by Dani Lovell
I run my hands from his shoulders, up the sides of his face and into his hair as the pace picks up. I bend my leg, my inner thigh grazing his hard body through the thin, silky fabric of the stocking, it feels... sexy, different. Hot. I start to remove Daniels tie, mid kiss, he's wearing far too much clothing, I want to feel his skin, I want him to feel my stocking clad legs, brushing against his flesh, I want his naked, ripped chest pressed against me. Oh yes. "Daniel," I murmur against his mouth, "I want to feel you."
He immediately kneels up and swiftly unbuttons his shirt and throws it off his shoulders before removing the cuff links. I hold out my hand, taking them from him. I look at them and smile, loving that he's actually been wearing them. By the time I have leant over to put them on the coffee table, Daniel has removed his shoes and socks and is pulling down his trousers and boxers. Oh, heavens above. It gets me every time.
He immediately rests back down on top of me with a sexy smile, brushing my hair behind my ear. "God, you're stunning, baby."
"I was just thinking something quite similar about you, actually, Daniel."
He leans down to kiss me again and as I bend my legs up his sides, he groans loudly and moves his hand down to my knickers, tugging them to the side and slowly slipping his fingers within my waiting folds.
"Oh, Daniel." I moan as he gently caresses my clitoris.
"Wrap your legs around me, baby."
As I do, he removes his fingers and sinks immediately deep inside me.
~~~~~~~
I lay, panting, crushed between Daniel's Herculean masculinity and my plush sofa, and he lifts his head from mine, looking down at our bodies, entwined. "This picture is so hot, baby; you, in this, with your stocking-covered legs wrapped around me like that... jeez, this is what wet dreams are made of. I want to take a photo." He chuckles.
"Ha! No chance!"
Daniel laughs. "I know, baby, but it's so..." He growls and buries his face in my neck, kissing me, making me laugh out loud.
I reach around Daniel to my feet, crossed behind his back, and slip my shoes off, tossing them on the floor behind the sofa. "Daniel?"
"Yes, baby?"
"Do you know when you have to leave yet?"
"Let's not talk about that now, Bea."
"I just want to relax, and if I know, I can mentally prepare myself. I'm scared you're just going to say 'I've got to go back tomorrow'."
"Don't worry, I'm not going tomorrow. Or Friday. In fact, I'm hoping I'll be here a few days beyond that. As I'm not going into the office on Friday, I may need to go in on Monday."
"Really? Oh goody! I don't mind you going in to work on Friday though, you know."
"No way, baby. Not a chance, it's your birthday."
I smile, knowing there is no argument here. He's so lovely, even when he was cross at me earlier, he was still lovely. How on earth did I find this man? I'm being punished for it, the universe has found me the most incredibly perfect man, but only giving me tiny tasters of him and then tearing him away from me.
"I was thinking, baby, why don't you ask Tilly and Clare over for dinner tomorrow night? I'd really like to catch up with Tilly and get to know Clare a little better, ideally before your birthday party."
"Sounds like a great idea, darling. I will, we can get a take away."
"I might be home a little later tomorrow, it's a big day for the restructure project, it's when the final decisions are due to be made as to its viability, so I could have a lot of meetings to get through if any problems are detected."
"Ok, well that's not a problem, you can let me know when you're on your way home and I'll arrange the food then."
"Perfect, I'll use the car again tomorrow, it might be easier."
"Ok. What shall we do now? Want to watch some telly? Or go to bed? Want dessert?"
"I'm still full from dinner, sweetheart, but you go ahead, and then let's go to bed."
"I'm not hungry either, I want you in my bed."
"Let's go then," Daniel says excitedly as he sits up, taking me with him, kissing me hard.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
THURSDAY 4TH OCTOBER
This morning was, of course, wonderful. We didn't have as much time as yesterday because Daniel had to leave early, but we still enjoyed each other, as much as we could. I left for work early too to receive a delivery which needed to be stocked before morning prep started, and it was my turn.
I feel sprightly and happy today, but lingering in the back of my mind as always, the niggling, the torment, the knowledge that he'll be gone soon and the pain will return. All I wanted was to see Daniel, I should savour every moment, but it's tainted with the unwelcome anticipation of his departure.
I have a great day at work, we're very busy with appointments and collections, and before I know it, it's time to go home. I've had two texts from Daniel today, he seems very busy, as he said he would be, and so am I, so we haven't communicated since lunchtime. I send him a quick text as I walk to my car to let him know I'm on my way home and that both Clare and Tilly are coming for dinner. I know he's probably still busy so I don't expect a reply. As I place my phone back in my bag, it chimes with a text from my brother.
~
Oliver 4 Oct 18:04
Hiya, you ok? Meant to pop in today for a quick chat and a cuppa but got too busy. So when are we going to meet this American that makes my little sister cry all the time? X
~
Cheeky git. I suppose he has a point, I have been mega unhappy since I met Daniel. But not because of him, my darling man, he makes me happier than ever. Just the bloody distance.
~
4 Oct 18:06
Yo yo yo! How are you? I'm only unhappy when
I'm away from him, and he's here now so I have a huge grin on my face, see... :-D. Clare and Tilly are coming over later, why don't you come and meet him? I'll take him to meet Mum and Dad before he leaves, maybe at the weekend. X
~
I get into my car and he replies immediately.
~
Oliver 4 Oct 18:07
Alright, alright, enough of that romantic crap. Yuck. Yeah, sounds great, what time? X
~
~
4 Oct 18:09
I think they'll be over at about 7:30/8. Getting take away. See you then :-) X
~
~
Oliver 4 Oct 18:10
Cool. Tell him to prepare for the Hart interrogation.
X
~
He makes me laugh, he'd do anything to protect me, but he'd never intimidate someone I was seeing, unless they were a total idiot. He hates Dylan, and Dylan knows it, but that's mainly because he was a dick all the time.
At about half six, I walk into my building and decide I'll have a long, hot bath before everyone gets here, wash off all the sugar and food colouring, and put some comfies on. I'm really looking forward to tonight but I feel filthy and exhausted and I need a relaxing soak first.
I open the door and jump out of my skin when I see Daniel, looking unbelievably sexy in low slung track suit bottoms and a not-too-tightly fitted, grey t-shirt, standing barefoot in the hallway with a glass of wine. There's something so sexy about his tanned, naked feet on my soft, cream carpet. Is that weird?
"M'lady," he says in a very posh, exaggerated British accent. He takes my hand bag and keys and bows, as he holds out the glass to me.
I giggle. "Why, thank you kind, sir. What a lovely surprise!"
"I hoped it would be madam, you have a hot, candle lit, bubble bath awaiting your arrival in the main bathroom."
I giggle again. "Wow, thank you, I feel spoiled. To what do I owe this pleasure?" I ask as I lean against him, wrapping my free arm around his neck and gaze up into his delicious turquoise eyes. The feel of his hard body through that t-shirt, mmm...
"Well, I had a fantastic day at work, baby. It all went really, really well and I was done early, so I thought - what better way to finish off my day, than to surprise my beautiful lady as she get
s in from a hard day at the office."
I grin from ear to ear. "Thank you. I love you being here, even if it's only..." I trail off, not needing to bring that up, and lean upwards to kiss him firmly on the lips.
"Bath time, sweetheart, no more kissing or we'll get pre-occupied."
"Oh." I pout. "Will you be joining me?"
"Why, of course, baby."
Stepping into the hot bubbles, I slowly sink down to rest against Daniel's chest. It's a bit of a squeeze but it's oh-so-blissful. "My bath's not quite as big as yours, is it. Are you too squashed?"
"Not at all, baby, are you comfortable?"
"Mmm. Very," I whisper as I close my eyes and fully relax against him. I tilt my head so I can look up at his face. "I love this."
"I love you. What time are your friends coming?"
"Between seven thirty and eight. Oh, and Oliver is coming too. He wants to meet you."
"Oh great! He's coming to check me out, make sure I'm good enough for his kid sister?" He grins.
"Something like that," I say with a broad smile, "don't worry though, he won't give you a hard time."
"I'm not worried, baby, I'm sure we'll get on... if he approves."
I want to comment that it really doesn't matter whether Oliver approves or not, considering Daniel is not my 'proper' boyfriend and we aren't going to be together for long, but I refrain from doing so because I know Daniel will get cross with me and I'm in far too good a mood to have that argument right now.
After a pause, I change the subject. "I'm not sure you really wanted to share a bath with me, Daniel, I'm really sugary and dirty."
"Dirty, huh? Just the way I like you," he says as he crooks his neck to kiss mine and I grin, raising my hand behind me to curl around the back of his neck.
"You've got a dirty mind."
"And your point is?"
I giggle and carefully turn onto my front against his body. He immediately places a hand on my buttock. "We don't have time for sexing, Daniel, but I do want a pash."
"Pashing in the bath sounds good to me. Then, I'll wash you."
I smile and lean in to gently bite his lip, before we start the most sensual, arousing, bath-time pash-fest one could possibly dream about. As I writhe against him and moan loudly, Daniel pulls away, breathlessly.
"Baby, god, if we can't have sex, then we've got to stop right now. I need you so badly."
"I can tell..." I grin, waggling my eyebrows and leaning in for another kiss. Naturally, we get carried away and end up have just enough time to throw some clothes over our wet bodies as everyone arrives.
~~~~~~~
Dinner was great, one of the most fun nights in I have had in a long time. Tilly loosened up a little bit, compared to how she has been lately, although she still wasn't completely herself. She was genuinely excited to see Daniel and the three of us reminisced about some of our fun times in LA.
Oliver and Daniel seemed to get on like a house on fire, I think Oliver approves of my gorgeous man, there might even be a little bromance forming, although they probably shouldn't get too attached to each other.
All evening, as we chatted together, Daniel kept catching my eye and sending beautiful smiles my way. If he left the room for anything, he'd find a reason to walk past me and stroke my shoulders or place a gentle kiss on my cheek.
As we stand at the door saying our goodbyes in the wee hours of the morning, Daniel holds me tightly around my waist.
"Thank you for having us," Oliver says as Daniel releases me so I can hug my brother.
"You're welcome, are you coming out tomorrow night?"
"Have I ever missed your birthday?"
I smile and shake my head, no.
"Exactly. I'll be there with bells on."
As Daniel kisses the girls goodbye, Oliver whispers in my ear. "I approve, he seems a good bloke. I can't wait for Dylan to see you with him." He smirks and pulls back, chuckling to himself and I roll my eyes.
"See you tomorrow, Daniel. Good to meet you."
"You too, Oliver, I'm looking forward to it, should be a great night."
I say goodbye to the girls, and as we close the door, Daniel smiles and pulls me close to him, his arms snake tightly around my middle. "Mmm, I've got you all to myself again," he says before he leans down and places a soft kiss against my lips.
"Uh huh, and I can't wait to curl up in bed and fall asleep with you."
"Oh..." he says with a cute pout, "can't I ravish you?"
I giggle and wrap my arms tightly around his neck. "Go on then, just this once."
"Then we can sleep and your perfect birthday will begin."
"I'm excited."
"So you should be, baby. I'm going to spoil you."
"Not too much, I hope."
"Well, you'll find out tomorrow," he says as he releases me and swats my behind, "to the bedroom!"
"You're in a very good mood tonight, Daniel," I say suspiciously as I make my way to the bedroom.
"I am always in a good mood when I'm with you. Now get your clothes off," he orders jovially as he throws himself on my bed, rests his hands behind his head, crosses his ankles and watches me, intently with a huge smile on his face.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
FRIDAY 5TH OCTOBER
I roll over to reach for Daniel as I stir, but my hand only finds bed sheets. I open my eyes to look at the clock, and I see that it's nine o'clock. It takes a few seconds to register that I'm not late for work because I'm off for my birthday. "Oh phew." I mumble as I stretch and smile in anticipation of the day ahead.
"Phew, what, baby?" Daniel asks as he strolls into the bedroom carrying a tray.
"Oh, nothing, I thought I was late for work. What's all this?" I ask with a smile as I sit up.
"Birthday breakfast in bed, happy birthday, baby." He rests the tray on his side of the bed and walks around to give me a kiss on the cheek. "And good morning, I want to kiss you properly, so you better eat up and go clean your teeth, unless you'll let me kiss you now?"
"Nope. I'll eat quickly." I grin as I look over to the tray. "Pancakes and strawberries! Yummy! Hey, I didn't have strawberries..."
"I know, I stopped at the grocery store on my way home yesterday. I know how much you loved pancakes and strawberries at my place, so I thought they'd be a good birthday breakfast," he says with a huge smile, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Now, eat up while I have a shower and then you can have a present." He wiggles his eyebrows, salaciously.
"Ooh, what sort of present?"
"Wait and see, eat up, sweetheart." He places the tray on my lap, plays a song on his iPod; 'I'm yours' by Jason Mraz, and heads to the en-suite. I look at what he has prepared on the tray; pancakes with maple syrup and strawberries, a cup of tea, a glass of orange juice, my iPhone, an envelope with my name on it, a pink rose and a small, navy, rectangular velvet box with a tag attached;
'Don't open me yet, put me in your purse for later...'
My stomach knots in excitement as I wonder what else is in store for today. I listen to the lovely lyrics, pretending they refer to Daniel and I.
The pancakes are delicious and I smile non-stop as I eat, listening to the music and Daniel whistling in the shower. I open my card while I sip my tea and a huge grin immediately spreads across my face when I see the front; 'For my girlfriend on her birthday' and a picture of a beautiful pink rose, freakishly similar to the one on the tray. I open it, eagerly anticipating his message.
'Baby,
Happy 28th Birthday!
Prepare yourself for the best birthday you've ever had, I intend to make sure you enjoy every
second of it.
I am so happy to be able to celebrate with you, you mean everything to me. I'm a very lucky guy
to have you in my life.
I love you so much,
Always,
Your boyfriend, Daniel xxxxxxxxxx'
An elated giggle escapes me - 'always'. Oh, I wish. I place the card on my bedside table and smile at it, I
absolutely love that I get Daniel here on my birthday. Placing the rose next to the card, I sit back against my headboard and check the messages on my phone whilst finishing my tea with a deliriously happy smile on my face.
I grin at the 'Happy Birthday' messages from Tilly, Clare, my brother and parents, and then I rest back, thinking about that card. I'm so far away in my happy daydream, that I don't even notice the shower turning off and I jump as he speaks. "Enjoy your breakfast, baby?"
"Oh! Yes, thank you it was so delicious. Thank you for my beautiful card too."
"You're welcome," he says as he wraps his towel around his waist and leans over to take the tray off my lap. He kisses my cheek and vanishes off to the kitchen. I take the opportunity to step into the en-suite to clean my teeth. When I return, I hear the bath running in the main bathroom and Daniel strolls back in. "Get back into bed, baby. Your bath will be ready in a little while."
"This is fun!" I giggle at the joyous feeling of being pampered.
Daniel crawls up the bed to plant a kiss on my lips, he lingers and curls one of his strong hands around the back of my neck. "Mmm," he says as he pulls back to rest his forehead on mine. "Are you ready for a gift?"
"Ooh yay!" My eyes widen with excitement, I feel like a child again.
Daniel hops off the bed again and goes into the spare room where his suitcase is. When he returns, he sits next to me and hands me a beautifully wrapped gift.
"Thank you!"
"Open it," he says with an excited smile. Bless his cotton socks.
I remove the ribbon and start to rip off the exquisite wrapping paper and a layer of tissue paper, before revealing the absolutely stunning strapless, red, Valentino jumpsuit that I fell in love with on Rodeo Drive. "Daniel!" I cry, bringing my hand to my mouth. "Daniel! How did you know? But this is so expensive!"
"You wanted it, didn't you?"
"Oh I love it! I wanted it so much but I obviously couldn't afford it, Daniel, this is too much!"