“Thank you,” she sighed, his promise removed a tremendous weight. Her body yearned. “Now what did you say about having something for me?” He looked at her smile. It was real, extending to her gleaming green eyes and it was for him. He grinned back, a little more mischievous this time.
Breakfast was served in Tony’s suite. They ate with wet hair while wrapped in thick soft white robes. Claire’s appetite returned with a vengeance. She ate eggs, turkey bacon, toast, and fruit. She even thought about hash browns. She decided that maybe she should tell Catherine she liked hash browns.
Tony’s voice took Claire’s attention away from her food. “I have a confession. I think I’m an example of my own rule.” Claire told him she didn’t know what he meant. He explained that although he is thrilled with the outcome of yesterday’s drive, it hadn’t been his goal.
Claire smiled and responded, “Well appearances,” looking at their wet hair and robes, “would say differently.” She used her toe to rub up and down his leg. “I am happy with the outcome too. But what was your goal?”
He told her it was simply to get her to leave the estate to go somewhere. He wanted to get her away before they needed to go somewhere. Claire reflected on the past twenty-four hours. Okay, he did that too. “Why? When do we need to go somewhere? And where do we need to go?” Her toe still wandered.
“If you keep that up, we will be late.” Tony’s voice didn’t sound concerned. He glanced at the clock by his bed, eleven seventeen. “Well, we are supposed to be at Brent and Courtney’s for dinner at three thirty this afternoon.”
Claire did some math in her head, they had four hours. “I really would rather stay here, but I suspect I don’t have a choice. How many people will be there?”
Tony confirmed she was correct. They were going and it would just be the four of them. Courtney had been asking Tony to bring Claire over since the beginning of October. They sent her flowers and cards, they must have been aware of her accident. Claire liked Courtney, Tony obviously trusted them. She could do it.
While she thought about the Simmonses and refocused on her breakfast, her toe was stopped in its exploration and lifted. She followed the sensation and found Tony on the ground, holding her foot. He slowly put her toe in his mouth and began to suck.
He watched her reaction as her brain forgot the breakfast and impending dinner. The slight gasp that escaped her lips made him smile. She immediately felt the sensation on her toe ignite pulsations elsewhere. His lips moved from her toe to her foot, her ankle, and her leg. He opened her robe and pulled her toward him. Claire’s body tingled in anticipation. Too soon his talented lips and tongue gave her unimaginable thrills.
Finding their way back to his bed, Tony supported himself above her lean, blossoming body. With a raspy voice he inquired, “Claire, what do you want?” She looked in his eyes again, still so light and real. He had never asked her what she wanted. He kissed her neck, her back arched and pressed against him. “I want to hear you, no forcing, no directions. What do you want?” His desires were clear and rubbing across her thighs.
“I want you.”
That wasn’t enough, Tony wanted to hear more. “Tell me what you want. I need to know you want it as much as I do.”
“Oh god, Tony, I want you. I want you inside of me.” Her body was on the brink of explosion. “Please. Please take me.” She closed her eyes as he did what she asked. Grabbing his shoulders, she wanted every bit of him, every inch, and now that he was there she lost control. Her body responded to his every movement; no consciousness, only carnal desire. More than once he elicited earthshaking convulsions. There was no question this was consensual. Claire was getting what she asked for and wanted more.
Tony drove to and from the Simmonses. This time they took the Mercedes. It was a great ride from the back when Eric drove, but it was even better from the passenger’s seat, smooth and quiet. Tony tuned the satellite radio to a classical station. The warm car, soft music, and smooth ride almost had Claire napping. Her energy wasn’t at its preaccident level, and her eyes began to close. Catherine told her one time to not act tired, but she wasn’t acting. Tony noticed. “It is all right. Why don’t you lay the seat back and I will wake you when we arrive.” She did.
They had a good time with Brent and Courtney. Courtney told Claire a thousand times she needed to gain some weight. The unfortunate accident in the woods had left her too thin, but she quickly added that she was still beautiful. After the delicious dinner they retired to the lower level, the Vikings and the Packers were playing. Apparently, Brent and Tony were Vikings fans. Claire wondered how she didn’t know that.
While they watched the game and argued with the television, Claire and Courtney chatted. It was nice to talk to someone else. Courtney made Claire feel warm and secure. She didn’t pry, but wanted to know about Claire’s accident and recovery. Apparently, Brent had told her how upset Tony was. He couldn’t believe something like that could happen on his land. Did they ever find out if someone had been out in the woods?
The football game didn’t turn out like the men wanted. Undaunted they all sipped red wine and played cards. Claire hadn’t played a game in so long. It was truly enjoyable. They left the Simmonses’ home after eleven. Courtney hugged Claire, “Now you promise to eat.” Claire nodded. “We’re so happy you’re feeling better.”
On the way home Tony praised Claire for all she did and said. He also informed her that he needed to be in New York the following week. It was up to her if she joined him. However, she may not realize Thursday of next week was Thanksgiving. He couldn’t promise he would be back. He may have to stay until Friday. He would like her to join him if she was up to it. Claire knew the intense therapy of the last two days had helped revitalize her. “I may need naps, but I want to go.”
During the week between the Simmonses and New York, Claire made strides in her recovery. It was like a black veil had been lifted. For weeks, even months, the entire world had been gray. The release of suppressed emotions and Tony’s promise removed the veil. The trees were still leafless and the grass still lacked color, but the world was once again alive.
Instead of sleeping to get energy, Claire began moving. First she walked around the house, then swam in the indoor pool and enjoyed the hot tub. She even ventured to the theater room and made herself watch a movie. It was a musical, “Hairspray” with John Travolta. She smiled. It was her first trip to the theater room since Tony had taken her there.
Monday evening they flew to New York watching the sky grow dark as they headed east. Eric drove them directly to Tony’s apartment, and Jan waited for their arrival with dinner. From the spectacular view of the seventy-sixth floor the city vibrantly glistened with lights and activity. They ate in the dining room and watched little cars drive on busy little streets far below.
That night, exhausted from traveling, they settled into Tony’s bed and he handed Claire a black velvet box. Her shoulders slumped. “Tony, please stop. No more black velvet boxes. I have plenty of jewelry. I love it all, but I don’t need it. I feel bad about you spending all this money on me.”
“Well, first, if you haven’t noticed, money isn’t an issue. And what good is money if it doesn’t buy the things I want? Besides, this is a special gift.” Claire raised her eyebrows.
He continued, “Somehow, with all that happened in the past two months, I made an awful mistake.” Claire feared he was talking about the accident again. “I realized it when I was getting you your ID and credit card.”
Now she knew what he meant. He’d missed her birthday. “It’s all right. I’ve received plenty of gifts lately.” She tried to give him back the box.
“No,” he declared adamantly. “It is not all right. You had a birthday, your twenty-seventh, on October 17.” He firmly yet tenderly held her hands with the box in them while his tone softened. “The other gifts were because of your accomplishments.” And your guilt, Claire wanted to add. “This one is for your birthday.” She looked helplessly at the box. He continued, “Okay, I am a cheapskate.” And with a frisky grin, “I am regifting, again.”