Chapter XVII: "Where heart, and soul, and sense, in concert move" ~Lord Byron
Author's Note: All previous disclaimers apply. Any lines reminiscent of the SSD canon belong to its creator, Martha Williamson, and serve =only for inspiration. Spice Meter is at its highest for steamy scenarios and racy scenes. Romance novel enthusiasts do read on, otherwise, please be advised.
Shane halted suddenly when she emerged from the master bedroom. So, this was what Oliver had been up to! There were white rose petals scattered on the floor, along with tiny tea lights lighting a path that led to a gorgeous dining room. The room was lit with white candles of various shapes and sizes that cast shadows and light over multiple bouquets of flowers carefully arranged around the room. The floral centerpieces sported white, yellow and pink roses, along with contrasting greenery. Their aroma permeated the room with their delicate and charming scent. The table was set for two and jazz music filled the room with rich sultry tones.
Shane's eyes landed on Oliver. He was standing towards a corner, holding a couple of champagne flutes. He looked stunningly handsome in tan slacks and a white button-down shirt, its trim fit tailored perfectly to him. He had acquired a hint of a tan. To her surprise, she saw a slight dusting of freckles on his nose that she'd never noticed before. They made him look deliciously adorable and almost boyish! A huge smile of appreciation lit up her face.
"My dearest Shane, you take my breath away."
"I'd have to say you do the same to me, darling husband."
Oliver stepped closer, his warm gaze taking in the dazzling image she created. "Will you join me for dinner?" he asked, offering her one of the champagne flutes.
"Of course, Oliver! What's the meaning of all this? It's not our last night yet!"
"It's our next to last night of our honeymoon, my love. I wanted a leisurely dinner without having to think about packing our bags and all the other travel preparations we'd need to make before leaving. Plus, this setting lent itself to a romantic dinner."
"I won't even ask how you got all of this done. It's so beautiful…and all the details! Look at these roses… they are perfection."
"You're the one who's perfect," he said, as he leaned over for a kiss. "In honor of the occasion I'd like to propose a toast. May I?"
"By all means!"
"My love, I realize now I haven't always lived life to the fullest. We always have a choice…we can focus on joy or the things that distract us from it. I have never felt as happy, as joyful, nor as blessed since the moment we vowed to spend the rest of our lives together. Your happiness will always be my happiness, my dear Shane. The love you have given me, this perfect love God has blessed us with, has cast away any fears I might have harbored in my heart. I look forward to going home, moving in together and creating memories… I look forward to a lifetime with you."
Oliver's words tugged at Shane's soul, and had her eyes welling up with tears, but she kept them at bay. Her response was a simple "You make me so happy, Oliver," followed up with a tender meeting of their lips.
"Cheers, my love," Oliver stated, as he clinked his champagne glass with Shane's.
After taking a sip, Shane commented, "Is that Coltrane I hear? Jazz always brings back the fondest memories…"
"You're right, my love. It is Coltrane, the album he recorded with Duke Ellington."
"I love that album. It's moody, yet sultry; full of longing, but sexy at the same time."
Oliver smiled knowingly. "I'm getting a sense of déjà vu fromour date at the Ephlat Lounge."
"I will never be able to listen to jazz without thinking of that magnificent evening, Oliver."
"Me neither, my love. It was the night of our first kiss, after all." Both remembered that date; both the good and the not-so-good, but they chose to focus solely on the memories dear to their hearts. Oliver broke the silence and asked Shane if she was hungry. When she nodded her reply, he placed his hand on her waist and led her to the table.
Dinner consisted of seafood paella and grilled vegetables, accompanied by an Albariño. The zesty nature of the citrus-infused dry white wine paired wonderfully with their meal. Dessert was a decadent crema catalana, Spain's version of a crème brûlée.
"Do you want to share dessert, Oliver?"
Oliver couldn't help but notice Shane's eyes shone brilliantly by candlelight, mesmerizing him. Since he couldn't deny her anything when she looked like that, he agreed to her request. It felt so indulgent sharing dessert with her. He was suddenly acutely aware of every movement and sound. He also found himself susceptible to every single sensation. All his senses were heightened. Shane cracked the torched sugar coating of the custard dessert with her spoon, leaving a pleasant tingle in Oliver's ear. Her languid movements enthralled him, as she spooned up some of the custard and brought it to her lips. Shane's faint sigh of delight as she got the first taste of the dreamy dessert absolutely floored him.
"This is lovely. It's like custard, so I know you will like it! It's so silky and there's a hint of…almond, I think? Ohhh and the caramel topping? It adds such a layer of flavor, slightly bitter, but delicious…" Shane stopped abruptly, noticing Oliver had an odd look on his face. "What's wrong, Oliver? Do you feel sick?"
Oliver rubbed his face and smiled. "No, my love, not at all! I'm just riveted by everything…this evening, you, us, your description of dessert…. I was wondering if I'll ever be able to get through a dinner without wanting to make love to you straight away."
Shane's eyes shone like brilliant sapphires as she again dipped her spoon into the creamy custard. "Mr. O'Toole, there are many things I want to do with you tonight, but first things first. Indulge me and try this, please." She held the spoon to his lips, and he took the offered bite. The creamy dessert, along with Shane's essence, wrapped around his tongue in a burst of flavor. The experience was so overtly stimulating, it served to stoke his need for her even higher.
The way Oliver was looking at her could've set the whole villa on fire. Shane's breath caught in her throat and her thoughts immediately went to all those times Oliver looked at her just like this. His hot stares never failed to make her stomach tighten and shorten her breath. It took all her willpower back then not to throw herself into his arms. But now… oh now, they didn't have to hold back! After professing their love and making their commitment official under the eyes of God, his looks had only gotten more penetrating. This one right now was almost enough to make her forget about her plan and let Oliver have his way with her right then and there… but NO! She wanted to follow through and execute on her plan to thoroughly seduce her husband.
Noticing that "In a sentimental mood" had started playing, Shane stood up and her silk dress fluttered over her softly rounded curves. "Oliver, would you dance with me?"
Oliver stood up from his chair. The gentleman in him would not allow him to remain seated when a lady stood, and God forbid he would abandon his gentlemanly ways just because she was his wife now. He was a bit mystified she was the one asking him to dance when he planned to do so himself. Oliver thought they were so in tune now, they could unconsciously anticipate each other's moves.
"You read my mind, my love. Of course, I'd love to dance with you." Shane placed her left hand on his shoulder, as he took her right hand in his and drew her close. The piano touches and the velvety-smooth sax music filled the room; surrounding them with the wistful romantic notes, encasing them in a blurry, dreamy haze.
Shane could feel the warmth from Oliver rising, along with the rapidly increasing beats of his heart. Her own pulse skipped a beat. Pressing against Oliver as they swayed slowly to the sultry Coltrane tune prompted the most delicious feelings! Shane felt Oliver's unsteady breath floating over her face. She looked up at him and instantly recognized in his eyes the need he felt for her. She knew he was about to lower his mouth to hers. Anticipating his kiss, she avoided his lips, opting instead to flutter her lips over his jaw. The gentle nibbles had Oliver shakily exhaling his breath.
"Shane, let's go to the bedroom."
"Let's wait a bit… This is so nice, Oliver, and the song isn't over yet." Shane leaned her head on his shoulder and started toying with the buttons on his shirt.
"I need you, my love," he said unsteadily, obviously affected by his wife's not-so-subtle seduction.
Shane wanted him desperately, but she stuck to her plan! "Didn't you say earlier on while we were in the shower that I could do anything and everything I wanted to with you tonight?"
"That I did, my dearest wife." Oliver smirked lazily, realizing he was now prisoner to his earlier words.
"So, I'm about to collect, Mr. O'Toole. You're all mine to do with as I please and you agreed to it."
"I can't deny you anything, Shane. You know that."
"I know darling… and I'd never take advantage of that knowledge. In this case, I'm making an exception," she said, as her lips curved in a mischievous, flirtatious smile.
Finally, Shane lightly touched her lips to Oliver's. If possible, Oliver held her even tighter as they moved in unison to the music. Shane glided her hand from his shoulder down to his waist, and then sliding it back up Oliver's back. She caressed him lazily, feeling his firm muscles under the thin fabric of his shirt. A shaky burst of breath left his lips. "You're driving me insane! You know that, right?"
"That's the idea, darling…after all, you've had your share of having me completely breathless in your arms." Shane proceeded to undo his buttons, one by one, relishing the slow exposure of his skin. As she slid her hand inside his shirt, she felt his chest muscles quiver. She continued to run a finger from the base of his neck, down his chest to his abdomen, only to land on his belt buckle. Intending to heighten the anticipation, she didn't undo it, instead she let go of him completely. Moving to the beat of the music, she circled around Oliver, lightly gliding her hand over his chest, his shoulder, down his arm, and around him over his upper back. Oliver closed his eyes as he took in her delicate advances, wondering what else his lovely wife was planning or whether she was making it up as she went along. He felt a finger running down his spine and a gentle hand rounding his bottom.
Unable to keep his hands to himself any longer, Oliver spun Shane around and pulled her firmly against him. Still, she didn't melt completely into his arms as she'd done many times before. A fire lit in her eyes, as she moved to pull his shirt from his trousers, pushing it away from his shoulders. "Remember dear husband, you're mine to do with as I please…"
"Put me out of my misery and at least let me kiss you…"
"I will kiss you when I decide it's time," she said emphatically, looking into his eyes and loosening his belt at the same time. Shane also wanted to kiss him, so she hovered her lips close to his, drawing in his breath and his scent, so masculine and so very his. She adored that irresistible moment when their mouths were so close, but hadn't yet touched, right before they fused together and plundered each other into oblivion.
Please kiss me, please, take my lips with yours, Oliver tried to communicate without words to Shane. So attuned as they were to each other, she fulfilled his unspoken request in no time. Oliver was so affected by Shane's seduction, his breath was thready as it blended with hers. Without warning, he somehow found himself toppled into a sitting position on the sofa with no recollection as to how they'd gotten there.
Shane coquettishly grinned at how adorably confused Oliver looked. "Don't worry, darling, you're in good hands." She took advantage of the situation and sat astride him, pulling up the skirt of her dress and baring the curve of her thighs. Oliver didn't think he had the wherewithal to survive his wife's intentions! All he could think about was grabbing Shane, carrying her to the bedroom and making love to her all night long.
"Oliver…?" Shane giggled.
He grunted, his voice and words eluding him. The frustration he felt evident.
"Have you noticed you have some freckles on the bridge of your nose? They are so deliciously cute." She went to drop a playful kiss on his nose, but Oliver was too quick for her, grabbing her head and bringing her mouth down to his. The ravenous kiss that ensued was an explosion of pent-up emotions. Their self-control shattered as lips molded over lips, and hands finally roamed freely, grabbing skin…hanging on to each other for dear life.
Oliver tugged on the thin straps of her dress and suddenly realized his wife wasn't wearing a bra. He was delirious with the realization his Shane had walked into his surprise dinner fully planning to seduce him. He filled his hands with her, exciting her with his tender, but firm touch.
"Darling, do you want to go to the bedroom?" Shane spoke softly, shakily, and definitely affected by his touch, Oliver thought.
"It's what I've wanted all night…but… how about we stay…here?"
That's what she wanted all along. "Oh, I think I might be amenable to that…but, darling… I still think we're wearing too much clothing."
Holding her gaze, Oliver pulled her dress up and slowly revealed every inch of her delicate skin, every glorious curve. "You're perfect," he said softly, tossing the dress aside. Her response was an enticingly wet and sensual kiss as she pulled him to his feet. The next thing Oliver knew, Shane had taken off what was left of his clothing and fit her lush curves against him, continuing the kiss she'd started only moments before.
"Shane… Shane, I want you…" Oliver's voice was low and unsteady as he ripped his lips from hers. "I need you…madly and desperately," he breathed into her neck, wanting to consume her with every open-mouthed kiss he glided on her skin.
Straddling him once again, Shane poured herself into a blazing kiss, white-hot fire rushing through both of their veins. Her hands were everywhere. They ran down his chest, his waist, and then below, finally finding him. Shane's gentle, soft hands were almost Oliver's undoing! It took all his strength not to spend himself right then. Carefully, she guided him and finally lowered herself slowly onto him. The pleasure Oliver felt as Shane deftly surrounded him was overwhelming, reducing him to a quivering puddle of raging passion. All he wanted to do was move, but instead he let her set the pace, even if it killed him. And then, she did. Hesitantly at first, then with determination. As the blaze of desire finally unleashed itself, hands groped, while mouths planted kisses wherever they landed. Every slight movement of her hips had them gasping for air, rejoicing in their mutual pleasure, as all the sensations heightened and escalated. Unable to hold on any longer, Shane's body arched, succumbing to a raging climax that triggered Oliver's own. He was completely and utterly mind-blown, shaking feverishly, holding on to Shane's hips tightly as he found ecstasy in her arms.
They held on to each other, waiting for their heartbeats to slow down and their breaths to even themselves out.
"Can I finally be the one to kiss you now?" Oliver asked, his voice wavering, a tender half-smile adorning his face.
Shane just nodded, returning his smile, feeling flushed, giddy, and oh so very satisfied. Oliver's lips met hers again, and they both sighed into the kiss, communicating their beautiful love through a sweet dueling of their lips.
"Do you think we'll finally make it to the bedroom?" he asked.
"We have the whole night, Oliver."
"Care for another round?"
"Aren't you full of questions, Mr. O'Toole…." Shane couldn't contain the urge to laugh.
"This is what you've reduced me to, Mrs. O'Toole… but you haven't answered my last question."
"Hmmmm, let me see…." She said, as she saw Oliver raise a brow. With a flirtatious grin, she continued, "I have it on good authority chances are very good I might care for another round."
Without further ado, Oliver proceeded to lift Shane into his arms and carry her to the bedroom, where they both indeed started the next round. And perhaps, if both felt so inclined, there would be another round after that!
They would never be able to listen to "In a Sentimental Mood" without remembering that sublime evening nor the memories they had created on their private island getaway. The Andalusian coast of Spain would forever hold a special place in their hearts.