Tuscan Skies

Part 16

Gus opened the trunk of the limousine for J.R., and placed the bags J.R. handed to him inside of the trunk. Gus held open the passengers' door for J.R., and closed it when J.R. was seated inside.

Gus asked, "Is there anywhere else you needed to go, Mr. Ewing?"

J.R. said, "Yes, I'd like to go to a jeweler. Do you know of any fine jewelers in this area?"

Gus drove J.R. to Frank Adams Jewelers. J.R. recognized the name, and was very impressed by Gus' choice. J.R. wanted to buy a pair of diamond earrings to match Sue Ellen's engagement ring. He would surprise her with the earrings on the first night of their sailboat cruise. J.R. had exceptional taste in women's jewelry. He also knew what he liked to see Sue Ellen wear. He envisioned how she would react to his surprise. He closed his eyes, as he pondered her response. He had dreamed of the way his relationship with Sue Ellen had evolved. She was a challenge to him, in every way. She had become the kind of lover J.R. knew she was capable of being, once she let go of all of her preconceived notions of gender roles, and what her Mother, Patricia Shepherd had instilled in her as socially acceptable female behavior.

Gus stopped the limousine in front of the Frank Adams Jeweler's showroom, and held open the door for J.R., as he stepped out of the back seat. J.R. opened the door to the showroom, and walked inside. He was surprised by the vast selection of rare, and opulent gems on display in the jeweler's showroom. Diamonds of every shape and size sparkled in the strategically lit display cases. A particular pair of diamond earrings caught J.R.'s attention. They were radiant cut, and approximately three Carats each. The jeweler approved of J.R.'s eye for jewelry. The diamond stones were flawless, and the cut of the diamonds allowed for maximum clarity, and brilliance. J.R. examined each earring through a jeweler's loop, to inspect the stones for potential flaws. He was pleased that the jeweler's claim of perfection was legitimate. J.R. paid for the earrings with a credit card, and waited, while the jeweler gift-wrapped J.R.'s purchase. The jeweler thanked J.R. for shopping, and invited him to return if he required any more jewelry items.

J.R. walked out of the jewelers, and bumped into the man he met the night he and Sue Ellen went to the Opera house.

Gian Carlo Montevideo said, "Mi scusi. Ah, Signor Ewing. How are you today?"

J.R. didn't feel like exchanging courtesies. He wanted to go back to the villa, and make sure that Sue Ellen was all right.

J.R. said, "I'm fine, thanks, if you'll excuse me, I'm in a hurry to get back to my wife."

Gian Carlo vividly remembered J.R.'s "wife," the beautiful Sue Ellen Ewing, from Dallas, Texas.

Gian Carlo asked, "How is the Bella Signora, Sue Ellen?"

J.R. was becoming impatient with the handsome Italian. How did this man know Sue Ellen's name? Surely she didn't mention her name to him the night at the Opera house? J.R. could feel his jealous insecurities surfacing, and had to fight back the urge to tell Gian Carlo to go to hell. How could this man have the audacity to ask J.R. about his wife? J.R. felt that the handsome Italian with the dark skin, aqua-line nose, and the thick curly black hair had no matters, no manners at all.

J.R. was sharp with Gian Carlo, when he said, "I've got to be leavin' now. Have a good, uh, . . . whatever."

Gus opened the passengers' door of the limousine for J.R. He was deeply satisfied to discover that his choice of jewelers was well received by his client.

J.R. asked, "Do you know that man I was talking with?"

Gus said, "Yes, sir, Mr. Ewing. That was Gian Carlo Montevideo. He is the eldest son of one of Tuscany's most influential, and highly respected families. Unfortunately, his reputation has long been a blight on the family name."

J.R. was intrigued, and asked, "Really? How is that?"

"Oh, there are always rumors when money is involved," Gus replied, trying not to sound disrespectful.

J.R. encouraged Gus to tell him more about Gian Carlo. Gus said, "Signor Montevideo is unfaithful to his wife. She knows all about his behavior, but she doesn't seem to mind. She knows that he will never leave her because of what it would do to his family's reputation, and their financial status."

Gus' comments about Gian Carlo served as a vivid reminder to J.R. of how he used to treat Sue Ellen. He was too ashamed to continue his inquiry, and turned to look out the window of the passenger's door. He had been a miserable bastard when he and Sue Ellen were married. He had openly flaunted his illicit affairs, and had even sunk to an all-time low, even for him, by having an affair with Sue Ellen's younger sister, Kristin Shepherd. He managed to justify his deplorable behavior by convincing himself that sex for business, and sex for pleasure were two entirely different things. He admitted to himself, that his deplorable behavior, and cheating ways were a part of his past. He loved Sue Ellen, and was totally devoted to her, and their relationship. Still, a part of him would never forgive himself for the way he had treated Sue Ellen.

J.R. and Gus rode in silence until they arrived at the villa. Gus opened the door for J.R., and carried his packages into the villa for him. J.R. thanked Gus for his help, and told him that they would call on him again, when they needed his services.

J.R. carried the bags upstairs to the loft. He looked for Sue Ellen, but she was nowhere to be seen inside the villa. He walked out onto the balcony, and was relieved to see her sitting at the table, reading.

He said, "Sue Ellen, how are you feelin', Sugar?"

Sue Ellen turned around in her chair when she heard his voice, and grinned at him. She stood up, and walked over to him. She kissed him, and hugged him to her as if she hadn't seen him in ages. J.R. pulled away from her embrace, and gave her a questioning look.

He said, "Is anything the matter, Sue Ellen?"

She smiled at him, and said, "No, nothing's the matter. I just missed you. That's all. I'm feelin' much better, so much that I thought maybe we could go somewhere this afternoon? I'm gettin' cabin fever, and I'd love to get out of here for a while."

J.R. smiled at Sue Ellen, and said, "I'd take you to the ends of the earth, Sugar, if that's where you wanted to go."

Sue Ellen winked at him, and said, "You are too good to me, Darlin'. I don't deserve you."

J.R. reached for her hand, and pulled her into his arms, kissing her hungrily, his thoughts belying his actions. He knew he didn't deserve a woman as wonderful, and forgiving as Sue Ellen, but he vowed to earn the love she felt for him, even if it took the rest of his life. He lifted her into his arms, and carried her inside the villa. He whispered her name into her ear, as she kissed his neck. He gently placed her on top of the bed, as she ran her hands through his hair. He gazed into her eyes, seeking her approval to continue his pursuit of her.

Sue Ellen answered his question with a seductive grin, and said, "Make love to me, J.R. Please?"

He willingly fulfilled her plea. He needed to know that she wanted him, and only him. He needed to reassure himself that the last person in the world on her mind was Gian Carlo Montevideo. He reached for the strap of her sun dress, as she grabbed his hand to hurry him up. She lifted her hands to the buttons of his shirt, popping the buttons off of the shirt in the process. J.R. hastily threw the now useless shirt over his shoulder, and onto the floor. Sue Ellen pulled him on top of her, and kissed him. She craved the feel of his skin against her. She needed to know how much he loved her, and wanted her. J.R. returned her kiss, measure for measure, desperately needing to rid his mind of his insecurities. When he had removed her sun dress completely, he gazed at her. She turned her head away from him. She was unable to handle the way his blue eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. J.R. turned her head back to face him. Her eyes were full of emotion, as she met his gaze. J.R. was at a loss for words when he saw the look of absolute love reflected in her eyes. J.R. lowered his head, and kissed her waiting mouth, ever so gently. He didn't want to ruin the moment he had waited his entire life for. He knew at that moment that Sue Ellen was his, and nothing could have thrilled him more.

Sue Ellen sensed his hesitation, and asked in a husky voice, "Are you all right, J.R.?"

J.R.'s thoughts wandered to the passionate undercurrent driving his need for her, and said, "Everything is perfect, Sugar. I love you."

Their passion ignited a flame that would burn for the next couple of hours, leaving them deliriously satisfied. When their energy returned, they showered, and dressed for an evening out on the town. Sue Ellen dressed in a sleeveless white, v-neck Versace silk charmeuse gown, with a low-cut back opening, and a high-cut leg slit. Her hair was piled loosely on top of her head, and her makeup emphasized her incredible hazel eyes. J.R. dressed in a black suit, a crisp white shirt, with a wine-colored tie. He instantly knew that the earrings he bought for Sue Ellen would add the finishing touch to her ensemble. Sue Ellen had her back to him, as she fumbled through her jewelry case, looking for a pair of earrings to wear with her gown. J.R. walked over to her, and stood behind her. He put his arm around her shoulder, and held the gift-wrapped box in front of her.

He maintained his touch on her shoulder, and said, "Maybe this will help?"

Sue Ellen turned around, as he placed the box in her hands. She smiled, when he told her to open his gift. She removed the ribbon, and lifted the lid. She was elated when she discovered the exceptional earrings J.R. picked out for her.

J.R. said, "I was going to give those to you as a surprise, but when I saw how stunning you look in that gown, I knew you had to have these."

Sue Ellen said, "I don't know what to say, J.R. These are absolutely gorgeous. Thank you, Darlin'."

She leaned forward, and put her arms around him. She pulled him to her for a kiss. J.R. obliged, and tightened his grip on her waist, as his hands moved to the bare skin on her back. His touch was warm against her skin, and she reveled in the way it felt. J.R. deepened his kiss, as his mouth moved against her parted lips. His hand moved inside the silky fabric of her gown. She stiffened against him momentarily, then relaxed, as his skillful hands worked their magic. He removed her gown, and carefully placed the gown on a dressing table. Sue Ellen covered her exposed breasts with her arms, and lowered her eyes demurely, waiting for J.R. to make his next move.

J.R. moved her over to the bed, and asked, "Do you think you can wait a little while longer before we go out, Honey?"

Sue Ellen answered his question by pulling on his tie. He flashed her a deliciously wicked grin, and straddled her, as he lowered her onto the bed. Sue Ellen put her hands around his neck, and pulled his head down to hers. She kissed him, then tugged at his lower lip with her teeth. He was her captive, and he abandoned himself to her seduction. She lowered her hands to unbuckle his belt, and his breath caught in his throat, as he felt her fingers on the zipper of his trousers. He stood up from the bed, and finished removing his pants. His pulse was racing as he hovered over her, on top of the mattress. Sue Ellen cried out his name as he took her, their bodies sensually crashing together with the ferocity of tidal waves against an unsuspecting shore. J.R. abandoned any will he had to move slowly, and rhythmically against her, he needed her to complete him, and wasted no time in fulfilling his need.

Sue Ellen breathlessly whispered, "God, J.R...," her voice giving way to satisfied laughter.

J.R. laughed with her, and said, "I agree with you, Sugar."

He rolled over, and kissed her neck, as she leaned into his kiss. They waited until they had their wits about them, before showering off, and putting their evening attire back on. J.R. helped Sue Ellen fasten the waistband of her gown.

She smiled at him provocatively, and said, "Thank you, J.R."

The tone of her voice conveyed her gratitude for more than the earrings he gave to her. J.R. walked behind her, and watched as she ascended the spiral staircase. He marveled at her grace, and elegance, as she effortlessly appeared to glide down the stairs.

J.R. whispered in her ear, when they were in the back of the limousine, "This will be a night you'll never forget. One of many, I can promise you that, Sugar. I love you, Sue Ellen."

Sue Ellen leaned over, and hungrily kissed his tantalizing mouth.

She said, "I love you so much, J.R." He held her close to him, as the limousine drove down the hill, toward the city of Tuscany . . .