Now What?
by Darlene

Part 6

Sonny and Alexis sat next to each other in the limo, each trying to control their physical reactions to one another. Alexis was doing her best not to give in to temptation, which was to lean in towards Sonny on her left. Sit up straight, Alexis. No leaning towards him. But it would feel so good. No! You are in control!

Little did she know that Sonny was trying to keep from scooting nearer to Alexis on his right. How much longer am I going to have to pretend with you, Alexis? All I want to do is to hold you in my arms.

The limo stopped. “Alexis, we’re here.” He opened the door and got out. He reached for her hand to help guide her out of the limo.

“Here? I still don’t know where “here” is. Where are we?” Alexis stepped out of the limo.

“You’ll know in a few minutes. Don’t be so impatient.” Sonny began to lead a still blindfolded Alexis through a beautifully landscaped garden.

“Impatient? I think I’m being extremely patient here. First, you drag me off against my will, throw me in your limo, take me to the airport, put me on a plane, blindfold me, put me in another limo, and I still don’t know where we are. I am so irritated with you right now, Sonny, I could just scream. I can’t believe I let you do this to me. I should have put up more of a fight.”

Sonny stopped so abruptly that Alexis ran right into him. He opened a door and led Alexis through it. She was immediately bombarded with the scent of gardenias. Gardenias? What the heck is going on?

Here goes. Take off the blindfold. Sonny took it off.

Alexis gasped. The room was literally filled with gardenias. “Sonny, what –“

“We were rudely interrupted in December. I wanted to make it up to you.” I want to make love to you.

“Where are we? I – I don’t know what to say . . .” Could you please kiss me?

“We’re on a little island near Antigua. I bought it about two years ago. I still haven’t named it yet. Do you like the gardenias?” Please say you like them. Please.

“They’re beautiful, Sonny.” Alexis began slowly walking around the room, touching the flowers as she went. “You didn’t have to make anything up to me, Sonny. I understood why we had to go back when we did. Carly.” Damn that woman.

“As I just said, I wanted to make it up to you, Alexis.”

“Is this what you came over to speak to me about in the middle of the night last night?” Oh, please let it be something more than this.

“Yes.” No, I was going to tell you how I felt about you.

“Oh.” Damn. “Well, we’re here. Now what?”

“First, let’s change clothes. Then we’ll have a bite to eat, if you’re hungry.”

“Uh, Sonny, I didn’t exactly get a chance to pack. I have nothing to change into.”

“All taken care of.” Sonny walked into the bedroom and opened the closet. Inside was brand new clothing, all in Alexis’ size. There was a variety of clothing, including sun dresses, slacks, blouses, skirts, shorts, swimwear, shoes, and a nightgown. Sonny hoped against hope that he would soon see her in that.

Alexis didn’t know what to think. Sonny, what does all of this mean? I am so lost. Why did you really bring me here?

“I’ll be back in 20 minutes. That should be long enough for you to change?”

“What should I wear?”

“One of the sundresses will be perfect.”

“OK.” Alexis went into the main room and sat down on the couch as Sonny walked out. She leaned her head against the back of the couch and closed her eyes. What is going on here? A private island? Maybe Sonny doesn’t want to be “just friends”? Oh, wake up, Alexis, Sonny is just being nice. He’s still hung up on Carly. My head hurts. I feel so sleepy . . . .Emotionally exhausted, Alexis drifted off into a deep sleep.

Twenty minutes later, Sonny knocked lightly on the door of Alexis’ cottage. No one answered so he called out her name. There was no response so he tried the door. It was unlocked so he stepped inside. At first, he thought Alexis had left. Oh no, she’s gone. I blew it and I hadn’t even started yet. Where . . .. Then he saw her on the couch, asleep. Whew – there she is. Thank goodness. He stared at her for a long moment. God, you’re beautiful. I wish I had the nerve to wake you with a kiss.

Sonny couldn’t get the thought out of his head. He went around to the back of the couch. He leaned forward and smelled Alexis’ hair. He lightly touched the back of her head and leaned down and gently kissed her neck. He was half worried that she would wake up and half afraid that she wouldn’t. Alexis stirred slightly but didn’t awaken.

Sonny walked around the couch and faced her. What am I about to do? Careful, Sonny, careful. He leaned forward and ever so slightly brushed her lips with his. Alexis began to stir so Sonny abruptly pulled away. Alexis opened her eyes.

Why is he standing so close to me? When did he get here? Uh oh, I was supposed to be changing my clothes.

“Sonny. I’m sorry. I guess I fell asleep. I didn’t change yet.”

Relieved yet disappointed that Alexis didn’t seem to realize that he had kissed her, Sonny said, “That’s ok. I’ll sit and wait while you change. Maybe I’ll close my eyes too.”

“All right. I’ll hurry.”

“No hurry. Take your time.”

Alexis went into the bedroom to change. I feel so happy! I don’t know why, but I feel like singing or something! Alexis, keep your head on straight. Sonny is just being nice. But why?

Sonny, sitting on the couch, closed his eyes. He drifted of into sleep, thinking about what the evening might bring. As he slept, he dreamt of Alexis and a smile crossed his lips.

Alexis finished dressing. She wore one of the longer sundresses, blue in color, with some strappy sandals. She wore her hair down. She walked into the main room and saw Sonny napping on the couch. She took advantage of the opportunity to really look at the man.

Sonny, you take my breath away. What I wouldn’t give to feel your lips on mine. Will I ever get to find out? No, not unless you make it happen yourself, Alexis.

Alexis felt strangely carefree. She leaned down very close to Sonny’s face. Taking a deep breath, she gave Sonny the slightest kiss on the forehead. When he didn’t stir, she moved to his mouth. She almost chickened out but didn’t. She took a deep breath and very gently placed her lips against Sonny’s, careful not to wake him.

She stood up abruptly. What have I just done? Kissed the man you love, silly. Oh, why oh why can’t I have this man?

“Sonny, wake up. I’ve changed my clothes.”

Sonny opened his eyes and thought he had died and gone to heaven. She looks like an angel. So beautiful.

“Alexis, you look beautiful. In fact, I’ve never seen you look more so.”

I’m not beautiful, I’m an attorney. “Sonny, you don’t have to butter me up with compliments. You’ll be pleased to know that I have forgiven you for this little stunt, since you have gone to so much trouble to pull it off.”

“Alexis, sit down here next to me.” She sat but kept her eyes averted downward. “How come whenever I give you a compliment, you just assume that I have an ulterior motive? Can’t you just accept that I find you to be beautiful? You are, you know.”

“No, Sonny, I’m not beautiful. Merely fair.” I think you need glasses.

“Alexis. Look at me.” He took her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him. “You. Are. Beautiful.” Why can’t you see that?

Why are you saying this to me? I am not beautiful.

“Thank you, Sonny. I don’t know what you see, but thank you.” She averted her eyes again.

“You’re welcome, Alexis.” It took everything in him not to kiss her right then and there. Sonny stood up and took a few steps towards the door. He turned around, held out his hand, and said, “Ready?”

“I’m ready.” For what, I don’t know. You are acting so different tonight.