Chapter 4 – More Than I Thought It Would Be
"Ah wonder how much it's going to cost to get me car fixed." Stephen pondered standing one side of the bedroom.
"Ste I said I'll cover it."
"Yeh know that's not going to happen." Izzy watched Stephen in the soft lighting of the room. It was 1am but she had plenty of energy for whatever Stephen had planned. Her eyes trailed over his chest as he pulled his shirt over his head.
"Technically it's my birthday." Izzy mused as she crawled onto the bed on her hands and knees, inching closer to her husband.
"Yeh can't have yeh present until the morning." Izzy reached for him, her hand gripping the waistband of his jeans and pulling him towards her. She sat up on her knees and licked up his abs to his chest.
"Can I get a hint?" Whilst kissing her gently his arms slipped around her waist and back.
"Yeh gonna be thanking me a lot when yeh get it."
"And how would you like me to thank you?" Izzy ran her hands up and down his chest slowly, lightly dragging her nails across his skin.
"Yeh can start by getting rid of those panties."
"And then?"
"Then yeh let me have me way with yeh." He grabbed her legs and pulled them forward, her back hit the bed and she sunk into the soft mattress. Stephen was quick to move on top of her. Lips and hands everywhere. "Yeh gonna have to be quiet." Stephen spoke against her chest between kisses. Her hands played with his hair, tugging gently as his tongue hit her skin.
"Good luck with that." Izzy managed to breathe out as Stephens hands slipped down to her hips.
"Don't make me gag yeh." He looked up, a sly grin across his face. His thick fingers dragged across her thighs.
"I wouldn't mind that at all." Izzy pushed his shoulder so he rolled over onto his back. Letting her eyes drift across his chest for a moment she took in the sight of him. She started to unbuckle his belt, frantically trying to get his jeans off him. With the help of Stephen she finally got them, and his boxer briefs, off him and onto the floor.
Crawling down the bed she pushed her hair over one shoulder and smirked at him. "Oops, I'm still wearing my panties." He opened his mouth to speak but the only thing that left his lips was a groan as she wrapped her mouth around the head of his thick pulsing member.
Stephen couldn't hold back the groan deep in his chest. Her mouth felt like heaven. The heat from her lithe body pressed against him made him want to run his hands across her body, feeling every curve. He pressed a kiss to her thigh before gently nudging them apart and sliding his finger over her panties. Izzy moaned against his length and Stephen smirked; she was close enough for him to get his way with her. He dragged her panties down her long legs and pulled her towards him. He ran his tongue over her wet folds before parting them with him thumbs and flicking his tongue over her clit. He felt her shudder at his touch, each slow swipe of his tongue making her writhe in his grip.
Sitting up Izzy gasped; Stephen slid two fingers into her whilst his tongue worked her clit. "Ste, fuck me already."
"It would be my pleasure." His breath fanned across her and she squeezed her eyes shut.
Her body still shook as he plunged into her, his lips covering hers to quieten her moans. His hands gripped onto her hips, tilting them upwards and thrusting deep. Her hands slipped to his hair, his body slipping across hers. The friction sent sparks flying across her body as his thrusts quickened. Izzy moaned into his mouth between frantic kisses.
Stephen wasn't holding back. All the passion and love consumed within him released with raw, untamed lust. A man possessed and a woman at his mercy. Everything in his being wanted and needed her trembling with pleasure. Knowing it would be his doing had pride surging through his body. He knew she was close, the familiar feeling of her gripping tightly onto his biceps. Nails digging in and leaving marks. Head thrown back against the duvet and legs tightening around him. Her breathing came out is short ragged pants and he grazed her cheek with his lips.
"Tar liomsa." Stephen spoke with his husky brogue, deep, rumbling from deep within his chest. "Come with me." He repeated in English, his intense stare burning into Izzy's crystal blue eyes. He had gathered her into his arms, holding her close to his body as she whimpered. His mouth closed against hers again, her moans muffled whilst her orgasm ripped through her body. Thrusting one last time he came with her.
Stephen collapsed beside her, pulling her close against his body protectively. Izzy nuzzled into his neck, trying to catch her breath. "That was quite some punishment."
"That was no punishment, lass. Ah'm still getting yeh back for the car." He rolled over and pulled her on top of him. Laying across his body Izzy sighed; her birthday was starting out brilliant.
"Maidin mhaith" Stephen spoke softly whilst brushing Izzy's hair from her face. "Breithlá sona."
Rolling over Izzy came face to face with Stephen, his smile wide and eyes bright. He lay on top of the covers, only wearing a pair of sweatpants. "Good morning to you too and thank you. I feel old though."
"Yeh starting to catch on, lass." Stephen grinned. He had been trying to teach her Gaelic, but only a few words so far had been sticking. "And yer only 26."
"I know, but I still feel old."
"Yeh want yeh first present?"
"First?" He sat up from the bed and walked over to the wardrobe. Opening it he pulled out a large box and brought it over to the bed.
Izzy sat up and pulled the covers around her, waiting for Stephen to return to the bed. He handed her the box and spread out on the bed next to her. "Open it." Stephen spoke whilst wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She pulled the top of the box off and her eyes settled on a large photo frame. A thin oak frame surrounded the edges. She turned to Stephen and immediately felt guilty. "Ah knew if I didn't do it yeh never would."
"Sorry Ste, I would have gotten round to it." Stephen chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"Iz, yeh still hadn't picked out which ones yeh wanted. So ah did it for yeh." Izzy studied each photograph, all from the wedding and honeymoon. She stopped on the picture of them on the last night of their honeymoon and her heart swelled.
"I love it, and I love you. Thank you." She threw her arms around his neck and pushed her lips against his, a tender soul searching kiss stole Izzy's breath. She still couldn't believe this was her husband. Someone so strong physically and mentally, but also had a heart of gold. Willing to do anything to make her happy.
"Put some clothes on, Cas has cooked breakfast for everyone."
"Pancakes?" Izzy asked, silently begging him to say yes.
"Yeh favourite, now put some clothes on before Katie eats them all."
"She wouldn't!" Izzy gasped. It was her birthday; surely Katie wouldn't be so cruel. Her eyes narrowed and she scanned the room, she spotted Stephens shirt from the night before thrown across the chair in the corner. Leaping out of bed she grabbed it and pulled it over her head. "I want pancakes." She stuck her tongue out and grabbed Stephens hand pulling him off the bed before rushing downstairs.
As soon as they reached the kitchen, the smell of delicious home cooking flooded their senses. "Happy birthday!" Cas shouted from her spot behind the stove, Cody next to her trying to offer help. Izzy smiled as Cas swatted Cody's hand away to stop him from interfering. The pair were still doing great, now in a steady relationship. Josie was sat at the breakfast bar eating strawberries whilst Paul was taking a couple of laps in the pool.
Katie and Stu were sat at the small table in the corner of the room and of course Katie already had a pile of pancakes covered in syrup. With a fork in her hand she took a mouth full, washing it down with a gulp of orange. She waved her fork at Izzy, wishing her a happy birthday along with Stu, who was engrossed with his baby daughter, making funny faces at her.
"Ah'll get yeh a coffee." Stephen left her side and she moved to sit next to Josie at the breakfast bar.
"Hey sis." Izzy slipped onto the stool next to Josie.
"Hey, happy birthday." She gave her a hug before taking a sip of coffee.
"Thank you." Izzy pinched a strawberry from Josie's plate whilst watching Stephen drag Cody away from Cas before she hit him with the spatula in her hand.
"Have you spoken to mom and dad?" Josie asked cautiously, knowing it was still a touchy subject.
"No, but I got their card before I left." Izzy smiled at Stephen as he brought her a coffee, setting the hot mug down on the counter.
"Me and Paul are going back to see them for a few days. Maybe we could go out for dinner or something."
"Maybe." Josie sighed, feeling frustrated but decided to leave the topic there.
"Here you go birthday girl." Cas placed a plate in front of her, pancakes coated in maple syrup. Izzy grinned, Cas used to make her famous pancakes as a hangover cure, and they definitely worked. Once she had cleared her plate and everyone had finished eating breakfast they gathered around the table to give Izzy her gifts.
Katie and Stu thought they were hilarious buying her the 'Irish Heritage Cookbook' to keep Stephen happy; their present also included a pink frilly apron. Isabelle did however 'buy' her a Gucci 1973 mini leather shoulder bag, and that made her Izzy's favourite of the Bennett family.
Isabelle was resting safely in Katie's arms being swayed slightly as Izzy finished opening her presents. "Thank you so much." Izzy hugged both Stu and Katie and pressed a kiss to Isabelle's forehead.
Paul handed her a box and an envelope. Izzy opened the envelope first, pulling out a card, the font covered in shoes and handbags with 'Happy Birthday' written across the top. As she opened it a piece of paper slid out and landed on her lap. It read 'IOU - two plane tickets to Paris when Stephen has time off'.
"Really?" Izzy was speechless, it had been a while since she had stayed in Paris and if she got to go with Stephen that would be even better. Such a beautiful romantic city that would be perfect for them to spend some time together.
"Yeah, whenever you guys can come. We would love you to come and stay with us."
"I can't wait." She hugged both her sister and brother-in-law before showing Stephen the piece of paper then drawing her attention to the box sat on the table. She knew exactly what it was; every occasion called for a new pair of Christian Louboutins thanks to Josie. Tearing off the paper she caught sight of the familiar brown shoe box and black writing on the front. The lid quickly came off and she caught sight of a beautiful nude coloured pumps nestled in the tissue paper.
"Oh, I love them! Thank you so much." Again Izzy hugged both Paul and Josie, suddenly overwhelmed. She knew she was surrounded by people who loved her, but this just proved it. Feeling like the luckiest girl, she turned to Stephen next to her and pressed a kiss against his cheek, lingering slightly as she tried to collect her thoughts.
"Now, I know you said you didn't want anything. But I know that was just the hormones talking."
"Cas-" Izzy tried to stop her from saying any more but she was quickly interrupted by Cody.
"What she really means to say, is that I picked out your present." He smiled leaning back on his chair looking pretty smug.
"Cody!"
"What I did."
"We both picked it. Here you go." Cas held out a little blue bag which Izzy gently took from her grip.
"You really didn't have to you know." Cas gave her a knowing smile, a look shared between the friends didn't go unnoticed by everyone else. Pulling out the small blue box, Izzy gently tugged on the white ribbon then pulled the lid of the box off. Her eyes caught sight of a platinum bracelet, tiny diamonds in shining back at her. The small infinity design within the delicate chain was the same as the necklace Izzy had bought Cas a few years ago.
"Its perfect, thank you both so much." Izzy hugged them both feeling on top of the world. She knew she was lucky, but this just brought it home even more.
In the afternoon, everyone took a trip out to the local park followed by a bit of shopping. The girls were now in a habit of buying as many things for Isabelle as possible. And even though Stu continued to protest, Katie soon shut him up with a slap to his arm and proclaiming that his daughter deserved to be spoilt. He couldn't argue back, they were able to give their daughter everything they didn't have when they were growing up, which was a blessing.
Once back at the house, Stephen told Izzy to go get ready as they were all going out for dinner. But something seemed off; the house was silent. Izzy wandered downstairs, trying to find where everyone had disappeared to. Dressed, make-up and hair done, she was ready for food. Passing the front of the house she glanced out of the window just in time to see Josie and Paul hopping into Stu's car who was already in the driver's seat. Katie was putting Isabelle into her car seat and Cody and Cas in their rental car ready to go. Confused Izzy continued through the house. Pulling at the hem of her Herve Leger purple V-neck bandage dress she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Ste. Why has everyone left?" Izzy asked, once he came into her line of sight.
"Come with me." His smile was wide, cheeks dimpling and eyes shining. A surge of passion flowed through her. He had said those words last night, but in a completely different context.
Holding onto her hand tightly, Stephen led her through the dining room to the outside. The heels of her nude Bibi Louboutins clicked on the grey slabs surrounding the pool. The breeze from the ocean brushed her hair over her shoulders. A few meters next to the pool was a small square table, a long white cloth covering the top and hitting the floor. A red rose was laid in the centre of the table and a small white box placed next to it. Three red candles of different heights were flickering, faintly glowing against the sunset. The backdrop was awe inspiring. Pinks and oranges burst across the sky, reflected in the rippling waters of the ocean. Music floated from the dining room, the french doors were wide open and the gentle beat of the music faint.
"I have mixed memories out here you know." Izzy spoke quietly, a strange feeling coming over her. The memories of running crying through the house were stronger than she ever thought possible.
"Me too." Stephen wanted to shake her and stop her from talking. Her thoughts slipping back to that fateful evening hurt him.
"That was one of the worst days of my life, you telling me we were over." Izzy stared up at him. Though the memories were still there, they had been through a lot since. All of which were overwhelming in such a short space of time.
"Iz, why yeh doing this?"
"Look how far we've come." Reaching up her hand grazed his cheek lightly.
"Come sit down." He took her hand from his cheek and walked with her across to the table, pulling her chair out so she could sit down. A light kiss was pressed against her cheek before he sat down next to her and began pouring two glasses of red wine.
"Are we going to eat? Or are you just trying to get me drunk? Because you really don't have to do that." Izzy grinned as Stephen looked slightly frustrated. A few seconds later he broke into a smile.
"Very funny, lass. Ah've cooked yeh yer favourite meal." Stephen leant back on the chair looking rather smug with himself.
"Impressive. And who helped you?" Izzy teased him, lightly stroking her hand across his forearm.
"Quit giving me a hard time." His hand covered hers, pressing it tight against his arm. He watched as her eyes snapped down to his hand covering hers. The sun shone through her hair, highlighting various shades of blonde. He picked her hand up and brought it to his lips, her wedding and engagement rings sparkling as he did. "Me grandma taught me how to cook."
"She must have had a lot of patience." Picking up her wine glass Izzy took a sip of the velvet red liquid, licking her lips as the fruity taste settled across her pallet. Looking across to Stephen, his eyes were bright and happy. Much different to the evening before.
"That she did, she taught me a lot"
"I wish I could have met her."
"She would've loved yeh. But ah know she's be on at yeh about how many clothes yeh have." Stephen laughed lightly. "Me ma was the same-"
"Ste? Can you smell burning?" His eyes widened and his head shot towards the kitchen, as he was about to panic he heard Izzy laugh beside him.
"Very funny."
"I'm just hungry." She stuck her tongue out and took another sip of wine. "What have you cooked?"
"Yeh'll find out in a minute." He left her to go tend to the food and came back a few minutes later with a plate in each hand. He had made a chicken salad with a light ranch dressing. Perfect for the warm sunny evening that surrounded them. Izzy was glad he hadn't burnt the chicken, she had always known he was a good cook but they rarely had the opportunity to cook for each other like this.
Once they had both finished, Stephen stood up and walked around the table holding his hand out to her. "May ah have this dance, Mrs. Farrelly."
"Since dinner was amazing, I will have to say yes." She grinned and stood up, placing her small hand into his. As his hand wrapped around hers, her mind flashed back to their dance at their wedding. He stopped a few feet away from the table and slipped his arms around her waist as hers trailed up his arms and around his neck. Holding her close to his body they swayed gently in each other's arms, nothing but the sound of waves crashing and the soft music playing. Resting her head against his shoulder, she breathed in his scent. Strong and masculine. Everything that Stephen was.
"Yeh want yeh present now?" Stephen spoke up after a few minutes.
"Please, you've been torturing me all day." Izzy stared up at her husband, smiling and waiting. Slowly and methodically his hands ran up her back as he kissed her hard. His hands slipped into her hair, tilting her head back. Letting his tongue slide slowly across her lips, she eventually caved and opened up to him.
Just as she pushed herself onto her tiptoes and let her tongue fight against Stephens he pulled away from her. He kissed her lips gently. "Stay here." Moving back over to the table he picked up the small box and brought it back to her. "Before ah give yeh this, I need yeh to promise me something."
"Okay." Izzy would promise him anything, she just wanted to get her hands on her present.
"Be careful." Frowning as Stephen placed the box in her hands, Izzy daren't open it now.
"Why be careful?"
"Just open it, Iz." Smiling she pulled the lid off, a layer of crisp white tissue paper greeted her. She pulled it off slowly and her eyes settled on a black fob, four buttons on the front. The thin silver strip of metal of the side had black words etched into it; 'Range Rover'. Glancing back to Stephen, he stood with his arms crossed over his wide chest studying her reaction.
Izzy pulled the key from the box, making sure it was real. "You've bought me a Range Rover?"
"I got yeh it before yeh wrecked me car, if I had known..." He grinned, enjoying the look of shock on her face.
"Wrecked? Your car is not wrecked, Stephen." She looked down at the key now flat in the palm of her hand. "You've really bought me a car?" Stephen nodded slowly, smiling as her face lit up. She practically jumped on him; wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Yeh welcome, but ah need yeh to promise me yeh will be careful." Izzy nodded as she unhooked her legs from Stephens waist and slid down his body.
"I promise." She tried to hide her laughter by biting her bottom lip. Stephens serious face was priceless. He took the key and box from her and placed it back on the table.
"Iz, ah'm not kidding." He pushed her backwards a little, edging her closer to the side of the pool. She glanced over her shoulder at the crystal clear water then back to Stephen. "Don't make me threaten yeh."
"Oh yeah? What you going to do?" She couldn't help but tease and push him, see how far he would go. He wrapped his arm around her waist and stepped back again so she took another step back towards the pool.
"Promise me, or yeh going in." Izzy's hands slipped to his biceps, gripping on tightly to the firm tensed muscle.
"I promise." Stephen grinned, he would never push her in, not when she was dressed up looking amazing anyway.
"Much better."
"Is it here? Can I see it?" Izzy asked, a glint in her eye. Stephen knew she wanted to take it for a spin.
"Ah guess, before it gets really dark." Izzy jumped up and down excitedly, her excitement was short lived when her heel slipped on the slab beneath. Her hands reached out for Stephen, gripping onto the front of his shirt to try and stop herself from falling backwards.
The last thing she saw was Stephens pained expression whilst a small yelp left her mouth before she hit the warm water, Stephen falling in after her. Gasping Izzy surfaced, pushing her wet hair away from her face. Stephen popped up beside her, his now wet hair stuck to his forehead. He ran a hand over his face, trying to clear some of the water from his eyes. Izzy was about to apologise profusely, until she burst into laughter.
Stephen stared at her like she was mad. "Yeh think this is funny." Izzy nodded whilst pulling off her shoes and placing them on the side of the pool. He shook his head lightly before laughing himself. "So now what?" Izzy wrapped her arms around his neck. The figure hugging dress restricting her movements.
Kissing Stephen lightly on his cheek she rubbed her body against his. "I'm really wet, Ste." Her lips curled into a smirk as he growled against her neck, sinking his teeth into her soft skin. Gently nipping at her skin he turned around, pushing her against the side of the pool. His hands gripped onto the edge, trapping his wife between his big arms and bigger body. Izzy let her eyes devour the sight of him; dripping wet with his t-shirt clinging to every definition and groove of his muscles.
"As hot as you look in this wet shirt, I'm going to have to ask you to remove it."
"And I should do as you say because?"
"Because it's my birthday." she tugged on his shirt gently, hoping he would get the hint; he did. Slowly he pulled the shirt up and over his head, throwing the wet balled up shirt onto the side. He pulled her away from the edge and slipped his hands up her back, finding the small metal zip of her dress. As soon as the zip was undone he peeled the dress of her body and it joined the pile of clothes beside the pool, licking his lips whilst his eyes cast over her silky smooth tanned skin. The water stopped just below her breasts, he brushed his thumbs over her nipples and she arched her back towards him. He pushed her back against the side of the pool again, covering her body with his as his mouth crashed against hers. Someone clearing their throat swiftly brought Izzy and Stephen out of their sensual moment. Stephen locked eyes with Stu who had a pretty amused smirked on his face.
Stu chuckled to himself and turned to go back into the house whilst shouting to his wife. "Katie, don't bring Isabelle out here." Stephen cursed Stu in Gaelic before kissing Izzy's forehead. He reached for his shirt and pulled it over her head.
"I'll go grab yeh a towel." He leaned forward and nibbled on her ear. "Then we'll finish this later."
A/N - Thank you MrsKiaFarrelly, cenachick1981, moxxie23, celticfighter, peeps8705, mrsa87, MissShelz, miamitravel, wwemagpie, DeansTrueGirl, hotpocketbandit, ThatGirl54, hOtlilmofo and xFindTheEnigmaWithinx for the amazing reviews. Hope you enjoyed the chapter :). Lou x