Page 96 of The Leaves In Autumn
“That’s what he said.”
The remainder of the meal is enjoyed like the Romans must have at the orgy. With lust for the company, food, wine, and mostly the chance dessert could beat it all. As the sun sets, the overhead lights become more magical looking. She does too. It takes all I have, not to move too fast.
I decided two days ago I would hate myself for not trying to touch her again. Or know the feel of her in my bed. For leaving it on the table. I am not a hundred percent changed. But I am in no way the same man I was four months ago. I am nearly new. But she does not know it. If I tried telling her now, it would sound manipulative. I do not want that. Fuck.
CHAPTER 30
Barbra
Angels in heaven. Wait, they are here. That’s all the prayer I can put together anyway. My mind is too distracted by the fantasy, come to life, I am living. Taking out my cell, I make sure he’s in the house. I tap the most frequently called number. Layla. One ring.
“What’s happening!”
“Shhhh!”
We go into stealthy whispering mode.
“What’s happening? Have you buggered him?”
“No! But it might be on the table.”
“You might be on the table.”
“He made it so beautiful for me, Layla. Recreated a Paris bistro, then a Tuscany outdoor lunch…”
“Get to the good part!”
“We’re skirting around the subject. Flirting. Telling each other our safe words.”
“What the fuck!!”
“Not like that. We were just teasing. But it’s getting dark, and he’s about to take me inside the house for the last part of my surprise. He’s in there now getting something set up.”
“You’re going to get a surprise alright. He’s going to be naked with a big hard-on.”
“I hear him coming!”
I disconnect and throw the cell back into my purse. He appears at the back door, fully dressed, and as he takes the steps down, I get an itinerary update.
“It’s a round trip, you know. Are you ready to return to the States?”
“I hate leaving this paradise, but I’m grateful we were able to experience it together.”
I rise and meet him at the steps.
“There’s not just one paradise on Earth. I’m taking you to another.”
He holds my hand, and we enter the house. Down the hall, and toward the open living room. When we arrive, I don’t see anything different from how it always has been. The clean lines of the furniture, the magnificent architectural lighting he is obsessed with. I have been here a hundred times and it always has felt welcoming.
“How was the flight?” he says. “Did you realize we landed?”
“I must have been dozing. Where are we?”
“Montana, of course. I don’t want you to forget what’s here. This is a destination too.”
I don’t know what to say.
“The mountains, and the river, the great big sky. Your family and friends.”
