The Perfect Husband Page 6

  Eric jumped up. ‘Let’s build a tent.’ He sounded like an eight-year-old.

  ‘Are you serious?’ I jumped up, too.

  ‘Why not? I’ll get some blankets.’

  Eric returned with a couple of blankets. ‘You show me what to do.’

  For a few minutes, I felt like a child again. I took one of the blankets and spread it over the two sitting chairs next to each other. ‘Move the hassock in front of the two chairs then stretch the blanket to the hassock and anchor it with pillows from the couch.’

  Eric did as I instructed. I picked up the other blanket. ‘Let’s drape this one from the couch to the chair nearest you.’

  When we were done, we crawled inside.

  ‘We did it!’ Eric laughed.

  ‘I think I’ll keep you for my tent-making partner,’ I joked.

  He leaned towards me and lifted my chin. Our noses almost touched and I felt his breath on my upper lip. ‘I’ll be your partner any day!’ Our lips touched and my insides turned to liquid. The kiss was everything I’d imagined and more, filled with passion and urgency. I hungered for more and he followed my lead. I felt the blankets fall down and cover us. But I didn’t care. Eric was doing things to me I’d only dreamed about. He was making me feel things I’d never felt before. And there, at that moment, blanketed by his warm kisses and tender love, I felt like I was in heaven and I knew I’d never be the same. I wanted this guy more than I’d ever wanted anyone in my entire life. My head said, No, it’s too soon. But my heart said, Yes. Don’t stop. No one has ever made you feel this way. Enjoy it.

  I went with my heart.

  Chapter 10

  The next morning, I woke up twisted in a blanket on the living-room floor. I followed the smell of bacon to the kitchen where I found Eric making eggs, dressed in white boxers with yellow smiley faces on them.

  ‘It smells delicious.’

  He turned towards me. ‘Welcome to Chef Eric’s, ma chérie.’ He tried to sound French. ‘May I serve you some breakfast?’

  ‘S'il vous plaît, Monsieur Talbot.’ I also tried to sound French.

  We laughed. ‘That’s all the French I know,’ Eric said. ‘Well, except for the French I used last night.’ He grinned.

  ‘And the French you used last night was much better than the French you’re using this morning,’ I teased.

  ‘Well, the morning’s young,’ he playfully bantered back. ‘Now, how would you like your eggs?’

  ‘Scrambled would be great.’

  He pointed to the cabinet next to the sink. ‘Mugs are in there. Help yourself to the coffee. There’s cream in the refrigerator.’

  I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at the breakfast table. ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to make the toast?’

  He leaned to his left and reached for the toaster, already loaded with bread, and pushed down the lever. ‘I have that handled. Just relax and enjoy your coffee.’

  Eric finished scrambling my eggs and scooped them onto a plate along with a few pieces of bacon and a couple pieces of toast.

  ‘It looks delicious,’ I said. ‘I’m not used to eating this much for breakfast.’

  He fixed his plate and sat across from me. ‘I wish you could spend the day.’

  ‘Me, too. Yesterday was a lot of fun.’

  Eric winked. ‘Especially last night.’

  ‘Yeah, that wasn’t bad either.’ I smiled.

  ‘Maybe we can do it again?’ Eric jabbed his eggs with his fork.

  ‘What? Make a tent?’ I laughed.

  ‘That and some other things.’ He winked. ‘Do you believe in fate?’

  ‘I’m not sure. Do you?’

  ‘Yes, I do. I believe there is a higher power that brings people together for a purpose. Maybe you and I found each other for a reason. There were dozens of profiles on that dating site and yet you were the one I texted. Why?’

  ‘You liked my cat,’ I laughed.

  ‘But there were other women whose photos included cats. I didn’t text them. Just you. We’ve both been to hell and back. Maybe we were supposed to meet. Maybe this was God’s plan all along. You deserve a loving and trusting partner. I do, too.’

  ‘Why don’t you come visit me next weekend? I really want you to meet Jackie and her husband. Maybe I could cook dinner for all of us.’

  ‘Sounds great, but don’t worry about cooking. I’ll take us all out for dinner. Just pick the place, somewhere we won’t feel rushed.’

  I finished my coffee and showered, wishing I didn’t have to leave and could spend the day with Eric. But I had to get home to Izzy, and I’d left a mountain of paperwork on the kitchen table.

  Eric had already showered, and I heard him playing his guitar as I dressed. I packed my bags, including all the things Eric had bought me the day before, and joined him in the living room.

  ‘You sound great.’ I sat on the couch beside him.

  He turned his head and smiled. ‘Want to try it?’

  ‘Sure.’

  I turned so my back faced him. He placed the guitar on my lap and wrapped his arms around me demonstrating how I should hold it. His breath tickled my neck as he spoke. Feeling him so close to me sent the butterflies in my stomach into a frenzy, and I found it difficult to concentrate. I felt his silky lips on my neck as he softly kissed it, starting from behind my ear and ending at the base of my neck.

  ‘I want you,’ he whispered as he pulled back my T-shirt and kissed my shoulder.

  His voice was as smooth as whiskey on a cold winter’s night and just as welcome. I moaned.

  ‘Do you want me?’ he asked.

  I turned my head and we kissed. He lifted the guitar and placed it on the floor. This time there was no tent. He carried me to his bed and gently laid me down. I slid out of my clothes while he slid out of his. He caressed every inch of my body before our bodies melded together and my insides exploded. Afterwards, he held me in his arms.

  ‘I wish you could stay,’ he whispered.

  ‘I wish I could, too.’

  ‘You could move in with me,’ he said, half teasing and half serious.

  I smiled.

  ‘Seriously, Shelly.’ He caressed my cheek. ‘I haven’t felt this way about anyone for a long time. I don’t want to scare you, but I can see myself building a future with you. Nothing has ever felt so right.’

  I was beginning to feel that way, too. I loved how I felt when I was with Eric. The way he looked at me with those piercing eyes made me feel as if I was the only one in the world that mattered. For the first time in a long time, moving didn’t seem such a bad idea. I called Jackie as soon as I got home. ‘He’s amazing, Jackie.’

  ‘You did it, didn’t you?’

  I giggled. ‘Yes. And no man has ever made me feel the way he makes me feel.’

  ‘That good, huh?’

  ‘The best I’ve ever had. Not that I’ve had a lot, but you know what I mean.’

  I told Jackie about the tent and the attempt to learn how to play the guitar.

  ‘He sounds so romantic. I can’t wait to meet him!’

  ‘You will next week. He’s coming for the weekend. Are you and Bruce free for dinner on Saturday?’

  ‘Yes. That sounds fun. Do you want me to cook?’

  ‘No, Eric wants to take us out. Said I should find a place where we won’t feel rushed.’

  ‘How about Alfred’s?’

  ‘That’s perfect. I’ll call and make a reservation. Are you going to the gym tomorrow?’

  ‘Yes, I’ll see you then.’

  I hung up with Jackie and read the texts Eric had sent me since we said goodbye.

  Miss you already!

  Turn around? Wish you could.

  Can’t stop thinking about you.

  Next weekend can’t come fast enough.

  Night, my love.

  We hadn’t said I love you, yet, but I knew it was only a matter of time.

  Chapter 11

  When I walked into the office the next day, th
ere was a package waiting for me. It had been overnighted. I hadn’t ordered anything and when I did, I never paid extra for overnight delivery.

  I shook the box. It sounded like books. I took it back to my desk and opened it.

  Oh! My! Gosh! He didn’t!

  Eric had sent a box of black-and-white film classics. Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Sunset Boulevard, Double Indemnity, Dr Strangelove, To Kill a Mockingbird, It’s a Wonderful Life, and others.

  I texted him immediately. Got the movies. Thank you so much!

  He immediately texted back. Glad you liked the surprise. I love making you happy.

  We’ll have to watch one next weekend when you visit.

  Definitely! Have a great day!

  You, too!

  I felt as if I were a helium balloon floating skyward, buoyed by the wind, leaving all my worries and cares behind. I never expected when Eric and I first texted a month ago that I’d feel this way so quickly, but I did.

  I told Jackie about the surprise after exercise class that night. She clutched her heart. ‘He’s so romantic.’

  I opened my locker. ‘I know, right? Sometimes I think it’s all a dream and I’m going to wake up and he won’t be there.’

  Jackie grabbed her things out of her locker. ‘Doesn’t sound like you have to worry about that.’

  ‘I can’t wait for you to meet him,’ I said as we walked out of the gym.

  We walked to our cars and came to mine first. I hugged Jackie. ‘Thanks for always being there. I love you.’

  ‘I love you, too. See you later.’

  That night, after I talked to Eric for an hour, I watched one of the movies he sent: It’s A Wonderful Life. Every year at Christmas, Grandma and I used to watch it together. It always brought tears to my eyes. So many memorable characters, memorable lines and memorable moments. I especially loved the end when George Bailey realizes that he’s not a failure but rich beyond his wildest dreams thanks to great friends and family. That night as I snuggled in bed with Izzy by my side, I felt rich.

  The week buzzed by and when Saturday arrived I was ready to relax. I woke up early to run to the grocery store. I wanted to pick up some items for lunch and maybe some cheese and olives to snack on later. Eric had texted that he was on his way and would be at my apartment by eleven.

  When I got home, I jumped in the shower and shaved. I was glad my nail technician could fit me in at the last minute on Friday. I wanted to look my best for Eric.

  The doorbell rang and I expected it to be Eric, but it was a young boy selling candy bars for a school fundraiser. I ran to get money to buy two but when I returned, the boy was gone and Eric was holding a bouquet of sunflowers and the entire box of candy.

  ‘Where’d the boy go?’

  Eric handed me the box. ‘I bought all of his candy.’

  My eyes widened. ‘But there must have been fifty bars in that box.’

  Eric picked up his satchel and overnight bag. ‘Take them to the office for your co-workers to enjoy.’

  ‘You’re too much!’

  Eric followed me into the kitchen and watched as I put the flowers in a vase. ‘I think I’ve received more flowers from you in the short time we’ve known each other than I have my entire life. You really don’t have to bring me flowers every time I see you.’

  He kissed the back of my neck making me dizzy with desire. ‘But I like buying you flowers.’

  I twisted my neck. ‘Eric, stop. Let me finish arranging these flowers.’

  ‘But I’ve waited so long to be with you again.’ He continued to plant soft kisses on my neck.

  I put the last sunflower into the vase. ‘It’s only been six days.’

  ‘But it felt like six years.’

  I held up the vase. ‘Done. What do you think?’

  ‘I think I want to devour every inch of your body.’

  I set the vase down. The truth was, I’d been counting the minutes until we’d be together again, too. He scooped me up and carried me to my bedroom and laid me down. I started to remove my shirt.

  ‘No,’ he said. ‘Let me do it.’

  I lay on the bed, and he slowly undressed me. My insides squirmed in anticipation, which, from the smile on his face, he seemed to enjoy. He slowly removed each piece of clothing as if he were unwrapping a gift and wanted to prolong the surprise for as long as he could. He kissed every area of my body: My neck, my breasts, my belly button, my inner thigh. I thought I was going to die I wanted him so much.

  ‘Please, Eric.’

  ‘Do you want me?’

  ‘Yes. Very much.’

  ‘Are you mine?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Say that you’re mine.’

  I moaned. ‘I’m yours.’

  ‘You belong to me?’

  ‘Yes, I belong to you. I think I love you.’

  ‘Say it again.’

  ‘I love you.’

  ‘Oh, Shelly, I love you, too!’

  And with that Eric undressed and completely consumed me. I thought our love making last weekend was great, but today had topped that. I’d never been with someone so skilled in knowing how to please me and love me. I knew then that I’d never want to live without him.

  ‘Who do you belong to?’ Eric asked afterwards.

  ‘You.’

  ‘Say it.’

  ‘I belong to you.’

  Chapter 12

  We met Jackie and Bruce at Alfred’s at six. Eric insisted on stopping to buy Jackie a bouquet of flowers. When we walked into the lobby, they were waiting for us.

  Standing next to Bruce, who was the size of a defensive lineman, Jackie looked like a child. She was a foot shorter than Bruce so closed the gap by wearing six-inch heels. She looked stunning in her mid-length red dress that accentuated her curves. And Bruce didn’t look too bad either. I wasn’t used to seeing him in a coat and tie, but Alfred’s was the kind of place you had to dress up for.

  Jackie hugged me. ‘You look beautiful. Is that new?’

  I wore a simple yet elegant black dress with cap sleeves and a flared shirt. I whispered in Jackie’s ear. ‘Found it on the sales rack at Piccolo’s. Paid ten bucks!’

  ‘Nice.’ Jackie nodded. ‘And the ring.’ She lifted my hand to get a closer look. ‘It’s beautiful.’

  ‘Not as beautiful as the woman wearing it.’ Eric kissed my cheek.

  ‘On that, we can agree,’ Jackie said, taking the bouquet of flowers Eric had handed to her. ‘They’re beautiful. Thank you.’

  After introductions, we followed the maître d’ to our seats, through a maze of tables dressed in white linen to the far corner. Eric pulled out my chair and I sat down. Jackie stood at her chair waiting for Bruce to follow suit. Instead, he pulled out his chair and sat down.

  Jackie looked at me and sighed, mumbling something that I couldn’t make out but imagined was more than a few choice words for Bruce.

  Eric ordered a bottle of champagne. It was expensive and I could tell by the way Jackie’s eyes jumped she was surprised he’d spend so much on one bottle.

  ‘So, Eric,’ Bruce said. ‘What kind of sales are you in?’

  ‘I sell electronic interface equipment for automotive computer networks.’ He opened his menu.

  ‘How’s business been?’

  Eric looked up. ‘Great. What about you?’

  ‘I own a roofing company. And we’ve been busy, too. We had one heck of a hailstorm come through two months ago, and a lot of roofs were damaged.’

  ‘Guess the storm was good for business then,’ Eric said.

  ‘Very good.’

  I felt relieved that Bruce and Eric were bonding. If Eric was going to be in my life, it was important to me that he got along with my friends.

  The waiter opened the bottle of champagne and poured each of us a glass. Eric raised his glass. ‘A toast to great friends, great times and many more to come!’

  After appetizers of shrimp cocktail, Jackie and I excused ourselves to go to the restroom.


  I opened my purse and took out my lip gloss. ‘So, what do you think?’

  ‘He’s incredible,’ Jackie said, powdering her forehead. ‘I can certainly see why you’re falling in love with him. He’s so generous and has great manners.’

  I hugged Jackie. ‘I can’t believe he chose me. Out of all the women on that online dating website, why me?’

  ‘What do you mean, why you?’ Jackie put her compact back into her purse. ‘You’re a wonderful human being. You’re gorgeous inside and out.’

  Tears formed in the corner of my eyes. ‘I haven’t felt this special in a long time. I don’t want to lose him.’

  She rubbed my shoulder. ‘What makes you think you will?’

  ‘Nothing he’s done, that’s for sure. I guess I don’t have the confidence I once had.’

  Jackie grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face the mirror. ‘Look at you. Radiant smile, glowing skin, happy eyes. You’ve never looked more beautiful or seemed so happy. Enjoy every moment. You deserve it.’

  When we returned to the table, Eric and Bruce were talking college football. They were laughing and very animated, pretending to throw and catch the football. Eric ordered a bottle of wine to accompany our dinner and after the first glass, I felt a bit tipsy.

  ‘This is delicious,’ Eric said as he cut another piece of his prime rib. ‘So tender and tasty. How’s the crab cake?’

  ‘Very good,’ I said. ‘Alfred’s never disappoints.’

  We talked through the meal about sports, our jobs, Bruce and Jackie’s kids and other topics that bubbled to the top. By the end of the meal, I was feeling a bit lightheaded and stuffed.

  ‘Would anyone like an after-dinner cocktail?’ Eric asked.

  Jackie and I declined but the men ordered a glass of Sambuca. When the check came, the waiter handed it to Eric like he’d instructed him to do when we arrived at the restaurant.

  Bruce pulled out his wallet.

  Eric held up his hand. ‘I got it.’

  Bruce laid out a few bills. ‘Let me help.’

  Eric shook his head. ‘This one’s on me. I insist.’

  Bruce looked at Jackie who shrugged, before he tucked the bills back in his wallet. ‘Thanks, I’ll get the next one.’