"Only One Night..."

Short Story by
Gretchen Steen

“Finally, this week is over,” Alison said, throwing her keys and purse on the kitchen counter. “… Especially this day! He finally has some time to kill, and so do I. Maybe he’s left me a message?”

There were always little messages left on the computer, whenever he thought about her. Long orations, the funny smiley faces, or just ‘miss you, hon.’ He never left a day go by without some contact. Her interest peaked, she arranged for this meeting and he anxiously agreed. He was married, so was she; neither was really happy or content with their situations. Somehow they had found each other, and their chance meeting led to feelings neither of them expected.

Opening the computer, patiently waiting as the windows opened and closed, she took off her coat and shoes. AOL loaded and opened, she smiled … mail … of course … it was never empty. Searching the long list she found many names, but only one really mattered.

“Yes, here it is …” Opening the email, it read, ‘miss you, later, xxxx S’. Smiling, Alison replied to an empty room, “Yes … later!”

Lost in the email, she forgot what time it was. “I’ve got to get ready, I can’t be late …” as she anxiously stripped and jumped into the shower. As the water cascaded, it felt like hands … his hands, caressing her, when they finally met. Standing in the steamy fog, thinking out loud, “If only you were here now…” Laughing at the thought, she quickly turned off the water. Hearing the answering machine click off, she grabbed a towel and wrapped up in it. “I hope it wasn’t Kel, she knew I had plans tonight.” The red light was blinking, signaling a message. She pushed the play button. There was a pause at the beginning; no sound and then a deep voice … his voice … a message she hoped she wouldn’t receive.

Listening carefully, she played it over and over again. “Hey Hon … bad news for later, I’m working late, I can’t get away … have to make it another night … call me?” The message was short and sweet. Was he really working late, or did he just want out? She had to know, and she would know … before the night was over.

“The message means nothing …” as her thoughts drifted back to this unforgettable stranger. Sitting on the bed alone, “He won’t forget this night … I won’t let him! But I have to get ready, now.” Reaching for the stereo, the music began; softly playing in the background … “Strange Magic …” hearing it again, the violins, the driving bass and the pounding drums still sent chills down her spine. “He’s too young to remember it, and too young for me … I'm too old, but he insists I'm not. Ok, let’s see, what should I wear, something sexy? Or sophisticated? What would he like?” she debated aloud. “This is perfect … my favorite…” she smiled, envisioning his reaction.

The music played on …“Starlight”, “Sweet Talkin’ Woman”… the CD repeated over and over, playing into oblivion. She heard it, but her mind was lost in other thoughts … thoughts of him. Looking at the vision in the mirrored door, she turned and inspected the reflection. “Yes! Perfect! Now, for my eyes … they have to be just right … dark and penetrating, to reach deep into his soul...” she whispered, turning from the mirror, satisfied.

Looking deep into her own eyes, she finished her makeup … it was light and natural. Now, another difficult choice, “Which perfume would he like? I don’t know, but this one always turns heads, and I love it anyway…” she whispered, reaching for the smallest bottle. It was crafted of frosted glass, capped in blue and gold and a black tassel hanging from the bottleneck. Spraying just enough, to hint at the scent, she began; first, behind her ears, then across her shoulders, inside her wrists, behind her knees, and finally between her breasts. Hoping she’d hit all the right places, a devilish smile crept across face. As her tongue moved across her lips, she tasted sweet, sensuous honey.

Walking from the bedroom, she picked up her keys and handbag, and walked out the door. “This night is mine … no one is home to stop me, not this time.” Approaching the car, she turned back. “This is only one night … I must come back here, and go on,” she said quietly. She started the engine, looked in the rearview mirror and smiled. Inserting a CD, the music began again as she slowly pulled away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Mr. B, are you still here?” The night guard asked, opening the office door.

“Yes, I’m trying to get caught up on some work, that’s all. I’m waiting for a phone call,” Steve replied.

“OK, just checking to see what offices had to be left unlocked.”

“I shouldn’t be too much longer.” The guard closed the door, and Steve wondered how long he should wait. Would she return his call? Had he really hurt her by canceling their rendezvous? It was important, more than she would ever know. She was special. He had never met anyone like her, and probably never would again. He didn’t want to lose her, he couldn’t. Staring into the blank computer screen, he could see her face. The pictures she sent him were all he had to hold on to. “I need more, much more, but will I ever…” he pondered, shaking the images from his mind. “I have to get out of here, now!” Shutting down the computer, he grabbed his coat, turned off the office lights and walked out the door, locking it behind him. Calling to the guard as he passed his desk, “I’m done, the office is locked. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“‘Night Mr. B … I hope you have a good evening.” Walking through the electronic door into the cool night air, he wondered, where is she now?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stopping at the curb, he glanced across the street into the dimly lit parking lot. Several cars were still there; his sat alone in the back row. Crossing the street, uncertain, he walked slowly toward his car. It was dark, but still light enough to see around the lot. At the far end, parked alone, was an unfamiliar car; emerging from the black Mercedes … a woman. This was not the right section of town, or the right time of day for a woman to be alone. As she stepped out of her car, he moved discreetly toward her. Steve couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing here. “May I help you?”

Slowly she turned and faced him. Smiling, and her eyes aglow, “Hello, Steve … did I surprise you?”

Steve could not respond, his eyes frozen on this woman. Her hair was long mahogany brown. Her skin was pale and clear. Her ears were lined with gold. She was dressed in a sheer, red silk blouse, vaguely concealing the red lace beneath it, unbuttoned just low enough to reveal her sensuous figure. Her black leather skirt fit snugly, slit high to show off her thighs. Her calves were muscular, aided by the tilt of her platform shoes fastened around her ankles. On her right ankle, a gold bracelet shimmered in the dim light. He reached for her hand, and she raised it to him. It was soft and warm. Her nails manicured to perfection, scarlet to match her revealing blouse; gold bracelets, rings, and a gold wedding band. Yes, she belonged to another, but at this moment in time, she was his. Steve’s eyes moved across her body slowly, memorizing every curve. Hanging from a frail necklace, lying between her breasts, something he remembered from their first conversation ... her gold dragon. Seeing this, he knew it was her, the one he longed to be with.

He smiled, as his glance met hers. “Yes, Alison, I am surprised. You didn’t phone, I wasn’t sure what to think…” the words tumbled out.

“This was our night. I didn’t want to lose it.” Her voice was soft, soothing and sensuous. “I would like to see your office,” she added coyly.

“Sure, let’s go in, it’s warmer inside than it is out here,” Steve responded graciously. Taking her hand, they walked back to the office building.

“Back so soon?”

“Yes, but we won’t be long.” Steve replied. Together they walked down the hall to his office. Unlocking the door, he turned on the light. “Please, go in.”

Alison stepped into the office and curiously looked around. Pointing to the door across the room, “That is your office?”

“Yes, would you like to see it?”

“Yes.” Steve was unsure of what she intended to find, following her into the dark office. The outer office lights illuminated the room strangely. She moved to the desk, stopped and dropped her keys and bag. She turned toward him; she sat on the edge and pulled him closer. Her soft hand caressing his face sent chills down his spine. Her eyes, dark and enchanting, had cast their spell.

“What perfume are you wearing, you smell delicious…” Steve asked, as his heart raced.

“Far Away Fantasy, my dear ... am I yours?” she uttered with a smile. Leaning toward her, his strong hands cradled her face.

“Yes…” he whispered. Their eyes met, forever lost in the moment, their first kiss ... filled with forbidden passion and desire.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The kiss awakened desires they had long forgotten. Steve took a step back, and he gently caressed her face.

“Are we alone?” Alison asked softly, “Will the guard come back?”

“No, he won’t disturb us…” Steve replied with a smile.

“So, where do we go from here?” Alison asked devilishly, looking up at him. His smile made her shiver; his blue eyes overflowing with desire yet to be fulfilled. He was tall, dark and handsome, like the old saying, but it was true. And he was hers tonight, to do with as she wished. How she had dreamed of a night like this. In the arms of a man more powerful, yet she had the power over him. As he moved closer, she slowly raised her leg between his thighs; higher and higher, slowly teasing him and torturing him. Reaching for her leg, his hand slowly inched from her ankle, up her calf … to her thigh. Searching cautiously, his hand slipped beneath the soft leather, feeling the heat beneath it.

He moved still closer, raising his hand to touch her face once more. Running his fingers through her hair, he passionately looked down at her. His eyes were as blue as the sky on a clear day; they looked through her. She leaned back, as his hand moved down her chest and began to unbutton her blouse. One button at a time, revealing what lay beneath it. Cut low to expose the curves of her breasts, the lace was transparent. Steve leaned forward and kissed Alison’s neck; his sensuous journey had begun. Slowly he moved lower … small kisses, his wet tongue and his hot breath flooded over her taunted flesh. Kisses that brought arousing sensations … she waited for his touch. Through the lace he kissed her, making her shudder. His gentle touch drove her crazy and her thoughts, overtaken with desire.

Slowly he rose and backed away. Slipping down from the desk, she stood before him. Her hands moved slowly over him, higher and higher, feeling his desire build with every breath. Gently she opened his shirt. Kissing his muscular chest, she teased him a little more. She looked into his eyes and smiled. Turning, she walked toward his desk, turned on the computer and waited. “There is something I want you to see.” He stood behind her, leaned forward and kissed her shoulder. Alison closed her eyes as feelings rushed through her again. She quickly turned, “Please Steve, sit down,” moving the chair toward him. Looking at her, he wondered…why the computer?

The bright monitor shone in his face as he sat down. Steve pulled Alison toward him. As she moved closer, the ache, the desire became unbearable. Running her fingers through his hair, she looked into his eyes and smiled. “This is only the beginning…” turning back to the computer … the screen was filled with roses and hearts…signed “xxxx A”.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Steve smiled when he saw the “message” she’d left for him. “Are you ready?” she asked.

“Ready … for what?” he instantly replied.

“Let’s get out of here. I have the whole evening planned. Meet me at the hotel we talked about, in an hour, OK?” Alison stated anxiously, without giving any more information. Steve signed off, shut down his computer and stood up.

Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled and kissed her cheek softly. “Yes, anywhere, as long as I’m with you …”

Alison picked up her keys and handbag, and Steve turned off the lights in the outer office. He closed and locked the door behind them. They walked quickly, hand in hand, passed the guard desk and through the front door. They crossed the street and approached their cars. “Give me an hour, meet me there,” Alison said softly.

Steve kissed her gently and replied, “Drive safe …”

Alison pulled out of the lot and disappeared down the dimly lit street. Steve waited patiently, checking his watch. The hour passed slowly, and finally his wait was over. As he started the car, the music began … soft music; strings … piano … saxophone … music to change a mood … music to change the night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Driving down the long abandoned highway, Alison saw the lights of the city in the distance. As she approached, the buzz of nightlife rang in her ears. Turning into the hotel parking lot, she pulled up to the entrance, and two men approached the car. One asked for the keys as she emerged, and the other inquired about luggage.

“Only one, in the back seat,” Alison replied. The second man retrieved the bag, and the car was taken away.

“Follow me ma’am, I will take you to the desk, so you may check in,” the attendant said politely.

“Thank you, I have reservations,” Alison replied softly. They moved through the doors and approached the desk. Handing the clerk a note, he looked up and candidly smiled.

“Yes, ma’am, your room is ready.”

The hotel was grand. White marble floors covered with oriental rugs. The curved staircase leading to the rooms, were lined with brass railings. Grecian columns at the base of the stairs reached the mirrored ceilings. The gracious clerk led Alison to her room, “This is a gorgeous place. I am expecting a visitor. Please, when he arrives, bring him to my room? His name is Mr. Brown. I really appreciate this, as this is the only night we have before my trip. He should be arriving within the hour.”

“Yes, of course I shall, ma’am,” he replied with a smile. Reaching her room, he opened the door and set down her bag. Handing her the key, he kindly said goodnight and returned to the downstairs desk. Closing the door behind him, Alison’s vision returned … of her dark stranger … “I must get ready…”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The drive seemed endless. Steve turned into the hotel lot and parked his car. He quickly entered the hotel and walked to the desk. The clerk, raising his eyes from his work, smiled. “Mr. Brown?”

“Yes,” Steve replied with surprise.

“Please follow me, your lady is waiting in her room,” the clerk said.

Together they walked up the marble stairs. As they reached the room, the clerk pressed the call button and inquired, “Ma’am, Mr. Brown has arrived.”

Hearing his voice over the intercom, she replied, “The door is open, he can come in.”

“Thank you,” Steve said, shaking the clerk’s hand. Opening the door, he entered slowly and quietly closed it behind him.

The room was breathtaking. Softly lit with candles, the scent of roses filled the air. The furnishings were elegant. Soft music … Rachmaninoff … the infamous Piano Concerto No. 2 … drifted through his mind. Looking around the room, he saw her. Standing near the balcony door, looking out into the night, she was dressed in a black velvet kimono, the image of an eclipsing moon embroidered across her back.

“Come in Steve, I’ve been waiting for you …” she said softly.

As he moved across the room, he passed a king size bed covered in black satin, showered with crimson rose petals. He grew closer, as she turned and smiled. Her eyes aglow with the candlelight, she moved toward him. Her kimono fell seductively from her shoulders, revealing a barely covered, sensuous body. Finally he reached her and gently touched her face. As she leaned toward him, she closed her eyes and felt their desire building.

“I missed you! Just an hour was too long …” as his heart beat faster.

“But we are together now, for only one night. We must make the most of this time, we may never have it again,” Alison said as she put her arms around him. Steve pulled her close, softly kissed her neck and reaching her lips, their passion was stronger than either had imagined. The kiss grew deeper and their breath rapid. “I want to feel the fire Steve, all of it, over and over until the dawn tears us apart…and we must return to reality. This is only a fantasy, yours and mine, for tonight …” as her desire peaked. Lifting her into his arms, he laid her gently on the rose petals as her kimono fell from her body. He undressed and moved over her. Their eyes were lost in each other. Moving from her ankles, his caress moved from calf to thigh. Heat radiated from her, the desire became overwhelming. She caressed his naked body. Moving higher, her nails tracing a path across his breasts, and the sensations burned deeper. He moved his hands from her thighs, across her stomach and found her aroused breasts. He leaned forward and kissed them. Kisses filled with passion and desire. She softly touched his face, “Make love to me, Steve … someone that wants you … needs you … I have dreamed of your touch…” she whispered breathlessly.

Skin touched skin and hearts beat together. Their kisses, wild and untamed, the heat of their passion drove them on. Pulling the kimono from her he exposed her naked flesh. Running his hands over her skin, she succumbed to the involuntary movements … of passion. Teasing her, he searched … he moved slowly … her breath grew shallow. “Please Steve …” Her body shook with pleasure as his hot breath flooded over her. The heat of his skin was erotic.

Looking down at her, he smiled. “Yes … but this will not be the end. This night is only the beginning …” he said as he thrust into her. Alison gasped with pleasure and moved with him. Over and over the passion peaked and waned … until the silent breaking of dawn. The sun, peaking over the horizon met them, wrapped in each other’s arms, they were satisfied …

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They stood together outside the hotel and said goodbye. An amiable kiss, a solemn embrace, their eyes met like strangers. The sun rose above the horizon as they parted and returned to their other lives, until their desire and passion needed to be satisfied once more.

© 2011 Gretchen Steen