It was barely morning when I felt my eyes open. I felt lighter and uplifted. Nick was still asleep, his snore a stiff nuzzling sound, and I slowly lifted his hands away from my body. As I crept to the bathroom to get dressed, I stopped to admire his baby face as he slept. He looked so gentle, and peaceful like a tamed lion. I pecked him ever so softly on the cheek, and whispered a faint thank-you before I set off on my trip.

I called a hotel taxi to take me back to the Hilton to wait for Lance; I was hoping he wouldn’t be back yet. On the way to the hotel, I avoided thinking; I just stuck my head out and let the cool morning fresh air calm my tense nerves. The fresh feel of the morning sun on my cheeks had that therapeutic feel to it.

I used my key to get in, dropping my bags on the floor I crept into the room. It had an air of violation. Things had moved from where I placed them, one could feel another life inside the room. I walked into the bedroom and heard the TV blaring CNN. That was strange because I turned it off.
“Nikki,” A voice from behind startled me. I turned round to see Lance dressed casually in a jeans ensemble and a stiff face. “I got home last night and you weren’t here.”
I smacked my forehead. How could I have been so stupid to forget about Lance? It was his room, so naturally he would be the only one here. I forced a smile, “I’m sorry. I stepped out for the evening to see some of my friends. But I’m here now.” I consoled walking up to him. He stood at akimbo, a sure sign that he was angry. I massaged the lapels of his jean shirt seductively. Gosh! He smelled so good. He had on a perfume, which I couldn’t quite place, but it was as enticing as it was intoxicating. I moved to smell his neck, teasing it gently with the tip of my nose. “What’s that fragrance?” I sniffed. “It smells soo good.” I sniffed again, this time licking off small pressure points on it.
He started to laugh at my antics. “It’s Ted Lapidus, some European guy… Stop it,” He referred to my tongue licks behind his ear. “You’re messing with my head again,” he bemused, pulling me closer for a more intimate hug. “I took the late flight yesterday as soon as we were done. I couldn’t wait to see you. I called to tell you but…”
“But you told me not to answer the phone sweetie, remember?” I fluttered my eyelids.
“I know… that was stupid. I’m sorry. How are you?” He flashed a killing smile.
The smile worked because I was getting charmed. “I’m fine. I missed you,” I lied. He planted a soft wet kiss on me that sent a shivering sensation through me, making me feel welcomed.

Later that day, as we sat down to cozy breakfast, he asked, “I have a surprise for you?”
“Oh,” I exclaimed, dropping my bagel. “What is it?”
“It’s for later tonight. I want to take you somewhere special for dinner.”
“That’s… great.” I think, I‘m not really in the dinner and sex mood right now, I said to myself. Just sex would be fine for me.
“But, you have to get ready for it, buy a dress, do your hair the works.”
“I don’t have to do that. I have some real good dresses in my bags and my hair is nice.” I patted at the nice neat bun I had tousled my hair into.
His eyes made for the hair and held a displeased expression. “Umm, the shopping is part of the date. A new look just for a change, okay.”
I nodded, albeit with reservations. I had a feeling good ole’ country boy here wanted me to loose my fiery locks.
“Good,” he smiled. “You can do it downstairs, they have a lovely boutique there if you don’t want to go far.”
“Sure,” I went for my bagel and he took my hand fondly.
“I just thought a little spoiling would make you feel better.”
I smiled. That was nice of him, and he couldn’t have picked a better time. “Thanks Lance. It would. I’m glad you thought of that.” He kissed my hand.