Unexpected Bliss Read online

  “Excuse me, boys...I have a garter to catch!”

  “Bloody hell! What the...?”

  “The guy that hates weddings?”

  “Fuck marriage...I’m never doing this shit again! I heard earlier.”

  They were all right to question me or think that aliens had taken over my brain in the last few minutes. I was feeling no pain after washing down a few fingers of scotch on the rocks in an attempt to numb the way weddings made most people feel. Love. Melancholy. Sorrow. Pain. Humility. Well, most people probably didn’t feel those last few, but since my own wedding a few years back, I saw them in a different light—if I even attended them at all.

  Looking at the dark-haired beauty standing below a staircase off to the side of the dance floor, lined up to catch the bride’s bouquet, I was, once again, reminded how very happy I was that I had attended. And when she caught the flowers that was my way to get her in my arms.

  “That was before I found my beautiful future bride,” was my reply to my pals’ shocked comments. I didn’t hear another word they uttered as I moved right to the center of the dance floor and eyed my prize off to the side holding the bouquet, patiently waiting for me.

  Together with the crowd, we all watched the playfulness unfolding between the newlyweds. Sitting on a chair, the bride lifted her dress to reveal a bright furry purple garter resting just below a pale blue garter higher up on her thigh. The groom gave a little growl before leaning forward and slipping the garter down her long leg with his teeth. Once it was completely removed, he stood up, twirled it around his index finger and then shot it backwards like a rubber band into the air. Wanting it, I launched forward to snatch the one-way ticket into bliss.

  Surely, the faces of those who knew me well had to be strained and shocked as I acted as if I had scored the winning touchdown for the big game. Dancing around foolishly, pumping my fist yelling, “Yes!” along with “Who’s the man?” I could only imagine what people were saying. I didn’t worry about looking like a fool, I just wanted them to cue the music and let me get what was mine in my arms. The thought of marriage didn’t sound too bad as I got ready to take the true prize of capturing the garter into my personal space.

  Meeting me on the dance floor as the lead singer called for the bouquet catcher, I grinned like an idiot and opened my eager arms to pull her in where she belonged.

  “They’re playing our song,” I whispered in her ear as I heard words about being saved and not being able to live without her love. We need to have our song played for our first dance at our wedding, I said silently to myself.

  So caught up in the dance while holding her...smelling her sweet scent...feeling her body...feeling emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time, I hadn’t noticed that the music had changed. It was only when other people began to join us on the floor that I realized they were moving apart rather than holding their partners close. It was either time to follow suit or break apart and go our separate ways.

  Not ready to let her slip away from me, ever, I had an idea, “Do you want to grab a drink with me?” Thankfully she agreed to accompany me to the bar with a sexy smile and a nod of her head. I didn’t bother to tell her my full intentions, I just grasped her soft hand and led her away from the reception. I could only imagine my drunk ass buddies interrogating her or, worse yet, telling stories about me. No way was that happening.

  I wanted her all to myself without any interruptions.

  Chapter Seven

  Saffron

  Weddings always totally altered people’s minds with unrealistic thoughts about romance...true love...and the promise of forever. That one had surely affected mine in a way that I had never dreamed. I was drinking, dancing, flirting, canoodling and hoping that kissing followed as we sat closely in the somewhat dark hotel bar, tinted red. I was happy that we were out of sight of others...away from all of the wedding guests. Alone with Mr. Fantasy. He was corny, cheesy, charming and I loved his name...Laird. It sounded so sexy when it rolled off my tongue as I couldn’t help myself from repeating it when he introduced himself.

  My name, of course, sparked him to react. “Is Saffron a spicy girl? Sweet or bitter?” His blue eyes sparkled and nearly had me swooning.

  “That’s a saucy line.” I smiled with a slight shake of my head. “I’ve heard a million different things about my name and even learned a few things.”

  “It’s so cute...it fits you.” Not sure I liked being called cute by a hot man who was partially disrobing in front of me—slipping off his jacket, losing his tie, and opening a couple of buttons on his white shirt.

  Not wanting to appear affected by his movement, I defended my name. “My parents named me Saffron because of the color of my hair when I was born—dark brown with crimson highlights that reminded them of saffron threads.” I paused to take a sip of the lemon drop martini Laird had randomly ordered for me. It made me wonder if he thought I might like it or it was a signature drink he ordered for women he picked up.

  A little shaken and nervous in his company, I began to ramble on about the spice saffron—how it came from flowers and how it is the most expensive food, even more than truffles, caviar and a few other things. I seemed to be capturing his attention so I continued on about its fragrant hay-like smell and honey taste...

  “You have me wondering about how you would taste on my tongue...” He leaned closer. “You smell sweet but I’m not sure if it’s a honey scent.”

  Oh my gawd! He had me flustered and the temperature in the room seemed to go up a hundred thousand degrees. I was surprised that focusing or speaking was possible as I rattled off a last fact. “It’s so expensive that turmeric is often substituted for saffron.”

  “There’s no substitute for you, Saffron.”

  “Oh my gawd!” She threw her head back and laughed. “Another come-on line.”

  “Your neck looks so inviting...” His voice trailed off low and sexy, but I heard every word before his lips brushed lightly against mine then he pulled back and looked at me.

  Suddenly I was bold—alcohol loosening my lips no doubt. “I know how this all plays out.” He raised an eyebrow in a challenging manner. “You kiss me. Work your lips down my neck. Nuzzle my breasts; licking, pinching, caressing. Next, your hand slips down between my legs and you attempt to get me ready. Or, maybe you are one of those who thinks every woman loves oral sex—”

  “Something tells me you’re not a fan of being licked...” Not really a question but he appeared to be waiting for an answer.

  “It doesn’t get me off.” I had never been so honest.

  “What gets you off? What do you do when you’re alone?”

  I couldn’t believe I was answering him. “My hand works best.”

  “Not a vibrator?” He stared right into my eyes.

  “No, I have always been afraid that I would never want a man after using one.”

  “Never had a vibrator—”

  “Oh, I have a few.” I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing, thinking about my little collection of lonely toys. “My friends like to gift them to me as jokes.”

  “Poor things sit unused and lonely.”

  I laughed as he said words I had been thinking. “I suppose they might feel a bit neglected.” I couldn’t believe we were having that naughty chat in public. It all seemed too intimate and I felt my body coming to life.

  “Shame to not use one. They can be fun to use with a partner.” As he continually tortured me, I squirmed a bit in my seat and he appeared to notice. “How about we continue this conversation in my room?”

  Leaning in close to him, I pressed my lips to his and with a light flick of his tongue I opened my mouth to his exploration. He took over from there and attacked my mouth like his life depended on it. My fingers danced into his hair as his arms wrapped around me and he pressed his upper body into mine. He felt incredible against my body and I found myself nodding as we broke apart.

  I needed to feel him closer.

  I needed to lose myself. I
needed to get to know him intimately.

  I needed to see if he was as good as I imagined he would be.

  With so much need running through my body, I pulled back from him and stood up. The smile on his gorgeous face was priceless. I wasn’t sure if he thought I’d be so easy. Did he want me to resist a bit?

  Normally, I would’ve but I was feeling things I had never felt before and thought what the hell. Throwing caution to the wind, I was a wee bit tipsy and feeling brave or uninhibited...maybe those were one in the same. Whichever it was, we moved from the bar hand in hand, wandered through the jungle-like grounds and then ended up back inside another building that led up to his room.

  When the door slammed closed behind us, a swarm of hands and arms moved quickly grabbing onto each other. Body to body. Lips to lips. How we moved further into the well-lit room was unknown. It all felt unreal. His kisses were like pure fantasy the way he held me firmly with one arm while his other hand cradled the back of my head. Deep and powerful, it went on and on to the point where I was imagining floating hearts circling our heads along with fireworks, lovebirds, shamrocks, fairies...unicorns. I had lost my mind completely to Mr. Fantasy.

  His words were the only thing that grounded me and even that was debatable. His hands were reaching behind me and working the zipper down the back of my fitted sheath dress. His warm lips were dusting my lips as he spoke. “Your dress reminds me of delicious raspberry sherbet ice cream.”

  Wait until you see the matching lingerie.

  It wasn’t long after that thought popped into my head that the little tidbit was revealed as he slipped my dress from each shoulder. Pooled around my ankles, I stepped out of my dress on the floor and stood in dark rosé pumps that were perfectly matched with my bra and thong set.

  “You have the whole coordinating thing going on,” he said in a sexy, husky voice, stepping back slightly, letting his eyes roam up and down my body. Running his hands along my skin, he turned me as if he was assessing every inch of me. I didn’t mind it at all—his semi-rough hands against my soft skin felt incredible as I stood perfectly still. It was as if he was bringing my body to life. No one had ever done what he was doing to me.

  The way we had rushed to pawing each other, I thought for sure he would be quick to undress me... That part was right. But then it was all slow, calculated moves that made me feel special—not just a piece of ass. Crazy as it sounds to say it, I felt loved, appreciated, worshipped. I didn’t even realize that my lingerie had joined my dress on the floor and I was no longer upright. He was just that smooth.

  Within seconds of noticing that silk sheets were beneath me, the first wave of an orgasm was rippling through my body. Oh my gawd! Wow! How could it be? Where had my mind gone? It was lost to pure pleasure provided by his hands and mouth between my trembling thighs. I swear I was floating on a cloud when, sadly, his touch abandoned me.

  Fortunately, the absence was to be brief...and necessary since he was only up for one purpose only—the removal of his remaining slacks, shoes, and shirt. I enjoyed watching his beautiful body come into view and the way his eyes never left mine. It was obvious he took good care of his physique—muscular legs, a sculpted ass, and...

  Disrobed, the biggest surprise of my life greeted me as Laird removed his shirt. “Wow!” escaped my lips in a gasp. Talk about looks being deceiving. I had not expected to see tattoos across his pecs and down his arms...and one barbell pierced nipple. A suit and tie guy on the outside and a bad boy underneath.

  “Is that a bad...or good wow?” he asked, moving onto the bed.

  “Good...exciting...I’ve never been with a man that looks like you—”

  “Never mention another man to me again.” His lips devoured mine silencing any rebuttal from my lips and as we came up for air, he had more to say. “No man will touch you again.” I loved his words even if they were just to stop me from mentioning another man which was dumb of me.

  I meant nothing by it and I had no idea that it would bring out a jealous side of him. His body just wowed me in so many ways and it didn’t stop as he slipped his boxer briefs down his thighs. At that point, I thought it best to keep my observation to myself but if I was honest, I had never been with a man his size before. Better to keep my mouth shut and not bring up comparisons—bad or enormously good.

  Chapter Eight

  Laird

  It was not easy being alone in a room with Saffron. I wanted to rip her clothes off and take her hard up against the wall the moment the door slammed shut. However, I wanted to disprove her words...I wanted to pleasure her. I didn’t really care about her past, I was her present and future. I wanted her to see that I was all she ever needed or desired. As stupid as it sounded to my own ears, I wanted only her. She was the beginning, the middle, the end—what came before no longer existed. She was the one to take away my pain and make me believe in love again.

  Take your time. You have all of the time in the world. She is yours.

  Listening to my inner thoughts, exploring her beautiful body proved to be a fantastic treat. She was sweet, salty, tart and perfumy. I would say that she was like a basket of delicious red ripe raspberries but that may have been my mind playing tricks on me because of her clothing...and lingerie. Pretty, lacy and it molded to her toned yet soft curves. Her full, not huge, breasts fit nicely in my hands and her pale red berry nipples popped to perfect attention with my tongue and lips teasing them. Saffron may have never had an orgasm from oral sex in the past but she would never say those words again.

  She wasn’t very vocal except for a few “wows” and “ohs” but I paid attention to her hands clutching the sheets, the lift of her pelvis into my mouth or my hand... I remembered that she was fond of fingers so I made sure to include those outside and inside of her. Slow and steady, I won, taking her over the edge, I was rewarded with my name on her perfect lips.

  “Ohhhhhh... Laird.”

  I had never watched or cared about someone like I did Saffron. It was exciting to see her come completely undone; so relaxed and looking so fucking sexy doing it all. How I didn’t blow was a miracle in itself. I think I deliberately undressed slowly standing in front of her in an effort to regain some control. I had to prove to her that our bodies were meant for each other. I planned to give it my all, to bring her another orgasm. One that was as good, if not better, with me buried deep inside of her.

  I hadn’t even thought about her reaction to my tats or piercing—her fascination.

  “Oh wow!” Her eyes were wide open, dancing over my body.

  So many people had them that I was surprised by how intently she studied them as I moved closer to her and afterwards when we held each other.

  Thankfully she wasn’t repulsed by them and quickly forgot about them as my fingers wandered back between her legs while I captured her mouth. Bringing her to the edge, getting her wet and her breathing erratic, she was ready for me and I was more than ready for her. Like receiving the best gift of all time, I slid slowly inside of her, allowing her time to adjust…and me to stay calm.

  I was the one that wanted to say “oh wow” when her walls hugged and pulled me in deeply. There was no faking with Saffron. There were definitely emotions...feelings transpiring between us. It was a not one-time, one-night thing between us. We watched each other. Moved in perfect rhythm. She hadn’t asked me to turn the lights off. There was no hiding. Intensity built as I slid in and out with her meeting each move. I wanted to say so many things to her but I silently reminded myself that we were strangers even if we felt like longtime lovers.

  Watching for signs like before, I felt the beginning of a rippling sensation around me and the same content look on her beautiful face. And just like that I shifted gears, moving faster and harder into her making sure to hit the spot that had her gasping. Over and over we moved together, rocking into each other, panting, moaning, building and then crying out a few mutual “ohs.”

  “Incredible...oh wow...” She was so cute with her “wows” and I
took them as a good sign. I wanted to question her previous claims about not orgasming but I left them behind in favor of holding her and trying to give her a few more. As many as I could before we both passed out thoroughly satisfied and exhausted.

  In fact, I was so out of it that I never felt her slip away from my body and skip out of my room. I was disappointed to wake up alone and even more disappointed that she hadn’t left a note or phone number behind. I nearly thought that I had imagined it all but I could still smell her on me and the pillow next to me. I wondered how she had slipped from my grip as I remembered holding her tight to my body. Something I never did with another woman, but I loved the feel of Saffron’s soft skin against mine.

  No other woman had ever left me. Just the opposite, I usually slipped out or let them know up front that it was going to be sex and goodbye. Saffron had pulled one on me...or maybe she had to work and didn’t want to wake me. That made total sense. She was working the wedding weekend and there was one more function—a goodbye brunch—even though the bride and groom were long gone.

  “That had to be it,” I told myself as I scooted out of bed, headed for the bathroom and jumped into the shower.

  Dressed in a pair of khaki pants, a light button down shirt and casual loafers, I headed down to the outdoor patio where I had breakfast the day before and scoured the area for my beauty. No such luck. Instead I was greeted by other guests of the wedding, including my loud surfing pals.

  “Hey there, Loverboy! We didn’t expect you to show.”

  “Room service not up to your standards, mate?”

  As usual, my buddies were more than happy to rib me after my declarations the night before. Not wanting to tell them that she left me, I redirected our conversation to other subjects and then headed off to a few different food stations. I wasn’t really very hungry thinking about where my girl had ran off to, but loading a plate and shoveling in food kept my mouth occupied. I could only imagine the shit I would receive had I told them the truth.