Fallen Too Far (18 page)

“I just want to talk to you some more. We’ll play soft music and dance, if that's what you want.” His eyes searched hers.

“I’d love to.” At last. To be here with him. A dream come true.

He took his cell phone out of his breast pocket and placed a call. He was ordering a taxi.

“My only regret is that I didn’t pick up the dinner check, Annik. Maybe I’m old school, but if this is a date, I would have felt happier doing that.”

“Maybe that makes this date unique, what do you think of that?”

“Hmm… I’m not sure. Sure as anything though, this is one hell of a special night for me.”

“Special for both of us.”

He nodded and picked up her brief case, escorting her to the door and onto the street. A familiar cab was parked at the curb in front of them. She looked quickly at Tom with surprise.

“Eddie? You know Eddie?”

“Of course. I was happy when I learned he was the taxi driver you used the most. He's a good guy. I like him.”

Eddie greeted them as they got into his cab. “Where’re you off to?”

“I'm taking Annik to my home, Eddie. But it's not what you may think. I fired her as my Escort. It's an honest to God date.”

In the rearview mirror, she saw Eddie’s eyes asking questions.

She smiled. “Eddie, remember I told you about my client Tom? This is the Tom. It
is
a date. Honest, a real date.”

“What, you guys are a couple now?” Eddie asked.

“Yes!” They replied in unison, looked at each other, startled, and burst out laughing.

“Alright! I hear ya.” Eddie was chuckling as he put the car in gear and drove off to Tom’s place.

Eddie looked into the rear view mirror at Tom. The two men silently agreed that Annik didn’t need any sort of runaround, and that Tom would be good to her.

“Don’t worry, Eddie. I care about her too.” Tom said.

When they arrived, Tom got out and took her hand, gallantly helping her out of the cab. He reached in and paid Eddie. He tipped well, but not overly so—a moment between two guys, sort of.

Eddie took the bills. “Thanks, Tom. She gonna be alright wit’ you?”

“Yeah. What do you think?”

“I think…” he looked Tom up and down, “I think you can really, really hurt her, man.”

“Hey…”

“I also know, you can really, really make her happy. I worry ‘bout her a bit, y’know?”

Tom nodded. “Yeah. I understand. Would it make you feel any better if you knew she could really, really hurt me?”

“Nope.”

Tom shook his head. “Yeah. See ya Eddie. Be safe.”

“See ya.”

They walked up the walkway leading to the entrance. She looked around to view the front of Tom’s home. It wasn’t much different from the house where she had spent her youth. It was a two-story limestone home with a two car garage, a manicured lawn surrounding a garden with a pond in the center. In the middle of the pond was a rock fountain, the water murmuring over limestone and laughing back into the pond. Beside the pond were two Muskoka chairs separated by a small redwood table. Poppa loved his fountain at her old home—but at that house there would have been three or four of the same chairs, not just two.

The security lights came on, triggered by their approach. But they were gentle lights, bathing the lovers in a golden hue as they walked to the entrance. Just for a second, a moment, she let herself believe that it was Mamma and Poppa turning on the lights for her. That thought, as nonsensical as it may have been, warmed her heart. She tightened her hold on Tom’s hand and he pressed back.

Inside, she stood in a spacious hallway facing a wide staircase with gleaming oak stairs and handrails. To her right was a large room with French doors and on her left, she saw the outline of a large dining table with chairs set around. It felt so… so familiar. Were there differences? Of course. Tom’s carpeting was a rich charcoal gray, whereas Mamma had dusty rose laid down. And Poppa thought French Doors were pretentious. Even so, this house welcomed her.

So what if she was being silly. So be it. Pieces of the puzzle of her heart had been set in place.

He set her briefcase down and invited her into the living room. She entered to see in one corner, a fireplace. A baby grand piano sat on the opposite side, close to a large bay window. And the window had a window seat.

In her home, she would sit on the window seat nestled in the cushions as Mamma played. This had encouraged her to take lessons. Wordlessly, she walked to the piano and sat on the bench. It wasn’t tucked in under the keyboard; instead it was set at the perfect distance. She didn’t look at him. Absorbed in the moment, she sat down, adjusted her feet to the pedals and began to play the opening notes of Pachabal’s Canon in D. Mamma’s favorite melody.

The room filled with the notes, the music, as she claimed the moment. It felt like Mamma was beside her on the bench and that hadn’t happened in a very long time. The joy of the piece swept her away to yesterdays.

Tom grew very still, watching her hands dance across the keys.

When she finished, he spoke, his voice low. “That was beautiful. I didn’t know you played.”

She kept her head down, couldn’t look up. Just yet. It was too much. “It’s called—”

“Canon in D, I know,” His hands had joined across his stomach as if in prayer.

“I grew up listening to this,” they said in unison.

She quickly turned away. He stepped towards her.

“Don’t cry, Annik, please… that was beautiful…” he whispered.

“I… it’s… I’m not hurting.” She saw his eyes, those beautiful blue eyes, film up as well. “You okay?” she whispered. He was looking…

“Yes...” He got down on a knee next to the bench, his arm encircling her waist, and rested his head on her shoulder. “It’s just that I grew up listening to that piece. My Ma would play it as her warm up. And whenever my sister comes over, she always plays it as soon as she comes through the door. It means a great deal to me, see?”

“I used to sit there, in the window seat, and listen to Mamma play it,” she said softly, putting her arms around his shoulders. “I mean, not THAT window seat…”

“I know what you mean.”

They stayed there for a few moments in the silence.

He got up and went across the room where a small bar had been set up. He reached up, flicked a switch and the fireplace ignited. Picking up a remote control that had been on the bar he pushed a couple of buttons. The room filled with soft jazz music. He took two bottles of mineral water from the small fridge and set them on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

Taking her hand, he led her to an open area in the room. She folded into his arms and they danced to the sultry jazz. She followed his lead, gazing into his eyes. Please… don’t let this moment end… It was like coming home. Yet at the same time, it was embarking on a journey, to a new place. They swayed to the music, losing themselves in the notes and in each other.

He leaned over and kissed her softly, then lowered his mouth to her neck, his hand stroking her back. They slowed danced, oblivious to the beat. She raised her hands to his head, running her fingers through his hair. Her head tilted to the side, allowing his lips full access to her throat.

Tom slipped her hand into his and led her from the room. Hand in hand they climbed the stairs, turning left at the top to his bedroom. For the first time. Previous times between them were either at Pandora's or at a hotel. This was the first time she had been in his home.

She looked around the room at the king sized, navy blue bedspread, the crisp white pillow shams, the bedside table, a book resting on it. A large oak armoire and dresser sat at the far wall, opposite the bed, flanked by large windows. A door stood ajar, revealing part of a vanity and sink.

“Would you mind if I take a quick shower, Tom? It was a long day, and I'd like to freshen up.”

“Help yourself. I'll be right here.”

She entered an opulent bathroom with gold fixtures complimenting the dark marble counter top. She removed her clothes and hung them on a hook on the back of the door. She reached over to turn on the faucet of the molded shower stall. Testing it first, she stepped in, letting the water cascade over her body. She hummed the tune of a song she hadn’t thought about in years, since she was a teenager. When she was finished, a fresh fluffy towel lay folded, just outside the stall. She picked it up, dried herself and returned to the bedroom. When she entered, she could see Tom already in bed, sitting up.

“God, you’re beautiful. Please stop, stand just for a moment for me to look at you. My Annik.”

She stood straight with her head held high. Her wet hair fell in dark ringlets over her back with a few tendrils caressing her neck and breasts. Her dark eyes gazed at him, lips parted slightly. She saw his eyes roam over her body, admiring her slender arms, large firm breasts with the dark round nipples, her flat stomach and narrow waist. Unlike Vogue models with their boy-like hips, hers were full and round—womanly. She looked into his blue eyes and felt a thrill of sexual excitement. To make love… with her man.

“Come to bed Venus.”

“The name's Annik.”

“Yeah, Venus is jealous of you.”

“You're pretty damn clever.” She climbed in next him, snuggling close to his warm body. His arms held her close like he would never let her go. Inhaling, she smiled at his familiar woodsy cologne. When he turned his face to kiss her, exploring her mouth with his tongue, she met his kiss with a loving passion. Tiny shivers shot through her body when he lowered his mouth to her neck, kissing and drawing her flesh gently into his mouth. It was sweet surrender when she arched back pushing her breast forward as his hand cupped it; his fingers pinched the nipple. Then there was a hot sensation as he took the hard nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing it with his tongue. Her thigh felt the pressure of his erection. Her hand caressed his back, then stroked along his waist, reaching around for him. Hearing his gasp of arousal when her fingers softly stimulated him, she smiled. He pulled away from her hand when he shifted his body.

His face was soft on her tummy as he slid lower to kiss her vulva. He knelt between her thighs, warming her with his ragged breath, bringing his face closer to her folds. Her hip jerked slightly in absolute pleasure when his fingers probed and his tongue touched her clit. His fingers slid into her, softly exploring, seeking upward. He drew her clit into his mouth, sucking it, stimulating it with his warm tongue. With his index finger, he rubbed deep inside her.

This. This was making love. She let herself go and moaned with pleasure. His tongue was driving her wild and where he pressed deep inside of her, she felt a new sensation. As full and turned on as she was, his finger pressure was causing a feeling that she had to pee.

“Tom, it’s so good, but I think I have to go to the washroom.”

“No you don't baby. Let it go. Relax. If it feels like you are peeing, go with it. Come on baby, trust me.”

Her muscles relaxed as he stimulated her deep inside. Breathing hard, her orgasm was very near. It started deep in her vagina, spreading out to her clitoris and body. A clear liquid spurted from her, over his hand, soaking the sheets. She arched upward, moaning, her legs trembled uncontrollably, stiffened out from her body. The trembling spread to her body and arms as the orgasm culminated. He rose to hold her close, rocking her, soothing her with soft words.

She clung to him, and whispered. “What was that? I’ve never had an orgasm like that in my life! What did you just do to me?” Tears began flowing down her cheeks as she sobbed, although she was not sure why.

“Baby, easy. It’s okay, Angel. I gave you your first G spot orgasm. It’s powerful.” He grinned. “But, I take it you liked it?”

“That was intense. Why the hell am I crying? Oh God, I feel drained. I don't think I could walk across the floor to the bathroom.” The sensation was like nothing she’d ever experienced before. A night of exquisite surprises.

“Just lay still, Angel, it will pass.” He continued, rocking her in his arms, kissing her cheek and the top of her head.

They lay quietly together, stroking each other tenderly. Annik propped her head on her elbow, stared into his half closed blue eyes and smiled at him.

“Tom, you were going to tell me more about yourself.”

He sighed and ran his hand along her arm absently.

“Okay. Sure. I was born in Cabbage Town and I have a younger sister, Bonnie. Dad was a good guy who provided for his family. He worked as a mechanic in a garage. He kind of developed a following, so struck out on his own. He built his own business, and was pretty successful. And…my mother was a stay-at-home Mom to my kid sister and me. When we were both in school, she started working part-time, helping to run the office in Dad’s shop.

I remember on Sundays, the four of us piling into the car, spending the day at the beach. Dad took the time to teach us to swim and to play soft ball. Mom taught Bonnie the piano at first, then they paid for lessons.

My parents stayed in the small bungalow that they bought when they married, even though they could have afforded to move to the ‘burbs to a much larger and expensive home. They salted extra money away instead, for Bonnie’s and my education. They encouraged us, played with us and gave us a strong work ethic. Mom and Dad lived a good life, simple, you know.” He paused, pursed his lips, “Dad died when he was in his late fifties.”

“What did he die of, Tom?” Her eyes were serious and a frown appeared on her face.

“His heart.” He looked at Annik, his expression sort of puzzled, because he was back in that moment, “It just stopped. No warning. Nothing. He was at work, was working on an engine and died. Out of the blue.” He thumped his own chest. “My own ticker’s strong as a horse, baby. Every year, my doc does an EKG on it.”

She nestled into his shoulder. “Go on.”

“I wish he could have seen how Bonnie and I turned out, you know? Bonnie graduated from McGill Law in the top ranking, upper-class. I finished my Bachelors of Commerce and was hired by a large marketing firm upon graduation. Kind of like my Dad, I rose in the ranks and then with a client base, opened my own business. And from there, I never looked back. Hard work paid off and today, I'm a wealthy man.”