by Wanda Edmond
Soon a soft knock on the door and Matt entered, carrying his bag and looking eager to head out. He leaned down, kissing her soft lips once more before another car ride and trip on the company jet. The bellhop came in and took her things, frowning at the extra bag and rising a chuckled from Matt and Kelsey alike. They headed down to the waiting car where her father and Elena had already taken their seats. As the plane raced towards the airport she gazing longingly as the city began to fade.
“Goodbye Paris,” She sighed and whispered to herself, “Until we meet again.”
Perhaps, she couldn’t help but think, this will be where I spend my honeymoon. She smiled and glanced towards Matt as he grinned back her way.
Chapter 13
The sun was setting by the time Kelsey stepped into the quaint cottage and glanced around, yet the heat was still sweltering. Italy, particularly the southern portion of the country, had long been known for its grape producing weather and of course the high quality wines that came with it. The final stop on the family’s European vacation was ending on a quiet note, with Kelsey’s father renting a small cottage nestled in the vineyards of southern Italy. Her father was busy mulling about, setting up the generator for power and checking the outlets. Elena, his third wife, was humming quietly in the living room, pulling the dust covers off furniture to reveal a rustic design with deep brown couches and a wooden coffee table. She walked down the hallway, finding her room was beside Matt’s, and shook out the quilt placed neatly on the edge of the post bed. The cottage belonged to a college of her fathers, but hadn’t been used in many years since the owner divorced, so it was offered up as an elaborate wedding gift that Daemon happily accepted. Pushing open her window, the sweet smell of ripe red grapes filled the room and her head spun from the intoxicating aroma. What heaven it must be to live here and smell that every day. She grinned and unpacked her things. Her father’s head poked in the open window, startling Kelsey from her trance.
“Hey there,” He laughed at her squeal of fright, “We need some supplies from the villa nearby. Could you and you’re… Matt, head in and pick up a list of things? You can take the rental car.”
Still shaking from the fright she nodded and headed out to find him eyeing the woods behind the cabin. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and gave him a warm smile. Matt placed his warm, strong hands on hers and gave a long sigh.
“It’s beautiful here.” He eyed the shadows dancing through the forest floor, “I could definitely get used to this.”
“Dad wants us to head into the villa for food and stuff.” She leaned her head onto his arm, her blonde hair flowing down and tickling his skin.
The last part of their trip in Paris has been full of tension, as the family aired out their differences, struggling to grow accustomed to a new way of life together. The truth of Matt and Kelsey’s love affair was out, with approval from Elena and a reluctant peace with her father though he didn’t seem to fully agree with her decision. It was a welcomed relief not to have to sneak around to show affection for her strong, yet somewhat sensitive new love. The two took the small car and headed back down the bumpy roads towards the town’s main square, finding that the area was far more understanding of English speaking guests with all the signs printed in two languages. Kelsey grinned, reading the street names as they passed and finding the whole area was dedicated to its trade of making the world’s finest wines. In the villa square they found a place to park and walked along the cobblestone roads towards a sign printed with English below it indicating general market. Inside the locals were gossiping at the meat counter with a young man wearing white coveralls, clearly the butcher.
“Well hello there,” He spoke in broken English and eyed Kelsey, admiring her beauty, yet there was no look of hunger in his eyes as expected, “You must be the family renting that cottage?”
He held out his hand and Kelsey happily shook it, grateful to find the locals so friendly. The older women whispered something to themselves as they watched, but she paid little attention. He turned to Matt and gave him a hearty handshake, then returned to his work.
“We need a few supplies,” Kelsey handed him the list her stepmother had jotted down. He eyed the items and grinned.
“Just a moment,” He leaned towards the back room and called out, a younger boy appearing in the doorway. Handing the list to him, he looked puzzled and fearful but headed off down the aisles, “My little brother is learning English. A simple grocery list would be ideal practice. I’m Antonio Russo, my father owns the store.”
Antonio was everything that she had imagined a quiet Italian man to be, his dark eyes shone brightly from underneath a full head of long, chocolate brown hair. She couldn’t help but admire his sun kissed skin and the shapely muscles of his arms pressing against the sleeves of his white shirt beneath the apron. Matt eyed Kelsey suspiciously, feeling a slight pang of jealous for her deep stare. The young boy reappeared with a basket full of things, beaming with pride at his accomplishment. Kelsey laughed and thanked him, then he disappeared into the backroom once again. Antonio scooted out from behind the meat counter and headed over to the register, where he took the money from Matt with a smile.
“Are you working here alone?” Kelsey looked around for his help. Manning the meat counter and cash register the answer was obvious, but it seemed a little much for one person.
“Yes of course,” His voice was calm and warm, “This is a small town miss?”
“Call me Kelsey.” She felt her cheeks blush as he nodded.
Outside the sun had completely disappeared behind the tree line but hints of dusk still trailed some specs of light in the sky. She and Matt headed back to the car in silence, Matt clearly fuming with jealously.
“It’s nice to see the locals are so pleasant.” Kelsey was oblivious to his reaction as they climbed back into the economy car.
Matt finished loading the supplies and humped down into the driver’s seat, “Yes really friendly.”
Kelsey gave a playful laugh and punched his arm softly, “Why Matt, you’re not jealous of that boy are you?”
She batted her eyes up at him, a cheeky grin on her face until Matt couldn’t help but break a smile. He laughed and pulled her close to him in the seat, kissing her lips long and passionately. As the car sped off towards the cabin, Kelsey thought back to her father’s promise to curve his cheating ways. Normally he would have used this trip as an excuse to scope the locals. She nodded to herself thinking that, so far, he was keeping his word. The conversation lightened as the two chatted about their experiences with such wines in college and laughed at the stories of Matt’s time overseas sampling more exotic cuisine. They arrived back at the cottage just after dark had finally fallen over the area. Elena had set up the living room and kitchen to resemble a home and Kelsey grinning at the roaring fire. After a pleasant dinner, Matt gave her a wink and motioned towards the front door.
“We’re going to head out for a walk,” Kelsey smiled at her father and cleared her plate.
Outside the world had cooled and a soft breeze blew across the grape vines and rustled their leaves. Kelsey smiled warmly and gazed into Matt’s blue eyes, the love was clear. Wrapped tightly in his strong arms the two admired the vineyard, stretching on for miles with tightly wound, thick vines running along glimmering metal rods. The smell of ripe grapes hung heavy in the air around her. This world was peaceful and quaint, and though she typically preferred city life, the villa had made an impression.
“I like this,” She hugged Matt’s waist, “It’s peaceful and yet there is so much old world beauty.”
“Not to mention the wine.” Matt teased.
He pulled her into his arms, cupping her chin with his strong hands and kissed her lovingly. Kelsey savored his taste, mixed with the aromatic atmosphere around her and suddenly felt herself pulled into a feeling of euphoric happiness.
Chapter 14
The following afternoon, borrowing the rental car, Matt sped down the main road toward
s town with a curious and happy Kelsey by his side.
“So you’re not going to tell me where we are going?” She giggled playfully, eyeing him from the passenger’s seat.
“Nope,” He laughed, “Told you it was a surprise.”
In the main area of the town, Matt parked the car and leapt from his seat, jogging to Kelsey’s side so that he could open the door for her like a gentleman. She laughed as he stood holding the door with a cheeky grin. She stepped out and teased him with a long laugh.
“Who says chivalry is dead.” Kelsey joked.
The two walked hand in hand through the bustling streets, teeming with late afternoon life. Men and woman passed them by, riding bikes with baskets full of shopping supplies. They smiled and nodded as they sped by. Kelsey let the old, quaint atmosphere seep into her, inhaling the smells of baking breads and pastas. As they rounded the corner, the signs for a Café’ came into sight and Matt led her towards it. She grinned at the small piece of city resemblance nestled in a remote area of the town. Matt found a seat and pulled out her chair, allowing her to sit, then scooted her to the table. What is with him tonight? Kelsey wondered to herself. He is attempting to be such a gentleman. Matt took a seat and ordered their meal in broken Italian.
“So you mind telling me what’s up with the gentleman deal tonight?” She eyed him suspiciously. “It seems a little out of creature for you my dear.”
For a moment Matt appeared hurt over her comment, then smiled as he noticed the still playful look in her eyes. The waiter brought their meal and a bottle of their best wine and the two ate happily, the mouthwatering home cooked pasta of the area was everything she had expected it would be.
“I just wanted to show you a romantic evening on our last vacation stop.” He sighed, gazing into her eyes, “Paris was slightly rough so I thought this would be a pleasant change.”
Kelsey gave a slight frown, “Matt be honest with me for a moment. Why the tough guy act?”
Matt looked up from his meal with a look for worry and confusion on his face. This beautiful creature sitting before him was the love of his life, and he knew eventually he would need to reveal more of himself in order to keep her. It caught him off guard that she would choose now to find out more.
“Well my father died when I was young, in a violent fight with a stranger just down the street from where we lived,” He sighed, recalling his youth, “I grew up poor, and in a poor neighborhood so it was either you were tough or you were a victim.”
“That’s horrible.” Kelsey’s heart melted, imagining a younger Matt fighting to stay afloat in such a dangerous world. She finally understood a bit of his attitude.
“So when I grew up,” He continued, “I joined the Navy Seals and vowed that I would find a way to get my mother out of that lifestyle.”
They finished their romantic meal and headed back for the car, arm in arm in the open fresh air of the villa. The main square was beginning to settle with locals returning home for the night. At the car, Matt pulled her closely once more and kissed her supple lips, the sweet taste of her mouth raising desire deep within him. Once on the road, Kelsey eyed him wickedly, a suspicious grin spread across her face. She slid her delicate hand slowly onto his muscular leg, squeezing at the soft skin below his shorts. Matt felt his body hardening at her torturous touch, wanting to take her in that moment. He found a secluded two track and headed up towards the vineyards. Stopping the car and slamming it into park, he turned in his seat, glaring hungrily at her.
“You know,” He smiled, “It isn’t polite to tease someone while they drive. They might just have to pull over and teach you a lesson.”
She leaned in until her breath was hot on his lips and whispered, “They would have to catch me first.”
Kelsey was out the door and running freely in between the rows of grapes, giggling playfully as she darted away. Matt laughed and gave chase, catching her just a ways into the orchard and tackling her to the soft grass below. She laughed, her bright smile gleaming in the night air and gazed up at her love with intent in her eyes. She had wanted him ever since they arrived in Italy, but the opportunity hadn’t presented itself so she sat in lustful torture waiting for this moment. She kissed him hungrily, devouring his salty lips and the scent of him. With her free hands she lifted his t-shirt from his head and admired the broad shoulders and smooth ripples of his muscular body. He is so gorgeous. She licked her lips and ran her tongue along each hard pec. Matt’s rolled back, the feel of mouth on his skin was too much, the erection in his pants begging to take her. He grasped her shoulders in both hands and lifted her to his lap, feeling her body as it weighed down on his cock. Kelsey’s eyes gleamed with the heat of passion. He is so huge I can feel him pleasuring me through his jeans. She rocked her hips, teasing him and he growled up into her eyes.
“You’re still teasing me ma’am.” He playfully laughed.
“So?” She ground deeper, forcing a moan from Matt’s lips, “What are you going to do about it?”
With a single swift movement, her shirt was on the ground lying beside his and her pants were soon to follow. Matt ran his hands up the length of her body, admiring every inch of his love. He kissed and fondled her breasts, nipping gently at her firm nipples as they grew hard from his touch. Kelsey gasped and tilted her head back, allowing the gentle night breeze to waft through her curly blonde locks. He lifted her gently, sliding her down on his thick erection and feeling the tightness of her body wrap around him. He moaned, she was so tight and wet, so responsive to him it was almost overwhelming. Kelsey could feel him, deeper than usual in her body, the wetness of her pleasure slipping down on his cock and gliding it smoothly in and out of her quivering mound. He pulled her closer, so that her breasts rubbed rhythmically up and down on his naked chest as she rocked and pleasured herself. With a loud growl he flipped her onto her back, taking a moment to savor the surprise and desire in her eyes, and slid back inside her warm pussy once again. Kelsey let out a moan, his thrusts pumping her closer to orgasm, and grasped desperately at his shoulders.
“Don’t stop.” She breathed hoarsely, the weight of his thighs pulling her to the earth below.
She burst out in a cry of pleasure as her body shakenly released onto his cock once more. Matt cried out, his head titled to the skylight above, and filled her with his hot cum. The two lay panting amidst the grapes, allowing their breath to slow as they watched the thousands of stars twinkle silently above head. Another gentle breeze brought the sweet smell of grapes to her nose and she sniffed the air, her mouthwatering from the scent. Once calm, the two dressed and continued back to the cabin. Elena sat quietly in a rocking chair near the fire, buried in a book and Kelsey looked around the room. Her heart sank.
“Where’s my father?’ She growled.
“Oh he retired early,” She laughed, “Getting old you know.”
Kelsey felt slightly relieved, thinking for a moment he had gone back on his word. Matt excused himself for bed, but Kelsey was full of renewed energy from her release. She sat down on the brown couch and gazed calmly into the fire. Elena looked up from her reading and gave a warm smile in her direction.
“Lovely place here isn’t it?” She whispered so as not to disturb the men.
“It’s is,” Kelsey nodded, feeling slightly awkward in her first moment alone with the mother of her love, “Though much quieter than my usual taste. It’s a nice spot to breathe awhile.”
“Kelsey,” She sighed, but her face still held warmth as she turned to face her better, her face was lit up brightly by the roaring fire nearby, “I know that you know, I am aware of your relationship with Matt.”
Her stomach churned, not expecting this uncomfortable conversation so soon. She nodded with a half-smile.
“Love is a strange thing.” Elena sighed, “I loved Mathew’s father deeply. He was my first and my only until I met your father. After he died I felt like a piece of my heart was missing and concentrated on raising Matt to be the best man I could. He had
it rough growing up, from the area we lived in but I think, in the end, he turned out well.”
“He did,” Kelsey laughed, “though a little rough around the edges sometimes.”
Elena returned the laugh with an agreeing nod, “He has never take much heart into love, which pained me to watch. But now, I see something in his eyes I have never seen before and it is because of you Kelsey. I know your father is having a hard time accepting it, but you are his little girl still, he will come around eventually.”
“I hope so,” Kelsey sighed, thinking more about his father’s own problem with relationships that her own, “I am glad you’re not upset about this though. Good night.”
She excused herself quickly, unable to handle any more of the awkward situation and flopped down on the soft quilt. Outside she could hear crickets chirping loudly nearby and the breeze as it rustled through the quiet trees, and soon she was in a peaceful sleep.
Chapter 15
The following morning Kelsey awoke at sunrise, while the cabin still sat in silence, and slipped on a pair of flat-heeled boots and her favorite worn jeans. She snuck through the hallway and slipped out the front door before anyone was aware she was gone. She wanted to take a moment to think, alone in the stillness of this beautiful place. There was still a lot on her mind, fears of what would come between her and her love Matt when they returned to the hustle of daily life back home in California. His new station was less than ten miles from Kelsey’s apartment, still laying there in boxes waiting to be unpacked, so there would be no problems of physical distance between them. But it was the distance of their lifestyles that worried her the most. Matt was a military man of sorts, and even his mother had politely admitted her son’s prior obsessions with woman. Would he be able to control himself once they returned? And she still intended to put her career first, just stepping into a new position and though it was an honor to be working for them at all, she had a long way to the top. She stepped quietly off the wooden porch with a creek of the old steps and headed for a hiking trail nearby she had eyed the day before.