A Little Something More Read online

  “Yes. You were in your element, and I loved watching your excitement bubble over. Will this be a family tradition then?”

  “Definitely, although I think we can cut back on the decorations next year.” I pull my feet up under me and snuggle down on the sofa.

  “Hey, if you’re that tired we can go up to bed.”

  “But I want to sleep.”

  “Who said I couldn’t take you to bed and let you sleep?”

  I don’t have to open my eyes to see his wide grin. His mirth is clear from his words.

  Six

  My body fights with my mind as I try and come around from my deep slumber. Heavy eyelids hinder my progress. I stretch and turn to Seb, only to find his half of the bed empty and cold. The fog of sleep clears as I search for the time. It’s nearly 11:00 a.m. I haven’t slept this long in forever. I pull back the duvet and grab my robe before going in search of Seb.

  The smell of coffee wafts up the stairs as I head down to meet it. I peek inside the front room and find Seb. Tears sting the back of my eyes, and my throat swells with emotion as I watch him. Delight hums through every fibre of my body. He stands in front of a seven-foot tree, adorning the branches with a few of the ornaments we brought yesterday.

  “I hope you don’t mind. I started without you. You were out of it, and I wanted to let you sleep.” I pad into the room and wrap my arms around his waist to squeeze him tightly. This man is my everything. It’s not just the grandiose gestures, but the small things, like helping with the tree, which have created such a powerful connection between us.

  “Thank you. When did you get the tree?”

  “This morning. I wanted us to be able to spend the day doing Christmas stuff. Like you wanted.”

  “It’s perfect. Or at least it will be once we’ve finished. I love you.”

  “I love you.”

  The tree’s boughs are still sparsely decorated, and I can’t wait to dig into the bags and unwrap the ornaments.

  We spend the next hour wrapping twinkle lights around the branches and hanging baubles and angels on our tree. We don’t talk but share smiles as we finish our first Christmas tree.

  “Is it bad that I want to have this Christmas all to ourselves?” My question comes out as a whine as we cuddle on the sofa admiring our handy work.

  “No, it’s not bad. Remember, we had last Christmas all to ourselves. We have plenty of time before your Mum and Dad arrive to have our own time together, and your parents will only be with us for a few days.”

  “I know. I’m being selfish. I’m just… I’m happy. I’m filled with happiness, and I’m not sure I want anything to burst this bubble.”

  “Hey,” Seb pulls me closer into him, “nothing is going to burst our bubble. This is our life now.”

  “Are you happy here? We still haven’t found a house to buy.”

  “I’m happy here with you as long as you are.”

  The tears that threatened earlier return, but this time win and trickle down my cheek. I hold my breath to try and keep them from falling and dash away the salty evidence on my face before Seb notices. “Do you want a drink? I’ll put the kettle on.” I escape out of the room and take a deep breath as I head to the kitchen. The urge to cry abates as I focus on the remedial task of making a cup of tea.

  * * *

  After the charm and joy of decorating the tree, the normality of life seeps back in. Seb is at work and a mountain of client projects to review hide my desk in my office. We’re both still catching up from our honeymoon, and since Christmas is just around the corner, the daydreams of creating more ‘first’ memories slip further away.

  I leave work and get home before Seb. The warm glow of the lights from the tree greet me as I enter the dark house. Despite our busy work schedule, I can still feel Christmas in the air. I set about preparing dinner, unsure of when Seb will be home.

  I open and close every cupboard in the kitchen trying to find inspiration for what to cook. Nothing takes my fancy, so I opt for my fall back. I set a pan of water on the stove, grab a red pepper from the fridge and start to chop. I prepare the garlic and pepper and dose with a generous helping of olive oil and leave it in the pan for when Seb walks in.

  I’ve got dinner covered. When will you be home? xx

  I wait for his answering text and curl up on the sofa in the front room.

  The door slamming closed startles me, and I bolt up from the sofa.

  “Iz, I’m sorry. I got held up at work. Did you eat already?” Seb calls from the hall, and I blink my eyes a few times to orientate myself. Seb walks in and joins me. “Hey, were you asleep?”

  “Yeah, sorry. I just closed my eyes for a moment. What time is it?”

  “Nearly half eight. Did you eat?”

  “No, no. I got it all ready. We just need to get the pasta on.”

  “Are you okay?” Seb curls a loose strand of hair around my ear and tilts my head up to look at him.

  “I’m fine. Come on. Let’s get us fed.” Seb takes my hand and pulls me up. I don’t miss the quizzical look he gives me as I pass him.

  Fifteen minutes later, we’re sitting at the table with a bowl of pasta and a glass of wine.

  “I know it’s not long until your parents will be here. I’ve been thinking of a way to celebrate before they arrive. We’ve not been to Solace on our own since before our honeymoon. I think it’s time we made some room for it.” Seb grins across the table at me.

  “I think that would be a wonderful idea, Sir.”

  “Good girl. Next Friday night. I want you home on time. I’ll have chosen the clothes I want you to wear, and I’ll leave them in the spare room. We’ll eat, celebrate before we enjoy the rest of the evening together.” My mind goes into overdrive as I imagine the possibilities, and I have my Christmas treat to look forward to.

  “I’m looking forward to it already.”

  “Oh, and one more thing. You’re not allowed to come until next Friday. I want you pent-up and frustrated for what I have in store.” My stomach drops at his command. My eyes lower from his face, and I force my body to stay still, although I’m desperate to fidget. I rub my wedding bands with my thumb. It was a habit I had, and although I don’t want to associate anything of my old life with the new one I share with Seb, I simply can’t help myself.

  My body still responds so vividly to Seb. We’ve grown accustomed to living together, waking up and going about our day. The every day hasn’t diluted the connection that first pulled us together.

  “Now, as beautiful as you look there, I want to enjoy you in our bedroom. Go upstairs, strip, and wait for me on the bed. Do not touch yourself, understand.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Seven

  This week has been the longest in forever. Or should I say, the longest since Seb had previously forbidden me to come. We were apart then. With us sleeping in the same bed every night, it brought a new level of exasperation to my world. I grew more amorous each night as Seb played my body like a master with passionate kisses that made me feel drunk and tender touches that had me begging for him to be aggressive. Seb ensured that I was at my wits’ end by the middle of the week. The climax-freeze wasn’t a mutually agreed term. He enjoyed me sucking the silky head of his cock to the back of my throat while I was positioned ready for his tongue to torture me. My problem was he enjoyed my pussy aching with need. He withheld any touch that I craved. His fingers didn’t even skim the swollen and tender flesh between my thighs. He tormented me with his body and lips and left me with a burning knot of frustration in the pit of my stomach.

  Friday morning finally arrived. My alarm woke me first, and I start our day as I have done so many others. I make the coffee, deliver it back to our room, and kiss Seb awake. The nerves I used to feel at what could come from my submission have morphed into butterflies of excitement. I no longer fear what might occur when I put myself in Seb’s hands. He’s proved time and time again why I trust him and has shown me the rewards of that trust.


  His lips gently press back against mine, and he deepens the kiss. Today, Seb is in control. My eager and strung out body responds in kind and I move my leg to straddle Seb’s body. I grind down to try and generate some much-needed friction.

  “Stop. I told you I wanted you frustrated for tonight. I want you to melt into my touch. Understand.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He hoists me off of him and heads for the shower. I snuggle back in bed and sip my coffee until he’s finished.

  “I’ve put the clothes for work and then this evening in the spare room. I’ll be checking in with you through the day. Have you got anything on at work that I need to be aware of?”

  “No, my diary’s pretty clear today, Sir. When will you be home?”

  “By six at the latest. I want you ready when I walk through the door, understand.”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes, what?”

  “Sorry, yes, Sir.”

  “I bet you’ll be wet for me before I even get home.”

  I squeeze my eyes shut and try and think of something other than the sexy timbre of his voice and how it’s precisely tuned to have the maximum effect on me.

  “You’ll be so slick you better be careful at work. None of those suggestions I used to fill your mind with.”

  I bury myself under the covers in a lame attempt to escape him.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll have you screaming soon enough.” He snaps the sheets back, divesting me of my temporary hiding place. He dresses and then offers a chaste kiss in parting before heading out the door.

  Once I hear the front door close, I venture into the spare room to see what I’ll be wearing today and this evening. Two outfits are displayed against the wardrobe door. I can’t miss them, but when I see my evening’s attire, I wish I had.

  A sheer lace robe drapes from the arms of the hanger. A wide edge of black silk is the only solid part of the outfit. Filigree and patterns adorn the full length of the gown but offer no concealment. My heart beats loudly in my chest at his challenge. This is by far the most revealing of anything he’s laid out for me in the past.

  I slide it from the hanger and hope that there is some hidden underwear. There is none. The silk edging will run down the centre of my body and offer a margin of concealment. My nipples, breasts and whole body will be visible to anyone and everyone at Solace. Waiting for my attention on the floor are a matching pair of black and lace heels. They soften the blow of the shocking negligee, and I sit back on the bed before casting my eyes to my more pressing challenge.

  I don’t even bother to scan the hanging garments I’ll be wearing at work for underwear. I know there won’t be any. He’s picked my high waisted pencil skirt and teamed it with a white blouse. This would normally be the kind of outfit I’d pick for myself. But the shirt has a deep vee, and with no bra, it’s certainly risque.

  Seb hasn’t challenged me in this way since before the wedding, and I’m flung back to all the times in the past where I’ve struggled to balance my need to please him with what I’m confident doing. I twirl my anklet or the tattoo that represents my anklet, and my thumb rubs over my rings.

  I am not the same insecure girl that constantly questioned and analysed everything. I don’t need to muster my courage. I have the confidence to pull this off because I know Seb would never ask too much of me. Plus, I long to feel the rush of hearing Seb’s praise.

  Half an hour later, I’m wearing the sexy outfit and even take a quick selfie to send to Seb.

  Enjoy your morning. Love Izzy x

  You’ve certainly given me something to enjoy. S x

  Seb’s texts punctuate a day that is otherwise uneventful. There are no raised eyebrows or comments about my choice of clothes and no situations that made me feel too uncomfortable.

  All day, all I want is to get home to wait for Seb. Lust simmers under each exchange and has me checking the clock every half an hour.

  Finally, 5:00 p.m. and I’m out of the office without a backwards glance and home by 5:30 p.m. The floor is the resting place for the skirt and blouse as I rush for a quick shower.

  I feel like an excitable child finally getting the present she’d always asked for. Energy pumped through my veins and a smile lights up my face as I get ready for our date. I pile my hair into a messy bun and tease a few locks to frame my face.

  The fabric of the robe glides over my skin as I put it on. I position the centre panel to offer myself as much modesty as I can but enjoy the overall look in the mirror. Seb told me I’d be wet by the time he got home, and he won’t be wrong. I ease into the beautiful heels and take in the finished look before sitting in the small chair in the room.

  The minutes creep past, and I have to try some calming breaths to relax. I shouldn’t be this excited about going to Solace with Seb. We’ve done it dozens of times in the past. There’s something in the air that makes tonight special. Maybe being so close to Christmas, and that we’re giving each other this time together. The expectancy gets the better of me, and I stand to go and find my phone.

  I’ll be leaving in 10. Be ready. S

  It was the last message from Seb, and he sent it over half an hour ago. He should be home any minute. I attempt patience and perch on the edge of the bed. I cross my legs and my dress for the evening parts, revealing my naked legs underneath. It certainly has the show stopping factor to it.

  “Shit!” I’d completely forgotten that I should be downstairs with wine waiting for him. I hustle from the bedroom in my adorable new heels and pull the wine from the fridge. I pour two glasses and take a sip, giving my pulse time to recover. I take a seat at the kitchen table and listen for the door.

  The minutes stretch out, and I grow increasingly impatient. I’ve sipped all I dare of my wine.

  Everything ok? Izzy x

  Forty-five minutes late didn’t usually warrant a check in, but Seb was never late when we had plans. The passion that had been in abundance all day was markedly absent.

  I’m sorry. Still at work. I won’t be much longer. S

  I mentally curse his job and take my wine into the front room to wait. All of my excitement had evaporated at his text. He might still make it home in the next hour, but it doesn’t stop the disappointment that worms its way through me.

  I tuck my feet underneath me and pull the blanket from the back of the sofa.

  Keep me posted. Missing you. X

  I empty the small glass of wine over the next half hour as I try and distract myself on social media. It doesn’t work.

  I’m so sorry. I’ve got to be here for a little longer. I’ll make it up to you. I love you S

  My vision blurs as I read the words. I shouldn’t be upset. Seb stays late and works long hours a lot of the time. I knew that from the start. But this was the first time he hadn't made it home when he said he would.

  “Izzy. Izzy, wake up.” Seb shakes me, and I rock gently as I come around from my sleep.

  “Seb? What time is it?” Sleep clogs my throat making my voice husky and low.

  “Just after nine. I’m sorry I’m so late. We had a last minute crisis that I needed to speak to the lawyers about. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” His smile doesn’t meet his eyes, and I can see he’s sorry for letting me down.

  “That’s fine. I know you would have been here if you could.” I stifle a yawn as I sit up. Seb offers me his hand, and I take it.

  “I have to say you look delicious and can I say again how sorry I am that we haven’t had our evening.” He pulls me into him, and I wrap my arms around his neck. I’m pleased he’s home, but I’m finding it hard to get excited again.

  He must sense my mood because he pulls me tighter before whispering, “Do you want to go up to bed?”

  “Yes, if you don’t mind. I know we had all sorts of plans for tonight, but right now I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. Even wearing this gown.” A shy smile pulls at the corner of my lips, and Seb tucks me under his arm.

  “I’ve had a hellish evening mysel
f. Bed, with you, sounds like the best plan all round. Unless you’re hungry?”

  “No, it’s too late. Can you just cuddle me up?”

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  Eight

  I wake to an empty bed again, something that I’m not enjoying, and pull myself out of its warmth and comfort.

  Seb is downstairs reading on his iPad at the kitchen table. Coffee steams from his mug.

  “Morning, beautiful.”

  “Morning.” I walk over and pour myself a small cup of coffee before joining Seb.

  An uneasy silence builds in the air.

  My head feels clogged with cotton wool and instead of looking forward to a day with Seb, I want to go and hide in our room.

  “You look a little pale, Izzy. Are you feeling alright?”

  “Yeah, just a little tired. Did you have any plans for today? It’s the last weekend before Christmas.”

  “I need to check on some emails, and I also need to go and collect a few things in town. Nothing big.” Our conversation is stifled, and I can’t help think that the real world is making itself present in our relationship. It was bound to happen. Our whirlwind romance, the wedding and honeymoon. We needed to get back to normality at some point.

  “Hey, what’s up, Izzy? And remember that you are a rubbish liar.”

  “It isn’t a big deal. I suppose I just miss the magic of the wedding and honeymoon. I just feel a little emotional. Maybe you can get what you need finished this morning, and we can have lunch together? Tomorrow is operation wrap the presents, and you're on sellotape duty.”

  “Sellotape duty?” Seb gives me a puzzled look.

  “Yeah, I wrap, and you pass the tape.”

  Sunday is taken up with the mammoth wrapping task. Traditional brown paper and festive ribbons litter the floor of the front room. Boxes with pretty bows stack neatly under the tree with the presents piling up around it.

  Seb has been a very efficient sellotape dispenser, and we’ve had fun. The disappointment from Friday night has faded. Next week we only have a few days before my parents arrive for their short visit. Christmas Eve to Boxing Day morning is plenty of time for us to catch up.