So I told Lila we'd show up around ten, Jessica said to Todd, as she brushed her silky hair over her shoulder.
Todd are you listening to me?
Hmmmm? Todd said, looking up from the Sports Illustrated magazine article that he'd been fixated on for the past half hour. Or at least, pretending to be. Ever since he'd seen Elizabeth at the beach, he couldn't keep his mind from wondering where she was, what she was doing, why she looked so damn happy, why she was so beautiful…..
Todd! Well? Jessica put her hands on her hips.
Todd sighed. Do you really think it's a good idea for us to go Jess? I mean, what about Jake?
Jessica rolled her eyes. I already told you. We'll put him to sleep with Lila's little brother. He'll be fine! And it's just up the hill. It won't take a minute to drive up there.
I know, Todd ran his hand through his hair. It's just that my parents are having a little get together at their house. Something small, mostly their friends. I told them we might stop by. Some of their old friends will be there, and you know, they all want to meet Jake.
Well, I already promised Lila, Jessica insisted. And the Fowlers always have the best parties. And it makes a lot more sense for us to take Jake a few houses away than on a thirty minute drive to your parents' house. You know, we could have left him here. But you're the one who told Pilar not to come in tonight!
It's a holiday Jessica. She needs some time off. Todd frowned in resignation. Sometimes Jessica was so unreasonable. He wanted to say more, wanted to tell her how he didn't feel it was right to always leave Jake with his nanny, but he decided against it. The last he wanted to do was ring in the new year on a bad note with Jessica.
He did love her, didn't he?...
OK, we'll go to Lila's, Todd gave in. But tomorrow night, we can go over to my parents' for dinner?
Sure, Jessica said, dismissing Todd as she walked into her large dressing room.
She had no intention to go to the Wilkins' house tomorrow, despite what she just told her husband. But she couldn't tell Todd that. Not until tomorrow anyway. She had already told her parents that they'd be dropping by. Todd's parents would just have to wait. She hated going over there anyway!
Jessica twirled her hair as she stared at her clothes.
Marta did an excellent job of keeping her wardrobe in perfect condition. All her dresses and shoes were arranged by their different function. Her maid had everything color coordinated, and her endless outfits were either hanging neatly on the racks, or folded within the numerous drawers.
She walked around, looking at the various party dresses and elegant evening gowns.
I have nothing to wear,! she moaned inwardly.
If only I had my own store, then I could come up with all my designs and have my own seamstress to make them for me.
Jessica hadn't gotten the chance to talk to Roger Patman yet about giving her a loan. Jessica knew she'd have to take her time with this. It wouldn't do, to rush at Roger with her hand out. She'd have to tread lightly, to convince Roger she was a formidable businesswoman, that investing in her idea was the right thing to do. She pulled out a gold skin tight sleeveless mini dress.
I forgot I even had this, Jessica said aloud, holding the dress up to herself. She examined the shimmering fabric. It's perfect for tonight. And I have the right earrings to go with it, she smiled at her reflection, thinking of her new gold hoops that Todd had bought her.
Handling Roger would be so much easier if I wasn't married! Then the old Jessica Wakefield charm could be put out in full force! Jessica giggled to herself. Not that I need much charm, she looked admiringly in the mirror. I'm going to be the hottest woman at that party!….
Lila sat in her office and looked at the grainy vision her surveillance screen provided of the inside of her small bar. The customers were all lined up to try her latest drink, her New Year's Nectar Splash, a delicious smoothie made with hazelnuts, iced vanilla, and a hint of honey. The enthusiastic crowd did nothing to distract her from her preoccupied mind.
She hadn't had a chance to confront her mother, ever since she saw her two days ago, sneakily running out of room 405 in that trashy hotel. Grace was always either out somewhere, or, in her bedroom with Lila's father.
Lila could hardly confront her about her secret liaison, not with George there. She looked at the face of her new Pearlmaster Rolex watch that her father granted her on Christmas day. It was almost four o' clock, eight more hours till the new year. She locked her office door, said goodbye to her employees and walked out to her car.
As she walked out of the door, a filthy stream of saliva came flying through the air, landing at her feet and almost hitting her. She looked up in revulsion, and to her horror, the blue van was parked in the space closest to her business.
Someone inside quickly rolled up the darkened window, and Lila just knew it was the perpetrator.
Lila fumed. Whoever was in the van, and she knew it had to be that disgusting vagrant, obviously had no manners!
Didn't he get arrested the other day? Why did they let him out? I should call the police again, have him arrested for spitting! It's a public health hazard!
She was tempted to go back inside and call the police, but she realized that they'd never take her seriously. No matter how unsanitary it was, spitting in public was not an actual crime. Neither was parking and sitting in your vehicle. Either way, she didn't have time to worry about this bum now. She had more important things to take care of.
She planned on going to the salon to get her hair styled and perhaps a pedicure.
Not that it matters, Lila groaned. I could show up with cobwebs in my hair and crusty fungal toes, and no one would even care! She had no date, and the stupid silver dress she specially ordered looked great in the pictures, but after trying it on, she decided that she didn't like the feel of the fabric, or the way it draped over her body. Lila slammed her car door and started up the car. She drove out of the parking lot, and for once in her life, was dreading New Year's eve.
Why do we always have to have a stupid party anyway?….
Four hours later, Nicholas laid in bed, watching Elizabeth as she slept. They had spent a wonderful afternoon at the museums, both were very impressed with the history as well as the beautiful architecture of the Victorian era homes.
He placed a light kiss on her forehead, wondering how much longer he could remain in control of himself. She stirred something in him, made him feel like a teenage boy who was first discovering women. Every touch, every look she gave him, churned up an ache that he was trying to keep at bay.
She had managed to cast her spell on him, this time stronger than the last one she used when he found himself confessing his love for her just hours after they first met. The last thing he wanted to do was pressure her or frighten her with his ardor. The sun had long set and they laid there in the dark, the only sound audible was her soft breathing.
It was almost seven, and they had to get ready for the evening. The festivities were to begin at eight. He smiled, thinking about how much he enjoyed seeing her face light up every time she looked at him. Nicholas was temped to forget his plans, to get under the covers and take her right then and there.
Elizabeth, he whispered, while his hands played with her hair.
Hmmmmm, she moaned, as he pulled the blanket away. Elizabeth opened one sleepy eye, her blonde hair hung in disarray and her lower lip threatened to emerge in a pout.
Nicholas laughed and removed the sheets from her body. Wake up sleepy head.
What time is it,? she asked, looking drowsily at him.
Seven, he cautioned. We have to be there for eight. We can save time by showering together, he suggested, smiling rakishly, as he reached under the blanket and tickled her feet.
Elizabeth laughed out loud, picked up a pillow and threw it at Nicholas as he ran into the bathroom.
She stepped out of the bed, held the pillow close to her body, and glanced around the luxurious suite. When they first walked in, she was tired from jet lag, and fell straight into the king sized bed. She chuckled to herself, as she realized that she and Nicholas had never slept together in such a large bed before. She walked over to the hot tub that was situated right in front of the large windows and the Hartford skyline.
The sight of the buildings in front of her was no where near as impressive as what she was used to in New York, but she still appreciated the view of the city lights against the dark night sky. She pulled out her dress from her bag, and examined it, satisfied that she didn't need to run an iron on it.
The bathroom door opened and Nicholas got out, a towel wrapped around his hips.
Elizabeth reddened as he caught her staring at his dark wet hair and his well built frame. She walked into the bathroom, once again struck by how attractive he was...
Elizabeth stepped out of the shower and dried her hair. She created large blonde rolls with her curling iron and then pulled her hair back with barrettes, allowing it to fall softly around her shoulders. The look was almost old Hollywood glamour and went perfectly with her dark red dress. Her diamond horseshoe necklace sparkled in the bathroom lighting, and she decided it wasn't necessary to wear any more jewelry. A knock on the door alerted her to the time.
Prince Charming is going to leave Cinderella if she doesn't get out of the bathroom, Nicholas' voice teased from behind the door.
Elizabeth opened the door and watched as Nicholas' pupils dilated at the sight of her. Is this the kind of dress you had in mind. Prince Charming,? she jested, as he admired the lovely vision in front of him.
I lied, he said, as he twirled her around. I'll never leave you. It was worth the wait, he said pulling her close for a kiss. You look beautiful Elizabeth, he said softly, as he kissed the tender skin on her neck.
You're making me blush, she said, as her heart raced. It's just the dress, she laughed, as she put on her heeled sandals. She stood in front of him. See? Now we're almost the same height, she smirked at him.
Not quite, he said, pulling himself up to where he was still about three inches taller than her. But this does make it easier to kiss you, Nicholas grinned as he planted one on her cheek.
Shall we,? he said, pulling on a coat over his dark grey tuxedo. Elizabeth grabbed her own coat and Nicholas held it up as she slipped her slender arms through it. He pulled her hair out from inside the coat and smoothed it, relishing in it's silky feel on his fingers. They left their suite, closing the door behind them.
Maybe we can use our hot tub later? Nicholas suggested hopefully, as they walked down the hallway of the top floor of the hotel. As they rode down in the elevator, Elizabeth felt the heat rushing to her cheeks.
There were other people in the small space with them, and she didn't have the time to answer him, but the look in her eyes told him that she was intrigued at the proposal. The thought of being almost naked and in warm water with him caused her pulse to race. They reached the lobby, that was now packed with revelers, eager to celebrate the ringing in of the new year. They got into the hotel's complimentary shuttle with a few other guests and within minutes were let off at the Charter Oak Landing at the waterfront.
A boat,? Elizabeth said excitedly as she saw where they had arrived. You're taking me on a cruise,? her aqua eyes sparkled as she squeezed Nicholas closer to her.
Not just any cruise, he said as they walked hand in hand towards the gangplank and onto the awaiting one hundred and fifty foot vessel. They joined a line of numerous party goers, as Elizabeth admired the festive decor of the boat.
A Murder Mystery Masquerade Cruise,! she exclaimed, as she read one of the greetings on the walls.
She threw her arms around Nicholas as the usher checked her license to verify that she was old enough to drink. He took their coats and handed them their elaborate masks. Nicholas smiled as he kissed Elizabeth's forehead and placed the ornamental covering over her eyes.
This is so much better than watching the ball drop, she whispered in his ear as they made their way into the warmth of the ship's grand ballroom. Throughout the rest of the night, Elizabeth felt like she had walked into a beautiful dream, as they enjoyed the frequent champagne toasts, gourmet buffet, and dancing to the music played by the live band.
The highlight for the last two hours was the mystery show, where everyone played a small role and everyone was a suspect. They spent time talking to the numerous people around them, mingling, laughing, and sleuthing together, figuring out the mystery and solving the many clues until the murderer was revealed.
Shortly after, everyone removed their masks and the hosts invited them on to the climate controlled deck where the countdown started and ended, and the crowd watched the magnificent fireworks bursting over the Connecticut River.
I'm so glad we're not in Times Square in the freezing cold with a million of our new best friends, Nicholas grinned, as they toasted their wonderful night.
Elizabeth threw her arms around him as Auld Lang Syne began playing in the back ground.
It's the best New Years I've had so far, she said sincerely as they kissed hungrily under the blanket of flashing light.
Elizabeth looked at Nicholas, who cut a dashing figure in his smart grey suit, and she felt more alive than she had ever been in her life. Right at that moment, she desired him more than everything else and couldn't fathom wanting anyone else's arms wrapped around her.
Two hours later, after more dancing and glasses of champagne, they walked into the night air, chilled by the ever dropping temperature. They arrived back at their hotel suite, and as if in a trance, Elizabeth pinned her hair up, slipped into her red dotted aqua suit and joined Nicholas in the hot tub.
Whatever modesty she tried to preserve was thrown out the window as her swimsuit came off and they splashed around naked in the hot water. She was surprised at her boldness, at her brashness, as her hands joined his in pulling the blue fabric off her body and they attached to each other like magnets.
They spent the night discovering each other, getting acquainted with the pleasures of the flesh that Elizabeth knew existed but never quite felt before. This was nothing like her experience with Max. Though she felt she loved him, she could never quite break down her inhibitions to thoroughly enjoy being with him. Her first and only time had been painful, awkward, and over before it even started.
As dawn was breaking, Nicholas woke up after a few scant hours of sleep and wanted a repeat of their previous carnal activities. Elizabeth woke up to the feeling of gentle kisses along her neck and the glazed look in his eyes told her that he was ready for another round.
We don't have protection, Elizabeth said weakly as she looked at the empty condom wrapper on the nightstand.
Just this once, his warm breath moaned in her ear, his voice dripping with lust. Her resolve broken, she pulled him closer, lazily stroking his back. She felt the hardness between his legs as his tongue met hers, his hands on her breasts.
There's no going back now, she thought as he pulled her on top of him.
Sweet. So sweet, he whispered between kisses. She gasped as she felt him entering her, her body instinctively moving over him. He sat up and brought her closer, straddling her legs around him. They faced each other, as she felt him deep inside of her, stimulating the secret spot that she knew she had but never quite experienced the delight of.
Nicholas, she murmured softly, as his tongue attached to her nipple. He lay kisses on her breasts, and placed his hands on her hips, moving her towards climax.
Hmmmmm. He laid of top of her, their bodies moving together until she felt him shuddering, pulsing inside of her. He lay in her arms, spent, as she stroked his thick dark hair.
I love you, she said, no longer shy to say it out loud. There was nothing else in the universe for her at this moment, but the feeling of holding him, his hard body pressed up against hers. She inhaled the scent of his skin, knew right then that she wanted this forever.
His "Just this once" was quickly forgotten and Elizabeth found herself throwing all caution to the wind. Never had she been so happy, so giddy with pleasure, felt so paralyzed with rapture. She had also never been so careless. Time flowed by and as the weeks went on, the last thing they were thinking, as they lay in each other's arms was about contraception. Everything she was told, everything she had been warned about was lost in the throngs of passion, in the erotic rivers of arousal that stormed through their veins whenever they were together.
She wanted to possess and be possessed by him, to get under his skin just like he was under hers. Valentines day came and went, it was a day of awe and enchantment. She had surprised Nicholas with a hot air balloon ride over the Hudson Valley, and she was thrilled when he told her he loved her while they overlooked various landmarks, mansions and the river below them.
In between work and her weekly class, they used up all their extra time to spend with each other, but it was never enough, kisses weren't long enough, minutes spent in bed begged to be hours, they both wanted more, needed more, and conversation quickly turned into ideas of them moving in together….