As she left the house, she pulled her raincoat tighter and pulled the hood up to keep the frizz at bay. The rain had stopped – but only for a few minutes. Her weather app warned another thunderstorm cell was making its way toward the coast. It was just enough time to walk – if she was fast – to his hotel a few blocks away.
She arrived just as a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. She entered the hotel and her heart quickened. She took a deep breath – how did he still make her feel this way after all this time? When she reached his floor, she untied and tied her raincoat belt a couple of times. Wondering suddenly what would look better. Her anxiety has gotten the best of her. She’s missed him so much. She left the coat untied and knocked on the door.
He opened it with his characteristic, wide smile. His eyes were lit with that thing she used to see in his eyes every day. It was a mix of desire, love, and affection. “Hi,” he said.
She replied, “Hi.” He stepped aside so she could come into the room. Music was playing from his streaming account, the playlist displayed on the hotel room TV. It was a playlist she’d made years ago, before he’d officially asked her out the first time. She didn’t even know that he knew it existed. But then again, he was always studying her – always watching her every move, even when life took them far from each other – so maybe it wasn’t so surprising. The song playing is, “I love you, I’m sorry,” the song on constant repeat, the summer they fell in love.
“Can I pour you a glass of wine?” he asked.
“Of course.” She slipped off her coat and hung it across a chair.
When he turned around to hand her the wine glass, he smiled again. His eyes traveled the length of her body. “You look . . .” he paused and then continued, “incredible.” She’d found a lace halter slip dress at Anthropolgie months ago and bought it for him. They’d become ships passing in the night. She was traveling for work constantly. He’d taken a temporary assignment in New York. She spent more time than she would ever admit, planning their next trip or the next visit to the city because she missed him so much. He stepped closer to her and offered her a wine glass. She took it from him and then he pulled her close. “You smell amazing too,” he said, kissing her neck.
“Thanks. I figured you’d like the dress by the way. I bought it just for you,” she said, and then took a sip of wine. “Oh my. What is this?” she asked, holding up the wine as he released her, temporarily, from his arms.
“There’s a new wine shop next to the hotel. You should check it out soon. The wine is a gamay noir from the Sonoma Valley. I think that’s what he said. I don’t know. I try to remember for you, sweetness. But I always forget.”
“I love that you try. I’ll look at the bottle later. Right now, I just want to get a good look at you.” He smiled again. This time, his eyes filled with the tenderness that made her want him more than she’d ever wanted any man.
“Samuel Louis Smith!” he exclaimed, causing her to laugh. “Look at that, I actually remembered the name of the winery.”
“Thank you. I haven’t heard of it. Love the wine, though. I’ll have to pick up more. So, what’s with the hotel, baby? Our house is no longer good enough for you after your fancy life in New York?” He smiled and kissed her neck again – his kisses trailing up to her ear.
He whispered in her ear, “Just something a little different. Since I’m only here for a day, I thought it sounded exciting.” He nibbled her ear. She pulled him along - closer to the small table and set her drink down. Then she pulled him toward the bed.
“Any time I see you it’s exciting,” she said. She kissed him as she began unbuttoning his shirt and then grabbed his belt before unbuckling it.
“True. Especially these days. So, you’re not even gonna take me out to dinner? Just straight to it, huh?” She smiled as he reached behind her neck and untied the halter top of her dress.
“Yep. Who has time for dinner when my husband is only in town for 24 hours?” Her dress slipped off - with minimal coaxing.
“That was easy,” he said. She smiled up at him, thankful for every second she could get these days - with the man she would love for the rest of her life. The easiest decision she’d ever made was loving him.
“Everything with you is easy. I love you,” she said.
“I will always love you more,” he replied.