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The Birthday Gift
By Dedi’s Lady Hawk

Disclaimer:  I do not own the character of Antoine Laconte.  No infringement or offence was intended and I make no money from this.  The above picture was borrowed from Ariane's website and is used with permission.

Rated: R for sexual content

Comments:  This is my first story about Antoine and the first of a series.  I hope you enjoy it.  If you have any comments send them to dedisladyhawk@hotmail.com.

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Her heart was beating wildly in her chest as she stood outside the complex.  She knew her palms were actually sweating as she stood there in the cool evening air.  She turned and started to walk away.

“What am I doing?” she said to herself.  She stopped again, turned back, “I can’t have sex with a total stranger,” She stood there for a moment, and thought of her friends, “If I don’t go through with this I’ll never hear the end of it,” she let out a deep sigh, “I could just kill them,”

She looked down at the business card clutched in her hand.  She hadn’t believed it when she opened her birthday card from her friends.  She thought it was all some sort of joke, but there was the card in her hand.  She unclenched her hand and looked at the card, “Antoine Laconte male escort.”  It sent a chill through her body.  Male escort indeed, she knew exactly what this night was about.  She couldn’t believe they had paid for a night with a male escort.  She could still remember her friend Joyce’s words.

“I don’t know,” she had answered honestly.

“Then do it,” she said, “Come on it’s guaranteed to be the best night of your life,”

She hadn’t thought it was a big deal to be a virgin at her age.  She just assumed that she would loose it when the time was right.  Joyce had made a valid point though; she was thirty years old with no boyfriend, no prospects at all.  Janice knew it was time to stop hanging on to childish fantasies and just do it.  She had heard the stories from her friends over the years, the steamy stories of their lustful romps. 

Okay, so it wasn’t exactly a romance novel situation, he’s a prostitute nothing more.  They had told her very little about him just that he was suppose to be very good at his job.  She took a deep breath as she looked at the address.  She couldn’t back out now; Angie had let it slip about how expensive he was.  “I doubt he’d give them a refund if I chicken out,” she thought.  She shoved the card back into her purse and took a hesitant step forward.  She willed her legs to carry her forward up the stairs of the complex.

She made her way down the corridor and soon found herself standing in front of his door.  She stared at the dark wood door as her breath once again caught in her chest.  She was scared witless at that moment. 

She raised her hand and forced herself to knock on his door.  She stood there shaking as she waited for him to open the door.  She fought the urge to bolt from his stoop.  “He’s going to think I’m a basket case,” she thought to herself.  She held her breath as she heard the doorknob rattle.  The door opened and Janice cast her eyes down as it did. 

He stood silent for a moment as he looked over the woman standing before him.  She had shoulder length strawberry blonde hair.  She was shorter then him, slender, petite.  She had a nice build, soft curves, and great legs.  She wore an emerald green dress.  A simple cut and design that flattered her build. 

He smiled to himself as she stood there, he could tell she was scared.  He had spoken to her friend Joyce and he knew she was a virgin, but at that moment she looked like a frightened fawn.  The idea of bringing her, her first sexual experience excited him but seeing her fear at that moment made him realize he’d have to be slow with her.  He spoke.

“Janice?” he said softly. 

She raised her eyes to look at him then.  She was speechless as she looked at his face.  He had long dark hair that hung in curls around his dark face.  He had dark brown eyes and inviting lips.  He gave her a soft smile and she felt her breath catch in her throat.  She stared at his lips noting the fullness of his lower one.  He had a neatly trimmed beard and mustache.  He was very handsome.  He looked as if he had been ripped from the pages of a romance novel.

He was wearing a white silk shirt that hung down past his waist.  It was unbuttoned slightly and gave a stunning contrast as it lay against his dark skin.  He had crème colored pants as well that hung on his slender frame and she had noticed he was barefoot.  Their eyes met again and a shiver passed through her as he cocked an eyebrow at her.

“You are Janice,” he asked softly.

“Yes,” she said just barely.

“I am Antoine, please,” he said extending his hand, “Come in,” he saw her hesitate before taking it and he led her inside his home.  He saw her flinch as he shut the door.  She was defiantly a skittish thing.  He walked over to her and stood in front of her, “Would you mind removing your shoes?”

“Excuse me?” she stammered.

“The carpets are very expensive,” he said, “I prefer no shoes on them,”

“Oh,” she said reaching to remove them.

“Please allow me,” 

Antoine knelt on one knee before her and he felt her tremble as his hand caressed her calf.  He lifted her foot and she found herself grab his shoulder to steady herself as he slipped the pump from her foot.  He moved to the other and Janice couldn’t help but let a ragged breath escape her lips.  His hands were large and strong yet surprisingly gentle.  He stood up and she felt her cheeks flush as he looked at her.

“Would you like a drink?” he asked, “Some wine perhaps?”

“Yes…that would be fine,”

She followed him as he walked over to the bar.  She stood silently and watched as he retrieved two glasses and a bottle of wine.  He uncorked it and poured the drinks.  She turned from him for a moment and looked around the apartment.  It was very nice, masculine yet it had great style.  She saw the large fish tank the centerpiece of the room, and the stunning ocean view.  She felt her stomach tighten as she saw the array of weapons mounted on the wall. 

He watched her noting her body language.  She was stiff and trembling.  He knew the truth about Janice’s fear.  Joyce had told him of her abuse as a child.  It wasn’t sexual but nonetheless traumatic.  He was grateful for the information.  He knew if he came on too aggressive, she’d bolt from him.  He approached her carefully.  She jumped when she felt his fingers graze her arm.  She turned and saw him holding the glasses in his hands.

“I…I’m so sorry,” she said.

“It is all right,” he said softly as he handed her a glass, “I understand, you do not know me,” she took a sip of her wine and forced a smile.

“You have a nice place here,” she said.

“Thank you,” he said studying her.

“This just isn’t what I expected,” she said.

“Really?  What did you expect?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she sighed, “I guess I wasn’t expecting everything to be this nice.  I mean, everything is so beautiful and classy,” she stopped then.

“Am I what you were expecting?” he asked.  He saw the fear in her brown eyes.

“No,” she said quietly, “You’re much more then I expected,” a soft smile came to his lips, “I wasn’t expecting you to be so…gentle,” 

“I can be whatever you need me to be,” he said stepping closer to her.

“I guess I thought that things would move quicker,” she said instantly regretting it, “I mean,”

“No need to explain,” he said.

“I’m sorry,” she said, “This is a little unnerving,”

“It is all right,” he said, “Some women expect me to just carry them off to the bedroom and ravage them.  However, I would never rush a woman that is not ready,” he said tenderly, “The point of this evening is for you to experience pleasure.  Sometimes it is best to move slowly towards that destination,” 

“Oh,” she said blushing.  He took his free hand and caressed her cheek as he looked at her.  Her blush grew deeper and he saw her lips trembling.  He leaned into kiss her and she suddenly stepped away from him.  Her hand was shaking as she set the glass down on the coffee table and moved away from him more, “I…I’m sorry.  I can’t do this,” she headed towards the door and he put his glass down quickly following her.

“Janice wait,” he said softly.

“No,” she said picking up her shoes, “I’m sorry I waisted your time,” she gasped as she felt his strong hands on her arms.  He pulled her back against his strong chest, “Please,” she said on the verge of a sob.

“Janice,” he said softly as he nuzzled her silky hair, “Do not fear me,” he said gently to her, “I have no intension of harming you.  If you would only trust me, I promise you this will be an evening you will never forget,” he released her and stepped back.  His heart was racing as he waited to see what she would do.  She slowly turned to face him.  He could see the tears in her eyes as she looked at him.

“Antoine,” she said softly, “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings,”

“You didn’t,” he said gently, “I understand this is all new to you.  If you are that uncertain then go.  I do not force myself upon women.  They come to me willingly.  I only wish to give you pleasure Janice not pain,” he said stepping closer to her now, “You are free to leave whenever you wish,” he said stepping closer still.  She looked in his eyes and saw the concern in them.  He was so tender towards her, “Do you wish to leave?”

“No,” she said softly.

“Then may I kiss you now?”

“Yes,” she said in a whisper.

Antoine reached out and took her shoes from her trembling hands.  He tossed them aside and then caressed her soft cheek.  This time instead of pulling away, she turned towards his soft touch.  His thumb trailed over her jaw line and then he let it glide over her soft lips.  She was uniquely beautiful and very vulnerable, that much he knew.  He brought his other hand up and cupped her face drawing her against him.  He leaned in and she trembled at the feel of his breath on her.  He gently pressed his lips to hers feeling her tense at first.

His lips were soft and warm as he moved them against hers.  The hairs of his moustache brushed her skin and she gasped at the feel.  She parted her lips just then and Antoine carefully took advantage.  He slipped his tongue into her mouth feeling her tense and moan as he did.  He probed her mouth slowly and felt her start to respond to his sweet exploration.  Her mind was swimming, as his mouth seemed to steal her breath away.  She reached for him grabbing his waist to steady herself.  He moved his hands from her face and he let his arms slip around her holding her close.

He finally felt it, as she seemed to come to life in his arms.  She slipped her hands up grabbing the front of his shirt.  She was kissing back now and he eased up to let her explore him now.  She was tentative at first but he could feel the desire bubbling just underneath the surface.  She moved her hands again letting them slip around his neck as she pressed her body to him.  He ran his strong hands up her back and she moaned in response.  He knew he had to move her to the bedroom he didn’t want her first time to be against his front door.  He backed out of the kiss and looked in her eyes.

He saw it in her brown eyes as she looked at him.  There was a raw desire there an untapped passion.  He knew that inside her she had a tigress that was waiting to be unleashed.  He moved his hands and Janice was surprised when he scooped her into his strong arms and carried her into his bedroom.  Her eyes never left his as he carried her inside and laid her on his bed.  He lay next to her and he smiled as she caressed his cheek.  He kissed her again feeling her respond instantly to him.  She ran her fingers into his dark hair as she pressed against him.

His hand was resting on her waist and he slowly let it drift up her body.  He felt her tense a bit, as he cupped her breast through the silken material.  As he caressed her through her dress, he felt her nipple grow hard under his touch.  He played with it gently as she moaned into his mouth. 

He soon decided to move his hand and he found the zipper of her dress.  He drew it down and let his hand slip inside.  Her skin was hot and soft as he let his hand roam over her back.  He moved his mouth from hers and she shuddered as he kissed up her jaw line, his beard brushing against her skin.  She let out a soft sigh as he licked and nipped the skin on her neck and throat.

He pulled back to look at her as he reached up and drew her dress down off her shoulders.  She moved to let it slip over her arms and he pushed it down to her waist.  She was wearing a dark green lace bra underneath and he could see her hard nipples through the material. 

He took his hand and let his fingers trace over her soft skin.  They moved from her neck, down her throat, to the edge of her bra.  He looked at her as he let his fingers run over the lace and find the hard peak beneath it.  She let out a soft sigh as he began caressing her again.  He felt her tense as he lowered his head and nuzzled her through the material.  He unlatched the front of her bra and let it slid away revealing her full breasts to him.

His hair trailed over her as he began placing kisses on her soft skin.  The feel of his beard once again scarping against her sent a shiver through her.  He licked and nipped his way across her breast and soon drew a taunt peak into his hot mouth.  She let out a deep moan as he sucked gently and nipped at her with his soft lips.  He let his teeth graze the sensitive tissue and she gasped at the feel.  He released one breast for the other and she gripped his hair as he suckled her again.

She could only moan as he gently touched her body.  Her mind was swimming with all the feelings that were tumbling around in her head.  She was scared but excited, aroused and confused by the strong emotions that he was stirring with in her.  He kissed down between her breasts and then down further across her stomach. 

He gripped her dress in his hands and moved it down sliding it over her hips.  He smiled as he saw the matching lace thong panties she wore.  He stripped her dress away and tossed it aside.  He saw the desire burning in her brown eyes.  He moved to sit up a bit and she looked at him for a moment.

“Remove my shirt,” he said.  His voice was gentle.  She slowly sat up and he saw her hands trembling as she reached for him.  He brought his hands up to steady hers and he felt her let out a deep sigh, “It is all right,” he said softly, “There is no need to rush, we have plenty of time,” she nodded at him.  She undid the buttons of his shirt and slowly opened it.  She pushed it back off his shoulders letting it slid down his strong arms.  He finished removing it and tossed it aside, “Touch me bella,” he said softly.

He saw her hesitate as she placed her hand on his arm.  She let it slide up slowly to his shoulder.  Her delicate fingers traced the curves of his muscles.  His skin was surprisingly soft.  She actually saw goose bumps appear on his arms as she touched him.  Her fingers grazed his nipple and she heard him take a sharp breath. 

She touched one and then the other before moving to his stomach.  She brought her hands back up and avoided his eyes.  He was surprised when she moved closer to him.  He held still as he saw her lean forward.  A shudder tore through him as he felt her lips on his chest.  Her touch was so tentative and he was so aroused by it. 

She let her tongue glide over his nipple making him groan slightly.  She sucked it gently and felt his drive his long fingers into her hair.  He let her explore him briefly before pulling her up to him.  He kissed her again and pushed her back on his bed.  This time he pressed his knee between her legs and rested his strong thigh between her legs.  He could feel the heat emanating from within her.  He felt her press against him and marveled at the feel of her breasts pressed against him. 

He let his hand drop to her bottom and knead her gently.  As he explored her with his mouth and hands, he felt her press against him.  He felt her rub against his strong thigh and could feel the dampness through her panties.

He moved his thigh and let his hand slip down between her legs.  He caressed her through the thin material and she let out a gasp as he did.  He felt her hand on his wrist then and he looked at her.  Her eyes were squeezed shut and she was shaking.  Antoine kissed her lips softly and then pressed them to her ear.

“It is all right,” he said soothingly, “Do you wish me to stop?”

“No,” she said in a whisper, “I just…I just need to catch my breath,”

“Slow your breathing,” he said softly as he nipped at her ear.  He listened as her breath slowed and her grip relaxed on his wrist, “Why don’t we remove these?” he said softly to her. 

She nodded and Antoine moved down.  He hooked his fingers in the waist of her panties and slipped them from her body.  He moved back up and kissed her gently.  He let his hands slowly drift over her body before finding his way back to her nest of tight curls. 

He brushed his fingers over her as she trembled slightly.  He moved his hand slowly to her thigh and began caressing it.  As he moved his hand over her skin he felt her relax and he began coaxing her legs apart.  He took his time and slowly moved to find her sensitive jewel.  He heard her gasp as he touched her and he kissed her lips softly.

“Relax bella,” he said softly; “You will enjoy it more if you just let it happen,” she nodded at him.

He slowly began caressing her tiny nub and she gasped as he did.  His soft touch sent tiny shock waves of pleasure through her body.  Her moans were soft but he could hear the passion within her.  She was so wet and Antoine felt his control starting to waver.  He had to be gentle with her.  He had to stay in control if he was going to keep from hurting her. 

He slowly slid a finger inside her feeling her tense on him instantly.  He looked at her face to see her eyes once again squeezed shut.  He kissed her lips and she responded to him.  He felt her relax as he engaged her mouth.

He withdrew from her and thrusted his finger back in.  She groaned into his mouth as he made the kiss more demanding.  He began driving his finger into her slick opening as she instinctively moved against his hand.  He released the kiss as he probed her faster.  Her breath broke fast from her lips as he brought to the edge of her climax.  He backed off feeling her trembling as she lay there.  He knew it was time.  He moved from the bed and as he started to undo his pants, she looked away.  He stopped and spoke to her.

“Come here,” he said gently. 

Janice sat up and slowly moved to the edge of the bed.  He took her hands and placed them on his hips.  She knew before he could speak what he wanted her to do.  She unbuttoned his pants and then lowered the zipper.  As she did, she realized he wore no underwear and she froze. 

He placed his hands over hers and she found the courage to continue.  She let his pants fall open and let them slid down his strong legs.  He stepped from them and he saw her blush as she looked at his body. 

She had seen pictures of naked men but she had never seen anyone like Antoine.  Every inch of him was chiseled and strong.  She let her eyes travel over him and gasped as she took in the sight of his arousal.  His erection stood out thick and full from the nest of black hair between his legs.  She had never seen anyone as large as him and it scared her a bit.  She couldn’t help but wonder if he would fit, and if it would hurt.  She looked at him and blushed as his gaze met hers.

“Lay back bella,” he said softly. 

She obeyed him and soon she felt him on the bed.  She spread her legs to him and he could feel her shaking again.  She felt the tip of his erection brush against her as he settled between her legs.  His face hovered over hers and he could see the fear and anticipation mixing in her eyes.  He kissed her lips and then looked at her again.

“I will be gentle,” he said softly.

“I know,” she said.

He guided himself into her wetness and slowly pushed inside.  He felt her tense and engaged her mouth in a kiss to distract her.  He had promised her no pain and he was trying hard not to break that promise.  He withdrew from her and pushed back inside a little deeper.  She moaned into his mouth but it was a distinct moan of pleasure. 

He withdrew again and each time went a little deeper.  There were moans from within her but no tears, no attempt to stop him.  Before he knew it, he was buried inside her fully.  He pulled back and looked at her eyes.  All the fear was gone replaced with a look of lust and desire.  He gave her a soft smile.

“Now bella, I will make you sing,” he whispered.

“Yes Antoine,” she said.

He held his weight on his elbows as he began moving inside her.  Soft gasps began breaking from her lips as he began moving faster inside her.  He reached down with one hand and guided her hips helping her match his rhythm.  She soon found it and cried out briefly as he continued to pump into her.  He felt her nails score his back as he thrusted into and he couldn’t help himself.

“Yes my sweet tigress,” he said, “Let me feel your claws,” She ran her hands down his back as he thrusted into her harder and faster.  She was holding back he could sense it and he needed her to let go and fly with him, “Let go bella,” he whispered, “Let me hear how good it feels,”

“Oh god,” she moaned softly.

“Come on bella,” he said, “Let it go,”

“Oh…oh God,” she moaned as he raced her towards the edge, “Oh…oh Antoine…oh…yes…yes…oh God,”

“Oh bella,” he groaned into her ear as he pounded into her eager opening. 

Soon he felt it as her tiny muscles clamped down on him.  She arched against him as the orgasm ripped through her body.  It triggered his own and he gave her few final thrusts before he nearly collapsed on her. 

He tried to recover and before he could pull from her body, he felt her push at his chest.  He looked at her as she struggled to get away from him.  He was confused by her actions and tried to draw her close.

“Bella what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Let me go,” she said with tears spilling down her cheeks, “Get off me,”

“No,” he said, “Not until you calm down and tell me what’s wrong,” 

“I don’t want to,” she said trying to break free, “Get away from me,” she sobbed.  She slapped his face and Antoine was shocked.  Antoine grabbed her wrists and pinned her down, “Let me go,” she sobbed trying to hide her face from him, “Let me go,”

“Bella,” he said, “Please what did I do?”

“Nothing,” she said, “I just need to go,” she was crying hard now. 

He didn’t think he just pressed his lips to hers.  She tried to fight him but was powerless against him.  She soon relaxed beneath him and started to respond.  He backed out of the kiss as she stopped fighting him.

“Bella,” he said softly.  She looked at him and gasped.

“Shh,” he said releasing her hands and drawing her close, “It’s all right,”

“I didn’t mean it,” she sobbing against him.

“Stop now,” he said softly, “It is all right,” 

“I don’t know why I did that,” she said softly.

“Shh,” he said to her as he stroked her hair, “I forgive you,”

“Oh Antoine,” she said hugging him close, “I don’t know what came over me,”

“Bella,” he said gently, “It was all the pent up emotion,” he said looking at her, “You experienced a freedom you’ve never felt before and it scared you.  It’s all right,”

“I’m so sorry I hit you,” she said caressing his red cheek.

“Stop,” he said to her firmly yet, gently, “I was just afraid that I had hurt you.  Did I?”

“No Antoine,” she said, “It didn’t hurt, it was wonderful,”

“Good,” he said kissing her lips and she smiled at him.

“I need to use your bathroom,” she said.

He let her go and she moved from the bed.  She went into the bathroom and cleaned herself up.  As she did a realization hit her, she was bleeding.  She stepped out and looked at him.  He had moved from the bed and was stripping the sheets from it.  He was wearing a pair of black silk boxers now.  She looked at him and he saw her.

“I ruined your sheets,” she said softly.

“Nonsense,” he said, “I bought these special.  I knew you would probably bleed and it would be no problem if we ruined these.  I usually have silk ones.  I can put those on now,”

Antoine tossed the soiled sheets aside and produced a pair of dark green silk ones.  He started to put them on as she gathered her clothes.  He stopped and walked over to her.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m getting dressed,” she said, “I have to do that if I’m going to leave,”

“And who said you had to leave?” he asked taking her dress from her and tossing it back on the floor.

“I…I thought we were done,” she said sheepishly.

“My services were for the night,” he said drawing her close, “And the night is not over,”

“Oh,” she said blushing in his arms, “I need to put something on,” he let out a sigh and released her.  He went to his dresser and pulled out a black silk shirt.

“If you must wear something,” he said handing it to her.

“Thank you,” she said taking it from him. 

She slipped it on as he finished making the bed.  She watched him as he moved.  God the man was living perfection.  She hadn’t expected him to be so handsome, so caring.  He looked up at her as he finished making the bed and he gave her a soft smile.  He had a beautiful smile that made her feel weak inside.  He walked back over to her and caressed her cheek.

“How do you feel?” he asked her.

“I feel wonderful,” she said, “I thought it would hurt but it didn’t.  You were so…tender,”

“I promised you no pain,” he said drawing her close.  He kissed her lips and she slipped her arms around him, “Only pleasure,” he said as he moved her back to the bed.

He laid her down and rested his weight on top of her.  She was much more eager as he placed his mouth to her neck.  He nipped at her skin and quickly started to unbutton the front of the shirt she wore.  He quickly pushed it back exposing her body to him once more.  He moved down and began fondling her breasts as she pressed against him.  She let out a soft moan as he teased her nipples with his soft tongue.  He nipped at them gently before drawing a taunt peak into his mouth.

“God that feels good,” she moaned.  He moved up and kissed her lips briefly.

“And I’m just getting started,” he smiled.

She was trembling as he worked his way down her eager body.  He didn’t have to coax her this time as she willing opened her legs to his touch.  He moved down on her and gently spread her open exposing her sweet bud to him.  She cried out as she felt his mouth on her. 

She slipped her fingers into his long hair as he caressed her with his tongue.  The feel of the suction and friction made her whole body shake.  I let out a deep moan as she felt a finger push into her.  I moved against him as he continued to probe and caress her most intimate spot.  He could feel her getting close and soon he sent her over the edge.

I had no sooner climaxed, than she felt Antoine push inside her again.  I cried out as he did and he quickly pressed his lips to hers.  His tongue swept through her mouth as she clung to him.  He held still inside her for a moment as he explored the sweetness of her mouth. 

He backed out of the kiss and looked into her eyes.  I met his gaze as he started to move inside her.  I parted her lips as the soft moans escaped her and he began nipping at them gently.  It made her sigh more as he continued to thrust into her.

I grabbed at his shoulder as she felt her orgasm building with in.  Her orgasm came fast and hard this time causing her to arch against him.  I cried out several times as he continued to move inside her.  He soon found his own release and hugged her close. 

He moved from her limp body and rolled taking her with him.  I lay across his strong chest as they both recovered.  He looked at her now and saw how heavy her eyes looked.

“I should go,” she said quietly and without moving.

“You may stay,” he said to her, “It is late, and you are tired,”

“I don’t want to be in the way,” she said with a slight yawn.

“You are not in the way,” he said caressing her back, “Sleep Bella,”

“Hmm,” she said as she nuzzled against him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning Antoine awoke to find Janice getting dressed.  She was just trying to zip her dress up when she heard him move in the bed.  She turned to the noise and saw him smiling at her.

“I’m sorry,” she said, “I was trying not to wake you,”

“Were you going to leave without saying goodbye,” he said moving to the edge of the bed.

“No,” she said, “I just…you looked so peaceful,” he found his boxers and slipped them on before walking over to her.

“Allow me,” he said moving to zip her dress up.  He zipped her up and she turned to him.

“I really should go,” she said, “I have to shower and change before I see my friends,”

“Going to give them all the details,” he smiled.  Janice couldn’t answer as he drew her hand up and kissed it gently.

“No,” she said, “Not all of them anyway,” she walked from his bedroom and he followed her.  She found her shoes laying in the entryway and picked them up before turning to him, “I don’t really know what to say to you.  Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it,”

“There is nothing to say,” he said softly, “However, if you would do something for me,” he walked over to the bar and opened a drawer.  He came back to her and handed her an envelope, “Take this,”

“What is it?” she asked.

“The check from your friends,” he said.

“I don’t understand,” she said.

“Last night was very special to you and to me as well.  It has been a long time since I have experienced that…kind of pleasure.  I do not feel right excepting money for something that was that exceptional.  Please,” he said, “Take it,”

“Antoine,” she said.

“It is all right,” he said, “Please,”

“Okay,” she said placing the envelope in her purse, “Well,”

“Janice, I want you to know that my door is always open to you.  I don’t want your money but if you ever wish to share my company again,” he said.

“Thank you Antoine,” she said kissing his cheek, “For everything,”

“You are most welcome,” he said drawing her close, “Now give me a proper kiss goodbye,”

He pressed his lips to hers and she sagged against his strong body.  As he wrapped his strong arms around her, she felt her heart ache inside her.  God, she didn’t want to leave his arms.  She had never experienced anything like what she had felt with him.  He kissed her deeply, slowly, and passionately nearly stealing her breath before releasing his hold in her. 

Janice felt as if her knees were going to give but found the strength to stand.  She looked in his eyes right then.  She couldn’t describe what she saw.  She never expected this.  She finally found her voice.

“Goodbye Antoine,” she said softly.

“Goodbye Bella,” he said softly back as he opened the door.

She stepped outside and quickly slipped her shoes on.  He stood in the doorway and watched as she walked down the corridor and disappeared down the steps.  He stepped back inside and shut the door.  He couldn’t help but hope that it wasn’t truly goodbye.

The End
(For Now)