Renee’s Apology
ROBERT
Stepping inside my suite, a distinct aroma wafted through the air, instantly alerting me that something was amiss.
I frowned and closed my eyes in the dim light, attempting to figure out what this was. I sniffed deeply, my nose twitching, and finally, it picked up on a hint of something spicy.
The aroma seemed vaguely familiar, but not entirely, as I couldn’t place it. It smelled exotic and pleasant, making me wonder what it was.
As the suite’s electric door shut behind me with a ding, my eyes snapped open, and my heart thumped faster as the faint, but tantalizing smell intensified.
Kicking off my shoes, my hands fumbled for the nearest light switch on the wall, and I bit back a gasp as the overhead lights turned on.
“Holy fuck!” My fingers trembled over the switch as I gaped at the sight before me.
A trail of roses dotted the suite’s floor, each trailing a different color as it fell from a ceiling light like an abstract art piece, their brilliant colors catching my eye.
Everything looked so enchanting. Lit candles glowing in their scones on every surface, warming the room.
Soft music, mellow and beautiful, drifted in from somewhere nearby. Gentle guitar strains were mixed with a deep, smooth voice that sang gently. The lovely tune had an otherworldly feel that sent chills down my spine.
It was as if I’d been taken into a dream or a more magical realm. Someplace my brain could conceive of. It made me question what the hell was going on. Who’d done this? And why?
I had two guesses, and another chill ran through my body as I leaned toward the far more perilous thought.
Amanda. That bitch. Was this another of her ruses? One of her intricate schemes to apologize and re-enter my life-not that I was letting her in.
She had a lot of nerve for someone who hadn’t talked to me in days and was suddenly doing this. No, it wasn’t Amanda. That was ridiculous. This wasn’t her style.
Intrigued yet apprehensive, I followed the rose trail gingerly, my pulse racing in my chest.
It led me to the suite’s bedroom, and I stepped inside.
That’s when I noticed it and her, much to my astonishment.
Scented candle sconces and more roses filled every surface in the bedroom. There she was, leaning over the bed, clad in a silk robe with black lace overtones.
Her strawberry blonde hair was mussed yet elegantly framing her face, and she was smiling her damn charming smile.
My lips dried up seeing this stunning and enticing as fuck woman in front of me. My woman. My Renee.
She’d been my first guess before thoughts of Amanda had invaded my senses. I should’ve known Renee was the only one capable of pulling this off.
She had a keycard to my suite and knew I wouldn’t object if she came in while I was still at work. As it appeared, she’d decided to surprise me.
Still, this felt strange, but a smile curled up my lips. Our last argument had been so heated, and it didn’t end well, with me abandoning Renee to her vices.
We hadn’t spoken since, and I didn’t bother calling because I was giving her space. She needed time to understand herself and make sense of things.
She had to cool off, clear her mind, and get over whatever reservations she had about me. So, I’d given her that space, despite how difficult it was for me.
Hell, I thought about Renee every second, and I couldn’t count how many times I was tempted to pick up the phone and call or text her. I even considered sending more gifts to let her know I wasn’t bothered by the argument and that she was still mine, regardless of what she believed. But I’d kept myself back every damn time, and it’d been sheer torture.
Nonetheless, I was somewhat aback to discover this little surprise waiting for me, and my mind raced with questions about why she’d planned this.
I blinked, unable to believe what my eyes were staring at. However, everything was the same. Renee sat on the enormous bed, looking so lovely and seductive that it left me breathless.
Inhaling deeply, I let out a muffled curse.
“Renee.” As I took another step into the room, my voice wavered, a mix of exhilaration and trepidation.
Then she stood up from the bed with a cheeky glint in her eyes. She sauntered toward me, her arms crossed over her ample bosom, wiggling her body to the rhythm of her movements.
Her bare feet delicately tapped against the rose petals sprinkled on the marble floor, and she walked with such elegance and grace that I was convinced I could spend the entire day watching her walk.
As she strutted toward me, her hips swayed, and it was evident that she was purposefully doing this. Her every move was goddamn provocative, tempting me, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her at all.
And then she came to a halt directly in front of me, her arms falling down her bosoms as she reached out to caress my cheek.
A mischievous smile played across her full lips. Renee finally muttered something like-“Hello, baby.” Her voice dripped with seductive charm, and her black lashes batted flirtatiously at me.
“M-Renee…” I paused, swallowing. “You’re here. I mean, what are you doing here?”
This question sounded stupid, I realized, but I had to ask.
“What am I doing here?” She countered with a mischievous tone of voice. “I’m not a visitor, or am I?”
“No, no, you’re not.” I replied, a surge of emotions coursing through me. “I’m just surprised, that’s all. And to what do I owe…” I gestured vaguely with my hands at the romantic display thereabout. “This?”
“Well…” Renee began, but then she was no longer in front of me, sidling behind my back.
She was hovering behind me, her hands on my shoulders, removing my suit jacket. “I wanted to see you.” Her breath tickled my ears as she murmured. “I miss you. I missed waking up next to you. I missed talking to you, hearing your voice, and touching you.”
“Renee-”
“But, most importantly-” She interrupted me. “I came here to apologize.”
“Huh?”
“Robert. I’m very sorry.” She spoke calmly, her words genuine. “I really am. For pushing you away and letting my doubts get the best of me. Even when you repeatedly demonstrated your love for me in spectacular ways, I was completely blind to it.”
“I’m not upset with you. Why would I be angry at my baby?”
“No, you are. Or you might not be anymore. I know you were angry that morning we argued here, in this bedroom. My comments, the things I said, hurt a lot. I saw the anger in your eyes right before you walked out on me. And damn, I knew I’d screwed up big time. Then I saw your interview, and it just opened my…”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“You watched the interview?” Renee nodded as I chuckled, my brow furrowed in surprise.
“I did. Those things you said, and how real they seemed, struck a chord with me. You didn’t mince your words, and for a second, I thought you were talking directly to me. Everything seemed unusual, yet so-fuck! I’m at a loss for words, Robert, but I was completely taken aback. You saying all those things in public, without caring about anyone’s opinion, and simply showing the world how much you love me meant a lot. For real.”
“I did that interview to stop those media-hungry journalists out to get you.”
“Us, you mean?”
“No, you. The only thing that matters is you. I hated all those misconstrued and nasty narratives about you so damn much. Anytime I saw those headlines about us, and how they kept painting you in a bad light, I felt like tracking down whoever wrote the article and strangling the-”
“Robert!” She exclaimed, laughing at my outburst.
“I don’t give a fuck about anyone. Only you.”
“Thank you, though, and that is why I must apologize. I’m sorry for everything. For my overbearing attitude, stringing you along, and allowing what others say influence our relationship. I should’ve realized that our world was only for us and not for them.”
“Oh, Renee.” I said softly, breaking up her ramble.
Stretching out, I gripped her delicate wrists, ending her tense and fidgety movements.
Squeezing gently, I said, “It’s fine. Sincerely, I’m not angry anymore. Yes, I admit what you said that morning hurt a lot, but I’m over it. No matter what you say or do, I can’t stay upset with you for long. It may seem strange, and it is, but I’m being truthful here.”
“Oh, Robert.” She murmured, her lips twitching. I knew she was about to cry, but I wasn’t going to let her.
“Shhhh…” I cooed and brought both her hands to my lips, kissing them softly. “Don’t worry, baby. I forgive you. If that’s what you want to hear, then you have it. I’m not mad at you, and I never will be, okay?”
“God, Robert. Yes, I wanted to hear those three magical words. To ease my guilt. Thank you so much. Thank you, thank you…” She trailed off, suddenly giggling and sniffing, and my heart warmed.
I loved hearing that laugh.
“Thank you.” She whispered.
Pulling her hands away from my grip on her wrists, Renee crushed her body firmly against mine, putting her chin on my chest and wrapping her arms around my waist.
Then she sniffed slightly and said something practically inaudible, but I heard it. Crisp and clear.
“I don’t deserve you.”
“No, you do.” I spoke sharply. “Every single inch of you deserves me. We deserve each other. Renee and Robert. Soulmates.”
“Soulmates.” She repeated with a content sigh. “Always and forever, right?”
“Yes.” I laid a delicate kiss on her head, my grin tugging the corners of my mouth upward. “That’s exactly what we are. You are my favorite thing in the universe, and I don’t think I can go through life without you. Renee, I’m dangerously in love with you. You have no idea.”
“Oh, I do. I do.” She chuckled and added, looking up at me. “Do you know how hard it was for me to come up with something to make it up to you?”
“Huh?”
“I thought so hard because I wanted to do something that would blow your mind.”
“Well, this did, and you know I won’t lie to you. I was blown away, stunned, speechless, flabbergasted, you name it.”
“I’m glad it did, but damn. The roses and candles, though, I thought they were too feminine and…” She trailed off.
“You don’t think men deserve flowers?”
“No, they do. You do.” She laughed. “But seriously, I was stuck. I kept telling Nicole that you had everything.”
“Do I?”
“Yes, you do.”
“Well, I’m not certain. There’s one thing I still don’t have completely.” I took a moment to catch her gaze.
“What’s that?”
“You.” I murmured against her hair. “I don’t fully have you, Renee.”
At first, there was silence between us, and I waited for Renee to say something, but she remained mute.
“Renee…”
“You have me. Completely and forever. Never doubt that I’m all yours, Robert.”
I felt a wave of relief and excitement flood over me. “Fuck! Renee, I love you. So much. I want to tattoo you on my skin. Make you a part of myself, and-”
“Well, you can do that. Tattoo my name on your chest.”
“Then consider it done. Not necessarily your name, though, but something unique to you.”
“Hm, like what?”
“Don’t worry. It’s a surprise. I’ll show you when I do it.”
Renee’s eyes twinkled as she leaned back slightly, her stare fixed on mine. “Are you serious, though?”
“Yes, I am.” I grinned, squeezing her waist affectionately.
Once again, we remained silent for a while. Arms around each other, looking into one another’s eyes, relaxing in this fantastic and tranquil moment.
A melodious song wafted into the room, and I began rocking along to the beat when Renee said. “Why didn’t you call or text me if you weren’t angry at me anymore?”
“About that…” I laughed. “I figured you needed space. And I was planning to visit you this weekend. Renee, I can’t go long without seeing or talking to you. You’re my lifeline. I can’t believe I’m saying this. God damn.”
“You are, indeed. And it’s sweet.” She giggled and took a step away from me, so my hands on her waist fell away. “I cooked dinner.”
“Hmmm.”
“Yeah. I’ve also set up a table on the balcony of this suite. It’s going to be a lovely evening. Come on.”
With that, she drew me toward the balcony. As we moved, she talked about the exquisite massage she would give me later, which sounded terrific.
However, that wasn’t what I wanted right then. So, I stopped just before we reached the balcony, and she stopped walking too.
“What’s the matter, Robert?” Renee asked. In response, I twirled her around gently and kissed her tenderly.
She soon relaxed beneath me, her arms slipping around my neck, fingers tangled in my hair, as she gently pulled and twisted.
When we eventually separated from the kiss, a naughty grin appeared on my face.
“While dinner sounds delightful-” I paused. “There’s something I want to savor first.”
Her eyes glowed with curiosity. “What’s that? But what could be better than food? You’re hungry right?” She asked, a teasing tone in her voice.
“I am, indeed. But…” I paused, moving close to her ears and murmuring, “I want to savor you.”
She let out a delightful squeal, attempting to free herself from my grip, but I held her tightly.
In a swift motion, I lifted her off her feet and carried her in my arms. “I won’t let you escape, Renee. You’re mine tonight.” I teased with a trace of longing in my voice.
“I won’t even bother about the food I prepared.” She protested. “But the massage oils and scent I got, what about them? I really wanted to use them on you.”
A malicious glint sparkled in my eyes. “Oh, don’t you worry.” I assured her, a cheeky grin on my face. “I’ll find a great use for that. Trust me.”
The anticipation was tremendous as I carried her toward the bedroom. As we disappeared into the candlelit chamber, I showered her with kisses, each kiss showing my love for her.
At this moment, everything else was lost to me. Nothing existed except this woman, whose touch brought comfort, joy, and calm.
Renee was my home and my future. She was everything.