She waited for him to say something else but silence stretched between them. Why all of a sudden did she feel uneasy around him? It wasn’t a bad uneasiness, just one that felt…different.
“Am I the only one feeling strange right now?” Nolan asked.
She let out a pent up breath. “I’m so glad I’m not the only one.” Smiling she laid her fork down and grabbed her glass of wine. Taking a big gulp she swallowed it down and glanced around the restaurant.
“If you aren’t up for sharing the room I can see if they have another one available.” He offered.
“No, it’s fine. I’m just…in a strange place right now. It’s like I’m trying to forget about everything that’d happened but I know I can’t just yet.”
“Same here. I want to put everything behind me but it’s always staring me in the face.”
“How do we get past all of it?” She asked, her eyes filling with tears.
“I don’t know.” Nolan tossed his napkin on the stark white plate and stood. He looked down at her and said, “I need a few minutes.” He then began walking toward the front entrance of the building.
Charlotte sat there staring at her half-eaten plate of food. When the waiter had placed it in front of her, she told her stomach to get ready. But now, she couldn’t seem to stomach another bite. Her emotions were running rampant and, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She knew exactly what Nolan was going through, she was right there experiencing the same things. How did you forget about something that had such an impact on your life? How could you make peace with an event that went so awry?
Not wanting to sit there and stew over it, Charlotte decided to take a walk. She slid her chair out from the table and stood. A few of the guests around her were staring and she knew why. Nolan had abruptly left and it looked like she had upset him. They could think whatever they wanted to, Nolan needed space and she’d respect that. The funny thing was, she needed space as well.
Taking one last drink from her glass, Charlotte stood and walked away from the table. It was dark outside but the full moon leant just enough light that she could see where she was placing her steps. The sounds of the waves crashing on the sand drew her down to the beach. It was serene in a way— seeing the silver hue of the moon reflect off the dark water just beyond the sand. The sounds and smells of the tropical paradise were like a siren song drawing her to a peace of sorts. Right now she wanted to feel the gritty sand on her bare feet so she slipped her sandals off and carried them as she slowly padded down the strip of beach attached to the massive resort. Nolan crossed her mind as she continued her solitary trek.
Mostly she glanced down to make sure she wasn’t going to step on something that would cause her to stumble but when she glanced up, a figure was walking toward her. Brief fear blanketed her as she held tighter to her sandals.
“Hey,” She recognized Nolan’s voice. When he reached her he said, “Look, I’m sorry about the whole dinner thing. I don’t know what came over me.”
“I think we both got caught up in emotion.” She shrugged but she doubted he could see it.
“Do you mind if I walk with you?”
“Not at all. It’s a bit creepy out here by myself.”
They walked in silence for a while but soon something peculiar happened. Charlotte let her free hand dangle at her side and Nolan slid his fingers in hers and grasped her hand. As soon as he touched her it was like some type of energy force came over her. The sensation spread from her fingertips throughout her body and now she was on high alert. She walked along—pretending she wasn’t having a reaction to him. Suddenly he stopped and pulled her to him.
Her back was flush with his front as they stood there listening to the water bang against the shoreline. His arms snaked around her body and held her tightly to him. Her heartbeat thumped in her ears as her body physically reacted to him.
“Tell me if this isn’t okay,” he whispered close to her ear. She didn’t respond for fear of losing this feeling he incited in her. It felt good having his body in such close proximity with hers. She’d never felt like this before and the foreign sensations were swimming in her blood as she let him embrace her. “I don’t know why I’m doing this,” Nolan said as he began to pull away.
“Wait,” Charlotte cried as she found herself pulling him back to her. “Don’t go.” She added.
Even with the lighting around them being only from the moon, she could see indecision pass across his handsome face. “I don’t want you to think I’m the kind of guy who goes to an island and does this sort of thing.”
“I’m not the kind of person to do that either,” she admitted. What was happening? Her mind told her to run yet her body was saying this was just what she needed. Someone to hold her close and at least pretend to care.
“I think we should go back to the suite,” he suggested.
“Okay.”
She found herself walking back to his room with her hand in his. Something was happening and she couldn’t explain it. Whatever it was, for some reason, it felt right.
***
Nolan couldn’t believe how comfortable it felt to be near Charlotte. If was as if he’d known her his entire life and holding hands was something they’d done for years. Sure, he was nervous about what would more than likely happen between them but for some odd reason, he also felt excited. In the many years he dated his ex, he’d never had feelings like these.
“Can I ask you something?” Nolan said softly as they walked.
“Sure,” she whispered.
“What made you want to get married in the first place?” It was an odd question, but if her answer was anything like his would be, he’d know him and Katy were never meant to be after all.
“We’d dated for so long, I guess it was just time to take that next step,” she said. Yep, she hit the nail on the head. Damn. “What about you?” she then asked.
He could tell her a story about how in love he really was but Nolan knew it would be one big fat lie. “Pretty much the same.”
“I’ll never understand why we get to that point in our lives. We’d rather be miserable with someone than lonely.”
“Were you always unhappy in your relationship?”
“No. I mean, the first few months were great. But slowly things fell apart until, well…you know what happened next.”
They reached their floor and began walking down the hallway toward the suite. “Charlotte, I don’t want you to think I’m pressuring you into anything.”
“I don’t think that at all. Honestly I’m just happy to have someone to talk to.” She smiled.
As they found their door, he pulled out his keycard and slid it into the slot. When the little light on the handle turned green, he grabbed it and pushed it open. Standing back, Nolan let her pass him by as she ventured into the space.
“This is beautiful.”
“Thanks,” he said as he shut the door. “Do you want something to drink?”
“No, I’m fine but thank you.” He watched her make her way to the sliding doors that led to the balcony. “Do you mind if I go out here?” she pointed to the doors.
“Not at all.”
Charlotte gracefully slid the door back and stepped through the flowing gossamer curtains. They enveloped her like a silky cocoon, wrapping around her gorgeous figure then releasing her. Taking a deep breath, Nolan decided to follow her. There was something about her that drew him in. It was like she was a magnet and he was the piece of steel that couldn’t keep away from her.
“You have a better view than I did,” she turned and said as he stepped through the open door. “Mine was a garden view. I love the ocean view here.”
Even in the darkness the moonlight shone on the water like a sparkling mirrored effect. If he had to admit it, yeah, it was lovely. But the woman standing at the railing gave the beach a run for its money when it came to beauty. There wasn’t anything about her he didn’t like. Something took over as he stood there thinking about her. He had to touch
her. Taking a chance, he stepped forward until his front brushed her back. She sucked in air as he wound his arms around and embraced her.
“Are you okay with this?” he placed his chin on her shoulder and asked.
“More than okay with it.” A small laugh escaped her lips.
Speaking of lips, he had to get his on her right now or he would lose his nerve. Slowly he began dropping soft kisses on her bare shoulder and neck. If he wasn’t mistaken, he thought he heard a muffled moan come from her as he continued to assault her with his mouth. Darting his tongue out, he began to flick the same spots he’d just kissed moments before. She tasted heavenly. Charlotte was a mixture of a lush floral garden with a hint of salt spray from the ocean. He doubted there was anything comparable to this.
Suddenly though, she spun around, her eyes wild.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” he began but was cut off by her palms on his chest and a sly grin across her flawless face.
“Sit,” she ordered. Nolan walked backward until the backs of his knees bumped the patio chair behind him. He took a seat, hoping he hadn’t offended her with his wandering mouth. His anxiety was quelled when she came closer and straddled his lap. “Stop apologizing.” She sat down and brought her face close to his. “I don’t know why I’m doing this, other than I feel like I need it.” Her hips began rocking back and forth on his lap, causing his lust to skyrocket.
“Jesus,” he breathed. Closing his eyes, he let his head fall back to the top of the chair. “Keep doing that.”
“This?” she began a more hurried pace. “I want you to…” she trailed off.
Nolan raised his head then reached up to grab the sides of her face, “You want me to what?”
“Make me come,” she whispered while looking away.
“Then tell me. Tell me and let me watch your face while you do.”
It took a few brief moments for her to build her nerve but soon she made direct eye contact. “I want you to make me come, Nolan,” she plainly said. Holy shit. He wasn’t used to this but damn, it turned him on like no other.
Sliding his palms up her thighs, he lifted the hem of her dress and pushed it up toward her midsection. The closer he got, the hotter she was. Running a finger under the side of her panties, he dipped one inside. “Baby, you’re so wet.” He said. Her only reply was a nod. Closing his eyes he reveled in the feel as he trailed two across her wet center. Not wanting to waste time he began pushing one inside, feeling her walls flutter around it.
“More,” she all but begged.
Nolan wrapped an arm around her back to hold her steady as he slowly pressed another finger inside her scorching core. Her back arched as he held her tighter. Both of their breathing had now reached a semi-hyperventilating peak as she began riding his fingers as if they were is cock. The erection pressing against the zipper of his shorts screamed at him to replace his fingers but he wouldn’t go that far until she asked him to.
The night air blasted against them on the balcony as he continued to work her to a level that would have her repeating his name over and over again. By far this was the hottest thing he’d ever done on a sexual level. Even though it was dark around them, it felt like they were putting on an exhibition for anyone to see. He hoped no one could see them out here on the balcony, but damn it was amazing knowing they could be caught at any moment.
Just as he thought about their surroundings, Charlotte’s forehead plopped down on his shoulder. Her spine arched and her nails dug into his thighs. He expected her to ride her release out in silence but was pleasantly surprised when she cried out.
“Yes!” Charlotte wailed as her back straightened and her head leaned backward. Even in darkness, the sight of her on his lap was enough to drive a man to the edge of his sanity. He helped her ride out her orgasm and soon she was resting her head on his shoulder once more.
“Are you okay?” he asked with humor in his voice.
Sitting up straight she answered, “Better than okay.”
“I want to say something but I don’t want you to become self-conscious about it.”
“Just say it.” She tilted her head to the side.
“That was beautiful,” feeling his cheeks heat up, Nolan ducked his chin a bit.
“Hey,” Charlotte grabbed the sides of his face and gazed into his eyes, “Don’t be embarrassed for telling me that.”
“I’m trying not to but with what happened to you…”
“Stop. I don’t want to talk about what happened. It’s in the past. I want to enjoy tonight, if that’s all right with you?” She seemed to be searching his face.
“It’s perfectly all right with me.” He smiled, then pulled her closer for a kiss. Every single time his lips landed on hers, he was a goner. How could someone leave this amazing woman at the alter? How could they suddenly decide that she just wasn’t good enough any longer?
“Let’s move this inside. I think we’re done putting on a show out here,” she giggled as she stood from his lap. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
Nolan stood, “Yes,” he answered.
Chapter 4
“I think I’ll go freshen up a bit.” Charlotte grabbed a few items and stepped into the bathroom of the suite. After emptying her hands, she blew out a breath and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes widened when she saw the woman gazing back at her. This woman wasn’t the same she saw every day when she awoke. This woman’s hair was disheveled beyond repair, her makeup from earlier was pretty well gone and her skin was a rosy shade that gave her an almost glow. Charlotte looked away, then back to her reflection once more. A smile spread across her face. “I like this person,” she said to herself.
For the first time in such a long time, she felt confident. It wasn’t the epic orgasm Nolan assisted her with or the fact that she was getting ready to crawl into bed with him. It was that she finally realized it didn’t matter what others thought about her. She was done trying to please everyone else, it was her turn to be happy. “From now on, I’m focusing on me,” she whispered to the mirror.
“Everything okay in there?” Nolan tapped on the door and asked.
“Yeah. I just need a few more minutes please,” she replied.
Reaching up she grabbed the elastic that held a loose ponytail. Once it was free, she ran a brush through the soft waves until it tamed and fell around her shoulders. She then pulled her dress down and let it pool at her feet. She wanted to surprise Nolan when she walked out of the bathroom and hopefully the sexy lingerie she was getting ready to put on would do just that. Trying to hurry, Charlotte pulled the sheer light blue panties on and situated them in the proper spot. Next was the nightgown—if you could call it that. The ruffled straps led to a fitted bodice with a satin bow in between her breasts. The best part though had to be the fact that the front of the garment was open so you could see her stomach and her panties.
After making sure everything was in its place, she grabbed the handle of the door and slowly pulled it open. The suite was dimly lit as she rounded the corner and spotted Nolan sitting in a chair in the corner. Around the room were several candles that gave off the perfect incandescent glow to the room.
“Wow, this looks gorgeous,” she said as she turned to glance at the bed. “Rose petals?”
“I thought it would make you smile.” Nolan stood and began walking toward her. “And this room doesn’t hold a candle to you when it comes to beauty.”
“I didn’t know if you liked things like this. I mean, if you don’t, I can change or I could…”
He cut her off by placing a finger on her lips, “I’ve never been a man who likes lingerie. But seeing you walk out of the bathroom a few minutes ago…my mind has been changed.”
“Can we get rid of this?” Charlotte gave a tug to the hem of his shirt.
“Of course.” She watched as he lifted the top over his head and tossed it over a nearby chair. “What now?” he asked in a teasing tone.
“These?” Smiling, she point
ed to his shorts.
“I think I can make that happen.” Nolan popped the button free and soon the shorts were being kicked to the side.
Butterflies took up residence in her stomach as she looked down at his boxer briefs. She could have sworn a loud gulping sound exited her mouth as if she were a cartoon character in trouble. I can do this. She repeated the mantra in her head until she finally felt calmer.
“Having second thoughts?” he whispered as he ran his hands down her bare arms. Shaking her head she finally looked at his face. “Damn,” he cursed.
“What?”
Nolan shook his head. “I can’t think of anything other than laying you down on the bed, pulling these tiny panties off and being inside you.”
Okay, that pretty much hit all of her hot buttons at once. This was not a code red, it was a DEFCON ninety situation.
Reaching for his hand, she led him over to the rose petal covered duvet. She took a seat on the edge, pulling him closer to her. God, she wanted a taste of him so bad. She wanted to feel his silkiness glide across her lips as she teased and tormented him.
“I know that look. It means you’re getting ready to do something you shouldn’t.”
“Who says I shouldn’t be doing what I’m thinking about?” Feeling brazen, she reached forward and began to rub his noticeable erection over the top of his underwear.
“I do.” Nolan backed up a bit, then leaned down. “Trust me, it’s hard to say no to that. But the only place I want to be, is in here,” he slid his fingers across the sheer fabric covering her center.
“Okay.” So much for that idea. But she wasn’t too disappointed. After all, she’d soon let him into her body and be able to feel him as he moved in and out. Scooting back on the bed, she braced her back against the plethora of pillows. “Make love to me.” Pulling her knees up toward her chest she then let them fall open.
Nolan climbed on the bed and crawled between her knees. Ever-so-slowly he began kissing her in tandem with his still clothed cock rubbing across her pussy.
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 38