Free Love Bytes by Dahlia DeWinters Page A

him.
    “First tell me the truth.” She gave him a steely glare. “Come on.”
    He had the good nature to flush, splotches of colors showing high on his cheekbones. “Yes, I bought it for Valentine’s Day.” He cleared his throat. “Happy? Now open it and stop giving me a hard time.”
    With a trembling hand, she reached for the box. The leather was cool under her touch. The green bow slid off in one smooth motion and she flipped it open. Nestled against the black velvet was a silver filigree chain with a mouse charm. The mouse was studded with clear crystals from the tip of its tiny nose over its rounded belly to its tail. Pink crystals accented the ears.
    Violet pulled it from the box and held it up, the chain warm in her fingers. She couldn’t do any more than that. Her breath hitched in her chest as she stared at the jewelry.
    “It’s beautiful,” she breathed. “I love it.”
    Francis cleared his throat. “Well, you have to put it on, to see if it fits.”
    He got up and stood behind her, took the delicate chain from her fingers. He brushed her hair off the nape of her neck, the brief touch of his fingers making her shiver. The silver was cool against her skin and the charm, when fastened fell against the swell of her breasts. She brushed it with her fingers.
    “I love it,” she repeated, tears stinging her eyes. She blinked quickly, fighting them back. The dinner, the present, it was too much. Being tired made her over-emotional. “Thank you, Francis.”
    “I thought about what you said, about the mouse versus the swan thing and while I don’t quite agree, I do understand your thought processes. I saw that, and thought about you.” He bent and kissed her cheek. “I found it to be a very pretty mouse.”
    He was so near to her, his proximity, his scent was nearly too much. “You keep this up, Francis, I’ll be so head over heels for you, and you won’t be able to get rid of me.”
    “That,” he resumed his seat, “is what I’m hoping for.” He poured more wine in her glass. “For the road.”
     
    ****
     
    The pink-white glow of the outdoor lights illuminated their two vehicles parked next to each other. Francis’ hand at the small of her back was welcome, even comfortable, and she allowed herself to lean into him as they walked out. She waited as he locked the lobby door, her breath pluming in the cold night air.
    Francis looked around at the nearly deserted parking lot. “The coffee shop lights are still on.”
    Violet turned around. “Maybe he’s busy grinding beans for tomorrow.”
    Francis glanced at his watch. “He’s there mighty late.”
    Violet shrugged. “Probably left them on by mistake.”
    At the car, Francis took her into his arms and kissed her, running his hands under her coat.
    “You look beautiful, hot, and edible.” He nipped at her earlobe and planted a kiss at the curve of her neck. “I’ve wanted to do this all day.” He claimed her mouth and kissed her with such intense passion that it left her breathless.
    She slid her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with an equal passion, every nerve in her body awake and tingling.
    Kneeling, he ran his hands up the silky nylon to the warm skin above the band of the stockings and slipped her panties down her legs. He pushed her skirt up to where she could feel the whisper of cold across her pussy and then she was enveloped by the warmth of his lips and tongue. Sighing at the contact, she closed her eyes and spread her legs wider, each hot stroke of his tongue against her clit pushing her closer to climax.
    The pressure of his mouth intensified, making her gasp, and clutch at his head while trying to maintain her balance. Her nipples tightened, rubbing against the lining of her bra, increasing the frenzied ache between her legs. She braced herself, one hand against the car and one against his shoulder as the physical sensations increased, waves of pleasure coming one after another until she cried out with her