“Well, I’ve given that some thought. You see, he still doesn’t know I have his private cell number. So, I’ve decided to call him, but not until Wednesday afternoon. Then I’ll inform him of a change of plans.”
Harry picked up his glass and listened while Claire explained her ideas. She would tell Tony that since she knows the area she made reservations at a nearby restaurant. And, she’d meet him there at seven. She wasn’t sure how it would go, but she wanted the ability to leave of her own free will.
“If I ask you, will you tell me something about your relationship with him?”
Claire sipped her wine, “I don’t know. It’s difficult for me to discuss.” She looked at the man only feet away. She entered his condo willing to take their relationship farther. Did she honestly feel better sharing her body, than her memories? He patiently waited, finally she exhaled, “What do you want to know?”
Harry scooted closer, removed the glass of wine from her hand and placed it on the table. She waited for his question. Instead, he leaned down, his lips brushed her neck and he gently kissed that spot between her neck and shoulder. The round scooped neckline of her shirt exposed the sensitive site. Shivering at the light touch of his lips to her skin, tingles descended toward her arms, to her fingers, and down her legs, all the way to her toes.
Claire gasped as she inclined her head, granting him greater access. Before she realized, she was sandwiched between him and his leather sofa. His lips were no longer brushing her skin; they were connecting her lips and skin with a new found urgency. Her body arched as his hands roamed over her tight t-shirt and caressed her lacy bra covered breasts. When her mind caught-up to their actions or more accurately her reactions, she whispered, “I thought you wanted to ask me questions.”
He supported his head, near her face and looked down into her beautiful gaze, “I needed to know if I could ask.” He gently kissed her lips, “Right now, I’d rather do something else.”
Claire smiled and purred, “Good, there’re better things to do right now.” She arched her back, feeling her nipples rub against the weight of his chest and nuzzled his neck. The aroma of his aftershave combined with the stubble on his neck electrified desires she’d compartmentalized away.
There was no question, those desires weren’t gone. They spilled out with a vengeance.
*****
As the airliner taxied to the San Jose gate, Sophia summoned her brightest smile. It wasn’t too difficult. After nearly two weeks of separation, she was truly excited to see her husband. Without fail, they’d spoken every day. Unquestionably, that wasn’t the same as being together. She longed to feel his embrace and taste his lips.
Sophia consulted the screen of her iPhone and retrieved an email she’d received earlier in the day. It wasn’t from Derek, but from Danny, Derek’s new personal assistant. Sophia wondered if the term Personal Assistant was manufactured so men wouldn’t feel awkward being identified as secretaries. Danny not only handled Derek’s business at work, he’d assisted Derek with apartment hunting and learning the area.
The email said Derek would be waiting for her in Terminal B near baggage claim. She felt her anticipation rise as she stood to exit the plane.
With all of Sophia’s experience with international travel, San Jose’s small easy to maneuver airport made locating her desired destination simple. She did however, have trouble locating her husband.
A gentleman in a chauffer’s uniform stood near the baggage carousel. Subconsciously Sophia read his sign: Mrs. Derek Burke.
After three years of marriage she should recognize her name. However, momentarily it confused her. First, she expected Derek. And second, her name was Sophia Burke. Other than on guest books at weddings and funerals, she’s never referred to herself as Mrs. Derek Burke. The sensation of the shutters came back. The clamor of voices dissipated as she listened to the rusty hinges creak. What happened to Sophia Rossi Burke? She wondered.
Sophia sat in the back seat of a company limousine, while the chauffer drove her to Shedis-tics. In an effort to remain calm, she peered through the tinted windows at the unfamiliar terrain. Occasionally she’d see the mountains Derek promised. Admittedly, she enjoyed their blue hue.
Apparently, Derek had an unexpected web conference he couldn’t miss. He was very sorry. The apology came through loud and clear -- on a text message. He promised a better reunion, once they made their way to their new home.
The limousine pulled into a generous semi-circular drive with a large fountain surrounding the Shedis-tics sign. Tall palm trees intermingled with soft pines created a landscaped barrier to the road. The multi-leveled glass building was more spread out than office buildings on the East coast. The building was actually a complex of interconnected glass and mirrored structures.