by Corman, Ana
Thirty-Five
OLIVIA HANDED HER KEYS to the valet and headed across the balconied walkways. A wedding party hurried past as the bride struggled to keep from tripping on her train. Olivia wished she could still enjoy the Coronado the way she had before the unhappy weekend when Jessica had left her. Before then, she’d loved the Victorian grandeur of this historic landmark, the breathtaking ocean views, the opulence of the elegant lobby.
A young Hispanic woman smiled as she approached the reception desk. “Welcome to the Hotel del Coronado. How may I help you?”
“I’m Olivia Carrington. I was told a message would be waiting for me at the front desk.”
The woman smiled as she reached into a drawer beneath her computer. “Yes, Dr. Carrington. Ms. O’Grady asked that we give you this key card. You’re in one of our beautiful Signature Suites located in the Victorian Building. Your room is 201. Just head for those elevators behind you. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you need anything, and enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you.”
Olivia studied the key card as the elevator rose to the second floor. Was Catherine turning the tables, giving Olivia a room of her own the way she herself had done for Catherine last night? Or was Catherine’s plan for the two of them to spend their first night together here at the Coronado?
She located the door and slid in her key card. She stepped into the gorgeous living area of the suite, surrounded by plush couches. “Catherine?”
Hearing no response, she walked into the huge master bedroom, surprised to see her own suitcase sitting open on the king-size four-poster bed. The suitcase was empty except for a gift-wrapped package the size of a shoebox and a note written on a single sheet of pink rose paper. She picked up the note and read:
My sweet Olivia,
The last time you received a note in your suitcase it was an end. This is our beginning. This time, this place, this memory is for us to create. It’s just about you and me exploring each other for the first time, with our pasts behind us. I’m ready to be your partner and your lover. I’m ready to be yours completely.
Olivia looked up to find Catherine standing in the French doors leading to the balcony, dressed so elegantly in a floor-length sleeveless black dress. Olivia dropped the note into the suitcase as Catherine rushed into her arms.
Olivia brushed her lips against Catherine’s flushed cheek, then stepped back and looked her up and down. “I’m so happy to see you. And yet I’m a little confused.” She smiled mischievously and swept her arm to take in the beautiful room. “The Catherine O’Grady I know is not very comfortable with this kind of extravagance.”
Catherine took Olivia’s hands in her own. “That Catherine has turned into someone new. This one understands that on certain momentous occasions—not every day, mind you—extravagance is absolutely called for.”
She grew more serious. “I hope this wasn’t a mistake, Olivia. To remind you of a painful past. My desire was to put it behind us.”
Olivia touched her lips to Catherine’s forehead. “That’s exactly what you’ve done.”
“Celebrities, dignitaries, and American presidents have all slept in this beautiful hotel. I bet it has never housed a woman as extraordinary as you, Dr. Carrington.”
“And you, Catherine O’Grady, take my breath away.”
“I love you so much, Olivia. I want our first night together to be truly special. I want it to be a night we’ll never forget.”
“I’ll never forget any moment I spend with you. I’ll never forget walking into your office and reading that beautiful letter, especially since I was nervous you might be having second thoughts. Your interpretation of the Celtic knot moved me. I was touched that you allowed me the pleasure of placing the last piece in the puzzle.”
“I wanted you to be a part of that journey.”
“Since the day I met you we’ve been on an incredible journey. A journey I can only pray will last for all time.”
“I truly believe the Celtic knot reflects our unity and timeless love and devotion to one another. I’d love to know what that puzzle means to you.”
“I’ve always loved mythical fairies. When I first saw that puzzle I loved the peaceful imagery of those two beautiful creatures. I knew that the pendant the one fairy was handing the other was Irish but I didn’t know what it meant or symbolized. I kept that puzzle in my office for a year, not knowing what to do with it. When a beautiful Irish woman came into my life, I knew I had to take a chance. I had to reach for my fairy princess and offer to share an eternity with her.”
Catherine wiped at her tears. “You were brave to do that. Especially the way we first started off.”
Olivia kissed Catherine’s damp cheek. “Despite our beginning, you allowed us to talk and become friends. You graciously have allowed me these past two weeks to get to know you, and I’ve fallen so in love with the woman I met that fateful day. You, Catherine O’Grady, are the epitome of grace, self-respect, independence, and feminine strength. You have infinite ability to love and be loved.” Olivia slid the soft pads of her thumbs beneath Catherine’s moist eyes. “You’re more beautiful than any fairy princess I’ve ever envisioned reaching for, and your gorgeous blue eyes convey every emotion you feel.”
She reached in her pocket, pulled out a small velvet box, and placed it in Catherine’s outstretched hand. “This is for you, my fairy princess.”
Catherine held the velvet box in one hand and slowly opened the creaky lid. She blinked back tears and looked up at Olivia in shock. “It’s stunning.”
Olivia took the gold Celtic knot ring and slipped it onto Catherine’s finger. “I want an eternity with you, Catherine.”
“I would be honored to share an eternity with you.”
Olivia held Catherine’s face in her hands and kissed her softly, slowly, gently.
Catherine rested her forehead against Olivia’s cheek. “Your beautiful ring will never leave my finger. I brought you a gift as well.”
“I saw it. How did you find my suitcase?”
“I looked in your closet. I took the liberty of packing you a few things. I had a lot of fun going through your clothes.”
Olivia laughed. “I’m sure you did. By any chance did you pack me a pair of boxers?”
“Tiny black boxers and my Christmas nightshirt. However, you won’t need them for what I’ve planned for you.”
“I’m really liking this plan.”
Catherine handed the gift to Olivia. “A gift from me to you.”
“I hate to unwrap it.”
“There will be plenty more where that came from.”
Olivia found the edges of the wrapping paper and carefully pulled off the tape. She slipped her finger under the paper and pulled back the edges, revealing an antique rosewood chest. “It’s beautiful. As beautiful as the one on your desk.”
Catherine touched Olivia’s hands. “It’s our wish chest. I want us to write down all our dreams and wishes and place them in this chest so they’ll come true. My wish of finding my soul mate came true the day you walked into my life. I just needed some time to realize it was true. Go ahead and open it. I placed our first wish in there to get us started.”
Olivia placed the chest in Catherine’s outstretched hands. She carefully opened the antique lid and took the single piece of folded floral paper. She unfolded the small note and read. I wish to bring my girl the highest joy and happiness from this day forth. Olivia refolded the note and placed it back in the treasure chest. She grabbed the hotel pad of paper and slipped her pen out of the inside pocket of her jacket. She wrote quickly on the pad and tore the top sheet off. She held it up for Catherine to read.
I want forever with you, my Irish girl. Catherine smiled as Olivia folded the note and placed it in the chest. Catherine slowly closed the lid and placed the chest on the Victorian table beside her ring box. “Forever starts right now.”
Olivia gathered Catherine in her arms and stared into her deep blue eyes. “You’re my greates
t joy, Catherine O’Grady. Being here with you makes me so incredibly happy.”
She touched her lips to Catherine’s with soft, caressing kisses. She felt Catherine’s tongue seeking hers and eagerly surrendered to her search.
Olivia opened her hands wide and slid them across Catherine’s lower back. She found the opening of her dress and traced her fingers along the subtle recess of her spine. Catherine trembled in her arms. “Just before you make me completely lose my mind, I should probably call the girls and tell them I won’t be home tonight.”
Catherine smiled. “I called them today and asked for their permission and their blessing to be with you.”
“Wow. What was their response?”
“They were ecstatic. Zoë said I had their permission to ravage you senselessly.”
Olivia shook her head and laughed.
“I also called Brady and Austin. They were moved that I asked for their blessing. They welcomed me to the family.”
“That was really sweet that you called everyone.”
“I know how much it means to me to have my mother’s blessing. She loves you so much, Olivia, though I made her swear not to let on what I had planned for tonight. I wanted to make sure everyone we both loved felt the same way. I would’ve called your mother, but somehow I don’t think that would have been as important to you.”
Olivia grinned. “That’s for sure. But I’ll call her and tell her I’ve grown very fond of the Christmas gift she sent me.” They both laughed.
“Dana insisted on calling Ruth, too. You officially have tomorrow morning off work.”
“A miracle! You Irish women think of everything.”
Olivia stood back and skimmed her fingertips up Catherine’s arms, feeling her shudder beneath her touch. “I was just wondering if you’d hoped to wear this incredibly sexy dress anywhere outside this room tonight, because I’ve got this deep need to see it draped across a chair and have you draped across me.” Olivia brushed her lips along the slender column of Catherine’s neck.
Catherine arched her neck and basked in Olivia’s sensuous kisses. “I put it on for you. That gives you the right to do whatever you want with it.”
Olivia scraped her nails lightly down Catherine’s back and luxuriated in her breathless gasp. “Will I be ruining your dinner plans if you find it pooled at your feet in a few seconds?”
Catherine caught her breath. “I ordered us chicken salads and lemon meringue pie for dinner. Champagne is chilling on ice. Room service was kind enough to put the food in our fridge. They set a table on the balcony for us whenever we’re ready to eat.” She grazed her lips against Olivia’s upturned jaw. “Are you hungry?”
Olivia swallowed hard. “Food is the last thing on my mind right now.”
Catherine stared into those glistening amber eyes. “Let’s see if I can’t empty your mind.” She leaned closer and took Olivia’s lips with uninhibited lust. Olivia’s tongue demanded entrance and Catherine was happy to oblige.
Catherine stepped back from the kiss. This was a moment she’d been waiting for her whole life. “My heart belongs to you,” she whispered.
She slid her hands along the lapels of Olivia’s mocha jacket and slipped it from her shoulders, letting it drop to the floor. She traced her fingertips around the top silver button on Olivia’s silky black blouse before slowly releasing each one. Soon the blouse was on the floor as well. Catherine placed her hands on Olivia’s abdomen and circled her belly button with her thumbs. Olivia’s quick indrawn breath incited Catherine’s zealous yearning as she slid her hands up her tummy and over the edges of her bra.
Olivia closed her eyes and breathed deeply. “Darling, you’re sadly mistaken if you think I can stand here and take this much longer. I thought I’d warned you that patience is not one of my strong suits.”
Catherine skimmed her hands across the smooth, tanned skin of Olivia’s chest. She slid her palms over her ribs and luxuriated in her tenacious arousal. “I’m here to teach you patience, my love.”
Catherine hooked her fingers beneath the lacy material and released the center snap. She slowly eased the bra away, staring at Olivia in wonder, then leaned forward and trailed moist kisses between Olivia’s breasts. “God, I want you.” She slid her hands up the tense muscles of Olivia’s back and touched the tip of her tongue to her taut nipple. Olivia struggling to stay standing.
Catherine unhooked Olivia’s belt and eased her slacks to the floor. “I’ve never seen a woman as incredibly gorgeous as you.” She hooked her fingers beneath the lacy material of Olivia’s panties and slid them over her hips, then knelt as Olivia stepped out of them. She looked up into Olivia’s sizzling amber eyes as she ran her hands over her firm thighs, touching her slightly parted lips to her warm belly. Olivia groaned with impatience, took Catherine by the shoulders, and guided her to her feet.
“My turn,” she said, crushing her lips to Catherine’s with brazen insistence. She moved swiftly behind her and covered her tilted neck with suckling kisses, then gripped the zipper of her dress and slid it down, aroused to see that Catherine was wearing no bra. In moments, Catherine’s dress and panties had joined Olivia’s clothes on the floor.
The two women stared at each other, awed, each catching her breath. “Baby, I can’t stand this much longer,” Catherine said.
A voracious hunger filled Olivia as she walked Catherine back to the bed and laid her down on the cool pastel yellow sheets. Olivia eased herself over Catherine and slipped between her parted thighs. “I want you so much.”
Olivia touched her lips to the sensitive spot behind Catherine’s ear then slid lower and tantalized her peaked nipple. Catherine bowed against her eager mouth, weaving her fingers into Olivia’s hair. Olivia moved to her other breast and brushed the hardened nipple with long even strokes of her tongue, emboldened by the moans of Catherine’s staggering need. She allowed the nipple to slip from her mouth and moved to lean above Catherine. She looked into the stormy, half-opened eyes and kissed her softly. “I love you.”
Catherine threaded her fingers behind Olivia’s neck and held her head in her hands. “I love you, my darling.”
Olivia supported herself on one arm as she cupped Catherine’s breast in her hand. She stroked it in a light circular motion and heard Catherine inhale sharply. She slid her hand over her ribs as Catherine writhed beneath her.
“That feels wonderful,” Catherine murmured.
Olivia slid her hand across her hip and over her belly as Catherine spread her thighs wider. “You feel so incredible, my love.”
Catherine groaned. “Please touch me.”
Olivia grinned widely. “That would be my pleasure, my impatient little lover” Olivia skimmed her fingertips along the inside of Catherine’s thigh as Catherine strained toward her in open invitation. She combed her fingers through Catherine’s thick, dark mound and slipped through her silky wetness.
Catherine cried, “Oh, my God, darling, yes.”
Olivia touched the tip of her tongue to Catherine’s upturned jaw and down her neck. “You feel so amazingly wet, my love.” Olivia explored her velvety folds before plunging her fingers deep.
Catherine gasped Olivia’s name as she rocked her hips against her hand, falling into an abyss of raw bliss.
Olivia slipped from deep within her and found her rigid center, stroking with light, smooth strokes.
Catherine felt a hypersensitive coil of tingling tension build at the point of Olivia’s touch and spread throughout her tense muscles. She bunched the bed sheet in her fist as she felt herself slipping from the precarious ledge of this blistering ecstasy. The tightly coiled tension sprang free as she screamed Olivia’s name.
Olivia slipped back inside Catherine’s pulsing center, basking in her release. She brushed soft kisses across her lover’s flushed, hot cheek.
Catherine leaned her face against Olivia’s and sighed heavily. “Oh, my God, that was amazing.”
“It certainly was.”
Catherine s
miled as she traced Olivia’s lower lip with her thumb before touching the tip of her tongue to Olivia’s. Catherine indulged in Olivia’s wetness against her thigh as she eased Olivia onto her back and slid over her.
Their hands naturally entwined as Catherine brought Olivia’s arms above her head and stared into her shimmering eyes. She pressed herself firmly between Olivia’s thighs. Their tongues chased and clashed.
Catherine kissed Olivia’s shoulder, then the bend of her extended arm. Olivia sighed with pleasure as Catherine kissed her way to their joined hands. “Darling, you’re going to shatter my sanity, aren’t you?”
Catherine took Olivia’s fingertip into her mouth and sucked on it deeply. She leaned back over Olivia’s face. “Not shatter it. Just shake its foundation.”
Catherine held Olivia’s hands just above her head and ground her hips tight to Olivia’s. She loved Olivia’s lusty cries of delight as she kissed her curved neck and down across her chest. She moved to her firm breast and traced the outline of her nipple. She brought their entwined hands down to Olivia’s sides and laid a trail of kisses between her breasts and down her belly.
Olivia squirmed beneath her as each stroke fueled a slowly brimming keg of raw ecstasy. She spread her thighs wider as she felt Catherine slip lower between her legs and touch her lips to the inside of her thigh. She turned her face into the pillow. “Oh, God, babe, that feels amazing.”
Catherine’s tongue found her essence and Olivia cried out in pleasure. She gyrated her hips to Catherine’s rousing caresses as the mounting tension flowed and built. She felt her heart pounding in her chest as she battled to prolong this agonizing ecstasy.
Catherine lightly scraped her teeth across Olivia’s erect center as her lover groaned wildly and thrust one final time against her. She felt Olivia’s thighs tense against her shoulders as a surge of wetness bathed her tongue.
Olivia held her breath and tensed her legs as she felt the geyser tense and explode, ripping her from the grip of sanity. She heard a scream that vaguely sounded like her own voice as she soared free on wings of pure bliss.