When the driver opened the limo door, john stepped out onto the sidewalk first. By force of habit, he quickly scanned the area for any threats. Seeing none, he reached his hand inside. Joss grabbed it tightly then debarked as well. She stepped confidently onto the sidewalk and found herself facing the grand entrance of the famous Plaza Hotel. John had settled with the driver who had opened the limo's trunk, removed a black Tumi Alpha with royal blue accents, and a large white gift box with a big red bow on it. The Tumi he set on the curb and the box he handed to John.
Just then, one of the doormen sprang into action, approaching the couple with a brisk "Good evening, Sir and Madam. Will you be staying with us?"
At John's "Yes", the doorman picked up the Tumi then requested that John and Joss follow him. Depositing the bag just inside the door at the Bellman's desk, he entreated the couple to "enjoy your stay".
The bellman asked the couple to step to the registration desk. As John was registering (turned out he had a reservation), Joss looked about the lobby. Though the place was bustling with energy there was as well a peaceful presence about it. There was also a sense of pageantry in the opulent elegance, with live piano music playing softly, crystal chandeliers glistening in the ambient light. There were a few guests or visitors sitting in chairs and on couches reading quietly, and a few couples siting on couches, conversing intimately. Other people were coming and going, no doubt visiting one of the Plaza's fine restaurants or bars, or hotel guests heading out for a night on the town. Staff were peppered around the grand room ready to take care of any need.
Joss wondered if John had been here previously, but she willed herself away from this line of thought. Finally, the desk clerk summoned the bellman who brought over their bag and led them to the bank of elevators.
The doors closed with a gentle whoosh and seconds later they arrived on the 20th floor. The bellman led the pair to their door, which he opened with a keycard.
"This is the Penthouse Legacy King Suite," he announced. "It has one – bedroom, a working fireplace and Central Park views both upstairs and downstairs. It also has two full baths and a fully stocked wet bar. Shall I take your belongings up?"
"Just the luggage," answered John, placing the box on a chair. He removed his coat and Joss's as well, giving them to the bellman to place in the coat closet. Once the coats and luggage were put away, the bellman asked, "Anything more, Sir?"
"No thank you," John said, and walked the bellman to the door, tipping hm handsomely.
"THANK you, Sir!" was the happy response. "Have a wonderful stay here at the Plaza and let us know how we can serve you."
Joss had wandered over to the windows where she stood enjoying the view of the twinkling lights that dotted the Central Park landscape.
John was on the phone to room service, requesting a bottle of Dom and caviar for two, after which he joined Joss at the windows.
"Been here before?" he asked as he walked up behind Joss and slid his arms around her waist slowly. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Years ago when my mother would bring me for tea," she answered, resting the back of her head on John's chest. "You?"
"Actually no. This is my first time inside, though of course I have passed the place on numerous occasions. I've always wanted to come though, especially since this place has been such a historic presence in the city.
John gently kissed the crown of Joss's head then stepped away from her. He took her hand and led her to the pale turquoise velvet couch. Sitting, John put his arms around Joss and pulled her into a steamy kiss, licking into her mouth and gently sucking her tongue. As he was about to deepen the kiss even further, there was a soft knock at the door. John excused himself, walked to the door then opened it, and the cheery room service waiter wheeled in their evening's refreshments.
"Where should I set up?" the waiter asked, sporting the warmest smile.
"The cocktail table will be fine," John responded.
After a few short minutes, the champagne, glasses and caviar were laid out. "Kindly call us and we will promptly remove everything. Have a great evening," he offered.
"Thank you," John and Joss both said.
As with the Bellman, John accompanied the waiter to the door and tipped him handsomely. But before he returned to the couch, he picked up the large box and handed it to Joss.
"Would you care to go upstairs and make yourself more comfortable?" he asked her with a grin, placing the large box in her lap as he sat next to her.
Joss furrowed her brows. "Another gift John? You've given me so many gifts already today." She slid the box back onto John's lap.
"This one isn't for you - it's for me." John passed the box back to her.
"After staring at each other defiantly for a few moments. "Go on up – and come to me once you've finished," he encouraged.
John stood and offered Joss his hand, which she took. He then led her to the stairs.
As Joss climbed the staircase to the upstairs bedroom and bath, John gazed appreciatively at her butt and legs. He could feel himself stirring at the vision.
"John?" she asked sweetly as she climbed.
"Yes, my love," he answered, trying to keep the lust out of his voice.
"Don't think I don't know what you are doing down there," she said.
And at that John smiled and went back to the windows to admire a different view.
Meanwhile, Joss passed through the elegantly appointed bedroom, decorated in hues of gold, gray, and white. The lamp next to the bed was lit and the bed was already turned down with chocolates placed on the pillows. She placed the box on the settee over by the windows.
As badly as she wanted to flop onto the mattress, Joss continued to the bath. Its anteroom had a double sink that was fully stocked with Guerlain toilette items. Overall, the bathroom itself was luxuriously appointed with an oversized soaking tub, a separate glass enclosed shower. The bath had a separate enclosure for the toilet as well.
Joss had bathed a few hours ago, scrubbing herself like a criminal scrubbed a crime scene, but she decided to make use of the complimentary Guerlain toiletries and engage in a bird bath. Stripping herself naked, she wetted a wash cloth, applied the Guerlain body wash, and swiftly cleaned herself. Finished, she went into the bedroom, sat on the settee and applied the Guerlain body lotion.
Then Joss opened the box. Peeling back the tissue, Joss gasped and removed a very long sheer silk fire orange kimono with red trim around its borders, and a barely there red lace push up bra and thong panty set. The lace was delicate - the silk fine and she took her time dressing in the beautiful garments, adding a little extra scented lotion to her pulse points.
"Not for me, huh," she whispered to herself, smiling at John's turn of phrase. She stepped back into her red stilettos then finger combed her hair, giving it a tousled look, applied a little lipstick, puckered her lips in an air smooch, then exited the bedroom. She pulled the kimono off her shoulders and held it together lightly in the front, adding to the drama of the garment and baring her breasts even further.
Hearing Joss descending the stairs, John walked over to the staircase. Looking up at the woman approaching him, John was rendered dumbstruck at her beauty for the second time that day. Joss was practically naked - completely naked couldn't have been sexier. The colors of the thin garments popped against the richness of her skin color. She stood still midway the staircase, watching John as he drank her in. John had removed his suit jacket, tie, and cuff links and his shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He had also unbuttoned the first four buttons of his shirt.
"My God, you look amazing," he stated.
"So do you," she replied, sincerely. "Delicious, too."
John used all the control he could muster to keep from running up those few stairs, tearing the clothes from her body and having her right then and there. Instead, he raised his hand and she took it, allowing him to help her descend the final few steps. She did so, gracefully, as the kimono trailed behind her. Joss finally stood before John, basking in the reverence and appreciation in his eyes as he continued to take her in from head to toe.
Cupping Joss's cheeks in his hands, John kissed her tenderly. Once he had thoroughly plumbed the depths of her soft mouth, he forced himself to release her. He then placed his hand at the small of her back and guided her over to the couch where he seated her. Still standing he reached into the champagne bucket, removed the Dom, popped the cork and poured two flutes. He handed one to Joss, picked up the other for himself then sat.
Holding his flute up, he whispered, "A ma belle dame," in a voice so sexy Joss thought she would melt. She desperately wanted to know what he said but decided she really didn't care – it was uttered with such music and promise. Her body tingled in desire for him at the sound of it.
The two clinked the crystal flutes then sipped. John rested his flute on the table and picked up the book lying there, which turned out to be about the hist0ry of The Plaza Hotel.
"It's truly fascinating," he said. "There are far more beautiful buildings in New York City with more interesting architecture than The Plaza, but this is one of the few buildings that has captured the heart and soul of New York and has since it was built. I personally believe that it was the storied guests who stayed here, from Alfred Vanderbilt to president and musicians more so than the architecture itself. Movies were made here, too, like The Plaza Suite, and one of the Home Alone movies. Do you know that this is the second Plaza Hotel erected on this site?"
Joss, who was deeply interested judging by the gleam in her eyes, shook her head no.
John continued. "The first hotel was demolished and this gem, the second, was completed in 1907. It was touted as the most luxurious hotel in the world."
Joss took a few more sips of her champagne. Then John took her flute and took a few sips from it as well, then he turned the pages of the book, returning the flute to Joss.
"The architect was Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and he designed The Plaza in what was called Second Empire Baroque which was popular in 16th through 18th centuries. The style itself was popularized by French architects. It was to be reminiscent of luxury French chateaus, and would demonstrate the values of balance, simplicity and elegance. Hardenburgh also designed other buildings and hotels that are still in use in New York City. One is the Albert, over on 11th. It used to be a hotel, but now it's residences."
"Don't know that one," said Joss.
"I know you know the Con Ed Building, and also the Dakota, on 72nd and Central Park West?"
"Where John Lennon lived?"
"Yes. I know the Con Ed building, too," she said, smiling.
"He designed both of those. A key element of the 2nd Empire style came to be a feature that was incorporated during the late 16th Century. Here," he said, opening the book to a photo of the Plaza. "It's called the Mansard roof. See? The roof is typically flat then slopes from the roof. The bottom slope is much steeper than the top slope and there's an abundance of dormer windows. Purpose of these windows was to maximize interior space and make it livable. The Plaza has a four floor Mansard roof. "
"The Con Ed building doesn't have a mansard roof," Joss said. "At least, I don't think it does."
"Not sure," said John. "We should go have a closer look. I'd say we could go now, but you aren't exactly dressed for outdoor adventure, emphasis on the outdoor," he rasped.
Joss was smiling and nodding yes.
"Hardenbergh didn't always use this feature in his designs, but you will find it in some other of his buildings in New York, as well as in D.C., and New England. I can also tell you another building that has the feature, too, though the building wasn't designed by Hardenbergh. It's sort of in this neighborhood. See if you can guess."
Joss took a few sips of her champagne, her brows knitted in thought. She'd never paid much attention to the city's architecture, but all that John was explaining piqued her interest. John lifted his flute from the table finished off its contents and poured more for himself and for Joss.
"I know!" she exclaimed. "It's over on 11th and Park – that insurance building!"
"We have a winner!" shouted John as he pulled her into a loving embrace, almost spilling her champagne. "The Guardian Insurance Building, was built circa 1911, and it, too, has a four floor Mansard roof." He took her flute and set it on the table.
"Oh John, this is so fascinating. How do you know so much?" she asked, dreamy eyed at John's mini-lecture on the architecture of the City.
"Architecture is an interest of mine – and New York is one of great cities for the study of it. Maybe one day I can show you my favorite buildings in the City."
"What are a few of your favorites?" Joss asked. She wanted to do a little research to impress him on their outing.
"My top five are St. Patrick's Cathedral, Alexander Hamilton Customs House, the Chrysler Building, Carnegie Hall, and of course, The Cloisters."
"Of course,", Joss replied.
"But I've bored you enough. Let's go upstairs."
John stood again, and Joss took his hand. When she stood before him, she saw that a hint of his Valentine's necklace peeked out from the open collar of his shirt. Joss smiled, happy that he that he had donned his gift.
John lowered his head and whispered, "You are so fucking beautiful. Thank you for my gift – both my gifts," and he touched the chain.
Joss reached up and put her hands on John's shoulders then circled them around his neck. She opened her mouth to receive John's loving kiss, which he planted firmly on her pouty lips.
They remained there forever, locked in this embrace, until John lifted her in his strong arms and carried her up the stairs.
A/N: Greetings my dears! I just love a sexy intelligent man who knows and can explain some new things, don't you? The inspiration for this is a song by Somi, called "Ginger Me Slowly". The first stanza is "Ginger me with pillow talk and pretty things - - Oh, ginger me by candlelight and long walks by the lagoon - Ginger me with intellect and wine -Ginger me, boy, with kindness and cool…" Swoon worthy, isn't it? Thanks for reading and reviews and messages are most welcome! Hugs!