by Tracee Ford
The Ledge House was a very upscale Italian bistro. It required reservations to even acquire a seat and the prices were steep to say the least. Local and state dignitaries dined there. Robin certainly didn’t imagine this to be the place Matt chose. Flattery melted her.
“Matt, this is too expensive.”
“We are celebrating. So, be quiet and enjoy.”
He turned his face toward her and their eyes met.
“When will you realize you are worth it?”
He got out of the truck and walked to her door. After opening it, he offered his hand to help her out. Nervously, Robin took Matt’s hand as they walked to the large glass doors. Matt grabbed the handle and stood aside.
He bowed graciously
“M’Lady,” he said.
She curtsied.
“Why thank you M’Lord.”
A tall gentleman stood behind the host’s podium in a tuxedo.
“Dr. Gregory, how good to see you,” the man said.
“Hello Jack. I have a reservation for two,” Matt answered politely.
“Right this way, sir.”
Robin took more from the short greeting than just common courtesy. Obviously, it wasn’t the first time Matt had been at the restaurant. She followed the tall man up a set of winding stairs. Behind her, Matt followed. At the top of the stairs a large room opened up with windows of glass on three sides. A chandelier hung in the middle of the room with a ballroom open for dancing. Candlelit tables peppered the room. The elegance overwhelmed her.
“My goodness.” she whispered,
She felt Matt’s hand on the small of her back.
“My brother, my sister-in-law, and I bring my mother here for every birthday. It’s her favorite restaurant.”
Robin nodded, relieved by his words. Fear and uncertainty always lurked in the dark recesses of her mind as she constantly questioned her worth. For so long she had looked for and needed someone like Matt to whisper positive words in her ear; to offer encouragement. She felt weak sometimes because of her need for Matt’s emotional support, but she also appreciated him. She realized he could possibly be the other half she searched for. The thought frightened her to her very core.
The gentleman seated them at a table overlooking the river. Quiet chatter throughout the room sounded like sweet music in Robin’s ears. Some patrons twirled on the dance floor.
Champagne arrived at the table first. Matt reached across the table to take Robin’s hands into his.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said with a brilliant smile, his eyes filled with light.
Her cheeks warmed. “Thanks.”
He reached up and gently touched her cheek.
“Do you know how beautiful you are when you blush? And you do it all of the time. I figured after a couple of months, the newness would wear off.”
“I’m blushing? I’m sorry,” she said as she dropped her head.
“Don’t be. It’s so becoming.” With his finger, he tilted her chin up. “You are worth complimenting, Robin. I know you have trouble believing that. And I understand why. You have so much to be proud of.”
After the exquisite meal, Robin looked around at the others in the large dining room. She admired the brave souls on the ballroom floor as they danced effortlessly. The orchestra music soothed her. She felt as if she were in an old film like the ones she had watched with her mother. All of this felt like a dream.
She continued watching the couples swirl about and only wished she could be so graceful. She had tried so many times to learn ballroom dancing, but she had always failed miserably.
“Dance with me,” Matt said as he patted his lips with the linen napkin.
Shock covered her face as she frowned. Shaking her head, she answered, “Oh, no, Matt, I can’t. You know I can’t.”
“It’s in the leading,” he said leaning over to her. “That’s my job, so as long as I don’t mess up, you should be fine.”
“Really, Matt, this is a bad idea.”
“Let’s live dangerously,” as his eyebrows raised and his eyes opened wider.
“Me dancing; that is dangerous.”
Her head dropped and when she looked up he stood beside her with his hand outstretched.
“M’Lady, will you do me the distinguished honor of dancing with me?”
She stood and took his hand.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. It’s your feet.”
She held tightly to Matt as he taught her the steps. In his arms, she didn’t panic. Instead, she felt powerful. He continued to intrigue her; to dazzle her. She wanted him and she couldn’t ignore it any longer.
They danced for what seemed like hours. Finally, they finished at the restaurant and rode back to the apartment. During the drive, contemplation continued to overtake Robin’s thoughts. Busily, she weighed things out in her head. Thankfully, the truck radio played, giving her a break every so often from the strangling worries. She held his hand and felt her self-control dying. The closer they came to the apartment, the more nervous she felt. Her demeanor remained calm and level. From the corner of her eye, she saw Matt. He looked calm. In fact, she wondered how he could be so calm. Yet again, negative thoughts invaded her; she wondered if perhaps he didn’t want her sexually.
Robin observed how he took charge of things. So self-assured and confident; she admired that quality. She wondered if he fought the same battle; whether or not he worried about their intimacy. The parking lot lights were bright as he pulled the truck into an empty spot.
“As usual, I had a great time,” she said politely. “Thanks so much for dinner. You really didn’t have to…”
“No more about dinner. It was my gift to you for your promotion. Agreed?”
She nodded. “Agreed,” she said as she pretended to zip her lips shut.
“Can I say something without scaring you off?” he asked.
“Scaring me off?”
He shifted his weight and turned to her. Taking her hand in his, she could feel him trembling. She found it very hard to believe that he could be nervous.
“This has been the best two months of my life Robin, seriously.”
She laughed.
“Mine too.”
“I’m serious,” he continued.
“It has been fun, hasn’t it?” she agreed.
“Is that all it’s been?” he asked curiously as she watched his eyes drop and then meet hers again.
“What do you mean?”
“We talked about this before. You’re so worried that I’m playing you or testing you or whatever it is that you think I’m doing, but what about me? What if you’re playing around with me?”
“Oh, no… I’m not. Matt I would never…”
“How do I know that? Honestly, Robin. How do I really know that?”
She shrugged. “I guess you don’t. I can tell you that I really like you, but I realize that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to believe me. If I felt like you were playing me, I wouldn’t have kept going out with you though.”
“Guess that’s fair. I suppose my question is this: Where is this going?” he said as he continued holding her hand. “Where do you see us going?”
“I don’t know.” Now, on the spot, she didn’t know what to say.
“I know you don’t want to be hurt. I know you’re afraid that I’ll be cruel to you. But I can’t be. You are far too important to me,” he said as he dropped his eyes again. He gently traced the lines on her palms.
“What about the shifts we work? Do you know how hard it’s going to be to keep a relationship maintained?” she asked skeptically.
“I think we’ve done pretty well so far. Don’t you?”
“Yes. But what happens when…”
“Robin, you know as well as I do that there are no guarantees in life. I can’t promise you what’s going to happen a week from now, let alone a month from now. I know you’re worried about my ex-wife. I know you feel lost sometimes. I know you don’t give yourself enough credit. I al
so know that you don’t see yourself the way I see you; you’re strong and beautiful and capable.
“Even though you will die before you admit it, I know you’re worried about sex,” he bit out.
Shock summed up the expression on her face.
“I’m not just after sex. If I was I wouldn’t be here. Deep down, you know that. I’m beyond that.” It was quiet for a moment. Then his eyes locked with her. “It could work; you just need to have a little faith. And if our schedules are too crazy, I’ll switch shifts with someone. I really do want to try this. I think we’ve got a shot at something really good here.”
“I don’t want you to change things for me though.”
“I wouldn’t be changing anything for you. I’d be changing for me. I know it seems like we’re moving really fast, but I think it’s worth the risk.”
He leaned toward her and put his warm palm against her flushed cheek. She felt his lips on her forehead and then her cheek and finally her lips. He kissed her, but then pulled away looking deeply into her eyes.
She raised her hand and ran her fingers through his hair.
“I believe you,” she said softly as she stared back at him. “I know you’re a good man with a good soul. I think I knew that all along. Isn’t it funny how the past can strangle you out of your future?” she asked rhetorically. “I’m so sorry you’re paying the sins of my mistakes. I truly don’t want it to be like that.”
He nodded. “You are the strongest, most intriguing woman I have ever met. You know I have been beaten up pretty badly in the past myself. But when I look into those gorgeous brown eyes of yours, all of that just disappears. I can’t explain it and I can’t get a handle on it. But, I’m enjoying it. I’m confused, but I’m sure at the same time. Doesn’t make sense, does it?”
“Believe it or not, it makes perfect sense.”
In just a few moments, it felt like an eternity passed. She memorized his face; the curve of his lips and the shape of his eyes when he smiled. He came closer to her, eventually their noses touching. A long passionate kiss, and instantly her insides burned.
“Come inside,” she whispered.
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
“You sure about this?”
She nodded.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Once out of the truck, she took his hand and led him to the front door. She felt the warmth from his body as he stood directly behind her. Desperately, she fished for her keys in the bottomless pit she called a purse. She felt his lips on her neck and shoulders and she stood paralyzed.
After unlocking the door, she threw the keys and purse on the end table and then led Matt down the dark hallway into her room. They were alone and no one would be coming home.
The bedroom door shut behind Robin as she walked to the middle of the room to join Matt, who stood patiently waiting for her. They stared at one another. Robin closed her eyes as he traced her face with his fingers. The tips of his fingers ran along her shoulder and down her arm. Her eyes opened and she pulled herself closer to him.
At first the kisses were gentle, but quickly turned passionate. Robin felt her hair fall to her shoulders. His lips on her neck caused the blood to run hotter through her veins.
She broke away for a moment and slipped off her sandals. He took off his shoes and tossed them to the side. Calmly, she walked to the bed and then sat on the mattress. She watched as he unbuttoned the tuxedo jacket and placed it on the desk chair. The bowtie was next to come off and then his shirt.
Her heart pounded with anticipation. In the two months they dated, she had never seen him without his shirt on. His abdominal muscles and biceps were chiseled gorgeously. The faint trace of hair from his navel to the top of his tuxedo pants made her smile.
He walked to her and she stood. He turned her around so her back could face him. She waited. His lips kissed her back as she felt the dress loosen around her body. The sound of the zipper being pulled down was her cue to step out of the dress, and the fabric fell to the floor. She turned, standing in her black lace strapless bra and matching panties.
The kisses continued. His lips found her ear and he whispered,
“You’re so beautiful.”
She sat back down on the bed as he knelt between her legs. They kissed intensely as he loosened the clasp of her bra and then tossed it away. She scooted onto the mattress and then lay flat. Matt hovered over her. She ran her fingers through his hair and then barely touching his skin, the tips of her fingers traced designs across his smooth chest.
He touched her face with his hand, lost in her gaze.
He inched her panties off of her hips, passed her thighs and calves, and then her feet, also tossing them to the floor. She felt his hand between her thighs as his lips kissed her collar bone.
Her hands found the zipper of his pants. Frantically, she unzipped them. He wasted no time getting them off. Her hand wrapped around him as he breathily kissed her lips.
She closed her eyes as she felt his head bend down and his warm tongue on her breast. Her hands ran through his hair again and with every caress she surrendered.
His lips met hers again as she pulled up and pushed herself tightly against him. Carefully, she massaged him with her hand, their lips continuing to press together. She was very pleased with his size.
She couldn’t wait.
“Do you have protection?” she asked in between kisses.
“Damn,” he whispered. “No. Honestly, I didn’t think this was going to happen. It was the furthest thing from my mind.”
“I have some in my dresser. Give me a minute.”
He rested on the bed as she walked to the dresser and dug into a drawer. She pulled out a plastic package and then walked to the bed, rolling comfortably beside him.
“Didn’t mean to break the mood,” she apologized.
“It’s okay.”
He leaned back over her and kissed her. She touched him again, stimulating and stroking him; making him ready for her. When he felt hard enough, she ripped the condom wrapper open and slipped the latex over him.
Nervous and excited, she felt her stomach fluttering inside her body. She felt his hands on her thighs as he pushed them apart. He balanced himself on his knees as he took her hand into his. Sweetly, he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed each finger. When he released her hand, he balanced himself on his palms. Slowly, she felt him push inside of her. Her head pressed back into the pillow and a sigh escaped her lips.
Slowly, she felt him moving. She wrapped her legs around him as he leaned in to kiss her. They said nothing. It was as if their souls mended together. Robin didn’t remember a time when sex felt so spiritual; a foreign feeling that she welcomed.
Feeling his rhythmic movements, her hands held tightly to his back. She loved his caring and gentle touches; the whispers shared only by lovers. Willingly, she continued falling into him; into his emotions and his arousal. No rush; no urgency; just pure pleasure.
She pushed against him and moved him to his back as their lips met again. She sat beside him and kissed his chest then moved over him. She pushed herself onto him and rested her hands on his chest. She moved backward and forward slowly, soaking up every sensation that her body produced.
Eventually, his hands found hers, but she pushed them onto the pillow as sighs left her lips.
“I love the way you feel,” he whispered.
She leaned down and kissed him adorningly.
“You feel good, too,” she said sweetly.
When she rose and sat straight up on him, she felt his hand move to her waist. She felt him pushing her onto him, moving her faster. The tingling started in the middle of her body and quickly rushed her as she climaxed. Moans continued as she moved on him knowing she could climax again. His hand still held tightly to her waist. Again, she felt the unmistakable sensation take over every fiber of her being.
Before she knew it, she found herself on her back once again with Matt pushing into her. Th
e thrusts intensified. His hands held tightly to the bed frame and his eyes closed. The tension in his body suddenly vanished as his climax reached its peak. He opened his eyes. Robin smiled and touched his face. He kissed her palm and then limply fell to her side.
“Where’s your bathroom?”
“First door on the right down the hall,” she answered.
Robin nervously waited and then watched as Matt walked back into the room. She felt him crawl under the covers and settle in beside her.
“Come here,” he invited as he opened his arm to her.
She put her head on his chest as she draped her arm over his waist. Delicately, he caressed her back with the tips of his fingers, tracing the outline of her shoulder blade.
Even with her fear, Matt felt like home to her.
“You know, I just feel like I have to say this,” he started.
She looked up at him apprehensively.
“What? What’s wrong?”
With sincerity, he gazed into her eyes.
“That was indescribable. You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever met. Everything about you; everything about this, is just perfect. I don’t think you realize how brilliant you are and how stunning you are, Robin. I know I’m the luckiest man alive. I feel like you are made just for me.” He laughed. “That sounds corny huh?”
She blushed and grinned. “I like corny.”
“I’m serious though. You are like no one I’ve ever met, sweetheart. You amaze me… every day.”
“You’re pretty amazing too, Matt.”
All through the night, they made love, but at 4 a.m., hunger would not be ignored. They scavenged the kitchen for food.
Robin found red grapes and poured a glass of wine. She sat at the kitchen table wearing a graphic t-shirt Matt left at the apartment a few weeks ago.
A bowl of cereal and a bottle of beer satisfied Matt as he sat at the table wearing boxer shorts.
Robin watched him put a spoon full of cereal in his mouth and then chase it with beer.
“And that tastes good together?” Robin asked.