janey_15-years-too-late-2

15 YEARS TOO LATE? by Janey                                                                 <<< Part 1

PART 2

Her other day off went uneventfully and she returned to work, trying to put James to the back of her mind. Each day when she arrived home she checked to see if he’d left a message. Two weeks passed and she’d heard nothing. If she had no feelings for him why was she so eager for a message or a note to be there for her? Shouldn’t she be relieved that he had listened and taken on board what she had said? Quite possibly but she wasn’t. It was hard accepting the truth; she missed him. Damn him.

Mobile in hand she stared at the paper, started tapping out the number, cancelled it, and then started again. Ten minutes later and she was still dithering, only now it was so bad that she was actually annoying herself with her inability to make a decision and stick to it. What a flake, what was there to be afraid of? James telling her he had left his number as a joke to tease and annoy her if she did call. Well, she could certainly cope with that.

“Oh erm James, it’s Stella. I erm, I wondered how you were doing but erm, yeah, never mind. Take care James.”
She grimaced at the time she had wasted psyching herself up to call him. His mobile had gone straight through to his voice mail. Stella hated leaving messages at the best of times and wasn’t expecting James to understand anything she had said because she was aware that it was garbled, muttered and practically incoherent. Oh well, it hadn’t been a good idea in the first place.

She blinked her eyes and stretched her arms, attempting to identify the noise. Her home was in darkness; she’d fallen asleep watching TV and was now disoriented and confused, momentarily unable to identify the strange noise. Initially she assumed that it was her alarm, but it was nowhere near so it plainly wasn’t. The telephone, fuck, it was her phone.

“Yeah,” Stella rubbed her eyes, needing to be more alert than she was at present.
“What’s up? Are you ok?”
“James?”
“Expecting someone else Stella?” he giggled. “I’m just returning your call. I have to say that I was more that a tad astounded to hear your voice; nice as it was of course.”

Now what did she do? One of the reasons she had been hesitant about calling in the first place had been because she didn’t really know what on earth to say to him. “I thought I’d see how you were doing.”
“Erm, I’m kinda like ok, ya know,” he laughed. “You sound weird.”
“The phone woke me up. One minute I was watching a documentary, the next I’m trying to turn off my alarm. My brain still hasn’t engaged yet.”
“Asleep at 9.30pm?” he gasped in surprise. “You were always a night owl, more so than me even.”
Stella emitted a nervous giggle. “I guess my lack of sleep caught up with me.”

“Thanks for calling, I’m sorry I couldn’t answer but I was finishing off a guitar part I’ve been working on and I wanted to get it on tape before I forgot it.”
“That’s ok, I didn’t think you’d call back actually.”
“Ah, so that’s both of us that have been surprised then,” he laughed. “Aside from falling asleep watching television, what are you up to tonight?”
“Chilling; very boring actually. I bought plenty of wine intent, on getting hammered but I’m such a light weight that I haven’t even managed to drink one bloody glass yet.”

Warmth ran through her when he chuckled merrily.
“That’s diabolical! Fancy sharing? I’d quite like a glass of wine.”
“That would be good; come over.” As soon as she had said it, Stella gasped. It was difficult to gauge who was the most shocked.
“You don’t have to say that to humour me you know,” he said in a warm, friendly voice. “I was being cheeky.”
What the hell, she’d missed him. Why pretend and go yet longer without seeing him? None at all as far as she could make out. “James, come on over, it will be nice to have some company; really, it will.”
“Give me half an hour and I’ll be there.”

Then all that she could do was wait. Actually what she did was panic, and began rushing around the house like a dervish ensuring that the place was reasonably tidy. She turned the TV off and hunted through her c.d.’s for something suitable as background music and settled for two Jamie Cullum c.d.’s, and Katie Melua.

She glanced at her watch, another ten minutes or so and he’d be with her, so she decided to put the music on, and selected ‘random’ on the player, so that she would have no idea of what order the tracks or discs would be played in.

When the doorbell rang out Stella didn’t know whether to laugh, cry or hide. Without even setting eyes on him, she was suffering from butterflies and was feeling like a teenager on their first date, which, considering the history they shared, was ridiculous.

He damn near took her breath away when she saw him. Dressed simply in a tight black t-shirt and a pair of dark blue trousers beneath a long black coat that he left on a hook beside the front door. Thank goodness he wasn’t wearing a shirt and tie; that really would have put her into a tizz.

“This is very civilised,” he smiled, relaxing back into the sofa, turning his body to a slight angle to face Stella, who was doing the same. “It sure is better than spending the night alone down the pub.”
“I never thought, have you eaten or would you like to make you something. I don’t mind.”
“Cheers but I had some pizza.”
To stay on safe ground they kept the conversation to fairly innocuous subjects initially but as they became more relaxed and comfortable, the more diverse the content became.

“Give me your glass and I’ll go and top it up, or would you rather have a whiskey and coke?”
“Another glass of wine will be good, thanks.”
“If you hear a scream it will be me getting narky ‘cos the cork’s split or splintered.”
“Want me to do it for you?” he asked raising an eyebrow.
Politely Stella said no and shook her head.

The cork slid out easily, making Stella smile to herself; she really needed to get a grip of her emotions and dirty mind. For all James had put some weight on Stella couldn’t help but think that he possessed more sex appeal now than he had when he had a tight six pack. The weight suited him most definitely.

“No trouble with the cork then?”
Stella spun around; he was directly behind her with a soft gentle smile on his full lips and a dangerous glint in those beautiful expressive eyes. “No,” she muttered feebly, glad that she had nothing in her hands because it would have emphasised how much they were shaking.
“Good.” Keeping his focus unwaveringly on her eyes he moved nearer and reached an arm to the side of her, as if going for a glass of wine. Instead he kissed her cheek lightly and rested his hand in the arch of her back, pulling her in to his embrace.

Without hesitation Stella placed her arms around his neck and smiled her breathing ragged and heavy. “James…”
“Please don’t stop me Stella.”
“I won’t.”
“Thank you. I’ve missed you so very much; missed holding you in my arms and kissing you. It’s time to rectify that.”

James’ lips pulled tantalisingly on hers, making her gasp and yearn to have him kissing her properly, with his tongue stroking hers the way it used to. It was like being transported back in time; the touch of him and the way he drove her insane with a simple kiss, was exactly the same. Despite the passage of time, it was comfortable and right.

Stella whimpered and briefly parted her lips, without hesitation James slipped his tongue into the warmth, sighing at the intimate contact. When his hands wandered under her clothing and onto her bare skin, Stella hissed and moaned, moving her body as close against his as was practicable.

When his fingertips began tweaking her nipples, she sighed loudly and threw her head backwards, James taking it as an invitation to step things up. He bent his head down and took one of the hard pink buds between his lips, sucking keenly on it, getting high on the way it responded and increased in size.

“Stella I want you,” he simpered seductively. “I want to make love to you.”
“I want you to.” Reckless it may be but Stella was not about to deny her body what it was craving, and that was to be intimate with James. Her body was on fire from his touch and the heat of his breath on her skin. She was responding and the warm stickiness was making its presence felt between her legs in readiness for him.

A brief shriek escaped her lips but was swallowed by James’ mouth, his fingers once more playing with her nipples and driving her crazy. Memories of the great sex they had shared washing over her body. He was a totally unselfish lover, getting thrills from seeing her cum and would spend lots of time pleasuring her; his own release less important to him, but he knew how to please a woman. Well, he had definitely known how to please Stella.

“Where’s your bedroom Stella?” He stroked his thumbs over her cheeks, gazing into her muddied eyes, his own clouded with lust and want. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to make love to you in the kitchen.”
She tittered in response. “Come with me.”
“I intend to!” he winked cheekily, giving her a quick kiss. “Now, show me.”

James murmured appreciatively taking in the beautiful sight of Stella’s naked body as she lay on the bed, in readiness for him, her eyes fixed on his impressive erection.
“Are you going to stand there all night staring at me James?”
“No darling. I’m going to make love to you and make you a very, very happy woman. I want you to cum so much that there isn’t a wet spot on the bed but a fucking great big bloody puddle!”
“James!” Stella laughed at the absurdity of his comment but the filthy thought penetrated her brain and stimulated her a little more. The last time she had been this turned on had been with this man as well, all those years ago. Strange that he should still be able to have such an effect on her after all that had happened.

“Stella,” he sighed joining her on the bed, letting a finger dip into her wetness and stroke her. “I have fifteen years and more to make up for, I won’t be happy until you’re begging me to stop because you can’t take it anymore.”
She turned to face him, placing a leg over his and pulling him nearer to her. “I’ll be happy holding you and kissing you.”
“So you have missed me. Did you really have no regrets?”
“I’ve missed you,” she smiled coyly. “I thought I’d done the right thing but being in your arms now, I’m not so sure.”

Stella shifted a little on the bed and whimpered James’ fingers stoking a fire, her sensitive nub getting harder and more responsive. She was so wet now, she knew it and James was intoxicating her with delicious agony. Violently she arched her back and spasmed, her orgasm surging deeply through her.
Lovingly James cradled her whilst her body gradually recovered and she returned back to reality.
“I never want to lose you again.”

“Please James, don’t spoil it,” she said lazily, cuddling up to him. “I never said that I was wanting a relationship with you. I said that I missed you.”
James closed his eyes and sighed. “Are you telling me that tonight is all there will ever be or that I shouldn’t assume it’s the start of something for us?”
“Can’t we just enjoy this and see what happens? Despite what you may think my intention was to spend time with you, not to seduce and have sex with you, so it wouldn’t be fair of me to lead you into believing there is anything more to it.”

He continued to hold her closely to him, breathing in the scent from her hair. “It’s not in your nature to be so callous Stella, but if it had been your intention to fuck me and tell me get lost, I could hardly complain; it would have been appropriate justice after my disgusting behaviour.”
“I would say that the way I walked out on you was callous James.”
“I wouldn’t. I’d say those were the actions of someone in a lot of pain.”
“That’s very forgiving of you.”
“It’s the truth though. I’m at fault now for wanting us to start again; it’s not just past events we need to deal with. Fifteen years is a long time and things have happened to us; it’s unrealistic to presume, and inconsiderate.”
“But natural as you’re in bed with me.”

“Stella, what do you want? Do you want me to stay the night or should I go?” There was no pressure in his voice and he continued to stroke her hair. “Either way it’s ok.”
“James, I think I must have taken leave of my senses or something because I’d like you to stay and I want to make love with you. What I really should do is kick you out and never speak to you again, no, that’s not fair, I should never have allowed you back into my life, but I have. Let’s see what happens and where it goes yeah?”
James grinned broadly and tilted her head so that he could gaze into her eyes. “Thank you Stella. I promise you that I’ll never betray you and you’ll never regret this.”
“If I do you’ll have Jeremy to answer to; he never liked you. Mind you, he wasn’t impressed at the way I handled our break up.”

“You didn’t handle it, you designed it and organised it leaving me utterly in the dark like a sodding mushroom.”
“Yeah ‘cos I was callous, but I also knew what would happen if I stayed until you returned home; I’d stare into those beautiful eyes and get bewitched,” she sniggered. “Shortly after we’d end up in bed having red hot passionate sex because that’s the way it worked with us.”
“Can I remind you that I’m preparing to have red hot passionate sex with you again, albeit fifteen years later.”
“We are so predictable,” she grinned, then winked and kissed the tip of his nose, her fingertips lightly brushing over his stubble.
“Aren’t we?” he sighed and then captured her mouth in a deep kiss.

Stella stretched, yawned and looked at the clock, 8.47am. Smiling she turned around; the bed was empty and on the pillow was a note;

‘Sorry, I woke early and needed to do some work in the studio. Call me on xxxxxxxxxxx. Last night was amazing. I love you Stella.

                     Lots of love and kisses
                                James
                                       X.’

She ought to be livid with him but actually found it quite endearing. At least he’d left her a note and taken great care to ensure that he didn’t wake her up. She looked at the number, reached for the phone and dialed. It was answered quickly.

“Lo.”
“Hi ya James; I got your note.”
“Hey baby! Just woken up huh?” The tone of his voice was light.
“Mmm, some guy wore me out last night.”
“Really?” he sniggered. “Lucky guy.”
“Lucky me I say,” she laughed. “How long will you be there for?”
“Not sure; Nicky’s just got here and Sean’s drinking copious amounts of coffee in the hope that he’ll wake up; he’s like a zombie. Rhian’s kept him at it all night, they’re trying for another baby.”

“I would have thought that four would be enough.”
“You should understand all about hormones and the biological clock.”
“I guess but I don’t, I never wanted kids.”
“I did wonder if you still had the same opinions.”
“Well I do. Kids are an inconvenience I can do without thank you very much.”
“Good job I bought all those condoms after bumping into you then,” he said with an angry edge to his voice. “God forbid you should have to contemplate having a little Bradfield in forty weeks’ time.”

“James, stop using that tone of voice with me,” Stella said forcefully. “Even if my opinion of having children had changed I wouldn’t be contemplating having them when I’ve just met you again. That’s not how people usually go about having families, for the most part they’re in loving relationships and have at least discussed it.”
“Point taken; sorry.”
“Oh don’t stress about it. Give me a call sometime ok?”
“So, you’re not giving me the elbow then?”
“Did you think I would?”
“It did cross my mind that when you woke up you may regret it. I’m glad you haven’t.”

“I don’t regret last night James,” she stated. “Whether or not I’ll regret meeting you at all remains to be seen.”
“So I’m in probation then?”
“Yes, I suppose you are,” she giggled.
“I’ll be on my best behaviour then.”
“Just be yourself James, I don’t want to fall in love with an unattainable fantasy figure.”
“Fall in love?” James didn’t even try to hide the snigger of success from his voice. “That really does mean that you’re willing to give us another chance, doesn’t it?”
“Against my better judgement, yes. I warn you now though, you betray me by going with another woman and I’ll kill you. Got that?”
“Stella, I’ll never hurt you again darling, I love you.”

“Stop being so soppy,” she spluttered. “It doesn’t go with your hard man image.”
“I couldn’t give a fuck! I don’t care who knows it, hell, I may even get a plane and fly over the city with ‘I love Stella from James’ written on a banner!”
“Like hell you will, you mad fool.”
“You never know.”
“Have fun working James. I hope it’s a fruitful and productive day.”
“When can I see you again?”
“Call me and we’ll organise something.”
“Ok honey. Take care.”
“You too James.”
“Bye Stella.”

At lunchtime, Mandy, her sister called to catch up on some gossip.
“Mand, I have something to tell you that will knock your socks off.”
“What is it? I can’t be arsed with playing guessing games.”
“You’ll be stunned; really stunned.”
“Just tell me!” her sister urged. “Put me out of my misery.”
“I’m seeing someone.”
“Bloody hell! Is it someone I know?”
“Oh yes,” answered Stella.
“Erm Mike from work? No, not him, er that Carl bloke, he fancies you like crazy and is really gorgeous. It’s him isn’t it?”
“No it isn’t but you er, you do know him, very well as it goes.”

After a couple of minutes of silence, Mandy urged: “Tell me!”
“James.”
“James who?”
A stunned silence.
“Oh fuck Stella, not THAT James?” Mandy could hardly conceal her excitement. “Gory details: NOW.”

With schoolgirl enthusiasm and giggling Stella relayed the events of the last few weeks to her elder sister.
“And he stayed over last night.”
“I’m so pleased. I always knew that you two were special, you were just both too young last time around. What was it like waking up next to him? Nice I’ll bet; he is so much better looking and sexier these days.”
“Erm, he was gone when I woke up.”
“Oh fuck no.”

“No it was fine,” Stella chuckled. “He left me a sweet note with mobile number on it so I called him and he’s working in the studio; it was nothing sinister.”
“Thank goodness for that! I would have given him a piece of my mind if he fucked you around again.”
“I don’t know how this will work out but at least we’re trying.”
“Jeremy will go ape-shit when he finds out,” laughed Mandy dangerously. “He never liked him and James shagging groupies really incensed him.”
“I thought I’d leave it for a while before I told him, I know he’d be doing it out of concern but I can really do with a ‘big brother’ lecture. All I know is that it feel right being with James and I think we both deserve a second chance.”
“Hey sis, you don’t have to persuade me, I agree with you. I really hope it works this time.”
“Thanks Mandy.”

Part 3 >>>

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