“David.” She laughed out loud. “No wonder you’re such a ladies’ man. You certainly know how to say thank you!” She pulled a card from the nearest bunch and read: I will think of you long and often, throughout this day … and I will long for you often, throughout this day, David.
Still grinning from ear to ear, Sarona went into the bedroom. There, positioned on the bed, was a very large, white gift box, complete with an equally large red ribbon and bow. She excitedly opened the box and found what looked to be a beautiful, authentic Japanese kimono lying inside. It was black silk brocade with tiny white embroidered egrets in flight, scattered against a colorful but muted background of green and red. It looked like a painting in liquid silk.
She gingerly pulled it out of the box to hold it and let the material slip and slide through her hands. Her fingers glided over the silk, stroking the intricate swirls and loops of the exquisite needlework. It closely resembled a one-of-a-kind work of art. She smiled to herself, because somehow she knew David was a one-of-a-kind kind of guy.
With that thought still in her head, and wondering where he could have gotten such an expensive gift on such short notice, Sarona quickly undressed to try it on. It fit her as if made for her, and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it.
Admiring her reflection in the mirror from every possible angle, she paused when she heard a knock at the door. Thinking it must be David and still wrapped in her luxurious kimono, she practically ran to open the door with a big, welcoming grin, only to be surprised by the sight of a hotel service rep.
Standing in front of her was a cute, petite woman with short blonde hair, dressed in a white uniform and wearing a nametag that said Hotel Masseur. She was accompanied by a rolling cart, complete with table and an assortment of massage equipment and accessories.
“Good afternoon. My name is Maureen, and I’m here for your in-room massage appointment,” the lady in front of her stated with a bright, cheery smile and a very British accent. Recovering from her surprise and disappointment, Sarona looked at the smiling woman in confusion.
“I’m sorry; there must be some mistake. I didn’t order a masseuse.”
“No, Ms. Maxwell, there’s no mistake. An appointment was made this morning by Mr. Broussard, who stated I was to arrive here at precisely one o’clock,” Maureen said as she pointedly looked at her wristwatch. “He left strict instructions that I was to bring the necessary equipment and an assortment of products to provide you with a wide variety of selection of oils, lotions, etc. for your massage. His exact words were. ‘I want you to give the lady, whatever she wants.’ I’ve brought a wide range of items offered here at the hotel, but if I don’t have something you like with me, it will be no problem to have it delivered. He also left this note for you.” Maureen reached in her pocket and handed Sarona a cream-colored, gilded envelope with her name written on the outside. “Now, may I come in and set up?”
In a state of shock, Sarona accepted the envelope and stood aside, opening the door wide to allow Maureen’s entry. She watched as Maureen expertly maneuvered her cart and table into the bedroom where she could begin assembling her equipment. She then went straight into the bathroom and began running a warm bath, sprinkled bath salts into the tub, directly under the stream of water, and turned on the jets.
Sarona watched the practiced precision of her movements, still in a state of shock. Her mind was still assimilating the enormity of these several sudden and unexpected events. God! The man is one surprise after another, she thought as she followed the woman’s every motion.
Suddenly remembering the envelope in her hand, Sarona anxiously tore it open and removed the hand-written note inside.
You looked so tired this morning, I was concerned and feeling a bit guilty … especially after such a wonderful and unforgettable night. So, to ease my conscience, I’m sending this gift of leisure and relaxation. Please enjoy, with the knowledge that you have my deepest respect and appreciation.
P.S. I want you well rested for my return.
David
Sarona was once again grinning from ear to ear, lightheaded and positively giddy with joy. She’d never in her life felt so pampered! With this dawning realization, she reached her arms around herself and hugged herself as tight as she could, to keep from screaming at the top of her lungs. How was a woman supposed to take all this in without bursting at the seams?
Maureen handed Sarona a catalogue to browse, detailing the types of massages and their therapeutic value. While she continued to prepare the room and arrange her station, she briefly explained her qualifications. “I am trained in diverse styles of therapeutic massage: Shiatsu, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, California Deep Tissue massage and a variety of others. If you have a preference other than what is listed in our catalogue, I’m sure we can accommodate your wishes. If you like, we can also include a salt scrub to exfoliate your body, stimulate cell regeneration, and increase circulation to your skin.
“While I’m still setting up, I’d like you to get into the tub and soak there for about fifteen to twenty minutes. The salts and jets of warm water will relax your muscles and ease any residual tension you may have. You can browse the catalogue while you soak.”
Sarona did as she was told and went into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Maureen had dimmed the lights and turned on the in-wall stereo that piped in an odd but soothing combination of mellow jazz and the sounds of nature. She had placed a large, plush towel on the edge of the tub and an equally plush robe on the hook behind the door. There were velvet-like slippers on the floor in front of the tub. On top of the towel sat a white, velvet sleeping mask, and a bath headrest had been secured to the tub. Sarona slipped out of her kimono, pulled her hair up into a ponytail and pinned it to the top of her head, then eased her aching body into liquid bliss.
Twenty minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door, and Maureen peeked inside. The jets, the salts, and the warm water had done exactly what Maureen said they would. Sarona had drifted off to sleep. At the sound of the light tap on the door, Sarona opened her eyes. “I’m all set up and ready to begin. Can I help you out of the tub?”
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine. I’ll be there in a moment.” Sarona sighed with obvious contentment.
“Have you decided what you’d like?” Maureen asked as she made Sarona comfortable on the table.
“There are too many choices.” Sarona laughed. “They all sound so good; I’m not sure what I want. What do you recommend?”
“Well, ma’am, it would depend on what your body is telling you it needs. Are you tired? Do you have stress or tension? Are your muscles sore and achy?”
“Yes … No … and Yes.” Sarona answered her questions in order.
“Then I would recommend a deep tissue massage. It will be very relaxing and will rid your body of most of its aches and pains.”
“Okay, then let’s go with the California Deep Tissue massage. Does that come with the suggested salt scrub as well?”
“It can be included, if that’s what you would like.”
“I think I’ll want that too.”
“Do you have a preference of oils or lotions?”
“Oil, please. I like musk and exotic fragrances. Do you have something like that?”
“Yes, I believe I do have a selection of spicy musks from the Orient and Middle Eastern cultures. They can be vibrant and very uplifting.”
“Vibrant and uplifting it is,” Sarona said as she pushed her face into the opening of the table’s head rest. If last night’s exhausting trysts between the sheets were any indication of David’s appetite for making love, she was going to need all the energy she could muster for the evening to come. That was the last thought in her head as the first sure strokes of Maureen’s hands began to work their magic on her body.
• • •
“Hello. Dr. Jeffers’ Office, how may I help you?”
“Hi Candy. It’s Sarona. Is Joyce available?”
“Hello, Ms. Maxwell. No, I’
m afraid she’s with a client. Can I take a message?”
“Yes. I’ll make it short and quick. Would you please tell her I’m happy to report that there has been shouting hallelujah from the rafters. Full details to follow at a later date.”
“Okay, Ms. Maxell, will do. It sounds like you’re having a good time.”
“Candy, girl, good does not come close to defining the time I’m having.” Sarona chortled. “I’m living one of Joyce’s famous episodes of ‘life is an adventure!’ I know I’m going to hate when it ends, but until then I’m ‘Living La Vida Loca!’”
Candace laughed at Sarona’s gaiety. “It sounds like you must have hooked up with Mr. Right!”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but I’ll tell you what — he’s the perfect candidate for Mr. ‘Right Now!’ Honey, I’ve got to run. I’ve got plans for the evening, and my time is running out. Just give Joyce my message and tell her I can’t wait to see her when I get back. Oh, and tell her it’s no wonder she makes the big bucks. Her advice is golden!”
Chapter 9
David stood at the door to Sarona’s suite. He’d arrived accompanied by one of the hotel staff, who walked ahead of him pushing an elegant service cart covered with delicious delicacies. Having reached his destination, he tipped the waiter and sent him on his way, stating he’d take it from there. He had the silly hope Sarona would meet him at the door wearing nothing but the robe he’d had delivered, and he didn’t want to share that vision of her with anyone else.
He’d spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon reliving every single moment that had led up to last night and today. He’d finally worn away her resistance — had torn down her wall and had beaten the challenge. He’d dreamed and fantasized for so long, had planned and waited for even longer, and now … and now here he was at her door, the only barrier left standing between them. He’d won, had achieved his goal, but during the process he’d reached a turning point so far beyond his expectations that there was no hope of going back to the way things once were. He couldn’t even if he wanted to.
If he’d believed that, once he’d taken her body, the sensation of constant need and want would end or subside, he’d been dead wrong. He burned now more than before, and the feeling was brand new, as though his body had only just begun to come alive. He’d been in a state of continual arousal since early morning, as he’d watched her from across the room. Neither the time nor the distance had made a difference in how he felt; he still wanted her with the same heat and desire he’d experienced before he’d ever tasted her sweetness.
He’d wanted to give her more time to rest and relax and had waited as long as he could, until he couldn’t hold out any longer. He needed to be close; he craved her taste, her touch, and her wonderful mind. His light knock was answered almost immediately, as though she were waiting impatiently for his arrival. And she didn’t disappoint him. There she stood, wrapped in black silk, more beautiful and magnificent than he had ever imagined. The sight of her made his blood rush and his heart pump with excitement. She took his breath away.
He pushed the cart straight ahead as he entered the room, and as the door closed he reached to pull her near. There were no words between them as he bent to take a kiss. She came willingly, without hesitation, pressing her body into his and leaning into his gentle embrace. The kiss was warm, tender, and filled with quiet desire. When it ended, Sarona snuggled close, resting her head on his chest, and he held her to him, thankful and content.
“I missed you,” he whispered, nuzzling her bowed head.
“I missed you too,” she said, burrowing closer and wrapping her arms around his waist.
“Um, I could get used to a welcome like this.” David chuckled as he squeezed her tighter.
“Me too.” She echoed his sentiments, the smile evident in the sound of her voice.
“In case you didn’t notice, I’ve come bearing gifts.”
“How could I not notice. The room is filled to overflowing. I’m basking in the glow of your gifts and wearing one of them as well. On second thought, make that two.” She laughed softly. “One is the robe — the other is the new skin I’m in.”
“You look stunning. I thought I could envision how beautiful you’d look wearing this, but my imagination didn’t even come close.” He touched her; he couldn’t seem to help himself.
His fingers lightly brushed and followed the curve of her neck and drifted lower to stroke the inviting swell of her breast. He sighed with pure delight, pleased to find her naked skin underneath. He lowered his head to nuzzle her neck; his tongue licked her in the hollow he found there, and the moist warmth of his mouth sent shivers cascading in waves down her spine.
• • •
She basked in the feeling and let it wash over her. He became subtly more aggressive, more demanding, his body melding and pressing closer. She allowed his exploration and permitted his roving hands and mouth to devour her and pull her into a whirling vortex of flaming heat and dark desire.
Unable to take the torture of his marauding mouth and teasing fingers any longer, she grasped his head between her hands, pulled his face to her own, and kissed him hard, thrusting her tongue deep, swirling, dueling, seeking to stir his internal fire. Coming up for air, she put her mouth to his ear and demanded in a husky, urgent voice, “Strip for me. I want to see you take your clothes off. I want to see you aroused, hard, and wanting me.”
She didn’t know where it came from, the unexpected and sudden desire to say and want such a decadent thing. She didn’t know and she didn’t care. This wasn’t the time to analyze. This was her time to explore, to feel and want, to take and fulfill the overpowering need to indulge herself — in whatever she wanted to do. His heart leapt and pounded at her whispered command. He was instantly and unexpectedly thrilled and excited at the thought of fulfilling her demand to stand nude and compliant before her.
She was excited, wet with need and anticipation. He started to undress for her. He took off his suit coat and tossed it aside, then slowly and meticulously unbuttoned his shirt, letting it slide from his shoulders and drop to the floor. He wore nothing underneath, exposing a smooth, solid chest, arms, and shoulders displaying muscles that rippled with every movement. His hands glided down his torso, openly touching and exploring his body as they moved downward to the waist of his pants.
He unbuckled his belt and unzipped the pants, letting them drift low and hang at his hips. Sarona’s eyes, eagerly watching and burning brightly, remained glued to the movement of his hands as they slowly unveiled and revealed his perfect masculine body. He was excited by her response and the look upon her face that transformed into obvious want and admiration.
She moved forward and rubbed her body against his, letting her hands rub and roam the length of him, his shoulders, arms, chest, abs … his crotch. She couldn’t get enough of the combination of steel and strength that trembled from her touch. Her hand encountered the hard evidence of his desire and brushed his arousal through the fabric of his pants. She stroked and gripped his shaft and felt it pulse and jump in answer to her caress. She inhaled his scent. It intoxicated her, gave her a high as potent as any drug, and she took it in and let it take her over.
Reluctantly, she released her hold and stepped back to watch and wait. He resumed his striptease and continued to undress completely, stepping out of his shoes, pants, and silken boxers, dropping everything to the floor alongside his shirt. His hand encircled his shaft, his fingers stroking and rubbing it into hardened arousal. He watched her reaction as he played and pulled on his swollen manhood, and she stared at him without inhibition, open and shameless in her lustful gazing.
She reached out and touched his cock, to stroke and marvel at the feel of it — hard like steel yet smooth like silk and soft like velvet. Her fingers skimmed and stroked their way back and forth across the tip of his arousal and lightly brushed his erection and pulled gently upon his sac. She hefted the weight of him in the palm of her hand, reveling in the freedom
to touch and travel up and down his length. Wrapping her hand around his cock, she gripped it, and giving him a wickedly enticing look, she pulled him forward and led him into the bedroom.
He dutifully followed. He was shocked to see the room’s transformation. It was darkened and softly illuminated by candlelight and engulfed in a soothing, lavender aroma.
“You’ve been busy,” he murmured as his eyes adjusted to the dimmed lighting and he inhaled the delicate aroma that wafted from the burning candles.
“Yes, I have.”
“Where did all this come from?”
“Hotel gift shops come stocked with the most interesting things. You’d be surprised what one can find there,” she responded absently, her eyes and hands obviously preoccupied by the sight and feel of him. “After receiving such wonderful flowers and gifts, you could say that I felt inspired. I wanted to show my appreciation, so I came up with a few ideas of my own.”
She looked into his eyes and delighted in the glow she saw reflected there. It was his heat and his desire that spurred her determination to stir and rouse that glow into a raging, out of control inferno. Kneeling before him, she centered herself between his legs. She took his thickened shaft and rubbed it against her face, first one side then the other, and inhaled the pungent, sweet odor of his sex.
With glazed eyes he watched her stroke his tip and take the silky pearl drop of pre-cum she found there between her fingers to feel the texture of it, to taste and savor the tangy, semi-sweet flavor of him. She bent forward and took the tip of him into her mouth and lightly brushed it with her tongue. His head fell back and his eyes rolled up at that first, velvet-roughened rasp that glided across the head of his already painfully hard cock. She licked the tip and gently ran her tongue beneath the flared head, along the rim where head met shaft, then down the length of him, ending at those two glorious orbs.
Prelude to a Seduction Page 11