Perfect Valentine Chapter 4

EPOV

Driving home from Sookie's house, I ran over the events of the evening in my mind. Why was she upset? I was always good at reading people, but especially Sookie. I had just always been able to hone in on her moods. Her parents were excited and happy about the engagement. Her dad had given me a slap on the back, and the "welcome to the family" speech as soon as we headed for the garage. He and I had gotten along from the get-go, because of the car thing, so we were enjoying making plans for his new project, an Impala from the sixties. Then Jason came out. Oh, wait, fuck, that must be the problem. We'd heard him drive up a good fifteen minutes before he joined us in the garage. He said hello, asked me about the Vette, then spent the rest of the time talking to his dad or making some pretty crude jokes, jokes I wouldn't have told in front of someone I'd just met, or in front of my father, for that matter. I gathered he and Sookie weren't close, since I'd never met him, but I didn't realize he was an asshole. Maybe he said something to her in the house earlier. Oh, man, I hated thinking about how unhappy she must be feeling right now. As I sprinted up the steps to my apartment, my phone buzzed with a text from Sookie. She loves me, forever. I stopped in front of my door and texted her back: LUV U 2 GDNITE

What I really wanted to do was jump back in the car and go back across town. I wanted to hold Sookie in my arms and tell her everything was going to be all right. I wanted to, but I didn't. She was right, she did need sleep, so did I. There had been nights we actually slept the whole night together, but they were rare. I decided to let it go tonight, but tomorrow I was going to get to the bottom of this and see what I could do to make it better. I was telling the truth when I told Sookie my new project was making her happy.

SPOV

I snuggled down in the covers, still wishing Eric's arms were around me, but I just didn't want to get into the whole Jason thing tonight. I did need to sleep. I wanted to be at the top of my game tomorrow. I could hardly wait to show the girls at work my ring, and tell them about the great Valentine's Day I'd had. With that thought, a smile came to my face and I drifted off into peaceful sleep.

It seemed like I'd hardly had time to turn over when the radio came on. Six already? Uhhh. I pulled the covers over my head after hitting the snooze button. Before the radio came back on, my phone pinged. I smiled. Eric, right on time. I threw the covers off, grabbed the phone and read: HI LUV DREAMD ABOUT U

I answered: MMM I SLEPT LUV U

I climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom. I could smell the coffee starting to brew. It would be ready and waiting when I got out of the shower.

After my shower, coffee, and some oatmeal, I was feeling chipper. I was anxious to get to work and show off my ring. I looked across the living room and saw the vase of roses that had been waiting in the hotel room Saturday night. They still looked lovely. I went to my extra bedroom, rummaged through my gift wrapping materials and found some pink tissue paper and white ribbon. I pulled out three of the roses, two red, one white, a sprig of baby's breath, and a couple of lemon leaves. I arranged them into a small bouquet, wrapped the tissue around the stems, and tied it with the ribbon. I held it in front of me and decided it looked good. I lay it on the table while I went back to the bedroom to get dressed.

Grabbing the bouquet on the way out the door, I smiled to think how happy these last ten months had been, and shuddered to think how different my life would be if I hadn't taken that fateful step. Stopping dead in my tracks, I realized I hadn't given Tara or Amelia my news! Everything had been such a mess in my mind, I hadn't thought to text, or email, or anything. Of course I couldn't tell them before my parents, but it didn't seem right to tell the office crew first. I pulled out my phone and dialed Tara's number. When she answered I quickly explained that, even though I didn't have much time, I desperately needed to see her and Amelia at Starbucks this morning before work. Since we met there once or twice a week, anyway, it wasn't a big deal, but it was usually planned more in advance than this. Anyway, she said she'd be there, and she'd call Amelia for me. Before hanging up she got serious, "Sook, is everything all right?" She'd been there for all the shit with Bill, and sometimes treated me like a delicate flower when it came to emotions. I assured her it was, I just needed to talk, and out the door I went.

The trip into town was a blur. I was so busy recalling our momentous date, planning how I'd spring the ring on the girls, and just how much detail they'd get, that I had to slam on the brakes before gliding right past my parking place. I had to really work to keep the grin off my face when I walked into Starbucks. I ordered my coffee and found a table with three chairs. Within a few minutes, Tara walked in with Amelia in tow.

I raised my hand so they'd see where I sat, and then Tara came over while Amelia ordered their lattes. I kept my left hand in my lap, not wanting to give her any sneak previews. When Amelia joined us, she held up one finger, indicating she needed a sip of caffeine first, then said, "Okay, girl, what's up? You know I wouldn't hit the street this early for just anyone!"

I looked down at my lap. "Well, I just needed to let the two of you know…about this!" I was laughing and crying as I pulled my hand up to show them the ring. Both were out of their seats in a flash, coming to my side of the table, hugging, grabbing my hand, and making all kinds of girly noises of appreciation. Too soon, I had to make my promise to tell them everything about the wonderful night Eric gave me, and be on my way to the office.

I almost skipped up the steps, and through the lobby, excited to spread my good news even further. I stepped through the doors and looked around. Good, no one was here yet, except Octavia, just the one I wanted to see first. I put the bouquet in my left hand, held it behind my back and approached her desk, "Hi, Octavia, how was your weekend?"

"Ehhn," she answered, "about like all the others, but I want to know how yours went. Spill, girl!"

I looked down at the floor, as if I were disappointed, "Well, not what I'd expected." I pulled the bouquet from behind my back and held it out for her. "It was so much better!" I cried, all smiles and almost jumping up and down. "I want you to have these, O, because if I hadn't followed your advice, I wouldn't have gotten this!"

She grabbed the bouquet, set it down on her desk, and grabbed my hand. Her face was lit up like a neon sign, "Oh, Sookie, are you kidding me? You and Eric are getting married? When? Ooooh, I'm so happy for you."

I walked around her desk and into her outstretched arms. "I know, isn't it great? We haven't even talked about a date. It's just been a whirlwind since he asked me Saturday night. I've got to tell you all about it, you'll just never believe what he did!"

As she inspected the ring more closely, and smelled the still fragrant roses, the other girls began to filter into the office. Noticing the activity at Octavia's desk, they all headed there first. Soon we had a real hen party going on, everyone oooing and aaaaing over the ring and begging for details. The last to walk in was Sophie-Anne, the boss. She joined us immediately. Taking my hand and looking at the ring with a smile she announced, "We'll all go out to lunch today to celebrate the engagement of our little Sookie! Now, no telling the details until then, you hear? We all want to hear everything. Get to work ladies, so we can take our time with lunch."

I always knew I was lucky to work for Sophie-Anne. She was easy to get along with, unless you didn't work your butt off. She was demanding, but I didn't mind because I knew she'd never ask me to do anything that she wasn't willing to do herself. She'd roll up her sleeves and pitch right in when it was needed to get a job done on time. Everyone here pretty much got along. That was the great thing, because I'd had enough drama in my life otherwise to worry about it at work too.

Since I'd gotten together with Eric, though, my life had been pretty much smooth sailing all around. We'd never really had a big fight. There'd been disagreements sometimes, and we didn't like everything about each other's friends, but mostly we were compatible. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach when I thought about Jason's comments last night. Was this going to be the monkey wrench that got thrown into our relationship? "No, I refuse to let that happen!" I said aloud.

"What's that, dear?" Octavia asked.

"Oh, just talking to myself. No big deal."

"Umm, hmm," she answered distractedly as she worked on the computer.

I kept my thoughts at bay for the rest of the morning by throwing myself into work. I was preparing a budget for an upcoming project, so it needed my full attention. What a good thing that was today! I got to a stopping point about eleven fifteen, and since Sophie-Anne had said we'd go to lunch at eleven thirty, I emailed Eric about the plans.

Hey, baby, hope your day has been as good as mine. The whole office is going out to lunch to celebrate our engagement! Can you believe that? They want details about Saturday night, but I promise I'll keep it PG! I love you. Call when you can.

Sookie

I was hitting the send button when Sophie-Anne walked to my desk, "Ready, Sookie? We're going to LaMadeleine. We need to get there early if we want to get the Tomato Basil Soup, you know how fast it goes!"

"Ready!" I said, grabbing my purse. This was going to be fun.

At lunch, I felt like a minor celebrity. All eyes and ears were on me as I told the girls about Eric's wonderful surprises throughout the evening. I didn't even have to embellish to have them saying, "Awww," and looking sweetly envious. They'd seen Eric, of course, because he picked me up for lunch occasionally. Some had even talked to him briefly. They knew he was handsome, smart, and thoughtful, but today they were learning just what a catch he really was. Of course, most of them knew Bill too. Not that he ever came to take me to lunch, but after the breakup, he'd shown up a few times. They sure got to see the contrast between the two, because he was showing his ass for sure those days.

After a couple of hours, we regrettably had to go back to work, so we filed out, feeling well fed, and happy, at least I was, and everyone else seemed to be too. Octavia walked out with me, her arm around my shoulder. She had beamed at me every time my eye had caught hers during the long meal.

The afternoon didn't zing along as quickly as I would have liked, but it was finally drawing close to quitting time when my phone rang. It was Eric.

"Hi, my Sookie, how was your lunch?" he asked with his sexy voice. "And more important, what time can I come over?"

I laughed into the receiver, "It was wonderful, Eric, just great. What time can you leave the office tonight? I thought I'd cook, so you can come over whenever. Okay?"

"Sounds perfect to me. I'll get out of here about six, so be over around six-thirty, if that's all right with you," he seemed to be looking at a stack of papers of something, gauging how long his workload would keep him. Eric was the boss, and could have left whenever he darn well pleased, but he was a diligent worker, sometimes too diligent for my tastes.

"Great!" I answered. "I'd better go so I can finish up here and get moving. See you soon, Eric. I love you."

"Love you, too, beautiful. See you later," he lowered his voice again, sending shivers up my spine. I'd better get dinner cooked before he got there, or I'd probably burn everything. I didn't think I was going to be able to keep my hands off him for long!

EPOV

For the first time since I'd made up my mind to propose to Sookie on Valentine's Day, I slept completely through the night, without waking with a start in a panic. Not that I was too worried about what Sookie's answer would be; I knew she loved me, I just wanted it to be perfect, her idea of perfect. And, to my mind, and according to her statement, it was. I was free to sleep and dream of my beautiful bride-to-be. In the back of my mind, there was still that question of her mood change, but I let that stay there for now. When I woke up, I sent my usual text, telling her I had dreamed of her. She sent back that she'd slept. Thank God, that must mean she's not still upset. I hoped not. I showered, got dressed and headed out. I had a full day, having let things slide a bit in last week while making my plans for our big night. I might be the boss, and the son of the CEO, but I didn't shirk.

Driving in to the office, I thought about who else needed to be told about our engagement. Mom and Dad, of course, but that could be put off until they got back to town. I'd need to call Alcide, my best bud, and Quinn. We hadn't talked about any wedding plans, but I figured they'd be my groomsmen when the time came. Picking up coffee on the way up, I rode the elevator to my office on the top floor, and dug into the pile of papers on the desk. When I checked my email, there was one from Sookie. She was going to lunch with the girls from work. Good for her. She'd have fun telling them about our big night. I tried not to feel too smug as the smile spread across my face. Boy, I had done a damn good job, after all. That reminded me that I needed to make some calls myself. I dialed Alcide's number, and he answered on the second ring, but he didn't sound happy.

"Well, I hope I'm not disturbing you, A Hole," I said with a smirk, using his long time nickname. With a name like Alcide Herveaux, it was just too damn obvious. "You don't sound too happy today."

"Hey, Eric, what's up, bro? Just one of those shitty Mondays, you know?" he answered with a little more pep in his voice.

"Yeah, been there, A. I just wanted to give you some good news. I proposed to Sookie Saturday night. We had an amazing evening. She even said yes!"

I heard him sigh, "Well, that's fucking great, Eric, fucking great."

"Excuse me? I thought you'd be happy. Besides, you knew this was coming sooner or later." I couldn't help feeling let down that my best friend wasn't pleased for me.

"Oh, shit, Eric, I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm happy for you. It's just, well, Debbie and I broke up this weekend. Apparently I'm not as good at planning Valentine's Day dates as you are." He sounded contrite now.

"Oh, hey man, I'm sorry. I had no way of knowing. I guess this does come at a bad time, then, huh? I know you love her, Alcide." I tried to sound comforting, even though I wanted to say, "Again?" Alcide and Debbie Pelt were a match made in Hell. They fought all the time, were together, apart, together, apart, until you needed a score card to keep up with the whole thing. Debbie was a real piece of work, and the cause of the two worst fights Sookie and I had ever had. When we'd doubled with them, Debbie showed her barely-hidden, inner bitch, and Sookie was uncomfortable the entire evening. To be truthful, I'd never seen what Alcide saw in her either, but he loved her, so I accepted her, and just kept my mouth shut. That was another sore spot with Sookie, she thought I should tell Alcide he could do better. Anyway, that was water under the bridge now.

"Well, A, I just wanted to let you know. I'll go now. Hope things work out for you, man. Keep me informed."

"Yeah, I will. And, hey, Eric, congratulations. I mean it. You deserve a great girl like Sookie. I'm glad it's working for somebody." He sounded dejected again. Poor guy.

I hung up from talking to Alcide, and decided to wait to call Quinn. Not that he'd have the same kind of story to relate. His conversation would be more along the lines of, "Are you sure, man, limiting yourself to one woman? I just can't imagine coming home to the same pussy every night. Let me tell you about the babe I was with Saturday night." Just not in the mood for that now.

I sent my secretary out for a sandwich, and ate while I continued to work on that pile of papers. Being reminded that there was a scheduled meeting tomorrow morning, I knew I still had a few hours of work ahead of me. I decided to call Sookie to see how lunch went. She'd had a great time. Good. She wanted to cook for me tonight. That was great, the two of us alone at her house, good food, maybe some wine, those soft cotton sheets of hers. Mmmm. So I told her I could leave early. Couldn't help myself. I needed to see her, feel her, soon. I'd burn the midnight oil later. I wrapped up a few more urgent items, and left, driving straight to Sookie's quaint little house on the edge of town.

SPOV

Checking the pantry and fridge when I got home, I decided to fix pasta with veggies and shrimp. That could be made right now, and it wouldn't matter if it had to sit for awhile if Eric and I, ahem, decided to delay dinner. I couldn't believe how anxious I was to hear his car drive up. Finally, I did. I rushed to the door, and opened it before he could knock. I put my hands on his chest, lifted my face for a kiss, and delighted in his response. He pulled me close, really close, and kissed me deeply for a long time. "I missed you," I whispered when our lips finally parted.

"Missed you, too," his voice was hoarse. Oh, God, his mood exactly matched mine. Looks like dinner would wait after all. "I need you, Sookie, need you now." He picked me up Rhett style and carried me to the bed. He set me down on the side, and began unbuttoning his shirt. Apparently he had left the tie he always wore at work in the car. I pulled my t-shirt over my head, and unzipped my jeans, as he continued to undress. When we were both down to our undies, he pushed me back onto the bed and climbed in beside me. He began kissing my face and neck, "Umm, Sookie, I've been thinking about this all afternoon."

I pulled his face to mine and sucked at his bottom lip before whispering, "Me, too." In an instant my bra and panties, and his boxer briefs were thrown onto the floor with the rest of our clothes. His massive hands moved masterfully over my body, caressing my breasts, my stomach, and teasing the inside of my thighs. I returned his attentions, running my fingers over his abs, and down to his V. We were both moaning and panting our readiness. He moved over me, our eyes met, and he entered slowly, lovingly, until he was completely inside me. I lifted my hips as his thrusts quickened. We reached our peaks together with a groan from him and a squeal from me, that made me glad we were in my house instead of an apartment or hotel room. After a short recovery, I asked, "Hungry?"

"I could eat," he said with a smirk. I wasn't sure food was what he had in mind. I rolled out of bed, even though his long arm reached to pull me back. Pulling on a robe, I went into the kitchen to finish preparing our meal. Eric soon entered wearing his shorts and shirt, with the top three buttons open. Seeing that chest made me think food wasn't what I really wanted now either, but best to get this over with.

As usual, he was complimentary about my cooking. He ate two helpings, too, saying I had helped him work up an appetite. After I'd put the dishes in the dishwasher, we promptly headed back to the bedroom.

This time our love-making was leisurely and slow, though no less intense. When finally we lay in afterglow, I said, "Stay tonight, Eric, I want to sleep in your arms."

"Oh, Sookie, my love, I'd like nothing more, but I have work to do to prepare for a meeting tomorrow morning. I have to be going soon," he spoke between kisses to my cheeks, temples, and lips.

"Don't you have your laptop in the car? You could work here, then come to bed with me," I shamelessly whined.

"No, lover, not tonight. Tomorrow night, I promise. I would love to sleep with you in my arms, and I think we need to do some talking, too. Okay?" still with the kisses.

"Uhhhn, no, but I guess it'll have to do," I pouted.

After kissing him at the door, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and was about to climb back into bed when there was a knock at the door. Oh, boy! He changed his mind; he's going to stay! I rushed to the door, threw it open and cried, "You came ba…" My words caught in my throat, "Bill!"