Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  Excited for tonight and feeling reenergized, I quickly freshen up and change. The dress fits flawlessly, the intricate bodice starts at the top of my neck with thin straps wrapping over my shoulders. Crystals and fabric swirls adorn the bodice, and it dips low down to my lower back before a flowing chiffon skirt drapes beautifully down to the floor.

  Strapping the heels at my ankles, I excitedly make my way down to the bar to relax with a drink and Ethan. Nothing says France like a true glass of champagne.

  I see Ethan sitting at the marble bar as soon as I walk in. He’s swirling a glass of scotch when his eyes meet mine, his gaze entering my soul and holding me captive. He looks absolutely heavenly in a fitted black suit with a white button down shirt, the top button undone, exposing a small portion of his toned chest. His hair is combed neatly, a bit longer on the top than the sides, and his smile radiates his face, showcasing those dimples I love.

  “You look absolutely stunning.” He stands and kisses my cheek as I approach him.

  “You don’t look too bad yourself.” I wrap my arms around his neck, prompting him to hold me, and I kiss him. “Thank you for the dress and shoes. They’re beautiful.”

  “You’re welcome. You look amazing in them. I’m almost tempted to cancel our reservations, but I’ll have time to peel it off you later.” He releases his hold and pulls out a stool for me to sit.

  He orders a glass of Moet for me and continues to sip his scotch as he asks me about my afternoon. I briefly tell him about the meeting, but don’t want to focus on work. I want to enjoy him.

  “What did you do today?”

  “Oh, you know, bought you this dress and made our dinner reservations. I did check into the office to make sure everything was running smoothly.”

  The champagne fizzes as I drink it, the bubbly liquid tickling my mouth and warming me. Ethan’s molten gaze makes me squirm in my seat as we continue to talk.

  “Have you heard from Dan? How did their weekend go?”

  “Yeah, I spoke to him today. Jess said yes.”

  “Well, I knew that! Was it amazing?”

  Ethan laughs at my enthusiasm. “It seems so. Although the first day and night it poured down rain, so Dan was a mess worrying the weather wouldn’t clear up for the big day. It did, and he was able to go on with his plan. He had rented out a yacht and planned a sunset dinner.”

  I sigh. “That’s beautiful.”

  Ethan shakes his head, smiling. “Okay, let’s go to dinner. If you keep drinking champagne on an empty stomach, you won’t last nearly as long as I have planned.” He pays the tab and stands up, reaching for my hand.

  “Where are we going?” Curiosity enters me. It must be a really fancy restaurant considering our attire.

  “It’s around the corner, actually. They have a beautiful view of the city.” He leads the way out of our hotel and makes a left, and we walk a couple of blocks down. We are soon standing in front of Lustre. The façade has an old feel to it, symbolizing the old Paris charm that is imminent throughout the city. It is a magnificent hotel that has been a part of Paris for many years.

  Ethan holds the door open for me, always a perfect gentleman, and we walk into the dim lighting of the intimate setting. Although it is a grandiose hotel, the ambience is romantic with candles burning on the small tables in the lobby and beautiful white roses placed throughout the space.

  “Monsieur Owens, bonjour.” A man in an expensive black suit greets Ethan.

  “Bonjour,” Ethan returns the greeting.

  “Right this way. Your table is ready upstairs,” the man says and leads us through a small corridor and up a set of spiral stairs. Confused as to why we’re in a hotel, I follow in suit to what I assume is their restaurant at the top level.

  He guides us through the restaurant, not stopping at any table, and proceeds to lead us out a set of French doors nestled to the side of the restaurant, and onto a balcony.

  I am unprepared for the sight in front of me. A round table for two is set on the balcony with a white tablecloth draped over it. Small tea light candles burn on the table, and a vase with pink roses is set to the side of the table. Two chairs are placed on either side with place settings.

  Along the railing of the balcony on the floor, lanterns burn peacefully. A standing champagne bucket is placed next to the table, and pink rose petals lead a path from the door to this magical setting in front of me.

  Unable to move, I look at Ethan. He is smiling proudly. “I wanted to surprise you and plan a romantic dinner.” He shrugs his shoulders like he does this all the time, but I know he feels anything but indifference towards this. Pulling me by the hand, he walks me towards the table and pulls out my chair for me to sit.

  The view is breathtaking. We see all of Paris shining below us, imitating the twinkling of the stars above, and the Eiffel Tower greets us with its powerful stance in the near distance. Baffled, I can’t find my words.

  He laughs, kisses me on the top of the head, and takes his seat across from me.

  “This is… I don’t even know what to say.” I shake my head in disbelief.

  “You’ve been working so hard, and we’re in Paris of all places, so I wanted to plan something special. You deserve the best, love, and I want to give that to you.” His thumb rubs the top of my hand seductively.

  “Thank you. This is just amazing.” I look around, taking it all in.

  The waiter comes outside and serves us each a glass of champagne.

  “A toast,” Ethan says raising his glass. “To my love, and to what the future holds for us.”

  I melt at his words and the thought of our future together. Butterflies fly freely in my stomach, and my heart swells with the love I feel for him. “Cheers.” I raise my glass and clink it to his.

  The evening breeze brushes past my skin, filling the space with the aroma of the roses. The waiter comes out carrying a tray that holds two plates with stainless steel domes over each one. He places them in front of us and refills our glasses before lifting the domes and taking them with him.

  The peppery smell of the filet mignon hits my nose, causing my mouth to water. Roasted potatoes and asparagus accompany the filet, a combination of perfectly balanced flavors. We enjoy our meal, planning out the next few days we have left in France. There are a few small towns that are worth visiting, so we decide to take a day or two to explore the outskirts of Paris and neighboring towns. I remember passing by them on the train as I was traveling through, hoping to stop by and see them. I would love to take pictures of that scenery in the spring.

  After we finish our meal, the waiter brings out a bowl with a variety of macaroons and another bottle of champagne. Indulging in the semisweet dessert, soft music begins to play in the background. “Dance with me?” Ethan stands and holds his hand out for me. The familiar strumming of a guitar fills the air, and I hear that well-known song begin to play. My arms wrap around his neck, his arms around my waist, our bodies swaying slowly to Tim McGraw’s lyrics.

  I brush my lips against Ethan’s and inhale his unique scent. His lips move down to my ear, and he whispers the lyrics to me.

  Between Ethan’s warm breath on my skin, the words streaming from his lips, and the sensations building inside me from his proximity, I want to melt in this moment. I want him to consume me completely—body and soul. Dancing in his arms, I want nothing more than to really have an infinite amount of time with him. No limitations, just forever.

  “I really don’t know where I’d be without you. You’ve never given up on me.” His lips meet mine, a passionate kiss reaching deep into my soul as if he was reading my mind. “I love you so much. I always have, and I always will.” He looks deep into my eyes before bending down on one knee and bringing out a ring. I gasp in surprise, a trembling hand covering my mouth.

  “I’ve had this ring for almost four years, waiting for the perfect moment to give it to you, hoping one day I’d get another chance to place it on your finger. Things got in our way, tearing us apart,
but for us, love is enough. Love has allowed us to forgive, trust, and find our way back home. You are my home, Ava. Not only are you the love of my life, my soulmate; you are also my best friend. The one person I can’t live without, and I know this because I’ve had to live without you in my life. No one else has ever owned me as completely as you have, and no one else ever will. Ava Evans, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to grow old with you by my side. And I want to own your heart as completely as you own mine. You are my infinity. Will you marry me?”

  With tears streaming down my face, I somehow find my strength to answer. “Yes!” I nod my head to emphasize my response in case my words aren’t clear enough. He places the ring on my finger, and stands up, leaning his body flush against mine, his mouth devouring mine. There is nothing slow about this kiss. It is hungry, passionate, full of desire and love.

  He leans his forehead against mine, his smile brightening his face, his eyes looking into mine adoringly. Silently letting the moment sink into our memories forever, we hold each other. I’m in shock. I’m still trembling from excitement and surprise. The last thing I expected was for him to propose. The dinner he planned was a bit extravagant, but that’s Ethan. He rented out an entire bar for my 21st birthday.

  “Are we seriously engaged?” I break the silence. “Dan is going to kill you!” I laugh nervously.

  “Yes, we are. I didn’t do it the same day as him, so he’ll be fine. Trust me, it was hard not to just give you that ring as soon as we landed. It’s been burning a hole in my bag. Besides, this proposal is long overdue.” He kisses me again, more softly this time. “Let’s go back to our hotel. I have plans for us to celebrate.”

  Chapter 29

  Ethan

  Well, fuck yeah she said yes! I’ve been driving myself crazy, the perfectionist in me obsessing about this proposal being anything less than perfect. I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing—not my mom, not Dan, not Katie. This was all her and I, no one to influence us. And I’m fucking elated right now.

  Ava is going to marry me. I’ve wanted this since we were kids and would play mom and dad, husband and wife. I always knew she was the one for me, but I’ll confess, even I thought that chance was ruined with all that we’ve lived through.

  I love her. It’s that simple. Although our relationship had been complicated in the last few years, our feelings are simple: we love each other.

  She shivers beside me as we’re walking down the street back to our hotel. “Are you cold?”

  “A little. It’s fine, we’re almost back at the hotel.” Her lower lip trembles slightly.

  “Here.” I take off my blazer and drape it around her shoulders and my arms wrap loosely around her. Her perfume intoxicates me more than any scotch ever has, pulling me deeper into her spell—one I gladly submit to.

  Tonight has been perfect. It took some planning, but I did what is true to us, down to dancing to “My Best Friend” with her. When I saw that dress, I just knew she’d look amazing in it. It was the perfect final touch to the plan.

  I could’ve taken her to the top of the Eiffel Tower and proposed in front of everyone, but I wanted intimacy—just her and I. Now, I just need to get her to move in with me when we get back to Chicago. We’re engaged after all, and I’m ready to wake up to her every morning and go to bed with her every night. I’m ready to spend my days with her, wrapped in each other, creating a life that is ours, not separate.

  Reaching the hotel in a state of ecstasy, we silently wait for the elevator. Ava is shocked and continuously stares at her ring, a smile lighting up her face. I just stare at her in awe, grateful to the universe for bringing her back into my life. Someone up in the stars was rooting for me when they decided to give me a second chance at love and a full life with her.

  Looking at her hand, adorned by the ring that now connects us even more, the one-carat diamond, hugged by a halo of small diamonds looks perfect on her finger, small diamonds matching the halo running down each side of the band, I feel pride and honor at calling her mine. It’s the perfect accessory for her to flaunt. I’ve had this ring for years and carefully picked it out just for her, and now I’ve been able to give it to her.

  The ding of the elevator announces its arrival, and we walk in. As soon as the doors close, I lose all self-control. Pulling her by the nape of her neck, I have the need to feel her on me and show her how happy I am. My tongue forces open her mouth, invading it like a hungry animal in search of its life source.

  I kiss her hungrily, my erection confined to the space in my pants, my heart rate speeding up like I’ve inhaled a drug. She is my drug. She is my breath of life. My hands hold her face firmly in place, my cock is desperate to be inside her, making her call out my name. I want her her naked except for that ring.

  Too quickly the elevator doors open, but that only means we’ll be in the privacy of our own room, and I’ll have her body and soul all to myself. I drag her by the arm towards our room, her throaty laugh filling the hallway. Opening the door, she walks in and turns around to look at me. I pull her by the waist and place my forehead on hers. “I love you so fucking much. And now you’re going to be my wife. My wife.” I breathe her in, peacefulness and a calm that was lost to me returning to my body.

  “I love you, too. Remember when we were little and played house? Aiden and Katie made us get married, saying if we were going to pretend to be their mom and dad, we had to be married first.” Her eyes swell with tears, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. “We’re going to get married for real now!” She laughs as more happy tears fall down her face, the reality of the situation sinking in.

  “Yes, I do. That was the first time I knew that I’d marry you one day.” I kiss her warm, moist cheeks and smile.

  She takes off my blazer, folding it over a chair in the living space and grabs my hand, gently leading me into the bedroom. Guiding me to sit on the bed, I try to pull her in but she backs away just enough so my hands can’t reach her. Winking at me, she slowly undoes the zipper hidden on the side of her dress, seductively licking her lower lip before biting it.

  She releases the thin straps from her shoulders, her dress falling slowly, exposing her bare chest and creating a delicate pool at her feet. She steps out of it, wearing only her heels and a black lace thong, her lean body temptingly naked, her hair a golden halo around her face. I growl about ready to come in my pants at the sight of her—my own angel.

  She stands before me, leaning in to kiss me, before undoing my pants. Thank fuck. My cock is all but choking in the tightness of them. She takes off my pants and boxer briefs, my own fucking temptress, and gets on her knees before me.

  Running her left hand up and down my cock, her ring catches glimpses of the light and shines around the room. She gives me a wicked smile before taking my cock in her mouth, sucking my length, her tongue pressed against my shaft, as her mouth runs up and down my erection. She begins to move quicker, her lips hitting the base of my cock and back up, sucking harder, making my erection grow.

  Hearing her moan as she sucks me almost sends me over the edge. “Fuck, baby, don’t stop.” My hands reach down of their own accord and begin massaging her breasts, pinching her nipples and teasing them with my fingers. She moves her chest closer to me, allowing my hands to get a fuller feel of her breasts.

  Her mouth continues to please me, her teeth lightly grazing the top of my cock all the way up, until she sucks my tip firmly, sending chills to run through my body. She’s fucking amazing. Losing sense of everything, my muscles begin to contract in reaction to her skilled mouth, and my balls tighten.

  Seconds later, I’m coming in her mouth as she continues to move her lips over me more lightly now, swallowing all of me. Releasing my cock from her lips, she smiles and stands, placing herself between my legs before leaning down to kiss me with lustful abandon.

  The need in her kiss is evident, and I slip my hand into her thong, her wet sex reconfirming that need burning inside her. I plunge a finger inside
her inviting pussy and thrust it in and out of her, as our mouths taste each other. Her fingers fumble with the buttons of my shirt until they finally free me from it, and I’m forced to stop my finger from moving inside her so I can take it off.

  Licking my finger, I look at her straight in the eyes, and say, “You taste delicious.” She moans again and this time, I tear down her thong, leaving her completely exposed. She’s just how I imagined her, naked with that sparkling ring on her finger. Her hands move from my abs, up my chest, pausing at my heartbeat, and then wrapping around my neck before her lips kiss the sensitive skin behind my ear.

  I growl at the feel of her warm lips on my skin and run my hands up her legs, squeezing her ass, and back down, goose bumps making contact with my hands. Her warm breath hits my ear in a whisper, and she says, “Make love to me.”

  That’s all I need to hear. I stand and swoop an arm under her legs, carrying her and kiss her deeply before laying her down on the bed—her blonde hair spread around her face, hazel eyes staring back at me, a combination of lustful anticipation and undying love. I’m seriously one fucking lucky bastard.

  Bending down on the bed over her, I hungrily claim her mouth with mine. Her moans fuel me, and my cock responds to her eagerness, hardening against her lower stomach. I feel her wetness spreading around the base of my cock as her hips sensually move against mine.

  I take one of her nipples in my mouth, sucking and licking, and she arches her back to fill my mouth. I kiss my way to the other one, imitating the same movements on her other nipple. Her moans growing louder, her sensitive skin burning under my touch and kisses.

  “Make love to me now,” she demands in a low seductive tone. I happily oblige, moving my body over hers again and kissing her with all the love I can muster. Taking my time, I slowly enter her soaked pussy, her tightness wrapped around my hard cock, and I begin to move leisurely. She meets each of my thrusts, desperately wanting more, her body asking in a way only I know how to read.