Into The Sunset: An Erotic Romance Anthology

by Vivian Wood

  "Now, who’s going to babysit for you?"

  "You, of course."

  They shared lots of laughter that day.

  Mommy Has a Date

  Monday at lunch, she went to the deck, hoping he would be there, but thought for sure he had probably changed his mind about pursuing her, or even worse, met someone else. When he walked out, her tummy did a little flip.

  "Hi. How are you?" he asked.

  "Fine, and you?” He sat down and they chatted about weather. They were expecting rain, and its smell was in the air. She watched his face when he talked. He was very confident and friendly. She felt like a blob sitting there, but she did not want to leave. She liked talking to him too much.

  When it was almost time for lunch to be over, he asked her if her work was nearly finished. She nodded. Bummer! "This is probably the last day," she said.

  "Well, then you must agree to go on a date with me, Mamacita." She smiled a lot bigger than she intended to.

  "Yes, that would be fun."

  "How about Saturday at 8:00?"

  "Okay."

  "Where should I pick you up?"

  She gave him Joe's address. He wrote it down in his phone, smiled at her, and told her he was looking forward to it. She went back to work with a smile on her face, at least until she thought about what she was going to wear. Then she got nervous again. I have no date clothes. People who don’t go on dates, don’t need date clothes.

  She saw Betty after work and filled her in. "We are going out Saturday!"

  "That's great news!"

  "Do you have a dress I can borrow?"

  "Sure do! Don't worry about a thing!"

  ***

  Saturday morning while she watched cartoons with her kids, Toni tried to think of some way to tell her kids she had a date. She did not know what to expect, and she worried that they might get mad. If that happened, would she be able to go through with it?

  Fiona remembered her daddy well, but it had been so long. Was she ready to see her mother with someone new? And while Little Johnny did not have any memories of his father, he still might not like sharing his mommy with someone else. She would never know how they felt until she asked them, but she was fearful to have the conversation. Finally, she worked up the nerve and told them they needed to talk.

  "Are we in trouble?" Fiona asked?

  "No. I just need to discuss something important with you."

  "What's important, Mommy?" Johnny asked.

  "I have a date tonight, and I need to know how that makes you feel."

  They both just sat there for a second without saying anything. Then Fiona had something to say. "Is he a nice man, Mommy?"

  "Yes, Baby Girl, very nice."

  "That's good. you deserve a very nice man."

  Fiona threw her arms around her mother's neck. Toni was overwhelmed with pride and love for her daughter. She was growing up to be such a good person.

  "Can we come?" Johnny asked.

  "No, silly, grown-ups don't take kids on dates," Fiona answered.

  ***

  When Toni walked out of the bedroom at Joe and Betty's house, she looked stylish in a basic black dress, cashmere shawl, and black pumps. She had not worn makeup in years, so seeing her all dolled up was something new for her kids.

  "Wow, Mommy, you look pretty!" Johnny said.

  "Yeah, you really look great, Mom.” Fiona said.

  Joe told her she looked beautiful, and she thanked him. Right on time, Victor knocked at the door. Joe answered it, shook his hand, and let him in. He was decked out in a very nice suit and holding some fragrant red flowers. Everyone met him, and then he handed the flowers to Fiona who thanked him sweetly, a grin stretched across her face. He bent down on one knee to talk to Little Johnny. He spoke slowly and carefully.

  "I promise I will take good care of your mom tonight. Thank you for letting me borrow her."

  "No problem," Little Johnny held up his tiny fist. Victor smiled and bumped him. He stood back up, extending his elbow. Toni put her arm in his and they left.

  As they approached the car, he told her she looked beautiful, and even through her dreamlike state nearly prevented her from speaking, she managed a polite, “Thank you.”

  He drove them to the airport where his plane and pilot waited. A plane. He has a plane. Of course, he has a plane. What if I puke all over his plane. I’m pretty sure guys don’t make second dates with people who puke in their planes.

  They climbed up the steps, sat down, buckled in, and took flight. She had never been on an airplane before, but she enjoyed it nonetheless. While they were in the air, he told her they would be landing in about 30 minutes, so they had a little time for small talk. So far no puke! Awesome, let’s do this.

  "Your babies are cute, and such good manners," he said, smiling attractively, his dark eyes dancing in delight.

  "Oh, thank you. You are so sweet to say so," she answered, remembering how well he had interacted with them. "You really have a way of talking to kids, don't you?"

  "It wasn't so long ago that I myself was a child," he joked, and they laughed. Toni wondered how she had gotten so lucky.

  When the plane landed, they climbed down the steps and into a waiting limousine which then delivered them to a beautiful theater. The driver opened the door and escorted her from the car to Victor who took proudly displayed her on his arm as they walked in.

  Once inside, she took in all the first-class splendor . Inside their box seats, a table stood tastefully decorated with candles and crystal glasses. He held her seat while she sat, and then took his place next to her. The waiter brought the menus, nothing written in English, but the pictures were nice. He asked her if she wanted beef, chicken, or fish. She told him she preferred chicken, and he ordered her meal for her. They sipped red wine, and talked some more.

  "Thank you. You speak both English and Spanish?" she asked, not just because she was nervous and didn't know what to say, but also because she genuinely wanted to know.

  "Yes, English, Spanish, and Portuguese," he answered quickly, the words rolling from his tongue in a way that made them much more alluring than regular words.

  "That's pretty neat. I always wanted to learn Spanish, but didn't," she said, looking down to her lap where her hands fidgeted nervously. I must not be ready for prime time if I’m this damned nervous!

  "It's never too late. I will teach you if you want," he said, his eager flirtation the kind that made women all around him turn and look, wishing he belonged to them.

  Toni wished he would talk some more so she wouldn't have to.

  "Have you ever been married," she asked, sipping her wine as quickly as was gracious, knowing it would calm her down, but it had to get inside to do its job.

  "No, I came close a few times, but never found the right woman, I guess.”

  Thankfully, the more he talked, the better she could understand his accent.

  "So, do you have any kids?"

  Here was the biggest question of all, and she felt her heart pound in her chest, knowing that having different goals in this area would be a deal breaker, and he was so nice, so kind she didn’t want this to be the last she saw of him.

  "No, not yet." His answer sat there between them, needing further exploration.

  "Do you want kids?" she continued.

  "Yes, I very much want a wife and children. In fact, being this far from my parents and my dear relatives makes me long for a family of my own more strongly."

  "How old are you, if I can ask? Is it okay to ask that? Oh wow, probably not, never mind," she said.

  Told ya! You should do the talking, dude! Toni thought

  "You can ask me anything. I'm 34," he answered, a delicious smile dancing on his face as if he were getting great pleasure from watching her stumble.

  While they were eating, the lights dimmed and the show began, Vegas-style with singing and dancing. Instantly intrigued, Ton had never seen anything quite like that before. Even though it was in a different lan
guage, it was great.

  The wine kicking in, she slowly began to relax and enjoy herself. As the red and yellow lights from the show illuminated his smiling face, Toni was impressed. She watched him applaud the performance, and then she a powerful desire to kiss him overwhelmed her.

  Whoa, if he’s not careful, I’m going to fall in love all over him! Toni thought.

  Back on the plane, they talked about the show and had a really good time together. She felt really awkward because it had been so long, but when he made his move, she let him kiss her. Her lips came out of hibernation quite nicely. She put her hands around his face and let herself get lost in the moment. Suddenly, fear gripped her, and she pulled away.

  Toni worried, What if he wants to go further? Oh no! To see me naked? She scooted away from him. Hell, no! Bring on the toothpicks!

  "I'm sorry," she said, nervously smoothing her dress and wishing she were in the safely of her apartment with her children.

  "No, it's me who should apologize, but you were so irresistible. I couldn't stop myself again?"

  "Huh?" she said, baffled.

  "I want to kiss you all the time, but I control myself. I wanted to kiss you during the show, but I had to be on my best behavior."

  "No, that's not it. I wanted that kiss. It was very nice," she said.

  Too nice.

  "It was nice, wasn't it?" he asked, a naughty smile on his face.

  "Yes, but I don't know if I can give you want you will want next."

  She was beating around the bush, and he was perplexed.

  "I don't understand. What do you mean."

  "Sex!"

  There, she had blurted it out. Now he had the excuse she thought he needed to never see her again. If she could not have sex, then surely this was the last she would see of him. But he surprised her.

  "Oh, Mamacita, I would like nothing better than to make love with you, but not until the time is right."

  "But you don't understand. It might not ever be right."

  "I understand. You don't think I'm sexy," he teased.

  "Oh no, that is not it!"

  That is so not it! Toni thought.

  "Is it something you can share with me?"

  She wanted to tell him, but the words had trouble coming out. She felt ashamed and embarrassed and worried what his reaction would be. Then she finally got up the courage.

  "My husband. We were together since high school. He was my first. Um, I, uh, I have not had anyone since he died."

  He put his arm around her and smiled.

  "You mean to tell me that the only man you ever made love to was your husband, and you are embarrassed? I think that is wonderful, Mami. I feel honored that you would even think about sharing that part of yourself with me. But, please, believe me when I say there is no hurry."

  He hugged her, and she felt a little better about things as they prepared to land.

  Te Quiero Besar

  Then next morning, Fiona sleepily came to the sofa where Toni was sipping her coffee. She wanted to cuddle up next to her mommy. Toni absolutely lived for those moments. She brushed through her daughter's soft brown hair with her free hand. Fiona's eyes lit up with curiosity.

  "You have to tell me, Mom! Tell me everything!"

  Toni smiled and was happy to fill her in on the details from her date.

  "Well, we flew on an airplane!"

  Fiona's eyes got huge as she imagined her mother on an airplane with a handsome billionaire.

  "Oh, wow!"

  "And we went to a nice theater where we ate dinner while they sang and danced onstage."

  Fiona hung on her every word.

  "Mommy?"

  "Yes?"

  "Could you understand anything when he talked?"

  Toni smiled. She knew exactly how Fiona felt.

  "Yes, it gets a little easier the more you hear him talk. You just have to try to listen carefully."

  "Oh, good. I thought someone would have to translate for you."

  "Did you see my flowers?"

  "Yes, they were very pretty."

  "Want to smell them?"

  "Of course, I do."

  She went and got the glass of water with the flowers sticking out haphazardly, and they enjoyed its beauty together. They laughed and talked for a long time before Little Johnny woke up. He hit the floor running with a little more gusto than his sister did.

  "Mommy went on an airplane last night," Fiona said.

  "She did? You did, Mommy?"

  Toni nodded and got up to get dressed and fix breakfast.

  "I sure did!"

  When she went to get to the bathroom to get dressed, she could hear the kids still talking about it.

  "I wanna ride a airplane!"

  "When you grow up, you can buy an airplane if you want," Fiona said.

  "You can buy airplanes?"

  "Yes, silly! But they cost a lot of money."

  Toni remembered how sexy and exciting Victor had been. She had been relieved to know he was 34 because he looked so fit and healthy, she had been worried that he was too young. She thought four years was a perfect age difference. She wondered why she had been so fearful. He is great, he knows my background, he knows how chubby I am, and yet, he is still interested in a relationship with me I just need to calm down and enjoy his attention.

  She returned to the kitchen and made some pancakes and bacon, the kids' favorite. Today was going to be a great day!

  ***

  Since Toni did not have a phone, Victor called Joe at work instead. He left a message that he wanted to take her on another date on Saturday. Joe gave her the message and watched her face light up. He asked her how she liked Victor, and she told him that she really liked him a lot. He asked her if she thought Victor's intentions were honorable. She told him to rest assured; she was pretty convinced they were.

  She asked called Betty too see if she had another dress, and started getting excited all over again. She called Victor to accept his invitation.

  "Hello?"

  "Hi Victor, this is Toni."

  "It is good to hear you voice, Mamacita!"

  The sound of his deep sexy Latino voice filled her with desire, but everyone's eyes were on her, so she had to be very proper.

  "Joe said you called."

  "Yes, I did. Will you go out with me again?"

  "Yes, I would love that!"

  "See you Saturday at eight."

  "See you then."

  She hung up the phone and spent the rest of the week on cloud nine.

  ***

  When she arrived at Joe and Betty's with the kids in tow on Saturday, she was so excited. Betty helped her fix her hair and get dressed. When she looked in the mirror, she hardly recognized herself. She had always had pretty brown eyes, but it helped to draw attention to them. Her brown hair brushed her shoulders the shoulders of her navy blue beaded dress and shoes. Everything came together nicely.

  When Victor arrived, Joe let him in. He was carrying more flowers and a toy airplane. He handed the flowers to Fiona. She thanked him and sniffed them. Then he asked Little Johnny if he would like the toy. The boy nodded and when he took it into his hands, he thanked him.

  They said goodbye to everyone and walked out to the car. The driver helped her into the backseat. When she sat down, she saw a big bouquet of red roses. Victor climbed in next to her. She was keenly aware of his masculine scent and muscular body sitting very close to her. Nervous excitement started building up. He pulled one of the roses out of the vase and handed it to her. She could not believe how sweet this man was. She sniffed the perfumed flower and smiled at him.

  "You look beautiful, Mamacita," he said, caressing her face with his hand.

  "Thank you. You are such a sweet man." He turned up his hand inviting her to put hers there. She did and he closed his fingers around hers. She had forgotten how good it felt to hold a man's hand. She enjoyed it for the rest of the ride.

  When the car stopped, they got out and she was surprised to se
e that they were at an amusement park. The parking lot was empty. The place appeared to be closed, but the lights inside were on. They walked to a door, he knocked, and it opened up.

  Once inside, she looked around and saw that they had the entire place to themselves. He asked her if she liked roller coasters. She told him she had never been on one. He told her to pick which one she wanted to be her first. Whoa, this is amazing!

  She ran to the closest one, and they went up the stairs and climbed in a car. The attendant secured them, and then sent them on their way. As it pulled them up, her nervous energy grew. She looked around and saw how far off the ground she was. Just then they peaked and the car rushed down and took off. They screamed together until the ride stopped. As they walked back down the stairs, he asked her how she liked it. She loved it, so they headed for another one.

  When they got hungry, they walked into one of the restaurants in the park. They sat down and ordered some pizza. It came out piping hot and oozing with pepperoni juice and cheese.

  "This is really good pizza," Toni said.

  "Yes, it is really good." So you like roller coasters a lot, huh Mamacita?"

  I love it when he calls me “Mamacita”! So hot!

  "Oh, wow, yes! This is so much fun!"

  "Do you want to know a secret?" he asked.

  She was intrigued now.

  "Yes, what? Please tell me your secret!"

  "This is my first time on a roller coaster as well."

  "It is?"

  "Yes, I was not born a wealthy man. We never went to any places like this." She was surprised, yet relieved to find out they had more in common with each other.

  "Really?"

  "Yes, it is true, Mamacita."

  "Well, can I ask you a personal question since you brought up money first?"

  "Of course, anything."

  "Well, I wonder why, since you are so thoughtful, handsome, and rich, why you haven't already found someone, settled down, and started a family." She felt impolite asking, but she really wanted to know the answer.

  "Well, first off, you are right. I am indeed very handsome!" They both laughed. She shook her head in amazement at how charming he was.

  "It is simple really. My parents love each other madly. Always have. My mother gives my father a soft place to land in this hard world and takes good care of his home and their children. She would do anything for him simply because she loves him. Rich or poor never mattered."