~II~
Amanda closed the door, flipping the deadbolt into place. While she'd thoroughly enjoyed the evening with Phillip and his friends, it had reminded her just how far removed she was from her own college days. She'd been more than happy to head back to the Inn a little before midnight.
Heading for the nearest bed, she sank down in relief. "My feet are killing me," she groaned as she kicked off her shoes. Leaning over, she began to slowly massage the ball of her foot. "I should have known better than to wear new shoes."
"Funny, they didn't seem to be bothering you a few hours ago," Lee grumbled as he hefted his canvas bag onto the other double bed. Quickly unzipping it, he gave the contents a cursory glance, mumbling under his breath, "You and 'what's-his-name' . . ."
Amanda looked up. "'What's-his-name'?"
"Your buddy from the lobby."
"Oh," she grinned, "*that* 'What's-his-name'."
He gave her a sour look. "Yeah. The two of you cut a pretty mean swath across the dance floor."
"Just for the record, his name is Jim. And I think I danced with him a grand total of two times," she replied archly, leaning back on her elbows as she watched him grapple unsuccessfully with his tie.
"You could have fooled me," Lee groused again, finally managing to rip off the offending neckwear. "Every time I glanced over in your direction, there he stood."
She laughed lightly. For a highly trained agent who could recite numerous codes and ciphers on command, Lee Stetson seemed to have an inordinate amount of trouble recalling a simple name. It was a trait she found more than a little endearing.
Rising, she came up behind him. "He's Phillip's advisor, and I didn't want to be rude," she told him in a low whisper, placing her hands gently on his shoulders.
Easing his suit coat down his arms, she tossed it on the bed, then began to slowly work her hands along his back. "I don't know why you're complaining," she whispered softly as she felt his tension begin to subside. "You sure didn't seem lonely."
"Phillip was introducing me to some of his friends," he countered. Turning, he caught her in his arms, pulling her tightly against him. "I didn't want to be rude."
Her fingers traveled up his back to tangle lightly in his hair. "Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah," he answered, his eyes sparkling.
Amanda laughed. "Have you noticed that all of Phillip's friends appear to be of the female persuasion?" she asked, moving her hands to the front of his shirt. She opened the top button, her nails skimming lightly over the hollow of his throat.
Lee drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he caught the impish sparkle in his wife's eyes. Grinning, he stilled her roaming fingers, bringing them to his lips for a kiss. "Oh, he had a perfectly logical explanation for that," he informed her, leaning in towards her ear. She could feel the light tickle of his breath as he added, "At this university the girls outnumber the boys two to one."
"I didn't know that," she replied, her voice cracking as Lee turned his attention to her neck.
"Evidently a major point in its favor when he was going through the admission process," Lee confided, moving her sweater aside to give him better access.
Sighing, she rested against him. He had the most wonderful lips, she thought hungrily; and, oh, my gosh . . . how she'd missed the feelings they stirred in her.
He seemed to read her thoughts. "It's been a long time, Mrs. Stetson," he murmured in gravelly tones as he drew back to catch her eye.
"Close to three months," she whispered, shivering slightly as she met his gaze. She could see her own passionate longing reflected back at her. She watched him lean in, his lips barely touching hers as he bestowed a tender kiss. It wasn't nearly enough and, straining forward, she pressed her lips to his again, this time more firmly.
His response was immediate. Her mouth parted instinctively to his tongue as she let go, melting into the steadily increasing intensity of their kiss. She heard him groan, a low, rumbling noise from deep inside his chest, and she echoed the sound, fanning the flame as she pressed even closer.
Breaking away at last, he ran his finger softly across her cheek. "Oh, Amanda," he whispered, "I've missed you so."
"I've been right here," she answered in a shaky voice.
"Yeah, but you've been . . . we've been . . . occupied with other things," he told her with a longing smile. "Not that I'm complaining, it's just that . . ."
She smiled wryly. "Parenthood has a way of sucking the passion right out of a relationship."
"Only if we let it." He pulled her against him, his lips brushing tenderly through her hair. "I don't know about you, Mrs. Stetson, but I've got a whole lot of passion left in me."
"Oh, yeah?" she asked with a low laugh, rubbing seductively against him. "I don't suppose you'd care to demonstrate?"
He flashed her a breathtaking smile. "I'd like to very much," he replied, his voice low and inviting. Leaning in, he kissed her again. It was slower this time, more leisurely than demanding, yet somehow it made her ache for him even more.
"Wow," she murmured softly as they broke apart, leaning her forehead gently against his.
"Yeah," he echoed, breathing deeply. "Amanda," he began, hesitating as his eyes searched hers. "Is this gonna be okay? The doctor did say you could . . ."
Her thumb caressed his lips, silencing him. "Yes, it's perfectly fine. Elaine gave me a clean bill of health at my check-up."
"Whew," he whistled, breaking into a grin. "In that case, hold that thought. I'll be right back."
"Back?" she exclaimed. "You're going somewhere . . . now?"
"I happen to have a very special bottle of wine in the car," he informed her, his raised eyebrows emphasizing each word. "One I've been saving for an equally extraordinary occasion."
She laughed lightly. "Wine glasses, too, I suppose?"
"Damn," he muttered as he started for the door. "I knew I forgot something." Eyes searching, he picked up the standard hotel room issue. "Will these do?"
She smiled softly. "We've managed with a lot less."
"You're absolutely right, Mrs. Stetson." Crossing the room, he kissed her again. "Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back."
"Is it okay with you if I get out of these clothes?"
He flashed her a winning smile. "I was kind of looking forward to helping you with that."
"Oh, you still can," she laughed. Reaching into their suitcase, she pulled out a flimsy wisp of satin, waving it enticingly in front of her. "I brought this along with exactly that in mind.
His eyes widened. "Amanda . . ."
"What? You weren't the only one with plans for this weekend, you know."
Grinning slyly, he blew her a kiss as he headed out the door. Amanda stood still for a minute, her fingers rubbing the soft fabric of her nightgown, wondering how she'd gotten so lucky. Marriage hadn't dimmed their desire in the least; if anything, their passion had deepened as their growing family had added patience, humor and a real sense of sharing to the mix.
Qualities that had been sorely needed of late. She really hadn't been very receptive to physical affection in the long weeks before Jenny's birth, and since coming home from the hospital, she'd moved through the days in a haze of fatigue, her only goal to snatch a bit of uninterrupted sleep. Only this past week had she glimpsed the light at the end of that proverbial tunnel when Jenny had finally started sleeping for longer stretches of time. She sent up a silent prayer that her mother was having an easy night with her.
Grabbing her nightgown, she headed for the bathroom, trying not to dwell on thoughts of home. She'd been so torn about leaving little Jenny this weekend, but she was looking forward to spending some time with her husband that had nothing to do with diapers, formula or feeding schedules.
And she'd been anxious to see Phillip, too. While he had never said it in so many words, she knew how much he'd been counting on their visit. She still felt a little guilty that something as momentous as his departure for college had been swallowed up by the chaos of his baby sister's imminent arrival.
Little Matthew had felt it, too. Phillip's leaving had been especially hard on him. A new baby sister who did nothing but eat, sleep and scream was a poor substitute for the big brother he adored, and Amanda had been trying to give him some extra attention while she was still on maternity leave. He was not quite three, still a baby in his own right. It was only natural to feel some pangs of jealousy over losing that title.
At least Jamie seemed to be on an even keel these days. No longer overshadowed by his athletic older brother's accomplishments, he seemed to be thriving this year in high school. He suddenly had an active social life, and he'd even taken a date to the Homecoming dance last weekend. Amanda smiled, remembering the look on his face when Lee had presented him with the keys to the Corvette for the occasion. Yes, her second son seemed to have finally found his niche.
Now, if only she could reclaim hers, she thought plaintively. It's not that she minded being a housewife again for a little while, but part of her was already longing to get back to work. Matthew's unbridled joy at having her home made her feel more than a little guilty for wanting to 'have it all', but, oh, how she missed working with Lee and the adrenaline rush of that other life they shared.
Not to mention the passionate fire of their intimate relationship. At least this time away would give them an opportunity to put that back on track. Removing her clothes, she slid the silken nightgown over her head, examining her reflection in the mirror with a critical eye. Better, but not quite there yet; another month of exercise should do the trick. A small price to pay, she thought as she turned slightly, smoothing the nightgown down over her stomach. Her new baby daughter was worth a lifetime of stomach crunches.
Satisfied, she headed into the other room. At least Jenny's unusually swift arrival had spared her another c-section. After her ordeal with Matthew, the doctors had been so insistent, but like a true Stetson, Jenny had other ideas. Amanda smiled at the memory; they were lucky they'd made it to the hospital in time.
Placing her folded slacks and sweater neatly in her suitcase, she turned her attention to the bed closest to the wall. Not as luxurious as the Crystal Springs Inn, but it would do. Pulling back the quilted spread, she smoothed the sheets and plumped the pillows, wishing she'd had time to pick up some of those little chocolates they loved. Well, perhaps for their next trip . . .
She heard the soft knock, and, smiling in anticipation, she turned towards the sound. "Forget your key, big fella?" she called teasingly as she opened the door. "You know, there was a day when you could've picked that lock in ten sec . . ." Mouth open, she froze in the doorway, staring in startled surprise.
"Uh, hi there, Amanda," Carrie King mumbled apologetically, her eyes wide. "I'm, uh, really sorry to disturb you . . ."
"But we've got a little problem," Joe stated crossly, exhaling loudly as he folded his arms across his chest.
"Problem?" Amanda said weakly, having trouble processing his words. Glancing down at her attire, her cheeks reddened, and she quickly scooted behind the door, peering around it with a self-conscious smile.
"Well, it's really more of an oversight, I guess," Carrie explained sheepishly, her own cheeks flaming as she watched Amanda hiding behind her makeshift shield.
"Oversight?" Joe grumbled. "It's stupidity, pure and simple. I made the reservation over a month ago, two nights, and now that clerk can't find it."
"Well, that's not totally true," Carrie corrected. "He did find a reservation, it's just, well, canceled."
"And whose fault is that, huh?" Joe exhaled again, rubbing his hand across the back of his neck.
"I don't know, Joe," Carrie hissed, her blue eyes flashing, "but if you say it a little louder, perhaps someone down the hall will tell you." Pursing her lips, she turned apologetically to Amanda. "Could we please come in?"
"Uh, sure . . . just give me a second," Amanda replied, hastily searching the room for something to throw on over her negligee. Grabbing Lee's discarded suit coat, she pulled it on, turning to greet her unexpected guests. "So," she began, clearing her throat as she ushered Joe and Carrie into the room. "You were saying?"
"The front desk messed up our reservation," Joe told her with an exasperated sigh. "Evidently some idiot clerk accidentally canceled it."
"Don't most hotels usually hold a few rooms for emergency?" Amanda inquired.
"They filled their last 'emergency' reservation late this afternoon. At least, that's what they claim." Joe shook his head in disgust, adding vehemently, "Idiots; nothing but a bunch of idiots."
"Joe, calm down," Carrie said soothingly. "They were very apologetic. And they did find us a room for tomorrow night."
"Generous of them," he replied testily, "but that doesn't help us tonight, now does it?"
"Well, maybe if we'd left D. C. at a decent hour, we wouldn't be dealing with this at midnight," Carrie shot back.
"So you told me several dozen times in the lobby." Taking a deep breath, Joe turned to Amanda. "Would you mind if I used your phone? The manager gave me a couple of other hotels to try."
"No, go ahead," she sighed, pulling Lee's coat tighter around her.
Joe dropped down on the bed, the springs creaking beneath his weight. Grabbing the phone, he removed a small card from his pocket, squinting as he read it. Shaking his head, he let out a long breath, his fingers slamming down on the buttons as he punched in the number.
Carried sighed, taking in Amanda's nightgown and the carefully turned down bed with an apologetic glance. "I'm so sorry for barging in like this," she whispered, folding her arms across her chest as she moved to the window. "Joe was just so upset. He called Phillip, and he gave us your room number."
Amanda put an arm around her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," she told her reassuringly. "That's what family's for, right?"
Carried nodded, unable to speak.
"Come on," Amanda urged, one eye on Joe as he dialed another number. "Everything will work out just fine."
"Sorry I took so long," Lee apologized as he breezed into the room. "The corkscrew was under the seat. You weren't lonely, were . . ." He stopped dead in his tracks, wine bottle in hand, as he took in the scene.
"Uh, not exactly," she answered, meeting his flabbergasted look with a feeble smile. "Joe and Carrie seem to have a slight accommodation problem."
"Problem?" Lee echoed, one lip curling up incredulously.
"It appears the front desk lost their reservation, and now there's 'no room at the Inn'," Amanda explained wryly.
"I'm so sorry for barging in on you guys like this," Carrie repeated. Tucking an errant strand of blonde hair tidily behind her ear, she looked woefully from Lee to Amanda. "I'm sure we'll get this resolved and be out of your way in no time."
"Carrie, please, don't worry about it," Amanda told her again, putting an arm around her shoulder. "It's perfectly all right."
"Yeah," Lee added dryly. "Perfectly."
Shooting him a warning look, Amanda turned once more to Carrie. "I hope you had a nice drive down at least," she put in quickly.
Carrie shook her head. "By the time we got on the road, the traffic was a nightmare. Fridays," she added with a sigh. "I told Joe . . . "
The phone slammed down, and they all looked up. "Well, that tears it," Joe stated angrily as he rose from the bed. "There isn't a hotel room to be had tonight anywhere in this town. Oh, hi, Lee," he sighed, extending his hand.
"The entire town is booked?" Lee replied incredulously as he returned Joe's greeting.
"Well, if they aren't booked, they've closed their reservations for the night. Guess it's kind of late to check in. Is that wine?" Joe added, staring pointedly at the bottle Lee still clasped in his hand. "I could really use a drink."
Lee gave him a sickly look. "Oh, uh, sure," he responded, heading for the bathroom, mumbling under his breath, "it's not like I've been saving it or anything."
"I'll give you a hand," Amanda put in quickly. "Joe, Carrie, sit down, both of you. You guys look exhausted."
Entering the bathroom, she caught Lee's expression. "Don't say it," she whispered hastily. "Believe me, I know, but I feel so sorry for Carrie . . ."
"Amanda," he moaned, fighting with the corkscrew. "You aren't suggesting . . ."
"Well, what are we supposed to do?" she hissed. "Let them sleep in the car?"
"I'm thinking about it," he replied, pulling out the cork. "My Gottanara '75. Do you have any idea how long I've been saving this?"
She shook her head weakly.
"April of 1987, Amanda," he told her with a raised eyebrow. "Ever since T. P. replaced it for me."
"Well, you did say you wanted it for something extraordinary," she told him with a widening smile. "I think this qualifies. A cozy little evening, just the . . . four . . . of us. Come on," she laughed in response to his somewhat painful grimace, "you have to admit it's kind of funny."
"Funny isn't the word that comes to mind at the moment," he grumbled as he filled the glasses. His eyes swept over her appraisingly. "Uh, nice outfit, by the way."
"I'm sure Joe and Carrie appreciated it, too, especially when I answered the door sans jacket," she sighed. "Oh, my gosh . . ."
"You can say that again, " he commiserated, passing her two glasses. Picking up the wine bottle, he emptied the rest into his glass, filling it to the rim. "Come on," he told her with a groan, "let's go offer our guests a bed for the night."
TBC