What a New Year's Eve

by R. E. Laurel

  “Pros and cons, babe.” He noticed how she turned to face him, a different expression on her face. In her eyes a thoughtful gaze. She leaned against him, pressing her firm breasts on his arm. She laid her arm across his chest then her fingers lightly touched his neck. Victor looked at her, surprised by her actions, but man her touch stirred his blood. Moving nearer, she pressed a soft, long kiss on his cheek before moving away.

  He set the plate down, his arm wrapping around her waist to ease her onto the rug. He covered her body with his. His mouth instantly covered hers, demanding a response. In his wildest dreams, he never imagined that he would possibly be falling for this tiny alluring lady. Oh, she didn’t realize it, but she is a very captivating woman, the kind who didn’t believe in her looks. So pure.

  Maren’s arms wrapped around his shoulders to hold him against her. She dared to slip her tongue into his mouth. His excited groan vibrated against her lips. She moved, kissing a trail down his strong chin to his neck, arching her body against his, feeling his hand slide along her hip before returning to reach beneath her shirt. A gasp of surprise slipped from her at the feel of her bra being unsnapped and the gentle touch of his large hand easily covering a breast. Quickly he shifted his body so his mouth could nuzzle through her sweater where his hand kneads.

  “Oh shit,” she whispered, his touch easily, quickly arousing her body with an aching desire for more of him. “I think I want you,” she added through a shuddering breath.

  Victor lifted his head to look long into her dark eyes and saw the longing, the want, the need but her words stopped him. “You think?”

  “Yes.”

  With a sigh, he sat up to put space between their bodies to help him to calm down and watched as she braced her torso on her elbows as she looked at him with confusion. “When you know for sure, let me know gorgeous.”

  “Huh?”

  “Believe me, when you’re ready you will know.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Maren roughly reached beneath her sweater to pull her bra from her arms and drop on the couch and then tugged her shirt back into order as he reached out a hand to help her to stand. She placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth from his grip expand up her arm to her heart. His hand gently caressed the side of her face and with a quick kiss on her lips, he retrieved his laptop and murmured a hasty good night. Swiping a hand through the side of her hair she quickly followed in total confusion.

  “You’re leaving?” She wondered, watching him slip into his coat. “I mean obviously, you are.”

  He stopped as she approached him and believed he saw the confusion on her face as he knew he would. She grasped his red scarf in her hands, offering to slide it around his neck. He bent so that she could reach him better. Their eyes locked as she wrapped the knitted scarf into place.

  “Yep. I need to go but whenever we do make love and mark my words, we will, I want you to really really feel it in your gut in your heart that you want me as bad as I am wanting you.” Bending, he pressed a lingering kiss on her lips. “I’ll be in touch, gorgeous.”

  “But Victor.”

  “When you no longer think but desire, want with such a passion that it’s all you can think about, that it aches deep inside of your heart. When all you think about is wondering how it will feel when two people who deeply care about each other will share a very intimate moment in their life and you know that you want to then it will be a beautiful experience. Talk to you later.”

  Maren leaned her back against the closed door. Crossing her arms with the contempt she felt, she released a scream of frustration as once again she wondered if he were really playing a game with her. Releasing a long sigh, she pushed herself away from the door to lazily shuffle her feet to the parlor. Plopping onto the couch she picked up the remote and turned on The Christmas Story. She jumped when her cell phone began to ring hoping it was Victor but recognized the ringtone to be her mother.

  “Hello,” she grumbled.

  “Hello. Not a good night?”

  “It wasn’t bad.”

  “Don’t forget to come to the shop tomorrow. Your father wanted me to call and remind you.”

  “I’ll be there. See you then.”

  Maren watched the movie but didn’t see it. Her thoughts were on Victor, his pale blue eyes and the many colors they could change to with his moods and how easily she knew them. The strength of his arms but how gentle he could hold her. The mischievous smile on his lips and how their touch against hers could cause her to melt into him. Her body shook from the chill that ran up her spine at the luscious memory of the touch of his hands. Her chest rose and fell at a deep breath and she realized that her body was aching for his touch, for him, for fulfillment.

  His words repeated in her thoughts. Want not think. “Why can’t I get over the thinking and let things happen?” She whined.

  She toyed with the idea of calling him to ask him to come back but changed her mind. She unconsciously fingered her necklace then looked at her phone. She went online to a search engine and typed in the description of her necklace and earrings. Waiting a few seconds for the pictures to upload, she began to scroll. It didn’t take long for the jewels to pop up on the screen. Her eyes widened at the outrageous amount showing on the screen.

  “Five thousand plus? How is he affording these items?”

  Standing to where she left the case this morning, she carefully removed the pieces of jewelry to safely place into the case they came in. Grasping the case, she turned off the television, turned off the lights and decided to go for a long warm bubble bath before going to bed. Tomorrow would be a busy day being black Friday. Yippee, the official beginning of shopping for the holiday season is here.

  * * *

  It was with a heavy heart that Victor returned to his room, thankful for the cold weather which helped his overheated body to return to an impression of normalcy. He swore that he wasn’t going to persistently push Maren into anything but damn, her kisses kept luring him in. She’s a lady with her own mind and when the time is right she’d definitely let him know. After removing his coat and shoes, he laid across the bed on his back. His hands covered his face as he wearily rubbed his eyes.

  “Dear Lord, Maren. You have managed to drive me insane. You’re constantly on my mind,” he muttered, stopping when his phone rang. “Hello father,” he answered.

  “Victor. Wanted to see how things are going now that I’ve given you full Presidential authority with the business?” His voice was authoritative.

  Victor hated that voice. He used it on him all of his life trying to keep the upper hand with him, but it only managed to push him further away. His brows furrowed, “You didn’t give me full access and as I recall I had to release thirteen employees at the Buffalo branch, the original start of the family business.” He argued.

  “Had to get you started to learn that you can’t run a business on emotions. Speaking about emotions, since when have you contracted any of that?”

  “But during the holidays?”

  “Son, no one is safe anywhere from being released from their jobs.”

  Victor smirked, already hating where this conversation was headed. He only sighed.

  “I heard that. How are the Bahamas?”

  “I didn’t go. I’m still in New York.” Victor chided himself for telling the truth.

  “Well, that is sure a first for you. No week or two of nothing but drinking and wild sex? Don’t deny it. I’ve heard the stories.”

  “I suppose that I’m maturing finally.”

  “What’s her name? No doubt you’re doing some kind of tramp here. I’m not senseless with your meaning.” At the stubborn silence, he continued, “No doubt the one you argued with about letting go.”

  Christ, how did he figure things out? Victor wondered. “I’m not caring that you think I’m with a tramp. She’s far from it. Um, Father, I’m rather busy at the moment. We can talk again sometime.”

  “Certainly. Being who you make you vul..”


  Victor ended the call in the middle of his father's long unwanted explanation and laid the phone on the nightstand.

  “Shut the fuck up, old man,” he grumbled, suddenly falling into a deeper foul mood. His deep groan filled the room as he stood to take a long shower.

  Later, as he laid in his bed the eyes as dark as chocolate surrounded by long black lashes infiltrated his thoughts. Her hand, unsure as to how to touch him but when she did cause an ache deep within. He wanted more of her touch, more of her laugh, more of her inviting kisses. Her innocence was such a pleasure.

  He wanted it all.

  “Soon,” he softly vowed adding, “Even if I have to seduce the living daylights in order to make you crave me as I do you I will do that, and it will be such a memory that we shall share.”

  ***

  Maren drove the short four blocks, arriving at her parent’s business in downtown Concord Hamlet an hour before the extra early opening time of seven. She wanted to get better acquainted with the merchandise pricing and get the money in the cash register. Parking behind the building, she strolled around to the front.

  The tiny bell hanging above the old-time door announced her entrance. Christmas music was already being softly played to help with the ambiance of the season. She locked the door behind her then went to the back to remove her winter coat, mittens, and hat. After speaking a good morning to three other ladies who worked here, she went to her mother.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” Theresa greeted as they gave each other a quick hug.

  “Morning mom. Ready to get into it.” Maren replied.

  “Good. I love having you here and here,” she added handing her a Santa hat to wear. Maren was placing it on her head when she heard her name.

  “Hey Maren,” Belinda called out from the storeroom.

  “Belinda?”

  Belinda appeared carrying a dust cloth and already sporting a Santa hat. “Yep. I’m here too. Last night when I called you was hilarious.”

  “He was tickling me. Had a bet,” she added the last part to make it sound good not missing the curious glance she received from her mother. Grasping the price sheet, she walked to the showroom. Quickly she placed it next to the cash register then, to keep busy she straightened this candle, she went to a shirt hanging on the round metal rack. Leaning nearer to a counter she brushed away an imaginary piece of lint. Belinda followed giving her curious looks.

  “Let's just say that when he takes your phone away from you to make sure he pushes the end button too.”

  Maren gave her a sick look as she recalled what they were doing when that happened. “Perhaps you shouldn’t eavesdrop but instead end the call.” She countered removing pieces of lint from the sweatshirts.

  “Gotcha,” Belinda said fighting a grin. “But really Maren, he was getting into you.” She jumped at the stern look she received. “I mean not physically but literally.”

  “Can I ask you something?” Maren paused with shifting around a shelf of resin Snowmen sitting among holiday long stem wine glasses.

  “You know you can.”

  “He is driving me crazy!” She nearly whispered.

  “So, I heard.”

  “Would you forget about that call?” Maren demanded not missing how Belinda fought her smile. “I mean we come so close and then he stops and leaves and that makes me want him, you know.”

  “To make passionate love to you?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then do it.”

  “That’s it? That’s all you have to say? I literally spill my gut out and all you have is then do it.”

  “What the hell do you want me to say? You know, you over analyze things.” Belinda countered, picking up a wine bottle to dust off and return on the shelf then another.

  “I don’t know. How about oh that’s normal for a man to do.”

  “All right. It’s normal for a man to do that but really it isn’t. I know. Maybe he’s a virgin too.”

  Maren’s eyes narrowed with disbelief. “Oh, get real.”

  Belinda snickered loving the fact that her normal sensible has everything all in its place with her ducks in a row, know where her life is going to friend, is a neurotic mess.

  “Dear friend, it’s fun to watch you fall in love.”

  Maren smirked but didn’t deny it since she believed that she is falling for the tall proud self-assured male specimen of Victor Montgomery.

  Theresa appeared through the stockroom door. “Where is Victor today?”

  “He’s probably at work being black Friday and all. I haven’t heard from him today.”

  “I’m sure you will...”

  “I don’t have to wait around for his call. I do have a life.” She snapped.

  “I didn’t say you did.” Theresa softly replied while giving her daughter a comforting pat on her back. Her eyes rolled to Belinda who shrugged while returning another wine bottle.

  Theresa checked her wristwatch and walked to the front of the store to lift the blinds then opened the door to a bevy of shoppers who had been commencing outside for the past half hour.

  “Hi! Good morning! Welcome to Davis Wine and What Knot Shoppe.” Theresa greeted the customers. Many smiles and greetings returned.

  “We really need to see about changing the name of this store,” Maren muttered to Belinda who nodded in agreement.

  The customers were nonstop all morning. Many of them were longtime friends and surprised but happy to see Maren working next to her mother. She loved people and helping them choose potential gifts or just wine for themselves. Often times for both. And of course, many wanted their items gift wrapped.

  “Hello, Maren.”

  Maren looked up to see pushy Mrs. Wyndott giving her a too-sweet smile. The lady wore a faux fur coat with black gloves. Her clown-like makeup was overly done. Maren couldn’t miss her eyes flitting back and forth from Maren’s hand to her face a few times. Oh Gawd, please don’t be wanting to try and push off her son on me again.

  Maren returned with a sweet smile, “Mrs. Wyandott, how lovely it is to see you! How is Mr. Wyandott?”

  “Oh, you remembered my name!” she gushed, reaching out to tap Maren’s cheek. “He’s doing fine.”

  Of course, someone who is a constant complainer is never forgotten, Maren thought, widening her smile. “How can I help you today? Are you shopping for yourself or for someone else?”

  “Someone else. You know Jasper is in town?”

  “I didn’t know he was gone.”

  “Oh well, he works in New York. Makes wonderful money.”

  “I’m sure that’s wonderful,” Maren returned with sarcasm, getting a gentle nudge from Belinda who was hovering nearby.

  “He may stop in later. He wants to say hi.”

  “Wonderful but.”

  “Good. I’ll tell him you can’t wait to see him again.”

  “Mrs. Wyandott thank you but I’m seeing someone now.”

  “Oh! Indeed! Who?”

  “He isn’t from around here, um.”

  The gasps filled the room as the tinkling of the bell sounded when the front door opened to permit a huge bouquet of an assortment of fall flowers being carried by a delivery man.

  “Would you just look at that?” Belinda stated, crossing her arms and nodding her head. “Just look at that Mrs. Wyandott. Aren’t they the most beautiful flowers?”

  “Indeed, they are.” She watched as the delivery man approached the counter to place the cut crystal vase on top.

  He glanced around the room before his booming voice asked, “Miss Gorgeous Wilson?”

  Belinda released a loud laugh at Maren’s forced sweet grin.

  “That would be me,” she meekly replied since she didn’t believe she was close to being gorgeous.

  “How many does this make you now, Maren?” Belinda asked not missing the ruffled expression on Mrs. Wyandott.

  Maren plucked the card from the clear plastic stem, “Four.”

  “In how many days?”


  “Three, would you stop it?” Maren removed the card from the envelope. After reading it, she knew the smile on her face would be tough to remove.

  “What did he write?”

  “Something simple. I thought of you.”

  “Oh, Maren. Those are beautiful!” Theresa declared looking at her daughter to see a dreamy expression on her face.

  CHAPTER 16

  Much to the relief of Maren and Belinda, Rick finally showed up at noon to take over the afternoon to closing shift. He hurried inside to come to a skidding stop when he eyed the flowers. He released a long whistle as he looked at the card.

  “Maren you have been very good,” he teased receiving an innocent smile from her.

  “Whoa. Who got flowers?” Davis asked as he followed Rick inside to begin his afternoon shift.

  “I did. You all act like you’ve never seen flowers delivered before.”

  “Not this huge,” Belinda added.

  “Well, I am out of here until tomorrow. I’m going to leave them here, so I can enjoy them while I work. I only have three more at home,” she teased disappearing to retrieve her coat to leave.

  She hurried outside into the cold brisk afternoon air. Shoving her hands deep into her coat pocket she walked on the snow-packed sidewalks towards the back of the building where her SUV is parked but paused at a beautiful turn of the century building next to her parent’s business. Leaning nearer the window she cupped her hands around her face to try and see inside of the darkness. Leaning back, she swiped her mitten-covered hand across the dirty window barely removing any of the grime then leaned against the glass again. Squinting she decided it was useless to see what it looked like inside. Stepping back, she noticed the for rent or sale sign on the front.

  “It’s such a shame so many of these buildings are empty.” She muttered.

  “Hello, Maren!”

  She jumped at how loud her name had been called out. Turning she cringed inside to see Jasper Wyandott swooping down on her. His short pudgy nose and pudgy cheeks were red from the cold air and he wore a black earmuff across his short blond hair. His long coat reached below his knees. For some reason, she didn’t think that look worked on him. Could be because he was short, and the length of the coat only managed to emphasize it. Forcing a pleasant smile on her mouth, she waited for him to get nearer.