Solid Stone: Choices

by E. G. Patrick

  I chuckle. “You didn’t have to make me a cake to get me to stay, you know.”

  He smiles. “It’s your birthday so you should have a birthday cake. Remember the one you made for mine? I’ll never forget that.” I think we’re both feeling nostalgic.

  “I do remember. The day turned out better than I’d imagined. You even made a wish.”

  “Yes, I did.” He seems lost in thought. He stirs the saucepan when he hears it bubble. Ten minutes later, he presents me with a chocolate iced cake with a white table candle in the center of it. The oversized candle overpowers the cake, but the sentiment makes me feel like a million bucks. “Happy Birthday, Violet. Make a wish.”

  Smiling, I make a wish and blow out the candle. I wish for a second chance with you, my Adam. He claps his hands. Seeing him this way makes me happy.

  He hands me a piece of cake. Smiling, I say after tasting it, “It’s delicious. Thank you! We’ll add cake baking to your long list of skills!” We both laugh, which is hard for him with his mouth full of cake.

  When we’re finished he puts what’s left of the cake in the fridge. Looking over at me he winks and says, “I know some people.” He helps me off the counter and gently kisses my lips. “It’s bedtime now,” he says.

  §

  Adam’s warm body covers mine. He’s hungry for me and me for him. He’s gentle yet passionate. His lips feel good against mine, as his hands roam over my body and mine over his. This is us, Adam and Violet, Gia’s not here now. He slides a hand underneath me, lifting me slightly as enters me. Oh he feels so good.

  “You feel so good Violet, you’re beautiful,” he whispers between kisses in my ear. He’s making love to me, tenderly, so tenderly. The pressure of him between my hips feels solid and strong, like him. He increases his rhythm, pushing my delights higher and higher. He bears down, and soon swirls of pleasure rise and rise, and then I let go and sail into blissful delight.

  Chapter 9

  “Violet”

  Adam’s looking at me, his head resting on his hand, and we’re both naked. Last night comes to mind full throttle, including a bottle of champagne we finished, and the various places we made love throughout the hotel suite. Once just wasn’t enough for either of us last night.

  “Good morning,” he says cheerfully, giving me a quick kiss.

  “Good morning.” I kiss him back.

  He jumps out of bed, picking up a bathrobe off the floor. My eyes follow him. “Do you have time for breakfast?”

  “I’d like that, but I have to leave by ten.” My lips purse, wishing now I didn’t have to rush.

  “Okay, I’ll order it now.” He comes back with a bathrobe and helps me into it. I follow him into the living room. He says, “I’ve ordered eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, and tea. I wasn’t sure if you switched back to tea?”

  “I drink both now.” He sits, patting the seat next to him on the sofa. There’s tension between us, I can feel it, the sexual kind. He lifts me onto him and he’s ready for me. My juices begin to boil.

  “I want you again badly, like right now,” he says undoing my robe so he can play with my nipples. His cock feels secure inside me while his thumb teases my nipple as he kisses me. I move up and down over him, sometimes slow and sometimes fast.

  The sensations tearing through my body come quickly, and I will too, I can tell. His tower of power holds me in place, my thighs move up and down. “Ahh,” he moans as I slide down his cock, nice and slow now. Soon he moves his hips, increasing my pleasure. My head flings back as the hot lava rises through my core, over and over again. Moving his hips double-time, he grabs mine, pulling me up and down at rapid speed. Our eyes are locked as we play the riding game. I ride him hard and he fucks me hard. We’re in perfect sync.

  “Ohhh,” I groan as the magnitude of what we’re doing rises even higher!

  “You were made for me, Violet,” he groans.

  “Yes, yes.” I’m in ecstasy. He grips my hips harder, moving me more vigorously while raising his to meet mine. And then, the volcano erupts as my body aches for its release, and I reveal just how much when I clench down over him and cry out! His cock throbs as he continues to thrust and groan. We’ve arrived at the same time! I rest my head against his chest and I’m breathless.

  Kissing my cheek, he reminds me of the time. “Breakfast should be here any minute.” He lifts me off of his lap. “We should get dressed before it gets here.”

  I idle in our closeness before slowly getting up. “I’ll be back in a minute.” In the bedroom, I take a quick shower and get dressed.

  I can hear the ramblings of a trolley, I grab my purse and head back into the living room. Adam’s changed into track pants and a T-shirt. Breakfast has been laid out on the dining table with white linens. Adam signs the check and hands the guy a twenty-dollar bill as he leaves.

  “Come on then, it’s after nine and I want you to enjoy your breakfast before you have to leave.”

  Adam puts a napkin on my lap like they do at the restaurants we’ve been to, and then sits across from me. “Coffee or tea?” he asks.

  “Coffee please.” He smiles, pouring it into my cup and then puts a bit of everything on my plate. It feels like our Sunday’s used to be. “I’ve had a great time.”

  “Yes, me too. It’s been a great weekend.”

  “Things turned out differently than I expected. I wasn’t planning to stay the night. I hope I haven’t crossed a line with you?”

  “I asked you to stay.” He looks down as his plate.

  “As long as we’re okay.” He nods, his head still looking down. Nothing more about us needs to be said. I take a bite of toast and change the direction of our conversation. “So, what have you been up to lately, other than visiting me?”

  “Yesterday I signed some documents before coming to see you. I still golf when I can, and travel a lot for work. That’s about it I’m afraid.”

  “You’re not afraid of anything.” I smile over at him and he smiles back. I then ask, “When did you have time to sign documents yesterday?”

  “Before I came to see you. I also have shares in this hotel. It’s not a restaurant, but it’s the next best thing and a little less risky.” Now I know how we got into the kitchen.

  “So you’re branching out of your comfort zone. That’s interesting for Mr. Control Freak.” He laughs and so do I.

  “Yeah, I know, I’m evolving,” he chuckles. “I have partners to share the burden. I remember how many times you said I should open my own restaurant, well, this is the next best thing. So you’re partially to blame.” He laughs again.

  Rolling my eyes, I laugh. “So were the documents for this hotel?”

  “No, another project I’m working on.” He seems to be thinking and then says, “Something closer to home.”

  “Oh really, like what?”

  “It’s confidential, you know how it goes.”

  “Well I’m flattered you took some of my advice.”

  “You’re a smart woman, why wouldn’t I? That said, you seem more confident, it suits you.” His voice trails off, he’s thinking again.

  I look at him over my cup. He seems like he’s holding back, maybe we both are. “Thanks, and hearing you say that means a lot.” I avert my eyes feeling emotional.

  “I’m just so glad we can still be friends. I value your friendship, I hope you know that.”

  “I know you do, and me too.” He gives me his winning smile, making me melt in my head. “I should get going soon.” I hate saying that.

  “I can walk you home if you’d like. I could use a little exercise.”

  Five minutes later we’re in the elevator together, me standing on one side and Adam on the other, reminding me we’re just friends. He waves me ahead of him at the revolving door. It’s the end of April so it’s still cool, but at least it’s sunny. We walk beside each other as
pals do.

  It feels strange not holding hands. I’m going to have to get used to it. I say matter-of-factly, “I’m glad it’s sunny, it makes the day so much better.”

  “Yes, it’s nice, I think spring’s coming. We’ve had decent weather at home and didn’t get as much snow this year.”

  “Yeah, my dad said the same thing.”

  “How is your dad?”

  “Oh, he’s fine. He’s looking forward to me coming home. I’ll be staying with him for a bit.”

  “I’m glad he’s well, he’s a great guy.” He pauses. “Why are you staying with him? Isn’t he at least an hour away from your office?”

  “It’s just temporary until I find a place closer. You know, I’m sorry for what happened between us.”

  “I know, and so am I.” He puts his arms around me and pulls me to the side of the street. “We just need time to adjust to the way things are. I know we can do this, be friends I mean.”

  Gathering all my strength, I step back from him. “You’re right, I’ll get there. I just need time.” I start walking again.

  “Your dad’s place is going to be quite a commute to work.”

  “I know, so I’m going to rent a car until I can find a place closer.” We’re getting nearer to my apartment and I really wish we had more time.

  “You could stay at the loft if you want.”

  He’s caught me off guard. “I don’t think so, but thanks for offering.”

  “Why not?” His voice is soft.

  “I think living together, even temporarily, would be difficult for me.”

  “I moved back to my house so I’m not at the loft. I moved back the day after…” he doesn’t need to finish, we both know what he means.

  “Oh, I didn’t know.”

  “It’s empty. You should stay there, I insist.” He’s not firm, he means well.

  “What kind of rent are you looking for?”

  “No rent, it’s vacant, I’d just be happy to have someone staying there.”

  “No, that won’t work. It’s probably too expensive anyway, I’ll figure something out.”

  “Okay, how about $500 a month?” He sounds desperate, like I’m doing him a favor.

  “We both know that’s way below market. My student rental was $1,200 a month.”

  He sighs. “Okay, what’s your suggestion?”

  “It’s your place, Adam. You need to make that decision. Listen, forget it, I appreciate the offer, but…”

  Before I can finish he says, “Okay, how about $1,200 a month, what you were paying before. That seems fair and it’s a shame to leave it vacant.”

  There’s a part of me that knows I should say no, but the selfish and convenient side of me blurts out, “Yes, okay, I can live with that.”

  “Okay, great. Thanks for helping me out.”

  “Yeah right!” We both laugh.

  We’re outside my building now. “Thanks for walking me home.”

  “You’re welcome.” Stepping closer, he puts his hands on my shoulders and kisses me lightly on the lips. “Let me know when you’re moving back and I’ll arrange to get the keys to you, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  We both seem to be lingering, until he finally steps back. “Good.”

  “Bye, safe travels.”

  “Thanks. See you next month then?”

  “Yeah, see you then.” He turns and walks down the steps. When he looks back I’m still watching. I always do. We both raise our hands saying goodbye again.

  §

  I hurry to do a load of laundry, and watch the dryer going around and around while I think and rethink some more. There were moments this weekend that were more than just being friends. Yes, the obvious was sleeping together, but there were special and tender moments too.

  It’s him when I answer my phone. “Hi, everything okay?”

  “Hi, yes, I’m fine,” he pauses and breathes, “my flights been delayed.”

  “Oh, that’s not good,”

  “No, it’s not ideal, but that means I have about six hours or so to kill.”

  “Did you fly down on the jet or commercial?”

  “The jet.”

  “Don’t you control when it leaves?”

  Laughing he says, “Yes, I do, but the plane hasn’t left Toronto yet, bad weather they tell me, thunderstorms.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  “I’ve checked out of my hotel.”

  “I’m sure with your connections you can get back in.” I have to laugh.

  “Yes, I suppose so, but it would be more fun hanging out with you.”

  I screw up my face. “I’m spending the afternoon with my friend Jane, remember?”

  “I know, but it’s only noon, what time do you need to be there?”

  “I said I’d come early to spend time with the kids before dinner, so around two.”

  “Can I come with you?”

  “You said it would be mayhem with two kids.”

  “I know, so let me find out for myself.” My mood lightens.

  “I should check with Jane first.”

  “Okay, can you check now?” He sounds happier.

  “I’ll call you back in five minutes.”

  “Thanks, I’ll be waiting.”

  “Bye.”

  §

  Jane answers on the second ring, “Hello.”

  “Hi, it’s Vee. How’s your Sunday going so far?”

  She sighs, “My two year old is wearing me out,” and then laughs. It must be a parent thing.

  “I’ll help out when I get there. I hope this won’t be an imposition, but my friend’s flight has been delayed. Do you mind if I bring him over this afternoon? He probably won’t stay for dinner.”

  “Of course.” She sounds like Ann for a moment, her voice just went up.

  “He’s just a friend from back home. Are you sure it’s okay?”

  “Yes, it’s perfectly fine and, he’s welcome to stay for dinner.”

  “You’re a gem, thanks Jane. Is two still okay? We’ll help with the kids so you’ll have a few minutes to yourself, I promise.” Jane’s recently divorced and has the kids the majority of the time.

  “I’m going to take you up on that offer, you better warn your friend.”

  “Ha, ha, I will, and we’ll see you in a few hours then. Bye.” I quickly fold my laundry and when I’m almost at my door my phone rings. I rest the basket on my hips to answer it. I know it’s Adam. “Can I call you right back?”

  “Ah, yes. You sound winded, everything alright?”

  “Yes, I’m just taking my laundry upstairs to the apartment.”

  “So can I come with you?” He wastes no time.

  “Yes, Jane said it’s fine, and you’re welcome to stay for dinner if you want to.”

  “That’s really nice of her. Can I come in? I’m standing outside your apartment.”

  Shit, I look a sight right now. “I need to get changed.”

  “So, I can wait, let me in.” My finger hovers over the buzzer and I press it, hearing the door click. He must’ve run up the stairs, he’s knocking on the door already. He gives me that winning smile; I swoon, feeling glad he’s back so soon. He’s wearing jeans and nice blue, fitted shirt. He really is easy on the eyes.

  “Come in.”

  “Didn’t think you’d see me so soon, did you?” He gives me a big grin.

  “Where are your bags, and no, I didn’t.”

  “With the driver. Me either, but things do happen.” His smile is so contagious.

  “Come in and sit down while I get changed.”

  Thirty minutes later, after debating about using his car or taking the train, I win. We’re headed to the train station. “It’s called the Chicago ‘L’ here.” I tell him. He seems to be t
aking in his surroundings. We find two seats and sit down.

  “Do you take the train a lot?”

  “Not so much, I walk to work most of the time.”

  When he looks out the window I can’t help but admire him. Even his profile is perfect. “So you said two kids?” He’s looking at me now.

  “That’s right. Brianna is two and Bruce is five. Be warned, I promised we’d entertain the kids so she’d have a few minutes to herself.”

  “Doesn’t her husband help out?” It’s an innocent question.

  “Oh, no, she’s newly divorced, so it hasn’t been easy. She has the kids most of the time.”

  “Ah, I see. She must be a very busy woman with working and two kids.”

  “You know that’s how many people live nowadays.”

  “It still must be tough some days, two kids on your own.”

  “You’ll see when you meet Jane, she’s a trooper and nothing seems to get her down.” Nodding yes, he turns to look out the window again.

  §

  Jane lives in a two story brick house with a backyard full of grass, a swing set, and toys spread out around it. It’s here we find Jane and her two children.

  “Hi everyone,” I call out. We’re standing by the gate. The kids run toward us, followed by Jane.

  Brianna gives me a big wide grin and then hides behind her mother’s leg. She’s too cute. Bruce wraps his arms around my waist. “Hi, Auntie Vee.”

  “Hi Bruce, I think you’re another inch or two taller.”

  He sticks out his chest standing tall. “I’m a big boy now.”

  “Yes, you are.” His hair is soft when I ruffle it.

  After hugging Jane, I introduce Adam. “This is my friend Adam Stone. He’s visiting from Toronto.”

  Adam shakes her hand, “It’s nice to meet you Jane. Violet’s said a lot of nice things about you. Thanks for letting me join you today.”

  She smiles. “It’s nice to meet you, and make yourself at home here.”

  Bruce holds out his hand to Adam. He kneels down and shakes it. “Hi Bruce, it’s nice to meet you too.” We haven’t seen each other around children yet, so this will be interesting.