Perfect Valentine Chapter 7
SPOV
After pointing out to Eric that there was fruit cut for breakfast, coffee ready, and options of toast or oatmeal, I went back into the bedroom. I quickly made the bed and headed for the shower. Finding Eric's discarded towel on the bathroom floor, I picked it up, placed it over the rack, and jumped in. It felt so good to be waking up with Eric, and knowing that it would be like this every morning. We'd spent plenty of nights together, here and at his apartment, but somehow, it felt completely different today. When I returned to the kitchen I told him how glad I was he'd moved in. He agreed, pointed out he still needed to unpack my car, and suggested I ride into work with him. That sounded great to me! I did my makeup and hair, then dressed. Eric was waiting in the bedroom, taking me in as if he were seeing me for the first time. He stepped to me and gave me a little kiss on the cheek. He just pulled back and looked me in the face, saying nothing. A smile curled his lips. "What?" I giggled.
He just shook his head and smiled some more, "Nothing, I'm just happy to be here. You ready?"
"Almost," I answered, walking into the kitchen to clean up from breakfast. To my surprise the kitchen looked spotless. The fruit had been put in the fridge, the few dishes placed in the dishwasher, and the countertop wiped clean. I turned and smiled at Eric. He just answered with a shrug.
Usually on my drive into work, I think about what the day will bring. How much paperwork to take care of, how many snafus to untangle, how many minor catastrophes to avert. Today, however, I found myself completely skipping over the workday to think about Eric picking me up after work. What would we do tonight? Well, of course, first we needed to stop by the hardware store and get him a key made. Then we'd go home, I'd make dinner, and we'd unpack the rest of his boxes. With any luck, we could get everything he'd brought so far into the house and put away. There was still more at his apartment, which we'd go get later. It might not have sounded like a very exciting evening to anyone else, but I was nearly buzzing in anticipation. This was the beginning.
The whole day was pretty much a blur. Not too much was going on, thankfully, since my mind was totally elsewhere. I didn't mention my new domestic situation to anyone, even when Octavia and I went to lunch. When she asked how things were going, I just said, "Great!" and changed the subject. Maybe I was afraid to jinx the whole thing by discussing it.
During the day, Eric texted me twice, and emailed me once. His early morning text discussed the fact that we'd already said "good morning," but he missed me already. The second was to make sure I was okay for lunch, since I hadn't taken one, as I usually did, and didn't have a car to go out. About three, he sent an email saying he'd be by to pick me up at five. Only two more hours. Yippee!
About ten minutes before five, I was in the copy room, finishing up the last thing I needed to do before I left, when I heard a buzz building behind me. The girls were all talking quietly at the same time. I turned around to see Eric striding through the office, smiling at and greeting everyone he passed, accepting their congratulations on our engagement. I stepped from the little cubicle where I was working, and raised my hand in greeting. He acknowledged me with a nod, and continued toward me. "Hi, beautiful," he whispered in my ear, "about ready to go home?" Home. It sounded so good coming out of his mouth.
"Yeah, just about," I answered, gathering the copies and stepping around him toward my desk. "We need to make a stop by the hardware store on the way home."
"For a key. Yeah, I thought of that. Do you want to go somewhere to eat? Or pick something up?" he asked.
"No, I'll cook. I've got some stuff in the freezer," I smiled, thinking how much like an old married couple we sounded already.
After a few more minutes of talking to the girls in the office, we were finally out the door and climbing into his car. At the hardware store, he took my key and went to the desk where the copies were made, while I picked up a few other things I needed.
When we got home, we decided to tackle the boxes in my car as soon as we'd changed. Eric carried them in, while I unpacked them and put the things away. The house I rented when a move became necessary was really too big for one person, so there was plenty of room. I had moved my off-season clothes to one of the extra bedrooms to make room in the closet for Eric's things. I had an old chest of drawers that Mama had given me, so we'd moved that into the master bedroom for his underwear, socks, and t-shirts. After a couple of hours, we had made a sizable dent in the boxes, so we decided to eat a bite. I whipped up some tacos and quesadillas, which we enjoyed with frosty cold Shiners. We watched a little television, and got ready for bed. I couldn't believe how quickly we seemed to be falling into a routine. Was that good, or bad?
"Tired, lover?" Eric asked me when I climbed into bed, "or can I show you how much I love sharing your house, and your bed?" His hands were already starting to show his appreciation as he spoke.
"Mmm, definitely not too tired. If I recall, I didn't want to go right to sleep last night. It was you who insisted," I teased.
"Oh, that's right. You called me mean. I guess I'd better be extra nice tonight," his voice was low as his lips worked their way down my neck to my shoulders.
He gave me an absolutely wicked look, and did that eyebrow thing, before moving his attentions to my breasts. He worked my nightgown up and over my head effortlessly, and I decided from now on, I wouldn't bother putting one on. God knows, Eric didn't plan on wearing anything to bed again! His hands cupped my breasts as his tongue flicked the nipples to attention. Then he took them, one after the other into his mouth and sucked, nipped, and licked them, eliciting involuntary moans from me. His lips and hands then began moving down my body, achingly slowly, driving me to the brink. He stopped just at the beginning of the curly blonde hairs and looked up at me, "Nice enough?"
"If you don't continue, it's just still mean!" I panted, moving my hips below him. He got the message and positioned himself between my thighs. I loved Eric for a lot of reasons, but his talented tongue and hands were definitely high on that list. He began to work on the wet folds he found with his usual expertise. In no time he had me moaning loudly and writhing in pleasant pain. When his fingers began stroking my center, while still giving my swollen nub the attention it craved, my body responded. I threw my head back, called his name, and felt my walls grip his large fingers tightly. He groaned in response, never stopping his ministrations. When my heartbeat neared normal and I could breathe again, I pulled him up for a kiss. After a long, searching one, I pulled back enough to whisper into his mouth, "Your turn, now."
I did my best to recreate his journey down my body on his. I started at his neck, placing wet kisses and tiny nips along its considerable length to his shoulders and across his chest. When I reached his nipples, I, too, sucked and nibbled on them. Judging from the sounds rumbling underneath me, I was succeeding in bringing him the same pleasure he had brought me. Then I began my slow move further southward. Eric was becoming impatient, as had I. He began to lift his hips, urging me to hurry along my way. I didn't, though. I was having fun teasing, and torturing the man I love. Finally I lowered my hand and cupped his balls, rolling them around slowly in my palm. Then I moved further down to give my lips and tongue access to his throbbing erection. As soon as I touched him, Eric screamed. Oh, yes, I know how you feel, baby. It hurts so good, doesn't it? I continued as he whispered my name, placing his hands in my hair and urging me on. I wanted to reciprocate the tremendous release he'd given me, so I took in as much of him as I could, sucking and using my tongue to heighten his pleasure. Success came quickly, as he groaned loudly and began to jerk beneath me. I swallowed just as he pulled me, as I had him, up for a kiss. I wondered if he enjoyed tasting himself on my lips, as I did tasting myself on his.
Our deep kisses became lighter, and finally just pecks, as our bodies calmed in each other's arms. I snuggled close, resting my head on his shoulder. The last thing I remember is his kiss to my forehead and a whispered, "I love you, Sookie."
EPOV
I was so glad I'd gotten a little ahead on my work so I could devote the day to making plans for our new living arrangement. Sookie and I had been together long enough to know we could get along. Still, living together 24/7 was a different matter. We'd had very different circumstances growing up. Her family was comfortable, but not wealthy. Mine was, well, quite fortunate in that department. I'd not discussed this with Sookie. She'd met my parents once, when I arranged a dinner at a restaurant, but we'd played it low key. Dad was always afraid every girl I dated was after the family fortune, so he tried his best to keep it under wraps. I wasn't concerned about that, especially with Sookie, but I just didn't like being too ostentatious. It might separate me from others more than I wanted. At least, that's how I felt. Anyway, because of my privileged upbringing, I was used to not doing too many domestic things, like cleaning house, doing laundry, or cooking. I knew Sookie had always done those things. She knew no other way. I didn't want to insult her, so I'd taken care to straighten the kitchen that morning. I would have made the bed too, but she beat me to it. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't planning on turning into Felix Unger, or anything, but I wanted to do my part. With that in mind, I placed a call to Lupita, the housekeeper who'd worked for me since I'd moved into my apartment. Since I wasn't going to live there anymore, she'd be free to help out at Sookie's house. I told her to do her regular Friday cleaning at my apartment. I would leave a key to Sookie's for her. She would start there next week.
Next, I called the florist and told them what flowers that I wanted to pick up tomorrow afternoon. I expected them to be freshly arranged, but ready when I arrived. They assured me they would be.
When I started feeling a little peckish, I realized that I didn't know what Sookie had planned for lunch. She usually packed some leftovers or a salad, but hadn't this morning. She didn't have her car, so she couldn't drive anywhere. I would pick her up if she needed me too. I certainly wouldn't mind. I sent her a text, but she replied that she was having lunch with Octavia, her friend from the office. Oh, well, I'd just have to wait to see her.
I spent the rest of the afternoon doing due diligence for the meeting I had tomorrow evening. Ugh, I hated thinking about it. Not only would I be late getting home, but spending an hours-long meal with those stiffs was not my idea of fun. No getting around it though. Dad would be back in ten days, and all the ducks had to be in a row. I couldn't have him thinking I'd let his "empire" go to ruin while he was on vacation. I had emailed Sookie to tell her I'd be there at five to get her. I was ready to see her smiling face.
When I got to her office, all the girls greeted me and congratulated me on our engagement. More than one gave me a sly smile when they talked about the night I had planned for the proposal. I guess Sookie gave them the juicy details, after all. When I saw her at the door of the copy room, I couldn't help myself. My heart was doing flip-flops. Oh, brother, I had it bad!
At the hardware store, I handled getting the key copied. I wanted two, one for me, of course, but also one for Lupita. I wasn't telling Sookie about that yet. I wasn't ready for the argument I knew would come. She'd say she didn't need a maid, and I'd say she didn't need to clean up after me, and even though I'd made an effort this morning, I couldn't promise to always be so considerate. Then she'd mention the cost, and we'd have to have that conversation. I had my arguments at the ready, but wanted to wait a few more days before we broached the subject. Just easier that way.
I was going to need my car tomorrow, and she'd need hers, so the first thing we had to do when we got home was unpack my things from her Nova. I carried boxes while she put clothes away. It didn't take too long, and then she'd made great Mexican food, and we relaxed in front of the tv.
All in all, a great scene of domestic bliss, but the best was yet to come.
From the very first time, sex with Sookie had been fantastic, but fuuuck, that night she blew my mind, so to speak. I chuckled at my own joke. When we snuggled after enjoying each other's bodies, I thought about how lucky I was that I'd met Sookie, that she'd called me after her problem with Bill, that she'd said yes last Saturday night. I told her I loved her and fell asleep with her in my arms.
The next morning we hit the snooze button three times between us, and were pressed for time when we finally got up. We showered together. How we ever thought that would be a time saver, I'll never know. Suffice it to say, we were later still when we emerged from the bathroom.
Gulping coffee, and munching toast, I told Sookie about my dinner meeting tonight, "Sookie, I hate to do this, but I have to be out late tonight. With Dad coming back soon, I've got to touch base with all the department heads. I would take you with me, but you'd be bored out of your skull, or, worse, you'd charm the degenerate bastards so much I couldn't get any work out of them. Maybe you could call Tara or Amelia, get together with them."
"Eric, I'm a big girl. I've lived alone a long time. I'll miss you like crazy, but I'll be okay. I've got housework to do, anyway," she answered me with a smile.
"Okay, I'll be picking up some more stuff at the apartment at lunch and bringing it over. Just leave it for me to unpack if you want. I'll be out until ten or eleven, I'm afraid," I took her in my arms, wishing I could just stay with her all day.
"Eric, stop treating me like some hot house plant! I said I'd be okay. Now we'd better get out of here. We're late!" She was shooing me out the door, grabbing her stuff as she did. I chuckled at her, she was so cute.
SPOV
So, Eric was going to be late tonight. I told him (twice) I'd be okay, but I couldn't help feeling, I don't know, apprehensive, maybe, lonesome, for sure. It was stupid. I knew, even though we were living together now, we wouldn't be together every minute of every day, but it had only been two days, and now he had to be gone until late. No dinner together, no snuggling in front of the television, no, well, okay, we'd still have time for that when he got home! It was a boring day at work. Not enough to do to keep myself busy. I decided I would call Tara and Amelia, but they were both busy tonight, so I guess I was on my own. I'll be okay.
When it was finally time to go home, I got my purse and headed for my car. All the way home I tried to think of something I could do to brighten my mood. God, a week ago Eric having a late meeting would have been no big deal at all, but this wasn't a week ago. We were engaged now, living together now; it was all different now.
When I walked into the house the fragrance hit me square in the face. It smelled like a freaking flower shop in here! I turned on the lights as I walked through the living room and into the kitchen. Every flat surface was graced with a floral arrangement of varying sizes and composition. The end tables, the coffee table, the bar, countertop and dining table, each sported a vase filled with color. An envelope was set up against the deep blue vase holding shasta daisies on the bar. I had no doubt, of course, who had ordered these, but I tore into the envelope anyway.
Sookie,
No flower could ever compare in beauty or sweetness to you. I hope you enjoy these, all the same. Wish I could have seen your face when you first beheld them. See you soonest.
All my love,
Eric
Damn, the tears! I had trouble reading the note the second time, the third. Finally I stopped trying and held it to my chest, willing the lovely words to enter my heart through osmosis. I wiped my eyes, chastising myself for being so sentimental. How could I not be though, with such a wonderfully romantic man in love with me? I moved to my swivel rocker and just let myself turn slowly, looking at all the glorious blooms around me. The mixed bouquet Eric had sent on Saturday morning still had most of its stems in tact. I had only had to remove a few that had wilted. Now all this, too. It was just overwhelming! Oh, my God, I thought suddenly, this must have cost a fortune! Eric shouldn't be spending this much on flowers for me. I looked at the clock--just after six. I didn't know what time Eric's meeting started, but I didn't want to take a chance on disturbing him, so I sent a text:
LUV FLWRS LUV U
I had no sooner put my phone down than it rang with Eric's ringtone. "Hi, sweetheart. You really shouldn't have sent all these flowers, but I'm sooo glad you did. They brightened my mood immediately!" I gushed. We'd have the money talk later.
"I'm glad you like them, Sookie, and I really should send you flowers, or something to let you know how much I love you, every day. You are so low maintenance, I can see how some men might take you for granted. I don't plan to ever be one of them," he spoke sweetly and in a low voice. I thought he might be in his meeting already.
"Well, I didn't want to disturb you, just to say thank you, and that I love you," I said.
"The meeting hasn't started yet, in fact, I'm waiting for the others now. Enjoy the flowers, lover, I'll be home as soon as I can. I love you." He hung up, and I sat there among my forest of blossoms, feeling not the least bit alone. I felt Eric's presence all around me. I was telling him the truth when I said my mood had brightened. I sat there humming as I enjoyed the view, but I grew frustrated when I heard a noise outside. It sounded like a car or truck idling, a really loud one. I walked over to the front window and peeked out through the drapes. A white pickup truck took off. Weird, but at least now it was gone. Unfortunately whoever the asshole with the truck was kept cruising the street. Probably some horny teenager trying to impress the girl who lived across the street. I found my Ipod and put in the earbuds. I enjoyed music and flowers a few more minutes, then remembered I was supposed to be cleaning house. Leaving the Ipod in play, I vacuumed, dusted and cleaned the bathrooms thoroughly. When I'd finished, I checked the clock and noticed it was after ten. Great! Eric could be home any minute! I decided to shower, so I'd be nice and fresh for him. Stepping under the stream of warm water, I let my mind drift to the pleasures we'd share when he did get here.
My reverie was broken when the shower curtain abruptly opened.