Chapitre 55: The Perfect Evening
He was extremely nervous. He needed this night to go perfectly. He didn't know how he was going to be able to do this. He knew how badly this was going to hurt her. He knew how she was going to react. He needed to make her understand that he did not want to be going to California. That he did not volunteer. He didn't want to do it.
He hoped she would understand, and when he could return, they would finish planning the wedding and begin their lives as Dean and Allie Stapleton. Maybe we will have a child either through adoption or perhaps even a surrogate, and then it will be a part of both of us.
Dean called Allie from the car.
"I'll be there in 5 minutes," she said.
"I'll come up to get you."
"You don't have to."
"Yes, I do," he said.
"OK. I'm not going to argue. I would win anyway."
"I would let you win.
He had been watching her for weeks. In addition to the ones in her apartment, he had also put a mini one across from her window in the corner of the communal garages. That way, he could tell when she was coming and going.
The cameras inside were set up perfectly. His favorite? It was when she showered. He had never seen anyone so beautiful. Her body was perfect, her curves accentuated by a tan she had had since the past summer. Her ass was perfectly heart-shaped. He wanted to suck her tips. Yeah, that's the first thing he's going to do. He wants to drink from her breast and taste her pussy. He wants to spill his seed into her, thinking that he may get her pregnant with their child. Maybe he should put in a nursery.
"I bet she is so sweet. I am tired of watching her but her room is not ready yet."
He saw her getting ready to go out. She had dressed up, and he could see she had heels on.
"Oh, my special girl. Your legs are so sexy. I can't wait till you're down on your knees begging me to let you go. Trying to bargain with me. Trying to Determine my motives and when or if I might let you go. You were either going to live on your knees or die on your back. Either way, my cock is ending up deep in her body."
He was on his way to her apartment. If she were going out, he would find out where. When he arrived at her building, he saw the Bentley pull up in front.
"Fuck. She's going out with the Sasquatch. Why doesn't she ever go out with the Chick who has the colorful hair? They are best friends, and I'm convinced they are her lovers. Maybe I should take her too. Then she will have someone to sob with, bet with, violate, and make her call him master."
Dean let himself into the building and up to her apartment. He knocked. Allie looked out the window and saw Arthur parked in front of the building. She waved at him, and Arthur waved back.
"Why doesn't he just come in?"
When she opened the door, Dean was standing there. Holding two dozen Stargazer lilies in front of his face. He moved the flowers to the side.
"I heard a rumor that you love lilies," Dean said with a cheesy smile*.
"Cowboy, they are beautiful. You have bought me every breed of Lily available in the continental United States," she said.
"You know the ones that I got you two months ago had to be flown in from—"
"That's OK. You don't need to tell me. Just keep it up. Well, they are beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you are, Buttercup."
He stepped into her personal space, gently taking her head in his hand and kissing her. He pulled back a little and smiled at her. How is he going to leave? No more nighttime peanut butter ice cream in bed. No more kind of watching movies together. He has seen the beginning of four dozen movies over their relationship. Please don't ask him about the end because all he knows is Allie is screaming and moaning his name.
"Hi."
"Hi," she replied.
"Do you know how much I love you?"
She looked at the lilies. "I would say about $200 worth of lilies, at least."
She took the flowers inside. He watched her walk away. She wore tight blue jeans, a red shirt that exposed her back, and black heels. He absolutely loved it when she wore heels with her jeans. Her hair was pulled up in a pile on her head. It looked messy but intentional. She went to the kitchen, squatting down to retrieve a large vase from the bottom cabinet. He watched her fish around.
"So, are you going to tell me where we are going?" she asked.
"No, it's a surprise."
"You do know that the worst thing to do to someone with PTS is surprise them."
"I promise this is a good surprise."
"OK, I trust you. If we don't trust each other, we have nothing," she said.
Ooh, what if he's taking you to Paris or something?
"Malibu. He is not taking me to Paris."
Are you sure about that? You know, all you would have to do is ask. He would have that Gulf Stream fueled and ready to go within the next hour. And you would only have you grab a toothbrush because he would buy you everything you needed when you got there.
"I would never do that. You, of all people, know I am not in it for the money. I'm only in it for the love."
And the sex?
"I am definitely in it for the sex."
She fished around a little more and finally pulled one out.
"Dean Edward Stapleton are you looking at my ass?" she teased.
"No. I am gawking at your ass."
She stood up slowly and locked her knees. And what could only be described as presented her ass to him.
"Why do you do this to me?" Dean groaned.
I asked her that all the time. Her answer? Because I like to and I can.
She put the flowers in the vase and carried them to the coffee table.
"Because I like too, and I can," she said, winking at Dean and Malibu.
He watched her cross the living room with the flowers.
"My special girl likes lilies. I'll have to keep that in mind."
Dean followed her. She put the flowers down and took her around the waist from behind. She leaned her back up against his chest. He kissed the back of her neck. Chills rippled down her back.
"You are so fucking beautiful. I can't keep my hands off you, Princess. He continued to kiss her neck. He ran his hands up her stomach to her breasts. "Fuck, you know only death could make me stop loving you."
"I'm sure the 'To death do us part" is in the vows, which covers that, or are we going to write our own?"
Fuck. Change the subject, you fucking jackwagon. "Hey, I love the heels. Very sexy. Are they new?"
She looked at her feet. "I have had these since I was in the Corps. If you look at the photo of me in the red dress, they are the same. I have two pairs, and they are both over ten years old."
"You need a new pair," he said. Your beautiful feet deserve a beautiful shoe."
"Sure, we can stop at Kohl's while we are out," she laughed. I never wear them, so basically, they are new."
"I still think that you need new ones. Plus, the only colors I have seen are black and tan. I see you in colors. Something a little more spicey."
He stepped up to her.
"Do I?"
He smiled and nodded, "Yes, I do."
He put his hands on her hips and kissed her.
"Are you cold? Because from what I can feel, you are cold."
He squeezed her breasts firmly. He slowly slid his hands till his fingers pinched her nipples.
"You were giving me the chills. If you will be doing that again this evening, I should put a bra on," she said.
"Oh no, don't do that!" he pleaded. "I want to feel you up in the car."
"Feel me up. How old are you? I swear I'm dating a teenage boy."
"I'll be 31 in two days," he told her.
She turned to face him. "Wait, your birthday is in two days? Why did I not know this?"
"You never asked."
"I'm a horrible fiancé," she said.
"Really, it's OK. He kissed her. I know when yours is. I have no idea how old you'll be, but I know when yours is."
"How do you know when my birthday is? And I'm going to be older than 32. I am not cougar and cub old, but I am a little more experienced in the way of the world. Does this mean we haven't celebrated birthdays this entire time we have been together!"
"I asked Makayla. Remember the diamond tennis bracelet I got for you?"
"That was a birthday gift? Why didn't you say Happy Birthday?"
"You never mentioned it, and I thought the fact that it was in a gift bag would have been a hint, and you could be turning 50, and I'd still want to feel you up."
"I never mention my birthday. Even if it was my birthday that day, I couldn't care less about my birthday if I woke up in the morning. That's good enough for me. I don't need a reminder of how many days I did. And if I were 50, that would make me a cougar.," she said.
"That's hot. Want me to call you Ms. Kingston?"
"I guess that's more appropriate than mommy."
He kissed her passionately and let out a moan.
"You know, I would like to try to role-play sometime," he said. "Will you call me daddy?"
"I have horrible daddy issues, so due to that, I think daddy is off the table."
He put his hands on her ass and hitched her up. She put her legs around his waist. "Okay, So you know I am not opposed to you calling me my God."
"Oh, would you now?"
She kissed him repeatedly.
He was getting angry watching him with her.
"I need to get rid of him. He needs to go. He's in my way. I need either a miracle or an elephant gun."
"Do we have to be wherever we are going at a certain time?" she asked.
She kissed him.
"No, not really. We have a little leeway. Not to mention, they will not be giving my table away. Why?"
"Because if your birthday is in two days, that means I missed it last year. And I didn't get you a gift."
"I already have what I want,
"Take me to the bedroom. I'm going to give you the gifts I would have." She cocked an eyebrow.
They were talking between taking quick breaths, between kisses. She had her fingers entangled in his hair.
"As you wish."
"I love you, Farmboy," she said.
He carried her into the bedroom and shut the door behind him. He peeled her clothes off. "You know I like you in red. What happened to the teddy with the matching crotchless panties?"
"I was going to, but I don't know where they are for my life. I knew that they were my dirty clothes, and I remember putting the teddy in the lingerie drawer."
He ran his fingertips along her arm. "Maybe the sock gnomes took them."
"It does seem like they are gone. It was my favorite because it was your favorite."
"It's okay. We will get you some more. Maybe black. I do like black and lacy. How about we shop for what you will wear on our wedding night? I have some ideas."
He walked forward, pushing her slowly till she fell on the bed.
"Baby, I am already wearing what I wear the night of our wedding."
He looked at her inquisitively. "But you're naked... oh." The corner of his mouth raised into a smirk. "It fits you perfectly."
She looks like a goddess. Her blonde hair looks like a halo. He couldn't do this. He could not watch them together. He made it a point never to watch. He watched her sleep. He watched her pleasure herself. But when it came to this. He couldn't. It enraged him. Anger would cause carelessness, and carelessness will get you caught.
An hour later, they finally came downstairs and joined Arthur in the car. Dean opened the door, and she slipped into the back seat. He got in on the other side.
"Miss Allie, if I may say, you look stunning this evening."
Her face turned as deep red as her shirt. "Thank you, but—"
"But nothing," Arthur said. He made eye contact with Dean in the rearview mirror. "I guess she liked the flowers, Sir."
Allie blushed and covered her face with her hand.
"She did." He turned to her and whispered. "Three times, I believe."
"I was just going to go for two. One for each dozen. But since it's your birthday, I thought I would throw in one for good luck," she whispered back.
"Well, I am a fortunate man."
"All right, Arthur, off we go," Dean said. "Speaking of birthdays, I have a gift for you."
"Your birthday but a gift for me?"
Arthur handed him a box from the front seat. "This is an early gift for your next birthday or just because I wanted to get you a gift," he said.
"So, I love you in heels, and I know you know that because you hate wearing heels, but you do anyway, for me. So, I decided that if you wear heels, you should at least have a nice, comfortable pair."
He handed her the box.
She untied the red silk ribbon.
"Oh my God, baby! Are you out of your mind? This is way too much!"
She put the lid on the box and shoved it back into his hands.
Dean took her legs and put them on his lap. He took her shoes off and let them fall to the floor. Then he opened the box.
"You," he took one of the shoes out, "deserve," he put the shoe on her foot, "only the best." He put the other one on. "How do they feel?" he asked.
"They do feel good," she said, smiling. "But these are Louboutin's"
"And they match your outfit perfectly."
"They are pretty. I can't walk outside in these."
"Allie, they're shoes. They are specifically designed to walk in, outside."
"In a pair of what, Six-hundred-dollar shoes?"
"Sure, let's go with that."
"Eight hundred?" she asked.
"Sure."
"A thousand?"
"Close enough," he said.
"Farmboy, if you spent a thousand dollars on a pair of shoes, I hope they had nine one-hundred-dollar bills shoved in them," she said.
"You need to get used to being spoiled, Buttercup."
"I am not sure it's something I could ever really get used to. You are just the public servant I fell in love with. I can't seem to see you as a billionaire playboy. But thank you, baby."
"I am not and never will be a billionaire playboy. I am the man you love, and I want to spoil my future wife."
He leaned over and kissed her. "The world is yours. All you have to do is ask for it."
"Really? Then I'll take it," she said.
"As you wish."
We ran his hand up her leg.
"So where is this place we are going?" she asked.
"It's in Twinsburg. I found it a couple of weeks ago. My parents had come into town to discuss some things with me. It was amazing. They have a Cabernet. Far Niente 2017. So good. Do you like Cabernet?"
"Farmboy, you know me. I haven't met a wine I didn't like."
"You're going to love this. We have a 25-minute drive. What should we do to pass the time?" he asked.
"I don't know. Play a game. 20 questions? License plate bingo? The Cougar and the cub?"
"Oh, that sounds like fun. What is that?"
"Why don't you kiss me and find out."
Arthur looked in the rearview mirror. Dean nodded to him. He rolled up the darkened window partition that separated the front from the back.
"I'll let you know when we get close," he said as the window closed.
"Thank you," Dean said.
"I'll let you know when I get close," she whispered.
"Thank you for the heads up, Buttercup."
The Bentley pulled out of the lot. He followed them, hanging back a bit. One thing he had gotten good at was following someone. He drove a nondescript car—a basic beige—with no distinguishing marks or characteristics. He was just another average man driving an average car.
They got off the freeway in Twinsburg, and Arthur tapped the window twice.
Allie straightened her top and sat up.
"We are here, Sir."
"Wow, this place looks really nice. Blue Canyon. I think I've heard of this place. I think Bruss took Shelley here on Valentine's Day. It was a disaster. She thought he was going to propose. It was one of those situations where he pulled the little box out. And then she found out it was a pair of earrings. As sweet as that was, he slept on the couch for two days."
"Those two have the world's strangest relationship," he said.
"I'm sure there are stranger relationships in the world. It's what works for them, and they are both fairly happy. So, your parents brought you here? You didn't tell me they were in town. I would have loved to see them."
"Like I said, it was for business. I needed to talk to them about possibly changing jobs in the future."
"Changing jobs? Why are you thinking about changing jobs? I thought you loved your job," she said.
"I do. I love my job very much. I take it very seriously, and I am dedicated, but I think after we get married, maybe we should consider doing something else. Why don't we continue this conversation inside?"
He helped her out of the car, and they entered the restaurant.
The man at the podium greeted them. "Mr. Stapleton, it is so great to see you back. How are your parents? Did they make it back to Kentucky? OK?"
"Well, thank you for asking. And remembering. Yes, they made it back just fine," Dean said.
"That's good to hear. And, of course, I remembered, Sir. Between you and your father, it's hard to forget you. Now, who is this stunning young woman?"
"This is my fiancé, Allie."
"Nice to meet you, Allie. I have a nice table for you in the back corner. It's very private, just like you requested," he said.
They followed him back to the table. It was a high-back booth. She slid in, and Dean slid in next to her.
"I will let your server, Jeanette, know you are here. Can I start you out with a bottle of Far Neiente 2017?"
"You remembered that also," he said.
"Of course, sir. It is hard to forget a family who drinks four bottles of our best Cabernet."
"That would be great. I appreciate it."
"Right away, Mr. Stapleton."
"It's weird to hear Stapleton. I wanted to correct him."
"When you're Mrs. Stapleton, it won't be so odd."
"I guess I will. Now, will you tell me why you want to leave the bureau?" she asked.
"I just think that after we get married, we should think about starting our family and both get out of our dangerous jobs."
"Dean, you know I can't have children, and we really haven't talked about doing anything else."
Dean swallowed and took a deep breath. "I think we should find a surrogate. I've been looking into it. They can use your eggs and my... umm, stuff, and we can have a biological child. Our baby. My eyes and your smile. I bet Makayla would do it for us," Dean said, sounding excited.
She put her hand over his. "Dean, I don't know. I just can't leave my job and ask Makayla to carry our child," she said.
"Can you at least think about it?"
She sat there silently for a moment. "I will consider a change of employment. I wouldn't mind working for your family…"
"I feel a but coming on," he said.
"But I don't want a surrogate. I would adopt, but I can't have someone, anyone, carry a child for us."
"But why? It will be ours. A little part of me and a little part of you. We can have a beautiful little person. I will give Makayla whatever she wants. She wants a million dollars? I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract."
"Did you know that even if we use one of my eggs, I am still not considered the baby's mother? I will have to adopt my own child. And I can't have another woman carry YOUR baby. I get jealous just thinking about it," she said. "Even if it is Makayla. I want to feel the kicks, the rolls, my skin stretching, craving ice cream and pickles." Her voice quivered slightly.
He slid closer to her. "Buttercup, I am so sorry. I guess I never really thought about it from that point of view. I just thought it would be a way to have a biological child of our own."
"I thought you were okay with not having a biological child?"
"No, I am. I am fully on board whatever you do or don't want to do."
"If we were meant to have a baby together, then we would, and I would carry it and be his or her real mom. I know that sounds selfish, but—" she was cut off.
"You don't need to explain yourself. I'll go and do whatever you want. It's about our life." He took her hand in his and kissed it. you, Allie, are my life." He held her face and kissed her softly.
"I'm glad you feel that way. I was thinking about getting rid of my apartment. I am at your place well over 75% of the time. I think it's time to start my new life with you and leave the past behind me."
Fuck me. Move in together! This couldn't come at a worse time.
"I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up to you every morning. I want to have morning coffee together and breakfast on the weekends. I want to spend nights on the couch watching all the movies I've never seen. What was that one? The Breakfast Club? You can watch some of my favorite Keanu movies. Which is all of them, by the way." She smiled. She looked so excited.
He didn't know what to say. He had been leaving her for God knows how long, and he was positive she was going to cancel the wedding.
"So? What do you think, cowboy?"
He smiled. "I would absolutely love that. All of it."
"Why do I feel a but coming on?"
"What? Oh God, no. I would love to have all those things with you, Buttercup."
She looked at his expression. "Again, I feel a butt coming on. I can see it in your face. Don't forget who my partner has been for the last three-plus years." She laughed a little. It was a little nervous sounding.
"I just thought you were waiting till we got married," he said.
"Why would you think that?"
"You haven't yet. You never even brought it up as an idea. So I just assumed that's what you are waiting for."
"No. It's because I wanted to ensure we didn't break up, and I would have nowhere to go." Her tone was sarcastic.
Double fuck me.
"Crazy thinking, I guess," he said, trying to smile so she didn't see the trepidation in his face.
"I have to give 30 days' notice, and the wedding is fast approaching. I thought I could move in, and maybe my cowboy would pay me last month's rent."
"Buttercup. I would have been paying your rent for the last three years if you would have let me."
"You haven't even known me for three years," she said.
"Exactly," he said with a smile. "I'll call two men and a truck tomorrow."
Maybe she'll still move in. He was hoping with all his faith in God.
"Great. Then it's settled. Motion passed." She reached for his hand. "I love you, Dean. More than anyone else I ever have. My trust in you is unwavering."
His heart ached just a little and then a little bit more. "Even Alvarez," he asked.
"Yes, Cowboy. Even Alex. I have such good feelings about our future. It's going to be something special."
Triple fuck me. God, I hope this night goes spectacularly. If she loves me as much as she says, she will stay. Wait for me to come home, right?
Just as Allie was about to say something else, Jeanette brought a chocolate lava cake to the table.
"Here you go. I brought two spoons to share, and I hope you enjoy it."
"Isn't this cute? Small but cute. Like your Bug."
"It's a dark chocolate cake with melted dark chocolate filling and raspberries to clean your pallet."
"Dark... raspberries... Liquid chocolate. Do I have to share?"
"No, Princess. If you want it all you can have it all."
"Why are you such a great fiance? Your Mama really raised you right. Here." She picked up a spoon and scooped up some of it. "You get the first bite."
"What? No. This is for you. I know how much you love me just by that one gesture."
She sat there with the spoon suspended in the air. "Thank you, Farmboy." She smiled and put the decadent in her mouth. The bitterness of the chocolate center combined with the sweetness of the cake." She moaned loudly."
"That good?" he asked.
She couldn't speak. All she could do was close her eyes and make the sexiest noises he had ever heard.
"Would you like me to leave you two alone?"
She laughed. Scooping up another bite. She put it in her mouth and kissed Dean. Their tongues, now coated with chocolate, danced a beautiful tango.
They separated. Allie wiped off her mouth and then did the same to Dean.
"That was divine. Thank you for sharing, Princess."
"Would you like anything else, Buttercup?"
"I wish I had room for another one of those lava cakes. Those were amazing. I didn't see it on the menu, though."
"That's because it's not on the menu," Dean said. "Oh, do they have one of those secret off-menu things?"
"No. I wanted them to make one for you, and they did."
"They made a dessert just for me?" she asked.
"Yes, they did because I asked them to. I paid generously for the favor. I know you like dark chocolate. It's your favorite of all the chocolates."
"I fucking love you more than any chocolate."
"Wow, I am honored," Dean said, thinking about the inevitable.
Jeanette brought the check along with a paper handle bag.
"I'll take that whenever you're ready. And here is the porterhouse you ordered to go."
"What is that a late-night snack?" Allie asked.
He laughed. "No, actually, it's for Arthur."
"You know, I think the only thing better than being in your family is working for your family. I adore how wonderful you are to those who you employ."
"My parents taught me something very early in life, Allie. Whether the person mops your floors or handles your investments, you treat them equally. You treat people how they deserve to be treated. Everybody deserves to be treated with respect. Unless they give you a reason not to, we have some of the best employees out there because of how we treat them. Like people, like family."
Dean quickly looked at the check and laid down his MasterCard black card. After the check was paid, Dean went into his pocket and pulled out five $100 bills.
"Dean, did you just tip our waitress $500?"
"Yes, I did."
"Not that I don't think that is the greatest thing ever, but $500? She was good, but that couldn't possibly be 20% of the bill," she said.
"No, it's not. I tipped her that because I can," he said. "I tipped her in cash, so she doesn't have to claim it when she closes out tonight."
She looked at him. "You are the kindest, most generous, sexy, of course, person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."
"I just treat people like I would like to be treated."
"So, is this my surprise?" she asked.
"No, this was not your surprise. This was dinner."
"Were the shoes my surprise? And they are amazingly comfortable."
"No, the shoes were more for me than you," he said.
"OK, so what is my surprise?"
"You will find out in about 20 minutes."
"Ooh, just enough time to play 20 questions." She bounced her brows.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone