***
As Charlotte sat on Nolan’s lap, she felt a comfort that she hadn’t felt before. If she had the option of sitting here forever, she’d take it.
“In a way I don’t regret it,” Nolan said softly.
“Regret what?” she reached up, stroking his five o’clock shadow with her fingers.
“What happened earlier…” Before she could respond, he continued, “I’ve never felt that close to anyone.”
“I haven’t either.” Normally she wouldn’t want to talk about things like this. Anything regarding sex was usually kept taboo. But as she closed her eyes and replayed the shower incident, her arousal began to ignite. Hopefully they could find some condoms and soon. If not, she wasn’t sure she could stay in this room with him for another few days.
Chapter 6
Standing from his lap, Charlotte walked to the patio doors. “I think I’m going to lay down.” She had to get away from him before she demanded he take those athletic shorts off and fuck her again. Hell, she could still feel him inside her from earlier. When she recognized it, her cheeks became heated and her heart rate spiked.
Pulling back the duvet she slipped her body under the sheets and laid her head on the soft pillow. Staring up at the ceiling she willed her brain to stop thinking about Nolan and what he felt like.
“Mind if I lay down?” his muscled body came through the door.
“Sure, it’s your bed.”
“I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to sleep on the sofa or not.”
“Nolan, I’m the guest in your suite.”
“I’m not making you sleep on the sofa though,” he said as he slipped under the sheet.
“Thank you for that.” She rolled to her side so she could look at him.
Doing the same he then reached over and stroked her cheek with his fingers. “What are you thinking about?”
Oh shit. How was she supposed to answer that? Should she tell him exactly what was on her mind? Or keep her mouth shut. Might as well tell the truth. “I was thinking that I wished we had some condoms in this room.”
“What would happen if we did?” he scooted closer. Reaching up he began to massage one of her breasts.
Charlotte closed her eyes then answered, “I would spread my legs and let you slide deep into me.”
“Fuck,” He cursed. “Keep talking.”
“I would also climb on top of you and let you watch while I sat down on your hard cock.” She paused just as he began to squeeze her nipple between his fingers.
“Would you come for me?” he began toying with the opposite breast.
“Yes.”
“What if I told you room service brought a box of condoms earlier?” she heard the humor in his voice.
Charlotte’s eyes shot open, “Please tell me you’re not joking.”
“Why?”
“Because of this,” she grabbed his hand and slid it under the sheet. Pushing her sleep shorts to the side she slid his fingers through her wetness.
“Be right back,” he jumped from the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. When he returned he was ripping the top off the box like a lust crazed man.
***
The next morning Nolan awoke with a beautiful woman snuggled against him. Her soft curves molded into his chiseled body and for some reason, it felt perfect. A smile spread across his face as he watched her sleep. Her silken hair lay around her oval face, her lips were lax in slumber and her long eye lashes fanned across her cheeks. He wondered if his heartbeat underneath her ear was as calming as hers that was thumping lightly on his side. Taking a deep breath he adjusted his arm a bit. The damn thing had fallen asleep but there was no way he would pull it out from under her. He was enjoying his moments of just taking in how sweet she looked right now. Why hadn’t he felt like this with his ex-fiancé? There wasn’t a time he could remember when he refused to climb out of bed because he didn’t want to be away from her. But Charlotte? Yeah, he’d only known her for a few days and he had it bad for her.
“Good morning,” Charlotte said with a slight rasp in her voice.
“Hey. Did you sleep well?” He began stroking her hair.
She nuzzled into him a bit more. “That’s the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long while.”
“Same here.”
She lifted her head and looked up at him. “Ugh.” Her head made a thud on his chest as she plopped it down.
“What’s wrong?”
“Why do you have to look so hot in the morning? It’s not fair.” She grumbled while shoving hair out of her face.
“Newsflash, sweet pea. You look completely fuckable right now.” He laughed.
“No, I look like shit.” She rolled over, facing away from him.
There wasn’t a chance in hell he was letting her get away from him so he rolled up behind her. “Do you feel that?” he lightly thrusted his morning erection on her soft ass. “Does this convince you?”
“Stop,” she whispered.
“Why?”
“I think you know why.” Charlotte pressed her backside against him.
Reaching up, he tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned down. “Do you want me inside of you?”
“Yes,” she began rocking her hips.
“Be right back.” Nolan jumped from the bed and hurried to the bathroom. Once he used the facilities, he grabbed a condom from the box on the vanity and returned to the bed. Charlotte had tossed the sheet off her body and was laying on her back with her knees up and her thighs spread open. “Fucking beautiful,” Nolan crawled up the bed and placed his body between her open legs. As he tore the wrapper off the condom, he could hear the anticipation in her breathing. If she was as turned on as he was right now, he’d have her coming all over him in no time.
“Please hurry,” her voice was laced with impatience.
“Yes ma’am,” Scooting forward he lined his erection up. Closing his eyes, he prayed for control as he slipped inch by inch into her. Nolan watched her face and it looked like she was in pain. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Uh huh. Just feels too good.” Her back arched as soon as he seated himself fully.
“I’d have to agree.”
Nothing was said as he took his time pulling out and pushing forward. With each stroke her pussy became wetter until he knew she was on the brink of release. “Come for me,” he said as he held himself inside her and ground his pelvis on her clit.
“Make me come,” she whispered while looking into his eyes.
Nolan knew she was ready but he wanted to feel every single pulse and throb she’d make around his cock soon. “Spread your legs wider.” She did and he felt himself slide deeper.
Charlotte moaned, “You’re so deep.”
“Yeah?” he began pulling out but thrusting harder into her.
“Oh my god.”
“Feel good?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me. I want to know how good it feels to have me so deep inside you.”
“Nolan, please!” she cried.
“I know you want to come hard for me, don’t you?” He gritted his teeth.
“I do.” She whined.
“Fuck. You’re going to make me come soon too.” He could feel the sensations crawling up his spine. But he wanted to make sure she gave him an orgasm before he gave her his.
Charlotte fisted the sheets around them and let her legs fall open just a bit more. One more thrust and he felt her pussy clamp down on his cock. Over and over he plunged into her while she moaned her approval.
When her orgasm subsided, Nolan’s finally hit its boiling point. With just a few more strokes, he held himself inside her and let go. How in the hell could sex feel like this with another human being? How could it feel like it was the first time each and every time? He didn’t want to overanalyze just yet, but he would go as far as to say that sex with Charlotte was number one on his list.
“I’ll go clean up,” he said as he pulled his softening cock from her body and left the bed.
Shutting himself in the bathroom he cleaned up then stared into the mirror above the vanity. He scrubbed a hand over his face while he stood there thinking. Maybe this was all meant to be. He wasn’t much on believing in fate and all that bullshit but something about their entire situation made it seem like they were destined to find each other. If that was the case, then he should stop questioning it and go with the flow. Up until this vacation he’d been drifting through his life only thinking he was happy and satisfied. He’d busted his ass to make the winery a huge success and honestly never took time to just enjoy life. What he’d thought was love turned out to be a fluke. So why think too deeply into what he and Charlotte had? If it was meant to be, it would be…right?
Chapter 7
“Keep them closed,” Nolan instructed.
“I just want to let you know, I hate surprises,” Charlotte groused.
“It’s Christmas. I think you can deal with it.” He stayed behind her with his hands on her shoulders. He’d put together a surprise for her and he hoped she loved it. If not, he’d have to find a way to redeem himself. Tomorrow was the day they’d fly back to California and live their lives separately. For him, he’d have to deal with the fall out of his broken relationship. His family would undoubtedly scratch and claw him apart—telling him he worked too much and he should’ve spent more time building a solid partnership with his ex. But he refused to change because someone told him to. Yeah, he worked long hours but it was for a purpose. He wanted to leave a legacy to his children someday and this was how he would accomplish that goal. If his partner in life couldn’t understand that, well, he’d have to reevaluate things.
“Can I open them now?” Charlotte asked as soon as he led them into the suite.
“Yes, open them.”
***
Opening her eyes, Charlotte couldn’t believe what was before her. The entire room was littered with Christmas lights, perfectly wrapped gifts sat on the floor in front of the sliding doors that lead to the balcony and there was a Christmas tree drawn on the glass with what looked like a marker you’d use to write on car windows. “Wow,” she exclaimed as she stepped forward.
“Do you like it?”
“This is…” she began to choke up.
“Shit. I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought you needed some holiday cheer and well, I did this. I can get rid of it all though. Here,” he walked to the glass doors and lifted his hand to the drawn tree.
“No!” She shrieked. “What are you doing?” she reached out and grabbed his wrist to keep him from wiping the decoration off.
“I thought you hated it.” Nolan wore a perplexed expression.
“I don’t hate it. It’s awesome.” She flashed him a bright smile.
“Whew.” His shoulders sagged in relief.
Charlotte wound her arms around his body and laid her head on this chest. “This is the nicest thing anyone’s done for me.”
“Really?”
She pulled back so she could look him in the eyes. “Yeah. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Are those for me?” She excitedly pointed to the shiny gifts.
“Yes.”
Charlotte immediately dropped to her knees and grabbed one of the packages. She lifted it to her ear and gave it a shake. Once she figured out there wasn’t anything in it that rattled, she sat it on her lap and began tearing the paper off it. She began laughing. “Really?”
“That way you’re always prepared.” Nolan chuckled.
“Thanks. I’m sure I’ll have tons of use for a giant box of condoms in my newly single life back home.” She tossed the box to the side.
“Here, open this one.” He passed her a small wrapped box.
Taking her time she pulled the ribbon off and tugged the paper free. The velvet box dropped to her other hand and Charlotte lifted the hinged lid. “This is gorgeous,” she said.
“I thought it would remind you of your time here,” Nolan said as he took a seat next to her on the floor.
“It will.” She smiled brightly and pulled the sparkling necklace from the box. The white gold chain shimmered and the diamond starfish glittered as she held it up into the rays of sunlight beaming through the doors. “Will you put it on me?” She handed it over.
“Of course.”
She waited while he fastened the necklace. When he was finished, she grabbed the pendant and held it out once more. What a sweet gesture. He didn’t have to do something like this for her but he had. Nolan was a great guy. His consideration for others was admirable and she loved being with him. Unfortunately though, tomorrow she’d have to say goodbye. She would go back to her home and pick up the pieces from her failed relationship. She’d have to return to work and endure the thousands of questions that would be thrown her way. Her co-workers were there when she was jilted and she hated to think of the pity they’d have for her. She didn’t want everyone to feel sorry for her.
“Everything okay?” Nolan asked with concern in his voice.
“Yeah,” she didn’t look up.
“You look sad.”
“Maybe a little. Is it bad that I don’t want to go home?” she asked.
“Not bad at all. I feel the same way.”
“But we have to go home.”
“That we do.”
Yeah, they had to go their separate ways tomorrow.
“I want you to keep in touch with me though.”
She looked at him. “Oh yeah, the thing.” Charlotte made air quotes.
“Not just that.” Nolan stood.
“Then why else?” Charlotte rose to her feet as well.
“I think there’s something here. I know we’re both fresh out of long term relationships but maybe someday we could find a way to see if this is real.”
“I don’t think it’s real, Nolan.” She turned her back to him.
“I don’t understand,” he said as he placed his hand on her shoulder to try and turn her around.
“Of course you do. You and I know this was a rebound thing. We got dumped and fortunately we found someone just as lonely as each other.”
“Excuse me, but I don’t think that’s the case.” Anger began to pepper his voice.
“Look, chances are you’ll go home and rekindle with what’s her face. You will run the wine business and have 2.5 kids and drive a minivan. That’s how this works.” Charlotte tried for humor but it came out sounding bitter and resentful.
“Okay, if that’s my life, then what’s yours?” he crossed his arms and dropped his chin a bit.
“I’ll go back to work, eat tons of ice cream and one day feel like I can get back out there.” She shrugged.
“No. I’m not buying it.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re buying it or not. I’m not selling it either.” She pushed past him and grabbed her suitcase. After tossing it on the bed she flung the top back and began making room for her things.
“What if you’re pregnant?”
“Then we figure it out if we have to. I’m not prepared to stand here and talk to you about something that may or may not have happened.”
“If you think for one second I will sit back and let you keep me in the dark on this, you’re mistaken, Charlotte.”
“I didn’t say I would.”
“But you would, wouldn’t you? You’d keep it a secret if it was true.”
Charlotte slammed the lid of the suitcase and faced him. “Would you really want to know? Would you want to be tied to me for the next eighteen years?”
“Actually, yeah.” He nodded.
Charlotte shook her head. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.” She grabbed a few more things and threw them into the piece of luggage.
“I don’t see how you can blow this off like it means nothing to you.” He took a seat next to her bags.
Charlotte didn’t have the energy to respond. She wanted to build the walls around her so she wouldn’t be heartbroken when she had to say goodbye tomorrow.
Truth was, she could see herself falling for Nolan. Part of her knew it was because she was vulnerable but the other part knew it was because he was an amazing guy. The best thing to do was keep him at arm’s length until they go on their separate flights in the morning. Then she could breathe a sigh of relief. He’d most likely forget about her in a few weeks and she’d have no other choice than to be fine with it.
Chapter 8
Nolan needed some air. The holiday wasn’t going like he’d planned and now he was left seeing red. How could Charlotte act like the thing between them was insignificant? Or was she only acting to save face? He shook his head as he walked past the front desk of the resort.
“Why can’t you tell me what room she’s in?” Nolan stopped when he heard a man getting somewhat irate with the staff.
“Sir, I need you to calm down please. I’m doing my best to help you figure this out.” The gentleman behind the desk said.
“Look buddy, I cancelled the room when she was a day or so into this damn trip. She couldn’t fly home so she has to be here somewhere.”
“I will be happy to find out from the manager.” The other man said as he picked up the phone and dialed a number.
Nolan suddenly felt like he’d swallowed a boulder. Was this the douche bag that left Charlotte at the alter then cancelled the trip once she’d gotten here?
“Okay, my manager says she is in the other honeymoon suite. It is room 1397.”
“Thanks,” the other man turned and began walking across the lobby. “Hey man, know where I can find room 1397?” The guy asked Nolan.
“Sure. I’ll take you there.” Nolan knew this was a bad idea but with his deflated mood, he couldn’t bring himself to care. Charlotte didn’t want him so maybe he could at the very least reunite her with her ex.
As they stood in front of the door, Nolan pulled the key card from his pocket and slid it into the slot. He pushed the door open and let the other guy pass through. It was as if things were going slow motion as he watched Charlotte turn around.
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 40