LILY
BNR848
Disclaimer: The publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 36
She texted James the minute she got in the car. Traffic was heavy, as the street closures and New Year's revelers congested the normally busy Fifth Avenue. When she arrived at The Plaza, James was waiting. The minute he saw her he smiled and exaggeratedly grabbed his chest.
He wore a black suit, a white shirt and a muted silver tie; he looked sophisticated and stylish. She was sure he'd just bought that tie and inwardly smiled at the effort. He took her hand as they walked towards the restaurant, leaned in and told her she looked stunning.
The normally opulent eatery sparkled. The white chairs and table cloths were framed by the stunning decorations. The music provided a festive and jovial atmosphere. Along with several noisemakers, their table was adorned with a black plastic top hat, and a glittery paper tiara decrying Happy New Year.
Lily removed her wrap to take her seat, James remained frozen. Holding her chair, he had just seen the open back of her dress. The small bow that connected the top deceptively masked the sultry low cut that extended to her waist. She had confessed to borrowing a dress for their first date, and he wasn't sure which sister or friend lent her this one, but he'd need to thank them later.
He ordered a bottle of wine as they availed themselves of the hors d'oeuvres; then they danced.
The live band provided a variety of music encompassing all styles, although mainly the tunes were slow and mellow, adding to the romantic atmosphere. They enjoyed dinner while listening to the music. James announced they would have to dance the night away to burn off half the calories from the meal they'd eaten.
The next slow song he extended his hand and led her to the dance floor. When he placed his hand on her back, the feel of her skin sent shivers up his entire body. He held her close and swayed to the hypnotically slow melody. He whispered in her ear and placed kisses along her neck. She squeezed his hand, reminding him they were in public.
When they returned to their table, dessert awaited. James had arranged for the dark chocolate tart ganache to be served just after their main course. She smiled, blowing him a kiss across the table. He removed his jacket and ordered more wine. Midnight was approaching and with it a new year.
With the ticking of the clock, they grabbed their revelers gear and joined in the merriment. They snapped a few pictures and continued to dance. With a minute left, the announcement came from the band to ready for the countdown. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, ONE! Happy New Year! As the band played Auld Lang Syne, their lips met and they kissed. But this kiss felt different. Although it reverberated with all the passion and desire they had restrained, it was warm and full of expectation.
As they parted, James whispered, "Happy New Year, Lily." He had said it in such a hushed tone he doubted she'd heard him.
"Happy New Year, James," she quietly replied as she searched for his lips once again.
He framed her face with his hands, looked in her eyes and smiled. "I waited to kiss you my whole life."
They danced to the next few songs but soon decided to continue the celebration in private. He left an exorbitant tip, Lily retrieved her things and they walked out hand-in-hand. They entered the crowded elevator, joining the other guests making their way back to their rooms. The ride to the sixteenth floor was painstakingly slow.
When they entered the suite there was no hurried desperation. They walked in, comfortable in each other's grasp. James pulled Lily towards him and kissed her while trying to loosen her hair. She broke the kiss, kicked off her shoes and walked towards the bathroom. There she made a quick job of removing the pins from her hair, using her fingers to comb it loose. When she returned to the room he had poured them some wine and removed his coat and tie.
The night was long, the lovemaking slow, and tender. Few words were exchanged; the desire was intimate and impassioned. There was a reverence to his touch that lingered. Much later she'd fallen asleep in his embrace. As he watched her he realized it would be hard to let her go.