Chapter 26

Lulu exited her class and beamed as she saw Ethan leaning against the wall waiting for her. She weaved through the crush of students to get to him across the hall. "Hi" she said shyly.

Leaning in, Ethan kissed her quickly. "Hi yourself." He kept his hand on her waist. Though standing so close to her still made him nervous, he could stare into her bright green eyes forever. "So do you know what tomorrow is?"

"Wednesday?" Lulu offered.

He grinned. "Yes, it's Wednesday, it's also Valentine's Day."

"Oh, you mean Singles Awareness Day?"

"Are you single?" he teased.

"No" she answered cautiously.

"Then tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I'd like to invite you to my place for dinner."

"Dinner, huh? Can you cook?"

"I know my way around a box of Kraft dinner" Lulu scrunched up her face. "What? If I cut up some hotdog in it, doesn't that make it fancy?"

Lulu searched his face unsure whether he was teasing or not. Afraid to hurt his feelings, she tried to let him down easily. "Well you shouldn't have to cook - it's Valentine's Day - why don't I get some take out from Kelly's?"

Ethan started to laugh, a low rumbling laugh that slowly made its way to the surface. "Lesley Lu! You fell for that hook, line and sinker. I know how to cook and I promise it won't be Kraft Dinner and hotdog."

She swatted him playfully on the chest. "You're a very mean boy! Is there anything I can bring?"

"Just yourself and your skates."

"My skates?"

"Yup - skates." He bussed her quickly on the lips. "I gotta run to my International Commerce class. See you tomorrow, around 7 pm?"

"Okay" she smiled watching him leave. Celebrating Valentine's Day with someone other than her grandmother was going to be fun.

xxxxx

Lulu finished the last morsel of food, eyes closed, savouring it. Ethan watched her in amazement. "You really like food, don't you?"

"Like food?" she said, opening her eyes. "I LOVE food. God - where did you learn to make butter chicken?"

He shrugged. "My parents like Indian food and there is only so much take out that you can eat before you go broke so my mom and I took an Indian cooking course."

"You took a course with your mom? That's so cute!" Lulu watched as his blue eyes seemed to go cold for just a brief moment. She reached for his hand. "Does it hurt to talk about your mom?"

Ethan was silent for a moment. "Sometimes. Every once in a while it just seems to grab hold of me."

"You've never said but....how did your mom die?" Lulu felt his hand go clammy in hers and knew she had entered dangerous territory. "You don't have to tell me" she added.

He blew out a long breath. "I'm not comfortable talking about the details but my mom was murdered."

"Oh Ethan."

He shook his head. "It's okay." He stood up and began to clear the dishes away. "Did you bring your skates?" he asked from the kitchen.

Lulu felt a knot in her stomach. The circumstances around his mother's death were still obviously very raw and the last thing she wanted to do was upset him. Getting up from the table, she joined him in the kitchen, looping her fingers through his belt loop. "I'm sorry."

He smiled kindly. "There was no way for you to have known." He nipped at her lips. "It's fine - really. Now -did you bring skates?"

"I did" she grinned. "Dare I ask why?"

"Shinny baby."

"Excuse me?"

"Shinny - hockey - we're going to play on the outdoor rink at the park. Bundle up and let's go."

They walked hand in hand to the park and despite the bitter cold, Lulu felt surrounded by warmth. They sat side by side on the bench doing up their skates. Ethan snuck looks at her, wondering how he got so lucky to be spending time with someone as special as she was.

"What?" Lulu asked, catching him looking at her.

"Nothing" he grinned. "Just wondering how you're going to be able to play with those fancy figure skates on."

"I didn't know I'd need hockey skates."

"Are they new?"

She nodded. "I bought them today." Ethan narrowed his eys and put her legs on his lap, examining the blades. He started to laugh loudly. "What?" she said, trying to pull her legs away.

"You didn't get them sharpened."

"Sharpened? You mean you can't just use them out of the box?"

"Er, no." He kept laughing.

Lulu pouted. "You know, I'm not entirely sure I was supposed to know that."

He kissed her quickly and began to undo her laces. "That's okay. We'll do it another time."

"Did I ruin your Valentine's?"

He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. "I get to spend time with you - what more could I want?"

"I'm so sorry" Lulu apologized.

He shrugged. "It just gives us more time to make out." He stood up and took her by the hand. "Come on - I got Grand Theft Auto for my Xbox - I'll let you kick my ass."

"Let me? Let me? Please - you don't stand a chance against me" Bending down, she picked up a handful of snow and tossed it at him.

He froze as the snow trickled down his jacket. "You better start running" he threatened good naturedly as Lulu took off and he chased her. They sprinted the two blocks to his apartment with Ethan catching her just before the stairs to the front door. Picking her up, he twirled her around in his arms. "You can run but you can't escape."

Putting her mitten covered hands on his cheeks, she smiled. "I don't want to escape - I like it when you catch me." He lowered his lips to hers and slowly pulled them to him. Her hands went around his waist, pulling him closer to her.

Breathless, he pulled away from her and stroked her face. "You are the most beautiful girl Lulu."

Picking her up, he threw her over his shoulder and carried her, squealing, to his apartment. He laid her down on his couch and lowered himself onto her. He pressed his lips against her neck and left a trail of wet kisses as he made his way to her ear. She ran her hands through his hair and hooked her leg around his hip, pulling him in closer to her. He slipped his hand under her sweater and slowly massaged her breasts, eliciting a small moan from the back of Lulu's throat. She searched out his mouth and swept her tongue in his mouth, hungrily sucking on his lips. She could feel his arousal growing and pressing against her. She pushed in to him and heard his breath hitch. Grabbing hold of the hem of his sweater, she pulled it over his head and tossed it to the side. She wondrously traced her hands over his smooth skin. Kissing his neck, she moved to the hollow of his neck and worked her tongue in small circles. Ethan began to pant, completely intoxicated by her. Opening his eyes, he slowly pulled away from her and sat up. "We have to stop."

"What? Why?" Lulu sat up in confusion, pulling her sweater down. Her lips were swollen from kissing and her body ached in ways she didn't know was possible. "Did I do something wrong?"

Ethan gave her a small smile and looked down at his very obvious erection. "Um, no, you were doing everything just fine."

"Then why are we stopping?"

Reaching out with his hand, he threaded his fingers through his hair. "Because the next step is a big one and I don't think we should rush it."

"Because I have HIV" she stated, pulling away from him.

"No" he said emphatically, moving closer towards her. "Not because you have HIV but because you've never had sex before Lulu and it will change our relationship when we do - I want to make sure I'm ready and that you're ready."

"Oh" she said flatly, not quiet believing him. "Well I should probably get going." Moving to stand up, Ethan grabbed hold of her hips and pulled her back on to the couch.

"I don't want you to leave."

"But you don't want to sleep with me."

"It's not a question of want - Lulu, I want to sleep with you but as I said, I don't think we should rush it. That doesn't mean you have to go home - stay here tonight."

"What?" She shook her head. "Where...where would I sleep?"

He kissed her forehead. "In my bed - in my arms. Lulu" Ethan inhaled sharply. "I'm falling hard for you and I want to spend all my time with you. Sex between you and I is going to be amazing when it happens. Stay with me tonight."

She looked into his eyes and saw the earnestness in them, she knew he was being honest and that he was looking out for both of them. The idea of spending the night wrapped in his arms was incredibly appealing and she didn't have the strength to resist.

"Okay" she smiled. "But first I kick your ass at Grand Theft Auto and then we snuggle."

"Deal"
xxxxxx

Nikolas leaned back against Nathalie, letting the water slosh around them, she wrapped her arms around his chest, slowly running them over his skin. He had been surprised when she said she wanted to leave the hospital for the night. Since Grace's cardiac arrest she had only spent a few hours away from the hospital and mostly at Nikolas' insistence. They had arrived home at Wyndermere and Nikolas was surprised to see the kitchen lit with candles and the table set for dinner. There was a bottle of wine opened on the table and silver domes covered the plates. Nathalie had smiled at him and wished him a happy Valentine's Day. Nikolas groaned, realizing he had forgotten the day and didn't even have a bouquet of flowers for her. She reminded him that he was all she needed. Having enjoyed a long, leisurely dinner where they talked easily, Nathalie led him upstairs to their bedroom and in to the bathroom where the large marble tub was filled with water and rose petals. She pressed play on the cd player and Frank Sinatra's voice filled the room. Kissing him, she slowly removed his clothing, dropping them to the floor. He closed his eyes, reveling in the feel of her hands and lips on him, enjoying her taking control. They sank in to the tub together letting the hot water loosen their muscles. Saying little, they melted in to each other, taking the opportunity to just be.

He pushed back against her, feeling her breasts against his skin, he trailed his hands along her legs. "Are you getting fresh with me Nikolas?" she asked playfully.

"Maybe" he said. He took one of her hands from his chest and placed it between his legs.

Nathalie's gave a small gasp as she touched his arousal, unaware that he was so hard. She stroked him gently. "Looks like you have a head start on me."

"I can catch you up in no time" he purred.

She pushed against his hips. "I have no doubt."

He turned around in the tub to face her, linking his fingers through hers. "You know, the last time we made love we didn't use any protection" he said softly. He was confused as he watched Nathalie's face fall.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry Nik."

"What are you sorry for?"

"I understand how with a past like mine you might be worried but I can assure you that I've been regularly tested and I've never tested positive for any STDs and before you, Drew had been my only lover for almost eight years."

He shook his head. "Are you...do you think...Nathalie" he cupped her face with his hand. "I'm not worried about your past and that's not why I brought it up."

"Oh."

"I'm just...I guess - how would you feel if we had a baby together?"

Nathalie blew out a small breath. "I..uh...I don't know." Looking into Nikolas' eyes and seeing the complete unadulterated love, she felt an unexpected stirring. "You are the man I love and if I were to have another baby I would want it to be with you."

"Really?" he asked hopefully.

"Really" she confirmed. "Nikolas I never expected to fall in love again - I actually never expected to fall in love at all - and to have you in my life is a gift. A baby - our baby" her eyes filled with tears. "it would be a blessing."

Leaning forward, Nikolas captured her lips in a soft kiss. "So where do we go from here?"

She ran her thumbs over his brows. "How about we don't worry or plan and just take it as it comes? If I become pregnant - great and if I don't right away, we won't stress."

Nikolas stood up in the tub, rivulets of water dripping down his body. Nathalie wasn't sure she had seen a more beautiful sight. Stepping from the tub, he wrapped a towel around his waist. Grabbing a second towel, he held it open to her and she got out of the tub, letting him wrap it around her. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He lay her down on the bed, letting his towel drop.

"What are you doing?" she asked, smiling.

"Taking it as it comes."

Crawling on the bed beside her he flicked open her towel, her body exposed to him. Seeing his eyes darken with desire, Nathalie arched her body upwards, offering herself to him. He closed his mouth hotly over hers, his tongue sweeping in her mouth, their kisses were hungry and needful. He worked his way down her body, lavishing her breasts with kisses. He grazed his teeth over her nipples causing her to hiss. Massaging one breast with his hand while taking the other in his mouth, Nathalie moaned, urging him to take more. He trailed his tongue down her body, dragging it over her hip bone. He kissed the soft flesh of her inner thigh before bringing his mouth over her sex and kissing her hard.

"Oh god, Nik!" Nathalie hissed.

He dragged his tongue along the entrance of her engorged folds, dipping in her slick entrance. Nathalie bent her knees, tilting her pelvis forward to him. He lapped slowly at her wetness. "You taste so good" he said huskily. She fisted his hair as he continued to work his tongue inside her. She writhed underneath him, every nerve ending on fire as he took her clit in his mouth and began to suck greedily on it. "Please don't stop" she panted.

Nikolas slipped two fingers inside her and began to move them around as he felt her clench around him, telling him she was close. His erection throbbed painfully, desperate for some attention but he wanted to bring her off first. Her hips undulated against his hand, riding it. He looked up at her, her body arched off the bed and she pulled on her nipples. Her mouth hung open, breathless. Taking her clit between his teeth, her body trembled and twitched as she started to come. Her head flopped from side to side, crying his name as he worked her until she was spent.

Her breathing was shallow as she tried to recover from Nikolas' ministrations. Lying beside her, he stroked her skin, teasing her breasts. She opened her eyes and seeing his cock jutting forward, smiled. "I think I should do something about that " she said, reaching her hand out to touch the glistening head. Moving down on the bed, she ran her tongue over it. Taking him in the warmth of her mouth, she slowly moved up and down his length. Nikolas fisted the sheets and bit his lip to keep from crying out. Letting go of him with a pop, she pushed him onto his back and lowered herself on to him.

"Fuck Nat" he hissed as he was buried inside her.

Leaning forward, she rested her hands on either side of his head kissing him hard as she rode him. Her body, not quite recovered from her first climax was moving quickly to the second. He grabbed her hips pushing her down hard in to him as hips lifted to meet hers. Their eyes locked on each other as they moved as one. Nikolas felt his stomach coil and tighten and unable to hold back any longer came hard against her, filling her. Nathalie collapsed on him, both breathless.

"Happy Valentine's Day" he whispered into her hair as he wrapped his arms around her.

xxxxxx

Noah looked nervously around his apartment. He had champagne chilling, candles lit and a bouquet of flowers the sales girl had assured him would blow his girlfriend's socks off. It had been a long time since Valentine's Day was anything other than another day on the calendar for him. Even when he was married, he and Mattie used to laugh at the idea of needing a day to celebrate love. Every day was Valentine's Day for them. But that was then and this was now. Brenda was very different than most of the women he had known in his life and he truly wanted to give her a night to remember. He had struggled for weeks trying to find the appropriate gift for her. He had even contemplated asking Patrick for his help and then the idea came to him. He looked at the square box wrapped in red paper with a red and white bow on it. It was a bold move on his part but the gift was a true representation of how he felt about her and he wanted her to know.

The doorbell rang and he took one last look in the mirror. He had bumped into Nathalie at the hospital and when he told her what he had planned, she insisted on taking him shopping saying it was a good excuse for her to get out of the hospital. It had been a fun outing having Nathalie fuss over him, chiding him for trying to hide under oversized shirts and baggy pants. She got him into a pair of tailored black wool pants and a dark green cashmere turtleneck sweater. Not normally vain he did admire Nathalie's taste. Opening the door, he grinned as he saw Brenda standing before him in a full length coat with sunglasses on.

"Sunglasses Brenda?" he asked in amusement.

"What can I say - the future is so bright, I gotta wear shades." She brushed passed him, coming to a stop at the scene Noah created. "Wow" she said, taking her glasses off.

"You like?" he asked wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck.

Turning around in her arms she beamed. "I like very much." Standing on her tiptoes, she captured his mouth coaxing his lips apart and tangling her tongue with his. Stroking her face, he pulled away from their kiss.

"Why don't you take your coat off and I'll pour the champagne?"

"Champagne? Are you trying to seduce me Dr. Drake?"

"Is it working?" he asked, walking to the kitchen.

"Damn straight it is" she called to him. She threw her coat over the chair and sat down on the couch, leaning back with her legs stretched before her. Noah returned and nearly dropped the two champagne flutes, his containing gingerale.

"Sweet mother of god" he whispered.

Brenda was reclined dressed in nothing more than a sheer black lace teddy with garters and black silk stockings. The plunging neckline of her teddy came to a stop just below her breasts where she had placed a large red bow. "Happy Valentine's Day" she said seductively. "I'm your gift."

He stared at her, completely shell shocked. "Wo...wo..wow" he said. ".ever." He walked towards the couch handing her a glass of champagne.

"Do you want to unwrap me?" she purred.

"You have no idea" he said sitting down beside her. "Brenda you are so beautiful." They clinked glasses and toasted each other. "But before I unwrap my gift, would you like to unwrap yours?"

Her eyes danced with excitement. "Yes please" she said rubbing her hands together.

Noah reached for the box and tried to steady his hand before giving it to her. She looked at him, grinning as she undid the bow and slowly peeled the paper from the box. She pried the lid from the box and gasped as she saw a key nestled amid the velvet lining. Her eyes were wide with surprise as she looked up at him.

"Move in with me Brenda - come and live with me" he asked earnestly.

"Noah - I..." too dumbstruck to speak, she stared at the key.

"We work Brenda and I love you. You are here almost all the time and I want you here permanently. So what do you say? Ready to make a home with me?"

She looked at his kind face. His eyes were sincere and warm - warmer than almost any man she had ever known. He had been kind and patient with her, giving her as much room to move around as she needed so she wouldn't feel boxed in. He loved her and showed her on a regular basis what love was supposed to be. It was a lesson she would be forever grateful for.

"I'm....." she breathed in deeply. "I'm sorry Noah I can't."

"Well I admit the apartment is a little simple but if you don't like it we can find a new one together and you can decorate it however you'd like."

She shook her head. "No...I mean - I can't do this - I think you are a truly amazing man and you have changed my life but this.....I just can't." She stood up and walked to the chair, pulling her coat on. Stunned, Noah sat frozen in place and watched her as she put her hand on the door.

Turning around, she looked at him one last time. "I'm sorry Noah" Pulling the door shut behind her, she sprinted down the stairs and from his building.

**********

"Can I take the blindfold off yet?" Patrick whined.

"If you don't stop your whinging, I may not let you take it off at all" Robin warned, bringing the car to a stop. Getting out, she fished the overnight bag out of the trunk and then opened the passenger door, helping Patrick stand up.

"Seriously, is this necessary?"

"You hate not being in control" she remarked.

"Hello? Pot this is kettle calling."

"Suck it up buttercup" she said, guiding him up the stairs.

"I'd rather suck on a few other things....wait - is this some kind of candid camera thing and I'm surrounded by nuns and priests?"

"Trust me baby, if there are nuns and priests here we are going to be having a completely different type of Valentine's celebration." Robin opened the door and grimaced as Patrick banged his toe on the door jam.

"Dammit" he swore. He stopped as he heard the fire crackling. "Okay, this sounds promising." Robin rolled her eyes as she dropped the overnight bag near the bed and coming back finally took of his blindfold. He blinked several times as his eyes adjusted to the light. A small started at the corner of his lips until he was grinning. "The cabin" he looked at her. "You are such a romantic."

She naked her arms around his waist. "It's our place."

"It is" he kissed the top of her head.

"No, I mean it's our place. I bought it from Jax."

He looked at her in surprise. "Aren't you the devious one"

"Did you say deviant or devious?"

"Both" he teased, nipping at her lips. Taking her by the hand he led her to the chair by the fireplace and pulled her on to his lap. "This makes a nice change from last year's Valentine's."

"You mean because we're not trying to solve some kind of horrible encephalitis outbreak?"

"That" he smiled "and you and I are together."

"Not only are we together but we have a baby."

"And in four days we will be making baby number two." He laced her fingers through his. "You know what that means?"

"Baby making practice?"

"You better believe it."

She gently stroked his face. "You know, I know I tell you often that I love you but I also want to remind that I meant what I said at our wedding - you are kind and good - you make me believe that anything is possible and that there is no fear in reaching for the moon because even if I fail, I still land among the stars. Building a family with you will be the greatest accomplishment of my life and I am so looking forward to creating our second child."

Patrick's eyes welled with tears as he ran his thumb along her lips. "I don't know what I did to deserve you but I hit the jackpot with you." Cupping her face, he kissed her tenderly, taking the time to savour her taste. She parted her lips, allowing his tongue access to her mouth where she greedily sucked on his tongue, eliciting a small moan from him. His arousal was already making itself known under her lap and she rotated her hips in small circles, increasing the pressure on it. Patrick inhaled sharply, tossing his head back as Robin moved her mouth to his neck, nipping at the soft skin. Reaching a hand up, he undid the zipper of her fleece vest and began to make quick work of the buttons on her blouse. Pushing both from her shoulders, he dropped his lips against her now bare skin. Robin ran her hands through his hair as worked his tongue in the hollow of her neck. Feeling his erection straining against his pants, he stood up from the chair with Robin in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her gently on the covers before heading back to the table.

"Where are you going?" she asked, suddenly missing the contact of his body.

"I'll be right there." Lifting up their coats that they had piled on the table, he found what he was looking for and walked back to the bed. He pulled off his brown wool sweater and tossed it to the floor. Robin licked her lips as she took in his chest, the ripple of his abs and the way his jeans hung from his hips. The heat rushed to her centre and she shifted on the bed in response. Patrick held up the blindfold and smirked.

"Your turn."

She looked at him wide eyed. "What?"

He crawled on the bed towards her. "Your turn." He folded the scarf in half and wrapped it around her eyes, tying it tightly behind her head. "You okay?" he asked softly.

She laid back against the pillow and stretched her arms over her head. "I guess I better let you have your way with me." Patrick cupped his hand over his erection to try and stem the throbbing. Getting up from the bed he quickly undid his pants and slid them and his boxers off before lying down next to Robin. She heard the familiar sound of the zipper and then felt the bed creak as he returned. She jumped slightly as he put his hand on her and undid her jeans, pulling them from her legs. Tossing them to the side, he lay on top of her, letting her feel his body on hers. "Oh Patrick" she moaned.

He left a trail of wet, hot kisses on her neck while working his hands up her smooth legs. He gently spread her legs apart and flattened his palm against her apex. He gasped at the dampness of her panties. "God. I love how wet you are." Robin spread her legs further giving him greater access. Every movement, every touch was heightened for her. Her body trembled with anticipation of where he would touch her next. Moving slowly down her body, he nestled his face against her damp panties, breathing in the heady scent. Robin jerked as she felt her warmth breath against her skin.

"Oh god Patrick" she writhed underneath him. Patrick's cock began to pulse and throb as he watched her with her eyes covered and breathing heavily through her mouth. He licked at her, dragging his tongue along the edge of the lace. He continued to tease her with his tongue, tracing her outline as her head began to thrash from one side to the other. Robin pulled her breasts from their cups and kneaded them urgently, her body on fire. Pushing her panties to the side, he teasingly ran his finger along the outside of her folds before slowly dipping it inside her. He continued to nibble on her clit while slipping a second finger inside thrusting his hand against her. She whimpered as he removed his hand and unable to see what he was going to do next, she lifted her hips from the bed, in search of his hands. He grabbed hold of her panties and pulled them down her legs. Letting her hips fall back to the bed she spread her legs widely, opening herself completely to him.

The heat from the fireplace warmed the cabin significantly and their bodies were glistening with sweat. Patrick was almost ready to bury himself deep inside her but wanted her to be teetering on the precipice before he did so. Using his thumb, he increased the friction on her clit while slipping two fingers back inside her and pumping harder with her hand. Removing his hand again, he reached up and undid her bra, removing the last piece of material between them. He closed his mouth over her breast and tugged and rolled her other nipple with his hand.

"Fuck me Patrick" she begged.

"Ask me again." His eyes were dark pools of desire, his entire body twitching just from touching her.

"." she hissed.

Reaching for the condom he had placed on the bedside table, he sheathed himself quickly. Positioning himself at her slick entrance, he pushed just the tip in before withdrawing it. She lifted her legs and wrapped them around his hips in an effort to keep him close. Pushing in again, he went a little further before pulling all the way out as she moaned and thrashed her head from side to side. Not sure he could hang on much longer, he plunged all the way in her, hard. They both gasped at the contact. Reaching up, he pulled the blindfold from her eyes as he started to pump in and out of her. Reaching up for his neck, she pulled him towards her kissing him hard. He felt her walls tighten around him and it was all he needed as his climax tore through him. He cried out her name as she pushed her hips into his. Feeling him come, she trembled and twitched before her body was rocked with spasms.

They lay tangled in each other, capturing their breath; her lips were still pressed against his. "I love you Robin - more and more every day."