We had rules as well. We couldn’t touch each other when we were home, so instead, we went on hikes so he could pin me up against a tree and kiss me until my lips were bruised. We had lunch in a hidden parking lot. And we both found any excuse to be near each other.
It was toxic and intoxicating all at once.
Julian was working overtime and we had saved enough money to buy a second car. I'd worked the graveyard shift and had just pulled in the driveway when my cell phone buzzed.
Nicole: I'm downtown. I want to see you.
I felt a smile appear on my face. Before I could reply, another message came in.
Nicole: I need to be with you.
Me: Give me an hour.
As I jogged up the stairs, my heart felt as if it would explode out of my chest, but I would do this. I would say fuck that line and run past it. The guilt that should have brewed in me was nowhere in sight. I was tired of never giving myself what I wanted.
Before I hopped in the shower, I sent Julian a quick text message.
Me: Hey, they need me to do a double today. Do you want me to bring you home dinner?
Julian: No, it's OK. I'll grab something with Todd.
I knew he would decline the offer. He hated the diner food, but at least it made my excuse seem realistic, and he wouldn’t come looking for me. I showered, made sure every inch was perfectly lathered and lotioned, and then I picked out the sexiest bra and panties I owned.
When I got in my car, I sent Nate a text message.
Me: Where am I meeting you?
Nicole: I'm at the Ritz. Room 1103.
I glanced in the rearview mirror. You got this.
Anxiety crept up my body as the miles passed and I approached the downtown area of Charlotte. Traffic was minimal, but still I drove at a slower speed than normal. I was nervous. It had been ten years since Nate and I were together. I was a girl then, but I was a woman now. And the boy I fell in love with had turned into a man. The butterflies in my stomach refused to calm their wings.
I valeted my car and walked through the lobby of the upscale hotel. The vibrant wine colored walls made the large space feel warm. I kept my head lowered to avoid anyone spotting me, and my heart beat in my ears as the elevator rose to the eleventh floor. There was no turning back now.
My palms were sweaty, and I wiped them on my shorts before tapping lightly on the door. The few seconds I waited for Nate felt like hours. When the door pulled open, my eyes landed on the man before me.
His dark navy blue suit was tailored to fit his taut body perfectly. His tie was loosened and dangled from his periwinkle blue shirt. He looked absolutely delectable. The nerves I felt about being with him disappeared, and within seconds all I cared about was being tangled in the sheets with him.
“Hi,” I whispered as walked in.
A boyish grin grew on Nate's face. He closed the door behind me, and I spun back to face him. He lifted me into his arms in one swift motion. My back was pressed against the wall as his mouth claimed mine. Hungry and carnal, his fingers dug into my thighs, and I felt his erection pressed to my core.
I moaned into his mouth as I slid my hands up his virgin wool suit and wrapped them around his neck. Soft lips traced down my cheeks, across my chin, and down to the hollow of my throat.
“Hi,” he finally whispered back. His breath caused goosebumps to appear on the sensitive skin there. Nervously, I giggled as Nate continued to kiss my neck gently. “What's so funny?” he asked, his warm breath tickling my skin.
“I’ve never had a greeting like that.” I sucked on my lower lip to hide my smile.
He released my legs and placed me on the ground in front of him. “I'm sorry.” His hands grazed across my cheek. “I can't help myself when I'm around you.”
I rose on my tip toes and kissed his lips again. Running my hands inside his jacket, I laced them around his waist. My head rested on his chest and I felt his rapid heartbeat. “I've missed this,” I whispered.
“I'm sorry.” He sighed and I shook my head to stop him.
“I don't want you to apologize. I don't want to think about Julian, Delaney, or the past ten years. I want to be here, with you, in this moment. Just me and you.” I looked up at him and smiled.
“I love you, Brielle.” His eyes were bright, and small crow’s feet spread from them as the most delectable smile greeted his face.
“Back at you, Nathaniel.”
Nate discarded his suit jacket and linked his hand with mine as he brought me further into the room. A large king-sized bed with a white duvet comforter dominated the room. The television sat on a large dresser, and in the corner near the large window was a tray of crudités and fresh fruit with a bucket of ice, champagne, and two glasses.
“I didn't know if you'd be hungry. We can order room service if you'd like.”