Chloe found a small black box with a white ribbon tied into a bow bedside her on the pillow where Alex had been sleeping. Still weary from sleep, she yawned as she studied the box. Not a jewelry box, she thought as she shook the items inside. Sitting up she untied the ribbon and peered into the box. She made an awkward sound when she saw the items before laughing out loud. Reading a note tucked inside, Chloe nodded her head. "Of course," Chloe said as she nestled back under the covers. She put the box back where she found it smiling.
A grand gesture was made by Alex to show Chloe how much she meant to him. Not only did he take off a day from work, the first vacation day used in 7 years, he also rented a romantic cabin in the hills for them to spend an extended weekend in. Alex slipped away early from Chloe to allow her to sleep in as he made the final preparations for the trip. Alex smiled as he thought of her waking to find his gift and note. "What will she think of it," he wondered.
Hanging up the phone Chloe mumbled to herself, "Two o'clock." She glanced at the nightstand to see that she had four hours before Alex was coming back. Sitting on the side of the bed, Chloe reached over for the box Alex had left and pulled out the note. In it, Alex had illustrated exactly what he wanted her to do before he came to pick her up. She was amused by the detail he put into it. "Plenty of time," she thought to herself.
Alex wanted Chloe to use the lavender and chamomile milk bath he was fond of. He suggested that her nails could be cut shorter and that they should be painted red. Her hair he instructed her to curl and lightly pin up as she had done so when they had gone out for cocktails two weeks earlier. He was explicit in his request for black stockings and black garter, along with the matching pink and black lace bra and panties he had bought her. A white button down shirt unbuttoned just enough to see her bra along with a black, short skirt. She was to wear her black leather heels that had straps that went around her ankle. On her neck, either her pearl gathered chocker or her long, black beaded necklace. He wanted her eyes done up with heavy eyeliner reminiscent of 50's pin-up girls. Alex also reminded her she was to bring his gift in her purse so she could have it in hand for the ride down.
Anxiously awaiting Alex to come, Chloe looked at herself in the mirror mentally checking off the list as she scanned down her body. She was rolling her suitcase to the front door when she heard the doorknob turn.
As he made his way inside, Alex smiled to see Chloe dressed as he had imagined. "The pearls were a good choice," he said as he grabbed her by the waist and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, "as is the red lipstick."
They had made it to the interstate just as it had started to rain. The weather had grown cold and there was a chance of snow by evening. Neither had envisioned the weather being an issue on their scenic getaway. Alex set the cruise control and got more comfortable for the two hour drive that they had left. He glanced at Chloe who was staring out the window intently. "You're being awfully quiet," Alex said as he placed his hand on her thigh.
"Oh," Chloe responded. "I'm just enjoying the scenery."
Alex's fingers analyzed the hem of her skirt. "Did you bring my gift," he asked with a devilish grin on his face.
Chloe laughed. "Yes. You'll be quiet pleased to know that I am actually eager to give it a try."
With his hand slightly beneath her skirt rubbing her thigh, Alex shifted in his seat saying, "It pleases me very much my sweet girl." Pulling his hand away, he again focused on the road, readjusting the cruise to go a little faster.
It was already getting dark as they pulled into the parking lot of a small market about ten minutes away from check-in. Alex and Chloe went inside and chose groceries that would last for the rest of the weekend. As they made their way to the checkout, Alex pulled Chloe close to him and whispered, "I think it's time for you to use your gift."
Chloe's eyes widened with excitement. "Excuse me," Chloe said as she walked towards the older woman working the checkout. "Where are the restrooms?"
The groceries were in the trunk and Alex had been sitting waiting for about 20 minutes by the time Chloe opened the door to the car. Carefully she slid into her seat and let out a small gasp.
With his body turned to face her, Alex looked at her concerned. "Is everything alright," he asked.
Chloe smiled and nodded. "I wanted to take my time."
The cabin was in a secluded location close to a small waterfall. A few snow flakes were in the air as the groceries and luggage were brought inside and put away. Chloe's heels were loud against the wooden floor. She kneeled down to unbuckle her strap and slip them off when Alex tapped her on the shoulder. "Tisk, tisk," he said with a twinkle in his eyes, "those stay on."
Alex stood up and pulled Chloe into the center of the room. "Stay here," he said as he drifted toward the front door where he picked up a small leather bag.