He had climbed the stairs many times before, but this time it was different. He was going to spend the night. In his arms, he carried a small overnight bag and a cardboard box. John knocked awkwardly on the door. There was silence. He was about to try to knock again, when he heard footsteps and the door opened. Long brown hair and a sweet smile welcomed him.
"Hi beautiful."
"Welcome. Come on in, stranger. It's good to see you," replied Taylor in a soft, sexy voice. John entered the foyer that led immediately to the kitchen. She planted a gentle kiss on his cheek as he passed her.
"May I put the box on the counter?" he asked.
"Oh, sure." Taylor peered into the box and inquired as she pulled out a brown paper bag, "What do you have here?" Her brow ferruled. "Oh, muffins and fruit," she remarked. "One would think you intended to spend the night," she said in a stern tone.
John froze. Taylor could see the effect of her words. Disappointment painted his face. He turned his back to her and leaned against the counter. Quickly she put her arms on his shoulders and softly hugged him. "Of course you're staying the night. We've been planning this for..." Taylor paused and bit her lip. "It's just... It's just... that I wish I was going with you, that's all." She nuzzled her head into his back and then wrapped her arms around his stomach and hugged him again. She could feel him soften, relax, and his tension melt away. Everything was going to be all right.
Lady interrupted the hug. The sand colored pit bull pushed her nose between them and uttered her notice me growl. The lovers laughed and the hug was broken." Oh, I hadn't forgotten you," John said as he reached into the box and pulled out a piece of smoked rawhide. The dog politely sat and firmly tugged the offering from John's hand. Then she padded over to her blanket at the end of the living room sofa and lay down to enjoy her treat.
John continued to unpack the box. The chocolates he left on the counter. The steaks, potatoes, wine, and desert Taylor put in the fridge and then placed the empty carton outside on the porch. When she returned to the kitchen, John was still standing by the counter but with a silly smile on his face and a small white package in his hands. "...And this is for you." He pushed the box towards her.
Taylor's long, delicate fingers quickly slipped the ribbon from the present and she opened the lid to reveal a pale white and purple orchid. "Oh! Oh, its beautiful!" Her words poured out in an excited jumble as she held the flower first one-way and then the other. "It's perfect!" The orchid, mounted in moss and greens, sat in a small plastic watering dish. John was pleased that his gift had been such a success. "Oh, It's..." Taylor seemed at a loss for words as she carefully placed the flower by her purse at the end of the counter.
"The plant store lady said it would last for weeks, if you just added a little water daily to the dish. She put the instructions in the bottom of the box," explained John. Taylor moved silently towards him. She kissed him, delicately at first and then with increased passion. John responded. His hands wandered down her back to cup her buttocks. Taylor could feel his excitement grow.
Taylor knew just when to stop. "How about some wine and chocolates?" she whispered, as she tenderly stroked his cheek and brushed her fingers across his lips. Taylor poured each of them a glass of white wine. It was too hot to forsake the air-conditioned comfort of the house so the couple curled up together with their drinks on the love seat in the living room bay window. John enjoyed the view of the vineyards and the lake below. He also enjoyed the view of Taylor. Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders. She wore a round-necked sun top that revealed hints of cleavage and matched her shorts. Her perfume enticed him. Sipping wine, they talked about the weather, politics, ex-spouses, her garden, and John's trip. While they talked, Taylor's hand softly rubbed his upper thigh. John encouraged, traced random patterns with his fingers along Taylor's cheek, neck and her breastbone. By the second glass of wine, all conversation subsided replaced by touching and kissing.