Perfect on Paper

by Destiny Moon

  Chapter Fourteen

  Hours later, the two arrived back at Nadine’s apartment. She’d long since abandoned the vision of a tender and sweet goodnight kiss on her front steps. She’d have been deeply disappointed with a first date scene from a romantic movie. She wanted the second or third date—the one that involved inviting the guy in.

  She unlocked her door and led David inside.

  “Let me take your jacket,” she insisted.

  “Sure,” he said. He followed her upstairs.

  Nadine had tried to make the place cozier. There were candles set up and ready to be lit. A blanket covered the sofa and she had tidied up the magazines that otherwise littered the coffee table.

  David had gone to great lengths to make sure that Nadine knew he had taken their date seriously and he could see now that she, too, had put in a great deal of effort. Like a sprite, she zipped about lighting candles and even an aromatherapy pot of essential oils. Just then, he perceived a hint of neroli and lavender. It was very sensual and it made him feel both comforted and on edge. He could tell that she had expectations, and he didn’t want to disappoint. He also didn’t want to overstep or move too fast. The biggest mark of success, he reminded himself, was to get a second date.

  “Can I get you anything?” Nadine asked.

  “Sure. What are you having?”

  “I got a bottle of New Zealand wine that I absolutely adore. It’s a cabernet sauvignon, but I have other stuff, too, if you’d rather.”

  “You got something special for us?” His face lit up. “I’ll have that.”

  “Great. Make yourself at home. I’ll be right back.”

  While she was in the kitchen, David took out his iPhone and plugged it into her speakers. He played Billie Holiday, figuring that a woman like Nadine would enjoy the depth and brilliance of her voice.

  Nadine emerged with two oversized glasses on a tray. Next to the glasses there was a plate divided into three and in each compartment there was some kind of snack, but David couldn’t make out the exact nature of the edibles in the soft light.

  Nadine set the tray down and sat down next to David on the couch. She smiled at the choice of music.

  “I haven’t listened to her in ages.”

  “I hope you like it.”

  “Great choice. I love Billie Holiday.”

  Nadine tucked her legs up onto the seat. She reached for David’s hand and took it in hers, guiding his arm around her. “There,” she said. “I love that.”

  He gave her a squeeze to let her feel how badly he wanted to hold onto her. She turned to him and he didn’t hesitate. He gave her a bold kiss on the mouth.

  David was all over Nadine, exploring her face, the back of her neck, her creamy skin above the neckline of her shirt.

  “Mmm,” Nadine moaned. “I like this side of you.”

  David wanted to make sure that he understood exactly. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re so…different suddenly, like, more aggressive.”

  “Do you want me to ease up?”

  “No, I like it.”

  “Good, because there are so many things I want to do to you.”

  “Oh good,” Nadine purred. “Maybe I should take you to the bedroom.”

  “I’d like that,” David said. “Maybe I’ll take you there.” And with that, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder as though he was a caveman dragging his lady back to his dwelling.

  “Take me,” she said.

  “That’s all I need to hear,” David said. They headed to the bedroom and David skillfully navigated his way to the bed in the darkness. He avoided turning on the overhead lamp, as the sense of the moment guided him. Somehow he knew to reach down to the switch on the soft lamp that sat atop Nadine’s dresser. There was a warm glow. He placed Nadine on the bed. She was still wearing her clothes, but he hoped it wouldn’t be long before they were in a heap on the floor.

  David took control of the situation. He surveyed the landscape of her room as he watched her with careful attention. He noticed the candles she had on her dresser and went to them. He struck a match and lit the wicks, blew out the match and placed it carefully atop the box, so as not to leave a mark on the surface. He felt, as she did, that furniture was something to be treated with respect.

  David turned back to face her, his eyes as concentrated as ever. He unbuttoned his shirt.

  To Nadine, it seemed like he had just come from a week out in the woods, and he had an eagerness and roughness that suggested the same. Nadine watched him as though he was her very own male stripper, her boy toy.

  “Are you going to take it off?” she asked.

  He pointed to the tight white shirt. “This?”

  She nodded.

  “Do you want me to?”

  She nodded again.

  “Nadine Baxter, you naughty girl. You want to check me out, don’t you?”

  “Oh yes.” She bit her lower lip.

  “All right, you asked for it.” He slowly lifted the shirt up over his chiseled chest revealing an incredibly fit abdominal region. She’d seen washboard abs in magazines, but never in person—not like this. He had the body of an athlete. She’d had no idea that he was that fit. He was so nonchalant about it, so unlike most of the jock types she’d come across over the years. He had the kind of physique she imagined artists would want to sculpt. His skin was tan and looked especially alluring in the soft lighting. She couldn’t wait to touch him.

  He came to her without taking his eyes off of her. It was intoxicating the way he concentrated on her.

  He adjusted the pillows, creating a type of reclining position for her. Then he ran his fingers over her décolletage. She touched his skin, running her fingers over his muscular upper arms and chest. This was a view she could get used to. She flushed hot with desire at the rippling textures. He was, by anyone’s definition, a sexy man. But he took her hands off him and lowered them to her sides. She fell back on the cushions she was propped up on.

  “Take this off,” he ordered.

  Nadine was surprised at the forcefulness of his tone and she loved it. She pulled the top up over her head to reveal her bra. He kissed her left shoulder and playfully, softly, took a bite into it. Then he kissed along the top of her left shoulder, around her neck and followed a path all the way to her right shoulder like he was traversing a mountain range with his lips. She shivered and felt the light tickle of his touch everywhere. He reached behind her and without waiting for help, he unclasped the back of her bra with one hand. The man had skills.

  She was topless. Exposed. Still, he kept his eyes locked with hers. His hands found her C-cup breasts and held them like they were precious gifts. He was deliberate. Then he started to massage them, lightly at first. He squeezed her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, and she found herself hungry for his touch.

  “Nadine. You are so much hotter than I ever imagined.” He held her nipples taut.

  She moaned at the sensation that made its way straight from her nipples to her clit. She squirmed with delight. The sight of David in front of her was almost too much to take. He caressed her breasts and lowered his mouth to take a nipple into it. She savored the slow way he sucked on her, the feeling she had that he wanted more and more of her.

  She touched him back, held his head between her hands, ran her fingers through his thick brown hair. He was so good looking, and it felt good to finally give in to her attraction. She’d wanted him to take her like this ever since they survived the elevator ordeal. Had she really listened to the messages her body sent, she’d have given in to her lust back then, but she was glad they had waited. It meant that she was in a heightened state now. Watching him as he seduced her by sucking on her sensitive nipples, alternating back and forth, like he was studying her reaction, was more than she ever could have anticipated. She let herself relax into it. He signaled to her that he was in charge, and she was more than thrilled.

  But she longed to return the favor. Nadine had alw
ays been a generous lover, making sure that she gave at least as much as she received, and tonight was no exception. She wanted to please David. She wanted, also, to experience his body.

  She reached for his zipper. He pulled her hand away immediately. She thought he was being playful, so she tried again. Again, he took her by the wrist and placed her hand back down on the bed beside her, only this time he held her there.

  “Don’t even think about it. Tonight, I’m pleasuring you,” he said in a tone that rivaled the forcefulness of his kissing.

  “Let me…”

  “No.” He was firm. “There will be time for me later. Tonight’s about you.”

  “That’s hardly fair,” she said, trying to be coy.

  “Oh, but it is. You see, there is nothing I want more than to explore your body and figure out what turns you on.”

  “You’re doing a great job so far.” She laughed nervously. Quietly.

  “You’re going to lie back and take it, Nadine. I don’t want any argument. I’m going to explore every inch of you and all I want from you is indication as to whether you like it. In fact, from this moment on, all I want to hear from you is guidance—harder, faster, slower, softer. That sort of thing.”

  “Oh my.”

  “And don’t you dare think that it’s not fair. This has been my fantasy ever since I met you, and it’s coming true.”

  “But what about you?”

  “You mean my penis? I am aware of it. But I want to learn how to make you come before you ever meet my cock.”

  “Oh,” Nadine managed. The words went to her clit and she felt lightheaded, as though all the blood had left her brain and she could no longer think. She didn’t need to think, she reckoned. Not when Mr. Forceful was in charge. So she let him take the lead. It was what they both wanted.

  “All right,” she cooed as she reclined.

  This was the most erotic encounter she had ever had. In the dim light of her warm room, nestled in scents of vanilla from the candle he’d stolen a moment away to light, she watched as David claimed his prize. He’d said he wanted to explore her and he did. His fingers glided over her belly to her jeans. He unbuttoned the top, unzipped her front and folded the triangles of denim down to reveal the white and pink lace panties she had on underneath. She was glad now that she had put in the time at the estheticians, even though a part of her had thought that they wouldn’t go this far. She couldn’t wait to get these jeans off and let him go exploring.

  * * * *

  “So, sex kitten,” Marnie purred into the phone. “How did it go with the boy toy?”

  “It was incredible,” Nadine said. “And you can’t call him that anymore.”

  “Oh, poo. You’re no fun. Alfonso and I are meeting for a drink after work at Fresco Forno. You have to come. We’re living vicariously through you, don’t forget.”

  “All right. Can we sit on the heated patio?”

  “Sure, why?”

  “I’ll bring Duchess.”

  “Who’s Duchess?”

  “My new best friend.”

  “What?”

  “The furry kind. I got a dog.”

  “What?” Marnie yelled even louder this time.

  “You can meet her later.”

  * * * *

  When she got to Fresco Forno, Nadine walked through the cast iron gate and spotted her friends instantly. They waved and gesticulated. Alfonso was impossible to miss with his bright clothes and dark glasses.

  “Hey, girl!” Alfonso said. Marnie lifted what appeared to be a Margarita.

  “Isn’t it a little late in the season for that?” I looked at the fancy cocktail glass with its wide brim and tall stem like an upside down sombrero on a pole.

  “That’s what heat lamps are for. Besides, they’re on special, and I already ordered you one. Now who’s this?”

  Her friends looked at Duchess, who wagged her tail back at them.

  “My new BFF, Duchess.”

  “BF, girl. You know dogs don’t live forever. You’re Puff, and Duchess is Little Jackie Paper.”

  “Oh hush,” Nadine said. “She’s here now and that’s what matters.”

  Marnie said, “She’s gorgeous.” And Alfonso conceded.

  “So, sit down, tie her to the table and spill it.”

  “All right, all right.” Nadine fumbled with her bag, and put it on the ground. Duchess didn’t need a leash. She understood the situation right away and curled up underneath the table.

  “That’s amazing,” Marnie quipped. “She’s so well trained.”

  “Her previous owner was a professional trainer. How lucky is that?”

  “Was?”

  “She’s in a nursing home. They don’t allow big dogs.”

  “How cruel.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Nadine agreed. “I’ll be taking Duchess to visit Mrs. Bronstein regularly. We’re starting tomorrow evening, actually.”

  “Wow, that’s really nice of you.”

  “Well… I should hope that if we were ever in Mrs. Bronstein’s shoes, someone else would do the same.”

  “Okay, enough of this Pollyanna stuff. I’ve already filled Alfonso in as much as I could, but you have to give us the play by play. You were pretty cagey about it before.”

  “That’s because,” Nadine summoned her courage. She really loved her friends, but she was starting to fall in love with David. “I need you to not make fun. I think I really like him.”

  “Good Lord. Don’t tell me you hear wedding bells already,” Marnie said.

  “I can just picture us all at your wedding,” Alfonso began. “You could get married at Disneyland!”

  They both cracked up but Nadine didn’t find it amusing in the slightest.

  “See?” she said. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  “Oh, honey, don’t be offended. We’re having our fun with you. What’s the harm?”

  It was pointless. Her friends were way more immature than they accused David of being. She stayed for drinks, but she kept the conversation focused on them instead of her.

  * * * *

  When Nadine rounded the bend to her street, she noticed from afar that there was a bouquet of flowers on her stoop. How thoughtful, she mused, that David would show his appreciation for their date that way. He was really quite something.

  The orange and yellow gerberas were beautiful. How did David know they were her favorite? She brought them inside, took off her coat and hung it behind the door, tossed off her walking shoes and brought everything upstairs. She set the flowers down on her kitchen table, gave Duchess a fresh dish of water and only then did she finally think to open the card.

  Nadine, I’m only in town for a week. I hope you’ll have dinner with me. Yours, Allan.

  Nadine almost fainted right on the spot in her own kitchen. She hadn’t heard from Allan in nearly two years, since he’d moved. What had brought him back? And what, more importantly, had led him to believe that he could just drop off some flowers and suddenly she’d fall for his antics all over again. She stared at the card. His number was on the bottom, along with a ‘PS’ that read—

  I know you haven’t forgiven me, but I want to make it better. Please let me.

  It was that confidence of his. That charm. She had missed him, in spite of every rational thought to the contrary. He knew how to talk to her, knew that she wanted to be told. But he had some nerve. How typical of him to breeze into town right after she had started something new. Nadine realized that she was happy for the first time in ages. Being out with David had made her alive again and she knew that he understood her.

  She needed to see David. She shouldn’t keep Allan’s sudden appearance from him. It was too much to take in. They’d had an amazing night together, but if she told him about Allan and the depth of her history with him, she feared she’d reveal too much too soon, especially if she told him the whole truth—that Allan was the only guy she’d ever loved. Everyone, even her own parents, had believed Allan to be the guy for
her, and she had too.

  Why did he have to come back? And why now?

  Nadine didn’t want to make this seem like too much of a deal. She had to downplay the story. It was the only right thing to do. After all, she didn’t know what Allan wanted. Maybe he was in town to announce his engagement to someone else. Maybe he was on business and wanted her to know he was sorry for breaking her heart so long ago. Whatever it was, she knew that she couldn’t lie to David, but she also couldn’t tell the whole truth.

  She took Duchess for a walk to mull it over but found herself walking toward David’s neighborhood. She hadn’t seen his place, but surely it couldn’t be as bad as he’d made it out to be. She was sure it wasn’t a keg style frat house or anything. That just didn’t seem to suit David.

  If there was any good left in the world, she told herself, they’d run into each other by sheer kismet and she wouldn’t have to call and instigate a conversation. There’d be something ominous about that. She wanted, instead, to say it casually. Oh, by the way, this guy I used to know is in town and wants to meet up.

  After over an hour of walking, she had not seen him. Even Duchess was beginning to express that it was enough. She kept looking up at her with those soft brown eyes, so gentle a reminder of the night they first met, the date with David. Enough was enough. She summoned her courage and finally dialed David’s number.

  “Hey,” he said, sounding pleased to hear from her.

  “I’m in your neighborhood with Duchess. Wondering if you have time to see us.”

  “Oh, uh, sure. Where are you?”