A Taste of Pleasure (24 page)

“Thank you again for the beautiful roses,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He hugged
her, picking her up right off the floor as she wrapped her body around his. Their lips never parted as he carried her upstairs to the bathroom where they stripped down and indulged in a sizzling shower together.

Afterward, they dried off and slipped back into cozy pajamas to cook dinner. Max bundled up to grill the brochettes on the back deck while London slipped a loaf of French bread into the oven and opened a bottle of wine. She lit the candles on the dining room table and turned down the lights.

They sat at one end of the table together, their legs intertwining as they sipped their wine and chatted about his day. London sliced the bread and buttered it, then held a piece in front of his mouth. He smiled as he took a bite, licking the melting butter from her hand and nibbling at her fingers. He pulled a succulent chunk of beef from his skewer, smirking at her, and touched it to her lips. She licked it, then bit into it, tearing off a piece with a wild look in her eyes. They continued serving each other back and forth, the intensity growing between them. He was ready for round two before the food was even gone. He carried her over to the Persian rug in front of the fire and ravaged her wildly, exploring every curve and groove of her body with his tongue. She moaned in ecstasy, begging him to take her. He turned her over on her knees and took her from behind, one hand on her hip and the other tangled in her hair to hold her in place as he rode her hard, and she climaxed, screaming through multiple orgasms. They collapsed in the firelight for a while before finally finding their way up to the bedroom.

In the morning, they slept in late together. Max was due to be at the shop to check on the crew's progress, but he was in no hurry. He said he would also stop by his place to pick up his tux for their dinner date. “I have a special surprise for
you tonight. I'll pick you up about seven o'clock for dinner,” then he slipped away before she could drill him with questions about his plans. She went upstairs to select her attire for the evening and was shocked to find a beautiful corset on the bed. It was pink silk with black lace trim and pink ribbons woven through the garment and tied into a bow. Beside the corset, he'd left a note,
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU WEARING ONLY THIS AFTER DINNER TONIGHT
.

She didn't know where he was taking her for dinner. He would only tell her that it was five-star and formal. She retrieved an elegant black lace evening gown she had never worn from the back of her walk-in closet. She slipped into the corset and tried the gown on over it. She looked like royalty as she spun around, holding her hair up to show off her enticing neck. She hung up both garments, quickly threw on a casual black outfit, and raced off to the spa to be pampered for the day. She wanted a stunning French manicure and her hair done in an elegant updo to complement the gown.

On her way back from the spa, feeling invigorated, she grabbed a quick lunch with Jon and filled him in on the progress at the store and her Valentine's Day plans. Jon was delighted to inform London that he and Christopher had become exclusive since last month when they had met with her. She was thrilled to see him settling down and seeming so contented.

As she drove home, she passed the store and saw Max's truck out front, but refrained from stopping in, as she knew she would get caught up with work. She wanted to focus on their romantic evening together. She raced home and took a short nap, sitting up slightly and resting carefully so as not to disturb her hairstyle. It was tough to sleep in the upright position and her mind was racing with thoughts of the store,
Max, and dinner. She loved the fact that he was so secretive and wanted to surprise her, but the curiosity was killing her. She drifted away briefly and dreamed of the hidden passageways in the palace again. Each time she revisited the dream, she explored new rooms and discovered amazing treasures that filled her with wondrous intrigue.

She awoke feeling pleasantly relaxed and refreshed. She flicked on the TV for the weather report while she brewed a cup of coffee. She gazed out the window into the sunset and was glad that the weather would be calm and mild for the evening. It was still snowy and chilly, but nothing new was expected to fall for at least a few days.

She slipped into her new, luxurious lingerie, and her royal full-length black velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline, and one dangling diamond necklace that filled in the opening. She spun and danced around before the full-length mirror, admiring the work of art the hairstylist had created. The chignon swept up gracefully with just a few wispy strands escaping that were softly curled into cascading spirals. She added a few finishing touches to her makeup and checked the time. It was 6:45. Her excitement grew as the minutes ticked away. She retrieved a chic pair of sparkling stilettos, opera gloves, and a matching handbag to complement her gown, along with a faux-mink stole to drape over her shoulders. She looked simply divine as she floated down the staircase.

She looked out the window and opened the gates as she saw headlights approaching. To her surprise, a stretch limousine entered the drive and circled around to the front door. She watched as the chauffeur came out to open the door for Max. He stepped out, adjusting his tie and looking debonair. He strolled up to the door as she opened it. They gasped together and smiled as they looked each other up and down.

“Thank you for the lovely corset,” she said as she extended her hand.

“You're welcome, darling. And I must say, you are simply breathtaking this evening,” Max replied as he took her hand, kissing it gently and eyeing her as if he could see right through her clothing.

“A limo, Max? You really didn't have to.”

“I want you to feel like the royal queen that you are. Your chariot awaits, my dear,” he said as they made their way down the walkway. The chauffeur stood rigid like a British soldier, then leaned over with his white glove to open the door for London.

“Madam,” he said with a nod.

“Thank you, sir,” she responded as she eased into the seat.

She put up the privacy window as they drove to the restaurant. She eased her gown up slightly, causing the side slit to fall open, revealing her silky black thigh-highs. He studied her as she caressed his thigh. He popped the cork off a bottle of expensive champagne and poured a glass for each of them. She sipped at the bubbly, then leaned over to kiss him, the sweetness of the aphrodisiac moist on her lips. He returned her kiss and held her close.

“You'll have to save that energy a little longer, London,” he said as he flashed her a devious smile. She pouted slightly for a moment as he laughed at her.

“So where are we going tonight?” she asked with impatience and anticipation as she gulped her champagne, trying to stifle her urge to attack Max right there in the backseat. He looked delicious.

“It's a surprise, but we're almost there,” he reassured her.

She peered through the darkness, trying to figure out where their path was leading, but the view was primarily obscured
by numerous mature trees that lined the roadway. After only a few minutes, the driver soon turned and followed the pathway leading up to the Manor Hotel & Spa, a majestic estate situated on one of the highest elevations in Tarrytown.

London's eyes gleamed as she caught her first glimpse of the grandiose architecture, and Max squeezed her hand in his as he studied her childlike reaction. Although the Manor was close to her château, London had never visited it, and she now wondered why she hadn't. The spectacular fortress was illuminated and she was captivated by its magnificence.

“I thought gallantry would be proper for an exquisite dining experience for my queen this evening,” Max said.

“Oh, Max, it's beautiful! Thank you,” London exclaimed, radiating amazement and overwhelmed with infatuation.

They had a view of the Hudson River Valley and the Manhattan skyline. They were led into the dining room where they were seated at their candlelit table by a stone fireplace. London admired the beauty and charm of the neoclassical style as they settled in by the cozy fire crackling beside them. Max ordered wine and then reached across the table to hold London's hand.

“So what do you think?” he asked, smiling at her astonishment.

“It is stunning, Max.”

He pointed out the rich wood panel accoutrements and explained that they were first owned by Louis XIV. They had been brought intact to the Manor when it was first built more than a century ago. London was impressed. He enlightened her with interesting facts, including that the estate spanned fifteen tranquil acres and the prestigious facility had been awarded countless times for its unique distinction, respite of refinement, and luxurious, old-world elegance.

“You sure know a lot about this place, don't you?” London smiled.

“Well, I've done some work here in the past and got interested in its history.”

The waiter returned with their wine and reviewed the marvelous choices with them from an array of unique Auberge-style natural French cuisine. He explained that the establishment prided itself on an innovative seasonal menu and cuisine based on locally sourced ingredients. London selected the loin of Colorado lamb with matsutake and edamame purée, and Max chose the New Zealand free-range venison loin with butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and applewood bacon hash.

London felt intoxicated by the fantastic good food and the ambience was just a bonus, as their extraordinary evening was winding down. Max was a little rough around the edges, but he certainly had excellent taste and etiquette. He was full of secrets and surprises and she became more attracted to him with each passing day. She was relieved to know that he wasn't simply after her body, or her money. His company was doing well and she knew he was stable and self-sufficient. He also seemed to respect her for all of who she is.

“Now, I had considered reserving a suite here for tonight, but I have yet another surprise in store for you before the night's over.”

He thanked the waiter and accompanied London back to the awaiting limo. Max put on some music, for a short ride to Le Magasin d'Antiquités. The lighted sign was installed and gleaming down at her. “Oh, Max! Thank you. When did you have time to put the sign up? The sign maker did such a wonderful job.” Max climbed out, taking her hand and helping her from the car. She stepped out to admire the handiwork from a different view.

“I'm not done yet, you know.”

“There's more?” London probed.

“Yes, follow me please, madam,” Max replied in his pretend accent again as he guided her inside the shop.

Max adjusted the lighting and as her eyes focused, she looked down to see a trail of soft pink rose petals scattered before her, leading her up the staircase to the loft. Chills ran up her spine. He followed closely behind, helping her to hold her gown as she ascended the staircase. They paused at the large wooden door of the loft.

“Close your eyes,” Max said.

She did as she was told and he reached around to open the door before her. She gasped. “Oh, Max!” The headboard was gleaming gold and adorned with roses just as she'd wanted. And the walls . . . they were absolutely striking. They were bejeweled with golden accents and overlaid in tapestry-like designs. The room had become an almost mirror image of the queen's bedchambers.

“But-but how?” London stuttered in disbelief. “How did you and Christopher get this all done in just the past two days?”

“Well, remember the Louis the Fourteenth wood panels tonight in the dining room at Gallantry that were transported and affixed to the walls of the Manor?”

“Yes,” London replied, her brain still processing the majestic beauty of her surroundings.

“Well, that inspired me and I worked with Christopher last month on the idea. He did all of the painting at his studio and we brought them here and simply attached them to the walls.”

“Oh my God, Max. It is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much.”

London wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
She released him and gazed into his eyes, stunned by his ardor. She strolled across the room, floating on a cloud. Max walked over to where he had a tall pedestal beside the bed. On it was a champagne bucket and he popped another cork, letting the fizz run over into the bucket below. London rose to retrieve her flute and toasted Max.

She was now eager to show her appreciation and honor his wish to see her wearing nothing but the lovely pink corset he'd given to her. They made love until the early morning light crept into the cozy loft. London rose, drawing the elegant canopy draperies around them as they snuggled together in the darkness to sleep the day away.

London awoke to the fragrance of coffee. Max smiled from across the room, sitting in an eighteenth-century cream velvet Louis XV armchair, dressed in his tuxedo again, the collar of his shirt hanging open with several buttons undone and a newspaper across his lap. He had picked it up along with some breakfast from Jon's bakery. “Good morning.” She smiled shyly as she got up, stretching.

They talked about the plans for her shop. Max broke down how he would take out the side wall, use the archway of the fireplace for the entrance to the addition, and rebuild another fireplace where she was going to put the front room. She had planned on the front room being on the right of the entry to the shop with a kitchenette along part of the back. There would also be two small French-styled bedrooms. One would be formal and one informal, and both would be located behind the front room, which would now have an entry that duplicated the rainbow design to match the opening in the other room. Max said he could build the new addition this week and bring over matching bricks from the demolition job.

Max invited her to see a movie with him that evening. He had a few things to tend to that afternoon, and offered to take her to the château in his truck, which he had parked at the store the night before. She didn't have a change of clothes and felt obvious—in the daylight wearing an evening gown—but got a kick out of the naughtiness of it.