Love Notes Chapter 10

Have you been  enjoying Love Notes?  Leave a comment and let me know what you think of it.  This is the last installment for the free share.  If you are interested in continuing with Love Notes, leave me a message and I'll let you know when it's published!  Thank you everyone for the support. Next week will begin a new story, a paranormal romance.

 
Now, let's back up a bit from last week's ending.  I did tell you this was a first draft?  Well I made a huge change in the plot and took off in a different direction.  I think you'll like the changes.

Love Notes Chapter 10

by

Ellie Mack & Ben Hannigan

chapter 9

            She quickly jumped up to answer. "Hello?" It was a London number, but not Rob.

            "Ms. Colson? Stephanie Colson?" It was a sultry female voice.

            "Yes?" She couldn't imagine who it could be. "Who is this?"

            "Ms. Colson, there's been an accident. Mr. Taylor has requested you be notified. He's in critical condition. "

            She didn't hear anything else the woman said. "What? Rob is hurt? Where? What happened?" Tears welled in her eyes. No, this couldn't be happening. "What room? Where do I need to go?"

            "Calm down Ms. Colson. He's stable at the moment, but if you could get here soon."

            "Yes, yes of course just give me the address." She scribbled furiously, swiping at the tears.   She closed out the call, looking around feeling immense guilt that she'd been masturbating while he was in critical condition. "Oh baby I'm so sorry," It came out barely more than a whisper. Quickly she dressed, and slipped on a pair of sandals. Mr. Prince was roughly tossed back into the box, the lid set on top. She grabbed a light sweater on her way out.

            Frantically Stephanie went to the front desk and asked the man what was the best way to get to the hospital from there.  Smelling the alcohol on her he called a cab. It was only a few minutes before the cab arrived.

Chapter 10

            Stephanie slid into the seat. “Alright love, where’s it you need to be?”

            She thrust the paper in front of him, as she could barely keep from bursting into tears. Her lips quivering , she gave him an anguished look.

            The driver tried to make small talk.  “OK, so you need to get to the hospital, got a mate in there or family?”

            “My boyfriend.”  Stephanie blinked furiously, her breathing coming in small pants, her voice barely more than a whisper.

            "Should be about 20 depending on this fucking traffic.  Get a move on mate!  I haven’t got all sodding day.  Sorry about that.  This fuckwit in the van can’t drive.”

            “No problem.”  She swiped at her tears.

            He reaches into the glove box and hands her a tissue. “If it’s a mate in there they’ll be fine.  It’s a good place.  It’s where I’d go if I had the choice.  Stay green!  Come on you fucking clown move!  Fucking tourist drivers.”  He leaned out of the window towards the car. “Stay out of London!” He turned his head back to her. “Sorry Love.”

            Stephanie turned from the window to look at the driver.   Danny Bowers, the license tag read. “Yes.  He was in an accident.”

            “Is he ok love? Or you not been told anything? Want to stop get him anything? Paper?  Bunch of grapes?”

            “Bunch of grapes?  What?”  The driver gave her a sly grin explaining a British perceived custom.  She realized he was trying to lighten her mood.  The tears flowed now, a steady stream down her cheeks.  She nodded at the driver keeping her blurred gaze out the window. ‘Please God let him be ok.’  She couldn’t picture her life without Rob, didn’t want to.  Somehow, he had to be ok for them to be together. 

                                    *                      *                      *                      *                      *

                Rob  rolled into the small car park and waited.  His orders were to meet the contact and hand over the package; nice, easy, simple. He really needed to come clean with Stephanie, share the truth with her.  He wasn't wearing his body amour because it would have been awkward to hide in the hotel room.  It was a safety violation but the job didn’t seem to be dangerous enough to need it.  Still, he checked his holster making sure it was secured one last time.

                The van rolled in and as the door slid open he realized that he had really dropped a bullock here. This wasn’t going to be a simple package handover.  Rather than the single courier he expected, the van was full of armed men.  They casually stepped out into positions, preparing for a shootout. 

                Drawing casually, the last thing he thought before the first shot rang out was “Bugger! I’ve been having such a good week as well.” They shot first; he took one to the right arm.  He radioed in to his boss on the emergency signal that ‘something was very wrong’ before taking his shooting stance. He executed a perfect Mozambique drill on the first two shooters, the third took a bullet to the chest and dropped immediately, and the final shooter dove back into the van spraying a burst from a clunky looking submachine gun.  It nailed Rob in the left leg.  A sharp pain hit him in his gut as he dove out of the rain of bullets.  Rob fired, smiling in satisfaction upon hearing the scream which indicated a hit.  He radioed the plates on the van to his boss before he allowed himself to hit the floor and sink into the relative escapist bliss of unconsciousness.

                He was awakened about fifteen minutes later by a paramedic who tried to convince him to go to hospital.

                 “Look mate, just patch me up. I need to go speak to the boss.” Rob stood and limped from the ambulance bandaged.  When challenged he flashed his ID badge and was allowed to leave when the police realized that this was a “Firm” job.   Flagging down a cab, he got back to Vauxhall and walked through security, dripping a trail of blood as he went to report to the boss.

                After his grilling he limped to his bike, feeling the pain from his wounds now that the adrenaline rush was receding.  He sped home to his flat, feeling the let down hit him hard. He jumped in the shower and threw on a change of clothes.   He  texted  Stephanie asking her to come to the flat.

                He managed to get to the door and the world went black.  Rob’s elderly neighbor Mrs. Tillman found Rob slumped on the pavement in his entryway with a mobile phone in his hand displaying the message “Error message not sent.”  She immediately called Danielle Vicenzi, Rob’s beautiful girlfriend. She arrived in mere minutes, stepping out of a black Range Rover with two other men.  Danielle motioned the men, and thanked Mrs. Tillman.  “We’ll get him checked out.  He’s been working long hours lately.”   The two men carried Rob to the car supported between them.  They rushed him to the small private hospital he officially worked for. He was rushed into theatre, and immediately prepped for surgery.  They were the finest surgeons in the entirety of the UK, but Rob had lost a lot of blood.  They  patched up his wounds and set up in a private room under guard.

                Rob drifted in and out of consciousness as the anesthesia wore off.  Unbeknownst to him his handler was there watching, waiting for the arrival of this mystery yank who had captured the heart of the gent she referred to as hers.

                He awoke to a hand wiping his brow with a damp cloth, dabbing at the sweat.  He smiled deeply “Steph”.  The figure growled and stood fuming, waiting for this yank to arrive.

                *                             *                             *                             *                             *

                Stephanie swiped at the tears, not even trying to hide them now.  She paid the cabbie “Thank you Danny.”  She ran into the hospital, heading for the main desk to ask directions.  She was issued a pass card for the fifth floor.  Stephanie found the restrooms next to the elevator, and washed her face, attempting to hide the swollen eyes, and streaked makeup.  She touched up her makeup, and dabbed a little blush.  It would never fool Rob, but she looked a little better.

                Not having any idea what she was walking into, she said a quick prayer and hoped for the best.  As soon as the elevator opened she knew it was much worse than she had anticipated.  The guard was armed, and asked to see her pass.  He directed her down the corridor to where two more armed men stood by a door.  When she approached, one of them asked for the pass.  She strained to see around him into the room to see Rob.  It was no use.  The guard efficiently blocked her view and her path.  He radioed “Your yank is here.”

                A tall slender woman walked from the room.  She had the grace and beauty of a model.  Long flowing dark hair, big doe eyes that were vivid blue, full luscious lips, a long neck, average sized breasts and slender waist and hips.  She strode with an air of confidence that most women envied.  She wore black fitted trousers, and a black leather blazer over a white mock turtleneck figure hugging sweater.  In two seconds Stephanie knew she was Rob’s lover, either past or present.

                She couldn’t blame him really, what man could resist a woman that looked like this?  Was he still seeing her?  Her heart sank and the tears threatened to rise for another reason.  Stephanie gulped as the elegant woman reached out her hand.  “Dani Vicenzi, I work with Rob.  Let’s walk shall we?”

                It had been her voice on the phone.  “But Rob.”  Stephanie wanted desperately to see him, to make sure he was ok. 

                “He’s stable.  Let’s walk.”  Her voice was curt, and she had a grasp on Stephanie’s elbow that was almost painful.  Dani led her to a small table in a waiting room, where she pulled the chair out for her, motioning her to sit as if she were a criminal.

                Stephanie sat, her defenses rising.  She had never imagined Rob would be hurt.  She certainly hadn’t anticipated meeting his lover, and now the woman was assessing her with a look of disapproval that clearly stated she felt Stephanie was no threat to her. 

                “So I finally get to meet Rob’s yank.  We had a good thing ‘til you came along.”  The woman glanced to the windows, her jaw clenched.  “He’s in this mess because of you, you know.  Trying to protect you from the truth, he didn’t wear his armour, and he’s lost a lot of blood.”

                “What?” Stephanie was stunned by her statement. “What happened?  What truth?”

                “Huh!  As I expected.  He hasn’t even told you, has he?”  Dani leaned forward, clasping her hands together and made a menacing smile.  “Well, I’ve nothing to fear then have I?  You’re just another passing fancy. He’ll ship you back to the states, and this will all be over?”  Dani eased back in her chair, her arm draped over the back. "Hopefully sooner than later."

                “What truth?  What has happened to Rob?”  She had to ignore the woman’s words.  Even if they were true, there was nothing she could do now and crying wasn’t going to help. She cared about Rob, and even if he did ship her back, she couldn’t just walk away from him being injured.

                “He was making a routine exchange, except it went wrong.  There were six of them, and they got the drop on Rob.  He took three bullets. We didn’t know about the third, until we got him here and prepped.”  She  glared at Stephanie assessing her, and passing the guilty verdict all at once.  “He’s been asking for you.”

                “I’d like to see him, please.”  Beautiful women always got away with being bitches.  This one was being especially bitchy to her.  Stephanie gambled, based on her earlier statement that she wasn’t a current lover but the ex.  Probably recent ex, explaining this anger directed at Stephanie.  “I was not aware that Rob was engaged in any other relationship.  When he’s feeling well, we’ll confront him together.  Right now I’d like to see him, please.”  The last almost pleading with the woman’s sensibilities.

                “Hmmph.”  She stood, raising slowly from the table. “Do not upset him.”

                Stephanie stood, squaring off with Dani. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

                They walked the short distance down the hall, Stephanie close on Danielle’s heels.  She knew the woman wouldn’t leave her alone with Rob, it didn’t matter.  She had to see him. When she rounded the corner to his bed, she wasn’t prepared for the tubes, and machines that he was surrounded by.  Her hand went to her mouth as she gasped.  Stephanie quickly stepped to his side. “Rob baby, what happened?”  Her hand stroked his hand as the tears fell.  A light brush from her other hand swiped the strand of hair from his face. “Oh baby, I’m here.”

                Rob shifted in the bed, turning his head towards his angel's voice. “Steph” his voice weak and raspy.

                “I’m here baby.”  She leaned in close to him, kissing his forehead. 

                “I messed up babe.  I was going to tell you.  I didn’t want you to find out like this.”

                The tears welled.  So it was true.  Dani was his lover. She was just a bit on the side, to pass the time.  She leaned over, kissing his forehead again.  “It’s OK Rob, you can tell me all about it when you’re well.”  She pushed down the urge to lash out at him.  She'd been the one that assumed there was more than it was.  She clamped down her emotions like a vice, putting on her professional face. "I'm here for you Rob."

                He smiled weakly up at her. “Stay with me?”

                “Sure baby.  I just got here.  I’ll stay for as long as you want me here.” She couldn’t help but glance at Dani.  The mixed emotions of the woman's rudeness to her, the anger at Rob for putting her in the middle of this triangle, the heartache seeing him pale and weak in the hosptial bed all churned within her heart, causing it to ache  in a way she never even felt at Trevor's betrayal.  How could she be so naive?  She moved the strand of hair that kept falling forward back into place again. Despite the heartache, she decided that she'd stay until Rob was better.  Then she'd gather her things, head home and bury herself in work and try to forget Rob Taylor, the man she loved.  "For you, I'll stay."

                Dani rolled her eyes, turned and stepped out of the room.

                She scooted the chair close to his bed. He rolled slightly on his side facing her, letting out a pained wince as he tried to adjust to a comfortable position.  She sat on her knees in the chair, raised up just slightly to be closer to him.  She leaned over again to kiss his forehead and he raised his lips to hers.  “I’m sorry my darling.  It wasn’t suppose to go down like this.”

                She nodded in agreement.  He probably never intended her to know about Dani, much less be in the situation where they’d meet.  Even though she knew Dani was just outside the door and could come back any minute, or maybe even wishing that somehow he’d choose her over gorgeous Dani, Stephanie kissed him.  A light brushing of her lips against his.  A gentle loving kiss like they’d shared  on the sofa.  “I’m here Rob.  I’ll stay with you.”

                Just till he got well.  Until he was able to be on his own.  Then she’d pack up and go home and try to get over her broken heart.

                “Can you get closer darling?  Lay here beside me?”

                “Oh I don’t know if the nurses would like that.”

                He looked so sad and disappointed. “OK."  She conceded.  "But if the nurse yells at me I’m telling her you wanted me to.”

                He grinned weakly “And I’ll deny it and play innocent.” 

                She scooted onto the edge of the bed, easing between him and the side rail.  It was an uncomfortable fit, but she didn’t want to make him move again as painful as it sounded when he did. 

                His arm went around her, and held her close. “OH Gods Stephanie. All I could think about is you.  About us.  How I messed everything up now.”

                How  could it feel so right to lay in his arms, yet know it was so wrong with the other woman outside the door?  “You can tell me all about it later babe.  Get some rest so you can heal.” The sooner  he healed the sooner she could go back to her life alone.

                Just then the nurse came in.  She cleared her throat. “Miss, we generally don’t allow the visitors to share the patient’s bed.”

                Stephanie blushed and started to move back to the chair. “NO!  She stays with me.” For an injured man, his grip was tight as he held her close to him.

                The nurse stepped closer putting a shot of something in his iv drip.  “Yes sir, Mr. Taylor.”  She gave a slight smile to Stephanie.  “Just be careful with your lines.”

                Stephanie was acutely aware of the tubes attached to various parts of him. “Where’s the call button if he needs you?”

                The nurse reached behind Stephanie’s back, “there’s a call button right here on the rail; and there’s one there.”  She motioned on the wall just behind the iv caddy.

                Rob cuddled into Stephanie, kissing her throat softly. The medication was already taking effect as he drifted into sleep.  Her fingers played over his muscular arms and down his back.  He was asleep in minutes.  Stephanie quietly asked the nurse to fill her in on his injuries.  The nurse got the chart and quietly shared the information about the bullet wounds.  Stephanie’s brows furrowed. “Bullet wounds?  What?  How?”

                The nurse answered her “ I don’t know how just where.  She leaned over Stephanie.  He’s been asking for you since he came in, assumin’ you’re Stephanie.”

                She nodded in agreement that she was.

                “That harpie out there has been irritatin’ him something fierce. Pacing back and forth, questioning Mr. Taylor.” She patted Stephanie’s arms.  “Being a regular nuisance, questioning me about my job.  You just stay put right there, and I’ll get a pillow so you can get more comfortable.”   She brought Stephanie an extra pillow and even a blanket.  She placed a plastic bag with toiletries on the tray.  “If you need anything you just buzz me.” 

                Rob snuggled closer, wincing slightly as his movement strained, a drowsy rumble in his chest as he relaxed into her.  She slowly drifted off to sleep entwined with Rob, perhaps for the last time. 

 

Love Notes - Chapter 9

When we left off last week Rob had given Stephanie a gift, a rather unusual gift.  I don't think that's what Stephanie had in mind do you?  What do you suppose she'll do with her time alone?  Let's find out!

Chapter 9

by

Ellie Mack

Day 6  

            I worked all day on the presentation for the medical center.  I think the centrally located elevators and escalators near an atrium garden will make the whole thing pop.  I added a small water feature because the sound of water is soothing, and well hospital – soothing, yeah it seemed to work. 

            I've never told you but I have a photographic memory.  Yes, well I came back here, and worked on sketching out everything I saw at the clinic; the layout, the general floor design, I took it all in and stored the information in my little brain receptors, until I could sketch it. You probably would laugh at how I work, but I had my sketches sprawled out all over the floor, specific features I liked on the chair next to me, and more sketches spread out on the other side. 

            It works OK?  Trevor laughed at me, and made fun of my sketches but it helps me visualize, and see it in 3D.  He never respected my work anyway.  Why am I even bringing him up again?   Ugh, he’s already taken more from my life than I would have ever imagined.  I’m not going to give him anything more.  New rule:  no more mention of Trevor.  OK one final thing:  He's an ASS!

            I wonder if you’d laugh.  Would you mock me?  You don’t seem the type.  Would you be fascinated?  Hmm, I don’t know.  Would you be at least interested?  I would hope so.  Maybe someday I’ll get to find out.  This is what I do, it's how I express myself. 

            I missed you this morning, not being able to wake up next to you.  It made me sad.

            Oh and by the way baby, I LOST WEIGHT! SQUEAL!  I don’t expect you to notice, because you haven’t known me for long, but I’m stoked!  Maybe I’ll buy some new clothes here after all!  

            I looked around in the shop just down the street.  I didn’t find anything interesting, bummer.  I’m heading back to hotel now, finish up my presentation and pick up my work mess.  By then you should be back.  Take a hot shower together, have some more great sex, mmm sounds like a good plan to me.

Day 6

3:00 p.m. 

            It didn’t take much to finish up my presentation, I even ran through it twice. I had hoped that  you’d be back by now.  I picked up all my sketches and just stacked them on the table.  What can I say, I’m turning into a bad, bad girl.  Your present has been taunting me since I opened it.  I have to admit I’m curious and I did promise to keep an open mind to new adventures. 

*           *      *      *       *

            Stephanie closed her journal, leaving the pen, in the crease between the pages.  It hadn’t taken much time at all to put the finishing touches on her presentation.  She kept glancing at the toy he’d left her.  Stephanie finished her tea, and wished she had something a bit stronger.  She wanted to try it , but was nervous and embarrassed.  There was no one to see her, and she knew Rob would ask.  She also knew he would want to play with it later with her. 

            That thought shot a zing straight through her.  Stephanie walked over to the fridge.  Rob had brought some things over with him that first night.  He’d showed her how to mix a few drinks since she didn’t drink much.  She took the bucket to the ice maker down the hall, filling it completely.  She could always use the rest to chill the wine later. 

            She opened the metal shaker container and added the ingredients just as he’d shown her.  Three measures of Bombay sapphire, one of vodka, half a measure of Lillet Blanc, then twisted the cap back on shaking it really well.  She shook it vigorously as she eyed the box, feeling a flush of pleasure.  There was something  seductive about daring to try something she had viewed as taboo.  The mixed emotions warred within her mind, the arguments for experiencing new things and those against tasting the forbidden.

            She reached into the cabinet and took out one of the glasses. She poured the mix into it and swirled.  Rob had a plastic container with lemons and a few long curls of lemon peel.  She picked one out licking her fingers, then swirled the glass and took a sip.  It was good, almost as good as when Rob had mixed them. This was a first for her as well, having a drink alone.  Oh, there were times she sipped wine at home alone but that was different.  Having a cocktail by yourself seemed foreign to her thinking.  Why hadn’t she?  Did she worry about what others thought?  Was she afraid she’d turn into an alcoholic?  She took another sip as she walked to the table opening her journal.

3: ish

            I have another first to report:  I made myself a cocktail just like you showed me and I’m having it by myself.  There is no one here but me and “the gift”.  Daddy used to come home and fix himself a mixed drink. I remember he drank Seven and seven; sometimes a highball, and sometimes Scotch.  I’ll have to try the scotch someday. 

            Usually when I have a drink I will go out with my friends.  Letti usually goes with me to The Suite and we typically get margaritas at happy hour. Love, love, love their tapas bar!  Can’t tell you how many times that was dinner.  A few drinks and a bit of tapas while we unwind and joke about the stupid things that happened throughout the day. 

NOTE:  Make sure to send Letti a gift – she’s an awesome friend!  She was there for me with all the crap with Trevor, and encouraged me to keep talking with you Rob. You may want to send her a thank you gift because I was so crushed after Trevor’s  . . . whatever you call it, that I was just going to hide in my office and never come out.  She thought it would be good for me to chat with you.  She thought it would be good to have a male friend that I could talk with and help me get over it. 

NOTE 2:  Buy a gift for Rob!  Don’t argue with me – you deserve it!

            I plan to introduce myself to your gift in a while, as soon as I get up my nerve.

*          *          *          *          *

            Stephanie took a big swig of her drink, walking over to the box.  She took the toy out, holding it in her hand.  She turned it over examining it and giggled.  She couldn’t help it.  Somehow the idea seemed absolutely hilarious, and naughty.  She set her drink down and examined it a little closer.  There was a soft membrane on the base, she pushed it.  It began vibrating.  She laughed out loud, feeling the vibration tickling her hand. She pushed the button again and it vibrated faster.  A warm flush came over her as she chewed her lower lip.  She pushed it again and it vibrated so strongly it moved itself across her palm.  Her eyes grew larger as her hand tingled from the vibration.  She clicked it again and it shut off.

            Stephanie placed it back in the box and took her drink.  Her arm crossed over her waist, she stood looking at it.  Then she turned her hand over looking at her hand, it still tingled.  She slammed the remainder of her drink, walking back to the kitchenette area. 

            As she mixed up another drink, she thought of a name for her purple friend and giggled.  It was perfect.  She poured the ingredients in, shook the mixer doing a little happy dance when she decided she needed some music.  She popped her iPhone into her Griffin dock and selected her 'after hours' play list.  First up was NIckleback, and she did a little dance move as she dropped the lemon peel into her glass.  She picked up her glass, lifting it in toast to the toy and giggled.  She went back to her journal for a quick entry.

*          *          *          *          *

            Thought of a name for “the gift”.  It is hereby named Mr. Prince!  I crack myself up!!  Going to  introduce myself, see if we can get acquainted.  LOL!

*          *          *          *          *

            Stephanie walked over to the box, picking up her gift.  She took a big swig of her drink before setting the glass down.

            “Hi, my name’s Stephanie.  What’s yours?  OH, Mr. Prince nice to meet you.”

             She danced around a bit, thinking she needed a different song with a sultry beat, something provocative.  “So I hear you know how to show a girl a good time.  I’ve got a confession.  I’m not interested in a long term thing, just an occasional “booty call”.  See, I met this man.  He’s amazingly awesome.  I know you probably don't want to hear about him.  She took another sip. "Oh you don't mind?  Great because I think I'm in love with him.  Seriously!  He  is caring, sensitive, loving, adventurous, and quite sexy.  He’s very understanding about my needs, though.  In fact he encouraged me to get to know you.”

            She picked up her drink, swirling the glass before taking a big swig.  “I’m up for a bit of sport so long as you know I’m not looking for any major commitments.  What’s that?  You’ve been looking for a girl that just wanted a little action?   Oh, well . . . maybe you misunderstand.”

            She was beginning to feel a little tipsy, a little less inhibited as the thoughts of what she’d like to be doing with Rob filled her mind.  “See it’s like this.”  She slammed the rest of her drink, then set the glass down, blinking.  “Wow, that’s some powerful stuff.  I’ve had four margaritas before I felt like this.  Gonna have to talk to Rob about this.  I think he was trying to get me drunk before.  Anyway, I"m not interested in just a little action.  See, since I've gotten to know Rob, I feel almost insatiable.  It's like he flipped the switch on and I can't seem to shut it off.  I've got all these years to make up for.  So you see, you've got a real challenge.”  Stephanie giggled at herself for the ridiculous conversation, but decided she was having fun with it anyway.

            She danced back around to the little table and dug inside the box.  A bottle of lube, and instructions, and . . .”OOH!  What’s this?”  She reached into the box and pulled out a small velvety box.  She opened it, her eyes grew large.  She laid Mr. Prince down on the table.  “Oh Rob!  You are the most thoughtful amazing man.  I wish you were here so I could kiss you, and you know, all those other things.  Stephanie raced to the mirror to put the necklace on.  Her fingers tracing over the smooth gold, lifting the diamond studded infinity symbol from her chest.  It was beautiful!

            Stephanie walked back over and picked up Mr. Prince. “You see you have some stiff competition right? "  She blushed and and laughed at her statement.  "That's funny, don't you get it? Stiff?   It's funny!"  She set her glass in the small sink.  "I mean he’s amazing!  I don’t expect you to be buying me gifts, or calling me the next morning, got it?  And if things don’t work out – well don’t call me I’ll call you or not.  I’ll let you know. AS long as we understand each other, let’s get to it!”

            She moved to the bed.  She looked at the paper that said instructions then set them aside.  “Really?  I think I can figure things out here.”  She lifted her sundress over her head, and tossed it across the chair.  “Mr. Prince the first thing you should know I suppose is my name.  It’s Stephanie.  No, no last names. Let’s keep this as our little secret rendezvous.  You don’t have to tell me your first name either.  I like the mystery and intrigue.”

            Stephanie pushed the button once, and Mr. Prince began vibrating in a low hum. “Glad to see you’re excited.”  She rubbed it over her nipple then the other one.  The vibrations making her nipples harden and peak.  “Mmm, very nice.  Too bad you can’t lick though.”  She unfastened her bra, tossing it on top of her sundress.  She opened the bottle of lube and squeezed a bit over her nipples, then rubbed the vibrating tip over them.  Wow!  It felt really good.

            Her fingers slid lower, trailing down her stomach.  “Let’s see what else you can do.”  She pulled the silky fabric of her panties aside, caressing with her fingers, feeling herself grow moist.  “ I don’t think we’re going to need any of that lube, do you?”  She looked at her purple and silver toy, then slid it down her skin over her abdomen, touching against her belly button, down her lower abs to just above her clit.  She chewed her lip anxious to experience this new sensation, but a little apprehensive as well. 
        
          “ I don’t know, maybe I should have another drink before I let you get to know me intimately.” Heat was already pooling between her legs, thoughts of Rob walking in catching her made it seem even more daring and adventurous.  “ Oh what the hell.  Let’s go for it Mr. Prince.”  She touched the tip to her clit.  Her eyelids closed with the instant pleasure.  “Oh wow!”  She rubbed it against herself, enjoying the new sensation.  “Mmm, you’re good.”  She moved the toy in longer strokes, just touching the tip inside her.  “Oh, wow.  I’m sure Rob will have a proper demonstration for me later.”  With that she pushed the tip a little further in, the vibration sending a ripple all the way up her body.  Stephanie clicked the end to the next setting.  "Mmmm."  She rubbed it over and inside of herself, making quick short strokes, almost going deeper but not quite.  She pressed it harder against her clit, an instant jolt of pleasure.  She continued for a few seconds letting it build.  Soon, she was lost in the pleasure, alternating over her clit and inside herself., the pressure  building, she was getting close to orgasm.  She had to have more.

           Stephanie pushed the toy deeper, touching that spot that as of yet Rob seemed to be the only one to hit.  She worked faster, deeper pressing against herself until she exploded in orgasm.  She continued working Mr. Prince  until the waves subsided, then ran the wet toy over herself, down over her back hole, remembering the play with the girls.   That thought sparked a whole new wave of lust, and she turned the vibrator on high.  The tingles that went through her as it vibrated over her ass, then plunging inside herself sent her over the edge to another orgasm.  Twice more she brought herself to orgasm before her actions were interrupted by her cell phone ringing.

          She quickly jumped up to answer.  "Hello?"  It was a London number, but not Rob.  

          "Ms. Colson?  Stephanie Colson?"  It was a deep male voice.

          "Yes?"   She couldn't imagine who it could be.  "Who is this?"

           "Ms. Colson, there's been an accident.   Mr. Taylor has listed you as next of kin.  He's in critical condition. "

           She didn't hear anything else the man said.  "What?  Rob is hurt?  Where?  What happened?"  Tears welled in her eyes.  No, this couldn't be happening.  "What room?  Where do I need to go?"

          "Calm down Ms. Colson.  He's stable at the moment, but if you could get here soon."

           "Yes of course just give me the address." She scribbled furiously, swiping at the tears.
She closed out the call, looking around feeling immense guilt that she'd been masturbating while he was in critical condition.  "Oh baby I'm so sorry,"  It came out barely more than a whisper.  Quickly she dressed, and slipped on a pair of sandals.  Mr. Prince was roughly tossed back into the box, the lid set on top.  She grabbed a light sweater on her way out.

         Frantically  Stephanie went to the front desk and asked the man  what was the best way to get to the hospital from there.  Smelling the alcohol on her he called a cab.  It was only a few minutes before the cab arrived.  Stephanie thrust the paper in front of him, as she could barely keep from bursting into tears. 

Love Notes - chapter 8 & Companion chapter

Welcome back to Love Notes. As a special treat, this week we hear from Rob.  We've been reading Stephanie's diary and hearing her thoughts. I don't know about you, but I'm wondering if Rob is into her as much as Stephanie is into him.  Do you think Rob is keeping secrets?  Will the secrets that each of them are keeping end up ruining their relationship or will they work things out?

Chapter 8 Companion

by Ben Hannigan

              Rob laid on a bed of white cotton, curled up with his new found lover watching her sleep.  The room was small but the fact that it was a suite made up for that. He rolled over carefully to avoid waking her and saw that it was five thirty in the morning. Yawning, he searched for the source of the vibrating noise that had awakened him.  He eventually, by touch, managed to reach his phone; unlocking it he saw it was work. “Bollocks” he swore and checked the message; “Taylor, the package from the yanks came in today, pick up and deliver asap. DV.”  He slowly rolled out of the bed and gently kissed his sleeping partner.

            Grabbing the pad from under the phone he scrawled a note for her.  From the adjoining living room area he phoned room service and arranged for a simple breakfast to be delivered to her for around nine thirty; a kir royale, a light croissant, and a Viennese pastry with a single red rose. He stepped into the shower closing the door quietly as not to wake her.  He turned the shower to a high heat, and sliding off his silk pyjama bottoms, he stepped in, swearing softly at the change from cold to scorching heat.

            In the shower, his mind, freed of distraction, worried on  an issue that was bound to come up sooner or later.  It was Stephanie that caused the issue.  She was funny, smart, sexy -  definitely sexy.  He smiled and slipped into a memory of the night before. She was naked on the bed he’d crawled out of at 3am to go relieve himself, leaving her asleep in a tangle of sheets and duvet. He crept back in, using skills picked up over the years, and managed to slip back into the bed undetected. She rolled over onto him, her mouth seeking him, his tongue penetrating her mouth and sucking the air from her lungs. By default now his hand found her sex and she was ready for him, stroking her clit he devoured her throat with kisses.  She moaned into him, her heart pounding, and all he could focus on was the hand wrapped around his cock.

            All thoughts of a shower forgotten now he gripped himself with his left hand, his right hand supporting himself against the wall, his calloused hand sliding up and over his soap coated cock. Gripping tight and rough losing himself in the moment of his memories, eyes glazed over with lust small grunts escaping his lips.

             She pumped her hand along his hardness and grinned wickedly as he moaned for her, alternating between slow movements and fast paced poundings, bringing her boy hurtling towards the oblivion of orgasm but each time pinching just below the tip and holding him there.  It seemed like he had reached that point eight or nine times by the time that he was allowed to plunge into her, biting, thrusting, and groping.  They blended their two bodies into one, screaming into each other.

            He stiffened and exploded all over himself in the hot shower, the water washing the hot come off his pale skin as he lost himself in his memories of being inside his Stephanie. He continued his shower, hardening again still lost in the recent memories. This time his movements slowed, allowing him time to explore his own body in ways that he had not done before he met Stephanie.  His hand grasping his shaft as his thumb rubbed across his tip, teasing at the slit whilst his right hand slipped down his chest, leaning against the wall now panting with need and desire. 

            He imagined he was no longer alone in the shower but instead sharing it with her. Her mouth sucking at his neck as she twists his nipple, biting and tearing at his bare skin, his left hand resting on his hip as she takes over stroking and teasing his balls.  Her squirting the moisturiser into her hand and rubbing it over his cock jerking him softly as her free hand moves from nipple to his hip, tracing circles on his skin. He mewled as he felt the lubed fingers press against his hole demanding entrance, instinctively leaning forwards against the wall to allow her access to dip deeper.

            “Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!” He mewled as a finger traced across his prostate, he slumped onto the digit right down to the knuckle driving him to see stars, falling backwards in surprise at the power and intensity of the dry orgasm that surged through him.  Rather than the glass shower door he expected to find, on his bare back he felt wet, warm skin, he felt a pair of rock hard nipples brush against him and a set of arms catch him as he slumped.

            “My god” he mumbled as he came down from the rush, with her continuing her assault on his limp body plunging her tongue into his mouth and grasping his hardness until he begged for release.  He moaned and shook watching her slide from the shower turning with a quick and coy wink as she managed to sway teasingly back to bed.

             He moaned again from his come soaked position slumped against the shower wall, finishing the shower he blearily walked back to the bed, not quite sure where the fantasy ended and the physical world began. He dressed slowly in a plain suit, making sure that Stephanie was still asleep.  He took a small leather system of straps from a locked box in his suitcase and untangling it and put the harness around his shoulders.  Taking the second item from its protective cloth, he readies his L117A2 and prepares to leave stowing his spare magazines in the inside pocket of his leather jacket.

            Leaving the hotel he paid the concierge to retrieve his bike from the valet parking and rode into the melee that was rush hour London traffic, stopping not at the medical facility that Stephanie had already seen but instead a small non-descript building in Vauxhall Cross.  Presenting ID at the door he was buzzed into a small dark office where he received his orders and a package to deliver to an American business contact at a small hotel in Knightsbridge.

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Chapter 8

by

Ellie Mack

               Stephanie  stretched, then turned towards Rob.  She scooted towards his scent.  A slow smile spread over her.  Every moment spent together was wonderful, the sex was amazing but their morning cuddling was her favorite part.  She scooted a little closer, her arm slipping beneath his pillow.  Would he make the first move or would she?  She stretched again, the fog of sleep slowly receding.

            Wait!  Something felt wrong.  By now he usually put his arm around her or something.  She reached over patting his side.  When she felt nothing her eyes flew opened.  She sat up; the sheets falling away.  Stephanie patted his area as if somehow magically he would reappear. Stephanie sighed as the realization that he’d already left for work hit her.  It was so like him to be sweet, not wanting to wake her but she wanted to see him, kiss him before he left. Slowly she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and walked to the bathroom.  

            She showered mechanically, going over the work she needed to do, and not wanting to do a bit of it.  She sighed, her face turned up letting the water pour over her. A mental battle waged on why she shouldn’t be disappointed.  She should be glad that Rob was gainfully employed, that he wasn’t some dead beat.  Not that she cared about his financial situation, but being a dead beat would mean his character was flawed.  As far as Stephanie was concerned there was nothing about Rob that was flawed.  Not his character, his heart, his face, his body, his mind; Rob was the complete package.  A smile spread over her as she thought of Rob.  He was such an amazing man.  Charming loving, romantic, and extremely sexy, he knew just how to make her feel special.

            As she toweled off she caught her reflection in the mirror.  She turned to the side, then to the other side looking at herself.  It appeared that she’d lost a bit of weight since she’d been here.  Was that even possible?  It had only been a week?  She turned around to view her backside.  Somehow her ass didn’t appear quite as large to her.  “Hmm, maybe it’s just my imagination or wishful thinking.”  She turned back around. Her tummy definitely appeared a little flatter, more toned than before. 

            “Well Rob Taylor, my sexy hunky man.  You are apparently good for my body as well!”  She tossed the towel over the edge of the tub and practically sprinted to the small closet where her clothing hung.  She slipped on her silk panties and best bra. She couldn’t tell any difference and took them off, putting them back into the drawer and took out the black satin string bikinis, and the black lace matching bra.  They were noticeably better fitting.

             She ran to the bed and grabbed her cell phone from the nightstand. She quickly punched her friend’s contact picture. It seemed to take forever to connect, then ring before it was picked up. 

            “Hello? Stephanie?”

            “I lost weight!”  Stephanie practically screamed into the phone.

            “What?” 

            “I. Lost. Weight!”  She could barely stand still from the giddiness she felt.

            “OK, congrats.  I didn’t realize you were trying while you were over there.”

            “That’s just it Letti, I haven’t been trying.  I just got out of shower and saw myself in the mirror.  I tried on my tightest panties and they fit me great.”

            “It must be all that sex you’re having.”

            Stephanie blushed, even knowing that no one could see her, her friend's comment made her feel a little embarrassed.  She walked back into the bathroom, turning at different angles to look at herself. “Hey if this is what it gets me, I’m doubling up!”

            “Is that even humanly possible?  Aren’t you like doing it about seven or eight times a day now?”

            “Um, yeah something like that. Oh Letti, I’ve never felt so in love in my life!  He’s just so amazing.”  She shuffled back to the bed and flopped down on her back, her feet on top of the attached headboard, staring up at the ceiling, tweaking her nipple.   “I may have to consider international business, open an office here so I can be with Rob.  Let Steve handle things there.”

            “About that"  Letti cleared her throat.  "he has lost you the Spurgess account.  Mr. Spurgess is filing a lawsuit against you for breech of contract, and failure of delivery.”

            “What?”  she flipped around instantly on her knees facing the end of the bed.  As the shock of Letti’s words sank in, she spotted a white box on the table in the living room area.  She walked over to it.  White pearlized paper wrapped with a purple ribbon, the box was about the size of a shoe box.  Had Rob bought her some sexy shoes?  They had discussed over their chats her love for and his appreciation for sexy shoes and boots.  He’d said many times he’d love to see her in specific designs, then forwarded a picture of Jimmy choo’s, or some other super sexy shoes.  A picture of thigh top zebra print stiletto boots flashed in her mind and she gauged the size of the box.  She had promised him she’d wear them with a black leather halter, and black mini skirt before she did a slow private striptease for him.

             A card was placed leaning against the side of the box. “Send me the information, I’ll be working most of the day. Rob has to work, so I’ll just stay here and get my work in order.  Send the necessary files, I’ll call and see if I can’t smooth things over with Mr. Spurgess, maybe remind him of daddy, get him all sentimental and promise that he won’t have to deal with Steve again if he can just wait until I get back to the States.” Her fingers trailed over the box.

            “OK. Stephanie?”

            “Yes?”  She toyed with the ribbon, wanting to rip into it and be wearing the boots when Rob returned.  Of course she’d wear them all day in her panties and bra breaking them in.

            “Are you seriously planning to stay over there and set up an international branch?”

            “Oh, I don’t know. It was just an offhand remark because I don’t want to lose Rob.”  She tugged on the ribbon, it started to give. A flicker of excitement rippled through her.

            “It’s just that you referred to here as back to the States, not as home.”

            “Oh, did I?”  Her fingers traced her name on the card. “I  don’t think it really matters, not a big deal OK?  Anyway I’ve got to get busy.  I really do have work to do.  Bye.”

            She knew she’d cut Letti off and well, she’d apologize later.  She set her phone down, her fingers itching to open the gift.  First the card, she opened the envelope, reading the card he’d left her.

Stephanie,

My love!  Had to nip into work a bit earlier than expected, something’s come up. Shouldn’t be too long.  Booked you a ticket to the Cabinet War Room, for this afternoon.  Will have to meet up with you later my darling.  I will text you.

Love,

Rob

P.S. There’s a toy in the  box next to this note if you need to work out some stress before you go out.

             Well, obviously not boots then.  Stephanie looked at the times on the ticket and slid them back into the envelope. A toy?  She wasn’t into dolls, souvenirs, or much for knick-knacks.  She tugged at the ribbon again, this time it pulled out easily.  As she laid the ribbon aside, she carefully removed the paper and folded it setting it with the ribbon.  Stephanie lifted the lid, curious as to what Rob had given her. 

             “Oh my God!  Rob!”  she practically screamed it as if by saying it loud enough he’d hear her at the clinic. She placed the lid back over the box quickly, turning bright red. “I can’t believe you’d”  she didn’t even finish her thought. 

            “Should have gotten the boots!”  She crossed her arms, a myriad of emotions battling for first place.  She stomped to the closet and slipped on her black floral sundress smoothing it down into place. She glanced back at the box, a bit angry that Rob would give her ‘that”.

              A knock came at the door. “Room service.”

              "I didn’t order any room service yet.”  She briskly walked to the door, practically flinging it open.

              “Mr. Taylor took the liberty of ordering for you Ms. Colson.” The attendant said as he wheeled the cart in. He deposited the tray on the table, then removed the cover to reveal a magnificent meal and a single long stem red rose in a bud vase. 
“Enjoy your meal.”  The gentleman made a hasty retreat with the cart.

             “Oh don’t even think to butter me up because you’re thoughtful.” She spoke to Rob’s presence in the air. "I'm mad at you Rob Taylor!"  She plopped down in the chair, and poured the coffee from the carafe.  The breakfast was divine, but she couldn't finish it.  Stephanie carefully positioned the bud vase in the center of the table, just the right spot, then took the tray to set outside her door.  As she set up her laptop she let out a huge sigh. There was a great deal of work still to sell this medical center.  She pulled up her programs in different tabs and loaded the pictures from her phone.  Stephanie called room service again and requested a large green tea with lots of ice.  She worked diligently for three hours, occasionally glancing at the box.  She mulled over inside her head the contradicting thoughts about her gift. 

               Fear of being caught, fear of what others would think of her, unsure of what she really thought of 'it', curious as to how it would feel, how it would make her feel.  She'd never used one, hadn't ever really considered it, until now.  She stretched, took a drink of her tea then pushed herself away from the table.  She walked back to the table behind the sofa, and opened the lid staring at the contents.  Carefully she set the lid on top of the wrapping paper.  She reached for the toy.  A ten inch hard plastic vibrator that was  purple metallic.  Her phone buzzed and she dropped the toy instantly.  She scrambled back to the table, to grab her phone. 

  

               It was a text from Rob. 'Miss you darling.  Will be tied up a bit longer than planned.  Afraid I won't make lunch.  go ahead without me, I'll grab something here.  ILU'

                 The clock on her phone told her it was 12:30; they were suppose to meet at noon.  Darn!  She saved her files, and closed out her laptop.  Carefully she put the lid back on her box, after taking one more peak of course.  She grabbed her purse, checked herself in the mirror, smoothed her dress down, admired the smaller curve of her backside and headed down to the hotel restaurant.  A small seafood salad and fresh fruit sounded divine, and she needed to get out of the room before she gave into the temptation to try "it".

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