The Perfect Valentine's Day
A/N The characters' names and general physical description belong to Charlaine Harris. Their personalities, frailties, and backstories are based loosely on people I have known or been.
EPOV
Upon rising, I looked outside to see what the weather was like. In this part of Texas one just never knew. Just a couple of years ago there was a heavy snow, some years the temperature is in the 70's. Well shit, at least it's not raining yet. The clouds were low and thick, but the temperature was well above freezing. I had rather hoped for sunny, cool weather-- more conducive to my plans for the evening. Weather be damned, I had made up my mind. Tonight was the night. We'd been dancing around it too long. Ten months can be an eternity.
Just last week Sookie had made it clear that she was expecting something great for our first Valentine's Day together. She'd never really had one to speak of. Knowing something about her relationship with her one and only ex, I figured she was telling me the truth. Well, she needn't worry, if I were any judge of the so called fairer sex, this one was going to rock her world.
I retrieved my phone from the night table and sent a good morning text, as was my habit any morning we didn't wake up beside each other.
MRNG, LUV. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY .E
As I showered, I made a mental list of the chores I had to accomplish today: Call the jeweler, check on the reservations, stop by the florist, pack my carryon bag. Okay, I assured myself I had it all under control. All except my emotional state, that is. I felt like a teenager about to lose his cherry—happy, excited, but nervous—all at the same time.
Out of the shower and dressed for the day, I dialed the number of the premier jewelry store in town. "Tony Vinson Jewelers, how may I direct your call?" the pleasant voice answered on the second ring.
"I need to speak to Michael in Custom Designs, please. This is Eric Northman."
"Yes sir, he'll be right with you," she answered courteously.
As I waited, listening to "Love is a Many Splendored Thing," I wondered why they didn't update their on hold music, but I didn't have to wonder for long.
"Mr. Northman, how are you today, sir," Michael gushed into the phone.
"I'm fine, thank you. Just wanted to check and be sure the piece I ordered would be ready for pickup today," I said, hoping for the right answer.
"Oh, yes, sir, it's ready to go. You may pick it up whenever you are ready. And, sir, it is beautiful, if I may say so. Your lady will be very pleased, I'm sure," still with the gushing. I rolled my eyes. They already had my money.
"Very well, I'll be in this afternoon. See you then, Michael, and thank you for your help." I closed my phone, stuffing it in my pocket, picked up my briefcase and headed out the door. I'd take care of the other calls later.
Before I could get down the stairs, my phone sounded with Sookie's ringtone. "Hi, sweetheart, Happy Valentine's Day!" I answered.
"Oh, Eric, it is a happy one already. The flowers just arrived. They are gorgeous! Thank you for remembering that I wanted something special for today. I've never had anything this extravagant before," she spoke without taking a breath.
I chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Slow down, little one, the day has just begun. There are a lot more surprises in store for you. Before the day is over, I hope February 14th will be your favorite day of the year, rather than one you look upon with dread of disappointment."
"You spoil me, Eric. It's one of the reasons I love you so much! I can hardly wait to see what happens next. Any hints?" she teased.
"No hints. Just dress nicely for our date tonight. I'll pick you up at 7. I've got quite a lot to do today, so I may not be able to call you again, but I'll text. Oh, and by the way, I love you too," I said in what she calls my sexy voice.
"Okay, bye, bye, then. Have a good day." She disconnected, and I'm sure headed straight to the large bouquet of mixed flowers I had sent to touch and smell and appreciate every one of them. That was one of the great pleasures of Sookie—she was so grateful for the slightest show of affection. That bastard Bill should be horse whipped for not treating her the way she deserved.
As I drove into my office, I thought back to the night we met. I'd been batching it at the time and decided to call some of the guys to go out and do something for a change. We had ended up at the White Horse Saloon. The music was good, the beer was cold, and the room was loud with the party atmosphere of a Texas Saturday night. At a table in the corner I noticed a beautiful blonde with a couple of other young ladies. She looked to be in her early twenties, blue eyed, and curvy in all the right places. I was tired of seeing those girls who were so thin their bones showed. She didn't look like the kind of girl who would make that "vampire repelling cross" with her fingers at the sight of a nice crusty loaf of bread or a slice of pecan pie. In short, my kind of girl.
It didn't take long for me to muster the courage to carry a couple of Shiner Bocks over to the table and offer her one, "I noticed yours was empty, and since I needed another, too, well…"
As soon as she raised her eyes to mine, her cheeks pinked in the most lovely blush I'd ever beheld. "Ah, she's a shy one, too," I thought.
"Thank you, but I…" she stammered, then giggled, as her friends encouraged her to take the offered bottle.
"Why don't you join us?" said the girl sitting next to her. "I'm Tara, this is Amelia, and this mute beauty is Sookie. She's very glad to meet you, and wants to thank you for the beer. Right, Sook?"
"Uh, oh yeah, right, thank you, umm, what's your name?"
Surely she wasn't drunk already, and nobody that cute could be that shy, could they? "I'm Eric, Eric Northman. Hi, Sookie." I handed her the beer as I took the seat across from her.
"Well, Eric, it was real nice to meet you, but Amelia and I have other fish to fry on the dance floor. You two have fun, ya hear?" Tara said as she pulled Amelia out of her chair and on to the floor.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too…" They were already out of earshot before I could get the sentence out. "So, Sookie, are you having fun?" Lame. Why didn't I just go with, 'you come here often?' I must be losing my touch.
"It's a great place. I've never been here before. Mostly I go to much smaller, more obscure clubs, with alternative rock instead of country," she answered, then shrunk back as if she'd said way too much.
"You prefer rock?" I asked.
"I like all kinds of music, but my boyfriend…this guy I date is in a band. I usually just go with him when he has a gig." She was peeling the label off the beer bottle as she looked at it intently.
"You have a boyfriend. Sorry if I offended you with the beer," I hope my voice didn't sound as deflated as my ego felt.
"No, it's okay. It's, we're, well, things aren't great lately. That's why I'm here with Tara and Amelia tonight. Normally he wouldn't let me…."
"Wouldn't let you?" I knew my raised eyebrow would reinforce the indignant tone of my voice, but, who is this guy anyway?
"I didn't mean it that way. He just likes me to be there when his band performs," she said sheepishly.
"Oh, okay, I see now," I lied. "Well, I'm glad you're here tonight. Want to dance?"
"I shouldn't, oh, yes, yes, I would like to dance. Thank you, Eric," she gave a shy smile and took a big gulp of her Shiner.
I led her onto the floor and joined the couples already engaged in a lively two step. She was a little unsure of herself, saying she didn't dance much, but it wasn't long before she was keeping up perfectly. She was a natural. We danced, laughed, and sipped more beers as the evening wore on. I just couldn't get over how absolutely captivating she was. I wanted to ask her a million probing, personal questions, but I didn't want to scare her off. Instead I started plotting in my head the sudden demise of this "boyfriend" who, from what little I'd heard so far, wasn't nearly good enough for Sookie.
My suspicions were confirmed later when we sat down at the table to rest. Maybe it was the Shiner Bock talking, but she began to open up about her relationship. She'd been dating Bill since high school, her only real boyfriend. She'd always thought she loved him. They were together all the time. Sure, it was mostly doing the things he wanted, but isn't that what it's like when you're part of a couple? His band played almost every Friday and Saturday night, so their "dates" were mostly limited to going to the clubs where they were booked. Afterward, she'd just hang around with all the guys while they drank and talked and laughed about the show. None of the other guys had steady girls, except for Niles, who was married, but they had a baby, so his wife didn't come. Anyway, it wasn't until just recently she started thinking maybe there was something missing. Other couples seemed more, more equal in sharing their interests. Not that she wasn't interested in music, she always had been. It was hard to pin down, but suddenly she just wasn't as satisfied as she thought with the way things were going.
"Oh, my God, Eric, I'm so sorry. I'm just blabbering on and on. You must be so bored!" she said finally.
"Bored, never, Sookie. I'm very interested in you, in everything about you. I don't much like the things you're telling me about this Bill guy, but I'm not bored," I said patting her hand.
"I don't even know why I'm telling you all this. I've never talked this way about Bill or our relationship to anybody except Octavia, this older lady at work. She's really the one who made me start taking stock of the whole thing. She overheard a phone call one day, and, well, she said she didn't want me ending up in the kind of relationship she'd been stuck in for years. My mom or Tara or Amelia don't even know how I'm feeling, although none of them are particularly fond of Bill. I'm sure that's why Tara and Ames cleared out so quickly when you came over," she spoke earnestly.
"Well, maybe I had a trustworthy look or something," I offered. "Anyway, Sookie, I think you're amazing. I would love to see you again, but because of your, um situation, I'm not going to call you. I'm giving you my number. If you want to get together, and I hope you do, just give me a call. How does that sound?"
"Almost too good to be true, Eric. Thanks for being so understanding. It's been a pleasure to meet you. I've had a great time," she smiled at me, but her eyes looked as if they would brim over at any moment.
I pressed my business card into her hand as I bent to kiss her on the cheek, "Good night, Sookie. I hope it's not goodbye."
As I pulled into my parking spot, I smiled thinking about how her voice sounded on the phone two weeks later. Thank you, God.
SPOV
I'd been lying in bed awake for about twenty minutes when I heard my phone ping. That would be Eric's text. I smiled to think how he never forgot. He'd send one every morning first thing, unless, of course, he could just roll over and give me a good morning kiss. I reached over to the bedside table and read the message. Valentine's Day! My stomach did a flip flop. I'd had high hopes for Valentine's Day ever since I'd been old enough to date. Unfortunately, my hopes were never met, not even close. Even though I'd had a steady boyfriend since my senior year of high school, Bill wasn't exactly what you'd call romantic. He bought me a heart-shaped box of chocolates the first two years, then a card the next, then, well, nothing. "I couldn't think of anything you might like," he'd say. Give me a fucking break! I know what I did was ridiculously needy, but I'd actually mentioned to Eric that I expected a good Valentine's Day from him, since my experiences had been so lacking in the past. You know, I sort of felt that even if I hadn't said that, he would have remembered to wish me "Happy Valentine's Day." He was so thoughtful, spoiled me so much.
Rolling out of bed, I headed for the shower. I knew Eric was taking me out tonight, but had no idea of his plans. I didn't have to work, so I didn't really know what I'd do all day. I put on sweats and went to the kitchen for a bowl of oatmeal. It was dreary outside, but not raining. Yet.
Just as I placed the empty bowl in the dishwasher, the doorbell rang. Looking out the side panel window, I saw a florist delivery truck in the driveway. "Oh, boy! Flowers! Before Eric, no man had ever sent me flowers! Well, if you don't count Daddy."
I opened the door and was greeted by a nice young delivery girl who beamed, "Sookie Stackhouse? Happy Valentine's Day!" She carried a huge white wicker basket filled with flowers of many colors and descriptions. I'd literally never seen a more beautiful arrangement in my life.
"Thank you," I squeaked out, a lump in my throat despite my elation.
Closing the door, I carried the substantial basket and placed it on the table. I immediately grabbed my phone and dialed Eric's number.
I knew I was acting like a kid at Christmas, but, dammit, that's how I felt. He laughed at me, and promised more to come. God, I love this man! After I hung up, I went back to admiring the flowers in my basket. Maybe I'd spend all day just looking at it. Wait, what did he say, "Dress nicely?" What would that mean to a man who tells me how great I look with no makeup, hair in a ponytail, wearing a faded t-shirt and jeans? I'd better go check my closet.
I pulled out a few seldom worn "nice" outfits, but all were so outdated, I decided how I would spend part of my day. I was going shopping. I would buy a new dress. I wasn't talking JCPenney's clearance rack, which was my usual shopping destination. I didn't have a lot of money to spend, but I could treat myself this once. I changed clothes and headed for Hulen Mall.
I walked down the mall looking in all the shops, trying to decide which one to go in. Some seemed to cater exclusively to teens and tweens, so they were out. Some were just too far out for my taste. Finally I came across Christopher & Banks. I'd heard of that, but never shopped there. It was fairly conservative, but a tick or two above my usual. I walked in as if I knew exactly where I was and what I wanted. To my surprise, they even had sales on some dresses that were just what I was looking for. Since the weather wasn't great today, I wanted something not too bare. I didn't want to overdress, since I had no idea what the plans were. Surely Eric would have said something if I needed a cocktail dress. I decided on a cherry colored, long sleeved dress that was nicely fitted, with detail in the front at the waist. It had a deep U neck. If I do say so myself, it was perfect for my curvy figure. I pulled out my checkbook and headed for the shoe store.
I can't do four inch heels, even if it would put me closer to Eric's 6foot 4inch height, but I found some very pretty black platform pumps with a peeptoe. Because the color of the dress was so unusual, I didn't really think red would be right with it, so I decided to go with the black ones.
When I strode out of the mall happily balancing my packages, the sky was clearing. The good news was it would be a prettier afternoon. The bad news was it would be colder tonight. I would need a coat. I didn't really have any dressy coats, but I didn't want to turn around and spend more money, so I decided to talk to Tara. That girl knew how to dress up! I remembered a black brocade swing coat that would work nicely with my new acquisitions. Dialing her number, I felt that tingling in my stomach that signals an anxiety attack on the way. For some reason, I still had not learned to trust the happiness I feel with Eric. Too many disappointments in the past, I guess.
"Hey, Sook, what's up?" she answered distractedly. "I'm pretty busy here, but I got a minute for you."
"Sorry, Tara, I was just going to ask if I could borrow that black brocade coat of yours tonight. If you're not going to wear it, that is."
"Oh, sure, girlfriend. It's yours. Just use you key and go by and get it. I won't really have time to bring it over. Eggs and I have a really casual evening planned, so I won't be needing anything that fancy. You and Eric doing the town, huh?"
"Well, he really hasn't told me too much, just to dress nicely. I bought a dress and shoes, but didn't really want to buy a new coat too. You're sure you don't mind?"
"What are friends for? Gotta run, Sookie, have fun, and I want details!" she said as she hung up the phone.
I drove to Tara's apartment, let myself in, as I had so many times before, and went to the bedroom. Opening her big walk-in closet, I wondered how Tara afforded all the great clothes she had, but that was none of my business. I grabbed the black coat and headed out the door.
When I was inside and had my new and borrowed clothes put away, I grabbed something quick to eat. My stomach was still churning with excitement and anxiety, but I forced down some crackers and a slice of cheese. Gazing dreamily at my beautiful flowers, I wondered what plans Eric had for tonight. He was certainly a master at choosing the best places to go for a good time. I had been to more eclectic, entertaining venues in the last ten months than I had in my whole life. Eric was a romantic, too, giving me little, thoughtful gifts all the time, and sending me cute emails, text messages, and greeting cards often. What man does that? Shaking my head and chastising myself for my doubts, I rose and decided to soak in a fragrant tub to calm my nerves.
As I basked in the warmth of the water and the aroma of lavender, my mind drifted back to our meeting ten months ago. At the time I was having real doubts about my relationship with Bill. He had been my first boyfriend, and I guess I was naïve. Hell, I know I was. I didn't even have sense enough to realize he wasn't treating me the way he should. I had been shy as a girl for two reasons. First, I thought I was ugly. I had worn thick glasses from the time I was old enough to keep them on. Not many kids in my school did, so I stood out and was the target of mean little boys, and girls, for that matter. Then there was creepy Uncle Bartlett. He insured that I was afraid of men and what they could do to me. Anyway, when Bill seemed interested in me, after I had contacts and my ample breasts had started to develop, I just fell for him, hard. It wasn't until a few years later that I realized I didn't really love him. He was comfortable, I guess, but when I saw the relationship others had, I knew ours, well, mine, anyway, was lacking. It wasn't until I had finally told him goodbye and started dating Eric that I realized just how much it was lacking. Being a virgin when I started dating Bill, and sexually uptight, courtesy of Uncle Bartlett, I'd never realized how much I was missing in that department until Eric.
It didn't take long to realize that I'd never even had an orgasm before. Then there were the presents, and the countless little considerate things Eric did. This is what love is supposed to be like.
My bath water was growing cold, but I had a distinct warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I could hardly wait for tonight. I hopped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. Just then a text came in:
HI SOOK THNKG UV U. CU AT7 E
A thrill went through my whole body. I sat down in front of the mirror to start on my makeup and hair.
EPOV
I guess it was a good thing I had so much work to occupy my mind all day. Even so I kept drifting back to daydreams of Sookie, and how delicious tonight was going to be. Suddenly it dawned on me that I hadn't sent her a text since we'd talked earlier, so as I packed my briefcase to head out of the office, I grabbed my phone and typed a quick message. It didn't say anything close to what I wanted, but that was going to have to wait until we were face to face, body to body. Oh, dear God, I'll never make it until seven!
I pulled out of the parking garage and turned toward the jewelry store. It was quite a trip, but I wanted something extra special, and Tony Vinson was the place for that. They were known for their custom designs, as well as the exclusive brands they carried. I got a thrill when I thought of how Sookie's eyes were going to light up when she flipped open that blue velvet box tonight. Pulling into the parking lot, I closed my eyes and saw the design I had drawn. I wanted it fresh in my mind so I could compare the real thing that I would be seeing in moments.
When I stepped through the door, I was greeted warmly by the clerk out front, "Mr. Northman, come in. I'll tell Michael you are here. I'm sure you are going to be pleased."
Michael stepped from the back holding the box and the glass for me to examine the diamonds. As he opened the lid, my throat tightened at the sight of it. What was I, a girl? But it was so beautiful. It was my design, but still it looked even better than I had envisioned it. It was so Sookie, so perfect. I inspected it carefully and was thoroughly pleased with everything I saw. The diamonds were flawless, the setting lovely, the total effect exactly what I wanted. I thanked Michael, promising to visit again soon, and left with even more anticipation of the night ahead, although I would not have thought it possible.
Next stop, the florist. A flower shop on Valentine's Day wasn't the proverbial Grand Central Station, it was much busier than that. Between the men who waited until now to decide they needed to buy something and the harried clerks, it was nothing if not a madhouse. Sometimes it pays to be recognized, and this was one of those times. Sandra, the clerk at the desk looked up with a hard-to-manage smile, "Ah, Mr. Northman, good to see you. I'll get your order." She turned and opened the refrigerated box behind her and pulled out a nosegay, resplendent in shades of red, pink, and white.
I opened the box that held the delicate bouquet and breathed in deeply. I smiled up at Sandra, "Beautiful, and so fragrant too. Thank you. I trust the roses have been delivered also?"
"Yes sir, they were sent to the hotel room an hour ago, just as you requested. Is there anything more, Mr. Northman?" she asked, looking as if she sincerely hoped there wasn't.
"No, thank you, Sandra, I'll be on my way and let you tend to your other customers now," I smiled and winked. She flashed a weak smile and turned back to help the masses.
Gently placing the box on the passenger seat, I headed my Corvette for home, again feeling like a kid on his way to Disneyland. Damn, I am such a goner!
After I dressed, I grabbed my carryon and packed the things we'd need tonight. I got our toothbrushes and Sookie's makeup case from the bathroom. I pulled the tissue-wrapped lingerie from my drawer. I had to open the pink bundles to see which one I wanted to take tonight. When I had shopped at Victoria's Secret last week, I couldn't decide which one to buy, so I took them both. After I got home, I decided to give her the dark pink lace appliquéd satin slip tonight, and keep the soft plum mesh and lace babydoll for later. Both were sexy without being too daring. As accomplished in bed as she was, my Sookie was no slut, and I would not dress her like one, or treat her like one.
An hour and a half later I stood on Sookie's front porch, flower box in hand and battling the butterflies in my stomach as if it were our first date. Fuck, I wasn't even this nervous on our real first date. Cowboy up, Northman, you big wimp! I rang the bell.
As the door opened, I was greeted with the vision that was Sookie. She wore red, my favorite color, but not fire engine red, a cherry sort of color that looked so good against her creamy skin and blonde hair. That lovely hair was pulled back from her face and piled into loose curls on top, with generous strands still brushing her shoulders and back. That skin was bared from her neck to just above her perfect breasts, and I detected the blush I so loved to see. Fighting the urge to pick her up and carry her to the bedroom right then and there, I instead mouthed a silent, "Wow," and handed her the box.
"Oh, Eric, more flowers?" she said breathlessly. "This is too much."
"For you, never enough, let alone too much," I whispered feeling hopelessly corny, but unable to stop myself.
She pulled the bouquet from the box and put it to her nose. "Ummm, so spicy, I love this, Eric, and the big basket too. Come here," she reached her arms to me for a hug.
I gladly stepped to her and claimed her willing embrace. I bent to kiss her, and had to force myself to stop at her lips. "It's going to be a long night," I explained when she gave me a curious look, knowing I didn't usually stop so abruptly. "We'd better pace ourselves. You ready?"
She just nodded, grabbed a black brocade coat that I helped her pull on, and off we went for a night I hoped lived up to both our expectations.
SPOV
Even though I had been ready for about thirty minutes, and I knew Eric would be right on time, as he always was, I jumped when the doorbell rang. Hurrying to answer it, I opened the door wide and stood back so that Eric could step in. I also wanted him to be able to see me fully as he came in. I'm not usually so vain, but I was really proud of the way I looked tonight. The color and neckline of the dress showed off my winter skin, which I usually hated, since I preferred to be tanned. My hair looked damn good, if I do say so, and I was ready to be admired. And, boy, did I feel admired. Eric's deep blue eyes smoldered as he looked me up and down, lingering longest on the area between my neck and bust. I felt the heat of a blush rising as he took me in. Then two extremely rare things happened. First, he appeared to be speechless as he just mouthed, "Wow," without making a sound. Then after he'd given me more flowers, and I'd asked for a hug, he gave me quite the chaste kiss on the lips and suddenly pulled back. No tongue, no trailing to my neck, who is this guy? Eric certainly wasn't known for holding back, not since we'd been intimate, at least. Then it was my turn to be speechless as he explained we needed to pace ourselves for a long night. I was flooded with happiness and nerves at the same time.
Eric helped me into his red Corvette and walked around to the other side. As soon as we started up the street I asked, "Now can you tell me where we are going?"
He chuckled and said, "First stop is dinner at Ferre' in Sundance Square, okay?"
"Eric," I breathed, "I've never been there, but I hear it's nice. I hope you aren't spending a fortune on tonight, because that wasn't really what I meant when I said I wanted something special."
"I'm not spending anywhere near what you are worth, my love, and I only want to make this a night you'll remember," he answered and covered my hand with his. I had to swallow a lump already. Oh, Lord, would I make it through this night without crying like some desperate little girl?
We parked in a lot near the restaurant and walked the rest of the way. I wondered why he didn't just use the valet parking, but didn't ask. Inside I looked around like one of those kids who just walked into the Chocolate Factory. It was nice, but not too fancy. We were led to a table for two in a not-too-well-lit corner. Because it was Valentine's Day, they had a special menu with special pricing, so I was glad to see Eric wasn't blowing a whole paycheck on dinner. We started the meal with creamy golden gazpacho, then moved on to the next course. I had the organic salad, while Eric ordered something called Cappucino al Pomadoro Soup. That seemed weird to me since we'd just had gazpacho, but Eric didn't really like salad in the winter, so… Next was the entrée, and I wanted the Salmon, but Eric wanted Beef Tenderloin, so he just ordered us glasses of the house wine, white for me, red for him, instead of some expensive bottle. For dessert we had dark chocolate Polenta Cake mmmmm, dark chocolate. The food was great, the service couldn't have been better, and I was in heaven already. If Eric had taken me home straight from the restaurant, I would have been happy, but that wasn't what he had planned.
When we exited the restaurant we turned left and walked the four blocks to Scat Jazz Lounge. "Feel like a little music?" Eric asked before we went in.
"Always!" I answered, snuggling in closer to him.
When we were seated, he ordered us each a drink. I sipped my gin and tonic slowly. He did say it was going to be a long night, and I didn't want to miss even one moment by being tipsy. We only stayed in the jazz club about an hour. The group was great, and the atmosphere full of romance, but apparently Eric had yet another outing planned. I'd noticed he checked his watch a few times, and wondered if he was bored, but, no, that wasn't it. When we walked out of the club, waiting at the curb was a horse-drawn carriage from Brazos Coaches. Eric stopped on the sidewalk instead of turning toward the lot where his car was parked. I looked up at him with a question in my eyes, "Ours, really?"
"Your coach, m'lady," he said as he bowed at the waist. I couldn't suppress the giggle that came from deep within me. He helped me up into the carriage, and pulled the blankets over our laps. "We're ready," he said to the driver, and we pulled away from the curb.
In the dark of the coach, I could barely make out Eric's face, but his eyes shone down as I looked up into them, "Oh, Eric, this is so, so romantic. This is not just the best Valentine's Day I've ever had, it's the best night. I can't believe you did all this. I love you." I didn't want to cry, so I made sure I didn't close my eyelids, not even to blink. The tears pushed at the back of my eyeballs, but I was determined they would stay right there.
"Sookie, you are the love of my life. I will do this and more to let you know how I feel," he said hoarsely as he pulled me to him for a kiss. Though not showing as much restraint this time as he did earlier, it was still not the passionate, hungry kiss I was used to from him. I was getting more and more confused.
EPOV
For the second time tonight I fought the urge to kiss Sookie in the deep, searching way I wanted. Be patient, it's almost time, I reminded myself. I pulled back and looked down into her beautiful face. As the gentle movement of the carriage rocked us, I gazed into her eyes which appeared clouded in the scant light from the street lamps. She was wondering about my hesitant kisses. Don't blow this, Northman. Do it now.
I sat up, reached into my inside jacket pocket and pulled out the blue velvet box. I did my best to get down on a knee in the coach, not an easy feat for a man my height.
"Sookie," I said, as steadily as I could manage, "I want to spend the rest of my life giving you nights like tonight. I want to give you your every desire. Will you marry me?" I held out the box to her and watched her eyes go from their previous cloudy, confused state to one of star-filled wonder. Knowing her, the tears couldn't be far away, but she kept them at bay for now.
SPOV
Don't cry. Don't cry. For God's sake, Sookie, don't cry. I was staring down at the most exquisite ring I had ever seen. The center diamond must have been a full carat, with smaller diamonds on each side tapering down to meet the white gold band. I could barely breathe, let along speak. I looked up at Eric, and somehow managed to hold the tears back. "I will, yes, I will, Eric," my voice was only a squeaky whisper, but it was the best I could do.
He took the ring from its blue velvet perch and took my left hand in his. "Sookie, nothing I could ever buy will let you know the depth of my love for you, but I hope this ring gives you some idea. I designed it with you in mind. I hope you like it, Sweetheart." He slid it slowly onto my finger and gently kissed my fingertips before letting me inspect it more closely.
"It's perfect, Eric, like this night, like you. Thank you," I said as the tears started.
Eric got up from his precarious place in front of me and joined me back on the seat. He pulled me immediately to him. There was no holding back this time. His kiss was deep, he sucked and nibbled at my bottom lip, as I matched his ardor with my own mouth. My hands sought his chest and pulled at his shirt. This brought him up short, "Not yet, little one, very soon, but not yet." When I pouted he kissed me again, over and over, but with loosely closed lips. It did little to dampen my fire, but if he could wait, so could I.
Within minutes, the carriage pulled to a stop. The driver descended to help us out, and I saw Eric's Corvette in the parking lot where we had left it. Now I understood. I thanked the driver for the ride (probably lame, but I was taught to be polite.)
When Eric opened the door for me, I looked up and said in the sexiest voice I could, "Take me home, Stud, I have a gift for you too."
"Not home, but if your gift is what I hope it is, you can give it to me where we're going next," he said and waggled his eyebrows.
I couldn't believe we were going somewhere else. What else could possibly be left to do?
EPOV
I got Sookie settled in the passenger seat and walked to the other side of the car. I looked over to see her admiring the ring on her finger again. I must have done well. She traced around it with the fingers of her right hand and smiled sweetly. If she knew I was watching, she certainly didn't let on. When I pulled up in front of the Ashton Hotel, she looked up, then gazed at me with open mouth, "A hotel, but Eric, I didn't…"
I placed a finger over her lips and said, "But I did," as I reached into the back for my bag. "I've got everything we need."
I held the door for her as the valet jumped in to park the car. We went in together. I carried the bag, she carried the flowers she'd had with her all night. I went to the desk and got the key card. In the elevator, I turned to her. She looked up, and I bent to kiss her, "What was your favorite part of tonight?"
Biting her bottom lip and demurely swaying her body back and forth she answered with a devilish grin, "Wow, it's really hard to say, and it would be hard to beat this," she held out her left hand and wiggled her fingers, "but I think maybe my favorite part is yet to come."
"Yeah, mine too," I said as I smothered her lips with mine.
When we got to the room, I opened the door, and swept Sookie into my arms to carry her in. I set her down, dropped the bag, and pulled her to me again. There was no reason to stop, or even take it slow now.
SPOV
I couldn't believe Eric had booked us a hotel room, but I was glad we didn't have to wait even the length of the ride home to be in each other's arms. Tonight had been the most amazing of my life, the most amazing I could even imagine in my wildest dreams. As I looked around the room, I noticed how well appointed it was. Not just that, but Eric had pulled out all the stops. There was a huge arrangement of red and white roses with baby's breath and lemon leaves. There were the obligatory chocolate-dipped strawberries, and not just a bottle of champagne, but a bottle of Dom. I just turned and stared at him, shaking my head. He nodded and grinned in answer.
Bending down to pick up his carryon, he retrieved a bundle wrapped in pink tissue paper.
"Why don't you go change into this while I open the champagne?" he smiled wickedly.
"Eric, not another present. This is just too much!" I scolded in a mocking voice, but of course I was pleased to no end.
I went into the huge, beautiful bathroom, and pulled out a lovely satin slip with lace. The color was a deep pink, and it was beautiful. I carefully removed my clothes, hanging them as best I could and slipped into the dreamy satin. It felt so good on my skin. The neckline plunged deeply, and the lace over the swell of my breasts created a very sexy look. Just anticipating the look in Eric's eyes when I entered the room wearing this made me wet.
I didn't walk out of that bathroom, I strutted, ready for the games to begin. Eric stood by the small loveseat in the room, wearing black silk boxers and the hotel robe, not tied. Oh, God.
I walked to him, as he held out glasses of the effervescent wine, knowing my blush would soon match the color of the garment I wore.
He handed me a glass, and I took one sip. He did the same, then took both our glasses and set them back on the room service cart. "Who needs it?" he asked, pulling me to him. Finally the waiting was over. He ran his hands over the smooth satin covering my back and my butt.
Ooooh, it felt so good. I put my hands under the open robe and circled his waist. My fingers toyed with the band of his boxers. He crushed my body to his and I could feel his rock hard erection. I began to move against it as he massaged my hips in rhythm. I leaned back a bit and he moved one hand to my breast, rubbing, still outside the silky slip. I moaned, and he groaned and made a motion toward the love seat. "Uhhh, unh," I hissed. This felt too good to stop, and I was getting close. I bent back my head, and he kissed my neck, licking and sucking, over and over. That was all it took. I came, clothed, however scantily, and standing up, I came with a heart-pounding, knee-weakening, scream-producing orgasm.
EPOV
I'm so glad I decided to bring the satin nightie. Sookie looked so fucking hot in it, and the feel of it under my hands, against my stomach, oh, God. Apparently it felt pretty damn good on Sookie's skin too, because just some not-so-heavy petting brought her to orgasm. I had to hold on to keep her from falling into a puddle at my feet. When her bones solidified again, I picked her up and carried her to the bed. Reaching over, I set her down in the middle, and pulled her legs to the edge where I kneeled. I spread her legs and went to work. Her folds and thighs were wet with the sweet nectar I so loved. My tongue and fingers elicited increasing moans from her, as I circled her clit and stroked her ever-widening opening. Her fingers were wound in my hair, pulling at my scalp. I withdrew, to her momentary disappointment and moved into the bed beside her. Immediately her hands were on me. She stroked my throbbing dick, as I kissed and suckled her erect nipples. I couldn't wait any longer. I moved over her, looking into her lust filled eyes, "I love you, Sookie, I love you so much." I entered her then, and she lifted her hips to accept me. We moved in concert, bucking against each other, moaning and panting, until we'd reached a new height. As she screamed my name, her walls tightened around me like a vise. That brought my body to a grunting, convulsing climax.
Sweaty and exhausted, we lay in each other's arms, waiting for our ragged breaths to regain some normal rhythm. I turned and kissed her forehead, "So, how was this for a Valentine's Day?"
"Perfect," she mewed, "it was the perfect Valentine's Day."