Part 1 -- Car ride
She was excited, slightly nervous, and definitely late.
Whatever free time she'd had over the last weeks was spent on preparations. A tiny apartment can only be cleaned so much, but she gave it her all. On hands and knees, she had made sure to create a comfortable, tidy and authentic environment -- embodying her personality as well as a sense of safety and intimacy.
Now that the final days before his arrival had come, she started to care less and less about how her living space looked, and more about what she could do to feel like the best version of herself. Fresh haircut and colour, nails round and short, waxed and groomed, skin soft and inviting. Her inner perfectionist was driven to the background by a desire to just be herself. It had been almost a year since they had seen each other in person, and a lot had changed. Yet, this much was absolutely certain, her feelings and desires had not. She knew he came to see her, not a fantasy version of the woman he had kissed goodbye.
The drive to the airport was just the right opportunity to blow off some steam. Driving at an unholy speed in the middle of the night, she blasted her favourite songs on full volume, letting her vocal chords vibrate, core activated and endorphins rushing through her blood stream. Solid job, Volkswagen, for having built and leasing a car that was spacious enough to accommodate five people comfortably, had a great sound system, climate control and was environmentally friendly. His luggage would fit in perfectly, so would his long legs and broad shoulders after a long and exhausting flight.
Feeling the vibrations of both machine and road underneath her sent a tingle up her spine. The black dress allowed just the right airflow this balmy July night, soft, lacy fabric slightly rubbing against most sensitive skin. Usually she wouldn't have worn any underwear at all, but this black little number made her feel sexy and confident. A bra, on the other hand, wasn't at all necessary or welcome tonight. Thinking about soon feeling his hands on her skin, familiar and gentle and welcoming -- no, focus on the road!
Finding parking was no issue, she had made reservations at an airport hotel, one night for two please. No need for them to make the trip back tonight, not after a flight that would have been long and uncomfortable. She was reasonable; as much she was hungry for more than a snack and a drink, she wanted him to relax and unwind and get a good night's sleep. Love is more than dancing tongues and climaxes -- this was her way of making sure he had the best experience possible.
Still wearing a mask, better safe than sorry, she grabbed a coffee and sat down to wait. Aware of how long reclaiming his baggage might take, she slipped in her Air Pods and got lost in doodling in her note book while listening to a podcast. Not that she was able to focus on anything, heart beating in her throat and a slight layer of sweat forming on her skin despite the air-conditioning.
Minutes ticked by, the first passengers from the international flight Qatar-Berlin meeting taxi drivers, loved ones and the prospect of a cool drink.
Her phone vibrated.
"Still waiting for my bag -- fucking hell, this takes forever, haha. Be right there baby"
Finally she spotted a head of messy hair, tired, green eyes and a trolley with a black suitcase securely positioned in its centre.
Careful not to drop her phone, she quickly packed up her belongings into her black toad bag and approached him. Taking three big strides, he was close, finally. Head buried in his chest, both sighed of relief, excitement and exhaustion.
"Hello baby, that was a hell of a ride."
Before she could chuckle through a sob, his lips found hers and for a moment she didn't care about breathing.
"Let's get out of here -- I need a shower, a drink and a proper bed!"
She had walked the 1,5 kilometres from the hotel to the airport -- but that was not an option now. Taxis weren't hard to come by, and a kind taxi driver helped them lift his bags into the trunk of the bright yellow vehicle. Getting comfortable in the back seat, she named their desired address. Just a five minute ride, thank you and welcome to Europe!
His head fell back against the upholstery, white shirt wrinkled and comfortable jeans shuffled up a bit around his ankles. How much he wanted to take of his boots, she could only imagine. When his eyes closed, she squeezed the hand she hadn't let go since he had taken it earlier. Slowly, his fingers unwound from their grip and found her thigh, sliding up and under her skirt, resting in her warmth and softness. She was keenly aware of his presence, his scent, his warmth, a fine layer of sweat on his forehead glistening in the quickly passing street lights. The hand that had just caressed her leg found her shoulders as he pulled her into a hug. Chin resting on her head, they just sat in silence, comfortable and satisfied, two puzzle pieces clicking into place.
2 -- Hotel room
The pageboy, in anticipation of a decent tip, helped carrying her small overnight bag and his heavier, around the world trip, luggage to their room.
"Vielen Dank!" He said with a grin that earned him a proud nod from his girlfriend. Satisfied, the hotel employee explained how the key cards worked and opened the door for them. Room 137 was spacious enough for a one night stay. A narrow hallway lead to a bigger living/ bedroom. The star of the show was a king sized bed, linen and sheets a combination of cream and crimson. She had booked breakfast for the next morning, yet they'd be able to have a coffee first thing in the morning, provided by a tiny yet sufficient coffee machine. The mini-bar promised drinks, snacks and some fruit. A comfortable bathroom with a big shower rounded the picture. Her favourite part however was the huge window, covered by crimson, velvety curtains. They would be able to see the city lights from this high above.
