Chapter VII: One Last Night at the Brown Palace
Author's Note: All previous warnings and disclaimers still stand. Thank you for following and reading!
Shane had fallen asleep. She looked so peaceful, Oliver thought. Turns out she was quite the mix of temptress and angel, and she was all his.
Oliver rose from the bed and quietly put on a pair of lounge pants. He didn't bother with a shirt. His stomach was grumbling, and he wanted a snack. What time was it? Dear heavens, it was already early evening! Time certainly flies by when you're blissfully happy. They hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast!
On his way to the kitchen, he saw Shane had left her cellphone on the sofa. He smiled to himself. He had made his technologically dependent wife forget her cellphone. That was a feat! The screen lit up and Oliver saw an incoming text message. It was from his dad, wishing them a happy honeymoon trip and asking them to call him when they got back.
Oliver suddenly felt the need to talk to his dad. He picked up Shane's phone, and after fumbling with it for a bit, found his dad's contact information. He smiled as he saw how Shane had saved his father's phone number: "Joe 'Dad' O'Toole". He would be forever in her debt for the part she played in his reconciliation with his father. Oliver didn't know where he'd be now without him.
He clicked on his name and waited for his dad to answer.
"Shane! You lovely girl, why the heck are you calling me on your honeymoon?"
"Dad, it's me."
"Oliver! Why in heavens name are you calling me while on your honeymoon!"
"Well, Shane fell asleep and I wanted a snack. I saw your message coming in and I wanted to talk to you."
"Son…."
"What, dad?"
"How do I put this delicately…" Joe stalled for a few seconds.
"Dad! Everything is alright! Shane fell asleep because, well… I've… I've worn her out." Oliver's lips twisted in a half-smile, knowing that most likely he shocked his father.
"Ollie, here I was worrying about putting things delicately and you beat me to the punch." Joe laughed. "So, things are good?"
"Maybe more than good?"
"Oh?" Joe didn't want to say much, preferring to let Oliver express himself freely.
"I was married before, for goodness' sake. And it's never been…."
"Ollie…. I get it, son. You and Shane have something really special. I have never seen a couple so in tune, and so in love. You just enjoy what you have, you both deserve it."
"Thank you, dad. I don't know what I did to deserve having you back in my life."
"You have to thank Shane for that. I will be forever grateful to her."
"She is amazing, isn't she?"
"You both have been blessed in finding your way to each other. And I am blessed to have you as a son and Shane as a daughter."
"She loves you, dad. And I do, too."
"I know, Ollie. But go back to your bride! We've talked long enough. And don't overthink things. For once, go with the flow and enjoy life!"
"I will, Dad."
They said their goodbyes and Oliver promised to call as soon as they got back from their trip. He was once again thankful to Shane for being the angel who brought them back together. She kept saying he was her gift from God, but the opposite was true. Looking up, he said a silent prayer once again thanking God for all his blessings. For once he felt deserving of the happiness filling his heart.
Oliver fixed himself a plate with fruit, cheese and some crackers. He also took a YooHoo out of the mini fridge, but he noticed something felt different. He wasn't reaching out for it because he needed it for comfort, instead he reached for it because he wanted chocolate milk. That was something. Could it be he was losing his taste for YooHoo because his heart was finally full?
Shane stepped out of the bedroom into the sitting area and saw Oliver with the bottle in his hand. Her heart fell to the floor. What could be worrying him? Why would he need his comfort drink during their honeymoon?
Oliver knew Shane was in the room before he could actually see her. He could just feel her presence when she entered a room; it had been like that for a long time. He turned around with a smile, but his expression immediately changed when he saw her face.
"My love, what's wrong?" Oliver exclaimed.
"Oliver, why… why do you…" She glanced and pointed at the YooHoo. Her eyes started to tear up and Oliver felt a fist grab his heart. It wasn't what she was thinking!
"Shane, darling, this is not what you think. I am not in need of comfort, I am not worried and I am not working anything out."
"But why…?"
"Can you believe I just wanted chocolate milk?" He placed the plate he had fixed, along with the YooHoo on the dining table. He took Shane's hand and pulled her gently onto his lap, as he took a seat at the table.
"That's what I want to believe, Oliver. Otherwise, I'd worry I was lacking in some way… that I couldn't make you happy on our honeymoon."
"Is that what you think?" Oliver couldn't help his surprise as he listened to her.
"What else could I think? You always reach for YooHoos when you're upset."
Oliver threaded his fingers in her beautiful blonde hair, his eyes tender, and his smile soft.
"Shane, you make me so happy. I have been on cloud nine since we became husband and wife and I don't want this feeling to end. My heart is completely full. I reached out for the YooHoo because I actually wanted chocolate milk, not because I needed it to calm me down."
"Are you telling me marrying me has made you overcome your YooHoo addiction?" Shane's eyes glimmered and a smile formed on her lips.
"Yes. And all of the events afterwards."
Shane punched him lightly in the shoulder.
Chuckling at her reaction, Oliver said, "Careful, you might have to kiss me to make me feel better."
"I would do so, gladly," she replied huskily.
"Could I be the one to confess something now, Shane?"
"Of course."
"I knew being intimate with you would be beautiful, Shane, but I wasn't expecting…"
"…how hot it got?" Shane interrupted, as she finished his thought.
"How good it could be." Oliver admitted.
"And you're… conflicted about this?"
"No, Shane. For once I am not conflicted. And I think it's… the same for you?"
"You can't tell, yet?!" Shane blurted out.
"I think so… but I want to hear you say it."
"Would you think it scandalous of me to say I've never had better?" She whispered.
"No. Because it's the same for me."
Oliver never felt as happy as when Shane smiled; this time her cheeks were turning a lovely shade of pink, her eyes were sparkling, and the most blissful expression was on her face. He'd never grow tired of looking at her face, he thought as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. Shane tenderly placed a hand on his cheek and gave him a soft kiss.
"Oliver."
"Yes, my Shane."
"You haven't shaved."
It took Oliver a second to realize she was right.
"Oh my goodness, does it bother you?"
"Ehmmm… actually, it doesn't. I am liking disheveled Oliver quite a bit…"
"Well, it's my customary practice to shave, but circumstances have dictated a little departure from that, have they not?"
Shane smiled in agreement as she appreciated her incredibly handsome husband.
"Oliver, another thing… uhmmm…are you suddenly comfortable walking around bare chested?" Shane's eyes were wide.
"Well, it's our suite until tomorrow, it's our honeymoon and I find myself very comfortable."
"Oliver, you haven't shaved, you're walking around without a shirt, and you don't need YooHoos anymore. What have I done to you?"
As they looked at each other with loving eyes, Shane and Oliver erupted with laughter at the same time. In between giggles, Shane gave him soft kisses. As she turned around to hug him on the chair, they lost their balance and went sprawling onto the floor.
After the initial shock caused by the tumble, they started laughing uncontrollably once again. Oliver soon became acutely conscious of Shane's body on top of his. The laughter quickly subsided, to be replaced by one of those heated looks from Oliver that Shane was starting to crave.
With his hand on the nape of her neck, and the other on her waist, he rolled her around on the floor until she was directly beneath him.
"Oliver…" Shane breathed, completely caught off-guard.
"Shane… I just can't get enough of you…. Please, you must tell me if it's too much… I sometimes worry, but I am so blissfully happy…"
The past few days had been the definition of happiness for Shane. Her tears had all been joyful ones, but she couldn't control them. "Oliver, I share your joy too, and I don't think it will ever be too much. I want you desperately all the time," she said, as she stroked his cheek, feeling the stubble prickling her hand. "I could get used to this."
Oliver's lips curved in a half smile. "I think I could too, but only with you."
"Agreed." And with that single word, she tightened their embrace, opened her lips to kiss him, and pressed her body even closer to his.
In a flash Oliver was consumed with heat and surrendered to the feelings she created with her lips. Shane was kissing him like there was no tomorrow, finding newer and deeper angles, as she molded her mouth over his. Her hands were everywhere, on his chest, his sides… her hands glided over his hips… and all thoughts flew out of his head when her hands grabbed his behind. He was more than ready to take her right there on the floor. She wore a flimsy excuse for a nightgown and the fabric got all bunched up around her hips when he rolled her around on the floor.
"Shane… I don't think I can be gentle this time around…"
"Who says you have to be gentle all the time?" She replied.
Shane's insinuated permission lit a fire in Oliver. His hands and lips were everywhere, wreaking havoc on her already sensitive flesh. He tore away her chemise, and all Shane felt was heat and the need for even more intense pleasure.
Panting, he broke off the kiss. He looked at her, all flushed and naked in his arms and knew he just couldn't take it anymore. He swiftly got off the floor, lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
"Oliver, will you let me do something?" Shane was out of breath as she exhaled the words. "Whatever you want." He almost croaked his answer, his every nerve ending on edge with how much he wanted his wife. Shane led him to a sitting position on the bed. As she positioned herself to straddle him and she stared deeply into his eyes, Oliver's breath caught. "My love, I don't think I'm going to last long with what you have in mind."
"Trust me…" Shane took him slowly, deeply inside her and stopped as they both adjusted to the feeling of being joined. She closed her eyes and molded her lips to his once again. Shane felt Oliver tense up, so she opened her eyes to look at him. Her eyes spoke for her, asking silently if he was okay. "Shane… I never knew I could want… could want you so much. You can do whatever you want with me, you own my soul…."
Shane moved slowly, intentionally… her hands on his shoulders, her forehead on his, staring intensely into his eyes…. Oliver's hands were tightly grasping her hips, moving in concert with her, as he got lost in her eyes and the feelings she was eliciting. "I love you so much Oliver. I have never felt what I feel for you."
"Nor I for you, my love." They were so consumed by each other there wasn't any need for any more words, as they found ecstasy in each other's arms once again.
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Spent from their passionate encounter, Shane and Oliver laid on their sides, facing each other on the king-sized bed. They just couldn't stop looking at each other.
"Oliver, do you feel deliriously and ridiculously happy? Because I do." Shane ran a finger over his forehead, his eyebrow and down his nose. She gently traced his lips with her fingertip, causing Oliver to catch his breath again.
"My love, if you continue, we will never leave this hotel room."
"Would it be selfish of me to say I wouldn't mind if that were the case?"
Oliver's eyes softened. He feared he would always have a soft spot for his wife, wanting to fulfill her every wish. But life was life, and it couldn't always be inside the honeymoon suite.
"Oliver, we should order some food. I can't live off cake, strawberries, coffee, and champagne. I'm starving."
"Not with all the calories we've burned, most certainly."
"Oliver!" Shane exclaimed, her eyes as big as saucers. "I can't believe you just said that!"
"But Mrs. O'Toole, isn't it the truth?" Oliver hid his smile. He liked being the one outrageously flirty, instead of his dear Shane.
Still in bed, they both laughed and Oliver pulled her closer. He just couldn't get enough of her. Shane laid her head on his shoulder, her right hand on his chest and her leg curled around his. He wrapped his arms around her and both sighed in contentment.
"In all seriousness, I am hungry."
"Do you want to go out for dinner?" Oliver asked.
"How about room service? Or delivery? I am sure I can place an order on Doordash or Uber Eats."
"I can call room service, but all the smartphone stuff is your domain."
"How do you feel about sushi…chinese… oooohhhh, how about pizza?"
"I take it you want pizza." Oliver said wryly, but smiling. If this is what they called wedded bliss, he didn't want it to end.
"Pizza and champagne could be a worthy combo, don't you think dear husband?" Shane's eyes practically glowed at the thought of pizza.
"I could be enticed…"
"Great! Now, for toppings…."
"Cheese pizza," Oliver suggested, holding back a smile. He already knew how she'd react.
"Oliver, for heavens' sakes…. A cheese pizza is not worthy pairing with champagne…!"
"Veggies? Definitely mushrooms."
Shane seriously pondered his option. "With bacon?" She looked at him with a serious expression. If he answered incorrectly, she might have issues…
"That sounds quite appetizing. Yes, with bacon." Oliver answered. He was caught completely off guard when Shane threw herself over him and started planting kisses all over his face. Laughing, he asked her, "What did I do?"
"You just answered correctly." With a quick peck on his lips, she jumped off the bed and dashed to get her phone to place the pizza order. It only took her a couple of minutes. "Pizza should be here in 20 minutes, more or less, Oliver."
"I'm going to take a shower. Do you want to join me?"
"Oliver, the pizza will be here in 20 minutes…" Shane replied, as her cheeks flamed. How could she still blush after everything that's happened between them? Could it be that she'd never get used to sexy Oliver being all hers?
She loved his smile and how he smiled at her. It was not only with his lips, but it seemed like his whole body was smiling. How could that even be? And it was with that smile that he gave her a get out of jail free card (not that she'd mind being locked up with him…anywhere).
"Alright, I'll take a shower and you pick out a movie for us to watch while we have dinner."
"Sounds like a plan, Oliver!"
After Shane heard the water running, she rummaged through her suitcase for a lace ensemble she was dying to wear. She had been saving it to surprise Oliver, but he hadn't given her a chance to wear anything other than a silky robe! She put on the underwear and matching bra underneath a modal cotton shorts and tank top lounge set. After all she had to open the door for the pizza delivery guy. A silky robe would just not do!
Thinking of Oliver standing under the shower stream, his hair wet as he lathered himself up had her thinking all sorts of wicked thoughts. She sighed…focus, Shane, pizza will be arriving soon and you're hungry. She walked towards the television looking for the remote. Finding it quickly, she turned on the tv and scrolled through, clicking on the HBO Max app.
After entering her account information, she immediately clicked into the Turner Classic Movies hub. She loved old movies and she had a feeling Oliver would too. The choices were endless… Gone with the Wind, Singing in the Rain, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, An Affair to Remember… Shane ended up choosing Roman Holiday since she loved Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, hoping Oliver would agree with her choice.
Oliver emerged from the bathroom still scruffy, giving Shane all the feels. He smelled wonderful though, his scent carrying fresh citrusy notes. The pizza arrived a few minutes later. As Oliver poured the champagne, he also took a couple of water bottles from the fridge.
"Shane, why don't we eat in bed?"
Shane's mouth fell open. She thought they'd eat on the loveseat in front of the tv in the master bedroom. She wanted Oliver to ease up and relax… she did want to break through all his barriers, but maybe this was getting out of hand? She loved the idea of having pizza and champagne in bed with him, but never thought he'd have these breakthroughs so quickly!
"Shane?" Oliver lifted his brow, waiting for her to answer his question. She hadn't realized she had been silent for so long.
"Yes, no problem Oliver. Let's eat in bed." She managed to squeak.
As they had their impromptu dinner, Shane couldn't help but observe Oliver, and she was delighted with how at ease he looked. She looked up briefly and thanked God for all her blessings. How she deserved to be so blessed she had no idea, but she would take these blessings and cherish them. They were deeply in love, they were married and on their honeymoon.
Shane looked at Oliver happily devouring the pizza, taking in Audrey and Gregory's adventures in Italy. All she could do was smile and think life couldn't get any better than this.