Turning back towards him, I say, “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Alex. I enjoyed every second of it.”
“You’re most welcome. And thank you for joining me this evening.” He takes the glass of water from me, putting in on the coffee table. Alex takes my hand, guiding me to the plush sofa.
“I want you, Katherine. But, I don’t want to do something you’re not ready for. There’s no pressure,” he says solemnly.
His sincerity, so genuine and real, only makes me want him even more. “I don’t want to wait, Alex. I want you now,” I whisper.
Alex cups my chin, running his thumb over my bottom lip. He pulls me in closer, our lips locking, his tongue entwining with mine.
Without a word, he gently picks me up from the couch, carrying me into his bedroom, setting me down on the edge of his bed. He carefully removes my heels, one at a time, then my blouse. He reaches around to unhook my bra, and slowly, taking his time, peels my bra off, exposing my breasts.
Alex looks at me, lustful eyes brimming with controlled desire. “You are so beautiful,” he whispers.
I run my hands through his thick hair, grab a handful of it, pulling him closer to me. Our lips touch, mouths opening, wanting more.
He cups my breasts, my nipples hard and erect, causing me to ache with desire. I can barely control myself, the pleasure almost too much.
Unbuttoning his shirt, my hands shaking slightly, I run my fingertips over his chest, his muscles, feeling the warmth of his skin.
I unbuckle his belt, my fingers fumbling slightly. I can feel his hardness pushing through his pants, desperate to be released.
I lie down on the bed, taking my skirt off and tossing it on the floor. Alex bends down, slowly kissing me, a soft trail of kisses down my body.
Our lovemaking was slow and sensual at first, a slow burn that gradually ignited into a scorching fire.
Afterwards, we lay together, side by side, both completely satisfied. Alex gently strokes my body, his hand caressing me as I drift off into a deep slumber.
Alex awakes a few hours later, rolls over towards Katherine. She is sound asleep, her breathing soft. Alex smiles as he stares at Katherine, savoring this moment. He studies her face, the soft contours and angles, the shape of her lips. He was right – tonight turned out to be a huge turning point in their relationship. The thought of a relationship with Katherine gave him comfort and peace, something he had not felt for a very long time. Alex watches Katherine sleep awhile longer, until eventually, he, too, falls into a deep sleep.
Chapter 11
Twelve years ago
Michelle stood in front of the kitchen stove, spatula in hand, flipping bacon and eggs, placing thick slices of toast in the toaster. She loved cooking, especially breakfast because she knew it was Alex’s favorite meal of the day. Michelle pulled out two plates from the cupboard, placing them on the breakfast table. She hummed softly, a smile on her face. Soon enough she would be cooking for three. She placed a hand over her belly, gently caressing her lower abdomen. She and Alex had been trying to conceive for almost two years, and finally six weeks ago their prayers had been answered.
Alex strode into the kitchen, the delicious aroma making his mouth water. He walked up behind Michelle, sliding his arms around her waist, lowering his head to kiss the back of her neck.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he said softly. She turned to face Alex, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Good morning, darling,” she said lovingly, nuzzling her face in the crook of his shoulder, smelling soap and aftershave.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“I feel fine. More than fine, actually.” She smiled at Alex, appreciating his concern. Ever since she became pregnant Alex had become very concerned about her overall health and well-being. He begged her to slow down, telling her that she needed to conserve her energy. He felt that she did too much, was too active. Michelle insisted that she felt fine, and was not going to take to the bed unless she absolutely had to.
They sat down at the table, Alex pouring them each a glass of orange juice. They chatted easily, happily, while they ate breakfast. They had been married for five years, and with each passing year their love grew stronger and stronger. And now with a baby on the way, their life together was complete. Wedded bliss.
Alex and Michelle met while at Cambridge University, both in their last year of college. He was studying Mathematics, she was studying English Literature. They bonded over a shared love of books, eighties music, and indie films. They were soon inseparable.
After graduation, they married in a church outside of London, a small gathering of friends and family. Alex was offered a job working for the British Government at the Ministry of Defence, while Michelle got a job teaching second grade. Alex’s work was very demanding. He worked long hours, with Michelle sometimes not knowing when he would be home. There were also a lot of phone calls in the middle of the night. This worried Michelle, especially in the beginning, but grew accustomed to their way of life, and she didn’t ask questions. Alex did not talk about his work much, saying he preferred to keep work at work.
“I’ve got to go, my love,” Alex said while putting on his jacket. He took one last sip of his orange juice, bending down to kiss Michelle goodbye. “I’ll try to be home in good time.”
Since finding out she was pregnant, she had given up her teaching job, with both she and Alex agreeing that it would be best for her to stay at home during her pregnancy.
“Okay, darling. I’ll be going out later, I’ve got a few errands to run,” Michelle said, giving Alex a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Ok, but go easy, don’t try to do too much.”