He picks up a berry by its stem and swirls it in the bowl of yummy cream. Moving it toward my mouth, he holds his other hand underneath to catch any drips.
I lick my lips in anticipation.
“Open wide,” he says as he slips the tip of the strawberry into my awaiting mouth.
“Mmm,” I moan. “That’s so good. You are spoiling me.”
“It’s my pleasure.” He leans over carefully, licking the excess cream from my lips as he crawls on top of me.
So much for breakfast. I like his plan better.
Over two hours later,we’re satiated, showered, and dressed. We would have been ready earlier, but Stuart suggested it would be more efficient to shower together. It was more fun. It wasn’t efficient at all.
I never realized all the different uses for a shower bench. We ran out of time before trying them all though. Maybe we’ll have another chance. That thought puts a smile on my face.
Stuart’s phone dings.
“Is that the replacement car and driver?”
“It is. He’s arriving now. We should find Evan and Sean to say goodbye on our way out.”
“Sounds good.”
We try to thank Sean and Evan, but the housekeeper lets us know that they each had overnight guests. I guess we weren’t the only ones who didn’t get much sleep last night.
Stuart says, “I’ll text them later to let them know we had to leave.”
We climb into the back seat of the black sedan that’s waiting for us in the driveway. No limo this time, so we don’t have the same privacy as on the drive up here. It’s just as well. We’ve had abusymorning already.
Stuart turns to look at me just as my stomach rumbles. We never ate.
He reaches for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as he speaks to the driver. “Could you find us somewhere to pick up coffee and bagels or pastries? We haven’t had anything to eat.”
“Of course. Would you prefer to stop at a restaurant for breakfast?”
“No. We don’t have time if we’re going to make the first appointment. Something we can eat in the car would be best.”
“No problem, sir. There’s the perfect place half a mile ahead.”
With the jolt of caffeine and a cherry pastry in hand, the world is a better place. Based on the satisfied look on Stuart’s face, he agrees.
“So, what are the errands we’re running?”
“A little shopping for tonight. I thought we’d pick out a new outfit for you. I made an appointment at a shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.”
“That’s generous of you, but not necessary. I have a great dress for tonight, so we can skip the shopping. That will save us time.”
“I know it’s not required. I wanted to do something special for you. I thought all women liked shopping.”
“Shopping is great when I need to buy something new. I already have a dress. Save your money. And please don’t insult me by suggesting you owe me for last night.”
“That wasn’t how I meant it. You’re special. I want to treat you. That’s all. The fact that you don’t want me to spend money on you is even more impressive. You’re certainly not like the other women I typically date.”
“That should be a good thing.”
“It’sunexpected,” he says, his brows furrowed in confusion.
His phone rings.
