Lessons From a Younger Lover (17 page)

Gwen felt like a schoolgirl going on her first date. All Ransom had told her about where they were headed was to dress nicely, and to only bring toiletries, that he had everything else.

“Even underwear?” she'd asked, regarding his strange request.

“Oh, you won't be needing panties,” he'd replied.

Gwen giggled as she held a pair of thongs in her hand. She was sorely tempted to disregard his statement about her needing undergarments, but he'd threatened a heavy penalty if she didn't follow his instructions to the letter. After a few more seconds of thought, she slipped into the panties, put the remaining toiletries into her overnight bag, and zipped it. She looked around the room a final time before grabbing her bag, turning out the bedroom light, and going into the living room to await Ransom's arrival.

After mere seconds, Gwen jumped up from the couch. She was too nervous to sit. She walked to the mirror by the front door and looked at her reflection for the umpteenth time. She'd chosen simple elegance, a form-fitting black sheath dress that hung a couple inches past her thighs. A pair of silver sling-backs with three-inch heels was the perfect complement to the silver jewelry she wore: teardrop earrings, a matching necklace, and at Chantay's near threat of violence, several thin bangles on her right arm. She'd stopped at the beauty shop on the way back from the airport and her freshly straightened hair swung freely, just past her shoulders. The side part and blunt cut the beautician had suggested framed Gwen's face perfectly, the slight wisp of bangs highlighting her arched brows. The perfume she'd sprayed liberally over her body was the final touch of sexy she hoped would drive Ransom wild. Gwen looked at her watch and, seeing she still had ten minutes before Ransom was scheduled to show up, decided to call her mother.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Hi, Gwen dear. You children must be on rotation today. I just got off the phone with Robert, and Gerald called earlier.”

“That's what happens when you're the most popular person at Sunrise Place. How are you feeling, Mama?”

“Oh, a little tired today, but other than that I'm fine. We stay so busy.”

“Well, take care of yourself. Don't overdo.”

“Are you still coming by tomorrow?”

Uh-oh.
“No, Mama. I'm going out of town with a friend, remember?”

“No, not really,” Lorraine responded. “But then again, I don't always remember so well these days. That's why they designed these note boards for us. Guess I didn't put what you told me on there.”

Lorraine was grateful for the staff at Sunrise Place, and the new, young, innovative private doctor who was now treating her. His new plan included holistic and alternative measures, along with traditional treatments, to counter her disease, and mental exercises to stimulate and hopefully regenerate cognitive skills. She wasn't healed by any means, but was doing much better than when Gwen arrived in Sienna just three months ago. While she was still forgetful, at least now she was aware of this fact. Before beginning treatments, she was in denial that anything was even wrong with her. “I'll be by on Monday,” Gwen said. “But you've got my cell. Is the number up on your board?”

“Oh, yes. All of you children's numbers are there with a bold, red marker. Oh, honey, I have to go. That's Esther knocking at my door. They make us play games all the time, say it's ‘mind exercise.'”

“Sounds good, Mama.”

“She's teaching me how to play bridge, and you know what, Gwen? I really like it! But don't tell them I told you that,” she said, her voice lowered. “Can't have them finding out I'm not the old codger they think I am. I'm coming, Esther,” she yelled out. “Bye, darling. You and Chantay have fun.”

Gwen smiled, both because her mother remembered Chantay's name, and that she assumed this was the friend she was hanging out with. Gwen looked at the clock and, seeing she still had a few minutes to wait, dialed Chantay.

“I'm surprised to be hearing from you right about now,” is how Chantay answered the phone.

“He's supposed to be here in about two minutes. I'm so nervous!”

“Uh-hmm. That coochie knows it's gonna get hit tonight, that's what the deal is.”

“Shut up, girl.”

“Look, I'm your best friend. Don't even act like you can wait. As long as y'all have been playing around? Girl, you deserve a night of loving.”

“Okay, I admit it. I am a little excited about that.”

Chantay whooped. “You think?” She cleared her throat. “Has Joe called anymore?”

“No, thank God. It's over, officially. I can't believe that after all these months he was acting as though there's still mad love between us. I just don't get it.”

“What about the condo? Is he still there?”

“My attorney is working on that. It's part of the marital property that has to be divided, so Joe either needs to move or buy me out. I don't want this to get dragged out.”

“What about the real estate agent you talked to while you were in Chicago?”

“I really like her. She's all about business, so as long as Joe doesn't drag his feet, I think she should be able to sell the condo by the end of the year. With the housing bust, we won't get as much out of the sale as we thought we would, but I'll look at whatever profit as my Christmas present.”

“Hmph. Sounds like to me Christmas came in October—first with your divorce being final and now with Ransom getting ready to put the cherry on top of your chocolate sundae.” Chantay laughed at her own joke. “So are you wearing panties?”

“I knew I shouldn't have told you anything about that!”

“Well, are you?”

“Of course I am!”

“Gwendolyn Andrews! Didn't I tell you to lose the drawers? The boy already
told
you not to bring any for y'all's little rendezvous. That tells you he'd prefer you without them. When are you going to start listening to a sistah?”

Gwen saw a shiny red Porsche pull up. “Well, it sure won't be right now,” she said teasingly to Chantay. “Ransom's here. I'll call you later.”

“You better.”

Gwen's heartbeat picked up as she watched Ransom come to her front door. It was the first time she'd seen him dressed up, and even in attire best described as simply elegant, he looked amazing. The stark white silk shirt he wore showed off his bronzed skin to perfection. The black slacks fit snugly around his waist, buttocks, and thighs, and the simple silver and turquoise choker he wore accented his strong neck and looked surprisingly masculine. As a further sign that this was indeed a special occasion, Ransom's shiny black hair was out of its usual ponytail, and hung loose and flowing over his broad shoulders.

Gwen met him at the door. “Hey, handsome.”

Ransom's teeth seemed to sparkle as he smiled at the compliment. “Come here, Butterfly.” He enveloped Gwen's body in a hug, breathed in her scent, and rubbed his hands lovingly over her body. “You look good enough to eat,” he said, after searing her with a kiss.

If she could have, Gwen would have blushed. As it were, she flushed warm and was at a loss for words. “Do you want to, I mean, are you ready to…”

“Yes,” Ransom said as he stepped inside the living room and closed the front door. “I'm ready to…” He didn't finish the sentence, but instead leaned back against the front door, crossed his arms, and drank in Gwen with his eyes. Gwen almost began shaking under his intense appraisal, but worked to remain still as he gazed at her. Finally she couldn't take it anymore, and pointed to the large bag he held in his hand.

“What's that?”

After a long pause, Ransom answered. “Presents for my woman.” He silently took her hand and walked over to the couch. He sat down beside her and gave her the bag.

Gwen squealed as she pulled out a medium-sized tan and black teddy bear wearing a Chicago White Sox baseball cap. “You remembered I'm a fan,” Gwen said, hugging to her the gift that from anyone else would have seemed childish to this forty-year-old. But from Ransom, it was endearing. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “I'll sleep with it every night.”

“On the nights you're not sleeping with me. Because on those nights, trust me, there will only be room for you and I in the bed.”

Gwen tried to rise from the couch. “Should we go?”

Ransom caught her hand and laughed softly. “Look, B-Fly. You're going to have to get used to being aroused by me. Because after tonight, it's only going to intensify.”

Gwen couldn't even think of a comeback. Ransom had read her mind like a New York best seller.

“There's something else in the bag,” Ransom said.

Glad for the diversion, Gwen reached into the bag. There was a small box in the bottom, nicely wrapped in glittery iridescent paper and tied with a silver string.

“What's this?”

“Open it and find out.”

Gwen untied the string and carefully removed the gift paper wrapping.

“Damn,” Ransom said softly. “I can tell Christmas is a long day at your house.”

Gwen laughed. “I've always been this way, even as a child. I guess I like to savor the moment of receiving a gift by prolonging the mystery of what's inside.”

“Hmm,” Ransom said as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His deep black eyes bore into Gwen's brown ones. “Powerful words to live by.”

Flustered again by his probing stare, Gwen looked down at the box and took off its lid. Inside was another box, covered in black velvet. She slowly took it out of the gift box and opened the lid. She gasped. Inside was a beautifully sculpted silver butterfly, covered in tiny yellow and pink diamonds. It hung on a thin silver chain, and the wings seemed to quiver with the diamonds' sparkle. Tears, unbidden, sprang to her eyes. But unlike the ones she shed for Joe, the emotion accompanying these tears was one of joy, not sorrow.

Gwen scooted close to Ransom and hugged his neck. “It's the most beautiful present I've ever received,” she said sincerely. She placed her hand on his face as she stared into his eyes. “You are a very special man.”

“Just so long as you know those wings don't mean you can fly away from me, ever. Now that I've caught you, Butterfly, I'll never let you go.” Ransom took off the necklace Gwen wore and replaced it with his gift. “Come on, let's get out of here. If we don't go now, I'll have you naked and moaning in less than two minutes.”

“Ransom, this place is fabulous. How did you find it?” Gwen marveled at the cozy restaurant's elegance. They'd been led to an outdoor patio, shimmering with a backlit waterfall and votive candles placed atop pristine white linen. Their table offered a panoramic view of the mountainous backdrop of Palm Springs, in the California desert.

Ransom shrugged. “I can't be giving away all my secrets, baby.” Truth is, one of his wealthiest clients had once gifted him with a weekend stay there after Ransom had finished a job under budget. Ransom had been exhausted, and come alone. At the time he vowed that he'd come back, and that he'd bring someone special.

“Well, this place is beautiful, so intimate and secluded. And the view is fabulous.” Gwen's eyes sparkled as she gazed out on a full moon from their corner table, made virtually private thanks to some well-placed potted palms.

“I'm glad you like the view,” Ransom murmured, fixing her with his smolderingly familiar gaze. “Because I'm liking the view myself. It's beautiful…fabulous.”

The waiter came over, pushing a cart with a silver ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne. He elaborately presented the bottle of Clos du Mesnil, the exclusive 1995 vintage, for Ransom's approval before popping the cork and pouring two bubbling glasses.

Ransom raised his glass to Gwen. “To endings…and beginnings.”

Gwen raised her glass to Ransom. “To us.”

Their eyes locked as both drank from their glasses. “Umm, I'm not much of a drinker, but this is good,” Gwen said.

“You'll be drinking more later,” Ransom replied casually.

“Probably not,” Gwen replied. “Like I said, I don't drink much.”

“Believe me, you'll want to,” was Ransom's reply. He set down his glass and casually put his arm around the back of her chair. “Come kiss me.”

Gwen leaned over and gave him a soft, quick kiss on the lips. Ransom held the back of her head and deepened the exchange. He gently massaged the nape of her neck, placing kisses along her jawline and around to her ear. His breath was warm and moist as he whispered in her ear.

Gwen pulled back to look at him. “What did you say?” she asked, talking barely above a whisper herself.

“You heard me.”

“You asked if I was wearing panties?”

“That is correct.”

Gwen repeated the answer she'd given Chantay earlier. “Of course.”

“Why?”

Gwen took another sip of champagne. “I don't think I understand your question.”

“Why are you wearing panties? I told you not to bring any underwear on this trip.”

“Exactly. You said not to
bring
any. I am
wearing
these.”

“Not for long. Go take them off.”

“Excuse me?”

Ransom lowered his voice and enunciated each word. “Go take off your panties, thongs, Spanx, whatever you're wearing. I want them off, now.”

Ransom's demand aroused Gwen in a way that surprised her. She felt herself become moist, and her nipples harden. She felt embarrassed and tried to cool down what had become a very hot corner with levity.

“In case you haven't noticed, we're in a public place.”

“So?”

“So, I don't go walking around in public with no underwear, that's so.”

“Either you can go take them off in the restroom, or I'll take them off right now.”

“You will do no such thing.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“You wouldn't,” Gwen repeated, but the determined look on Ransom's face made her less sure. “Would you?”

“Don't make me ask again, Gwen. Go do as I said.” With that, Ransom picked up his champagne glass, sat back casually, and took a long swallow.

Gwen took a swallow from her glass as well.

“Oh, you're still here?” Ransom asked. Before Gwen could blink, she was on Ransom's lap and his hand was beneath her dress. His movements had been so fluid and precise that the edge of the tablecloth had barely fluttered.

“Ransom, stop!” she hissed. “Okay, all right, I'll go take them off. Please don't do that. Let me go!” Gwen wanted to be angry but the smile on Ransom's face combined with the heat from her now flaming nether folds caused her to simply leap from his lap and hurry from the room, almost knocking over the waitress bringing them appetizers in the process.

“Is everything all right, sir?” the perky Latina asked.

Ransom laughed out loud. “Oh, yeah,” he drawled confidently. “Everything's fine.”

Gwen felt all eyes were on her as she walked from the restaurant's restroom back to her table. And indeed, many male eyes and several female ones followed her steps, but not for the reason she imagined. Gwen's natural beauty was enhanced by not only her simply elegant outfit but by the glow of love that shone on her face. The scrutiny was unfamiliar, and made her even more nervous than Ransom's penetrating gaze and her now bare goodies. She was thankful to get back to the table and sit down.

“Let me see them,” Ransom said as she sat.

“No!” Gwen hissed. “I am not going to pull my panties out at this table!”

“Then pass me your purse.”

“What? You don't believe that I took them off?”

Ransom's Cheshire smile widened. “No, I don't. And I'll tell you something else. You're not faring well tonight on your ability to take instruction. Have you forgotten that in matters between us, I'm the teacher?”

Gwen flung her small jeweled bag at Ransom. He laughed out loud as he opened it and proceeded to pull out her lacy black thong.

“Put those away,” Gwen demanded through clenched teeth.

Ransom answered her command by putting the sheer fabric up to his nose and inhaling deeply.

“Ransom Blake. Stop that this instant!”

Gwen's tone was that which she would have used on Ransom's daughter. The strident voice didn't work as well on the child's father. But seeing how embarrassed and rattled she had become, Ransom slowly lowered the panties from his nose and placed them in his pocket. His actions left Gwen speechless, and further aroused. Thankfully, the steamy moment was interrupted by the arrival of their dinner.

Later, Gwen would barely be able to recall her perfectly cooked Chateaubriand served with asparagus and potatoes, and Ransom would totally forget how the halibut he ordered fairly melted on his tongue, and how the creamy risotto and winter vegetable medley were a perfect complement to the succulent fish. Because by the time they had finished the last bite of their meal, including the triple-chocolate pudding cake that was to die for, all this couple wanted to taste…was each other.