Chapter 7
Alicia was awestruck. Merrill had put candles and roses all over the garage bedroom. There was a table in the middle of the room, set up for two.
"You made me dinner?" she gasped.
"It's actually, um, take-out, but we can pretend I made it."
She squealed and gave him a kiss.
"You're amazing!"
"No," he said, taking a hold of Alicia by her waist, "you're the beautiful, incredible, and amazing one."
They closed their eyes and lost themselves in a deep French kiss. Alicia purred with satisfaction as the kiss grew more passionate. Suddenly, Merrill let go.
"Why'd you stop?" she whispered.
"Because if we keep kissing like this, we won't make it to dinner."
"Fine then."
Alicia and Merrill shared an authentic Italian meal, talking about whatever crossed their minds. With each minute that passed, they realized that they were falling more and more in love with each other. After dinner, they cleaned everything up and then sat on the bed together. Merrill reached under the bed and handed Alicia a present and a card.
"Merrill, you're spoiling me."
"Open the present first."
Alicia delicately peeled the gift wrap away and opened the box that was beneath it. Inside was an exquisite music box. She opened it and it played "The Rose."
"Merrill, this is my favorite song. How did you know that?"
"Colleen told me. Do you like it?"
Alicia fought back tears as she replied, "This is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten in my whole life. I've always wanted a music box."
"Well, I'm glad you like it. Now you have to read the card."
Alicia placed the music box on her nightstand and opened the card. She skimmed the writing on the outside of it and began reading the part Merrill wrote her.
"Alicia- As I sit here thinking of words to say, none are coming to mind when I think of the happiness you have brought me. This may sound odd to you, but when we first met when Graham and Colleen were dating, I knew you'd have an impact on my life. Even though we had a little bit of an age difference, I knew that somehow and someday, you'd have a huge influence on my life. To most people, three weeks would seem like no time at all to get to really know someone. But I felt that in these past three weeks, you've stolen my heart. Never have I felt such passion and emotion for another human being. I feel as if my life has been completed now that we have each other. You're the first thing on my mind when I wake up each morning and the last thing when I go to bed at night. Your hazel eyes and breathtaking smile are in every single thought that goes through my head. I admit- you've won me over in every aspect possible. I could definitely see myself growing to love you with everything I have- and I know in my heart that you feel the same. Happy birthday, baby. Love always, Merrill."
Alicia closed the card and wiped away the tears that had been spilling down her face. She couldn't think of anything to say.
"I've never written anything like that about anyone, so sorry if it's bad."
"Merrill, this is the most touching thing anyone has ever.."
She looked at him and ran her fingers along the side of her face.
"I don't think I've ever looked in someone's eyes and felt what I'm feeling right now."
Merrill moved his face closer to hers and asked, "What exactly would that feeling be?"
"That I'm falling in love with you- and there's nothing I can do to stop it."
"Do you want to stop it?"
"No."
Merrill teased Alicia's lips with his and whispered, "There's just two things you can do for me that will make this night even more perfect."
"What?"
"Lie down and close your eyes."
Alicia's stomach turned with anxiety as she lowered herself onto the bed, closing her eyes.
"Should I be scared?" she asked.
"Not unless you're scared of me doing this."
Merrill began planting wet kisses along Alicia's neck. As he did so, he took off the shirt she was wearing. She reached up and slipped his shirt over his head.
"Nice six-pack," she said.
"I try my best."
Within minutes, all their clothes were scattered on the floor of the bedroom, and Merrill fulfilled the promise he had made to Alicia- three times in a row.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Do you think it'll clear up by the time we leave tomorrow morning?"
"I hope so. But I'm a good rain driver, so we'll be OK."
It was now Thursday evening. Alicia was spending the night at Merrill's apartment, before they ventured to Manhattan the next day. Merrill joined Alicia by the sliding glass door that led to the balcony.
"I love rainy nights," he whispered in her ear.
"Me too. Especially when you're inside and comfortable."
"You wanna watch a movie?"
"Nah. Let's just cuddle on the couch."
"Sounds good to me."
They went over to the leather couch that sat in Merrill's living room, but before they sat down, Merrill ran into the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" Alicia asked.
"Hold on a sec."
Alicia stretched out on the couch and a few moments later, a glass of wine was being held over her head. She sat up and took it.
"Let's make a toast," Merrill said.
"OK. To what?"
"To our New York trip. May it be fun, romantic, and relaxing."
"Cheers."
They tapped their glasses together and took a sip. Then Merrill turned off the lamp beside the couch, which had previously been the only source of light in the room. He took Alicia into his arms and they were lying side by side, facing each other. They pulled a blanket over their bodies and buried into the couch.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Alicia asked.
"Because I keep thinking about last night. I've never experienced sex like that."
Alicia put on a mock British accent and pouted, "That's because we didn't have sex, we made love. There is a difference, you know."
"Are you mocking me?"
"Me? Mock you? Never!"
"Whatever. Hey, aren't you hot in that shirt? You know, with the blankets and everything?"
"A little. But I think I might need help taking it off. You're lying on my arm."
"Oh, sorry. Let me help you."
Merrill slid his hands underneath the form-fitting shirt Alicia was wearing and slipped it over her head. He tossed it over the side of the couch and ran his fingers along her chest. Without saying anything, Alicia took Merrill's shirt off for him and smiled.
"You must work out every day."
"I've been lazy since the season ended. But starting next month, I go back into full-time training again."
Alicia loved the feeling of Merrill's bare skin against hers. He kept playing with her bra strap, like he wasn't sure if he wanted to take it off or not. Meanwhile, his other hand was teasing the delicate skin of her inner thighs.
"Merrill," she breathed, "make up your mind what you want to do and stop teasing me."
"Is my precious Ali getting a little antsy?"
"Well, you've got one hand up here and one down there, but they're not doing anything..satisfying. It's driving me crazy!"
"OK, then you have a choice. Do you want me to keep going with the hand that's up here, or the hand that's down there?"
"Take your pick."
Alicia felt the sudden sensation of fingers crawling up her inner thighs, higher and higher until she had to grasp onto Merrill for support.
"You like that?" he whispered.
Alicia had to bite her lip in order to suppress from crying out in pleasure.
She nodded her head and gasped, "Keep going- don't stop."
Within minutes, the air that had previously been filled with silence was broken by screams and other sounds of gratification- from both Merrill and Alicia. The night turned to morning before they realized it, and Alicia glanced at the clock that hung above the TV.
"9:06," she said to herself, "we should get going."
She shook Merrill's shoulder and said, "Merrill, let's get up. We should leave in an hour so that we can a full day in Manhattan. Merrill?"
He was in a deep sleep. She re-positioned her body and ran her tongue along Merrill's earlobe.
"Baby," she whispered, "wake up."
Merrill smiled and mumbled, "Keep doing that and maybe I'll wake up."
"Fine. Take your time. I'm gonna take a shower."
Alicia put her bra and pajama bottoms back on and went into Merrill's bathroom. She got the water just the right temperature in the shower, and stepped in. She closed her eyes as the water poured over her head and the rest of her body. She thought she heard the bathroom door opened, but dismissed it as just a figment of her imagination. The next thing she knew, she felt two hands slowly slide around her waist. Startled, she let out a little scream and turned around.
"Merrill! You scared the shit out of me!"
"I'll leave if you want me to."
"No, don't leave. I just didn't expect you."
"Well, now that I'm here, let's make the most of our time."
He backed her against the wall of the shower and let his hands explore her body as he kissed her. Water drenched both of them as the passion between them grew more and more heated.
"Merrill," she said between a kiss.
"Yeah?"
"If we have sex one more time, I think I'm going to break in half."
"Am I really that good?"
"Conceited, are we?"
"If you really want me to stop, I will."
"I may be about to break in half, but I'm not crazy. It won't hurt to arrive at Elle's an hour late."
"That's my girl."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Alicia was awestruck. Merrill had put candles and roses all over the garage bedroom. There was a table in the middle of the room, set up for two.
"You made me dinner?" she gasped.
"It's actually, um, take-out, but we can pretend I made it."
She squealed and gave him a kiss.
"You're amazing!"
"No," he said, taking a hold of Alicia by her waist, "you're the beautiful, incredible, and amazing one."
They closed their eyes and lost themselves in a deep French kiss. Alicia purred with satisfaction as the kiss grew more passionate. Suddenly, Merrill let go.
"Why'd you stop?" she whispered.
"Because if we keep kissing like this, we won't make it to dinner."
"Fine then."
Alicia and Merrill shared an authentic Italian meal, talking about whatever crossed their minds. With each minute that passed, they realized that they were falling more and more in love with each other. After dinner, they cleaned everything up and then sat on the bed together. Merrill reached under the bed and handed Alicia a present and a card.
"Merrill, you're spoiling me."
"Open the present first."
Alicia delicately peeled the gift wrap away and opened the box that was beneath it. Inside was an exquisite music box. She opened it and it played "The Rose."
"Merrill, this is my favorite song. How did you know that?"
"Colleen told me. Do you like it?"
Alicia fought back tears as she replied, "This is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten in my whole life. I've always wanted a music box."
"Well, I'm glad you like it. Now you have to read the card."
Alicia placed the music box on her nightstand and opened the card. She skimmed the writing on the outside of it and began reading the part Merrill wrote her.
"Alicia- As I sit here thinking of words to say, none are coming to mind when I think of the happiness you have brought me. This may sound odd to you, but when we first met when Graham and Colleen were dating, I knew you'd have an impact on my life. Even though we had a little bit of an age difference, I knew that somehow and someday, you'd have a huge influence on my life. To most people, three weeks would seem like no time at all to get to really know someone. But I felt that in these past three weeks, you've stolen my heart. Never have I felt such passion and emotion for another human being. I feel as if my life has been completed now that we have each other. You're the first thing on my mind when I wake up each morning and the last thing when I go to bed at night. Your hazel eyes and breathtaking smile are in every single thought that goes through my head. I admit- you've won me over in every aspect possible. I could definitely see myself growing to love you with everything I have- and I know in my heart that you feel the same. Happy birthday, baby. Love always, Merrill."
Alicia closed the card and wiped away the tears that had been spilling down her face. She couldn't think of anything to say.
"I've never written anything like that about anyone, so sorry if it's bad."
"Merrill, this is the most touching thing anyone has ever.."
She looked at him and ran her fingers along the side of her face.
"I don't think I've ever looked in someone's eyes and felt what I'm feeling right now."
Merrill moved his face closer to hers and asked, "What exactly would that feeling be?"
"That I'm falling in love with you- and there's nothing I can do to stop it."
"Do you want to stop it?"
"No."
Merrill teased Alicia's lips with his and whispered, "There's just two things you can do for me that will make this night even more perfect."
"What?"
"Lie down and close your eyes."
Alicia's stomach turned with anxiety as she lowered herself onto the bed, closing her eyes.
"Should I be scared?" she asked.
"Not unless you're scared of me doing this."
Merrill began planting wet kisses along Alicia's neck. As he did so, he took off the shirt she was wearing. She reached up and slipped his shirt over his head.
"Nice six-pack," she said.
"I try my best."
Within minutes, all their clothes were scattered on the floor of the bedroom, and Merrill fulfilled the promise he had made to Alicia- three times in a row.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Do you think it'll clear up by the time we leave tomorrow morning?"
"I hope so. But I'm a good rain driver, so we'll be OK."
It was now Thursday evening. Alicia was spending the night at Merrill's apartment, before they ventured to Manhattan the next day. Merrill joined Alicia by the sliding glass door that led to the balcony.
"I love rainy nights," he whispered in her ear.
"Me too. Especially when you're inside and comfortable."
"You wanna watch a movie?"
"Nah. Let's just cuddle on the couch."
"Sounds good to me."
They went over to the leather couch that sat in Merrill's living room, but before they sat down, Merrill ran into the kitchen.
"What are you doing?" Alicia asked.
"Hold on a sec."
Alicia stretched out on the couch and a few moments later, a glass of wine was being held over her head. She sat up and took it.
"Let's make a toast," Merrill said.
"OK. To what?"
"To our New York trip. May it be fun, romantic, and relaxing."
"Cheers."
They tapped their glasses together and took a sip. Then Merrill turned off the lamp beside the couch, which had previously been the only source of light in the room. He took Alicia into his arms and they were lying side by side, facing each other. They pulled a blanket over their bodies and buried into the couch.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Alicia asked.
"Because I keep thinking about last night. I've never experienced sex like that."
Alicia put on a mock British accent and pouted, "That's because we didn't have sex, we made love. There is a difference, you know."
"Are you mocking me?"
"Me? Mock you? Never!"
"Whatever. Hey, aren't you hot in that shirt? You know, with the blankets and everything?"
"A little. But I think I might need help taking it off. You're lying on my arm."
"Oh, sorry. Let me help you."
Merrill slid his hands underneath the form-fitting shirt Alicia was wearing and slipped it over her head. He tossed it over the side of the couch and ran his fingers along her chest. Without saying anything, Alicia took Merrill's shirt off for him and smiled.
"You must work out every day."
"I've been lazy since the season ended. But starting next month, I go back into full-time training again."
Alicia loved the feeling of Merrill's bare skin against hers. He kept playing with her bra strap, like he wasn't sure if he wanted to take it off or not. Meanwhile, his other hand was teasing the delicate skin of her inner thighs.
"Merrill," she breathed, "make up your mind what you want to do and stop teasing me."
"Is my precious Ali getting a little antsy?"
"Well, you've got one hand up here and one down there, but they're not doing anything..satisfying. It's driving me crazy!"
"OK, then you have a choice. Do you want me to keep going with the hand that's up here, or the hand that's down there?"
"Take your pick."
Alicia felt the sudden sensation of fingers crawling up her inner thighs, higher and higher until she had to grasp onto Merrill for support.
"You like that?" he whispered.
Alicia had to bite her lip in order to suppress from crying out in pleasure.
She nodded her head and gasped, "Keep going- don't stop."
Within minutes, the air that had previously been filled with silence was broken by screams and other sounds of gratification- from both Merrill and Alicia. The night turned to morning before they realized it, and Alicia glanced at the clock that hung above the TV.
"9:06," she said to herself, "we should get going."
She shook Merrill's shoulder and said, "Merrill, let's get up. We should leave in an hour so that we can a full day in Manhattan. Merrill?"
He was in a deep sleep. She re-positioned her body and ran her tongue along Merrill's earlobe.
"Baby," she whispered, "wake up."
Merrill smiled and mumbled, "Keep doing that and maybe I'll wake up."
"Fine. Take your time. I'm gonna take a shower."
Alicia put her bra and pajama bottoms back on and went into Merrill's bathroom. She got the water just the right temperature in the shower, and stepped in. She closed her eyes as the water poured over her head and the rest of her body. She thought she heard the bathroom door opened, but dismissed it as just a figment of her imagination. The next thing she knew, she felt two hands slowly slide around her waist. Startled, she let out a little scream and turned around.
"Merrill! You scared the shit out of me!"
"I'll leave if you want me to."
"No, don't leave. I just didn't expect you."
"Well, now that I'm here, let's make the most of our time."
He backed her against the wall of the shower and let his hands explore her body as he kissed her. Water drenched both of them as the passion between them grew more and more heated.
"Merrill," she said between a kiss.
"Yeah?"
"If we have sex one more time, I think I'm going to break in half."
"Am I really that good?"
"Conceited, are we?"
"If you really want me to stop, I will."
"I may be about to break in half, but I'm not crazy. It won't hurt to arrive at Elle's an hour late."
"That's my girl."
* * * * * * * * * * *