Enchanted Holiday Cottage

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holiday season. Enjoy this spicy-sweet short story with someone you love. Happy Holidays, enjoy!






She always saved it for last; the enchanted cottage, she called it. Placing it carefully in the only remaining spot in the village, she slid the wheel on the cord and watched it spring to life. The glow in the front window illuminated the love on the faces of the old couple sitting before the fire. Sipping on a cup of tea, they simply took comfort in one another’s presence.

Sighing softly, Elise blew a kiss toward the ceiling and settled on the couch before the fire crackling in her grate. She always missed him, but Christmas was a difficult time for her and being without him made it tougher still. She wouldn’t have a pity party. She knew she had much to be thankful for and decided to focus on the love and joy he brought her no matter the distance. Squinting hard, she let the room fade around her until the golden glow of the window became a tiny pinprick of light. She stared until the halo splashed with oily colors clouded her vision, taking her to the place she wanted most to be. A place where fantasy was made flesh and all her dreams came true. A place where the past, present and future became one. A place of remembering.

Where is he? She wanted to feel his arms around her, his lips on hers. She sunk deeper into the sofa and called for him.

Like a puff of air on a cold winter’s night the vision was cloudy at first, then clearing slowly, she watched in wonder as a tiny Gordon snuggled a little lower beneath the old faded quilt. He could hear the moan of the whistle growing louder.  The walls of the house vibrated as the train rumbled into the nearby station and he waited nervously for the bang. The loud clanging sound rang out through the darkness as the cast iron eye met the enormous hook. It always startled him no matter how many times he heard it. Grandma had told him he should smile because it meant another engine or cab or caboose was going to get a chance to see the world. A curious child, Gordon wondered what the world was like beyond those four walls —and why it had to sound so scary.

Sometimes he would hear the squealing and groaning as they separated the cars sending one off to wait for another day. He wondered if they were sad that they would not be going on a new adventure. Slipping quietly out of the bed, the worn wooden floor was cool against his bare feet. Peeking through the frosty pane of glass, his gaze traveled up and down the street looking for proof of his grandmother’s claims. Suddenly, the fire stack burst with flames and the golden glow illuminated the small bedroom. Eyes open as wide as his mouth, he stared into the night wondering when it would be his turn for adventure.

The chill in the air making him shiver, Gordon crawled back under the covers. Thinking about all the things little boys think of on Christmas Eve was keeping him from sleep. When the light of dawn was barely creeping through the windows, his brother and sisters came in to rouse him from his slumber. It was Christmas morning after all, no lie in today!

Watching the family sitting around the tree and opening gifts, Elise sighed grateful to bear witness of his innocence and joy. One at a time, they would pass each gift around the circle until everyone had a chance to ooh and ah. Patience was a hard won commodity for such a small boy, and she smiled as he waited eagerly, fidgeting all the while.

Floating from memory to memory she watched as he grew into a young man. She saw the first girl he kissed by the tree. She felt his sadness during the painful years when Christmas did not live up to his expectations. She saw him celebrating with his new family, babies in his arms. She felt his happiness, his sorrow and his hope. 

She saw his children grow and become bright, talented and successful adults. He was a good father and an attentive husband. He worked hard to provide for his family and make his dreams come true. She smiled thinking once again of his grandmother’s story as he began to have his own adventures. Travelling from place to place discovering life and adding layers to his complex and generous personality.

She saw that he was a dynamic force to be reckoned with in the business world. Hard work mixed with integrity and compassion brought him the success he deserved. But it wasn’t enough—he wanted more. His hobbies were not really hobbies at all. She watched as he embraced them as completely as he did everything else in his life, with fervor and commitment.

She marveled at the journey of this little boy into the incredible man he was today. Doggedly moving forward, he never gave up the quest, no matter the many obstacles that crossed his path.

With a new sense of appreciation, Elise realized that perhaps there were some things she had taken for granted. Some selfishness in her need and she knew, he deserved better than that.

 The sound of laughter and clinking of crystal filled her mind’s eye. It was Christmas Eve present—already Christmas day for him and, expectant excitement filled the air. She floated from room to room quietly observing the merriment around her. Everywhere she looked, people were smiling and happy. His granddaughter twirling about; eyes shining, cheeks pink with anticipation. Sparkling gold glittered through the fragrant pine and lights twinkled in gray of the rainy day. The wine flowed freely and entirely too much food was being consumed. Like a Christmas card, everything looked perfect and love filled the space making this holiday special.

She found him sitting on the sofa surrounded by family. Reaching for his cheek, she could almost feel his soft skin. The bittersweet moment squeezed at her heart. She didn’t belong here, this was his joy, not hers. The fact and fantasy of their love for one another often collided and sometimes, it was difficult for her to separate it.

Feeling the floor grow solid beneath her feet, she left the room and grabbed a heavy woolen cloak from the hall tree. Slipping quietly out of the door, she stepped onto the wide porch and breathed deeply. The frigid air paralyzed her lungs briefly making her gasp and stutter for a breath. Her delicate leather boots were not made for the snow, but she headed down the steps and onto the walk anyway. The cold bit into her cheeks as she walked and she embraced the realness of it. Walking down the lane, she gazed into the windows of the houses around her. Everywhere people were full of joy. Putting their arms around one another. She passed the market and the café, both sealed up for the night. As she reached the train station, it began to snow. Sitting on the old wooden bench, she tucked her feet underneath her bottom to warm them.  The lonely whistle of a train cried out in the night, its poignant sigh squeezing her heart tightly. She held her leather-covered hands to her cheeks as the icy tears stung her chapped skin.

She hoped the train would stop; she would get on it and ride away into the darkness. It didn’t matter where it was going, as long as it was away from here, away from the hurt and disappointment that Christmas seemed to bring. She sat shivering in the cold—waiting for a miracle.

Heavy steps crunching in the snow drew her gaze up. Gordon stood there smiling and reached out his hand.  Elise took it and rose slowly from the bench. Tucking her delicate hand in the crook of his elbow, they walked together quietly, the snow swirling and dancing all around them.

“My love, do not wish for what you cannot have, be happy we are together for now,” he said without judgement.

“I know darling, I am sorry, I am wrong to be unhappy. You give me so much.”

“Ah, I give you a tiny bit in comparison to what you give me. I know it is not perfect,” his voice was thick with emotion, “but you have to admit; it is pretty damn good.”

“Yes, it is pretty damn good,” she said wanting to believe it, but she could feel herself pulling back from the truth of it.

“Come with me, love,” he cajoled, reaching out his hand, “to the place where it is only you and I. Stay with me tonight.”

Elise knew she could not resist him, it was futile. She took his outstretched hand in hers and walked up the snowy concrete steps to the heavy wooden door. The frosty panes of glass showed only darkness within and as they stepped into the house, the warm silence covered them.

The wooden stairs creaked and groaned as they headed up higher and higher. With each step she could feel her body filling with need; need for his touch, need for his kiss—need to feel his arms holding her close. Stopping on the landing, he took her face into his hands and kissed her deeply. A small whimper escaped her lips and she pressed her body against his. She could feel the heat of his erection, through the layers of fabric between them and, she wriggled her hips against him.

Taking her hand once more, he led her to the bedroom and hands on her shoulders, he pressed her down onto the feather bed. The small globe of lamplight shone on her tear stained face. She looked so small and helpless framed within the heavily carved posts of the mahogany bed. Gordon looked at her with wonder. He had no idea what he had done to deserve her love, but he was grateful. Grateful for the time they shared together, whatever form it took.

He took her delicate foot in his hand and began to unbuckle the ankle length boot. Pulling it from her cold damp toes, he tossed it aside. Reaching beneath the heavy wool skirt and layers of petticoats, he let his cool fingers slide against the soft skin of her thigh as he slowly rolled the warm stocking down over her knee and slipped it off her leg. He rubbed her foot briskly, before placing a tender kiss to her instep. After removing the other, he helped her to her bare feet and turned her to face the bed. One by one, he pushed the tiny pearl buttons through the loops that drew a straight line down her spine. Pushing the fabric aside, he rested his hand against the cotton chemise, feeling her heart pounding through the thin fabric. Pushing the dress from her shoulders, he let it drop to the floor. She stood shivering in the dim light—he knew it wasn’t from the cold.

He loved undressing her, languidly. Each time new and exciting, like opening a gift, he was never sure what he might find inside. He drew the slip over her head and her soft coppery hair fell heavy, swaying against the hard lip at the top of her corset. He lifted the mass of curls and pressed a kiss into the base of her neck.

Dragging his fingers down her back, he pulled on the laces and watched the twisted bow unfurl. One ribbon at a time, he slipped the string through the loops with excruciating slowness, watching as her luminescent white skin came into view. Each new bit of exposed flesh appeared more beautiful than the last and Gordon could feel his desire rising from deep within. Reaching the bottom, he yanked hard on the laces, pulling the hard bones of the stays against her torso. Elise’s strangled cry of need caused his cock to twitch. Reaching around her, he pulled at the string tying up her petticoats and let them fall to the floor. His gaze drifted to the dip of her waist and followed to the curve of her hips. Her sweet rounded bottom was plump and luscious and he could not resist squeezing a cheek in his hand.

Elise drew the air deeply into her lungs, trying to ease the trembling as she listened to Gordon removing his clothes. Her senses on high alert each sound took her arousal higher and higher; the whisper of the silk tie sliding against the stiff collar of his shirt, the pop of the hard buttons along his shirtfront, the swoosh of his wool trousers as they hit the floor. She was desperate for him now, but she pushed her need back, she knew he would love her slowly tonight.

His hands on her neck, he bent her body toward the bed and she allowed her frame to go limp. Resting her head on the mattress, she opened her legs wider and pushed her bottom up a little higher. She felt open, exposed and a bit vulnerable, but the anticipation made her tingle. The tender caress of his fingertips slipped over her bottom and down the back of her thighs. His hand moved up slowly and she tensed, waiting for the welcome intrusion of his penetrating fingers. She could feel the moisture leaking from her quim and she groaned with need.

“Oh no, my love,” he said chuckling softly, “you mustn’t come yet.”

“Gordon, please—make haste.”

Gordon inched his fingers higher along the inside of her thigh and pressed the tips just at the opening of her core. Twisting and turning, in the wetness he coated them with her desire. Elise moved her hips slowly, trying to push down on them, but he drew his fingers up and slid them against her clit. They were cool against her heat and sent a delicious shock cycling through her veins, filling her entire body with pleasure. She tried to press back against him, but his other hand held her waist tightly, limiting her range of movement. When he pressed his thumb hard against her clit and slid two fingers into her, Elise was lost. The muscles inside her gripped his fingers and the pressure kept building as he pressed against her spot.

“Gordon, please…

The soft sound of his laughter was his only reply.

The waves were starting to crash against her need. Her breaths were deep, her moans, low and long. She bit hard on her lip, fighting to hold on, but her desire was dripping onto his hand. As he pressed another finger at the tight bud of her ass, she clenched hard trying to bar his entrance. He pushed at her insistently, until she could no longer resist the invasion. As his thick digit slipped inside her she exploded, her sweet flood raining down onto her shaking thighs and the floor beneath.

Gordon loved to make Elise come for all the obvious reasons, but the feel of her hot gushing release flowing over his hand filled him with wonder and power. He rubbed his hand down her thighs reveling in the slick feel of it. His cock aching, he pressed against her, letting it slide against the crevice between her cheeks. So warm, so soft; how he longed to bury himself deep inside her. Hands on her breasts, he cupped them and lifted her body from the bed until she stood against him. The feeling of his body engulfing her small frame overwhelmed him and he found himself suddenly wishing that he could protect her. Keep her from the pain and uncertainty. If only he could hold her tightly enough, the strength of his arms giving her everything she needed. He pulled her closer and held her like that for a moment more. He felt her relaxing into his embrace and he sighed deeply.

Turning her in his arms, he took her chin in his hand and looked into her eyes. Bending his head he kissed her tenderly. Her lips parted and he groaned, slipping his tongue inside. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, he kissed her for all he was worth. He wanted her to feel it.

Pushing her on to the bed, he climbed on top of her, resting his weight on his elbows. He looked at her expectant gaze and smiled. Knowing that she desired him so completely filled Gordon with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Stroking a stray lock of hair from her forehead, he let his gaze travel over her lush trembling body.

He wanted to touch every inch of bare skin, lick and taste her, feel her beneath the pads of his fingers—but he couldn’t wait. Prodding between her thighs with his cock, he nestled the smooth head between her swollen lips. Looking into her eyes once more, he pushed his length into her, filling her completely. The tight heat of her cunt sucked at him as he began to slide slowly in and out of her. She was soaking wet and the coolness of her juices mixing with the heat of her desire, created an intense contrast of sensation. Elise lifted her hips to meet his strokes. Keeping their tempo steady, they lived in the moment of bliss. Together, connected, he wanted nothing more than this moment.

The feel of her arms and legs around him, her breasts pressed against his chest, the puffs of warm breath in his ear as her breathing grew rapid. It was all that existed in their world, all he knew and all he needed. He pushed deeply into her, feeling her cervix cup him. He groaned as his cock filled and his balls drew up close to his body. The sounds of Elise’s moans were low in his ear and he pushed his hips hard against her, grinding his pelvis against her clit. Rocking his body side to side, he felt the ridged walls of her cunt grip him tightly, her juices running in rivulets down his shaft. Pumping into her once more, he exploded with her, filling her with the warmth of his release.

 

The phone rang startling Elise from the afterglow of her orgasm. The opening notes of the song stopping her heart every time; hoping it was him at the other end of the line. She saw his number and pressed talk,

“Hey you,” she said softly, “you’re up late.”

“Hey yourself,” he replied, his voice husky, “can’t imagine why.”

“Hmm, why?” she asked, a knowing smile in her voice.

“Because you seduced me once again. I held your warm naked flesh close to me and buried myself in your secret depths. Because I can still feel you all around me and I know if I just walk through the doorway of my room, I will find you snuggled on my couch.”

“You don’t say,” she replied, teasing, “but— it was ‘pretty damn good’ wasn’t it?”

“It was really damn good,” he said, chuckling, “how are you, my love?”

“I’m okay. You okay?”

“Yeah, just missing you.”

“I miss you too. Now more than ever—I know it sounds silly, but I really am proud of who you are,” she said her voice full of love.

 “Elise, why did you go back tonight—to the past?”

“I don’t know— I guess I just needed to understand.”

“What the vision didn’t show you, was the part you played in who I now am.”

“All I’ve ever wanted was to just love you the best I can. I know it’s a bit much to take sometimes, but thankfully you have managed to put up with me.”

“Yes, quite the burden, that.” His teasing chuckle made her smile.

“You have so much to look forward too. So much more living to do, so much more joy to spread, love to give. Your life has been good and it will only get better. ”

“Did you see the Christmas future too, then?” he asked carefully.

“No one knows what the future will bring, but I know, you will continue to be successful. Frankly, I don’t think I would want to know. Why ruin the surprise?” Her laughter rang a bit hollow.

“Elise…

 “Darling, please let’s not go there again. You have earned the right to enjoy your life as you see fit. What you perhaps have failed to recognize is that you already have it all.”

“Not quite, my love. Not quite,” he said his voice a whisper.

Elise felt the sorrow welling up inside of her and tried to remain strong. If wishing could make it so.

“Gordon, sleep with me tonight?” her voice was soft and hesitant. “Wrap your arms around me and hold me close. I need to feel you.”

“I sleep with you every night, Elise. You know that I love you, don’t you?”

“Yes, and I love you—always.” Elise closed her eyes and let the safety of

his embrace find her over the miles and miles that separated them. Sighing softly, she crossed her arms and gripped her shoulders firmly. She would take comfort in what he offered because she would not give him up. She always said it was her choice, but she knew from the beginning, she had never really had one.  

“Merry Christmas, baby.” he said softly.

“Merry Christmas. A kiss for you, my darling,” she said blowing a kiss into the phone before pressing, end.

Elise walked to the mantle and looked in the window of the enchanted cottage. She smiled wistfully at the old couple knowing that she might never know the comfort and pleasure of the long lasting love they had found, but in her heart, she knew she had found love that would last a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

 

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