The Honeymoon, Part 2 (unedited)

It was a little intimidating being with Levi here in San Francisco. I didn't understand it at first. Why had I been more comfortable in Paris with him than here in the city where I'd lived in for years?

I had been through these streets before, gone around the market and conversed with vendors and regular costumers like me. Yet, with Levi, everything felt new and exciting, and a bit daunting. Although it might have something to do with all the attention he received from women of all shapes and sizes.

I looked at our clasped hands as we entered a bistro which one of his friends owned. He didn't once disconnect from me. A part of his-- the tips of his fingers, his palm, his lips --was always touching me.

The bistro wasn't much to look at with a the whole cut-and-paste feel: mismatched chairs, square tables with unfinished tops, a little bar in the back. But it felt homey, soothing and welcoming.

A wee old Italian man greeted Levi. "Olivier! Buongiorno! It has been a while, my friend." The man gave Levi a hard tap on the arm. He called Levi by his real name, which meant that he knew him rather well.

When I thought of who Levi's friends would be, and what they'd look like, I thought of people like Jake and Natali. Handsome, young, rich.

"Guiesepe, how are you?" Levi shook his hands with vigor. "I'd like you to meet the one and only, Veronica."

One and only? My cheeks burned.

Guisepe's smile widened, almost covering half his face. His eyes lit up as he said something in Italian to Levi, squeezing Levi's jaw between fingers. Then he turned to me. Guiesepe wrapped his arms around me and gave me a good squeeze before kissing both my cheeks.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Veronica. I have heard so many good things."

I gaped at the man. Levi had been talking about me? When? What had he said?

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you as well..."

"You can call me Joe." He held me at an arm's length, grinning.

I smiled at him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Joe."

"Now, why don't you lovebirds have a seat and I will bring you some food." Joe regarded Levi once again before leaving us to pick a spot.

It was a chilly day and the dress I had picked out earlier for Levi hadn't been warm enough, but I brought a thick cardigan to wear over it. And not to mention, Levi's presence kept me heated up.

We chose a table by the front window facing the busy street. Levi adjusted his chair to be closer to me. His arm draped over my shoulder while he continued to kiss my neck.

And I just let him.

"Don't we get to see a menu?" I asked him when he gave me a second to catch my breath, crossing my legs in hopes of making myself less rattled.

"We don't need it. He'll bring us whatever he thinks is good."

"Oh, that's nice. How do you know Joe?"

Levi looked towards the bar. "He's been feeding me great Italian food for years. He and his wife, Isabella, used to own a large chain of restaurants and we were one of his suppliers. When Isabella passed away from cancer five years ago, he gave up the company and opened this one instead."

"That's awfully sad."

Levi lifted my hand and pressed a kiss on it. "He loved his wife very much. They started with a small bistro, much like this one. I suppose this is his way of remembering their first years together."

I was touched by what he told me. And my heart swelled at the thought of him bringing me here, a place that obviously meant a lot to the owner, and in some ways, to Levi.

"You said you were a supplier?" This was a question that had niggled at me for a while. What did Levi do?

Before he could answer, Joe came back to bring us a chilled champagne. I furrowed my forehead. It was our first sort of date, but it hardly called for champagne, and an expensive one at that. But who would argue with this sweet old man?

Levi and I thanked him while he poured us a glass each, and before he sauntered back into what I would guess was the kitchen.

"To answer your question, my love, we were his wine suppliers."

"Wine? You?" Why did i find that surprising? Maybe because all this time, I'd thought Levi was just a Trust Fund brat.

Levi nodded and tapped at the champagne bottle. "Wine and champagne. My family owns a vineyard in the Southern France. I was able to visit most of the establishments, restaurants, hotels and the like in this area the first time I moved here." Levi waved his hand towards the kitchen. "Joe and Isabella made quite an impact on me. Isabella taught me how to cook. And tonight, my love, I will be honoring her with one of her favorite meals, which I will be making for you."

How sweet of him. The more I found out about Levi, the more my feelings deepened.

Joe reappeared, placing an antipasti plate, fresh-baked bread and two bowls of pasta: lobster ravioli and risotto with porcini mushrooms. I had a filling breakfast and I didn't think I could eat anymore, but the smell of the pastas tantalized me (though not nearly as much as the man seated next to me did.) Joe sat with us during lunch, regaling us with tales of owning an Italian bistro. Levi and I laughed at his anecdotes. Joe was easy company and I could see why Levi was relaxed around him, not to mention, he was a fantastic chef.

The food was amazing, only intensified more with Levi feeding me every so often. He did love watching me eat. He would bite his lower lip every time I took the offering on his fork. To tease him back, I would moan at the delicious flavors in my mouth. His eyes widened and his pupils dilated. It was a slow tango between the two of us, giving and taking, pushing and pulling. Both of us getting drawn closer to each other every step of the way.

Once lunch was finished, Joe told us that we had to have dessert. I could barely breathe in my current state-- from being too full and from Levi's actions --and so, I politely declined his offer. Levi asked if he could pack it up for us so that we could have it after dinner.

I propped my elbow on the table, and my chin on my upturned hand, wooed by thoughts of having dessert with Levi. Or having him for dessert instead. It was difficult not to imagine him naked (since I'd seen him in a state of undress twice before).

Levi chose that time to glance at me, and I could swear my cheeks were aflame. Could he read my thoughts? I squared off my shoulders, breathing shallow breaths to ease myself out of the fog of desire.

When my phone pinged, I was only too happy for the distraction. I fished it out of my purse and as I held it, the vibration continued. Four people simultaneously sent me text messages. I read Chase's first, and inhaled sharply.

"What's wrong?"

I read through the other three messages, revealing the same news, before answering Levi. "Mateo got hurt this morning. They were building a stage for tonight's event when a beam fell and hit him. He's at the hospital right now." I bit my lip, turning to Levi. "I'm sorry but I have to go."

"Of course. I'll take you there."

"No!" Why had I yelled that? I composed myself before saying, "Chase said it was nothing to worry about. Gerard said Mateo needed a cast. I'll take a cab and check on him quickly." It wasn't much of an explanation. What I shoud have said was that I wanted Levi to myself, and my friends would endlessly tease me if we show up at the hospital together.

Levi didn't push it. His eyes told me that he understood. "Why don't you give me the keys to your apartment? I'll pick up stuff for dinner and I'll meet you back at your place."

That was sensible. I wasn't ready for our time together to end and there were other things on my mind that I hoped to do before the day ended. I handed him my keys as we stood. I thanked Joe for the delicious meal, and walked with Levi to the door.

He held my hands in his, facing me. "I'll see you later." His words were full of promise. I leaned into him and gave him a deep kiss that would hopefully tide him over until we see each other again.

****

"What the hell are you doing here?" Chase needed to find other things to say to me other than that.

I sent her an exasperated look. "I can't believe you have to ask me that." I turned to Mateo who was resting on the bed, his casted leg was propped up on a sling. It seemed that the accident had happened way earlier, but I had received the news only recently. "Why didn't you guys call me sooner?"

Gerard, who was seated beside the hospital bed, answered, "We thought you were probably getting busy so we waited."

My face reddened. "That wasn't... we weren't... we went to the market and had lunch." I hoped that would satisfy their curiosities.

"Mmm-hmmm." All three of them gave me inquisitive looks. To think that they would leave me alone with it would be a drastic waste of my time. It was never a good day to have Gerard and Chase in the same confined room.

I didn't want to share anything, and there was nothing to share, yet. "He's making dinner at my place." I patted Mateo's hand when I sat on the bed beside him. "How are you doing?"

"He's fine," Gerard answered me instead. "Tell us why you're not 'having dinner' with your hot boyfriend right now." He air quoted the words 'having dinner'. I heard Chase snicker.

"Leave her alone." Ever the sensible one, Mateo came to my rescue. He squeezed my hand that was on top of his. "Thanks for coming, sweetie, but you really didn't have to be here. I have more than enough people worrying about me, and it's one little break."

"That one little break will keep you off your feet for weeks," Gerard said in his most-diva voice. "You're lucky you have a husband who's willing to take care of you."

Mateo rolled his eyes. "Yes, lucky me." It was my turn to snicker.

"I can drop by your place and bring you whatever you need anytime," I offered. "But I see that you have more than enough people here to watch over you for now." I gave him a peck on the cheek before hopping off the bed and straightening out my dress.

"Yes, now go home and please take that boy toy of yours to bed!" This came from Gerard, as expected, and Chase laughed with him, which I also expected.

I could feel the heat spread on my cheeks. If I wasn't so concerned about Mateo, I would have avoided coming here because of these two.

"What are you wearing?" Chase's question confused me, so I raised an eyebrow. "Tonight. For din-ner." She followed the words with a wink.

I looked down at my outfit. "What's wrong with this?" It was cute and comfortable, and Levi had seemed pleased about it.

Gerard tutted. "Nica, give me your phone." He stretched out a hand, and with a mixture of curiosity and fear, I gave him what he asked for. He entered some information on it, then handed it back to me.

I read the typed address and the name of an establishment: Brunella's Boudoir.

"You can thank me later." Gerard placed a hand over his chest as a sign of feigned humility.

"For what?"

"Nica, trust me, Bruna will take care of you. Go see her before you head back home. I'll give her a shout as soon as you leave. Now go!" Gerard flicked his fingers in the air, dismissing me.

Chase pushed me to the door while I continued to figure out what the address was for. "Bye, Nica. Have a great time!"

"Wait, I need to talk to you. Alone. Please."

Chase looked behind her, then walked out of the room with me. "Talk."

"I think I have a problem," I huffed out. Chase motioned for me to continue. "It's something to do with Levi."

"Trouble in paradise already?" Chase crossed her arms, waiting for an explanation.

"Not like that."

She tapped her chin with a finger. "Does this have something to do with you not having and with Levi?"

"Sort of."

"Nica, I haven't got all day, and neither do you. Spill it."

"I can't say it back," I blurted the words out, and I was met with angry eyebrows. I swallowed a gob of spit (sexy, right?) before continuing, "He's told me he loves me more than once, and he calls me 'my love', and I haven't been able to say it back."

Chase uncrossed her arms and squeezed my shoulders. She bent her knees a tad, so she could stare directly at my eyes. "Do you love him?" I nodded. "Then don't worry. It will come out at the right time. Don't force it because you will fail terribly." I nodded again. "Go see Gerard's friend, then go home. The next time I want to see you is when you can't walk from too much sex."

"Chase! You're so crass." She ignored my comment and hugged me. "Thank you."

She let me go and went back to Mateo's room. She didn't even bother to say goodbye, or good luck. I could use some luck. Or I could get lucky. There was a virile man awaiting my return at my own casa. All I needed was a little courage, or according to Gerard, Bruna.

I hailed a cab as soon as I stepped out of the hospital and gave the driver the address for Brunella's Boudoir

****
Bruna turned out to be someone I hadn't expected, but should have since she was associated to Gerard. She was tall and voluptuous, and wore a tight-fitting red dress, which that cut low in the front and back. Her chestnut hair was done up in '20's style. She wore blue-tinted contacts, her make up was done to perfection, and her Adam's apple bobbed up and down as she talked.

She was more excited than Gerard or Chase could have been when I arrived at her lingerie shop. It was hard to take in all of her inventory. She displayed intricate and delicate pieces in every color imaginable, in either silk, satin, lace, leather or a any number of combination. Bruna handed me a bag with a logo print of a vixen on it, who closely resembled her.

"Shouldn't I try it on first?" I couldn't peek through the massive amount of tissue paper in the bag.

"No. It will fit perfectly. One thing Bruna knows is the perfect ammunition for seduction," she said with pride, raising her chin up.

There was no way I would argue with her. I didn't doubt that she could tackle and force me to wear whatever it was in the bag, if I refused. "How much do I owe you then?" I took out my credit card from my purse.

Bruna, with an over-the-top dramatic flair, shrugged a shoulder. "It's on the house. Don't even try." She slapped my hand away from placing my card on her counter. "I'm sure you'll be back for more."

I gave her a look that said 'how would you know?'

Bruna licked her beet red lips. "Gerard sent me a photo of your man and, mmm-mmm-mmm. Dahling, do us all a favour and go home, put that on,wear a sultry dress or a robe, and have fun." She added a slow wink. I had a feeling her definition of 'fun' involved leathers, chains and floggers.

I decided that I need new friends. Ones who would never send a photo of my man to a cross-dresser, no matter how good she was with choosing the right type of lingerie.

****
My apartment had never smelled and looked so divine! Spices and flavours wafted from the kitchen and hit my olfactory senses as soon as walked through my unlocked door. A great amount of candlelight-- enough to start a forest fire, but all were contained in hurricane vases of different shapes and sizes --shone all through my space, and the spots that weren't covered by them were occupied by an abundance of flower arrangements. Forget the forest fire, I had a whole flower shop in this place!

"Levi?" I knew he was around, but I wasn't exactly sure that I wasn't dreaming. I needed to make sure.

He stepped out of the kitchen, wearing the same white-and-red-striped apron, and a big smile on his gorgeous face. "Hello, sweetheart, welcome home!" Was it because it had come from him that "home" sounded more special than before? He walked up to me and placed a warm, deep kiss on my lips. I could have lost my head right there and then, but I remembered that I also had a surprise for him.

"This is... just wow, Levi." I swept my hand in the general direction of the flowers and candles.

"Do you like it?"

I looked him straight in the eyes. "Yes. No one has ever done this for me before."

Levi placed a quick kiss on my cheek. "Good. If you'd like to freshen up, I will have dinner ready and served in five minutes." He took a step towards my kitchen, then said, "And I hope you don't mind that I brought wine from home. It will go great with the veal... You do eat veal. Don't you?" I nodded. "Great. Be ready in five."

In a cloud of awe, I stalked to my bedroom, stripped off my clothes and undies, and took out the goods I received from Bruna. A puff of breath came out of my mouth, as I stared in disbelief. I held up the gold and red corset, with little red bows that attached to the garters and the straps. I turned it around to see that it needed lacing up. I spread it on my bed, and searched for what else Bruna had included: a matching bikini and sheer, nude thigh-high nylons. I laid them all on the bed and wondered what the hell had I gotten myself into.

My phone pings inside my purse, and I fished it out right away. I knew they couldn't keep out of it. Gerard sent me a text asking for photo proof of me wearing the pieces. No. Freaking. Way!

I ignored the rest of the texts and stared at the ornate pieces on my bed. How could I even stuff myself into that corset? I studied it and found out that I could undo the front. There was no better time than now to give it a try. I sucked my stomach in as I closed each hook over my hips and belly, then over my boòbs. After putting on the panties, I faced myself in the mirror. The corset curved over my hips and cinched my waist, and miracles of all miracles, gave me a real cleavage. I released my hair from my low ponytail and let it cascade over my shoulders. Then I slipped on the nylons and attached them to the corset's garters. I took one more glance at the mirror and said aloud, "I would do me."

I chose a silk jersey black dress that zipped in the front, and my killer stilettos. I reapplied my lipstick and mascara before heading back out of my bedroom. I felt sexy and ready for whatever Levi could dish out for me.

Or so I thought.

There he stood beside my little dining table, pouring wine into glasses, and looking all devilishly handsome. He had changed into a black suit and crisp white shirt. No tie. Just a sample of what was hidden underneath all those clothing. His hair was slicked back, and the five o'clock shadow that had started over his jaw created shadows in all the right places, making his face more angular. This man made it impossible for me to breathe. Maybe the corset was a bad idea.

He offered a hand to me, then he slid a chair for me to take. I looked at the feast before me. There was no way I could eat more than a bite of that veal in this getup, but since he prepared it, I would try anyway.

****
Dinner was delicious, but I was more than ready for my dessert. Levi and I talked about Mateo and his accident, my company and Chase. And he even got me to open up about my family, a rarity on dates. As I expected, I couldn't eat too much, but he didn't seem to mind. As the wine poured, and the night sky darkened outside my windows, the effects of being around Levi heightened.

I helped him clear the table and he let me. We moved around my kitchen like we had been doing it for years. He seemed to be in complete control of himself, unlike the wanton woman who was tiptoeing around him, wearing a stupid corset that only got tighter as I breathed.

Levi leaned his hands on