With special thanks to Todger65 for his assistance with editing and formatting.
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Michelle alternated between watching the clock, and watching the driveway. It was nearly 7 p.m., and he should have been home by now. Although they had dinner reservations, she was more concerned that he was safe. James had been swamped with work and other details of life, and while he tried to keep those sorts of things to himself, it hadn't gone unnoticed by her. Finally, at just past 7:15, she heard his car in the driveway. He came inside in a hurry, apologizing for being late. As he rushed around getting ready for their date, Michelle watched him carefully. On the surface, he seemed fine, but closer observation showed her the hint of fatigue in his eyes, and the stress behind his smile. She made a mental note of this, and was determined to correct them as soon as she was able.
Dinner together was great, as usual. She couldn't remember half of what she had eaten, because she was more interested in him instead of food. His intelligence and quick wit had her wrapped around his little finger. He knew it, and made sure to exploit it whenever he was able. The animated conversation and laughter flowed between them, each feeding off the other. She could see a bit of the stress fade from him, but it wasn't enough for her just yet. Throughout the meal, and on the way home in the car, they flirted shamelessly with each other, building up for what was sure to be another amazing evening.
They had barely made it through the door, when James had her pushed up against the wall in the foyer. Michelle's hands were pinned above her head in a flash, and James growled into her ear, "Finally, right where I want you." Then he began to devour her neck.
"No," Michelle whispered. Then shaking her head to clear the haze of need for him, she said more firmly, "No, James. Stop."
James pulled away, confused and concerned. He searched her face. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Michelle leaned her forehead against James's chest. Then she nuzzled her face upward into his neck, feeling goosebumps break out over his skin. "Nothing is wrong, baby," she replied. "I just...want to try something different."
He smiled, that sexy little grin, which he knew would tie her into knots. Then he went to reach for her again. "Oh, come on now, little one. I know what you need."
Ducking out of his sneaky grasp, Michelle laughed shakily. "You stop that! I have a plan, and I think I know what you need, for once. You are amazing, at all sorts of things, James. You are great at work, at home, and at being the fierce and bossy man you are, especially in bed." She walked up to him again, and this time James cautiously backed up a little. "But, I think, every now and again, that the soft and sweet would do you a bit of good," she concluded, nodding. "Maybe it's time for you to just let all the decisions go for once, and relax."
James kept walking backwards until he bumped into the wall. With a nervous laugh, he said, "Oh. Um. We don't have to..." His words trailed off as Michelle laid her fingers on his lips.
"Shush, James," was all she said. She ran her hands from his wrists to his shoulders, then curled them around the back of his neck. She stood on tip toe, and gently laid her lips on his. She watched as he closed his eyes, and squirmed slightly. She let her fingers slide up the back of his neck and into his hair, where she tugged just a little to cause him to open his eyes again. Michelle whispered against his lips, "Why are you squirming? This isn't going to hurt you."
His eyes were wide on hers, and he shivered again. "I...can't help it. It's the weirdest thing. My toes are tingling right now."
She brushed her fingertips over his cheek, and felt the raspy stubble there. "There is no need for squirming, baby. I won't hurt you. Why are your toes tingly?" Then she tenderly traced his lower lip with the pad of her thumb.
James clutched her arms, and replied in a shaky voice, "It's just so intense for me. I don't know why."
Still tracing his bottom lip, Michelle looked up at him. "Shall I stop then?"
He shook his head. "No...don't. Please, never stop. Please?"
"No, James, I won't stop. Not unless you want me to. I don't want to go someplace if you don't want to go. You will tell me if it is too much for you, yes?"