Chapter 40

Buffy felt suddenly cold and empty. As she woke she realized that William had quietly slipped from their bed and she heard the shower turn off. It was 6:30 AM and he had an 8:00 AM flight. Not much time she thought. Last night they were both exhausted and after the church service had returned to the hotel, had a light supper, and curled up in one another’s arms drifted off to sleep. She felt a twinge of regret as she realized that she would be sleeping alone tonight.

She imagined William standing in the bathroom, naked, water glistening on his toned body as he was surrounded by steam. She stretched languidly and turning away from the bathroom door, reached out to pull the pillow that he had slept on towards her. She could faintly smell him and it made her smile. She heard him speaking to someone and it took her only a moment to realize who it was, “It’s Spike. Need a favor. I have to go out of town today and I won’t be back till tomorrow, early evening. I’m leaving now actually. I want someone to keep an eye on her, but not you. Wes, if he’s still around. Don’t worry; I’ll clear it with Master. Thanks, Angel. You have my cell. Make sure nothing happens to her while I’m gone.”

William softly opened the bathroom door and walked quietly back into the bedroom. Buffy could hear him getting dressed. He had packed a small bag the night before. Her mind was racing and she struggled with knowing how to respond. She could feel him sit on the side of the bed and run his hand through her hair. He didn’t realize that she was awake. He bent over her and called softly, “Buffy, luv, I’m on my way out.”

Buffy rolled over and looked up into his eyes. “Wish you didn’t have to go,” she said honestly.

“Me too. But I’ve got work to do. Work I’m good at and proud of. I’ll be back tomorrow and you’d better be waiting for me,” he said with a smile. William leaned forward and kissed her on the mouth. The kiss was lingering and sweet and full of promise. “Buffy, I’ve asked that someone watch you while I’m gone. I just wanted you to know. No secrets.”

“But, why?” she asked relieved that he had told her.

“I need to know that you’re safe, or I wouldn’t be able to walk out that door,” said William honestly. “You won’t even know he’s around, I promise. Do whatever you want. Go wherever you want.”

“Sounds like you have a lot of confidence in this guy,” observed Buffy.

“Just don’t leave the room until after 10:00 AM. It’ll take that long for him to set up watch,” explained William.

“What’s his name? What does he look like?” asked Buffy.

“You don’t need to know that,” said William, then upon seeing her questioning look added, “Fine, his name is Wesley. You have my cell. Call me if you need anything. Oh, and there’s a present for you on your nightstand.”

William stood up, grabbed his bag, and walked to the hotel room door. As he reached for the knob he heard her call his name. He turned to see her running towards him, arms outstretched. As she reached him she entangled her hands in his hair and holding his head steady crushed her lips to his in a mind-blowing kiss. His body was flattened against the doorway and Buffy was firmly pressed up against him. He dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around her slender waist. He ran one hand down her satin gown and grabbing her bottom pulled her in even closer. As her tongue plundered his mouth hungrily she could begin to feel the evidence of his returned arousal growing against her lower stomach. She broke off the kiss when the need to breathe was no longer deniable, “I wish we had time to make love,” said Buffy nuzzling William’s neck.

“Me too, luv.” admitted William. “But, I’ve got to go. If I don’t leave now I’ll miss my flight. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he assured her.

Buffy looked up into his beautiful blue eyes, eyes that she could get lost in. “I’ll be right here, waiting for you. Only I’ll be really well rested, and I’ll have really missed you. Oh, and I’ll try and make myself all pretty for you.”

“You mean to tell me, you can look even more beautiful than you do right now; fresh from sleep, skin glowing, hair seductively tousled? Now, the promise of that is enough to make a man hurry home,” said William as he kissed the top of her head and then walked out the door.

Buffy looked around the suite. It now felt so empty. She called and ordered breakfast then went back into the bedroom in search of her present. William had left her a gift certificate for a full day at The Spa Mandarin Oriental. There was a note saying that a car would pick her up tomorrow at 10:00 AM in front of the hotel and that she shouldn’t expect to return until late afternoon.

Buffy picked up the remote control and started to flip through the stations on the television. She settled on a movie, “Sabrina”, the original with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. A short while later there was a knock at the door. Buffy grabbed her robe, slipped it on, and then went to answer the door, expecting breakfast.

“Angel, what are you doing here?” asked Buffy, immediately on guard.

“Doing a favor for Spike. Wes can’t get here until 10:00 and I didn’t want to leave you alone and unprotected,” he said softly as he brazenly raked his eyes over her body. Angel licked his lips and reaching out to touch her face said, “God, I had forgotten how beautiful you are.”

Buffy stepped back as if she had been scalded, wrapping her robe around herself. “I distinctly heard William ask that it not be you, watching me. If for some reason you feel the need to until Wes gets here you can do it from the hallway,” said Buffy as she started to close the door.

Angel put his hand out to stop her from closing it and asked, “What? Not even going to invite me in for breakfast?”

“Ahem, so sorry to interrupt Ms. Summers. Perhaps I misunderstood your order. Did you want coffee for two after all?” asked Thomas.

“No, Thomas. You’ve got it perfectly correct. Come in, it’s just breakfast for one,” said Buffy. She stepped aside so that Thomas could enter then smiled sweetly at Angel and closed the door, softly, in his face.

“May I ask if everything is alright?” asked Thomas.

“Yes, no, I don’t know. Annoying ex-husband,” said Buffy nodding towards the door.

“Ah,” said Thomas. “Where should I set up breakfast?”

“Bedroom?” asked Buffy. “Too depressing eating in the dining room all by myself. William won’t be back until tomorrow evening.”

“Yes, he mentioned that. So, will you want something special for tomorrow evening then? Not too much time to plan, but I think we could pull it off,” suggested Thomas as he arranged her breakfast on a bed-tray and poured her a cup of coffee.

“Oh my gosh! That’s a wonderful idea! You’re brilliant!” gushed Buffy, the excitement evident on her face. “It’ll be our last night here. I want it to be special, beautiful, romantic, sexy,” said Buffy.

“Yes, well, Mr. Crawford said that I should endeavor to assist you in any way possible. I’ll do my best Ms. Summers. Perhaps if you tell me what you have in mind?” Thomas asked.

Buffy picked up her coffee cup and took a sip while images ran through her mind. “Candles. There should be lots and lots of candles, and dinner in the dining room. And, the food should be special. Oh, and I need a new nightgown, red, he loves red. And I’ll need a beautiful piece of romantic music that I can have playing for when he first sees me.”

“Any food allergies?” asked Thomas.

“I don’t think so,” said Buffy.

“Size?” he inquired.

“What?” asked Buffy.

“The nightgown,” clarified Thomas.

“Oh, five,” said Buffy.

“Very well Madam, I will be back with some proposed menu items shortly. We’ll have a selection of nightgowns for you to choose from by 11:00. Is that soon enough?” asked Thomas.

“You’re wonderful,” said Buffy as she spontaneously wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

“Yes, well, thank you Ms. Summers, I’m sure,” sputtered Thomas as he smoothed his jacket and made his way out of the suite.

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Chapter 41

Buffy sat in a taxi on the way to Broadmoore reviewing the cookbook that Thomas had brought her, Intercourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook. The book contained both exquisite photography and some tasty recipes.

Thomas had promised some tall candelabras for the dining room and tea candles to put around the suite. Harrods had, indeed, delivered three different red nightgowns. Buffy had chosen the red lace one. It had a boat-neck neckline, delicate cap sleeves, and it snuggly hugged the curves of her body. The back of the gown ended in a train, which swept gracefully as she moved across the marble floor of the dining room. The nightgown cost Buffy nearly a half a weeks paycheck. It was extravagant but it looked absolutely stunning.

As the taxi pulled into the driveway at Broadmoore Buffy slipped the cookbook into her bag. Buffy went directly to Dr. Friedman’s office. She had spoken with him earlier in the day and he offered the use of his computer and Internet connection so that Dru and Buffy could watch the video that had been prepared.

“Dr. Friedman?” asked Buffy as she knocked gently on this slightly ajar office door.

“Ms. Summers, come in. I’ll have them bring Drusilla up,” he offered.“My meeting with the Hospital Board should take about an hour, I assume that will be plenty of time?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you so much for letting me do this. I think that Drusilla will feel more at ease about this transition once she has more information. And, a picture is worth a thousand words,” said Buffy cheerfully.

“I must say that Drusilla seems to be doing well. Better than I expected actually,” he said before picking up the phone and asking one of the orderlies to escort Dru to his office. “The computer is on and I have Internet Explorer up and running for you. If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate you leaving the web page up when you and Dru are finished. I’d like to have a look myself,” he said before walking out the door.

Buffy sat behind the desk and pulled up Andrew’s Homepage. Within a few minutes Drusilla had arrived. “Buffy! Look, cook made us some popped corn and I brought cokes,” she said as she walked through the office door.

“Great! Snacks are definitely of the good,” Buffy responded. “Come sit by me over here. I have Andrew’s web site pulled up and the video is loaded for our viewing pleasure. Are you ready?”

“Oh, yes!” exclaimed Dru as she eagerly pulled her chair closer to the monitor so that she could see more clearly.

Buffy clicked on the link.Windows Media Player opened and within a few seconds they saw the title, A Day in the Life of Andrew- and a tour for Drusilla. A thin, short young man with pale skin and blonde hair appeared on the screen, “Hi, I’m Andrew James. My neighbor and good friend Buffy asked me to shoot some video at the Art School and at a place call Chrysalis. Her new boyfriend, they are totally hot together by the way, has a sister that is going to be moving to Sunnydale. This is for her. So, she can get an idea of what to expect. So, Drusilla, this is for you.

Now, this also happens to be an assignment for one of my film classes. I’m supposed to film a day in my life, 15-30 minutes in length. So, here we go. It’s 8:00 and I’ve been up about an hour. I’ve already gotten dressed, had breakfast, all that stuff. I’m about ready to leave for class, but I thought I’d take a few minutes to show you the neighborhood where I live….”

Buffy and Drusilla watched as Andrew showed them the outside of his house, then Buffy’s. He drove down Main Street pointing out the hospital where Buffy worked and some of the shops, including the Magic Box and the Espresso Pump, two of his “favorite hangouts.” He then went on to UC Sunnydale and the video showed little snippets of the campus and a montage of Andrew attending his various classes throughout the day. The next section was about the Summers Art School. Andrew had managed to talk the current Dean of Admissions into making a few brief comments and giving him a tour.

It was early evening when he arrived at Chrysalis house. Faith, the Program Manager was there and was her usually outspoken self as she spoke into the camera, “Hey B! Andrew here told me that you wanted to have him capture a little footage so that you could show o’l Drusilla what the digs are like here. Well, this is it Dru. I’m Faith, and I’m in charge of the joint. We are now in the main house. When residents move in they stay here at first. The first couple days are spent in what we call assessment. Different folks will be spending time with you so that we can develop a plan, find out what you need. The goal is to then start building those skills. Working with you so that you can be independent enough to move into transitional living. Let me show you the room you’ll be staying in at first, then I’ll show you one of the transitional apartments…”

The first time they watched, Drusilla said nothing. At the end of the video she asked to see it again. The second time around she had many questions, especially about UC Sunnydale (where Andrew attends college), the Art School, and Chrysalis.

“Faith seems a little scary,” said Drusilla as the video was ending for the second time.

“Faith had it tough growing up,” responded Buffy, “she’s a little rough around the edges, but she’s Okay. I wouldn’t recommend you stay there if I didn’t have confidence in Faith.”

“Thank you for showing me all of this. It feels like a bit of a fairy-tale. Could we, could we be friends Buffy?” asked Drusilla as she reached for Buffy’s hand and gave it a little squeeze.

“Of course we can be friends Drusilla,” assured Buffy.

“You know, I’ve never had one before.” Said Drusilla matter-of-factly. “This means we can share secrets. So, can I help you plan Spike’s party?” asked Drusilla with a huge smile, “I love parties!”

“What party, Dru?” asked Buffy.

“The one you’re planning with candles instead of streamers, all vanilla scented and all over the room,” said Dru as she looked around Dr. Friedman’s office, almost as if she were looking at a different room. “I see a pathway of little bitty candles starting at the door. It leads to another path. The second path begins in what through looks like a parlor. It one direction the path leads to a dining room. In the other direction the path leads to a bedroom. You want him to go to the dining room.”

Dru suddenly turned to Buffy and said, “Music! If you have music coming from the dining room it will call to him. He’ll go there first and find you.”

Buffy felt a chill pass through her. Despite the overwhelming feeling to the contrary Buffy attempted to normalize Drusilla’s perceptiveness. “Well, it just so happens, Miss Smarty Pants, that I am planning a little surprise for William.”

“It’s so funny to hear you call him William, I haven’t heard anyone call him that, not for years. He always went by Spike, right up until the time he left the government,” said Drusilla.

“You mean since coming to America?” asked Buffy.

“No. He stayed in London for a short while as William before going to America. I just never called him that. He’ll always be Spike to me. He went back to William after leaving the job,” Dru clarified.

“What job?” asked Buffy.

“The job with the government,” offered Dru.

“William worked for the government? What did he do for the government?” asked Buffy extremely curious.

“I don’t know. He never told me anything about it,” said Dru.

“But, he told you he worked for the government at one point?” Buffy asked.

“No. It came to me one night, whispered on the wind, and when I told him about it he didn’t deny it. He said, ‘The best way to keep a secret, precious, is to never tell anyone. Don’t want to lie to you, but the truth is sometimes dangerous. What else are the stars whispering about these days,’” finished Drusilla.

Buffy’s head was spinning a bit. Could this be true?

“So!” said Drusilla, bringing Buffy back to the present conversation, “What’s you’re song?”

“My song,” repeated Buffy.

“No, silly, not your song,” Dru said pointing at Buffy. “Your’s and Spike’s song.”

“We don’t have a song,” offered Buffy.

“But, couples in love have songs. You need one. It’s obvious that William is mad about you. I mean mad like in a he’s totally head over heels in love with you kind of way. Not like I’m a crazy, slightly paranoid guy who thinks he’s a vampire sort of way,” said Dru.

“Huh?” asked Buffy.

“Riley, bloke on ward six. Been here about four months now. Thinks he’s a vampire,” clarified Dru. “He has a major crush on me. He’s not though, proved it to him. Well, if he had the sense of a hoe handle he would have taken it as proof. But, I guess the being insane thing clouds his thinking a bit.”

“Tell me more,” encouraged Buffy, trying her best to draw Dru out.

“Well, Riley believed that he worked for a secret branch of the military that fought demons. He claimed that in the line of duty he was captured and turned into a vampire. Constantly moaning about needing blood, walking around the patches of sunlight, refusing food, the whole bit. Anyways after he was here a week they were about to put him on intravenous feedings. I snuck into his room early in the morning right after sun up. He woke up immediately as I opened the door. I stepped in quietly and closed the door behind me. His bed is along one side of the room and a desk and chair is on the opposite wall. Right in the middle is a single window. I opened the blinds a bit to that there was a stream of sunlight cutting a path down the center of the room. Then started to untie my robe as I slowly back through the sunlight, so that I stood in the patch of darkness on the other side. I dropped my robe to the floor and just stood there, starkers, waiting to see what he would do,” explained Drusilla.

“Drusilla, did you and this Riley have sex?” asked Buffy.

“Yep, and in the sunlight. Thought he’d get it, but no. Now he just thinks that he’s a vampire on the path of redemption. He believes that he’s a vampire with a soul no less. He eats real food now though,” finished Dru triumphantly.

“Drusilla, are you and Riley still involved?” asked Buffy.

“Involved? He thinks I’m his salvation. I don’t love him. I barely like him. He is sometimes amusing and he does have a nice body. But, he’s a clumsy lover, I think, although, I’m not sure. This girl who was here for a few months had this book. It was about a pirate named Bartholomew and a beautiful aristocratic woman named Jennifer. Anyways, Bart and his band of pirates captured the ship Jennifer was on. Eventually they fell in love, and there was lots of very descriptive sex. The way it was described in the book? Someday I hope to experience that. Is that how it is with you and William?” asked Dru.

“Dru, I’m not sure I’m comfortable talking to you about this,” said Buffy a little nervously.

“But, you said we’d be friends. Girlfriends talk about the men they’re in love with to one another, or the men who think they’re vampires that they sometimes have sex with. Perhaps you have one of those you’d like to tell me about?” asked Dru.

“Ah, that would be a no,” said Buffy.

“Oh! I get it! You haven’t told him yet, the love thing I mean. Well, you should,” said Dru with certainty.

“It’s complicated,” Buffy said.

“Love is never complicated. It just is. People complicate it,” said Drusilla.

“How did you get to be so smart?” asked Buffy a little teasingly.

“I’ve spent the last 10 years locked up in this place, not a lot of distractions. So, I just keep trying to suss it all out, life, I mean. I figure if I can, then maybe next time around will be better,” explained Dru.

“Drusilla, you are in some ways truly amazing,” praised Buffy.

Drusilla shrugged off the compliment, “Not really, there’s only so much basket weaving a person can tolerate. But, you still need a song! Something simple, romantic, something that will communicate the depths of your feelings-”

“Am I interrupting?” asked Dr. Friedman as he knocked and simultaneously stuck his head through the door.

“Oh! You can help!” exclaimed Drusilla. “Buffy and my brother need a song. You know what I mean. They don’t have one. You’re an old married guy, doc. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Well, Mrs. Friedman and I have been together 35 years. I suppose I could let you borrow ours if you’d like. It may be old, but it’s timeless. Out of my chair, I’ll burn it onto a CD for you. If you like it, fine. If not, well, that’s fine too.”

Buffy and Drusilla both moved to the other side of Dr. Friedman’s desk. He opened up his itunes program and slipped a blank CD into the burner. Buffy heard the velvety voice of Etta Jones over the speakers. The simple words of the song resonated. Buffy recalled Dru’s earlier statement, “Love is never complicated. It just is. People complicate it.” Her eyes felt suddenly misty.

“That’s beautiful, thank you,” said Buffy as she took the CD from Dr. Friedman. “And, thank you Dru,” said Buffy as she wrapped her arms around Drusilla, embracing her in a warm hug. “I’ll see you in Sunnydale soon.”

“Take care of my Spike, Buffy. You have his heart you know,” whispered Drusilla. “Don’t wait too long to tell him. He needs to hear it just as much as you do, maybe more. And, I hate to say it, but life is just going to get more complicated for you both.”

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Chapter 42

Buffy went back to the Hotel and spend the remainder of the evening going through recipes and trying to put together just the right combination of foods for William’s homecoming. After calling her selections into Thomas she took a long hot bath, ordered dinner from room service, then settled down to call William as she waited for her meal to be delivered.

“Crawford here,” he answered.

“What are you wearing?” asked Buffy.

“H’lo, luv. Still wearing the same o’l clothes I had on this morning. I’m in a cab, heading back to the hotel. Got almost everything I needed. Have to stop by pick up the clothes from Catherine’s mum in the morning, and then I’m having lunch with Geraint Dodd before catching the flight back. I purchased the painting that I originally wanted, plus two others. His work is fabulous. He said he met your mum once, by the way,” said William.

“Sounds like things are going well,” observed Buffy.

“Well, I have this one problem that I can’t seem to get past. Truth is, it’s been a little distracting and I’m not sure what to do about it. You see, there’s this bird, I’m crazy about her. It’s only been a few hours since she was in my arms, but I miss her, terribly,” finished William.

“I miss you too, truly. I can’t wait until tomorrow night,” said Buffy softly.

“How did things go with Dru today,” William asked.

“Great! Oh, and that reminds me, did you use to work for the Government?” Buffy asked.

There was nothing but silence on the other end of the phone. For a moment Buffy thought they had been disconnected. “William?” she asked.

“Yeah, pet?” he responded.

“You still there?” she asked.

“Still here,” he confirmed.

“Well, are you planning on answering my question?” she asked.

“Was kind of busy pretending you didn’t ask the question to be honest,” said William. “I don’t want to lie, luv. This isn’t a conversation we can have, not now, and certainly not like this.”

“Okay, I’m adding this to the list,” said Buffy.

“List?” asked William.

“Yup, the ‘Things William needs to explain to Buffy List’ and its getting a little long, by the way,” concluded Buffy.

“Well, we’re young, we have lots of time to sort things out. Be patient, pet. You keep track and eventually we’ll run through your list,” William assured her.

“Did I tell you I missed you?” asked Buffy.

“Yes, but you can tell me some more,” suggested William. “Look, pet, we’re pulling up to the hotel. I’ve got to hang up and pay the driver. Should I call you back?”

“That’s okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll try to remain brave and strong in the face of my devastating loneliness. I just hope that that cute boy from room service isn’t the one delivering my dinner tonight-” Buffy trailed off coyly.

“If you feel tempted, pet, just remember those three important words,” suggested William.

“And those would be?” asked Buffy.

“I’ll kill you,” said William matter-of-factly.

“William! Someone’s knocking on the door, it’s probably room service interrupting what I promise was about to be a good rant. I’ve got to go,” said Buffy hurriedly.

“Goodnight, baby, I love you,” said William before disconnecting.

Buffy was so busy letting his last words wash over her that she almost forgot that there was someone at the door. It wasn’t until she heard the knock on the door again that she remembered. Buffy enjoyed the remainder of her quiet evening and fell asleep happily anticipating William’s return.

The wake-up call came around 9:00 AM. Buffy took a quick shower and ordered a smoothie for breakfast. She dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt, slipped on some sandals, then went to catch her ride to the spa.

The ride itself was short. The minute she stepped into the place she knew she was in for a day of luxury. The welcoming atmosphere appealed to all of her senses. She was surrounded by the soft sounds of Tibetan cymbals. A relaxing aromatherapy blend of essential oils wafted through the air. The lighting was soothing and she felt herself begin to relax as she walked further into the entryway. Buffy was escorted back through to the ladies locker room. She was given a locker, key, and slippers and was instructed to change into one of the spa robes and proceed to the “tranquility room”.

After changing Buffy walked through the door at the end of the dressing room as instructed. The music and scents that she experienced in the entry permeated this room as well. In addition there were numerous fountains and spa chairs with foot baths. Buffy was offered some herbal tea and was instructed to sit in the chair and after a few minutes of soaking, while waiting for her scheduled treatments to begin, Buffy received what they told her was an “energy point” foot massage. Whatever it was, it felt wonderful. She had never minded waiting for anything less.

After about 15 minutes a woman who introduced herself as Lisa called her name. “Buffy, since you are having multiple treatments today you were booked into a beautiful suite. So, we’ll be in the same room for the next few hours,” Lisa explained as they continued down a maze of corridors, “It’s a lovely space. Just let me know if you need anything. Bathroom’s across the hall here, we’ve got plenty of water and I encourage you to drink lots.”

Lisa opened the treatment room door and let Buffy inside. The next four hours went by in a flash. Buffy’s first treatment was a herb infused bath in the sunken tub that lined one wall of the treatment room. She was left to soak for 20 minutes while she sipped water and allowed the soft tones of the music wash over her.

After getting out of the bath her hands and feet were dipped in paraffin wax and covered with heated mitts. While she reclined back in one of the spa chairs her facial began. Lisa explained that the products were all natural and meant to calm, soothe, and revitalize her skin. Buffy had started to drift off when Lisa removed the mitts and suggested that Buffy enjoy some water or herbal tea, then move to the area in front of the shower for her exfoliation treatment.

Lisa concocted a paste out of yogurt and oatmeal, which she heated to a comfortable temperature in the microwave. As Buffy stood on a towel, Lisa gently rubbed the paste over and into Buffy’s body. When she was finished Buffy was instructed to shower off.

Inside the shower were a variety of bath gels, shampoos, and conditioners. Buffy chose the vanilla lavender blend and took her time enjoying the feel of the hot water as it ran over her body. Buffy toweled off, slipped back into her robe then went to rejoin Lisa.

Lisa had prepared a multivitamin body mask with avocado and honey. She applied the concoction to the back of Buffy’s body. She then laid a series of hot towels on the treatment table and helped Buffy lie down, face up. She quickly applied the mask to the front of Buffy’s body, and then wrapped her body in the hot towels. Lisa next gently pulled Buffy’s hair up so that it fell over the edge of the treatment table. She placed a small, rolled towel under Buffy’s neck so that her head was slightly inclined.

Lisa began to slowly drip a warmed, herbal-infused olive oil onto Buffy’s forehead. Buffy could feel the warm oil as it ran over her forehead and into her hair. Finally her hair was coiled up on top of her head and her head was wrapped in a warm towel. Buffy was left to relax for a bit and again found herself about to drift off when Lisa returned and asked her to again shower.

After the shower Buffy returned to the treatment table for her massage. Lisa wrapped Buffy’s hair in a towel and proceeded to knead Buffy’s already fairly relaxed muscles for the next hour. The massage was heavenly. When it was completed Lisa returned Buffy returned to the tranquility room so that she could receive her final treatments, her manicure and pedicure.

The day had been one of total indulgence. Her skin felt soft and smooth and wonderful. She felt completely restored, completely at peace as she left the spa and walked into the elevator. Just as the elevator door was about to close a hand reached in and pushed the doors back open.

“Buffy, what a coincidence,” said Angel.

“I feel really good right now, Angel, so I’m going to pretend you’re not here, if it’s all the same to you,” said Buffy candidly.

“Fine with me,” said Angel as he leaned over and punched one of the elevator buttons.

Buffy stepped back a bit towards the back of the elevator to allow Angel wide berth. Somehow, it wasn’t enough. He pulled the “stop” button then moved back, into her space, until she was pressed to the back corner. “Just, ignore me,” he whispered huskily into her ear as he reached out to touch her breast.”

“What is it with stupid men?” she hissed, right before bringing her knee up and ramming it, forcefully, between Angel’s legs.

She heard Angel gasp and saw his face turn bright red as he clutched himself, hunched over in pain. “Christ, Buffy! What is it with you?”

“What is it with me? Are you insane? Are you that arrogant? You are a complete and utter bastard, you know that?” shouted Buffy as she moved around him and pushed the “stop” button back in. Once again the elevator began it’s descent to the lobby.

“Well you used to love it when I came onto you in the elevator,” ground out Angel, “I guess your tastes are a little more, mundane, now that you’re sleeping with Spike.”

“Angel, don’t make this mistake again. My reaction had nothing to do with William, or Spike. It has nothing to do with changes in my preference of sexual venues or sexual positions. It has nothing to do with my hormone level, the positioning of the stars, or anything other than you! What you did to me, I will never forget and I don’t think I can ever forgive. God help me, I want to. And, there are moments when I think I can. But- Oh I don’t even know why I am trying to explain this to you. Just stay away from me, Angel,” she finished as the elevator doors opened.

“Well, this is a little awkward, isn’t it,” said the woman with blonde hair who was waiting for the elevator in the lobby.

“It doesn’t have to be, Darla,” said Angel.

“Are you kidding me?” said Darla still blocking Buffy’s exit.

“Do I know you?” asked Buffy, knowing perfectly well who this woman must be.

Darla smiled sweetly and said, “I’m Liam’s wife, Darla,” she said as she caressed the small bulge of her belly.

“Lucky you! My recommendation is that you keep a close watch on him; he has a tendency to slip away. Of course, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In my case, it really has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Worth every penny that you stole from me,” she said looking pointedly at Angel. “Now, if you don’t mind, I had this really great relaxed thing going on. I’d really like to hold onto it. Plus, will you look at the time? Got to get ready for a hot date,” she explained as she gently pushed passed a stunned Darla and left the hotel.

As Buffy rode back to her hotel in the car she took some deep, cleansing breaths and closed her eyes. She realized, then and there, that the only thing Angel had stolen, really, was the money. All the rest, she had somehow abandoned to him. She smiled serenely as she thought, “Well, I’m taking the rest back.”

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Chapter 43

Buffy had showered, shaved all her shaveable places, and meticulously applied her makeup. She dried her hair so that it was straight. She applied a light mist of perfume and slipped on the hotel robe so that she could go and check on Thomas’ progress.

As Dru had described, she asked Thomas to make a path with the tea lights on the floor. At first it lead from the door through the entryway. The path then split, to one side it lead to the bedroom, to the other the dining room. Although the CD player was in the living room, there were speakers and a control panel in the dining room that she could us to trigger the start of the music. Thomas had the front desk on watch for William’s return, the plan was for them to call up to the room when William got into the elevator.

At 5:00 Buffy saw Thomas to the door. He had finished lighting all of the candles and the food that she had selected had been set out in the dining room. “Thank you for everything, Thomas, I couldn’t have don’t this without you,” said Buffy.

“It was my pleasure,” said Thomas, genuinely. “Please ring when you are ready for the coffee and dessert. Or, if there is anything else that you shall require.”

As the door closed Buffy turned around to survey the room. The effect of the tea lights was stunning. She followed the path back to the bedroom and slipped off the robe. She picked up the red lace gown and standing in front of the mirror, stepped into it. Buffy slowly pulled the gown up, over her legs, bottom, and then her stomach. She slid her arms inside the sleeves, and then pulled the gown up, over her breasts and onto her shoulders. She smoothed it down and made some slight adjustments so that it hung perfectly against her body. Happy with the effect she walked back up the path to survey the dining room. As she had requested there was only one chair and one place setting, at the head of the table. Various covered dishes adorned the tabletop. Buffy picked up the lighter and as she started to light the candles on the first of three candelabras the phone rang, twice, then stopped. Buffy tried to hurry as she started on the last she could have sworn that she sensed William approaching the door. She pressed play on the remote.

William slipped his keycard locking mechanism and opened the door. For a moment he stood, frozen in place. Before him was a candlelit path. He set his bag inside the door to the left and stepped into the room. It was then that he heard it, the rich, velvety voice of Etta Jones beckoning him towards the dining room.

At last my love has come along

William started slowly walking towards the dining room. He was dressed casually in jeans, a t-shirt, and his black Doc Martens boots.

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song

As he reached the entryway he could see that the table was set for one and that there were a variety of dishes and wine scattered about.

Oh yeah yeah

But the most riveting sight was that of Buffy. When he first saw her, her back was to him. The length of her exquisite red lace gown pooled at the bottom on the floor. Her delicate arm was outstretched, lighting the last of the tapers on the candelabra. He could see her nakedness, glowing in the candlelight, peeking at him, seductively through the lace. His jeans suddenly felt unbearably tight.

Buffy turned to face him and became totally lost in his eyes. He gazed upon her openly with such awe, such love, that it brought tears to her eyes. She brought the match slowly to her beautiful lips and blew out the match. William held his hand out to her and she took it, allowing him to pull her into his arms. He encircled her waist with his other arm and pulled her body flush to his. And they danced, slowly, wordlessly, and the remainder of the song played out…

I found a dream, that I could speak to

A dream that I can call my own

I found a thrill to press my cheek to

A thrill that I have never known

Ohh  yeah yeah…

You smile, you smile

Oh, And then the spell was cast

And here we are in heaven

for you are mine....

At Last

As the song end ended William stepped back slightly, still holding Buffy in his arms and looking into her eyes simply said, “Beautiful.”

Buffy looked around the room and smiled proudly, “Yeah, it really looks great.”

“No, I mean you. You’re absolutely stunning. Radiant. You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful creature that I have ever seen. I have never looked forward to coming home before. Coming home never really meant anything to me. But knowing you were here, waiting for me-God I couldn’t wait to get back to you. And then, to see all this, I’m overwhelmed, really,” said William as he looked around the room.

Buffy stepped away from him and retrieved the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket. “Well, do you think you can recover enough to open up some champagne?”

“Of course,” said William as he took the bottle, removed the wrapping and cage from around the cork, and slowly worked the cork loose from the bottle. Buffy handed him first one fluted glass, then another as he poured the champagne. She watched the bubbles in her glass stream up from the bottom. She noticed that he was about to take a sip and he quickly reached out to still his hand.

“I want to make a toast,” said Buffy.

“Okay, luv. What shall we toast to?” asked William.

“To finding our way home,” said Buffy, softly, as she touched the side of his glass with hers before taking a sip.

“To finding our way home,” repeated William.

“Now,” said Buffy as she walked over to the head of the table and patted the seat of the chair, “did you know that alcohol is actually the base ingredient of most love potions?”

William cautiously walked over to the chair and sat down, “Love potion? Is that what you’ve kept yourself busy doing while I’ve been working my fingers to the bones? You should have been working on something more useful. You don’t need a bloody love potion. Now a locator spell to find all those “weapons of mass destruction” that your President keeps yammering about, that would have been useful.”

“Oh, let’s not talk about him,” said Buffy as she moved behind to the back of the chair and started to knead William’s shoulders. “Uncover the first dish,” suggested Buffy.

William lifted the cover off the plate to discover six oysters on the half shell, resting on a bed of shaved ice. “They’re loaded with zinc, which increases testosterone production. I read that Casanova used to start a meal by eating 12 dozen oysters.” Buffy whispered as she leaned forward reaching for one.

William watched as she leaned over his shoulder reaching for the first oyster. As she stretched further forward to pick it up, Buffy’s left breast brushed up against William’s cheek. The translucent meat glistened against the inside pearly white shell. Buffy slowly brought the shell up to her red lips, then tilting her head back, let the oyster slide into her hungry mouth. William felt his mouth go suddenly dry and he reached for another sip of champagne.

“You, on the other hand, get three,” she said as she moved around to sit in his lap.

“Now a man, me for instance, could take that a couple different ways,” he said as he opened his mouth and let her feed him his first oyster.

“Yes, you could take that a couple different ways. Then you could take me a couple different ways,” she said right before swallowing her second oyster and washing it down with some champagne.

Buffy picked up William’s second oyster and as she fed it to him noticed a slight look of uncertainty pass across his face. As he swallowed she began to run her hands over the hard planes of his chest. “Before we go any further, let me assure you, this isn’t an attempt at remedying a deficit. You, William, are a truly spectacular lover. This is about embracing and evening of indulgence, seduction, and passion. Now I need to know, are you in or are you out? Come on now, I need an answer, I don’t have all night, got me this whole big seduction scene all planed out,” finished Buffy.

“I-I’m in,” said William, never more certain of anything in his life.

“Good! Glad you’ve seen the light! Now, eat up!” she said as she swallowed her last oyster and handed him his.

She waited, patiently for him to swallow, and then she tilted his glass to his lips giving him a sip of his champagne. As a trickle escapes from the side of him mouth she moaned, “Ohhh, let me get that for you,” as she lapped up the drop with her tongue. Buffy then arched back, reaching across the table for the next covered dish. He could see her hardened nipple peering at him through the lace of her gown and he reached out to give it a slight pinch before wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her back up, and crushing his mouth to hers in a passionate kiss.

“Want you,” he growled as he released her in favor of air.

Buffy wiggled a bit in his lap, making his noticeable erection yet harder, “Yes, I can tell,” she assured him before uncovering the next dish and picking up his soup spoon.

“Tomato-basil soup,” she said. “The Italian’s, in the sixteenth century thought tomatoes and aphrodisiac. Round. Smooth. Firm. Ripe. Delicious.”

Buffy brought a spoon full of the soup up to Williams mouth, “Now, open wide,” she asked as she brought the creamy nectar to his mouth.”

“Now I found out that women who were worried about their husbands fidelity used to powder their breasts with basil, to keep them from straying,” Buffy whispered into the shell of his ear before taking his earlobe into her mouth and sucking on it gently.

William groaned and started to slide one hand up the length of Buffy’s leg, under her gown. Buffy leaned back and gave him a second bite. He continued to slowly, traverse the length of her leg, lifting her gown as he searched out his goal. Buffy pretended to not notice as she alternated between peppering his lips with kisses and giving him spoonfuls of soup. Once he had reached her bare bottom he pulled the gown over her hips and lifted her so that she straddled him. He kissed her collarbone and started to tug on one of her sleeves. She arched back, away from his grasp and as she did, her breasts lifted slightly begging him to capture them.

“You know, they also use basil to treat the Madonna-whore complex,” she slowly pulled the neckline of her gown down, so that her breasts were bared to him, “guess which one I am tonight?”

William latched onto her left breast and sucked greedily. Buffy threaded her fingers through William’s hair and gave herself over to the sensation of his lips surrounding her nipple, his mouth hot and moist as he tugged at it nipping it between his teeth. Buffy gasped audibly and pulled back.

“Did I hurt you?” William asked a little embarrassed, “God, Buffy, you’re driving me crazy, I didn’t mean to hurt you baby.”

“I’m okay, really,” she said as she started to tuck her breasts back into her gown.

“No!” William begged with a pout. “Please don’t put them away. I’ll play nice, I promise, I won’t even touch them if you don’t want me to.”

Buffy smiled at him and once again lowered her gown, exposing her breasts to him. She then reached down and pulled at the hem of his t-shirt. “If you get to ogle, then so do I. It’s only fair.”

William sat up and allowed Buffy to pull his t-shirt off over his head. She lightly ran her fingernails down the length of his chest, lightly grazing his nipples before lowering her head and leaving a trail of kissing from his neck to his chest. She slid off the chair so that she was on her knees before him and continued the trail of kisses down his stomach. Buffy reached his bellybutton and dipped her tongue inside, sweeping the interior as her hands worked to unbuckle his belt and unzip William’s jeans.

Buffy looked up at him from her position on the floor. She was there on her knees, her lips red and swollen from the kisses, her hair slightly messed, her breasts heaving as she struggled to control her breathing, her excitement. “It’s time for the main course, push your chair back a bit,” she requested.

William didn’t need to be asked twice. He quickly pushed his chair back to give Buffy more room. His felt barely able to control his excitement as he watched her—stand up and reach across the table?

Buffy pulled a plate across the table towards her as she uncovered the dish she announced, “Rosemary-scented lamb over pasta and steamed asparagus.”

“Not what I would most like to eat right now,” said William as he raked his eyes lustfully over her body.

Buffy pushed his plate back and climbed onto the table. She sat, perched directly in front of him and with a crook of her finger now, beckoned him closer. She he pulled his chair up to the table she pulled her gown up to her knees and crossed her legs. Her bottom foot anchored itself on the chair, next to his crotch. The toes of her other foot began to tease the muscles of his abdomen.

“You know you’re killing me here, right?” he asked.

“Uh-huh,” said Buffy, playfully as she pulled a piece of lamb off the bone with her fingers and held it out for him to sample.

As William opened his mouth to accept the lamb he took the opportunity to lick Buffy’s fingers clean, “More,” said William.

Buffy smiled and pulled another piece of meat from the bone, “Rosemary, medieval women used to scent their bathwater with it to entice men.” Buffy picked a fresh sprig up off of the table and lightly, ever so slowly, ran it up her he leg and over her knee, “And the feel of the soft needles, the light tickling sensation,” she said her head rolling back as she brought the herb cutting up and swept it teasingly across her own breasts.

William stood up and pulled a piece of lamb off the bone, offering to Buffy. She wrapped her lips around the offered morsel and in the process sucked his fingers into her mouth, teasing the fingertips with her tongue.  He then picked up a few strands of rosemary angel hair pasta. He leaned his head back and coiled the pasta onto his tongue.

Buffy uncrossed her legs so that he could step in closer. He reached behind each of her knees and stepped in between her legs. She used her hands then feet to push his jeans off and down to the floor as far as she could from her position on the table. William finished the job and within seconds he was standing, naked, before her. He reached up and slid the gown down off her arms, then rolled it further down, exposing her stomach.

Buffy picked up a stalk of asparagus and rolling it tantalizingly between her fingertips said, “Asparagus, increases hormone production and energy. And, best of all, it looks,” she said looking brazenly at his fully erect cock, “delicious.”

Buffy slightly parted her lips as she looked William steadily in the eye slowly pushed the stalk into her mouth, devouring it.

“Try some pasta,” he said as he picked up a few strands and offered them to her.

She parted her lips and slightly stuck her tongue out, awaiting the bite. He broke. Instead, William dropped the pasta back onto the plate and sucked her luscious tongue into his eager mouth.

The kiss was long, and deep, and left them both panting desperately for air. “How much longer?” he managed to get out.

“Not long,” she assured him, “You’re enjoying yourself?”

William looked down at his obvious erection. He looked up and with a smile on his face said, “Yeah, I’d say we’re having a pretty good time. What’s next?”

Buffy stood up, walked over to the phone and after punching a button simply said, “Dessert.”

Within a few moments they heard the door to the room open and then close. “Could you go and get it?” asked Buffy.

William followed the candlelit path once more and sitting on the floor at the start of it was a silver tray. The tray contained coffee, two brandies, and a covered dish. William walked the tray into the dining room and after setting it on the table removed the cover, unveiling the dessert.

“Strawberry empanadas and chocolate hazelnut truffles,” she said. “Did you know that Montezuma, the Aztec ruler, drank 50 cups of chocolate each day so that he could better serve his harem of 600 women? And strawberries, well there just…” trailed off Buffy as she bit into one of the empanadas, a bit of the filling escaped and fell onto her breast.

“Allow me,” offered William as he lapped up the filling with his tongue and he fed her a bite of the truffle.

Buffy moaned as he lifted her gown up to her hips then picked her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he plundered her mouth. Tasting the chocolate and strawberries on her delicious tongue, William turned around and sat Buffy on the table’s edge. With a sweep of his hand he pushed the dishes aside. He caressed Buffy’s face then possessively ran his hands down her neck, over her collarbone, and around her breasts. He gently pushed her down so that the upper half of her body was lying back on the table. He picked up another of the empanadas and after biting off one corner, proceeded to squeeze the contents out and onto Buffy’s stomach and thighs.

Buffy leaned up on her elbows and watched as William methodically bathed her with his tongue. His eyes never left hers as he lapped up the heavenly strawberry filling. As he reached her thighs he gently spread them apart and continued his ministrations until there was only one dollop of filling remaining. William scooped it up with his finger and then moved up the length of Buffy’s body.

The sight of her, hair splayed out on the table was mouth-watering. As he approached her mouth with the strawberry filling she parted her lips for him. At the same time, the tip of his cock approached her entrance. He needed no invitation as he slipped inside, between her wet folds. She took his finger into her mouth and sucked on it voraciously. He cock was buried to the hilt inside of her and he took a deep steadying breath as he bit on his bottom lip, trying to control his urge to thrust.

Buffy reached up and removed William’s finger from her mouth, she moved his hand so that it covered her breast. His other hand continued to support his upper body. “Just let go, baby. Can you feel it? Can you feel how wet I am? Can you feel what you do to me? How much I want you? Need you?”

Her words were driving him over the edge. He pulled out almost completely before thrusting back in, in one smooth, deep stroke.

“Oh!” exclaimed Buffy as she could feel the head of his cock bump up against her cervix.

“Is that a good Oh?” asked William.

“Yes! More!” demanded Buffy as she held onto his forearms, which now rested on either side of her waist. Buffy wrapped her legs around his ass and used them to pull him in, closer.

William smiled as they found their rhythm. He continued the deep, steady thrusting as he watched his love, writhing underneath him. As their passion built he could see her body becoming more and more flushed. Her breathing became ragged as he took care to angle down with each inward stroke, so that he pulled on her clit with the base of his cock.

“Faster!” she cried as she arched upwards, slightly lifting her hips off the table.

He took the opportunity to slide one arm under her slim waist and his tugged, pulling her closer to the edge of the table so that he could get even closer. “Buffy, luv, you’re so hot, so tight, you feel so good baby,” William moaned.

“Only for you. Only for you,” she declared as she propped herself up onto her elbows.

“Mine!” he growled as he reached behind her waist with both arms, pulling her into a full sitting position.

“Yours!” she agreed as she covered his mouth with hers and wrapped her arms around his beautifully sculpted back.

She could feel it as he started to lose control. She had never had a sexual experience so intense before. She felt herself fall over the edge, and she kept falling, and falling, knowing that when at last she came down he would be there to catch her. Was she still breathing? She wasn’t sure. Was it the food? Was it William? Was it love?

There were lights, and sensations too extreme to describe, then dizziness, then she was looking into his eyes. Concerned eyes as he gently wiped away the tears that had somehow escaped her eyes and were rolling down her cheeks.

“Okay, luv?” William asked hesitantly. Uncertain as to what the tears meant.

“No. That, that was much more than okay. I’ve never, not with anyone, never like that, it was beautiful. You’re beautiful,” said Buffy softly as she swooned a bit.

“I do believe that I’ve worn you out!” said William proudly.

“Tired,” confirmed Buffy as he stepped back, pulled out of her, and picking her up into his arms proceeded to carry her back to the bedroom. 

“Come on, precious, let’s tuck you in bed. You need your rest and we have an early flight tomorrow,” said William as we walked into the bedroom and gently laid her down on one side of the bed.

“William?” asked Buffy breathlessly as she rolled onto one side and he covered her up.

“Hmmm?” he answered as he placed a soft kiss on her temple.

“I-I have a present for you. It’s on you’re nightstand,” said Buffy right before closing her eyes.

William reached out and noticed the envelope sitting propped up against the lamp. It was the hotel’s stationery. His name was on the outside and the envelope was sealed with a kiss, Buffy having used it earlier to blot her red lipstick. William broke the seal and slipped out the single sheet of paper that had been folded in half.

On the outside the paper Buffy had written:

Now remember, this is my first effort at poetry…

He unfolded the sheet and read:

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

Sugar is sweet.

William,…

“It’s not finished,” he whispered disappointedly before looking over at Buffy, turning off the light, and climbing into bed spooning his body to hers.

“That’s because I was supposed to say the last part out loud,” said Buffy quietly, in the darkness as she struggled to fight again sleep.

“What’s the last part, luv?” asked William.

“Just…Just wanted you to know…that…well…” Buffy trailed off.

William sat up and rolled Buffy over onto her back, “Oh, no. You’re not going to sleep on me now. Tortured me all bloody night, you did. Have to admit that I did receive a positively mind-blowing shag out of the deal. But, truth is, I’m a greedy bloke. I’m a bad, rude man and I intend to keep you awake until I hear my entire present!”

William had neglected to close the blinds and the moonlight streamed in through the window, bathing them in a soft glow. Buffy looked up her eyes luminous and wide with wonder. A satisfying and peaceful smile emerged and lit up her face as she quietly, and with complete certainty said, “William Crawford, I love you.”

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