by Starr, Jude
“I did not!” I went through the denial, but I knew he was right.
“Oh, you did so, sweetness, and don’t try to deny it.”
I chuckled, unable to deny what he said. “You weren’t really the type of man I would go for, you looked too much like a businessman and you intimidated me, at first. Once I saw you with your hair down and your body covered in sweat at the gym, I knew I would never be able to walk away.”
He stopped dancing. His six foot three physique made me feel tiny. As always, he swooped me up into his arms, swept his lips over mine in a gentle manner.
“Don’t tease me, Mr. Banks,” I sighed happily.
He chuckled, but soon, covered my mouth with his. Repetitive small kisses were pressed onto my mouth, chin, and jaw – all the way down to my collarbone. “You’ll be the death of me, sweetness. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
“Good thing, because I don’t want you too.” I whispered, feeling the heat emanating from both our bodies.
My phone buzzed.
“Save by the bell.” He spanked me as he dropped me down onto my feet. “Rain check.”
“It's probably my parents, calling me through face time.”
“Your phone is in the kitchen, I put it on charge earlier.”
I ran through to the kitchen, not wanting to miss their call. As soon as I picked up the phone, I realized I would have some explaining to do – not only about the ridiculous cardigan I was wearing, but also regarding the luxurious kitchen I currently stood in.
“Merry Christmas!” I announced cheerfully when Mom and Dad appeared on the screen.
“Merry Christmas, Iris. We miss you so much, my dear,” Mom said.
“I know, Mom, and I'm sorry. I'll save up enough money to make it home for Easter, or maybe spring break,” I said and caught Calvin’s eye to see what he thought of that idea. “How's the ranch? How's my horse doing?”
“Things are great. Your sister is taking care of Polo for you. She misses you a lot. We all do.”
It was hard to keep smiling. My throat tightened and my eyes were filled with tears.
“Don't be sad, honey.” Dad always hated to see me upset. “We'll find a way to catch up with you soon, okay?”
I nodded, sniffling a little as I tried to regain control of my emotions.
“Where are you anyway? I don't recognize the kitchen. Did they renovate the residence?” Mom questioned.
I laughed and shook my head in denial. “I’m staying at someone's place for the holidays.” I paused, having to think fast about the best way to deal with this situation. Introductions should be done, now. If only I could make sure things didn’t get awkward. “I’ve met a guy.” I motioned to Calvin to join me and he did, wrapping his arm around my waist. He looked very happy to be joining our video call. “Mom, dad, this is—”
“Calvin Banks?” My dad practically cheered. “Is that really Calvin Banks?” I saw Mom nudge Dad fiercely in the ribs and he winced.
“I forgot to tell you, my dad is a football junkie.” I muttered to Calvin, worrying about what he would have to endure when he first met Dad.
“Nice meeting you, Calvin.” My mother seemed sincere and truly happy for me. She had worried a lot when everything went down with Damien. “Please make sure our daughter has a good time for Christmas.”
“Of course, Mrs. Hartwell,” Calvin responded politely.
“You can call me Donna,” Mom suggested. “Nice sweaters, by the way, very cute,” she added, knowing I would never normally wear one of these. We all laughed.
“I’ll make sure Iris has a remarkable day with me,” Calvin said, charming my mom with a crooked grin.
“Aww, you guys have a good time then,” Mom said.
“Give Rose a hug for me.” I missed my sister the most, she completed me.
The call ended and my heart constricted as Mom and Dad disappeared; I felt like crying, but Calvin took me into his arms for a heartfelt hug.
“You’re father seems like a funny man.”
I nodded, unable to speak just yet.
“You can cry, kitten. Don’t be ashamed to feel.”
“I want us to have a good time, if I cry, I’m going to ruin everything. I miss them, Cal, that’s all.”
He lifted my chin up with his fingers. “Look at me, sweetness,” he requested in a soothing voice. We stared at each other for a long time. Unspoken words were said, his support, his understanding, his love, everything he offered was visible through his gaze.
“I love you, Iris.”
That was the end of me, too many emotions battering me from opposing directions. I broke down in tears and laughed simultaneously. “I love you too, Calvin.” His lips swept away my tears and replaced them with soft smooches. “I know we just met, but what I feel for you is undeniable.”
“I know, I know.” He comforted me quietly. “Are you ready to unwrap some presents? We have a lot.”
“I only brought three of them.” I dried my tears with the back of my hand and chuckled. “So I figure most of them are coming from you. But, I agree, it’s time to open some of them.”
He was as excited as a little kid. The sparkle in his eyes, the grin on his face, he settled onto the floor in front of the tree, the fireplace keeping us warm. Everything was perfect, just like in the movies. Soft music played in the background, and I noticed all the gifts had matching wrapping. I couldn’t be happier to be with Calvin today. I was positive that fate had planned this for a reason. We had found each other and healed together.
Calvin took the first gift from under the tree and offered it to me. I read the note taped on top of the rectangular box. ‘You aren't in Florida anymore. Welcome to New York City’.
I lifted my eyes, to look at him wondering what the cryptic message meant. I unwrapped it, still trying to guess what could be inside. I opened the box and found a whole pile of dark purple fabric. It was a winter jacket! I lifted it from the box letting it unfold. “Oh, wow, I love it!”
“If there is anything wrong with it, you can return it,” he said, sounding doubtful.
“No, I love it, it's perfect.” I kissed him. “Thank you!”
I took one of my gifts and gave it to him.
“Thank you. I haven't received one of these in a very long time.” He took his time unwrapping the present, even though he looked as if he could barely contain himself. When he opened the box, I suddenly grew very anxious. “Iris, I love it,” he announced.
“Are you sure?” I questioned anxiously.
“Of course, I am.” Calvin’s words were reassuring. He studied the navy sweater I’d selected with delight and it made me the happiest girl in the Big Apple. He put it down next to him and before I knew it, his soft lips were skimming over mine. Everything moved in slow motion, and I took it all in, loving every second of it.
“You’re next.” His words tickled my lips when he spoke. Calvin gave me the smallest present under the tree. His fingers were trembling slightly, when I started opening the present. Under the paper was a small velvet box. The idea of jewelry popped into my mind and my own fingers started trembling.
“I bought it for you yesterday, before I knew how you felt about me,” he admitted quietly.
It was a white gold bracelet with a heart pendant attached, and I swooned over it, hardly daring to believe he’d brought it for me.
“It’s from Tiffany, a classic,” he said as he helped me put it on. “I had I love you engraved on the back of the heart.”
“Calvin, it’s the sweetest thing I have ever received from anyone.” I pushed myself against him, wrapped my arms around his chest while I brushed my lips against his. Calvin’s body became rigid when I nibbled on his bottom lip. “You spoil me too much, baby.”
“It’s only the beginning, Iris.”
We snuggled on the carpet for a good while. We had plenty of presents left to open, but we were both enjoying being in each other’s arms way too much to return to opening them.
“I
love you, Iris,” he said, brushing the tip of his nose against mine. “I don’t want the holidays to end. It’s so good to have you here. I want you to stay here from now on, with me.”
I remained silent for a minute. I didn’t want to go back to my room at the residence; I knew in my heart I would hate leaving him when the holidays were over.
“Stay, sweetness; stay here with me.” It was obvious he was pouring his heart and soul into his quiet demand.
“I don’t want to rush into things, Calvin.”
He took a deep breath. “I know. But, at least promise me, you’ll think about it?”
I nodded and Calvin drew me into his arms, hugging me tightly against him.
He gave me a last kiss and grabbed a present for him. We’d better hurried because we had a lot to go through.
Chapter 10
I was definitely missing my parents and sister during this special day, but Calvin seemed determined to make sure I had a good time. He had pampered me with many lovely gifts, but I couldn’t stop admiring the gorgeous bracelet.
“Calvin, the turkey is ready. I’ll take care of the side dishes,” I announced.
It smelled delicious, the aroma of roast turkey filling the apartment. I had the potatoes on to boil, the salad was prepared and I had a pie in the making. My mom had taught me how to cook, but I’d never put my knowledge into practice before now. It surprised me to discover that everything was turning out great, so far.
“I’ll help you with the potatoes, kitten.”
I took a few pictures of our Christmas celebration with my phone; some of us, some of the decorated table. Excitement floated in the air, this represented a new situation for both of us. I had never ‘lived’ with anyone before, and I didn’t get the feeling that Calvin had let many people stay here with him in his own home.
When all the food was finally sitting on the table, we sat close together and started filling our plates.
“I think we’re going to have leftovers for the whole week,” I laughed.
“Turkey for breakfast, turkey salad for lunch, turkey casserole for dinner. We’re all set, baby.” Calvin grinned and took a bite of his turkey.
After dinner, both of us sat on the couch with over filled stomachs. We had both eaten too much. I had never seen a man eat as much as Calvin had managed. I certainly regretted taking two slices of pie. My pyjamas were calling my name, I definitely needed to change into something loose or the button of my skirt would pop.
“I look about six months pregnant,” I announced rubbing my hand against my belly.
“Did you say pregnant? I’m about nine months in, now,” Calvin joked. “Come here, kitten.” With his fingers, he grabbed hold of my hand and drew me into his strong arms.
His charm made it impossible to resist him. I scooted myself closer, hitched my leg over his and leaned my head against his chest. His cologne, the comfort of being with him, held in his arms filled me with a sense of satisfaction. I had everything I had ever desired to be happy.
“In moments like these, I feel so fucking thankful that I stopped by your restaurant that day. You are the part of me that was missing for so long. Now, it’s like all the puzzle pieces are in place. You complete me,” Calvin whispered, brushing kiss against my forehead.
“And so do you.” I slid my hand under his sweater to touch his warm skin. I missed his tattoos, hidden beneath his clothes. Calvin's abs contracted beneath my touch.
“There... I... There's something I have to tell you,” Calvin stuttered. “Come sit on my lap.” He tapped his lap, to indicate where he wanted me. “I don't want you angry. I want you happy, okay?”
I nodded uncertainly, a little scared and unsure about where he was going with this.
Calvin took a deep break before he spoke. “When you were getting the dinner ready, I went through your phone and called your parents.”
I sat up in his lap, staring at him in dismay. “Why? Is everything okay?” Something was way off. What if he had gone through my text messages and seen the ones which had been written between Zach and I. Cold beads of sweat started to form on my forehead.
“Everything’s fine. But I needed to get in touch with your parents to arrange a surprise for you. We're going to Florida for the New Year.”
I frowned, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. “What?” Was I hearing him correctly? I couldn’t believe it. This man had a heart made of love. In the matter of a few days, he had showed that to me over and over.
“I'm taking you back home, kitten. I made your mom cried when I called them and told them what I wanted to do,” Calvin said sheepishly. He brushed his fingers through my hair. “I’ve seen how hard it has been for you to be away from them today. I want to make you happy, Iris.”
“You do, you make me so happy and you have been amazing in the short time we’ve been together. You do everything you can to make my life better. Thank you, Calvin, thank you so much.” I chuckled. “I wish I was noble enough to say that I can’t accept, because it’s too much, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. You’ve just made my life perfect. Rose will freak out, when she finds out.”
Calvin smiled sadly. “I’ve never experienced anything close to what you are now. My own family ruined everything for me. My mom did her best, I can’t blame her, but to see you like this – it makes me curious. I want to know what it’s like to visit a home full of love.”
“You’ll love it. We’ll go horse riding and you’ll get to meet my sister. I’m so excited!”
“I like seeing you so excited, kitten, but I like it even better when you’re excited while you’re underneath me.” His sexy tone made it seem as if fireworks had exploded deep and low in my body. He added a deep seductive tone to the words and I could only imagine what he had in mind.
“You drive me crazy, baby.” I slide my fingers through his slick hair and gripped them at the back of his head, while I brushed my lips brushed against his, the tip of my tongue teasing him. He moaned against my mouth. “I want you, Calvin. Take me now.”
My cardigan and tank top disappeared in one swift movement, and Calvin had my bra off in a split-second before he suckled hard on my nipple. He wasn’t playing nice, he was obviously hungry for me, desperate to touch and feel. He moved his hands from one part of my body to another, touching, squeezing, brushing his fingertips over my skin.
Our breathing rate climbed rapidly, and the sexual tension vibrated between our bodies. I pulled off Calvin’s sweater and hurriedly undid his pants. I needed to feel him, every inch of him naked against me. Nothing in the world was as good as his naked body touching mine.
Calvin captured me in his arms and got to his feet, carrying me towards his bedroom with a mischievous smile. “I kind of like it in here, it’s much more spacious.”
Calvin lowered me onto the sheets and offered me a gentle smile. “Let’s get rid of these, shall we?” he asked, deftly removing my skirt and underwear. He stood before me, enjoying the view. It made me blush, it made me want to cover myself with my arms or the bed sheets. But he didn’t stop, he stared at my breasts, my sex and the tension in his eyes grew wilder. It completely turned my on. I needed his hand on me, now more than ever.
He must have read my mind because he grabbed my foot and softly caressed the arch of my foot with his thumb. He, then, switched feet and slowly kneeled at the very end of the bed. The massage over, I understood what his goal was. He made me desire him more, it became all about needs and hunger. My eyes on him, he flexed his triceps subtlety and gave me a breathtaking smile. I could no longer wait.
“Touch me,” I begged, unable to keep myself from voicing my thoughts aloud. I was anticipated the approaching sensations, in fact, I craved them.
“Put your hands over your head, sweetness,” Calvin commanded quietly.
I followed his orders and tucked them under my head.
“Now, you asked me to touch you. That gives me a lot of things to consider, sweetness.” He nibbled on my ear lobe before
he whispered in my ear. “I could touch you here, Iris.” He pinched my nipples, hard enough to make them pucker. “Or, I could touch you here.” With the back of his fingers, he delicately swirled around my ribs and down to my hips. “Better yet, maybe you meant here.” His fingers slid across to my sex and he rubbed his thumb against my clit.
My body responded to his touch instantly and I moaned.
“Or maybe not, did you mean here?” He pushed my legs apart, bent my knees and to my surprise, pushed his fingertip against my ass.
My body went cold and I gazed up into his eyes, silently begging him not to go that way.
“I guess I was wrong then.”
I waited for him to say something or do something. The mattress moved under his weight, his fingers found my sex again and it awakened my body instantly.
“The things I want to do to you, would make Ron Jeremy blush,” he whispered, brushing his fingertip across my clit.
My mouth went dry. Calvin scared me, challenged me to participate in the unknown and the heady expectation excited me. Keeping my hands under my head turned out to be far more difficult than I would have ever expected. When his mouth crashed onto my clit, I lost control and grasped at his hair.
He lifted his mouth away from me instantly, and looked up my body, his eyes filled with desire. “Hands over your head, sweetness,” he repeated the demand in the same, soft voice.
“I need to touch you, baby.” My voice sounded all choked up, my emotions overwhelming.
He sighed. “I know, but I’m testing out your comfort zones, sweetness.”
I did as he ordered and he returned his gaze to my sex, his mouth focused on my clit, and the amazing sensations flooded through my veins, increased the sensation ricocheting through my nerve endings. I whimpered loudly, unable to hold the sound back.
“Jesus Christ, Calvin.” The pulsations from my clit were echoing throughout my body. “Calvin… I can’t… hold… back.”