EXcapades (16 page)

“Lila, baby,” he laughed, “I said 206.”

“I thought you said 226. And can you believe it, there’s no 226 in this hotel?”

It appeared to take a second for him to understand what I was saying. “So you have been walking around this enormous hotel trying to find a room that doesn’t exist? What kind of hotel is missing one room number anyway?”

I shrugged. “A hotel with an eccentric owner, I was told. And to make matters worse, when I checked the front desk for our names, they weren’t registered. So you can understand my confusion.”

“That’s probably because I made the reservation using a friend’s name. He had a special discount pass for this resort. My name should have been on everything, too. They probably made a mistake and keyed it in wrong. I never put your name down since I wanted to pay for everything.”

I smiled both inwardly and outwardly. I could not remember the last time I had been so relieved. “I don’t want you to pay for everything, but we can work that out when we check out.”

“And if you were looking for my car, this lot is full. I had to park on the hill over there,” he said, pointing into the distance.

I nodded, not knowing what to say next. And then I thought of my last text message I
almost
sent. Glad I didn’t react too hastily.
Lesson learned; don’t jump to conclusions next time.
But please, no next time.

The fact that I was concerned he would and could play a cruel trick on me made me start to wonder if this was really a good idea, getting reattached to my ex-boyfriend. Was it a good idea to have feelings again for someone when it did not work out the first time?
Something to think about when my nerves finally calm down.

He grinned. “Enough of this nonsense. Let’s have a good time.” He rubbed my arm. “You must be starving. I know I am. I made reservations for dinner at the main dining room for six o’clock. If we hurry, we can make it in time,” he said.

“I’m starting to get hungry.”

He took my hand, and we walked to the room to freshen up for dinner.
Room 206!
I was not yet aware of the scrumptious feast that awaited me. Feeling my stomach growl, I quickly dressed for dinner in my black wool skirt, knee-high boots, and cashmere sweater.

Before we left the room, Blake said, “Grab your jacket because we might want to step out on the veranda later.”

“I got it and my gloves.”

“We’re all set then.” He laughed. “This time I’m not letting you out of my sight.” As we walked down the hall, he squeezed my hand and held it tightly.

Blake pushed open the heavy mahogany doors, and the hostess greeted us. She ushered us to a reserved table by the wide picture window. I felt eyes on us as we walked to our table. I noticed ladies staring at Blake. One woman froze with her fork suspended in mid-bite. I wanted to walk over, maneuver her jaws, and help her continue eating. But instead, I smiled at Blake.

We took our seats and looked out across the expansive lake. The sun was setting over the mountains, casting a luminous yellow light.

While enjoying the scenery, Blake rubbed the back of my neck, releasing the day’s tension. Overall, I was as relaxed as I could remember. The conversation became lively as we discussed current events and shared humorous stories.

Our discussion slowed only after the waiter brought our first course and we relished every bite of our creamy Caesar salads. We were equally enthralled with our main course. Blake selected the filet mignon wrapped in bacon drizzled in béarnaise sauce with a side of mashed potatoes. I opted for the sea bass glazed in a chive butter sauce on top of spinach sautéed in garlic.

We ate slowly, savoring every delectable morsel, although I eyed Blake’s filet mignon enviously. “Do you mind if I try a piece?” I asked.

“Help yourself,” he said. “What’s mine is yours.” And when I took a bite of food off his plate, there was an implied familiarity to it that reminded me of dinners from years ago.

I glanced around, trying to stay in the moment. All the while, I could feel Blake’s eyes on me. When I turned in his direction, he was grinning. It was impossible not to smile back at such a handsome face.

Beyond the windows, I could see the sky darkening. Pinks and yellows gave way to crimsons and purples as the sun slid behind the mountains. As the natural light in the restaurant dwindled, the flickering candle in the center of our table appeared to be waving. A few minutes later, the room was nearly dark except for the lights positioned in the far corners.

The soft murmur of voices could be heard. Suddenly, the room became more intimate as the man sitting behind the baby grand piano began his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Luck Be a Lady,” drowning out the hushed, whispered background sounds.

With Blake’s insistence, I reluctantly ordered the triple chocolate layer cake. Without a hint of hesitation, Blake eagerly selected the crème brûlée. A few minutes later, the waiter returned with the desserts on a silver tray. We asked him to take our picture. When the waiter leaned in with the camera, we tilted our heads together and smiled. New memories to treasure.

I looked down at the triple layer dessert centered on a small plate. The moist chocolate cake and thick frosting were drizzled with a red raspberry sauce that swirled in loops. As I bit into the sinfully rich treat, an explosion of flavors burst in my mouth.

Blake licked his lips. “You must taste this one.”

I nodded my head eagerly. He leaned forward and put a heaping spoonful of crème brûlée into my mouth. Instantly, I tasted the sweetness.

I toyed with him as I closed my lips around the spoon, easing the creamy mixture off in a sweeping sensual motion, at the same time, purring, “Mmmm. That’s so delicious.”

“I bet you’re even more delectable,” he said, repeating my gesture. He performed a slow motion lick of the creamy dessert from his spoon, at the same time shooting me a smoldering gaze. I felt my anticipation build. And I had to avert my eyes as he tried subtly to adjust himself under the table.

“This chocolate cake is sinfully rich. Try it,” I said, reaching over, placing the fork inside his parted mouth and nudging his lips with the cake.

He wrapped his hand around mine. “I feel lucky to be here with you tonight. And that frosting stuck to your top lip is making me think dirty thoughts.” He laughed. “Let’s order a piece of chocolate cake from room service later, and I’ll finger-paint your body with the frosting,” he said, smiling mischievously.

“Now, Blake,” I replied in a disapproving tone, finding it hard not to laugh.

“What, Lila? You want me to begin with your nipples or your toes?” I squirmed in my seat, thinking about his rugged thick fingers tracing frosting streaks across my chest.

I made a silly face and then poked out my tongue. “Should we start in the middle?”

“I have a place where you can put that tongue,” he said. He leaned forward, kissing me softly and flicking his tongue seductively across my lips, lapping up the remaining frosting.

At the same instant, the waiter arrived with our coffee, clearing his throat to announce his arrival. “Looks to me like things are already heating up in here,” he said. The waiter grinned while placing the steaming coffee cups beside us. I glanced away to hide my embarrassment.

The waiter, realizing his mistake, quickly cleared the table and returned to the kitchen. After he was out of sight, I elbowed Blake teasingly and mouthed the words, “
Later, I’m yours.”

“Yummy, but I want you now,” he whispered in my ear in a warm, breathy voice only I could hear. Taking my earlobe in his lips, he sucked softly and continued down the nape of my neck, sending goose bumps up my spine.

“I want more of that,” I purred.

“Oh, I promise you will, baby, until you scream for me to stop,” he said, keeping his voice low so only I could hear. “And, by the way, I have an idea the daring side of you will love,” he said, looking beyond the window. We watched the last speck of light from the day fade into darkness.

“Hmmm.”

“It already snowed about an inch. I bet we will get another five inches,” he said.

“Or more,” I added with a tilted smile.

Blake turned toward me, his bright eyes twinkling with mischief. His face lit up with a playful grin. “Come play with me in the snow?” he pleaded. “I’ll make it a night you’ll never forget.” Those golden eyes implored me, and I reluctantly obliged. Yes, I would go.
What does he have in mind?

I tried to register exactly what he was asking here. I felt titillated by the thought of frolicking in the snow with this handsome man. But do I dare step into the darkness with him?

So many “what ifs” invaded my mind. I tried to gather my courage, and I searched deep inside to awaken my latent adventurous spirit that was somewhere in there. I knew it.
I just need to locate it and then channel it.
Do it!

I looked at him sheepishly, nodding while taking his outstretched hand. He wrapped his large fingers around my hand, and then we exchanged a scandalous look meant only for each other. Our eyes gleamed with excitement.

C
hapter 10

After charging the dinner to the room and swallowing the last sip of his coffee, Blake excitedly said, “Ready to go, dear.”

“There’s no stopping us now,” I said. And with both of us grinning, he escorted me toward the exit.

Before stepping into the night, I saw him searching inside his jacket. He pulled out a small blanket and flashlight he had discreetly tucked away. Evidently, he had been secretly planning this adventure. No wonder he sighed in relief when I agreed to go.

Blake and I stepped outside. Fortunately, the moon was full and lit up a huge mass of shimmering snow clouds. Looking into the sky, I saw the snow illuminate the night with dancing lights. We were greeted by the biting cold air and the winter wind that carried a slight smell of chimney smoke. It was invigorating.

The frozen wetness smacked my face. I wiped the soft snowflakes away, turned up the faux fur collar on my coat, and pulled my wool hat over my ears. I stood captivated by the crystals that fluttered furiously around us. “The snow is like diamonds falling from the sky,” I shouted.

“It’s a lovely sight,” he said, watching me waving my arms in the air, spinning in circles.

White dusted the ground everywhere around us, like creamy frosting on a wedding cake. Looking out past the resort, the snow cast a luminous glow onto the rolling hills. But in the distant sky an ominous bank of thick, churning clouds warned of pounding snow yet to come. We agreed not to stray too far from the resort, and then we forged ahead.

Blake leaned over, picked up a handful of powdery flakes, and pretended to fling it at me. “Wow, it’s seriously cold out here. You better zip your jacket,” he said.

“Good advice.”

He tossed the fistful of snow to the ground in a shower of crystal sparkles and wiggled his fingers in the air, showing off his thick leather gloves. “The military provides these top-rate gloves. Would you like to wear mine?”

I shook my head. “Thanks for watching out for me. My gloves should be fine. If not, maybe you can help keep me warm.” I smiled up at Blake and brushed the snowflakes off his broad shoulders.

“My pleasure.”

“I think this crisp air is exhilarating. And is there really anything more beautiful than falling snow?” I asked, watching the tiny crystals fly through the air.

“You are and seem to get more so each day. You really found the fountain of youth.” He smiled, squeezing my hand. I smiled back at him, loving every sweet word that flowed from his lips.

We strolled along the path that bordered the lake, letting the silvery light from the moon become our guide. In the distance, we could hear the faint whistle of a train.

As we continued walking, Blake encouraged me to step slightly ahead of him while he lagged behind. The entire time I could feel his eyes staring intensely at me.

“Ouch!” he cried out. “Stay focused on the ground,” I heard him whisper under his breath.

“Is everything okay?” I stopped, turned, and was bewildered to see Blake rubbing his leg.

“Yes, babe. I stared so intently at the sway of your hips that I forgot to watch the ground in front of me. My ankle twisted slightly on that upturned branch, but I’ll be fine.”

“Should we go back?” I asked, turning to see the trail of footprints we created. With each crunching step in the compacted snow, my boots left imprints.

“No, I became hypnotized by your magnificent bottom. It must be the static electricity because your skirt is grabbing your rear end like plastic wrap and clinging to your curves.”

“Ah, so that’s what you’re doing behind me,” I said, smacking him lightly on the arm. “You’re making me laugh so hard, I’m warming me up inside. I’m thrilled to share this glorious night with you.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he said.

“Well, Mother Nature is giving us a spectacular show.”

“I’ve been enjoying one, all right. Watching your curvaceous booty is giving me quite a show. Maybe too good because I just fell over ogling you,” he said, looking a little embarrassed. “Does that bother you that I just shared my inner male thoughts? Should I keep them to myself next time?”

“Are you kidding? Share anything you want with me.” After walking a few feet, I shouted, “I bet it snowed two inches since we first stepped out here. Careful, there are some slick spots.” Our voices became less audible; drowned out by the crackling ice beneath our feet.

Blake let out a command. “Just lift those feet. Pretend you’re on the balance beam, and you’ll be fine.”

“I forgot what that was like.”

“I know what you mean. I haven’t played football in years. And really, after my last slip on the ice, maybe we should both move a little slower.”

I lumbered along the path and reached for his hand for reassurance. He surprised me by saying, “Come with me. Let me show you the way.”

Not sure what to think of his comment, I looked at him and lifted an eyebrow. Did he mean for me to follow him along this particular path or in life? Either way, I was along for the journey.

He pointed. “I bet the view is stunning from that hill over there. It’s not too far away. Are you up for it?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” We took slow and measured steps. I let Blake take the lead as we brazenly forged ahead with our ascent and climbed the snowy embankment. The hillside we traversed was steep, but we didn’t have far to travel to reach the top. The climb quickened our breath and we stopped talking. Midway up the slope, I trudged along at a reduced pace. “I’m just glad I fueled up on that strong coffee before we left,” I joked.

Blake turned to see me struggling to navigate the icy surface. “You can do it. Give me your hand,” Blake ordered protectively. I reached upward and grabbed his outstretched hand, and he took my fingers. He helped guide me along the slippery path to the peak.

Standing on the crest of the knoll, we strained our eyes to see the lights from the distant hotel through the swirling snow. Looking out toward the lake, even in the downpour, we were mesmerized by the glistening reflection of the moonlight across the water. Every direction we looked, snow had become a shadowy veil of glowing white cascading across the darkened rocky peaks.

Blake squeezed my hand and led me to what I thought was a secluded area among the dense mass of trees. He opened his jacket and pulled out the blanket.

“Thanks for thinking ahead,” I said.

He shrugged, slightly embarrassed. “I try to be prepared.”

“Nice job.”

“Although, life does throw some curveballs just when you think you have the game mastered, especially with love,” he said.

“I haven’t been very good in the past,” I said.

“It’s not any easy game to win.” He looked at me and smiled. “I can’t remember the last time I was this energized. Want to play in the snow with me?”

And to my surprise, he opened the blanket in one quick jerk and spread the wool cloth across the snow. Laughing at the silliness of it all, we lay down on the blanket, sinking into the powdery snow.

“I’ll keep you warm tonight.” He leaned on one shoulder and looked deep into my eyes. And he said in an undertone, “I’ll keep you warm for as long as you’d like.” Although, I was certain he wanted those words private.

And I was about to discover he was right. It would be a night to remember for a lifetime.

Suddenly, it was as if the night sky shattered into a million glittering pieces and poured on top of us. While on my back, I looked up into the sky and watched the snow fall on top of me. I tried to look Blake in the eyes, but the fluffy flakes stuck to my long lashes.

I blinked rapidly to release their grip before finally wiping my eyes. Blake realized I was almost drowning in snowflakes, and he leaned over me, shielding me from the downpour of snow. He was so close to me that his steamy breath warmed my chilly cheeks.

Looking up toward his face, I smiled, fascinated by his unusual aura created by the shadowy light. His lips curved upward in a teasing smile, and even his eyes were smiling as he looked longingly into mine. Blake could see me inviting him with my eyes. I watched him lean toward me, and with the skill of an expert, he kissed me seductively, using his warm mouth to melt the snow from my lips.

Excitedly, I pulled him closer, causing the heat from our kiss to ride through me. I could smell the warm scent of his heated flesh, and I could taste his desire. My senses were on red alert, and even in the cold night air I could feel myself starting to flush.

Blake removed his gloves as quickly as possible and slipped his hands beneath my skirt, revealing my black thong panties.
“These panties are so small, my dear, why bother at all?
But I’m not complaining. You rock these dental floss undies.” He pulled the tiny sliver of black lace off in one swift motion and tossed the fabric hastily into the snow.

I caught his hand and held it tightly as he started to unzip my knee-length boots. “Look at the snow piling up around us. These boots stay on.”

“You’re so unbelievably sexy. Those boots and your naked bottom are driving me wild.”

I thought I heard a loud cracking sound from somewhere in the distance and looked at him wide-eyed in surprise. “What if someone sees us?” I cried out in fear.

“Don’t worry, Lila. With this wind whipping, there are lots of unusual sounds.”

Nonetheless, I sat up, alarmed, and gripped Blake’s arm for reassurance, quickly glancing around, keeping a watchful eye for movement in the shadows. I thought I saw something coming toward us. I stared. Blake started to say something, but I grabbed his hand and squeezed it as a warning. My ears strained for any sound to indicate a presence. I put a finger to my lips, glanced around, and listened for the sound of footsteps or voices but heard nothing.

“My chattering teeth are probably what you heard.” He looked around and added, “Anyway, in this blizzard a person would have to be standing next to us to see us clearly. Secretly, you like to be watched, don’t you, Lila?”

I shrugged. Maybe he pegged me correctly. I started to feel hot just thinking about someone hidden among the trees, watching us. And he was right; we could barely see past our hands in the swirling flakes. Plus, the wind speed had intensified, causing the nearby branches to creak and sway. Looking around, I saw nothing except the wind stirring the falling snow.

The only sound I heard other than the swaying trees were Blake’s breaths while he kissed my throat. At that moment, excitement eclipsed my fears.

“Lie back down and relax. We can keep each other warm,” he said. He blew out frosty air. In the next instant, he pulled me down on my back next to him. I shivered from excitement as well as from the cold, but I could feel the heat coming from his body. I felt his excitement even through his layers of clothing.

“Even with the chilly wind, you’re starting to heat me up,” I said.

We stared into each other’s eyes briefly. He rubbed his hand across my cheek to warm me and keep my teeth from chattering. Barely able to see his own hands, he fumbled through the layers of winter clothes until he was finally able to unzip and pull down his pants. I placed my trembling hand on his briefs. I watched his growing erection begin to push its way toward the top of his tight waistband. “How about I rub you on the outside of your clothes?” I giggled while circling my hands around his hardening shaft, stroking up and down.

“Do it hard,” he said. His warm pant rushed toward my ear.

While stretched out on the blanket, an arctic blast of air blew my skirt up, catching me by surprise. The icy air surged toward my naked bottom; the cold air licked at my wet pleasure center, causing my damp skin to explode with sensations. I trembled as my exposed moist flesh burst in a delicious wave of tingles. At the same time, Blake began stroking my thigh, causing me to catch my breath in anticipation.

“Would you like me to touch you?” he asked. “And warm my fingers inside you?”

I looked into his eyes and nodded eagerly. He slowly slipped his two cold fingers inside my warm folds. The sensation set off little shivers of pleasure. Those tremors were the start of my avalanche of desire that rumbled through every part of my body.

Blake twirled his tongue against mine as he slowly thrust his fingers inside my hungry body. He moved his fingers inside me in rhythm with his probing kiss. I spread my thighs wide. The flesh between my legs ached and throbbed for more; my entire body begged for his touch. I moaned softly and pressed my body closer to his.

“You like that?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“You want more?”

I moaned. “I do.”

Instantly, his breathing rate increased. With his fingers swiveling inside me, he used the palm of his hand to rub gently on my throbbing clit. As he steadily applied circular pulsing pressure, I could feel my orgasm beginning to build.

Meanwhile, the whipping wind picked up its momentum, whirling the snowflakes; the blustery gusts made us feel like we were being swirled inside a vacuum. The billowy forces of nature surrounding us heightened every level of stimulation. Every nerve ending on my skin became invigorated.

Blake could not wait another minute to be sheathed by my warmth. He whispered in my ear, eagerly telling me, “I want you to come when I’m inside you—feel my heat—my burning desire for you.” His words ignited a slight tremor of anticipation within me. I wanted him.