“Hey, folks, welcome.” A round-faced blonde with rosy apple cheeks swung open the door soon after they rang the bell. “You must be the Manguillis. Come on in. I’m Dottie Periwinkle, owner and proprietor here.”
Gus said, “Hello. Great house.”
“Thank you, dear.”
Lynn smiled as they stepped into the hallway sandwiched between two parlors filled with what appeared to be relatively comfortable Victorian furnishings. “I wondered where the B and B’s name originated, and now I know.”
Dottie winked. “It’s named for my favorite sea creature, periwinkles. I had my name legally changed when I bought it after my divorce. Got rid of my ex’s hideous name in the bargain. Come, sit, or are you eager to get to your room and freshen up?”
“Having some time to freshen up sounds great,” Lynn said quickly.
“Good choice! We can always catch up over a glass of sherry later. Or not. My guests should not feel obligated to spend one minute with me.” She went to a large antique desk at the far end of the hall, opened the top with a key, and extracted an oversized periwinkle-blue envelope, which she handed to Lynn. “There you are, dear.”
The envelope read “The Manguillis,” and Gus murmured, “Gus Manguilli, hmm.”
Lynn turned to Dottie, “I’m Lynn Manguilli, and this is Gus Casey.”
“Well, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. Your room is the last door on the left upstairs. I only have one other guest tonight, so it should be nice and quiet for you. My rooms are in the annex behind the kitchen, and my cell number is on the information in your welcome packet. Call anytime. Sherry, tea, biscuits, and other treats are always in the blue parlor. Breakfast is in the green parlor. Anytime between seven and ten. You let me know what works for you. I can also make a tray for your room.”
Dottie brushed her hands together. “I think that’s it. I have plenty of snacks in the kitchen too. Please help yourself. Pantry on the left, just inside the door.”
“Thanks, Dottie,” Gus said, his hand on the small of Lynn’s back, guiding her toward the stairs. “I’m sure we’ll be very comfortable.”
“Enjoy your stay.” Dottie winked. “I’m guessing I won’t be seeing much of you two.”
He took both bags and followed Lynn up the narrow staircase. Anticipating what lay ahead, Lynn could barely walk. Her knees wobbled, and her body was on fire.
“Oh my God, I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Gus said, tossing the bags aside and closing the door of their room.
“It’s lovely, isn’t it?” she said, gazing around the very large suite with a queen four-poster covered with an off-white embroidered quilt. There was a sitting area, where she predicted they would spend no time, and a beautiful bath with a huge claw-foot tub.
“Not as lovely as you. Come here,” he said, drawing her into his arms. “I’ve missed you so much, my sweet girl.”
In answer, Lynn kissed him, her tongue twined round his, hungry for him. His hands were everywhere, gently raising her T-shirt over her head before dropping it to the floor. As she arched her neck, his lips moved down to between her breasts, trailing soft, whisper kisses that threatened to send her over the edge. She reached round and unclasped her bra, offering herself to him.
“Oh, baby,” he said, voice husky as he fondled and teased her nipples.
Lynn unbuttoned his shirt, her hands caressing as they moved down to his belt. His arousal was hard against her belly, and she swiftly unzipped his jeans, releasing him, embracing him, her hands moving up and down, stroking the way she’d already discovered he liked. She knew he didn’t need a condom, but didn’t want to shatter the moment with her news. She said nothing as he slipped one on and eased them onto the bed.
His fingers slid between her legs, and Gus smiled. “That’s my girl. You’re ready for me.”
She nodded, and in one deft move, he parted her legs and plunged into her, partway at first, then deeper and deeper as she caressed and encouraged him with every part of her body.
“Oh Gus, I… I…” she murmured, arching up to meet his every thrust until it felt as if she might split in two with raw primal feeling. “More, more, more!” she cried as they came to a spectacular climax, bodies in perfect synch.
As they lay entwined in the aftermath, he kissed her softly. “I wonder if Dottie heard that down in her kitchen.”
“I’m sure she’s heard plenty over the years, and I don’t care,” Lynn said, snuggling against him. “At this moment, I’m blissfully sated and happy.”
“Oh, Lynn, it’s so good to see you.”
She nestled against his shoulder, warm for the first time since he departed. “Mmm.”
They slept for a short time, made languorous love again, then decided to do a little exploring. As they dressed, she told him about the dinner reservations, and he said, “Fine with me as long as it’s not too dressy. I only have these kinds of clothes.”
“You’re perfect. It’s a seafood place, casual, but great food.”
“Only thing I ask is that you and me take a swim in that tub at some time during this visit.”
“You read my mind,” she said, kissing him, then grabbing her bag.