you later?” I was wanting Samuel to leave now. I was starting to feel overwhelmed. I came here for personal space and quiet. I wanted time to reflect. Somehow I had brought two men into my house in a very short amount of time. It felt like Déjà vu.
“Sure, I’ll leave you my phone # in case you want to call. I’m just down the path as you know.” Samuel got up and jotted down his phone #. I limped over to the front door to see him out. He tried to kiss me goodbye, but I ducked my head just a bit to avoid it. Honey came bounding over and ran out the front door.
“Well she knows the way through the snow, I guess I’ll follow.” Samuel looked slightly sad.
“I’ll see you soon.” I tried to be bright and cheery like I really meant it. Maybe I did. I just wasn’t sure yet.
I decided to turn the stereo off. Enough Christmas music for God’s Sake. I smored the fire and took a cocktail to bed. I put fresh crimson flannel sheets on the bed and brought a warm hot toddy with me. I plumped up the pillows and pulled extra blankets around me. There was a warm glow coming from the living room. I slowly sipped my drink and thought of all that had already happened. I needed to slow down and just be by myself. Maybe if the snow stopped tomorrow I could take a short drive around the area. Then I remembered that my car was still at the grocers. I had no transportation. Time had lost all meaning.
I awoke in the morning with three cats kneading the blankets around me. Pandora had come up in the night and curled herself on the corner of the bed. Small chirping sounds coming from the other room. okay, time to get up. It s
till seemed dark outside, but that could be because the sun had not come over the mountains yet. I went to check my phone and saw it was dead. Great. I gingerly put weight on my hurt ankle as I got out of bed. A little sore, but doing better. I limped down the hall and into the kitchen. Need coffee . I had a really nice dark French roast that should do the trick. I got the coffee pot brewing and headed to the fireplace. I noticed that the time on the wall clock was 8:00 am. I had no idea if that was the right time. It wasn’t too hard to get the fire going as there were still some hot coals buried under the ash. Flames were starting to crackle. I was really grateful for the dry firewood.
I went to get my coffee and pondered what I was going to do with my day. The snow had stopped and the sun was just coming up over the trees. Whatever I did today, I was going to take my time. I was going to appreciate my surroundings, nature, maybe read a book. I sounded desperate, even to myself.
I finished my coffee, plugged in my phone and decided to take a long hot shower. I stayed in the shower until all the hot water was gone. After toweling off I put on another pair of flannel pajamas. These were purple with blue stripes. I have the biggest collection of flannel Pajamas. I checked my phone. Nothing. What did I expect? There was hardly any cell phone reception in the mountains. I was starting to feel lonely.
I realized I had been feeling lonely for a very long time. Having two new men in my bed for a short amount of time was not going to cure that feeling. I just needed to work through it. I had brought a few newspapers with me on my trip that contained the New York Time Crosswords Puzzle. I wasn’t very good at it, but it helped to occupy my mind. I started in on one of the puzzles and just kept going. My stomach was starting to growl as I glanced at the clock. 11:00. Wow a few hours had gone by. I should probably eat something. A grilled cheese sandwich sounded about right. Maybe some dill pickles and a can of tomato soup. My maternal grandmother use to serve this as lunch. Not only did I like it, it brought back memories of sitting at her kitchen table for lunch. My grandmother passed away several years ago, but I still remember her wallpaper.
