Valie ships it

by Lorelai_of_mexx

Summary:

Every day Ben comes to the little grocery store around the corner. Not because of the good salad bar or the mediocre wine. No! Rey, the cute cashier, is the reason. But even after half a year of admiring her from afar, he still hasn't dared to ask her out. But with the help of his little niece Valie, things finally get going. Fitting for Valentine's Day...

Translated from German with DeepL

Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Valie ships it

 

Friday, February 11th

Ben

Special offer: Brazil nuts as salad topping - Today for only 0,99 Cent per 100 g

That's what the big sign above the salad bar says, literally forcing itself on me. Brazil nuts... or as I call them: dry something that tastes of nothing!

How can anyone suggest putting this junk on their salad? I ask myself, thinking about the time I bought a whole bag of them because they are supposed to be so healthy, only to find out that they taste like softer sand.

Afterwards, I had wanted to crush them up and throw them to the birds in the park... But even they left them and looked at me afterwards as if to say, "And now? Don't you have anything else?"

Fortunately, there are mistakes you only make once.

Six months ago, I moved to the west end of Chandrila to be closer to my work and my little sister. Zorii has been back in America for about a year after living in Spain with her husband, Poe, for a few years. Now they have moved back here. Zorii works as an obstetrician and Poe is a pilot for an exclusive airline.

And then there's Valentine... Valentine is the 9-year-old girl who pulls at my jacket the whole time I'm getting a salad bowl ready.

"Now look! Look there...!" the little girl calls out, directing my attention to the checkout area.
"She's just starting... look! Her till is just opening!" babbles Valie, as we all call her, trying to pull me further towards the tills.
"Now shut up, you midget! I'm not done here yet!" I complain and tear myself away from her to finish my salad creation.

Valentine is Zorii and Poe's daughter and my little niece. Every now and then I pick her up from school and keep her busy when her parents are out. To be precise, I am literally forced to babysit this little leech, which was also the reason I moved to this area.

Well, what can I say. She's 9, into pink and unicorns, loves Elsa the Ice Queen and is probably the only person on the planet who can talk me into a princess tea party.

And with my 6'2" , jet-black hair and what I was often told was a menacing appearance, you can imagine how silly I looked in a pink tutu, with a little crown on my head and brightly colored, tiny plastic teacups in my hand.

An image burned into my memory forever. But luckily, she's already out of the tea party age and I never want to talk about it again.

But she is also very special. She's funny, and shrewd. She manages to convince anyone of anything (, see Princess Tea Party). And she's incredibly smart for her age. She grew up bilingual and has by far more going for her than Zorii and I did at her age combined.

And in fact, I really like having her around. She accepts me for who I am. Which many adults usually can't manage. The only person I meet for a drink more often is Hux, my work colleague... And he's an asshole.

But right now, Valie is just a little pain in the ass. Drawing my attention to the cashier is completely superfluous. I've already noticed and watched her when she stepped out of the staff room. I always notice it when she enters the room.

Her name is Rey. At least that's what it says on her name tag. Actually, an unusual name but somehow it suits her.

When I moved here, the first thing I did was to look for a supermarket nearby, where I always have the essentials at hand. At first, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this shop. There's far too little choice and somehow everything here is too small. Only the self-service salad bar kept me going. And when I saw this angel at the checkout for the first time... I knew that I would become a regular customer here.

I only noticed her when I was standing right in front of her at the checkout and she spoke to me.

"Hello, are you new here?" she asked and I looked up into a bright smile, green-brown eyes and a slightly freckled face framed by auburn, medium-length hair that made me forget to breathe.
It was only when the man next to me, who was probably already used to this effect with her, nudged me and reminded me that she had asked me something that I came to.

Since then I have been obsessed with her. The following week I came here every day after work and I now have her shift schedule in my head. She is at the cash desk every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 4pm to 9pm. So, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday after work I come here and get a salad for dinner and every Saturday I get a bottle of wine, but I never drink it, just to see her.

In the meantime, I have put together quite an amazing collection of mediocre wines.

The only problem is... I don't dare approach her. And Valie wants to fight this circumstance at all costs. She noticed my crush last Tuesday and has been giving me a hard time about it ever since.

And she is not very subtle about it. Last Friday, she had spoken to Rey quite openly.
"Tell me, Rey! Are you single?" she asked, staring at her with wide eyes.
Before I could even admonish Valie for her cheeky question, Rey had already replied with, "Yes." throwing me off my game.
"That's just as well, because my Uncle Ben is single too!" Had exclaimed happily, embarrassing me in front of everyone around.

I apologized and immediately took the little maggot out of the shop. It doesn't really get any more embarrassing than that. Although since then, every time Rey sees me, she addresses me by my name and seems to smile even friendlier.

And every time I ask Valie to stop badgering me about Rey, she just smiles sympathetically and says, "Don't worry, Uncle Ben! Valie ships it!"
Needless to say, this only makes me more nervous.

 

When I'm finally done with my salad box, I let Valie drag me to the checkout and with it to Rey. She hasn't noticed me yet and is concentrating on the customer in front of her. But I keep a close eye on her.

Valie thinks she can take advantage of this moment of inattention and secretly puts several packets of chocolate, a few lollipops and a coloring book on the conveyor belt, along with my salad box and her chicken nuggets, which she really wants to eat for dinner tonight.

No way!

Without taking my eyes off Rey, I take the chocolate and most of the lollipops off the conveyor belt and only counter her action with a, "Dream on, crumbs!"
Valie grumbles angrily, but is content for me to leave the coloring book and a lollipop on it.

"Hello Ben! Hi Valie!" Rey greets us when it's finally our turn and beams a big grin at me.
I can do nothing but look sheepishly at the floor and clear my throat.
"Well, did you get another lolli out of his ribs?" she asks, addressing Valie after she has scanned the first items and hands her the lollipop.
"Yeah... He doesn't love me enough for anything else today." She whines, already tearing open the package around the sugar ball on a stick.
"Well, you'll just have to try harder next time." Rey replies and takes the wrapper from her to throw it straight into the bin under her table.

Then she scans my salad and turns her attention back to me.
"Did you see we have Brazil nut on sale today?" she asks kindly.

Slightly disgusted, I have to pull a face.
"I don't like them." I say cautiously.
She looks around furtively and then leans towards me a little. Even though it's Friday, there's not much going on in the shop right now and there's not another customer behind us yet.
"I have to admit, I don't like them either. But I have to ask the customers that. I do think they taste like soft sand." She murmurs conspiratorially to me.

We both have to laugh at that.
"Don't you want to have dinner with my uncle sometime?" suddenly comes from the side.
I immediately freeze and quickly turn to Valie, who has just signed her death warrant.
"Are you crazy?" I bluff at her and almost don't notice how Rey also says something at the same moment....
Funny! For a moment it sounded like she said "Yes, I'd love to".

"What?" I ask, puzzled, to Rey.
"Uh... I... would love to." she replies sheepishly.
"Really?" I ask further, unable to contain my confused tone.
"Yes..." she breathes, biting her lower lip and turning bright red. (But not as red as my face feels right now).

For the next few seconds, we just look at each other with smiles, drowning in each other's eyes. And for the first time in six months, I feel something like hope.

Until Valie starts opening her mouth again.

"That's great! Don't you want to go out together tomorrow then?" she asks cheekily.
I'm already breathing in sharply to reprimand her when Rey replies in a depressed voice, "I have to work tomorrow."
"The day after tomorrow then, on Sunday?" she suggests further.
"I'm afraid I have plans then too." She says with a painfully contorted expression.

All hope shatters within me and I look dejectedly to the ground. Maybe she only agreed because she didn't want to disappoint Valie and in reality, she wants nothing more to do with me.

"But I'd be free on Monday... I don't have a lecture on Tuesday and I don't start work until the afternoon. So, dinner would be in." I hear her sweet voice and emerge from my gloom.

"That's perfect. Monday is Valentine's Day... But you'll hardly get a table then." Valie muses, grabbing her chin thoughtfully.
With the lollipop in her mouth, she almost looks like a female little Kojak, I note with amusement.
"I've got it!" she exclaims enthusiastically.
"You go to La Takodana. I know the owner and I'm sure he'll give you another nice place." She suggests happily.

"Valie! That's enough!" I admonish her, hardly daring to look at Rey who is already speaking again.
"I wouldn't mind. I like Italian." She says, giving me pause.

Can it really be that she really wants to go out with me?

"Then it's a deal! Does 6pm suit you?" asks Valie before I can even get a word in edgewise.
"That’s a date." Rey replies quickly, catching me off guard on several levels.
"Great, you'll meet at 6pm then, in front of the restaurant!" the little tease exclaims, clapping her hands enthusiastically.

"Yes..." she breathes and again we just look at each other in silence for ages.
When I really have almost forgotten why we are actually here, Valie clears her throat and breaks the spell.
"What my uncle actually wants to say is that he's looking forward to it. Right now, though, he's too busy staring at you in love." She frowns, making me roll my eyes in annoyance.

"Ok... That's enough!" I say, putting the money on the till, grabbing my purchase and pushing my little niece out of the shop.
But not without turning around once more, waving at Rey and telling her, "See you Monday! I'm looking forward to it." Shouting and walking smoothly into the front door.

With a giggling Valie, I leave the shop, dragging the little tick behind me as she triumphantly plays with her Lolli in her mouth.

One of these days I'm going to strangle that little rat! But for now, ... I'm actually just quite grateful to her.

 

Rey

*Oh my god*

Immediately after the automatic sliding doors close, I press the button and speak into the microphone.
"Rose! Come to register 3 right now!"
After a hiss and a small clack, I get a reply.
"It's okay... I'll bring the cash register key. Anyone want to claim those stupid Brazil nuts again because they ruined the whole salad? I told Paige not to order so many of those things," comes an annoyed voice from the little speaker under the micro. But I don't have to answer.

After only a few minutes, an annoyed little Asian woman is standing behind me, looking at me with her arms crossed and one eyebrow raised as I pack old Mr. Calrissian's purchases into a brown paper bag.

"What's so urgent? I can't imagine Mr. Calrissian buying Brazil nuts. He can't even chew them with his third teeth... No offence, Mr. Calrissian!" she apologizes as soon as she has offended the man in front of me.
But he just waves it off with a: "It's okay" and puts the required amount of money on the cash register.

After I have duly placed the money in the till and closed the same, I turn around with a delighted grin that goes over both ears.
"He asked me out." I warble, practically bobbing up and down in my chair.
"Who, the big grump?" she asks, her eyes wide.
"Ben... Yeah..." I sigh, immediately picturing his cute face... and especially his flushed ear tips peeking out from under his lush, silky, black hair.
"Well, it's about bloody time! That brat's been a long time coming." Mr. Calrissian suddenly interferes.

We both look at him, startled.
"A blind man with a cane could see that kid has the hots for you, Rey. I'm surprised he could suddenly work up the courage to ask you out." Complains the man, lifting his purchase.
"Yeah, I'm surprised too that it was so sudden." Rose agrees with him.

At this, I lower my head in shame and purse my lips.
"Well... It wasn't actually him who asked me either, it was... his little niece."

I don't have to look to know that they are both staring at me with wide eyes and open mouths.
"You were asked out by the Grump’s niece?" asks Rose, stunned.
"Yes..." I reply meekly.

Mr. Calrissian immediately has to laugh out loud and throws his head back.
"I like her, the little one. Well, good luck with that sucker." He calls after me as he leaves the shop.

Rose and I stare after him for a while until she turns to me and says, "Are you sure you want to go on this date?" she asks with slight concern in her voice.
"Yes." Is my clear and barely considered answer.

I don't have to think about it. I've had a crush on this man since the first time I saw his stupidly beautiful face. And I was also sure from the beginning that he feels the same way too. Either because when he saw me for the first time, he looked as if he just had a system crash. Because he blushes every time I smile at him. Or simply because of the fact that he's here every damn day when I'm on shift.

I just know he feels the same way I do. Especially after he looked so depressed earlier when I couldn't commit for Saturday and Sunday. It had broken my heart to see him so down.

His face... his deliciously messy face that I just want to grab and smooch off. Rose always teases me that, by her standards, he's not that attractive. But to me he's one of the most beautiful men around.

Maybe his dark eyes are too deep, his nose is too big and some people find his lips too plush... But in my eyes, they have their own harmony. He has something of his own, his own imbalance.

And besides, he's damn tall... and I like tall men. And look at his hands... oh... *slobber* those oversized hands!

"Earth to Rey!" Rose suddenly calls me back to reality, waving her hand in front of my eyes.
"You have customers." She instructs me, gesturing to the waiting queue.

I quickly get back to work, trying to concentrate on cashing up and not thinking about a pair of dark eyes and the raven black hair that goes with them.

I made an appointment with Rose for tomorrow before work to find something suitable for the date and go over make-up and hair.

Oh boy! I wonder if I'll really manage not to go crazy by Monday.

 

Ben

"Eat your nuggets, Valie!" I bluff at my niece, who's been on my case for an hour now, trying to brief me for my date with Rey.
"But now listen...! Just because you have a date with her doesn't mean you can't still screw it up. I know you." She says with her mouth half full as she follows me around every room with a plate full of chicken nuggets in her hand as I try to hide from her somewhere.

"I'm not going to mess anything up! Now sit down somewhere and eat your nuggets!"
But she does not obey.

Once in my study, I sit down behind my desk, hoping to keep her at bay. But Valie has other plans. She grabs a chair, pushes it in front of the closed door and sits down.

"Now, you listen to me! What I have to tell you is of the utmost importance." She says sternly, pointing a nugget in her hand at me.
"And what would that be?" I ask with a smile, already waiting for kindergarten rules on manners.

"First of all, we should talk about greetings. How will you greet her on Monday?" she asks matter-of-factly, popping the nugget into her mouth at the end of her sentence.
I just raise an eyebrow and look down at her from above.
"With a hello, I would guess?"
"And then...?" she asks further.
"What, and then?"
"You just want to say hello and think that's it?" she asks incredulously, tilting her head.

"Well I..."
And at that moment it hits me... I haven't the faintest idea what else I can say. All of a sudden, I feel sick to my stomach and I'm afraid that maybe she's right.
I can still ruin all this.

And then I ask the unthinkable.
"What would you suggest?"

With a triumphant grin, she gives a quick giggle and sets the plate down on her lap.
"You have four choices. Number one is the friendly but cautious hello. That fits best if you don't know each other yet. But you already do... The second option is a handshake. This is formal but appropriate. However, it looks as if you are at a business meeting and not on a date. The third option is a hug. This is the absolute icebreaker. You should only use this if you have known each other for a while and the chemistry is right. But you have to remember that you are invading her privacy and signaling a certain willingness to get close. And you have to be careful not to hold her too long or too tightly." She explains matter-of-factly and with a serious face.
"Forgive me but... how do you know such things?" I ask, confused at her obvious professionalism.
"From a men's magazine website." She reports to me, popping another nugget into her mouth.

"Uh-huh." I only reply, bringing my phone up alongside.
Without taking my eyes off her, I send Zorii a text message that she needs to check Valie's internet access better.

"You were talking about four possibilities. What's the fourth?" I ask, yet already guessing the answer.
"Well, that's a kiss on the left and a kiss on the right. But you're not ready for that yet. Unless you're in Europe. There, in some countries, it's the custom to kiss when greeting each other. But here in America, people are a little..." she interrupts herself, searching for the right word.
"More reserved?" I suggest.
"More prudish!" she corrects.

Yes! Zorii needs to set parental controls on her internet access.

"I think I got that. Thanks!"
"Do you think we're done with that?" she asks, upset, jumping up from her chair and walking towards me.
She sets her plate down on the desk in front of me and reaches for my phone.
"Hey!" I protest, trying to grab it. But she is quicker, unlocks it without any problems and opens the keypad to dial a number.

I watch tensely as she waits for the ring. After a few seconds someone picks up and I only understand a distorted friendly male voice on the other end of the line.
"Hello, this is Valentine Dameron... Yes, that's right, Miss Valie... Nice to meet you too. I'd like to book a table for two on Monday." She says seriously, listening to the reply.
"No. The table is not for me. It's for my uncle and his date."

Short silence, followed by a loud laugh and excited babbling.

"Yes. The uncle I told you about... Yes, what we discussed." She replies, making me sit up and take notice.

'... what we discussed'?
Who is she talking to and what did she discuss with him? It slowly occurs to me that this is not as coincidental as I had imagined.

"Yes, thank you...! Right. See you next time. And say hello to Vincenzo!" she warbles kindly and hangs up.
She then puts my phone back on the desk and picks up her plate.

After she sits back in her chair- and shoves a nugget in her mouth, I wait anxiously for an explanation.

"You just have to follow a few specific rules so you don't mess up." She says, setting her plate back down on her lap.
"And what are those rules supposed to be?" I ask curiously, having to hold back the thought that I'm talking to a nine-year-old and not a psychiatrist with a degree.
"Let's call it the 12-step-programme to a successful first date." She suggests.

And at that very moment I know that her regular interactions with my Uncle Luke, who gives her karate lessons, are not doing her any good. He used to annoy me with such 'steps-programmes' when I was a kid.

"And what are these steps?" I ask in a stilted casual way, propping my head on one hand.
"They are: No. 1 Your scent
No. 2 Her reaction and your intuition
No. 3 Subtle imitation
No. 4 Saying her name frequently
No. 5 Not babbling so much about you
No. 6 Asking questions about her
No. 7 Seeming sympathetic
No. 8 Making her laugh
No. 9 Don't get too physical
No. 10 Kiss her cheek goodbye
No. 11 Get back to her within 24 hours
And the most important rule is... Don't blow it all on the first date!"

After her list, I have to swallow hard and wonder for a moment if perhaps I should have taken notes.

She must have interpreted my stunned expression correctly and puts on a knowing grin.
"Don't worry, Uncle Ben! I'll explain everything." She promises and shoves another nugget into her mouth.
Then, chewing, she says, "Valie ships it!"

Chapter 2: Chapter 2 - The Date Night

Summary:

Valentine's Day is here and Ben tries to follow Valie's twelve steps to the perfect date. But firstly, everything always turns out differently and secondly, than you think.

 

Monday, February 14th

Rey

To say I'm nervous is a slight (actually very severe) understatement.
Since I got back from lectures this afternoon, I showered, washed my hair and then stared at the hairdryer for a quarter of an hour trying to figure out what I was going to do with that thing.

When my hair had dried and I had finished putting on my make-up, I thought for a moment to look at a stranger in the mirror. I quickly washed my face and put on new make-up... which I then washed off again. I decided on plain mascara and a little lip gloss. The lighter the better!

After I had put on the dress I had chosen with Rose on Saturday and looked at myself in the mirror again, I shook my head in despair and quickly changed... Only to put on the dress I had chosen again. And after taking ten minutes to decide on a pair of shoes, I almost ran through the park to the restaurant because I was really late now.

I'm not usually this nervous before a date. I've been on a few dates with men and some of them were quite nice... At least until they got what they wanted and then left.

Maybe that's why I'm nervous. That I've only dated idiots so far and that with Ben it's somehow different... That he's somehow different....

At exactly five minutes past six, I arrive at the restaurant, where Ben is apparently already waiting impatiently. And when he sees me and looks at me with a relieved broad smile, all insecurity falls away from me and I know that Ben is definitely different.

Ben

"... You have to watch your scent. Sometimes I feel like you've bathed in your aftershave. A few spritzes is all it takes. If you hit her with your odeur, she'll be put off from the first moment."

I think doggedly of Valie's 12-step-programme and pull my shirt collar up to my nose for what feels like the hundredth time to find out whether the few squirts of my cologne were perhaps too much... or too little.

How desperate am I to listen to the words of a 9-year-old girl who had smeared my mobile phone screen with her greasy fingers? It's because I haven't had a date in a long time. Until now, my work or family commitments had simply kept me too busy to think much about women.

I think the last time I was in bed with a woman was six months ago. And that was just a random one-night stand that meant nothing. But Rey... From the first time I saw her, it was as if I had never seen the light before. And it was her radiant smile that finally made me really see.

Even if it was hardly noticed, I have changed since that day. I perceive everything around me differently and even no longer find my boss's criminal machinations tolerable. Sometimes I even toy with the idea of reporting him to the police.

But at the moment I'm worried about a completely different problem.

Rey is not here yet. I've been here for a good ten minutes. (Ok..., I was a good ten minutes early).
But the fact that she's not here yet actually makes me doubt. What if she doesn't come after all. What if she's changed her mind, or what if she's just dismissing my niece's unusual invitation as a child's little joke and never meant the promise?

Consumed by my doubts, I stare dejectedly at the floor and think about the fact that after this humiliation I will never be able to go back to the shop and perhaps I should even move to another town, never again to meet this girl who could so easily steal my heart.

But the clacking of heels on concrete makes me jump up and even though Valie's words about rule #2 run through my head: "Watch her reaction to you when you meet. Don't jump up enthusiastically as soon as she appears, you're not a needy puppy that immediately wags its tail when its owner returns. Just follow your intuition!"

The first thing I do when I see her running towards me is to grin in delight and relief. She really is there!

My initial relief ends as soon as she is standing right in front of me and for a brief second, I can't think of how I was going to greet her now.

At first, I raise my hand timidly to wave at her, but that feels kind of stupid, so I quickly lower my hand again as she raises it, at which moment I raise my hand again to take hers in a handshake. And what happens next is hard to explain....

While she takes another step closer (probably to shake my hand), I suddenly spread my arm and pull her into an awkward half-hug, which culminates in me accidentally pressing my lips very briefly to hers before, startled, I jerk my head back, look at her sheepishly and breathe a soft "Hi".

She just blinks at me speechlessly and seems to be thinking about how to react to this strange attack. After I have swallowed hard, she has obviously made up her mind, detaches herself from me a little and brushes her hair behind her ear. Then she looks down sheepishly and breathes back an equally quiet "Hi".

Clueless, I put my hands in my pockets and do the same. But I can't just stand around being upset with myself for long.
"Shall we...?" I ask cautiously, pointing to the restaurant.
She nods and makes a sound of approval. We then walk towards the door in silence. And already after we have passed the door, any thought of our embarrassing 'greeting' is forgotten.

Pink and red bunting and garlands hang all over the restaurant and a big red heart balloon floats above each table to remind the visitors once again, not very subtly, that today is Valentine's Day.

The restaurant is packed and at every table there is a couple either staring at each other in love, playing footsie under the table or holding hands. At one table, further back in the restaurant, there is even a couple involved in a wild smooching.

What have I got myself into here?

Rey seems to be asking herself the same question, because she doesn't know where to look because of all the pink, red and heart patterns.

As a waiter approaches us, I take her jacket from her and hang it in the cloakroom. And when I look back at her, my mouth falls open. She is wearing a black dress, about knee-length, with short sleeves and a slightly fringed tulle skirt. Her hair hangs in soft waves down to her shoulders and the light make-up makes her look fresh and youthful. She appears to me like a dreamlike fairytale figure.

"You look..." I am about to start, but am interrupted by the waiter.
"Welcome to LaTakodana! Do you have a reservation?" he asks, looking at us expectantly.
"Uh..." I make, gathering my thoughts.
"If you haven't made a reservation, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm afraid we don't have any seats left today."
"Valie, I mean Valentine Dameron ordered a table for us?" I ask cautiously.
"Oh... Miss Valentine." Replies the waiter enthusiastically.
"Mister Solo, Miss Valentine's uncle. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Miss Valentine has already told me so much about you."
"Oh, has she?" I ask naively, forgetting myself for a moment.
"But of course, Signor, everyone here knows the stories of her 'zio cretino'!" he jokes, leading us through the restaurant.

For a moment I think I've misheard. Even though my Italian is a bit rusty, I can still remember very well what the words he just called me mean.
But I will simply ignore it.

 

When I arrive at our table, I am almost about to sit down when I remember just in time that I have forgotten something. So, I stop moving, quickly jump back up and pull Rey's chair back instead. After she has gratefully sat down and I have adjusted her chair, I sit down too and suddenly feel very uncomfortable.

For whatever reason, but here the chairs are not facing each other, but we sit next to each other and are therefore quite close. And I can see that she too feels uncomfortable. But how can I find my way out of this messy situation?

In my mind I go through Valie's rules again to think about which one fits this situation at the moment. Maybe reaction and intuition or subtle imitation? No! It's number four.
"Say her name more often! You're getting their attention and expressing your interest. Drop her name into a sentence more often. But don't say it too often or you'll sound untrustworthy."

"So, Rey...What I wanted to tell you...You look really beautiful today...So I'm not saying you don't usually look beautiful but...So what I mean by that is.... You're extra... beautiful today." I stammer, just wishing the earth would open up beneath me and swallow me in one piece.

Her soft giggle at least makes me remember that I fulfilled #8 and was able to make her laugh.
"Thank you... You look very good too and... you look very good otherwise." She replies with a radiant smile and pulls me under her spell.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, Valie's voice sounds that I shouldn't stare at her for too long, but at that moment I am absorbed in her green-brown eyes.

"A recommendation from the house. A 2016'er Brunello di Montalcino from Collosorbo." Introduces the waiter, holding up a dark wine bottle with a black label.
I barely have time to react before the man expertly uncorks the bottle and pours us each a glass.

My knowledge of wine is not very strong (which alone proves my mediocre wine collection,) but I am pretty sure that this wine is not the cheapest.

"We haven't even ordered this yet." I try to explain as he places the bottle in the middle of the table.
"Miss Valentine has already taken care of everything. I was instructed by her to say Valie ships it!" He says with a beaming smile and hurries away.

I'm beginning to have doubts about what to make of this line.

"Mmhh!" suddenly comes from the side.
Rey, who couldn't resist taking a sip of the wine, seems to be thrilled by the taste and immediately takes a bigger sip.

Now I also take my glass in my hand and I have to admit without envy that Valie has very good taste in wine... Secretly, however, I hope that the waiter chose the wine. Because that's not the kind of praise you should give a 9-year-old.

"Your niece often seems to be in charge." Rey observes and sets her glass down carefully.
As she does, I remember something Valie said to me again.
"Fifth... You need to create likenesses...! What I mean is, try to imitate her... but subtly. If she takes a sip or crosses one leg over the other. But don't pretend! Women can tell right away."

Just as carefully as she does, I put my glass back on the table and try to match my posture to hers.
"Well... Valie just knows what she wants... And she's absolutely unyielding on that point." I explain, studying her every facial emotion.
She looks at me intently, waiting for any more words. And then Valie's number six comes to mind. "Don't talk about yourself so much. Let her have her say too. Ask her questions and try to formulate further questions in response to her answers. Follow-up questions are proof that you are a good listener."

"Do you also have little nieces... or siblings?" I try to get the ball rolling.
In response, she lifts her head almost startled and looks to the side with a clearing of her throat.
"Uh... no, I don't have any nieces, nephews or siblings." She says quickly and picks up her glass again to take another sip of wine.
Barely a second later, I also raise my hand to reach for my glass, but focus too much on her hurt expression and almost knock over my wine glass and both water glasses. I just manage to dart forward to secure all the glasses, but a large gush of water shoots over my wrist.

"Oh fu...sorry!" I interrupt myself in time and pull my hand back from the table.
But again, Rey surprises me by quickly grabbing a napkin and drying my hand.
"Not so bad... It's only water, thankfully." Says with an amused smirk.

Swallowing hard, I watch her small hands and wish nothing more than to grab hers and never let go.

"And is Valie your brother's or sister's daughter?" she asks, snapping me out of my reverie.
"Of my sister Zorii."
"Is your sister Zorii as smart as Valie?" she asks further, making me think she's stealing my lines. Actually, I'm supposed to be quizzing her.

"Well, no. Valie takes after my mother more than anything. But tell me something about yourself! You said you were studying?" I try to redirect the conversation.
"Uh yes... I'm studying mechanical engineering and I want to work for a car manufacturer after graduation. I already have something lined up there." She explains and smiles shyly.
"That sounds like a plan. What do your parents say about your goals? Do they support you in your studies?" she asks, hoping to pick up a morsel of her family history.
"No... I'm financing my studies myself." She explains coolly, causing me to furrow my eyebrows.
"Don't your parents have the means to support you?" I ask further, ignoring the dogged expression on her face that should really be interpreted as a warning sign.
"I have no idea whether my parents have such means or not..." she says a little more harshly.
But I still don't back down and ask further.
"Are you no longer in contact with them?"

The bottom line is that she was literally sitting there with a sign around her neck that said, "Shut the fuck up". But, stupid as I am, I couldn't shut up and let the issue go. No! I had to keep drilling, hell-bent on executing Valie's Step #6. So, it's also not surprising that she got a little louder the next moment.

"No, I have no contact with my parents. They abandoned me when I was 4 and never came back. Does that answer your question?"

Startled, I straighten up and back away a little from her harsh words. I don't have to look around to know that half the restaurant is looking around at us. With a tense jaw, she looks down at the floor and tries doggedly to hold back the first tears.

I didn't mean to. Inside, I could slap myself. How could I be so stupid and not realize that the subject could hurt her.

So, we sit there in awkward silence for a few minutes. I know that nothing I could say now would ease her pain. But somehow, I have to change the situation for the better again, because otherwise I fear that she will leave without another word.

Gently, I place my hand on her hand that is resting in her lap. As she looks up at me and her big moist eyes fix me with a restrained wariness, I feel the need to enfold her in my arms and give her the opportunity to rid herself of all her burdens.

"Rey, I don't want to pretend I can understand how you feel..." I begin carefully.
"But I know what it's like to feel lonely." I confess, holding her gaze.
"Since a terrible fight with my parents, five years ago, I haven't exchanged a single word with them... And in that time, there was only work for me. When Zorii talked about coming back to the States about a year ago, I thought she would settle down near our parents to be with them. But when she announced she was moving to Chandrila to be with me, I knew she wanted to be near me so she wouldn't leave me alone."

For a moment I lower my eyes and think back to the day when Zorii suddenly appeared on my doorstep and told me that she had moved across town and was now going to work here as an obstetrician. It was like being pulled out of a deep hole. My job and my environment had eaten away at me, leaving almost nothing of me.

I feared at first that I would drag Zorii and her family down with my black-hole mentality, but I was wrong. Just one look from Valie and I started to live again. There was hardly anything left of the tiny little girl who always ran around with her little crown and magic wand and hung on her mother's coat-tails. All that remained was this stunning force of nature that immediately captivates you and awakens every form of joie de vivre in you.

"I wouldn't admit it in front of her but... I'm very glad Zorii came to me..." I confess, gently stroking her knuckles with my thumb.
"We never have to talk about it again if you want but just tell me one thing...! Do you have someone...?" I ask softly, squeezing her hand very briefly to give her a small sign of support.

She looks at me confused for a moment, but then seems to understand. After clearing her throat, she gives me a pained little smile and says, "Rose... She's... we've known each other since high school and her parents own the shop."

"Good..." I say, squeezing her hand one last time before withdrawing mine and pulling out a cloth handkerchief from the inside of my suit jacket to hand it to her.
After she has inconspicuously wiped the tears from her eyes, she hands the handkerchief back to me with a quiet "thank you" and smiles slightly at me.

Then the waiter appears and places a platter of scallops in front of us.
"Scallops au gratin with lemon and parsley." The man explains and bows briefly before disappearing again.

"I guess we can't order anything because Valie already pre-ordered everything for us?" I ask, stopping the man in his tracks.
After his brief astonishment, he grins broadly at us, answers with a quick "Si" and disappears.

Grumbling slightly, I look at the plate with the four mussels on it, arranged almost like a cloverleaf. The bright mussel meat garnished with a small cherry tomato slice and green parsley seems like a perfect reference to the Italian flag in white, red and green.

"I'm sorry if this doesn't suit you." I try to alleviate the situation.
But Rey just grins happily at me and takes one of the starter forks.
"Oh well... I think it looks delicious." She declares and picks up one of the mussels.

And what can I say, she's right. It tastes fantastic. But when she moans animatedly after the second bite and explains how delicious it is, I almost choke on a tomato and have to take a big gulp of water to catch my breath.

What the hell is wrong with me? How old am I that a woman's moaning gets me so upset?

After the appetizer is cleared, I subtly try to find out a bit more about her. While refilling her wine glass, I ask: "And where did you grow up? I noticed you have a slight accent."
"Oh... yeah. I thought I'd lost that completely... Yeah, I'm actually from England. I was sent here when I was about nine because a distant relative lives here who agreed to take me in. He died in my last year of high school."
"So, you came here directly from England?" I ask further, trying not to probe too hard.
"No... We lived in a small town in Arizona in the beginning and only moved here when I started high school. That's where I met Rose."
"And... may I ask how you finance your studies?" I ask carefully, putting my water glass to my mouth.
"Through a scholarship. But that only covers tuition fees. I earn my living at Ticos shop and with a few small side jobs." She explains and smiles kindly at me.
"You like working there?" I ask, enjoying the grin her mouth twists into.
"Yes... The Ticos have always been very good to me and I feel at home with them... Can I ask you two questions too?"

I'm not quite sure anymore if Valie had said anything about this subject either. She said that I shouldn't talk about myself non-stop, but I'm still allowed to answer questions.

"Ask anything you want." I offer generously.
"Where do you work?"
"In a big financial company." I answer simply, hoping for no further question on the matter.
But as she tilts her head I realize she has more questions about it.
"Basically, I make sure that... rich people get richer."
Slightly saddened, she watches me, waiting for another response.
"And do you like your job?" she asks in a hushed voice, looking at me intently.
I don't have to think long. After only a few milliseconds I answer with a clear "No".
"Does the rift between you and your parents have anything to do with your job?" she asks just as quietly and carefully.

With a depressed sigh, I lower my head and stare at my hand clenched into a fist on the table. Words like heartless, corrupt and disappointing flash through my mind again. The words my parents used to berate me when I decided to work for First Order Financial. But at the time, I couldn't and wouldn't recognize what should have been obvious to me long ago.

A small hand gently squeezing my fist brings me back from my musings and makes me look up.
Suddenly it's as if her eyes are looking straight into my mind and soul, illuminating every bit of darkness.

"They were against me working for this company. Some pretty ugly words were said and... I just don't know if there's any way back yet." I explain, relaxing my jaw.

We look at each other in silence for a long time and only after what feels like an eternity do I realize that my fist has opened and is now holding her hand. But something else distracts my attention. The waiter comes back to us carrying a large plate with an obscenely large mountain of pasta on it.

As he puts the plate down in front of us, I have the feeling for a moment that I'm in the wrong film. In front of us is a huge plate with an equally huge pile of spaghetti drenched in tomato sauce and meatballs.

"Uhhh..." is all I make and continue to stare at the mountain of pasta.
"A special request from Miss Valentine." Explains the man with an apologetic smile.
"Pasta a la Lady and the Tramp?" asks Rey with a suppressed grin.
"Si, cara Signorina."

With these words, the waiter turns and quickly disappears. And I continue to stare at the table.

Pasta Lady and the Tramp... She can' t be serious!

Rey gives a soft snort and I watch as she loses more and more control and the chuckle grows into a giggle and finally a hearty laugh. At some point I just can't help but join in her laughter and that's when I remember Valie's Rule #8 again.
"Make her laugh! Women like funny men."

And when my laughter has already faded away, I continue to look at her adorable face and suddenly feel my heart skip a beat. And as soon as it resumes beating, it suddenly races like I'm running a marathon.

As if by magic, I lift my hand and brush a loose strand behind her ear. Her laughter stops immediately and she looks at me, slightly startled.

"You look quite adorable when you laugh." I say softly and know my ears are turning red as she bites her lower lip.

"And you look cute when you blush." She declares and looks down for a moment, embarrassed.
Then she turns her gaze back to the pile of pasta, grabs her fork and looks at me, beaming.
"So... shall we? This mountain can't be conquered alone." She declares and pricks the pasta.

I do the same and we start eating. When we actually turn on the same noodle at some point during the meal, we stare at each other sheepishly until I drop the noodles and leave them for her. After that, I just try to eat from the other side of the plate.

We don't manage to eat all the pasta, but when there's only one meatball left, I roll it onto her side of the plate with my fork, in true Lady and the Tramp style, and earn a sweet giggle.

But instead of spearing the whole thing and eating it, she cuts the meatball in half, eats one half and then guides the second half on her fork to my mouth. After watching her blink, I obediently open my mouth and let her feed me willingly.

And again, my heart stops for a second. How does she do it?

After the meal, we are actually asked if we want another dessert. But we are already so full from the pile of pasta that we gratefully decline. But we remain seated. Because after this chaotic dinner, the unpleasant confessions and the near-accident with the glasses, we just don't want to part yet.

We sit, drink wine and talk about all sorts of things. From her experiences in Arizona, her college visit to her little experiences with the customers in Tico's market.

"Can I ask you a question...? There's something that's been bothering me all this time..." she begins, formulating her next words in her head.
"Where are you on my days off?"
"Uh, I'm sorry, what?" I ask, confused, blinking at her.
"Well..." she says slowly, pursing her lips and looking to the side.
"I spoke to my colleagues and they say you're only in the shop when I'm on shift." She explains, making me swallow.
"But now I'm wondering... What do you do on the days I'm not working?"

I guess that's what you call being caught. I always doubted she wouldn't notice my constant appearance in the shop. But it never really occurred to me that the other employees might take notice.

"Well..." I begin, clearing my throat briefly.
"On these days, after work, I usually go to a gym... Unless Valie is with me. Then I do something with her." I confess, forcing myself to smile unobtrusively.
But Rey thinks about my words for a moment.
"Ben... Do you really think the salad bar is that good or... are you still coming to us for something else or... for someone else?" she asks cautiously, avoiding looking me in the eye.

Maybe it's the wine or whatever. But all of a sudden, I get the courage to gently grab her chin and pull her face in my direction, making her look at me again.

"What do you think?" I murmur to her in a raspy voice, enjoying the distinct blush on her cheeks.
"I'm certainly not coming to you for the wine." I add, making her smile.
"Does the wine you buy from us taste good at all?"
"To be perfectly honest... I haven't opened any of it yet." I confess and let go of her face again.
"Really?"
"I am the proud owner of a wholly mediocre wine collection." I boast playfully, spreading my arms with pride.

At this she has to laugh and again my heart stops for a moment before galloping on.

It is a wonderful evening. We even manage to order a second bottle of the Montachino and kill it too. I have never felt so free and carefree in the presence of another human being and I enjoy every single second with Rey.

Only when the waiter approaches our table and politely tells us that they would like to close, do we notice that we are the last guests in the restaurant. Surprised, we straighten up and I realize that Rey and I have been getting closer and closer across the table. My hand, which was resting on her thigh a moment ago, suddenly feels very cold and immediately I miss not feeling her breath on my face.

With a clearing of her throat, she excuses herself that she has to go to the toilet for a moment and leaves the table. For me, the perfect time to settle the score. And I was right. The wine cost almost $60 per bottle. But it's worth it to me... Rey is worth so much more!

When she returns, I help her into her coat and hold the door open for her. The cold February wind blows against my face and I immediately miss the warmth of the restaurant. As I look at my wristwatch, a slight shock runs through my limbs. We have been in the restaurant for almost four hours. But as soon as I look over at Rey's shivering form, I think I could have spent four more hours with her in that snug corner.

"Can I walk you home, Rey?" I ask.
"Yes." She replies simply, blushing, though I'm not sure if that blush is from the cold or my question.

Luckily, she only lives on the other side of the park, which is romantically lit in the evening (and at night). After only a few yards on the gravelly path, her finger knuckles graze my hand and a few yards further on, I hold her small hand tightly in mine and so we walk hand in hand, like a newly in love couple through the dark park.

It could all be so lofty, picturesque and romantic... If only there wasn't a couple at every other corner, busy making out wildly or... to my regret, fucking wildly.

But I hold her hand steadfastly and when we are at her front door, I let go only with utter displeasure.

"So..." I breathe cluelessly, not knowing what to say as I put my hands in my jacket pockets.
"So..." she also breathes, nervously tugging at her coat.

In my jacket pocket, I touch the hard surface of my phone and an idea comes to me.
"You know... I thought it was a really beautiful evening..." I start, gesturing awkwardly to our surroundings.
"I thought it was really nice too." She confesses, looking down with a sweet smile.

"I want to see you again." I suddenly say very seriously, but can't get her to look at me again.
"You can see me in shop tomorrow..." she suggests shyly.
"That's not what I mean and you know it." I say, still very serious, and step closer to her.

Her gaze suddenly seems to me like the shining of the brightest stars in the night sky and again I brush a strand of hair behind her ear.
"What do you say we exchange numbers?"
She nods in agreement and takes out her mobile phone.

After we exchange numbers, she suddenly lifts her phone and takes an unexpected picture with her camera.
"Did you just take my picture?" I ask with a smirk in my voice.
"Yes... I need a contact photo of you after all." She explains without looking up.
"Then I'll have to remember to take one of you sometime." I joke back and earn a cheeky grin.
"Try me!" she challenges, glaring at me.

Without warning, I lean down to her and give her a soft kiss on the cheek that she wasn't expecting at all. And even if that wasn't Valie's rule number nine and ten... I'd still do it exactly the same way.

("Don't be too pushy physically! Holding her hand or helping her out of her coat is okay. But don't grope her all the time. No unsolicited touching on the arms or legs. Wait for her to make the first move. And when saying goodbye... A simple kiss on the cheek is usually enough to win her over. If she wants more, she'll take care of it.")

With a small smile and a wistful look, I croon, "See you very soon, Rey!" and turn to leave.

On the way away from her front door, Valie's voice runs through my head again.
"Rule #11 is also important... In fact, almost more important than anything else before it. Once you've exchanged numbers, don't wait long to call her. If the date went well, call her the next morning... Or, if you can't wait, call her back the same night. But women don't like it at all when the man gets in touch days or weeks later."

And she is right again. As soon as I get home, I'll dial her number and ask her out again. I can hardly wait to see her again and I'm only a few yards away from her. And while I'm already going through in my head where I can take her next time, my mobile rings.

Amazingly, it's Rey... Rey, who I said goodbye to only seconds ago... Rey, who is only a few yards behind me.

As soon as I turn around, I can tell she is breathing harder. As I press the accept button, I look at her questioningly.
"Do you still feel like a coffee?" she asks with clear desperation in her voice.

Notes:

Hello my dears!
Tomorrow will be the last chapter and there will be nothing but smut and fluff.
The next story will be in March.
Until then, stay healthy and enjoy Valentine's Day.

All the best, your Lori ♥

Chapter 3: Chapter 3 - Date Night Part 2

Summary:

"Do you still feel like a coffee?"

Those were her words... and we all know where this is going....
This chapter is pure smut and fluff!
Have fun!

 

Monday, February 14th

Ben

"Do you still feel like a coffee?"

I don't have to think long. I quickly turn off my phone and put it in my jacket pocket. After only a few steps I have reached her and immediately grab her face between my hands.

The kiss afterwards is rough and impetuous. We virtually collide and at first, we keep bumping our teeth and noses together. But after a few seconds we have found a sensible rhythm and the awkward clash of two mouths turns into a hot and desperate kiss that means everything.

When we part for a moment, I say, out of breath, "No, I don't want coffee." And lock her lips with mine again.
As she pulls me towards her front door, she says between kisses, "Good, I don't want coffee either."

Arriving in her hallway, we almost trip on the steps and I grab her waist and lift her. She automatically wraps her legs around my waist and lets me carry her up the first few steps. But then her mouth leaves mine again and she says in a breathless voice that there is a lift.

(Oh my God! That was pretty much one of the first differences I learned between Amrecan and British English. Lift and elevator. Sry for that!)

In the lift I press her against the wall and barely separate from her. As her flat door slams into the lock behind us, she simply drops her key and the small handbag she has been clutching all this time and I too manage to leave my coat, which she was already trying to push off my shoulders, in the doorway.

Arriving in her bedroom, I immediately start to feel the zip of her dress to unzip it. I can hardly wait to finally have her to myself. With a grumble I interrupt the kiss and bend my head over her shoulder to find this stupid fastener.

She takes advantage of this moment to push herself an arm's length away from me and take a deep breath.

With a slight panic, I watch her unreadable gaze fixed rigidly on the floor.

"Did you... Do you want... Would you rather I left?" I ask quietly, hoping she won't throw me out.
"No..." she says, continuing to take deep breaths.
"Stay... I just need to... Could you excuse me for a moment?" she asks shyly, pointing with both arms towards a door that apparently hides the bathroom.
"Of course, ... Take your time." I offer, swallowing hard.

When she has disappeared behind the door, I gaze around the room as if transfixed, suddenly not knowing what to do next.
I could wait here and not move an inch... Or I could use the time and... What?

Should I take off all my clothes... Doesn't that even have a pick-up line...? The naked man or something... What series was that from again...? Never mind!!!

Then the scales fall from my eyes. I quickly sit down on the edge of her bed and untie the laces of my shoes. When I have put the shoes neatly in a corner of the room, I also take off my socks and stuff them into the shoes. Because I know very well that there is absolutely no way to take off socks in any sexy way. And most women don't like it when you leave them on in bed.

Then I take off my suit jacket and lay it, neatly folded, on a chair. And now I'm really starting to not know what to do. Glancing at the locked bathroom door, I wonder what she's doing behind it. But I know I shouldn't think too much about it.

As I let my gaze wander around the semi-dark room, I spot a table against the wall, piled high with stacks of books. It doesn't look like she's reading them all right now. Doesn't she have a shelf for the books? And about a yard further on I recognize... Yes... She has a shelf. But it's crammed with a substantial DVD collection.

Apparently sorted in a system of their own, I recognize Disney films in one row, the complete Marvel and DC series in the next, and horror films galore. Among them are adventure films and comedies. In one compartment, some DVDs are upside down. The heavily worn covers tell me that she watches these films often. Maybe her favorite films?

Suddenly a thought strikes me that makes me jump. I quickly rush to my suit jacket and rummage for my wallet. Inside I find a condom packet that is already a few months old - and hopefully not yet expired.

Then I stand in the middle of the room with the condom in my hand and think about where I should put the thing.

Put it in my pocket?
Stupid idea... it's probably about to come off anyway.
Put it under the pillow?
What nonsense! I'll never find the thing again.

Just in time, I decide to place it on the small bedside table, when I hear the lock of the bathroom door and turn around with a jerk.

There she is and... wow!

Rey

As soon as I close the bathroom door behind me, I lean against it and put my hand over my mouth.

What the hell is wrong with me? Am I having second thoughts...? No! Do I want to stop this...? No!

Then why do I lock myself in the bathroom while the most fantastic man ever is standing in my bedroom waiting for me?

After going to the toilet, I splash some water on my face at the sink to clear my head a bit. But it doesn't help for long.

Ben is standing just a few yards away from me, waiting. He is waiting for me to come out of the bathroom and for us to have sex. Isn't this what I've always wanted since I first saw this redwood of a man?

Yes!

So why am I standing here clinging to the sink with my hands like a drowning woman desperately trying not to sink?
Because I'm just nervous. The evening has been so crazy and fabulous so far and I still feel like I'm floating from his kisses. But if I go out there now, there's no going back....

Is that what I want?

When the answer to that question, a resounding yes, comes to mind I have to smile.

Slowly, I pull down the zip of my dress that Ben has just been struggling with and let it fall to the floor. Rose was right, it was just right, cute yet sexy.

Then I kick off my shoes, slip out of my tights and get rid of my bra and panties. I know what is about to happen and I will have absolutely no use for my clothes.

After a quick look in the mirror and the realization that this blush on my face suits me, I take another deep breath, tighten my shoulders and open the door.

Ben, standing next to my bed, quickly turns to me and gets wide-eyed at the sight of me. Amused, I realize that he has taken off his shoes and socks. And behind him, on my bedside table, I can spy the shiny foil wrapper of a condom.

Yes... He knows where this is about to go.

With a firm determination in my heart, I slowly walk towards him. I run my hands over his clothed stomach, up to his chest.
"I think you're wearing too much, dear." I say in a lascivious voice and tug at his shirt.

Thunderstruck, he starts undoing the buttons on his shirt and tosses it carelessly on the floor. Then His hands are on my waist. With the same awe that is in his eyes, he runs his hands carefully over my skin, giving me strong goose bumps.

"You are beautiful." He huffs as he just flicks his thumbs over my nipples, already stiff from the cold.
"You're no slouch yourself." I praise, running my hands over his abs and broad chest.

He snorts a smile and directs me to my desk, where he lifts me briefly and sets me down on the surface. I know what he's up to and within moments he's squatting on his knees in front of me with my legs draped over his shoulders. And even though Ben hasn't struck me as particularly lewd so far... My goodness! He definitely knows what to do down there to drive a woman out of her mind.

He starts by licking a long strip across my sex with the flat of his tongue. When he strokes my clit first with his nose and then with the tip of his tongue, I gasp for a moment.

I am amazed at how wet I already am and when he suddenly pushes a finger into my hole, which slides without any obstacle into my warm interior, I am only embarrassed for a moment by the wet noises it makes.

Because just a second later, his mouth is on my clit, sucking, licking and nibbling it vigorously. From then on, I don't care about anything else. I grab his hair courageously and can only minimally stop myself from pressing his head even harder against my needy core.

I gasp lustfully as I move my hips in the nude of his finger. And when he adds a second finger, the stretch is incredible.
His fingers are so much bigger than mine and it feels so good.

Like I'm out of my mind, I moan and gasp and keep babbling for him not to stop and that I'm almost there. And when I'm already holding his head with both hands and now quite obviously fucking his face, he fingers me with a third finger too.

Startled, I yelp and he immediately stops stimulating my clit.
"You can do it." He murmurs to me, thrusting his fingers into me at a relentless pace, touching a glorious spot inside me again and again.
I just nod with a desperate look that is supposed to make him understand clearly that he has to put his mouth on my cunt again, because otherwise I'm about to go insane.

With a glowering look he lowers his head again and slurps up the moisture that has collected in my pucker. I know I might be sitting with my bum on a paper I have to hand in at the end of the week but it doesn't matter now. It also doesn't matter that I'm currently ruining the desk pad with my cunt juice. In view of Ben's tongue, which is currently licking me into nirvana, nothing in this world matters at all.

But very shortly before I fall off an enormous cliff, Ben pulls out. Despite my vocal protests and attempts to force his head back between my legs, he takes his fingers out of my cunt, pulls my legs off his shoulders and stands in front of me.

I can't stop a loud "Why?" that sounds so needy and petulant that any normal woman would just roll her eyes at my self-imposed humiliation. But that doesn't count now. I was so close and this asshole leaves me with a strong feeling of frustration and also has the cheek to grin at me and hold the three fingers in front of my face that were just a moment ago deep in my cunt.

"Don't be so hasty my darling! You come on my cock first and now... suck!" he orders, touching my closed lips with his wet fingers.
I stare at him with a slight pout before opening my mouth slightly and taking in just the tip of his index finger and sucking on it vigorously. He quickly pushes the rest of the finger into my mouth and I play around it lustfully with my tongue. As I suck on it again, Ben hisses through his teeth and has to brace himself against the table with his other hand.

When I take his middle finger into my mouth and work it with my tongue, I feel the moisture from his ring finger on my cheek. And when he pulls his finger out of my mouth and I make a loud smacking sound as I suck, I watch him take his ring finger into his mouth and then lick the moist spot on my cheek with his tongue.

I have never experienced anything so erotic. I've been licked by other men before but they've never acted as if they'd just tasted ambrosia afterwards.
But Ben closes his eyes with relish, as if I taste like the most delicious wine ever.

"You have a greedy mouth, don't you?" he asks close to my ear.
"Why don't you find out?" I challenge him cheekily.

He just looks at me in amazement for a moment before grabbing me by the butt and lifting me off the desk. I hear some papers fall to the floor, but ignore it.
While I hold onto his shoulders and wrap my legs around his waist, he carries me to the bed and sets me down on it. I slide further into the middle and watch as he climbs onto the bed in front of me and undoes the belt of his trousers.

He doesn't take his eyes off me and twists his lips into a smug grin as I lean forward to squat on all fours in front of him. With shaky fingers I help him remove his belt and unbutton his trousers. The distinct bulge in his pants almost makes my mouth water.

And when the shameful clothing is finally down, I lose no time in kissing the licking tip of his cock. It's huge and I suddenly understand why he's drilled me with three fingers... Even though I'm still a little doubtful that it will fit.

When I close my lips around his glans and suck on it just lightly, he first hisses very loudly, then gives a startled gasp and pulls me away from him by my hair.

"I'm sorry!" he apologizes as he gets up from the bed, takes off his trousers and pants completely and claws the condom packet from the bedside table.
"I haven't been with a woman for some time and if we're going to do it like this... So, if you keep... I don't want to come in your mouth." He babbles and crawls back onto the bed as he takes the foil packet between his teeth and rips it open.

"Maybe some other time." I mumble to myself, quickly lie back on my back and let him get between my legs while he is busy rolling the condom over his stiff member. Then he bends over me and I expect him to penetrate me immediately, but no...

His hand finds its way between my legs and strokes my clit. Unconsciously moaning, my hips circle his fingers, but it is nowhere near enough!

"Ben... please!" I moan, earning only a grin.
He continues to torture me and pushes two fingers into my cunt.
"Please, Ben!" I whimper a little louder.
And then his third finger is inside me too, stretching me so wonderfully again.

After a squeaky gasp, I wince and reach for his forearm with one hand to press the heel of his hand further against my clit.

"You take my fingers so well..." he says in a hushed voice.
"But you're still going to be so tight." He gasps, touching that beautiful spot inside me again, making me see stars for a moment.

"Ben! Goddammit! Please!" I scream, accidentally scratching his forearm.

He barely flinches, but takes his fingers out of me and guides his cock against my middle. First, he teases my clit and runs the tip along my pucker. Then he gets into position at my hole and pushes himself inside me.

He was right. He has prepared me well but he is still too big... or I am too small. But I'm wet and softer for him and as he pushes into me inch by inch, it burns only very briefly and then I just feel filled. When he's all the way inside me, he props himself up with both forearms above my head and moans into my neck.

My hands are stiff on his waist and I try to spread my legs even wider to take him better. But it's no use. We both have to hold out for a moment to get used to each other.

When he leans up a little, our eyes meet and we are caught in each other's gaze. If my heart wasn't already beating like a jackhammer, it would start doing so at this glance at the latest. I noticed it several times that evening when Ben and I had looked at each other for a long time at special moments.

And I just knew in those moments that he felt that way too. Just like now.

With a silent agreement and even without the sign of a nod from me, he rolls his hips back and immediately thrusts into me again. It's a strange sensation at first, as if we're not quite ready for each other yet. But just a few thrusts later, he starts to find a steady rhythm and I have to cry out loud with each thrust, clinging desperately to his shoulder and upper arm.

With one hand he grips my hip and I come towards him in every thrust, constantly on the hunt for this delicious release that lies so promisingly before me.

By now I am capable of nothing but moans and gasps and cries of "Yes" and "Ben, please".
But Ben talks almost all the time.
He says things like, "You're so good... Rey you're so fantastic! I could fuck you all night!"
Or he gives me praises that I'm not quite sure I'm supposed to be flattered by any more like, "Your cunt is the best... And you're so deliciously tight! Uhhg! Yahh... I knew you had the hottest pussy!"
And of course, praises that I'm sure I'm flattered by, like, "You're so beautiful, Rey... Do you even know how beautiful you are? Ohhh... Everything about you is beautiful... your body... your mind and your soul... Oh Rey!"
But he also says things like this that make my heart swell and make it skip a few beats impossibly.
"Ahh... I've only ever wanted you Rey... Ever since I saw you... I've only wanted you... I've wanted it so much... Only you!"

And then he suddenly slows his thrusts, straightens up and forces me to look him straight in the eye. With the intensity in his eyes, I know that something terrible is about to happen right now if I don't stop him. We have known each other for over half a year but it is far too early for an `I love you' and it would be a shame if he ruined the evening with a `Mosby'.

I already want to put my hand in front of his mouth to stop him from saying the three famous words, but he surprises me again.

"I don`t want this to be just one night... I want to get serious with you and really fall in love with you... Rey...!"
At that moment he has already come to a complete stop and is gently stroking my cheek with his fingertips.
"I never want you to be lonely again, Rey." He says in such a serious voice that my vision blurs with tears.
"Don't be afraid...! I feel it too... You're not alone anymore." He breathes, resting his forehead against mine.
"Neither are you." I reply through tears and pull his face further down towards me to meet his lips.

As soon as the kiss that starts like a light breath turns into something bigger, more desperate, he begins to move inside me again. One of his hands travels down our bodies, finds the top of my head and starts rubbing my clit in, at first gentle and then increasingly rough circles.

It's just right. With a gasping whimper, I release from his mouth and tense my whole body as I am flooded with the wave of ecstasy. I squirm and tense under him and pull his head back into the crook of my neck, where he immortalizes himself in the skin of my collarbone with his lips, tongue and teeth.

His hands slide up my body and pull my arms above my head. There he intertwines our hands together and gives me gentle kisses on my jaw and cheek. And after a few thrusts, he too ends with a roar of my name and pours himself into the condom. He remains on top of me for a long time, thrusting into me every now and then in gentle movements, until his flaccid member slides out of me and he rolls off me with an exhausted gasp.

Breathing heavily, we lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling. Until he turns to me and leans over me.
"Are you, all right? Did I hurt you?" he asks so quickly that the words leave his mouth almost in one short breath.
Concerned, his hand glides over my body, examining every inch for bruises from his treatment.

I can only chuckle silently and think about how no guy has ever been so worried about me after sex. Most have just fallen asleep or left afterwards. And that's when I remember something.

"Tell me... Were you serious?" I ask, turning to his side and propping my head on one hand as he does.
"What do you mean?" he asks back as I draw little circles on his chest with my finger.
"You know what I mean!" I insist a little more seriously and pinch one of his nipples, to which he makes a pained sound and pulls my hand away from his chest.
"Every word... Worried?" he asks, kissing every single knuckle he can reach with his plush lips.
"No... Because you said I didn't have to be afraid."

After a surprised flare in his eyes, he looks at me lovingly, leans closer and gives me a quick kiss before excusing himself and disappearing into the bathroom himself to get rid of the condom.

After he's finished, I disappear for a moment too and come back with a large shirt in my hand. But when Ben, who has already laid down under the covers and is waiting for me, sees the garment in my hand, he straightens up.
"Oh no, lady! Don't you dare put that on! Put it away and come to bed with me!" he says with joking severity, gesturing from me to the empty space beside him in the bed.

After a snorting giggle, I put the shirt away and climb onto the mattress with him.
"Alright, mister. But I have to warn you that I get cold fast so..." I start to complain but am interrupted when he pulls me to him by the arms, throws the blanket over us and buries me under him.

I try to free myself from him with protesting grumble and feigned fisticuffs, but it's no use. In the end, I lie pressed against his chest with one of his legs between my thighs and am positively blown away by his warmth and closeness.

He is literally a walking heater but I enjoy his importunity. After a few small kisses on my forehead and more protesting movements, he lets up a little and we have found a comfortable position in which we both quickly doze off.

The last thing I hear from him are whispered words that sound something like, "Valie ships it good..."

 

Tuesday, February 15th

Ben

I wake up to the pleasant feeling of warmth. My right arm is a little numb but as soon as I open my eyes, all numbness is blown away. Next to me, Rey is sleeping, her head resting on my arm. She is still fast asleep and a light purr comes from her slightly open mouth.

This is the sweetest and most peaceful picture I have ever seen. If I wasn't already 100% convinced that I had fallen for this girl body and soul... At the latest now I would be quite sure.

Our bodies are closely connected. One of her arms is under my body and the other is on my waist. And our legs are somehow interlocked.

Very carefully and without waking her, I lift her head slightly and rest it on a pillow. Then I crawl out of bed to sneak into the bathroom.

After I have relieved myself, washed my face and brushed my teeth, I scurry back into Rey's bedroom. At the sight that presents itself, I don't think twice and rummage in my suit jacket for my mobile phone. I quickly open the camera function and take a picture of the sleeping Rey.

For her contact picture.

Then I type a message to the office that I'm calling in sick today and switch my phone to silent. And then I crawl back under the covers. I have to admit that she is a really sound sleeper.

After I've already snuggled back against her back, my mobile suddenly rings. As I reach for it, Rey finally wakes up and grumbles sleepily, "Couldn't you put your phone on silent...? Or was that your alarm clock because you have to go?" she asks, first miffed and then worried.

"No. I took the day off." I quickly reassure her.
"And I put my phone on silent. Only Valie had changed some setting once where her calls and messages always come through to me. I have no idea how to turn that off again." I explain and open the messenger app.

She sent me a text message.
"Clever girl. What does she want?"
"Well..." I say, reading the four words aloud, „Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?“

Typical Valie.

Rey chuckles lightly. "I didn't know she was into 80's pop music." She says and snatches the phone from my hand.
"I think she likes the original from Austria better. What are you writing?"
"All Roger in Cambodia...! Love, Rey is texting." She explains, handing the phone back to me after sending the message.

But before I can even put it away, it rings again. This time Rey is even quicker and snatches it out of my hand. After reading the text briefly, she snorts out a short laugh and types back a message. Then she hands the device back to me, rolls over and lies on top of me.

I can just about read the messages and Valie's, just-arriving, reply before Rey's mouth on my earlobe distracts me so much that I let my phone slide off the bed.

 

Valie:
> Rey? Why Rey? Why are you texting on Ben's phone? :O

Ben:
< A counter question to that. Valie. That sounds feminine. Why are you sending messages to my boyfriend? ; )

Valie:
> ♥

Notes:

That was the Valentine's story. I hope you had fun and are looking forward to the story in March.

Until then, stay healthy, everyone.

All love, your Lori ♥

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Lori's Seasonal Stories