Chapter VI: A Weekend Getaway Part II
Spice Meter: 5 flames (Please be advised this is the rating at its highest. If racier scenes are not your cup of tea, you know what to do...)
Dearest reader! First, I must apologize for how I left you the last time I addressed you; however, those who are patient ultimately get rewarded… so hang on tight to your wigs because things are about to get steamy! I'm just wondering what kind of fan I should get to keep myself cool. Will a Spanish "pericón" do? Or maybe a Japanese paddle fan? Hmmm… an "uchiwa" might go well with a kimono I have lying around. Or should I gather some folks to fan me down with ostrich feathers Cleopatra style? Or maybe I should just quit this rambling and let you, gentle reader, get to the good part. Yes… that might be better…
The Blue River Bistro was located on Breckenridge's main street. There were outside tables for those who favored sitting in the cooler evening air. The restaurant's interior was simple, airy, with lots of windows to watch the continuous stream of passersby. The wall space was decorated with abstract modern art; with pops of color creating an interesting palette for the senses. Shane and Oliver were led to an intimate corner table and the happy couple was pleased with the privacy it provided. After perusing the menu, Oliver opted for a glass of Merlot, while Shane preferred a Chardonnay this time around. They decided to share the crispy tiger shrimp as an appetizer.
"So, Oliver… happy wedding monthaverssary!" Shane giggled. "It's been 4 months since we got married."
Oliver's serene expression immediately tensed up, with his eyes as wide as saucers. "Oh goodness, is that a thing? Have I been remiss in celebrating monthaverssaries?"
"It's not a thing unless we want it to be," Shane smiled cheekily, as she took the wine glass in her hands. "But, in this case, it seemed like a good excuse to take you away for the weekend!"
Oliver leaned back in his chair and looked adoringly at his wife. "I still don't know what I ever did to deserve you, Shane."
Shane's expression softened and she felt herself melting. "Oliver, do you know what I love most about you? What I admire most about you?"
Oliver took a sip of the velvety Merlot. He fingered the stem of the wine glass contemplating his words. "Hmmmm… Mrs. O'Toole, why don't we pause this conversation and have it in front of the fire when we return to the villa?"
Since Shane saw the waiter approaching, most likely to take their dinner order, she decided to comply with Oliver's request. After all, it seemed like it would be the best conversation to have while cozying in front of the fireplace. Dinner turned out to be fabulous and both were very pleased with the restaurant selection. They had developed a serious appetite after all the hiking they did that day! After stuffing themselves with a beef tenderloin with a mushroom demi-glace and a pine-nut crusted salmon, they finished the meal by sharing a key lime pie with a coconut cookie crust. They walked off the scrumptious feast by taking an evening stroll down the bustling Breckenridge main street.
When they finally returned to the villa, both noticed the fire was already crackling, mood lighting was set, and Debussy was playing on the sound system. A bottle of Veuve Cliquot chilled in a bucket of ice, and there was a box of assorted chocolate bonbons beside it. Oliver was surprised at Shane's execution of all these details and told her as much.
"Well, you're not the only one with magic minions, dear husband." Oliver chuckled at her reply, remembering how she had described his "magic" during their honeymoon.
"I feel quite spoiled, my love," he stepped closer, took her hand and kissed her fingers, his eyes fixed on hers.
"Oliver, that's how I've felt since I said 'I do'," Shane said, breathlessly. She would never understand how he could reduce her to a puddle of feelings with such virtuous displays of affection. Maybe it was the dichotomy of the gesture…the chaste kiss, along with the most sensual of gazes.
Oliver felt her pulse beat erratically as he trailed his lips over her wrist. He felt his heart skipping a beat, his chest expanding, trying to contain all the feelings rushing through him. They sat on the sofa, taking in the beauty and warmth of the crackling fire, while Oliver poured a couple of glasses of champagne. As he cuddled her closer, Oliver knew they were both more than ready for an all-consuming evening of seduction, but he wanted to savor the moment and take things slowly. He kissed her softly, lingering on the corner of her lips. Keeping his face close to hers, he said, "We paused a conversation during dinner. Would you care to elaborate on those topics now?"
It took Shane a moment to gather herself and recall what that conversation had been about! How could Oliver keep himself on such an even keel was a mystery to her. After taking a fortifying gulp of champagne, she remembered. "Oh, I believe it was about what I admire most about you."
"And what you love most. Don't forget about that." Shane was practically on his lap, and he touched her hair, tucking a curl behind her ear. He couldn't help himself and with a finger, he traced her delicate ear, then moved down to her neck and continued all the way down to her collarbone. Oliver saw her gulp convulsively and almost grinned with satisfaction. The effect he had on her made him feel ten feet tall.
Trying to keep it together, Shane said, "Well, I have to say I admire your conviction. You always stand your ground, Oliver, and when you're convinced of something, you can't be deterred."
"And what do you love about me?" Shane could've sworn she saw silver streaks spark in his eyes.
She placed her champagne flute on the coffee table and tenderly grabbed his face between her hands. She breathed in deeply before saying, "I fell in love with the way you love, Oliver. When you love, it's with your entire being…body, heart, soul. I knew it from the beginning. You had such a tough shell to crack. I'm glad I didn't give up or lose my patience waiting for you. I knew you'd love fiercely, Oliver, in the best possible connotation of the word."
Their eyes locked together, the pure emotion of the moment wrapping itself around them. It took hold tightly and did not let go. Shane rubbed her thumb over Oliver's lower lip. He gently kissed her thumb, sending waves of delectable sensations with that subtle brush of his lips. Suddenly, Shane couldn't wait anymore. She brought her mouth to his, parted his lips, and immediately deepened the kiss. They surrendered to a tangle of lips, tongues and roaming hands, losing themselves in each other.
"I want you, Shane," Oliver whispered into her ear, making her shiver. "My need for you is consuming and profound," he said huskily, as he pressed kisses on her cheeks, his hands burrowing into her hair. "I never knew I could want anyone, love anyone, as much as I do you." It took everything he had not to ravish her right then and there. She felt so lusciously right in his arms. Her skin was perfection under his lips and his hands. But it was her heart in concert with his that unequivocally and irrevocably made him completely and totally hers.
Oliver prided himself on his self-control and he wanted her burning with need before he could find his own pleasure in her welcoming arms. However, he felt close to losing his composure when she pulled off his thin sweater and unbuttoned his trousers. He stilled her movements, not letting himself be deterred. He took off her flowy blouse and proceeded to peel off the skintight jeans that had him in a cold sweat the entire night. Their kisses were feverish, and seeing Shane's swollen lips, along with her eyes turning an astonishing shade of cerulean blue, made his breath catch in his throat. Oliver knew a lifetime with Shane wouldn't be enough. It wouldn't be long enough to show her how much he cared, how firmly etched in his heart she had become.
Amid a racing heart and a skyrocketing pulse, Shane wondered how she always ended up being so overwhelmed by Oliver's lovemaking. She had wanted to take the lead that evening, but he had the uncanny ability to snatch it away from her. It wasn't for lack of her trying, though. He always ended up consuming her and she just let herself…feel. She was more than ready for him, to feel him within her, but knowing Oliver, he would draw this out until she was a quivering mess of desire.
After feasting on her mouth one more time, Oliver stood and lifted Shane from the sofa, carrying her to a spot in front of the fireplace. When he saw the plush rugs and cushions, he knew the weekend would find them there eventually. As he lay beside her, he pulled her close, and continued to kiss her feverishly as his hand traced the curve of her waist down to her hip. When he finally found her, he felt Shane whimper against his lips. She was so warm, so ready, and when he touched her intimately, she immediately convulsed under his hand. Oliver shuddered, beguiled by how sensitive she was. Emboldened by her response, Oliver continued his licentious pursuits by sliding down her body with his mouth, eventually finding her enticing heat with his lips. The rush of sensation had her audibly panting with pleasure. She held on to his shoulders as if they were a lifeline, as wave after wave of sensation shook her to the core.
Oliver wanted her to explode like that once again. He gently brought them both to a sitting position, cradling her as Shane was almost limp in his arms. He felt the need to soothe her by sweeping her cheeks with his thumbs and running a tender hand through her hair, smoothing her damp locks. She was sweaty, flushed, beautiful and completely his. At this point, Oliver's need for Shane was so fierce, he couldn't hold off any longer. He lowered her over him, the tension so arousing Oliver thought he might shatter. Both heaved huge sighs, embracing each other, foreheads touching. "Sweetheart, are you alright?" Oliver managed to ask. Shane could only nod and kissed him again, pouring out her soul for him to hold. Finding her strength once again, her thighs clenched Oliver's hips. It was almost too much to bear, but as she threw her head back in pure rapture, Oliver took advantage of her position and drew one of the offered breasts into his mouth. It was yet another layer of pleasure added to the already thrilling seduction.
There simply wasn't anything more beautiful than watching Shane succumb to ecstasy in his arms. Oliver found himself riveted watching her respond to their mutual passion. If there was any doubt before, there was none now. This was making love! Anything that might have happened in a previous life paled in comparison. With a rush of breath, Shane broke apart and felt herself splinter into a million tiny pieces. Oliver felt her potent release, the blood in his veins became liquid fire as it powerfully rushed through him. He had wanted her to explode, but instead it was his heart wanting to break free from his chest. Losing his breath for a millisecond, Oliver found his release and let himself bask in a cloud of pure and utter delirium.
This was happiness. This was forever.
Later in the evening, they were still by the fireplace, and Shane was delicately biting into a whiskey-laced salted caramel bonbon. Oliver loved seeing her expression of pure enjoyment as the chocolate confection laced itself around her tongue. He wished he were an artist so he could immortalize the moment in some way.
"Penny for your thoughts, dear husband?" Shane asked.
"Just thinking how beautifully sublime you are. I could look at you all day."
"Oh, is that what you love about me? My ravishing looks?" She asked coyly.
"No," he said firmly. Shane tilted her head, inviting Oliver with her expression to elaborate. Oliver directed his brilliant blue gaze to hers and said, "What I love and adore about you is how giving you are. You always give yourself to others, totally and completely without even realizing it. And I knew, I knew you'd given yourself to me even before I deserved it."
At a total loss for words, Shane threw herself onto Oliver. He more than happily welcomed her into his arms.
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Shane sighed. Why do good things have to come to an end? They were on their way back home. Well, she guessed that work and routine had to exist so moments like these could be enjoyed a whole lot more. Truth be told, even though the weekend had been utterly sublime, she was dying to get home to see her babies. She had missed Valentino so much. And Oliver missed Flynn, even though he wouldn't admit it! He didn't know she had caught him a couple of times reaching out to stroke Flynn. It had become such a habit he did it unconsciously, even when the cat wasn't there!
As they reached the house, she saw that Joe's truck was parked in the front, along with another vehicle she didn't recognize. "Oliver, slow down," she said in a hushed tone. Oliver instinctively slowed down but was perplexed by his wife's request.
"What's going on?" he asked, a worried tone in his voice.
"I see a car I don't recognize, and I believe there are a couple of people on our front porch." Shane started rummaging through her purse. "Could you stop a few houses down from ours?"
"Shane, what in the Sam Hill are you doing?" He saw her pull out a pair of tiny binoculars from her bag. "Why do you have binoculars, of all things, in your purse?"
"Oh Oliver, don't get your boxers in a bunch, you never know when they might come in handy for our investigations. I always keep them in my purse. Okay okay, pull over!" Shane lifted the binoculars to her eyes and gasped. She couldn't believe it, there was Joe with a woman wrapped around him in what looked like an explosively passionate embrace!
"Shane, what's going on? I'm starting to get worried here." Oliver didn't give her a chance to answer and dashed off towards the house.
Oh, nothing's wrong. Everything is absolutely wonderful! Shane couldn't help but think, as she stepped out of the car and followed her husband.
Dearest reader, this Author admits that it might be her (his?) heart that's about to explode. First, it's the lovebirds steaming up the windows in their Breckenridge villa. Let's not go there, shall we? There just isn't a fan big enough! But alas, Papa Joe caught in a clinch? OH MY!
I must admit I have been absolutely itching to see Papa Joe find love. Could Dr. Vivianne finally be the one? How will Oliver react to his father courting a lady? Also, while Shane right now thinks it's wonderful, could she become resentful of a new woman in Joe's life? After all, she's been thriving with their newfound father/daughter relationship. Only time will tell… so we can only buckle up and enjoy the ride!