by M. C. Decker
“Ashlynn, don’t be making sounds like that, or we might not make it to the restaurant.”
“You’re right let’s talk about something else,” she suggested. “How was the rest of your afternoon?”
“Ummm, it was OK,” I lied, not ready to discuss Marissa or my impending job offer. “I heard you ran into Camden.”
“Oh god, I swear I thought he was you,” she said, covering her face in mock shame.
“What are you talking about?”
“Wait, he didn’t tell you?” she asked.
“No, should he have told me?”
“No, forget I said anything. What did he say?”
“Seriously, what did you do?” I laughed.
“I may have rubbed up against him a little,” she admitted, biting her lip. “I had to go upstairs for coffee because as you probably know the one on our floor was closed for maintenance. I saw him in the lounge and I just assumed it was you. You never told me that your brother was coming to work at St. Therese. To say I was a little surprised would be an understatement. I hope he didn’t feel too violated.”
“Ha! I think my brother will be fine, but he may need to wear a sign on his back, so he doesn’t get any extra lovin’ from my girlfriend.”
“You’re just as crazy as he is. Actually, I’m surprised he didn’t say anything. He seemed pretty eager to torture you over it when I left the lounge.”
“He probably got distracted. We started talking about something else when he came into the office,” I explained.
“Anyway, It won’t happen again,” she insisted. “I can notice a few differences now.”
“That’s good, but there’s a pretty obvious difference between the two of us,” I added.
“Yeah? What’s that?” she asked.
“If you’re with the one with dashing good looks and a magnetic personality then you have the right guy,” I said, breaking into hysterics.
“Well that’s a given,” she said, leaning over the center console to kiss me on the cheek.
“Wow, I feel a little underdressed,” Ashlynn said as we walked up the canopied, illuminated sidewalk to Da Vittorio.
“Stop it, you look beautiful as always,” I reassured her.
“Welcome to Da Vittorio. May I take your coats?” the host inquired upon our entrance. Handing him our coats, a server guided us to a booth in an intimate corner of the room.
“Have you been here before,” he asked.
“No, but I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things,” I said.
“Please take a minute to look over our menu then. We have a varied selection of traditional Italian cuisine as well as many class dishes,” he said, placing the menus in front of us. “May I suggest a bottle of house wine for the table?”
“That would be great. Thank you, Andrea,” I said, noticing his nametag.
After placing our order, Ashlynn began telling me about her afternoon before asking me again about mine.
“Were you able to reschedule your business trip?”
“Business trip?” I questioned, a bit confused.
“Yeah, the trip you were supposed to take over the weekend. You didn’t really tell me much about it. I just assumed it was business-related. Not that you owe me any sort of explanation.”
“Oh, yeah, I was supposed to meet with some colleagues at University Hospital in Minneapolis. I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to reschedule,” I said, providing her with a half-truth.
“I could go along if you want,” she blurted out.
“What?”
“Sorry, that was a little presumptuous and rude of me,” she apologized.
“No, no, I think that sounds like a great idea. But, could you get away from work?”
“Well, I happen to think my boss might excuse me. But, just so other people wouldn’t get the wrong impression and think he was playing favorites, I do have several days of vacation time accrued. I don’t remember the last time I took some time off for myself. It would be nice to get away.”
“Well OK then. I’ll call and schedule the trip tomorrow,” I said. “Are you sure though? I might be gone for most of the afternoon. I don’t want you to get bored.”
“I’ll be fine. Didn’t you say we’d be in Minneapolis? I’m sure I can take an Uber to the Mall of America. I have a feeling I could easily spend days there.”
“OK, it’s settled then. I guess we’re going to Minneapolis together,” I said with a faint smile, uneasy about the awkward situation. Although I looked forward to spending time with Ashlynn alone in a hotel room, I dreaded her learning the real reason behind my trip. Maybe I could keep my secret just a bit longer.
Carson
PULLING UP TO the hotel, I wished I were more enthusiastic about the getaway with Ashlynn, instead, I dreaded telling her the truth about my business here.
“Oh my gosh, this place is gorgeous! And, I can just walk out of the hotel and into the mall. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Ashlynn said as we checked in with the concierge. I thought I’d surprise her by booking a room at the Marriott hotel, connected to the Mall of America. I knew she was OK with taking an Uber around town, but I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of her being alone in a strange city–call me old-fashioned. “What time is your first appointment? If you have time, we could go check out the mall.”
Glancing down at my watch, I knew I only had about thirty minutes to spare before I was scheduled to meet with the director of the long-term care facility. I’d already postponed the meeting once, I didn’t want to keep him waiting any longer.
“Sorry, Gorgeous, unfortunately, there’s someplace I have to be soon, but I promise I’ll be back in time for dinner. Why don’t you go check things out? I’ll be back in a few hours, and you can tell me all about it,” I suggested.
“OK, or I can go with you if you’d like the company?” she asked. “I promise I won’t get in your way. You won’t even know I’m there.”
I still felt horrible for not telling Ashlynn the reason for my visit. I came close to telling her everything on the flight, but then she fell asleep resting against my shoulder and I just couldn’t stand the thought of ruining everything that we’d finally built.
“It’s OK, you’d probably just be bored anyway. Go enjoy yourself,” I said. “Shop till you drop!”
“Ha! Unfortunately, I think my bank account would drop before I would,” she laughed.
“Well, then take my AMEX,” I said, handing her my card.
“I can’t accept that, Carson. I was only kidding anyway. I don’t really need to buy that much. Besides, I’ve turned window shopping into an Olympic sport. One thing I’m actually proud to say I learned from my mother.”
“Fine, but if you change your mind, I’ll leave this on the counter by the minibar.”
Walking into the long-term care facility, I was overcome with emotion that this could finally be happening for Marissa. Because the receptionist told me that the director would be longer than expected, I asked to see the facility’s art room since much of her therapy had revolved around her love of painting.
“May I help you, Sir?” an aide inquired as I entered the room. A few patients sat around the room each working a different project–some sculpting while others painted.
“I hope I’m not disturbing anyone. I just have a friend who was recently accepted as a patient here and I’m just giving myself the ten-cent tour,” I explained. “She really enjoys art. I think she’ll just love this room with all its vibrant colors,” I added, noticing the bright sunlight streaming into the room from the full-length windows.
“No, you’re fine,” she assured me. “Make yourself at home. As you can see, we don’t teach a specific class. We let the patients choose their project.”
Perspiration dripped down my forehead as I waited for Marissa to arrive at the gallery. She didn’t realize it, but I’d paid for a private viewing of the collection before the show officially opened to the public. She’d been talking about this show for weeks, a
nd I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to finally ask her to be my wife.
I’d been planning this night for several weeks, and finally, it was here. I wanted everything to be perfect–just like her–a night we’d remember on our golden wedding anniversary. We’d talked about marriage while I was in med school, but we agreed then that it’d be better to wait for both of us to graduate and settle into our careers before worrying about the stress of a wedding. I hadn’t told her yet about the fellowship I’d been offered, but I hoped she’d be just as excited to move to Texas as I was.
“What are you doing here all alone?” Marissa asked, meeting me in the lobby.
“I paid to rent the gallery for the evening. The staff has already left. It’s just us,” I explained.
“You did all of this for me?” she gushed. “I can’t believe I get to view the artwork before anyone else.”
“Enjoy it. You’re more than deserve it, Marissa. I’d do it over and over again if it meant I could see that smile on your beautiful face. You light up the room, you know?” I said, embracing her for a gentle kiss. “I have champagne chilling, would you like some?”
“I think that sounds perfect,” she said.
After sharing a champagne toast, we walked around the gallery enjoying the various pieces on display. She explained the meaning of each one, smiling vibrantly as she did so. “You can take one of the pieces home,” I said.
“Carson, you know I can’t afford any of these,” she said, shrugging. “It’d be nice if I could though. They’re all so beautiful. Maybe someday.”
“Marissa, it’s my gift to you. I was waiting until the right time to tell you, but I was offered a fellowship in Dallas, and I want you to go with me.”
“What?” she asked, unsure of what I was asking.
“Say you’ll go with me. I love you, Marissa. Will you be my wife?”
“Oh my god, yes,” she squealed, leaping into my arms.
The painting she chose that night still hangs on my office wall–a gentle reminder of how cruel life can be.
After spending the afternoon touring the long-term care facility and meeting with the team of doctors, including physical and behavioral therapists, and nurses who would be working with Marissa, I was exhausted. Knowing I’d promised to take Ashlynn out for dinner, I hoped she’d be OK with ordering room service and spending the rest of the evening in bed.
Walking into the hotel suite, I was surprised to see Ashlynn already sprawled out across the king-sized bed. She stirred as I crawled into bed next to her. Then she rolled over to face me.
“You really did shop till you dropped, huh?” I laughed, wrapping her tightly in my arms. “I didn’t expect to find you here sleeping.”
“Yeah, I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she answered, sleepily. “I didn’t even make it to many stores. I’m just exhausted. I hope I’m not coming down with something.”
“I’m pretty tired myself. What do you say we just order some room service and stay in tonight?” I suggested.
“That sounds perfect, actually. I bet there are some killer desserts on the menu,” she moaned.
“You know, you might feel better if you ate something less sugary,” I teased, handing her the menu.
After glancing at it, we ordered a hummus and pita plate, two grilled salmon entrees with roasted fingerling potatoes, and a piece of chocolate fudge cake. For the next hour, we channel surfed as we devoured our meal, propped up on pillows in the luxurious bed.
“I could get used to this,” I said before licking a piece of chocolate icing from Ashlynn’s lips.
“Mmmm, me too,” she moaned.
“I can’t believe we just ate all that food though. We aren’t going to be able to leave this hotel room all weekend because I’ll be in this bed recovering from a food coma. In fact, I think I might just be pregnant with a food baby,” she laughed, rubbing her belly.
Just the thought of Ashlynn being pregnant ignited something in me that I’d never felt before. When I’d proposed to Marissa, we were both so young with new, promising careers on the horizon. It’s something we wanted, but several years in the future. Now well into my thirties, being a father wasn’t something that I’d often thought about. I’d always been Sam’s cool uncle, and I was proud to play that role. But now that I’d met Ashlynn, she made the once impossible suddenly seem possible.
“Have you ever thought about having children,” I asked, resting my head on her chest.
“No, not really,” she sighed heavily. “I suppose I did when I was much younger, but Kyle took away all those dreams.”
“He was a sick bastard. It infuriates me that he took so much from you,” I said with disgust.
“I’m OK, I’ve lived with the harsh reality for years. It’s just a relief to finally have someone I can confide in.”
“You can talk to me about anything,” I said, planting another lingering kiss on her lips.
“Thank you, you don’t know how much that means to me. I’m there for you too, if you need me?” she questioned. As much as I believed the truth in her words, this time it was me who was holding back.
“Yes, I know,” I replied, kissing her along her collarbone.
“As much as I love where this is going, I’d really like to take a shower before bed. Care to join me,” she asked, salaciously.
“I have an even better idea. Why don’t we take that hot tub for a spin?” I suggested, pointing to the corner of the room.
“I like the way you think.”
Turning on the water, I placed my hand under the faucet until it reached just the right temperature. “Ready to hop in with me?” I invited Ashlynn as she sat on the edge of the bed.
“Sure, I just want to freshen up really quick,” she said, walking into the bathroom.
Disrobing, I slid into the tub, sinking into the warm water. Resting my head along the edge, I enjoyed the pressure of the jets massaging my back.
“Now don’t go falling asleep on me,” Ashlynn said as she reentered the room.
Raising my head, she took my breath away in a white, sheer robe which showed off a black lace bra and matching panties.
“Are you trying to kill me coming out here in that sexy number?” I asked. “I nearly drowned.”
“You like?” she asked in a sultry tone as she began to slowly loosen the robe.
“Very much, but I’d like it even more if you were naked and riding my cock in this tub,” I moaned.
“That can be arranged,” she agreed as she unhooked her bra, her ample chest springing free. Stepping free of her panties, she twirled around, doing her best striptease, showing off her curves before joining me in the tub.
Grabbing her by the waist, I eased her down to my lap where my throbbing cock bobbed between her breasts.
“Carson, I need you,” she begged as I positioned her ass against one of the pulsating jets.
“Soon, Gorgeous,” I said, kissing her on the forehead before reaching over the edge of the tub to grab a condom from my pants pocket.
“It’s fine. I’m on the pill and I haven’t been with anyone since I was last tested. Please, trust me?” she asked, sincerely.
“I trust you completely,” I said, not wanting her to ever doubt me. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Carson, please. I need to feel you. All of you,” she begged, the warm water splashing around us.
At her request, I gently guided my cock into her pussy, reveling in the feeling of her walls tightly hugging my thickness. Filling her completely, she rocked back and forth as I pumped my cock back and forth, my balls smacking her ass with each powerful thrust.
Keeping up a vigorous pace for several minutes, I could tell by her breathing that she was getting close to climaxing. Placing my right hand between us, I circled her clit with my thumb just as her pussy began spasming around me.
“Carson, harder. Please,” she begged. “I need to come. Please let me come.”
“You know you’re hot
as fuck when you beg,” I growled, pumping into her with maximum force. As I came unhinged inside her, she moaned my name before collapsing into my chest.
“That was perfect,” she said, her chestnut locks floating freely in the water.
“It was pretty damn hot,” I agreed. “But I think we should go warm up under the covers now.”
Without giving it a second thought, Ashlynn hopped from the tub dripping wet. “I’ll race you,” she squealed as droplets of water fell from her perfectly sculpted booty.
“That’s not fair!” I yelled. “Your wet, naked body is too much of a distraction.”
Carson
AFTER SPENDING THE entire morning meeting with the medical director of the hospital where I’d be working, I didn’t have much time to spare before I had to arrive back to the hotel in time for us to leave for the airport. Knowing my window of opportunity was running out before I had to tell Ashlynn the truth, I made the decision to take her to meet Marissa once we arrived home.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” I said, shortly before the plane was to land in Detroit.
“I know. I overheard your phone call before we left. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I came back from the pool just as you were accepting the position,” Ashlynn confessed.
“You know about the job?” I asked, surprised she waited until now to say anything.
“I’m sorry, I should’ve told you why I was going to Minneapolis in the first place, but I wasn’t sure before we left if I was going to accept the position.”
“It’s fine. You don’t owe me an explanation, Carson,” she said, sadness filling her voice. “We haven’t been together long. I can’t expect you to stay here because of me.”
“But what if I wanted to stay right here because of you?”
“I don’t understand. I thought you already made the decision to accept the new position?”
“You obviously didn’t hear everything then. I told the hospital administrator that I still needed a few days to decide. I wanted to talk to you about it first.”
“Well I think you should take it,” she said.
