by Conn, Claudy
He immediately texts back, “That’s some Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Love the ornament :).”
There are no more texts or calls, so I fall asleep, longing for the sound of his voice. It’s like a cat and mouse game. He advances, I move, and then he retreats. I just don’t get it.
Early the next morning my phone rings, startling me out of a peaceful sleep, and I smile as I answer. “Hello?”
“Mornin’, beautiful. I hope this isn’t a bad time.” The sound of his upbeat and sexy voice excites me, and my heart races. Has he had a change of heart?
I clear my throat, trying not to sound overly excited. “No, not a bad time at all. I just woke up, matter of fact. How are you? Are you still in New York?” I sit up in the bed and pull the plush, overstuffed pillow into my stomach, uncertain of his reason for calling.
The tone of his voice is warm, yet apprehensive. “I’ve missed you, Noel. I’m sorry I left like I did. I ... ”
Holding back tears and also feeling bad about the way we parted, I take a deep breath, rub the back of my neck, and try to rationally express my feelings. “Leon, you broke my heart. Why didn’t you give me a chance to explain? Dave and I have been divorced for a year, but it’s complicated. He had cancer and I … Believe me, I never in my wildest dreams expected to meet someone, especially someone like you. I know I sound like a raving maniac. I just want to explain things to you. You just drove away and took the easy way out.”
There is a slight pause, and I hear his laugh. “So, someone like me? Is that good or bad?”
Like he can actually see me, I put my hand over my mouth that’s now smiling as big as Texas. “I’m angry at you, Leon, so quit trying to make light of this. It’s not funny.”
“Okay, babe. I’m sorry. You’re right; it’s not funny. Why don’t we start over? I’ll go first. Hi, I’m Leon.” He clears his throat and waits for my reply. “Well?”
I giggle into the phone. “Hi Leon, I’m Noel.”
“So, now that we have our introductions out of the way, what are your plans for today, pretty lady? Doing anything special?” he asks, imploringly.
“Well, today is my birthday, so I’m ordering room service, for starters. Beyond that, I have no clue.” I watch my foot nervously shaking and hope I don’t sound like a down and out has been. I want to sound like I’ve got my life together, but how do you do that when the man you want to be with is over a thousand miles away?
“Wait … Room service? Did you just say you’re held up at a hotel for your birthday, and it’s the holidays?” he asks with a slight laugh.
We talk for about thirty more minutes. He reveals that he’ll be staying in New York for a few more weeks and asks my plans for the rest of the holidays. I tell him about closing the office until after New Years and that I’ll soon be looking for a place.
“Well, please tell me you’re gonna do something fun for your big day, Christmas, or at least for New Year’s.”
“No, to all.” I laugh, realizing how much I don’t have a life. “My sister is in Steamboat Springs until after the New Year.” Deciding not to bore him with the depressing details of my life as it is now, I cheerfully assure him, “On a high note, they have lots of Christmas decorations here, and there’s even a guy in the lobby playing piano. I actually made a spa and beauty shop appointment today, so that’s my Christmas/birthday gift to myself.”
Wanting more than ever to see him right now, but also feeling the conversation is nearing an end, I ask, “What about you? Any fun plans for the holidays?”
I can hear him inhale and then exhale. I can picture his smile, his body, and his gorgeous eyes. “Nothing spectacular. Going to my folks for Christmas Day, and I was invited to a friend’s house after that. She wants to fix me up.” He laughs. “I dunno about that though.”
My heart sinks, and I try to sound upbeat and encouraging while feeling sad. “Well, I hope you have fun, and hey, you never know. It’s always nice to have friends who think about setting you up. You should go.”
We end the conversation by saying pleasantries, and I don’t want to hang up, but he has a call beeping in. Maybe it’s his friend telling him about the hookup.
Just before we disconnect, he says loudly, “Wait! Noel, give me your address.”
“My address? Like my office or where I’m staying?” I ask curiously.
He laughs. “Where you’re staying, silly.”
“Why?”
“Hey, maybe I wanna send you a Christmas card.”
I laugh, as I picture him addressing Christmas cards. “Well, I‘ve gotta find it. Hold on.” I fumble through the nightstand drawer, come up empty, and then look at the leather notebook beside the bed. Opening the flap reveals the hotel information. I read it to him, and he repeats it back.
“Have a nice day, Noel. Happy Birthday, and I wish I could take you out for a nice birthday dinner. I miss you. I gotta go do my Christmas cards.”
That evening, back in my hotel, feeling down and out, even after my day of pampering, I turn on the television. It’s a Wonderful Life is on, so I curl up to watch it when a knock sounds on the door. I haven’t ordered room service, so I cautiously look through the peephole. It’s a uniformed staff member who calls out,“Ms. Calabrese?” He knocks one more time. “I’ve got a delivery for you ma’am.”
I open the door, and he hands me an envelope. Apprehensively, I accept it, thank him, and then he waits, expecting a tip. I quickly grab some cash from my purse, hand it off to him and lean against the doorframe as I survey the package that was sent via messenger, and I tear into it.
Inside is a green envelope. “Noel” is scripted in handwriting. I gasp as I take out the contents. It’s a first class, round trip, plane ticket to New York, and a room reservation for a suite at The Peninsula. A handwritten note falls to the ground. I bend down to get it when my phone rings. I run to grab it from my purse, look at the screen, and smile when I see it’s Leon.
“Hey, you.”
“Have you gotten a delivery?” he asks, curiously.
Holding the phone to my ear while unfolding the note, I giggle excitedly. “I just did. I’m just seeing the note. Is this from you?”
He laughs, and I can just picture those gorgeous eyes and his smile. “It is from me, as a matter of fact. I didn’t actually write it though. So, have you read the note?”
“I’m just starting to read it. Give me a minute. I’m still in shock.”
“I’ll let you read it. Then call me back, okay?”
He disconnects, and I unfold the note. Type written in a handwriting font, it says, “Noel, I hope you’ll come to New York! I’ve missed you something fierce. Experience the ball drop, and ring in the New Year with me.”
I quickly dial his number back, beaming with excitement as I pace around the room. He answers on the first ring.
“What do ya say, babe? Will you come?”
Giddy like a teenage girl, I screech into the phone, “Of course I’ll come. What made you do this?”
“I think we have some unfinished business, and like I said, kiddo, I’ve missed you something fierce. It’s all I could do not to come looking for you. Tony said you’d gone back to Texas, and I was worried about you, but my stupid, male pride got in the way.”
I’m not an impulsive person, but something tells me I have to accept the ticket and the hotel room, and enjoy myself. So, I’m off to see Leon and filled with the holiday spirit.
Chapter 13
The plane ride to New York is full of families, presumably going home after Christmas visits.
There is laughter, and I notice a couple sitting across the row from me. A nice looking young man is holding what appears to be his new fiancée’s hand up, and they are talking about the rock that’s clearly visible and gracing her left hand. They notice me staring and the guy smiles and says, “She said, yes.”
I want happiness like that. I just want someone to love me.
Once I arrive at JFK airport in New York, I scur
ry down to get my bags. Thinking I’d see Leon, I spot a dark-haired man, dressed in a suit and holding up a sign with my name on it. I wave to him, and with a smile, he greets me. “Welcome to The Big Apple, ma’am. So, I’m taking you to The Peninsula?”
I nod with excitement, while somewhat disappointed Leon wasn’t the one picking me up. Before I know it, we’re on our way to The Peninsula. I text him from the car that I’ve arrived, and he doesn’t respond. Odd.
When we pull up at the hotel, I’m stunned by the beauty of this famous, iconic landmark. Large, white lion statues flank the entrance, and the arched windows have beautiful, lighted, plush, green garland adorning them. I stand in amazement, trying to take it all in, when the doorman takes my arm, and I’m escorted to the front desk. The bellhop is there to take my bags. He then ushers me into the crowded elevator, moving people aside to make room for us as if he owned the place. My room has a city view, and the monotone, earthy tones of the walls and artwork are so serene. On the bed is a handwritten note, and there is a beautiful bouquet of roses on the nightstand. I open the note and bite my lip as I begin to read.
“So glad you’ve arrived. I have meetings today but want you to call me when you’ve settled in. Hope you didn’t mind being picked up by a driver. I can’t wait to see you!”
I immediately call, and it goes straight to his voice mail. I leave a message, letting him know I’ve arrived. While feeling a bit uncertain, I begin to unpack my things. I’ve splurged and bought a beautiful little black dress, some warm boots, and casual things for the trip. Oh, and I opted for some sexy lingerie from Neiman’s. There’s nothing like LaPerla to make a woman feel sexy. The hefty price tag of each piece I easily justified by telling myself that I’m worth it. I’ve decided to invest in some self-worth, and sexy underthings was my start. I went so far as to drop over a thousand dollars on a sheer, sexy, black bodysuit to wear under my new, little black dress. The style on the tag was “desire” and it pretty much begged to go home with me. I just hope Leon likes what I’ve chosen. There’s a knock on my door, and simultaneously, I receive a text, “Look outside for your Christmas present.”
I squint through the peephole and see the most handsome, amazing man. He’s wearing a black leather jacket with jeans and that smile, oh God, that smile. His gorgeous head of grey hair is perfectly styled, and I’d love nothing more than to run my hands through it.
I quickly open the door, and he takes me into his arms, fisting my hair with his hands. Inhaling deeply he moans, “God, woman. I’ve missed you so damn much. Do you even have a clue?” He kicks the door closed and backs me up against the wall. Taking my hands from my side, he grips my wrists and raises my arms above my head. His demeanor is one of both anger and excitement. Passion burning, his eyes assess me and he moves his fingers along my jawline as our lips meet. I moan into his mouth as he relentlessly moves his tongue inside my mouth, sucking, leaving me lightheaded. The feral, wanton sounds coming from each of us is the reception I’d hoped for. I needed him, and I realize just now how much I’ve missed this man and all he is. Our lips still engaged, he backs me towards the bed, then picks me up and carefully places me on the plush, king-sized bed. We are wrapped in each other’s arms, and I don’t ever want to leave this room.
When he doesn’t speak, I rub his cheek. “What’s wrong?”
“I thought I’d lost you, Noel. I’ve been a wreck. I …” He laments with closed eyes.
“I thought I’d lost you, too. Why did you leave California? Is it true you had an emergency here?”
He shakes his head. “I had to get away. I was so angry with myself.”
Sitting up in disbelief, with tears in my eyes, I ask, “Why were you angry?”
“I let my guard down and fell for you. I thought I’d finally met the woman of my dreams, and I followed my heart. When I saw that guy with his arms around you on the day after we’d made love, it went all over me.” He turns to look out the window and whispers, “Guys have feelings too, Noel.”
Walking up behind him, I put my arms around his waist and kiss his back, nearing tears. “I was hurt, too. I felt the same way. For what it’s worth, I’ve been an emotional wreck for the past week as well.”
Not wanting to dwell on what has happened, I try and refocus. I guide him to the chair and sit astride him, tracing my finger down his chest, teasing him. “So where is your suitcase? You’re staying here with me, aren’t you?”
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into him. “Only if you want me to. I have a bag packed at the office. I didn’t want to presume anything.”
“Right now, all I want is you. I want you so bad, Leon Hallas. Please, make love to me.”
He tucks my hair behind my ears, leading me to the bed, and grins seductively. “I’d love nothing more than to get inside you right now.”
“Really?” I coyly ask.
“Oh, really. You’d better believe it,” he whispers in his sexy, New York accent. “I’ll be right back.”
He saunters into the bathroom and comes back with his ripped body on full display.
“You want the lights off?” he asks, as he motions to the nightstand.
I look at him confidently. “Not a chance.”
He looks at me adoringly, making me suddenly feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
“That’s my girl. Own that gorgeous body.”
He removes my blouse and then begins gently caressing my breasts through the fabric of my lace bra. His face lights up, and he’s grinning from ear to ear. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispers. Without even noticing, I feel the tug of the silk fabric slide across my back as he flings it on the floor. Seductively, he nips at my earlobe while blowing in my ear. “You won’t be needing that.” He then bends down to run his tongue around my tightened nipples and my body tingles.
I feel the firmness of his erection as I move my hand to massage the pleasure tool that will soon be inside of me.
With precision, he rolls over and rubs his hardness between my crotch, hovering above me, moving from side to side teasing as I gasp while craving more. Taking his heated cock, he pushes inside me as my hips lift to meet each thrust. “Oh baby, you’re gonna make me come if you keep that up. Slow down.”
He pulls out and slithers down as he spreads my legs wide apart with his elbows. I shudder as my back arches, the sensation overtaking my senses. He blows his warm breath and simultaneously licks a fine line down to my stomach, stopping to run his tongue around the inside of my belly button, causing a sensation that runs all the way to my toes. How could something as simple as a touch from a tongue incite such sensation? He scoots down the mattress and expertly pushes my hips back towards the headboard as he begins his descent to the throbbing mound between my legs.
My hips thrust against his mouth as he nips on the sensitive bud that holds the nectar waiting to be set free. He works his tongue in tandem with his thumb, circling my clit and bringing the volcano that’s been silent for years to the point of eruption. My head moves from side to side as my release breaks free. Gripping the fabric of the sheets, I scream out in pure ecstasy, and my own sounds startle me. I’ve never had this kind of intense orgasm. I feel a sharp pain at the top of my head and the uncontrollable whimpers coming from my lips reverberate as my body quivers. Leon moves up my body, kissing me, while speaking into my lips, “Taste yourself baby. It’s incredible.” His tongue moves in and out of my mouth, as I taste the sweetness of my pent up passion that’s been craving him since we were last together. I gasp out for air and my chest heaves as I place my arm over my head. “Shit!” I exclaim.
He laughs. “Shit? Was it shitty?”
“No, I had a head rush or something. I just …”
“You okay?” he asks while brushing my face.
I nod and bite my lip, scrunching my face as he runs his hand down it, kissing my eyelids, taking my face into his hands. “This is so right.”
Slithering down to please him orally, he obliges by pushing
his hips back and gripping the headboard for support as I go in search of my own passion fruit. Fitting perfectly into my mouth, he moans with pleasure as his body seductively moves from side to side before thrusting up to accept the warm confines of my mouth.
“Holy fuck.” He gasps. His neck arches back and his jaw is taut while his lips form into a perfect o. Watching his reaction to what I’m doing is an aphrodisiac. I‘m so turned on that my body is writhing in pleasure.
Dave is considered well endowed, and I never enjoyed going down on him. I dreaded it, actually. He would force himself into my mouth, making me gag, and when I backed off, not being able to take his whole length, he would belittle me, saying I needed to find a class on giving good head. I laugh to myself, wondering if there is even such a class.
Back in the moment, I savor Leon and love how he responds to me. The sounds he makes gives me confidence. I stop briefly, looking up at him with his eyes fixated on me, as if urging me to continue. “God, Noel, that feels so damn good. Don’t stop.”
I gently kiss the head, running my tongue around the generous width, licking off the glistening pre-cum, and enjoying my little game of cock tease. He grabs my hair and pulls me up to kiss him while panting. “I don’t want to come like that. I want to go back inside you.”
He’s biting his lip as his hips grind circles above mine, teasing me wildly. “Tell me, Noel. Am I enough for you? How does it feel?”
I guide him back into me, lifting my hips while moaning pleasurably. “Oh God. Yes. It feels so good. I’ve never ... I’m … I’m … so close.”
He works his tongue inside my mouth, kissing me passionately. He then whispers in my ear, “Baby, I want you to come before I do. Tighten up then let it go.”