Chapter Sixty Four
The auction went on past seven o'clock in the evening. Jarrod and Lisette did well with their purchases at the auction and earlier at the defunct restaurants. They got great deals on the majority of the last items they needed for the hotel.
"My lady, we can buy your family's champagne with all the savings we found tonight"
"You have a deal, partner."
Prudy had whisked them off at breakfast with a smile and a wink, "See you tomorrow evening friends. Good luck on the business details. Henry and the girls have a full day and night planned. The park, outdoor skittles, the toy store for marbles—Henry wants to take some home to his friend—-the puppet shows at the square, the book store—again and fishing in the marsh pond."
Jarrod handed Henry some money, "For marbles and to treat the ladies to ice cream or candy store. Never let a lady pay," he winked with a fatherly pat.
Lisette beamed at the interaction and so did Bax from the foyer. He and Prudy couldn't help but share a look of pleasure in matchmaking.
"They deserve every minute of happiness they can steal."
—&—
Jarrod quickly turned in his auction paddle and left a bank draft for the purchases. He left the name of the Mineral Springs freight company that would transport the items to the warehouse in Stockton.
Lisette had loved the story Victoria had told her much to Jarrod's chagrin of how they came to own half interest in a freight company in a small town that expanded to three other cities.
He had the Vanderpool driver take them to The Savoy hotel. A quiet elegant hotel near the bay frequented by the older establishment—-known for its ambiance from the gold rush days and discretion. His family and other wealthy Californians moved their business to the state-of-the-art Palace when it was built.
"Sign the register."
Lisette held a simple tapestry bag of hers and Jarrod's leather alligator bag as he checked them in to their suite. She wore her cameo ring on her left hand under her gloves. The distracted night clerk did not even look up at Jarrod or towards Lisette to her relief
"Your room is ready just like you asked"
"Thank you," and he left a tip on the counter.
He grabbed both bags from walked up a flight of stairs with rose and ivy carpet with a dark mahogany rail.
Jarrod opened the door with the skeleton key and quickly whisked her into the room.
"So far so good."
A light was dimly shining in the room. It illuminated the round table with shiny silver domes of food along with champagne icing in a silver bucket. Three long stem red roses graced the table. The bed was turned down and Ghirardelli chocolates were on the satin pillows.
Lisette gazed around the room. She had been raised in luxury but for Jarrod to plan this alone brought tears to her eyes. She hoped the surprise she had brought was enough.
They took off their cloaks. Lisette hung them both up at the door and took Jarrod's jacket too.
He went immediately and opened the champagne, "Your family's of course."
"Thank you,"
All of a sudden she felt shy and overwhelmed. She blushed and checked her appearance in the mirror. He softly came up behind her and kissed her neck. She looked at their reflections in the mirror and sighed.
"At least the bruising is finally all gone." she whispered.
"Lissy," as he continued to press himself against her, "You are beautiful—I fell in love with you in Modesto in a purple dress—-in San Francisco in a flower market—-in Stockton in our bedroom—-all with bruises. Now I plan on holding you all night long with all manner of passion—-"
"Yes—" she said breathlessly and closed her eyes.
They stayed that way for a few minutes as he caressed her and hiked her skirts. He abruptly stopped to her dismay. She made a little mew with her eyes closed..
"Let's eat our meal before it gets cold." he whispered in her ear. He was riveted to elicit such a response from her. It amplified his amorous intentions for the evening, the exhilaration of having all night with Lisette alone.
He always enjoyed a bit of cat and mouse—-Lisette his love, his prey for the evening and to hold her tight all night with nothing to hurry their evening.
They took their time with their supper and indulged in cheesecake and champagne underneath a candelabra.
He moved his chair as close to hers as possible and could caress the inside of her thigh. She couldn't control her reactions and shivered in anticipation. Jarrod would stop for a moment and concentrate on his champagne. He wanted to chuckle at her disappointed face. The thrill of the chase spurred on his plan.
Lisette was having trouble thinking of anything but Jarrod. She took a deep sip of the champagne and inhaled. The air cleared her head.
"Excuse me please Jarrod" and she quickly got up and exited to the wash room.
He put the food domes on and put the tray outside the door. He pulled out the second bottle of champagne and put it on the ice.
He rolled the table out of the way and sat on the bed—-he took off his fine leather boots, belt and tie. Rolling up his shirt sleeves and undoing the top button of his trousers for comfort. His need for her had already become uncomfortable. He had forgotten and left his robe at the became more as she came out in an almost sheer green negligée. He had never seen her in such a provocative attire. Only the lacy sheaths, bloomers and camisoles under her day dresses during their afternoon assignations.
She smiled realizing she turned the tables on him. She took advantage of the power betrayed by Jarrod's face. Lisette walked across the room slowly allowing the silk gown to cling to her form.
She had swallowed her modesty and propriety. She asked Prudy to purchase something to "please Jarrod." She knew her best friend's tastes in attire and trusted her judgment—-plus Prudy had offered several times to facilitate any liaisons Lisette wanted.
Lisette walked to his side and extended her hand to him. He pulled her arm down and kissed the top of her hand then nipped her wrist with his teeth. She felt weak kneed as he forcefully pulled her down on top of him. All pretense melted away and their night of passion began—late into the night and they finally slept peacefully until dawn.
—-&—-