Page 49 of James

When they had all clasped hands, Dan spoke: “Thank you, Lord, for bringing our family and friends together on this special day. Bless this food to our bodies and us to thy service. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.”

After everyone echoed the “Amen,” Suzie and Laura began passing the food around.

They had a delicious dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, Brussels sprouts and homemade rolls. Although she rarely indulged in alcohol, Laura sipped from the wine James brought and enjoyed the complementary taste.

Their conversation ranged from the apprentice program at James’s company to the merits of trains as a mode of transportation in the 21stcentury to the best ways to remove gravy stains from linen tablecloths. Eventually, they got to the array of pies Mrs. Shepherd had brought for dessert, careful to reserve the more ‘grown-up’ flavors for later. Suzie also put out a platter of Christmas cookies the children had helped to decorate.

It was difficult to be sensible with so manyamazing treats laid out before them. James and the children did their best to sample each and every pie, but Laura limited herself to two tiny slices of pecan and pumpkin, both heavenly.

The pies were spectacular, and seeing Mrs. Shepherd blush as she waved away the unanimous compliments was even better, as good as the pride in her father’s eyes as he carefully squeezed his bride-to-be’s knee.

The dinner received unanimous approval when Tim pushed away his empty plate and declared, "I've had enough to eat."

As Suzie began to clear up, Mrs. Shepherd took charge. “Won’t hear of it!” she declared, chasing Suzie from the table with little snaps of a napkin. “You did your part. Go be with your children. Mr. Dan and I will do the washing-up.”

As Suzie weakly argued, James and Laura discreetly excused themselves, slipping away from the gathering unnoticed.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

When they arrived at James’s condo, he went over to the small tree Laura had helped him decorate. Her heartrate sped up when he pulled a small package from underneath. “I hope you don’t mind that I got you a present, Laura?”

“As long as it’s nothing too expensive,” she replied with apprehension. “As a matter of fact, I have a present for you, too.”

“Ladies first,” James said, handing her the package.

Laura stared at the box, relieved that it seemed the wrong size and weight to be jewelry. Jewelry, after all, was a signal that things were much more serious than Laura wanted their relationship to be. She removed the wrapping paper without ripping it to shreds and opened the slim box to find the most beautiful silk scarf she had ever seen. It was a paisley pattern in rich jewel tones of gold and maroon.

“It’s beautiful, James.” Laura stroked the fabric reverently. “Where did you find it?”

“It was easy,” James said. “I asked Wilma to findme something that would go with your green dress. You got it from her, right?”

She nodded. “It’s absolutely perfect. Thank you. And here is my present to you,” she said as she reached into her bag. She pulled out a slim package, beautifully wrapped and handed it to him.

To her amusement, he removed the wrapping paper with less care than she did, and opened the box to reveal a black leather wallet.

“I really appreciate it, honey, it’s perfect. I’ve had my current wallet for longer than I care to remember.” He paused and Laura’s toes curled with his next words. “Now I think it’s time we moved on to the X-rated portion of the evening. Into the bedroom and take off your dress. Leave the rest on for now.”

Without hesitation, she followed his command. Her heart pounded with excitement and nervousness. Her hands trembled slightly as she undressed. She stood there, in her lingerie, waiting for his return. The few moments felt like an eternity, but he didn't keep her waiting for long. He walked in only wearing his slacks, and her pulse quickened at the sight of his broad chest and muscular arms.

“Now, instead of me tying you up tonight, we’re going to try something different. It’s called ‘honor bondage.’ You’re going to stand with your hands held behind your back and keep them there without me having to physically restrain you.” He knelt down and began to explore her body.

After taking off her dress, she wore a green lace bra and panties set as well as stockings and a garter belt and, of course, his favorite high heeled shoes.

He began by stroking and kissing her legs, slowlymoving higher, paying special attention to the sensitive area behind her knees.

Laura shivered as he tickled her there, struggling to maintain her balance and to hold in her giggles. As he moved higher up, her arousal grew. When he reached her pussy, he carefully moved around it, with only the lightest touches over and around her clit.

Laura gave a small sound of frustration as he continued his path higher without removing her panties. He paused around her belly button and kissed it as thoroughly as he had her mouth. Hidden nerves, ones she hadn’t known existed, sprang to life, and the sensations went straight to her clit.

Again, he went higher, fondling her breasts through the silk and lace of her bra. He put his lips to her nipples and began to suck strongly through the material until her tiny nubbins became erect. Laura bit her lip, aching with longing. Now standing, he continued his journey up her body, kissing her neck and sucking on her ear lobes before finally claiming her mouth.

By this time, Laura was having considerable trouble keeping her balance.

“Is there a problem?” James asked solicitously.

“Yes, Sir. I’m afraid I’m about to fall over. Please would you remove my shoes?” she begged.

“Since you ask so politely, it will be my pleasure to help you.” He held her firmly as he helped her step out of each shoe and removed her stockings and garter belt as well.

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