Page 123 of Now and Forever

I throw my arms around him. His voice hoarse, he kisses me and whispers into my mouth, “Don’t forget, baby, now and forever.”

An hour later, after getting ready, I look at myself in the mirror. I like how I look. I love the black chiffon dress Eric bought me. I decide to leave my hair down because Eric enjoys touching and smelling it, and that turns me on.

The door to the room opens, and the master of my desire appears. He’s so handsome in his dark tuxedo and bow tie.

“What do you think?” I ask.

Eric looks me up and down, and I can feel his thoughts burning into me. Finally, his mouth twists with a dangerous smile.

“Sexy. Exciting. Wonderful.”

I let him take me in his arms. His hands touch my bare back, and I smile when his mouth finds mine. For a few seconds, we enjoy each other, turning each other on, and just when I’m about to rip off his tuxedo, he pulls away from me.

“Let’s go, sweetheart. My mother’s waiting for us.”

I look at the clock. It’s five o’clock.

“We’re going to your mother’s so soon?”

“Better sooner than later, don’t you think?”

Damned Germans, always in a hurry!

“Give me five minutes and I’ll be down.”

Eric nods. He gives me another kiss on the lips and disappears from the room, leaving me alone. With no time to lose, I put on my high heels, look back in the mirror, and touch up my lips. I smile, pick up the little purse that matches my dress, and, ready to have a good time, I exit the room.

When I’m walking down the pretty staircase, Simona comes to meet me.

“You look beautiful, Miss Judith.”

Happy, I smile and give her a hug. Susto and Calamar come to say hello too.

“Mr. Zimmerman and Flyn are waiting in the living room,” she says, while pulling the dogs away.

Delighted by life and with a big smile on my face, I head there. When I open the door, an electric shock runs through my body, and I lift my hand to my mouth and burst into tears.

Standing in front of me are my father, my sister, and my niece.

I can’t say a word. I can’t take a step. All I can do is cry while my father rushes toward me and hugs me.

“Papá! Papá, I’m so happy you’re here!”

“Auntie!”

My niece dashes over to give me a big kiss along with my sister. They all hug me, and for a few minutes, a chaotic mix of laughter, crying, and shrieks of joy takes over the living room. I see Eric’s excitement, but I also notice the serious look on Flyn’s face.

When I pull myself together after the wonderful surprise, I wipe the tears off my cheeks.

“But ... but when did you get here?”

My father is more excited than I am. “An hour ago. It’s pretty cold in Germany,” he says.

“Ooooh, babe, you look amazing in that dress!”

I make a turn in front of my sister.

“It was a gift from Eric. You really think it looks amazing?”

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