NO STRINGS ATTACHED

TWENT-FOUR

An hour and half later, they were checked into the B&B and into their room. They were right at the top, penthouse level. "This is beautiful."

Not giving her a chance to catch another breath, he pulled her into him and sealed his mouth over her waiting one. She melted and relished in the feel of his tongue stroking sweetly into her mouth. She'd been dying to kiss him since she saw him outside her office.
She was left dizzy once again when he pulled away.

"I'm glad you approve." Nick says as he cups her face, searching. "Why don't we order in? You must be hungry."

Abby pulled apart. She needed to go slow.
Opening her bag she emptied its contents. She took out the floral sun dresses, they were lovely. She decided on wearing the long white summer dress with the two long splits at the sides.

"Maybe we should eat with the other guests. Saw a lovely little band setting up." She needed a shower. "I need a shower." She mumbled and started to move away, but he caught her wrist. Abby saw it in his eyes and felt it in his grip. He was afraid. "I'm not gonna sneak out the bathroom window." With that she kissed his lips before leaving for the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, she'd emerged from a hot shower, muscle relaxed and her migraine completely evaporated. He watched her intensely as she dried off an begun dressing.

"You look beautiful, as always," he says lightly then held out his hand. "Ready to eat?"

"Don't you wanna shower first?"

"Oh I showered before I picked you up tonight." He smiled widely as she took hold of his hand.

An ultimate get away with a gorgeous man, but one weekend didn't make a relationship and she hadn't told him the news yet.

Other than their kiss earlier she noticed he hadn't even touched her. The strolled in silence admiring the view as they reached the restaurant.

Their table was overlooking the bay and the view was breathtaking. A live band was playing soft music near the shore where other guests gathered to watch and danced on the sand, mostly couples. The waiter came and cleared their plates away, leaving the menu. He made small conversation as hey discussed the menu, the wine list, his job and hers.

Abby read through hers, "Can I order the big mac burger and fries?" She hoped she didn't sound like a teenage girl.

"Yes, I love seeing you eat, fries especially," Nick says. "It gives me an excitement."

Abby blushed and glanced around quickly for eavesdropping ears. "What are you having?"

"I don't want food. I want you." He said as if it was only two of them in the room. "For now I'd settle for the Lobster thermidor."

"Sounds fancy, what's that?"

"It's a classic French dish featuring lobster poached in a creamy sauce, often gratinated with cheese. Luxurious and decadent."

Abby dropped her menu and stared at him. "I thought you had regretted bringing me here, you've barely touched me."

Nick covered her hand on the table with his. "Nothing could be further from the truth. I wanted to attack you the moment we got into the room."

"So why didn't you?"

"You didn't ask me to." He says and Abby frowned. "And I'm not gonna until you ask me too, Abby, I'm not gonna rush you."

Abby stared out at sea. "I'm sorry I thought wrong."

"I need you, Abby, don't ever doubt that." He said only for her to hear. "I'd heave everything off this table and make love to you right now if that's what you want me to do."

She believed him, blushing innocently. The waiter came and they ordered. After dinner they had desert then Abby wanted to dance.

                                 ☀️☀️☀️

                            Once indoors, Nick took hold of her before she escaped to the room and placed a kiss on her. He hugged her and stared down into her eyes. She'd been very quiet. Vice versa.
He wanted to ask about her dinner with her parents but decided not to.

"I enjoyed tonight." She says softly into his chest.

Nick smiled. "Me too." He ran his hands through her hair, pulling it free from the ponytail she had it in and massaging her scalp. He loved her hair, he loved everything about her. "Tomorrow I wanna take you to meet someone very important to me."

Abby nodded. "Okay."

"You can go bed if you're ready, I'll be out here doing some contracts."

"Good night," she says softly.

"Good night baby.  I won't be long." Nick kissed her forehead, but it wasn't enough. He wanted just a little extra. He took her bottom lip in his mouth. He was aching for her but he was going to wait for her. He pulled back. "Go on."

                                  ☀️☀️☀️

                         Abby woke to the sound of piano playing. Glancing at her phone screen it showed three in the morning. Nick wasn't in bed. She got up grabbing a robe and softly made her way outside. There he was, sitting next to the big glass window playing the red piano in nothing but the pants of his pajama. It was practically dark except for the moonlight. Everyone had retired to bed and a few of the kitchen staff sitting in the far corner sipping strong drinks. His hair was messy from running his fingers through them so much. He was staring out the window as he played. It was a sad melody.

"Sorry if we'd woken you ma'am," one spoke.

"She's with me fellas." Nick

"You play beautifully." Abby complimented as she strode towards him.

"Didn't mean to wake you." He said and beckoned her.

"You didn't, I woke up because you weren't there." She brushed her thumb across his lips. "What was that song you were playing?"

"Nothing in particular. Was just throwing chords together." He smiled up at her. "Maybe I'll name it The Ballad of Abby."

Abby laughed. This man, was everything she dreamed of and its what scared the shit out of her. She loved him too much to ruin his life or saddle him with a child.

"I'd give anything to know what goes on in that beautiful head of yours." He kissed her stomach softly.

Abby inhaled instinctively. Not only because it sent chills down her spine but because she was scared.

"I want you to touch me," she says "Make love to me, Nick."

"Thought you'd never asked."