Needs and Wants: A Holiday Romance

Although that's nearly impossible in daily life, especially when you're a friendly, extroverted person like I am. In fact, I had taken to cooking as an excuse to entertain houseguests and have some company. I'd cook huge elaborate meals and we'd invite another couple or two to join us for dinner. Rick handled this well for a long time, and I was able to socialize. Eventually, however, he wasn't able to trust his married male friends either.

Yet, I couldn't bring myself to leave Rick for the longest time. It wasn't his fault. He had a difficult childhood and mental health struggles. I felt that leaving a spouse with mental illness was a violation of our wedding vows and commitment to each other. In sickness and health, including mental illness, I kept telling myself. But I was increasingly irritable and found myself yelling at Macy for no reason. It dawned on me that I was depressed, and had been for a while.

I saw a therapist, who recommended marital counseling. The marriage could not be saved as Rick wouldn't address his mental health issues, but the counselor did help move us towards a relatively amicable divorce. She helped me realize that I should not sacrifice my own mental health as a result of his mental health. As a divorced woman, I was now much happier and hopeful about a new future for Macy and myself.

After my grocery store run, I went to the mall for a little last minute Christmas shopping. I had been debating whether to buy Brandon a gift. I decided it wouldn't be creepy or obsessive if it was just something small. After all, dog sitters and dog owners probably exchanged gifts anyways, right? And I could get Sid a gift too, it's not like I had ulterior motives for him.

After my errands, I had a little time left in the day to work on my final projects until Macy got out of school. Brandon did his own thing most of the day, but we enjoyed walking Sid together to pick up Macy. I noticed that the winds were already picking up quite a bit -- it felt much colder than it did this morning. As I started prepping dinner, I received a call from Rick asking if we would be leaving metro for our hometown sooner, on account of the updated forecast. It turns out that the big winter storm was now projected to hit tomorrow around noon.

Which was exactly when my last assignment of the semester was due and I was still several hours away from completing it. Normally I rationed my time better, but I had been a bit distracted and occupied by other activities in recent days. Perhaps I shouldn't be making another big dinner, but regardless, I'd be working on my project tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, it was a multi-media project in graphic design which couldn't be submitted from a distance by email. I needed to turn it in in-person so I absolutely had to finish it before leaving. Rick was surprisingly understanding, but also didn't want to hear that we'd wait until after the roads were clear if we couldn't beat the storm. He really wanted Macy home for his family's big Christmas get together on Saturday morning. Therefore, he'd come pick up Macy himself, first thing in the morning before the snow and she could just miss a day of school.

I was happy we worked that out. Rick seemed to be coping better with our divorce than I had feared all those years I had avoided it. But this was a kink in the plan. I was already feeling a little low about my impending first Christmas without my daughter, and now I may be snowed in. I'd still make it to my parents by Christmas day. But, I couldn't be snowed in here, at Brandon's house, on Friday night. He had a date! I decided I'd do my best to get my project turned in early and on the road in time. And if that failed, I'd have to find somewhere else to crash until travel was safe again.

Brandon, Macy, and I enjoyed a dinner of beef stroganoff. I reluctantly passed on a cocktail and Brandon's advancements, explaining the change in schedule and the school work I still needed to complete and the bags I still had to pack. I was getting a bit anxious about everything that needed to be done, and obsessively checking the weather forecast hoping that the storm front moving in would slow down or head north.

Brandon wasn't upset at all, in fact, he was very accommodating. He said he should've taken a turn cooking, but he'll clean up the kitchen and keep Macy busy. He even did her laundry, and tried to help her pack although he was a little clueless about what a 7-year old needs for two weeks. He helped Macy get ready for bed, including her mandatory book reading, and I was able to go in for just a few minutes to snuggle and give her a kiss goodnight.

He was a great help, but my project seemed to be going from bad to worse. It was a multi-media project on innovative marketing. This particular professor was convinced that in an era in which all marketing had gone web and social media based, you have to apply other creative skills to advertise products and events. I had decided to knit a promotion for a charity donation drive to help keep the homeless warm and fed during the harsh winter months. I was making a long scarf which would read, "Its deadly cold outside." The idea was that the charity could hang the scarf in a visible public location, near a donation bin that would go towards shelter expenses and to help cover heating expenses for the less fortunate. But I keep miscounting my rows and having to unravel and redo my work so that the message would be legible.

Brandon noted my frustration, and kindly began massaging my feet. I relaxed, and found my knitting groove again. He began massaging up my legs, his hands easily fitting inside my wide PJ pants. He eased them up as he added kisses. "You are so hard to resist. You're so cute sitting there in your PJs knitting scarves for the homeless."

"No, the scarf isn't for the homeless, it's supposed to be a fundraiser," I corrected.

"Yes, a fundraiser for the homeless. And I don't want to interrupt such a noble cause, so stop me if I'm too distracting," Brandon replied as he moved up my legs with his caressing touch and kisses.

As he continued up my legs, it was clear my pants were in the way. Still knitting, I cooperatively raised my ass so he could slip them off, and then I got the full treatment. Wow, the man knew how to use his tongue and fingers. He teased me with his kisses and caresses for a while, playing with my labia, and then finding my clit, moving his tongue back and forth from my clit to the entrance of my vagina.

It was getting a bit hard to concentrate on my knitting, and I eventually put it down. This time, I was going to let him bring me to orgasm orally, I decided. That first morning I was so damn horny and anxious for a good hard fuck, plus I hadn't even seen his dick yet and was so curious, that I had to put a stop to his teasing caresses and make my demands. No longer so sexually frustrated, I was now able to more fully appreciate his oral efforts.

His fingers took over the action inside my pussy, while his mouth alternated sucking my clit and swirling his tongue around it. As I approached orgasm, I pushed my pelvis into his face and the additional pressure put me over the edge to a nice soft orgasm.

Brandon kissed me and promptly went to bed, not even giving me a chance to return the favor or to give him his real Christmas gift, "Get back to your project," he sweetly commanded.

I put my pants back on and picked my knitting back up. I finished several more rows before I was seeing double stitches from exhaustion. But I felt better that I'd made good progress and only needed another hour in the morning to finish it up. I could turn it in on my way out of town, and safely beat the storm.

Rick arrived at promptly 8 am, as planned. It was a little awkward, and fortunately Brandon had already left to run some errands (after a nice long sweet kiss good bye). Although Rick was handling the divorce well, I could tell he didn't fully approve of the housesitting arrangement with Brandon, and so I had to make sure it kept looking like a normal arrangement. I was glad that Macy commented that she was going to miss sleeping in bed with me as we hugged and kissed goodbye, and hopeful that the word "twat" wouldn't come up in her conversations over the next couple of weeks.

After Macy left, I packed the rest of my bags and sat down to finish my scarf media project. I was just about done, when I saw big snowflakes already coming down. Shit, the snow was actually coming sooner than forecast. Maybe I can still make it I thought, as I checked the weather channel again. Unfortunately, it offered no good news. A few accidents had already been reported, especially on the highway headed to my hometown as they were getting a dangerous sleet/snow mix.

Fortunately, I also received a text from Rick saying that he and Macy just rolled into town safely. I, however, was clearly stuck in the metro. The roads in town were still good enough for dropping off my completed assignment, but no way was I getting on the highway in this weather. I called around, and found that some affordable hotel options.

Really, I shouldn't have spread my legs so willingly, only an hour after Brandon had arrived home, I began regretting again. But thinking of that morning again also brought back feelings of pleasure. Initially, I was embarrassed to be caught naked in his bed, but I had also found myself flattered by his stare, knowing how good I probably looked. I'd been working out again since the divorce (Rick always thought I had an ulterior motive, who was I trying to impress, he'd ask). I was proud of getting my body back in shape.

I could've easily grabbed the blankets that had been tossed to the floor. I could've worn a bra under top after I did get dressed. But I didn't. I wanted to be admired and desired. Later, when he was standing there, still a little wet from his shower and revealing his perfectly sculpted body, I found I also wanted and desired -- him. I was truly mortified when my vibrator fell out of the wardrobe, but in the end, that incident helped get things started and I got what I wanted.

And I felt like I did know him more through our texts and emails, although we had only met personally a couple times. Just living in his house -- seeing the way he lived, listening to his music, cooking in his kitchen, and taking care of his dog made Brandon seem like a familiar, comfortable presence. He was really cute in his new beard, too. Nonetheless, I violated the boundaries of a dog-sitting and rent exchange relationship. But, he was such a good fuck and hadn't been acting like a dick at all. Back and forth, my mind kept racing.

I went back to the house to grab my bags, trying to dismiss my insecure thoughts and move on. I had a good plan. Things were still good between us, and being away would be the best way to keep it that way. It was a shame the fun had to end so soon, but it had been a great release. My itch had gotten a good scratching, and that should hold me over until I start dating seriously again. And I also felt that time wasn't so far away anymore.

Brandon returned from his errands as I was double checking to make sure that I had everything I needed over the holidays. He had a cute guy friend with him, helping him inside with a lot of shopping bags from various department stores -- looked like they were doing their Christmas shopping.

Brandon already looked very dapper for his upcoming date, in a nice tight pair of jeans and navy blazer over a pin stripped shirt. His friend had well-trimmed dirty-blond hair and was clean shaven. He was shorter, but also well built. He was wearing a brown argyle sweater vest with jeans.

"You haven't headed out yet?" Brandon sounded concerned, "The roads are getting pretty bad!"

"I know, sorry I'm not gone yet. I didn't get my project in before it started snowing. But Macy made it back safe, thankfully, and don't worry, I've got a hotel lined up to wait out this storm."

"What? You don't need to spend money on a hotel -- just stay here another night."

"But you've got a date tonight -- I'd just be in your way."

"No you wouldn't!"

"It'd be very awkward. For me and your date, I'm sure."

"Ohhh, I see," Brandon replied, "I don't think my date would mind." He turned to his guy friend, "Cody, do you mind? Oh, Cody, meet Jolie -- my house-slash-dog sitter. Jolie, meet Cody -- my date for the evening"

A guy! His date was a dude! Suddenly, I felt a lot less jealous. Brandon may be polyamorous, but he wasn't just jumping from one woman to another after all. He desired something I definitely couldn't provide. But, wow. I didn't know he was bi, but I could handle it.

"Yes, your house-sitter, of course" Cody said in a sly voice as he extended his hand for a handshake. Clearly, they had been talking, "By all means, please stay."

Cody then took my hand to his mouth and planted a gentlemanly kiss on it. Hearing his voice, it was clearer to me that he was definitely gay. Although, I should have figured this out right away with the argyle sweater vest, I suppose. Likewise with Brandon's well decorated house. Stop it, Jolie, I told myself, you're stereotyping.

I was still in a bit of shock, but coolly responded, "I'll think about it."

"Well, let's think about it over wine," Cody exclaimed while clapping his hands together once, "Truth is, I just use Brandon for his wine collection!"

He sashayed over to the wine collection, and I noticed he chose an older expensive-looking bottle of Syrah that I had been eyeing but didn't dare open as Brandon's house sitter.

"And I'll put on some music," I said, choosing to play a Dylan song intended to convey my consent to the new plan -- "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here with You." (Dylan definitely wrote the songs to compose the soundtrack of my life, so far at least.)

Brandon eye's followed me to the record player and back, and gave me a slight smile of approval when I returned his stare with a smile.

"So, what do you boys have planned for your hot date?"

"Well," Brandon replied, "I had reservations for us at Mazziatti's and then we were going to go clubbing, but I'm worried everything's going to shut down for the snow."

Cody handed us each a glass of wine, "Why don't you call and check? Although, I'm not so sure about going out myself either. It's coming down hard. Maybe we should make it a night in."

Not a bad suggestion, I thought, taking a sip of wine.

"You know, Jolie's a great cook -- better than Mazzietti for sure. And she sings and dances while she cooks, it's the cutest thing."

I blushed, "Maybe I could be convinced to be your personal chef -- but are you just sending the woman into the kitchen to cook while you two suck each other off, or whatever?"

"And miss you dance! No, no, no, Jolie -- we'll be your sous chefs," Cody gaily offered.

"Alright, you've convinced me," I moved into the kitchen area and began looking through the cupboards, "I'm not sure we have the fixings for anything too fancy though."

"I've got 4-wheel drive and the store isn't far. We can still get around town for a little while. Make me a list. Cody and I will go to the store, and you can stay here and get dolled up for our date!"

Our date, I was now officially included. And I guess that was also a subtle hint that my old jeans and hoodie weren't proper attire. The boys were both looking rather handsome, after all.

We finished our wine while planning our meal and making the list. Since it was still pretty early in the afternoon, we decided we'd take the time to make a traditional, if not slightly bourgeoisie, Christmas dinner -- ham, sweet potatoes, brown sugar and pecan glaze, wild rice with cranberries, and roasted veggies with chestnuts. Cody rejected the idea of a pumpkin pie, but volunteered to make us an apple pie instead.

They headed out, and I got dolled up as instructed. First, I trimmed my pubes. I hadn't paid much attention to that region since I stopped having sex, and clearly that morning with Brandon was spur of the moment. He didn't seem to mind at all, but I thought a trim might be a nice surprise. But I opted against a full shave because I didn't want to chafe, and, I am a woman after all and not a prepubescent little girl.

I pondered my available clothing choices, thinking that since I didn't have to step a foot outside this cozy house I could wear something tiny and revealing regardless of the blizzard outside. I opted for a sexy satin party dress in a plum color that was originally purchased for a wedding. It had a wide v-neckline, capped sleeves, and an open back. The skirt had a few pleats to give it fullness and was somewhat short. It looked great on my figure, I always thought. Although not well endowed, it revealed a small line of cleavage, my full collarbone, and enhanced my long neck. An open back is always sexy and the skirt accentuated my rounder bottom and shapely legs.

I figured they'd be back soon, so I didn't do too much with my hair. Really, I just needed to calm my frizz and pull it up into a fancy ponytail. My cascading curls generally sold themselves. I applied my make-up more heavily than I normally do, with thick eyeliner and mascara. With my eyes fairly heavily made up, I kept my lips more subtle and simply applied a little tinted gloss to help them shine. I heard Brandon's SUV roll into the garage as I added some pearl and gold jewelry. I also thought to ditch my house slippers for some classic navy stiletto heels (but not so high that I wouldn't be able to dance around the kitchen).

I joined the boys in the kitchen where they had already begun unloading groceries. "Let's get that ham started right away -- I hope it's not frozen solid."

"It's not," Brandon responded, "But I am -- it's colder than a witch's titty out there. But, you are smoking hot!"

"Oh, you poor guy," I responded while sneaking my hands under his shirt to help warm him up.

"Ooh, do a twirl for us, let me see that entire dress, it's darling!" Cody added.

"Thanks, guys," I said while modeling the dress as requested, "but time to get started or we won't be eating until midnight."

"Well, not ham at least," Brandon quipped.

We worked together well as a team, and the boys accepted me barking out instructions. Cody also seemed to know his way around the kitchen, and got started on the apple pie. We kept giving Brandon the grunt work -- peeling apples, cutting x's in the chestnuts, cleaning up after us, and so on. Brandon also kept the wine flowing and music going. We all danced around the kitchen to a wide variety of music, from Morrissey and the Talking Heads to the Raveonettes and Katy Perry.

I actually sipped my wine very slowly, not wanting to be sloshed during what was developing to be a most wonderful date. I wanted to stay in control and also remember every moment. Brandon gave us both his affections, but it seemed that whereas he was more flirtatious with Cody, it was like he was making love to me with his long gazes and lingering caresses. Cody and I flirted more innocently. I doubt he was really into ladies, but we became comfortable with each other's company and touch. Two men flirting with each other and with me! I was so turned on, and hoped my panties wouldn't be completely soaked through before we even sat down for our Christmas dinner.

Everything was prepped and in the oven, and we had some time to spare. "Let's exchange presents," Cody suggested, "Wait until you see what Brandon got you!"

"Oh," I said embarrassingly, "I did get something little for you, Brandon. But nothing for you Cody, having just meet you."

"Darling, I don't have anything for you either and I think you already gave Brandon what he wants, you're just about all he would talk about, Jolie this, and Jolie that."