She felt him long before she saw his face simply by the weakness in her knees and the tingling up and down her arms. Aimee went on alert, ripping through the faces of the crowd searching his out. Her heart began to pound. Nervously, she folded her hands. Deep down, she knew he'd already seen her; already picked a vantage point to watch her. She flushed with self-consciousness: Did her dress fit right? Was her make up smudged? Had she remembered deodorant? She grinned and greeted; smiling and yessing through small talk not really hearing a word spoken. She caught his laugh but missed him. Impatiently she tapped her wine glass. An angry Santa look-alike was bombarding her with questions from the seminar and whining about his career's direction. She patiently ignored him, sympathetically clucking her tongue and feigning interest.
She felt him approaching from behind like a freight train. Bracing herself, Aimee closed her eyes. His lips were thin and soft on the top of her shoulder. A small breath tickled the nape of her neck. He comfortably rested his hand lightly on the small of her back causing her body to flush with recognition. She bit her lip, glad she'd picked the dark blue spaghetti strapped dress. She wouldn't have wanted to miss the feel of his kiss.
"Hello Stranger." he said quietly; casually sliding his arm around her and patting her hip.
Aimee turned to look at her ex-lover. In her mind, she'd rehearsed these words, this encounter but he'd disarmed her with his sexy grin and eager eyes roaming her frame, appreciating its curves.
"Hello to you." she said quietly.
"I was glad to see your name on the seminar list. And here you are. You did a fantastic job today. You look great."
" Thank you. I've worked very hard. And so do you, as always." trying to remain dry.
"So, how're things?" he tried again
"Fine. Very well, actually."
"I've heard." He returned over the top of his wine glass. This caused her to raise her eyebrow.
"People like to talk. " he shrugged.
She nodded slowly. Yes they did and they had talked a great deal about and to her. This was painful but she was trying to steel herself. Aimee turned the conversation to neutral territory and he was gracious enough to saunter along. She fought for lightheartedness and found they still enjoyed similar things and laughing together. He did not leave her side and the rest of the people seemed to melt away. It became the two of them.
She was winding down her evening, thanking colleagues, getting contact information and the usual promises to reconnect after the seminar when he began to steer her toward the door; hastening her pace. She thought of the times when this was her favorite part of the night. She would have him to herself. She could finally call him her own. He quickly ushered her passed the stragglers and down the hall. Her step became jagged. She felt like a child on her way to being punished.
"Excuse me." she finally stopped, pulling her arm free from his grip. "What do you think you are doing?" She cocked her hip and tapped her foot.
"Exactly what needs to be done." and he stepped in front of her.
His kiss was hungry, longing, almost crushing. She pulled away startled by his presumptuousness least of all her own desire.
"EXCUSE me." she said again almost breathlessly
"I forgot how amazing you look." he said quietly; tracing her jaw. His warm fingers drew along her shoulders flipping the strap down her arm. "And taste. I forgot how much I could want you." he whispered into the hollow of her throat. She giggled, her breath catching in her chest. She leaned into him to keep her knees from buckling. Cautiously, she wound her arms around his neck, raking her hands through his hair. She wanted him so very much. Her body was burning.
He pulled her to him, hugging her too long. "We need to go." he gruffed and lead her down the hall to the elevators, holding her hand.
"What floor?" she asked.
"yours."
"Ha. What makes you think..." she began but trailed off as his hands found her hips. His mouth barely met the nape of her neck.
"Because I haven't forgotten everything. I know where to kiss you. How to touch you. I know you Aimee. Let me show you.." his fingers trailed the seam of her dress. Slowly he lifted her hem, his palms gliding around her legs to pull her against him. Aimee closed her eyes, interlacing her fingers with his. She leaned back bringing his hands up to her breasts. He groaned softly into her hair. The elevator bounced to a stop; the doors sliding open. Silently they walked down the hall to her room. Once inside she set her purse on the table and turned to him. He smiled, brushing her hair from her face. He tilted her chin and kissed her gently; tasting her lips teasing them apart with his tongue. Her response was almost shy. Her fingers lightly caressing his chest.
"What's wrong?" His thumbs playfully drawing circles across her belly and slipping down along her hips.
"This hurts. I wasn't good enough before, but I am now? Why? Are you alone in your life or just tonight?" she tried to sound strong, but her voice was small. She was sure he could feel her knees knocking.
He sighed. "You've always been good enough. We're just too tangled up to make this work." there was true regret in his words.
"I loved you. It was all I wanted to do. I still do. Please don't hurt me with that." again, she meant to sound scornful, but knew it came across as pouty and childish.
"I love you too. I wish it could have been different. We have our memories."
"You trashed them. You trashed me."
"Then let's make new ones."
He began his crusade against her clothes. The straps of her dress succumbed first as it rushed to her hips. His breath was warm and soft against her rushes of goosebumps. He dropped to his knees, tasting her curves and desire with each kiss. Aimee cradled his head almost tearing at him through his shirt. Encircling her waist he pulled her down to him. She settled above his hips; relishing the heat of his mouth and the softness of his flesh. Carefully, she unbuttoned his shirt, touching him gently with her fingertips and lips. She heard him gasp softly as she tugged at his belt.
"Help you?" he giggled reaching for the buckle.
"Mine." she swatted at him almost growling.
Her hands swept over his hips and down his legs removing his trousers. Her body ached to feel all him. Her breath was hot across his flesh. Her mouth was soft but eager. She felt his thighs tense as she kissed him. He moaned quietly. Her rhythm was a little faster, her tongue and mouth were firm around his body.
He pulled at her; sitting up to cup her form. She grabbed his shoulders, moving steadily with him. He clutched at her; kissing her deeply. The world fell away. Aimee's muscles quivered inside, the heat he stirred in her causing her to groan and pant with his movements. He felt her tighten around him, moving urgently, hungrily. Her back straight, he watched the smile begin in the corners of her mouth, her head rocking back spilling her long hair along his hands. Her voice rose just a little and came in breathy hitches. He felt the spark in his knees and grabbed her. She feel forward kissing his face whispering his name begging him not to stop.
Her body was tense and slick. She shuddered under his hands, his mouth. The wave crashed into them; through their bodies like the fuse of a firework. She cried out as ecstasy ravaged her skin. He pushed against her not being able to feel enough of her body, her skin, her soul. Sweat trickled along his back. His want for her exploding in a rush of heat and electricity. She clung to him even when sleep came. He watched her: her smile was pure, whole and soft. He held her closely, basking in completeness, the bliss.
Morning brought sun, coffee, and sad realization. She watched him as he shaved; tenderly reaching for him.
"Don't go." she said against his shoulder with a kiss.
"You know I have to. We can't share lives. We never could." he avoided her wounded gaze.
"Nothing is done that can't be undone." she trailed.
"Same time next year? I'm counting the days." and he turned to kiss her deeply because he simply didn't know what else to do. He could never have what he truly wanted. He had to let her go.
"Could it have been me?" The tear burned his heart. He didn't want to hurt her. Ever.
"It should have been." he exhaled heavily.
He held her close memorizing the curves of her body; feeling desire rise once again for the fit of her thighs around him; her passion.
It was a cordial hug and peck over coffee. She cried softly in the cab that returned her to her home and life. She cordoned off that section of her heart that glowed with adoration and love for him. She would save it. Hide it. Until this same time next year.
He stared out the window, absently chewing his finger, his thoughts slowly, finally progressing to business, home and all the things he had. He punched a date in his Blackberry. He tucked her away for now.
Just a little something different. I hope you have a nice day and enjoyed the change of pace.
