Happily Ever Never

by Jennifer Foor

  Minutes later we were taking the elevator up to the third floor of the hotel. Lavish décor filled the halls that led us to our room. When we opened the door we were met with towels in the shape of two swans on our bed, along with a bottle of champagne and a card welcoming us. Flowers had been freshly cut and sat on a table near the window. Without unpacking anything, I plopped down on the mattress and felt myself beginning to fall asleep. Major walked into the bathroom. I could hear him flushing the toilet before he came into view again. He kicked off his shoes and then came over to the bed to remove mine. One at a time I felt my feet being freed. Before he let them go he massaged each one, giving them some much needed attention. “Sometimes feet swell from traveling. I just want to get the blood moving around so you’re in good shape for what I have planned tomorrow.”

  “Should I be scared?” I asked.

  “You’ll have to wait and see. It’s going to be an experience you won’t forget. I can promise that much. Just trust me and keep an open mind.”

  “I will always trust you, Major. I know I’m in good hands.”

  He raised his brows and smiled. “Speaking of good hands. How about I help you out of those clothes?”

  “If I get naked we’ll probably have sex.”

  “Probably,” he said in a matter of fact way.

  “I need a shower first. We’ve been traveling and I’ve been sweating.”

  He lifted his shirt over his head. “Let’s get a shower then. I’m not going to argue. It will be nice to climb under the covers all clean and fresh. If you’re too tired, I’ll wash you myself.”

  I peeked in the bathroom noticing the large soaking tub. “How about a bath?”

  “Now you’re talking.”

  Major ran the water while I searched through bags for our essentials and something to wear to bed, though I doubted we’d need it. If things went the way I thought they would I’d be naked until morning.

  When I entered into the room he was already down to his boxers. His deadpan grin was just a disguise. I knew what his intentions were, and how excited it made him to act them out. He’d lit a few candles and set the mood in anticipation of what was about to happen between us.

  In those sexy eyes all I saw was intent. His carnal hunger was obvious, and he wanted it that way. The idea of being aware was seductive. I swayed from side to side, starting at the top of my blouse, unfastening each button while keeping my eyes fixed on his. Major leaned against the large soaking tub and crossed his arms over his chest. With my shirt opened up, I pulled my hair out of the ponytail and shook it around, allowing my locks to fall wildly down my shoulders. I easily stepped out of my slacks, taking my panties with them. Major’s gaze went straight between my legs. I kept moving to a rhythm, even without any music playing. As tired as we were, I wanted to seduce him, at least a little.

  My blouse came off, followed by my bra, the last item shielding my body. Major gradually brought his eyes to mine. It was obvious he was aroused, though I wasn’t prepared to let things get out of hand too quickly.

  Waves of excitement rushed over me and I continued swaying. I spun around, unafraid of being naked in front of this man. After all, he would be the only man to see me this way for the rest of our lives. I had nothing to hide, and neither did he.

  “My mind is in a million places, but I’ve never been happier. Do you like what you see? Do you want to touch me?”

  I looked back to notice him still checking me out, probably even more hungry than at first. His lustful eyes never left mine as he spoke. “You know I do. Come here and let me show you how much.”

  As I turned to make my way toward him, I watched his boxers fall to the floor. Seeing his erection ignited a fire inside of me. When we were close enough to touch, I ran my right hand over one of my breasts. “You want me?” I knew the answer, I just yearned for him to repeat it.

  His stare was drunk, his lids becoming heavy. “You need to get in this tub before I take you right where you stand.”

  “I’m not afraid of either. Do what you want. I won’t protest.” I was taunting him for sure, knowing this would end in the same result. This game only led to sensuous satisfaction. We could keep playing, or dive right in knowing the best was yet to come.

  “You don’t ever have to fear me or my intentions. I’ll always want you, only you.” When his lips touched mine I swear I started to melt like the wax in a candle warmer. His hands stroked my arms lightly, enough to give me chills. My head fell back, accepting his kissing on the nape of my neck. With my eyes closed, I could smell the fragrance of the bubbles coming from the drawn bath. I longed to be inside of it, slipping my wet body over his.

  I wanted to tell him to get in, but his embrace felt too good. Choosing one scenario over the other had just become problematic. While I struggled to move from this exact spot, I experienced his fond exploration between my legs. He spread me open and entered me with his finger, taking his lips to mine at the exact moment. We spun around, now me leaning on the very tub we were meant to be in. I knew if he touched me in a specific way I’d lose myself in a momentary lapse of euphoria. I reached for his arm, desperate to halt his goals until we were in those bubbles. “Not so fast, sexy. You can’t tease me with a sponge bath and not let me have it.”

  His low grumble wasn’t meant to be disappointing. Major never had to worry I’d let him down.

  Seconds later he was holding my hand while I sunk down in the tub in front of him. My back leaned against his strong chest, and I quickly pulled his arms to the front of me. The hot water was refreshing. Though I knew if I closed my eyes I’d fall right asleep. Major assured me that wouldn’t happen by taking a rag and running it over my exposed breasts. He kissed my cheek, and when I turned to smile back at him I noticed he was watching his every move. My nipples hardened, for one because he was touching them, and also since they were the only part of me aside from my face out of the water. When that rag traveled down between my legs I was ready for it. Butterflies filled my stomach as he rubbed, applying enough pressure as it coasted over my clit. I reached my hands up and dug them into his thick hair as he brought me pleasure for the first time. My body was calling out his name, beckoning him to continue until I was a puddle at his feet. We’d just arrived, and though sleep was necessary, I knew it wouldn’t be happening in the near future. First we’d celebrate our love for each other, and then, at some point, we’d crawl into bed and rest.

  Chapter 7

  I was not a morning person, even when the sexiest man alive was doing the begging.

  “Wake up, Bails. We’ve got a full day of adventures.”

  I could see that daylight was shining through the shutters, though I felt as if I hadn’t slept for more than an hour at the most. “It’s too early,” I argued.

  “It’s after nine. Come on, we’re having breakfast. They’ve already brought it up and I don’t want it getting cold.”

  “Breakfast? You ordered room service and I didn’t hear you?”

  “I did it on the terrace. You need to come outside and enjoy your meal there. The views are stunning.” He paused for moment and winked at me. “They’re not as beautiful as you though, bella.”

  I tossed a pillow in his direction. “Stop teasing me. I’m hideous. I went to bed with a wet head that wasn’t even brushed. We could mop a floor with this jungle.” I pointed to my hair when I said it.

  Major leaned forward on the bed and kissed the top of my head. “I ordered you crepes with fruit. There may even be fresh whipped cream.”

  Never tell a woman there was fresh whipped cream. It was like dangling diamonds in front of our faces. Of course it was going to get me out of the comfortable, warm bed we’d made love in hours before. It didn’t hurt that Major was in nothing but a bathrobe and a pair of his underwear. On a chair next to the sliding door was another matching robe. He picked it up and helped me into it. “Your breakfast awaits.”

  Walking out onto the terrace was like the pictures you see on a screen saver
, or a postcard. I think I gasped when the brisk morning air hit me, proving this was real and I wasn’t imagining it. “Wow. It’s amazing.”

  “Have a seat.” He pulled out a chair for me and assisted in sliding me closer to the small table. There were two covered plates. Once he sat, he lifted the paper lids off our coffee cups and poured from the thermal pitcher. The smell of the fresh brew filled my nostrils. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in, inhaling the awakening aroma. “That smells fantastic.”

  “I know. Wait until you see what’s under that cover.” He stopped stirring his coffee to lift the lid from my breakfast. Folded crepes, obviously filled with crème and strawberries, were arranged in a row. More fruit sat on top a dollop of more whipped cream. My mouth salivated from the sight, and I knew I had to taste them immediately.

  Major was already a step ahead. He sliced a bite with a fork and fed it to me. I closed my eyes and let my palate dissect everything it was experiencing. “Oh my God. I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  He helped himself to a taste before handing me my fork. “I knew you’d like them. My mom gets them every time we visit. The berries are grown locally. They taste like they have sugar on them, but it’s just the way they’re grown here.”

  I looked out at the horizon, noticing I could see the ocean in the distance. “How far is the beach?”

  “About a ten minute walk. We’re going there in a little while.”

  “Really? Should I wear a swimsuit? Will there be lounge chairs?”

  “We’re not exactly sun bathing. I have a full day planned already.”

  “Should I be worried?” I had no idea why we’d go to the beach, but not because we were going to soak up some rays and swim.

  “Not at all. I told ya, you’ll love it. You may be a bit sore afterwards, but it’s nothing I can’t help alleviate.” Even with half his head surrounded by a large coffee cup, I knew he was smiling.

  “I’ll keep an open mind and hold you to the rub down. In fact, I’ll make a deal with you. Whatever you do for me, I’ll do the same in return.”

  “That is a deal, bella.”

  I put my fork down and leaned my elbows on the tiny table at the edges. “I love it when you call me that.”

  He grinned. “When you meet my Grandfather you’ll hear it a lot. It’s what he calls my Grandmother. I suppose I stole it from him.”

  The thought of them made me nervous. I’d been told to keep the fact that we were living together already a secret. Their old world traditions concerned me to no end. Major never seemed affected, though the fact that we were asked to without such a big deal didn’t put my mind at ease. I knew we’d still marry, but without their blessing I’d never feel entitled to have his last name. All I could do was pray they’d find something in me to love. I’d be myself and hope for the best.

  After breakfast, where we both ate way too much food, Major called us a taxi that took us to a remote area on one of the beaches. The water was almost crystal clear. I’d never seen such water before, so I made my way down the sand until I felt the crisp chill of it touching my toes. I turned to see him standing there watching me, while a man leading two horses approached him. That’s when it dawned on me what we’d be spending the day doing.

  As a small girl I’d always asked for a pony, unaware of the cost, space needed to keep one, and amount of food they consume. When I got older I still loved to look at them, yet I’d only rode them at fairs where someone led you around a small circle after we paid a pretty penny in advance.

  I covered my face with my hands in shock, while Major took the reins of one horse and marched toward me. “This is Viggo. He’s a gentle guy, and he’s yours for the day.”

  I don’t know why I felt emotional, but tears filled my eyes. “Are you serious? I have no clue how to ride a horse.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m an expert. I’ve been riding them since I was able to climb on the saddle myself, and probably even before that. My cousins own them. As a matter of fact, that’s Damian holding the other horse. They live on the other side of the trees and have a little farm. They rent out the horses to tourist and guide them through trails.”

  “Is he coming with us?” I pictured riding on the back while Major guided us, and the other guy showing us where to venture off to.

  “No. It’s just us. Is that okay?”

  I shrugged. “What if I fall off?” I could picture breaking a limb and being incapacitated for our ceremony.

  Major chuckled. “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, but if you do, we’ll put you right back on.”

  “If you say so.” I reached my hand up to pet its long face. “Hey big guy. Be gentle with me. It’s my first time.”

  Major offered me a boost onto the horse and steadied me. He showed me how the reins worked while the horse remained calm. Then he led me over toward his cousin. The saddle seemed comfortable, but I was still leery I’d be able to stay on. It was quite slippery in the cotton shorts I’d chosen to wear. His cousin introduced himself right away. His accent was so strong it took me a few seconds to understand him. Then he said something in Italian to Major and I heard him responding. It was another reason I felt like his grandparents would hate me. I knew only a few words in the language.

  Once the introductions were over he simply waved and walked back in the direction he came from. Major easily climbed on his horse and got adjusted. He turned his attention to me. “We’ll start slow with a walk and then progress to a trot once you’re more comfortable.”

  “I’m scared,” I announced loudly. My hands were trembling and I could see that my knuckles were white from holding the reins so tightly.

  “Just follow me. Viggo knows what to do. This is his buddy Monty. He’ll stay by his side the whole day. That’s why I chose these two. They’re inseparable. It makes sense since they’re twins.”

  “Twins? I didn’t know horses had two at one time.”

  “It’s rare. Most of the time they have one colt. These two came out within a half hour of each other.”

  “That’s the sweetest.” I patted the horse. “Stay close to your brother and we’ll be friends forever.”

  Major led us to the water’s edge. The cool breeze was refreshing, and even the small mists from the waves breaking didn’t seem to make me too chilly. After a few minutes I got the hang of it and realized it wasn’t that hard as long as we went slowly.

  After a while we came to a patch of beach that had a few trees. There was a picnic set up in the shade, including a checkered blanket already spread. I thought we were interrupting another couple until Major climbed down from his horse and tied him up. “Come on slow poke.”

  “This is for us?” I let him assist me off Viggo and take my hand. He tied the horse next to his brother and sat me down on the blanket. Then he grabbed two metal buckets that were hanging from tree limbs and sat them in front of each horse. I watched as he reached in the large picnic basket and pulled out a gallon jug of water, giving each horse half of the contents. “What will we drink?” I asked.

  “We have wine and cheese. They get the water and apples.”

  I looked inside the large basket and noticed four apples. Since I was making friends with Viggo, I grabbed two and walked over to where he stood. The horse’s eyes got bigger when he saw what I was holding. Major took my hand and flattened it. “Hold it like this. Sometimes they get a little carried away. You don’t want to be missing fingers.”

  I was startled when the horse took his first bite. It was obvious he liked it. Major snatched the other from my hand and fed Monty. Giggles escaped me. It wasn’t funny. I think I was overly excited and couldn’t contain my amusement.

  After feeding the horses a snack we sat down. Major pulled out two plastic wine glasses and filled them. He got out a tray of assorted cheeses and removed the plastic, feeding me a small cube immediately. “So how do you like Sicily?”

  “I might love it as much as I love you,” I teased.

  His brows raised as a s
light laugh escaped him. “I’ll accept that answer, but only because I know it’s a compliment.”

  “I’ve never been so happy in my life, Major. I’m so thankful for you.”

  He popped a cube of cheese in his mouth. “I’m the lucky one. For the longest time I put work before myself. The moment I met you everything changed. Now I don’t know what I’d do without you. I feel like I wake up every day just to see you smiling back at me.”

  “Ditto.”

  We kissed slowly, the ocean waves crashing in the distance. If I had to imagine what heaven would be like it was this very moment. I was in heaven, and he was right there with me where he belonged.

  Chapter 8

  We spent the whole afternoon with the horses at the beach.

  Upon returning them, I was able to meet Major’s aunt and uncle. We had some coffee and an afternoon snack of prosciutto wrapped in a buffalo mozzarella that was to die for. It wasn’t like the white cheese you buy from the grocery store. This flavor couldn’t have been packaged.

  Dinner was promptly at six, so we hurried back to the hotel to shower and change. Shawna spotted me first, hugging me and telling me about the day she and Nathan had. They’d gone on a tour of the city, complete with a fancy meal at a historic building. As excited I was for her, I knew it didn’t compare to my beach side picnic with Major.

  The next person I saw was my father. He’d arrived when we were off on our adventure. I’d spoken to him briefly in the room when we returned, but hugging him made it all real. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me too. The flight was hell. I can’t get used to the time, and all the channels are in Italian.”

  Leave it to my dad to complain about everything. He wasn’t thrilled about traveling across the globe to give me away. “Dad, it will be fine. There’s so much to do you’ll only be in your room to sleep.”

  “At least the mattress is comfortable,” he added.

  Thankfully, the room filled with familiar faces and we all sat down at a huge table similar to one a king or queen would host a meal at. My dad was at one side of me while Major was on the other.