Differences

On their way home, both of them realized that they had no place to get to in a hurry, no plans. So unlike their journey north, the return trip they decided to take at a leisurely pace. At a Target in New Hampshire they bought clean clothes since they had both only packed for a few days. And then they kept on moving.

They spend time inBoston, enjoying the hotel bed mostly and people watching/listening to those wonderful folks with the heavy accents while eating long lunches at outdoor cafes. He took her to Salem and many, many jokes were made about the murdered witches being Ryan’s ancestors.

After that, they stopped in New York where they ended up spending over a week. They were on the road so long, that while they were still in the Big Apple, Contessa and Sidney went on their honeymoon, went back to Cole Harbour, and moved their stuff to Philadelphia where they planned to spend the rest of the summer together looking for a house for Contessa.

Michael had only been to New York in passing, on road trips with the Flyers, so he made them do all the touristy things he could think of. One day, they took the ferry to Ellis Island, during which Ryan complained the entire time about the wasted afternoon, but then made them stay at the museum for hours while she looked at every exhibit, read every scrap of paper on display. When they left, he bought her a massive book about the island and its history from the giftshop that she cracked open the minute they were on the boat heading back.

“You’re going to read that now? The Statue of Liberty is right there and you’re missing it.”

She didn’t even look at him when she responded, “I saw it on the way there. And unlike you, I’ve been to New York and I’ve seen it then, too.”

Michael thought she looked so cute with her nose buried in a book that he didn’t bother her anymore. He did get up and stand by the railing, snapping dozens of pictures of the scenery with his camera before he took one of Ryan. She didn’t notice so he took another.

Now she looked up, scowling. “Do you mind?”

“I don’t mind, sweetheart. Not at all.”

He took another and Ryan thought about throwing his camera in the ocean. Instead she just rolled her eyes and held the book in front of her face to block his attempts to photograph her. They went back to the hotel and she was still into her book as she laid on her stomach on the bed.

Michael snuggled up next to her, kissing the strip of skin on her back exposed by her tank top.

“Mike…seriously.”

He kept kissing her, now palming her upturned ass as well that was covered only by a pair of simple cotton panties. “You’re really telling me you’d rather read?”

She would rather fuck him any day of the week, but he seemed truly offended by the idea that she would rather read, so she decided to keep up her avoidance.

“Yes. Now leave me alone.”

With one hand, she pushed him unexpectedly, causing him to roll off the bed and onto the floor with a thud. She broke out into giggles and peered over the edge of the mattress at him. “Are you okay?”

He stared up while laying on his back and sassed her. “She asks while laughing at my pain.”

“D’aww, poor baby. Is anything broken?”

“Just my pride.”

Ryan started laughing again, but tossed her book aside. She rolled herself off the bed until she fell on top of him and he let out a pained groan. “Ry…you could have joined me in a less aggressive fashion.”

“You know me, I’m an all or nothing kind of girl.”

Her thighs straddled his hips and he cupped her ass with both hands. “Kiss me and make it better, you brat.”

“Well, when ask like that…”

She inclined her head as if to kiss him, but just blew a raspberry on his cheek instead before trying to flee. His grip on her body meant she only sort of belly flopped to one side on him and he used his considerable strength to get her under his body.

“Bad move, sweetheart. Now this is war.”

He stuffed his hands under her tank top and tickled her ribs until she screamed while laughing. “Raff! Stop, please! I’m sorry! I am a brat, I’m sorry! I’ll be nice. Just stop!”

He kissed her while she was still breathless from the tickling. Her giggles turned sighs and then moans as her hands stroked his body above her. When he tried to grab her wrists, she grabbed his hands, locking their fingers together.

“Mein schatz, I was going to fuck you so hard it hurt.”

“Mmm, go on then.”

He shook his head and kissed the back of her hand, and then the other. “No, you make me feel too much. I think now I have to make love to you instead.”

It was less his words and more the deep, loving look he was giving her that made Ryan’s blood pump swiftly through her veins. “As long as I come, do it however you like.”

Still holding her hands, he lowered his mouth to neck, kissing down her chest over her shirt until he came to a nipple that was popping out against the fabric. He put his hot mouth over it, licking at the peak and wetting her shirt in the process.

He moved to the other, giving it the same treatment until she had two little dark spots on the fabric of her shirt and her nipples hardened even more as the conditioned air hit the wetness and chilled her skin.

Michael released her hands and kept moving down until he reached her mound. He put his mouth against her pussy, but left her panties in place, again wetting the fabric that covered her erotic zones, giving her strange, new sensations to contend with.

He sunk even lower, pressing the flat of his tongue against the already moist strip of cotton that covered her entrance. He tasted everything that way, her arousal, but also their long day of being tourists, her panties still holding the lingering sweat that released from between her thighs throughout the day.

It was such an odd sensation that Ryan wasn’t sure how she felt about it. His tongue was right where she need it, but with the barrier of her panties the contact wasn’t enough to get her off. The longer he licked and sucked and wet her panties with his mouth the more turned on she felt, and yet she felt like she could never come from it. She would have told him to get on with it, but the prolonged foreplay was so delicious and tempting.

She let him go on until he pulled down the top edge of her panties and just touched her clit with the tip of her tongue. The hard, full contact of his mouth on her swollen nub was nearly enough on its own. When he did it again, ever so slightly, she came hard and long as he licked at her again and again.

Only then did he haul her back into bed and make love to her as he had promise. A short while later, he fucked her so hard it did hurt and she felt sore and swollen as they went to sleep.

They had a room service breakfast the next day, ordering several dishes and sharing everything. This had become their new thing, a thing that they did together: where food was involved they would get many small plates and each enjoy the variety. Their tastes in food were so similar that it made them both happy. Michael sat there that morning watching her dip a corner of her toast into the heart of an over easy egg and felt happier than he ever had.

Ryan had her nose in the paper and he had his eyes on her. When she folded it up neatly and took a sip of coffee he asked, “What shall we do today, mein schatz?”

“I thought you had this all planned out? Don’t tell me we’ve done everything on your list already?”

“No, not yet. But I have been dragging you around the city doing what I want to do. I thought today we could do something for you.”

“How kind of you to finally consider my feelings.”

Michael nearly laughed. “Oh, yes, because in this relationship I’m the person who’s inconsiderate.”

Ryan narrowed her eyes. “Watch where you sling that mud, it might just rub off on you if you get too close to me.”

“You can rub whatever you like on me, anytime you want. You know I was just teasing.”

“Do I?” Her grin was silly as they shared a glance. She put down her coffee cup and answered him finally, “Have you ever seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s?”

“No, is that a movie?”

“Yes. You would like it. The main character spends all her time trying to find a rich husband and ignoring the man who’s in love with her until she finally realizes that she actually does like the poor idiot and they end up together.”

Michael chuckled. “Is that what you were doing before we met, looking for a rich husband?”

“If I had been doing that I would have gone to Florida to find an old one who would die soon and leave me all his money. The point is that she gets dressed up and eats breakfast in front of Tiffany’s. That’s what I would like to do.”

“Really? You want to recreate a scene from a romantic movie with me?”

“Pretty sure we recreate a lot of scenes from a lot of movies together, most of them pornos, but anyway. Yes, I want to eat doughnuts and drink coffee in front of Tiffany’s while being ridiculously overdressed.”

Michael agreed. “We do have the fancy clothes for it…”

An hour later, they had donned their wedding wear, Ryan in that unbelieveable dress and Michael in his all black suit pants, shirt, and tie. They bought lattes and doughnuts on the way and then lingered in front of Tiffany’s on Fifth Avenue.

“I feel like people are look at us strangely.”

Ryan smiled at this. “They are, because we’re being very strange, but some of them get the joke. That girl, for example, across the street. She smiled, like she knows, like she’s wanted to do this too.”

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“I am. You’re the first person I’ve been to New York with who was silly enough to do this with me.”

“You can’t honestly tell me Contessa wouldn’t have done it if you asked.”

“She would have, but I’m glad I never asked. I like doing it with you.”

She only side-eyed him, but he leaned over and kissed her. Then, he set his coffee on the ground and used a napkin to clean his hands before he pulled his camera out of his pocket.

“Really? Come on, we were having such a nice time.”

“Just be quiet and let me take your portrait.”

Ryan leaned against the Tiffany’s window and finished off her doughnut. After taking a sip of her coffee, she held the cup and looked to the side, smiling slightly and widening her eyes with amusement as he took a photo of her in profile.

“Got it?”

“A few more. You are far too lovely and I didn’t get to take any of you in that dress at the wedding.”

“I’m sure Contessa will give you copies of the official photos.”

“I know, but I prefer you unofficial. Look the other way now.”

Ryan complied, since he had agreed to this ridiculous endeavor with her. When he was done and he tossed away their garbage, she thought they would leave, go back to the hotel, change, and do something else. Michael had other plans.

He took her hand and opened the door to Tiffany’s. Ryan shook her head. “Are you crazy? I can barely afford to stand in front of this place, I can’t buy anything in there.”

“Maybe I can.”

She gave him a serious look. “Mike…I don’t even like jewelry that much.”

“That much…so you like it a little at least?”

“Yes, I do, but -”

“But nothing. We’re already here, we’re dressed nicely, let’s just pretend we’re a super rich couple, looking for another rock to add to your collection. That’s even sillier than recreating your movie.”

There was something appealing about that idea, or maybe it was Michael’s hold on her hand that was winning her over. She took a step forward and he smiled while leading her in. The main showroom floor is notable for its warm wood panelling and brightly lit display cases that hold pieces so fine that even Contessa who doesn’t care for diamonds would find herself speechless.

Ryan, who did like jewelry, even if just a little, tried not to gasp. She straightened her back when they were approached by a middle aged woman with pale blond hair and impeccable style.

“Hello. How may we be of service?”

Michael turned on that famous Euro charm and Ryan tried not to laugh. “Bonjour, hello. My lady is looking for something new to freshen up her collection.” He gave a faux exasperated sigh. “She has so many diamonds though, perhaps you could show us something a little different, a cuff or bangle bracelet, gold. Something bold to make a statement.”

“Of course, sir. I’m sure we can find something to please her.”

He put a hand over his heart in mock appreciation. “If you could, I would be eternally grateful. This one is notoriously hard to please.”

The woman laughed as one does when you spend your days catering to snobby rich white women who have nothing better to do than add to their extensive jewelry collections. Ryan wanted to slap Michael for making her appear as such, but she was too busy being impressed that he seemed to have noticed that she sometimes wore a thin, gold bangle bracelet, a cheap plated version that she picked up at a flea market years ago.

“If you will follow me. I can get you settled upstairs and we can go over some options.”

The second floor, if possible, was even more opulent than the main display area. They were put on a teal colored sofa that probably cost more than Ryan’s house and was actually more comfortable than it looked. Champagne was brought, gratis, and Michael looked smug as they sat there waiting for Judith to return.

After sipping the bubbly, Michael looked at her over the flute. “You know what I’m thinking about?’

“Knowing you, fucking on this sofa.”

His answer was whispered against her ear. “Mmm, yes. Especially since I know you didn’t wear any panties with that damn dress again.”

“You wanna cause a scene? I’ll bet we’d make the national news if we did what you were thinking.”

“National news and the county jail. I’ll save it for later.”

“Good idea, süsser.”

Judith approached them a tray and several gold bracelets were laid against black velvet. “Here we are, just a sampling so we can get a feel for what you like.”

Ryan was actually too nervous to reach for one, least she smudge the gold with her dirty doughnut fingers. Michael, however, dove right in, taking a small, thin bangle, much like the one she already had and slipping it over her hand and onto her wrist. He held up her arm and then shook his head.

“Do you have something a little larger in diameter? Mein schatz like to wear it high on her forearm to keep it out of the way when need be.”

Ryan stared at him, dumbfounded. How the hell did he know that? Clearly he was more perceptive than she ever thought. Judith didn’t notice her shocked look and picked up another. “Try this one. The Tiffany Locks bangle. Simple style, but larger, as you desire.”

He pulled off the first bracelet and slipped on the new one. He looked so happy that Ryan just let him do it. This was his idea afterall and she was supposed to be his spoiled lady. Let him serve her. Again, he held up her arm and the bangle slipped towards her elbow, nestling into the meaty part of her forearm.

Michael considered it and said, “I like this one, but also maybe something more bold.”

Judith smiled. “I thought so. I have a few others picked out that you might like. One moment.”

With Judith gone, Ryan slipped off the bangle and set it down on the tray. “I hope you’re not getting any dumb ideas.”

Michael shrugged. “Like what?”

“Like buying me a bracelet. We're just looking.”

Michael sipped his champagne and smiled. “Of course.”

When Judith returned with another tray, Ryan nearly jumped out of her seat. Michael noticed and caressed her knee. “Tell me which one you like, sweetheart.”

Ryan couldn’t speak, but as Judith held out the options towards them, she pointed to a massive piece, the Atlas open wide bangle in yellow gold. Two bands bordered a row of roman numerals that made for a thick, but clean bracelet. When Michael pried it open and closed it around her wrist, she thought she might faint.

“Oh…wow.”

“Lovely, isn’t it?” Judith went on about it, the Atlas collection, the source of the gold, the structural integrity, but Ryan’s eyes were locked on the thing that shone like stars on her wrist. It was solid gold, not plated like most every other piece of jewelry she owned and it felt heavy on her body, but also, just right.

She didn’t look up until she heard Michael say, “We’ll take this one. And the Tiffany Locks one.”

“Wonderful! I’ll wrap them up.”

When Judith went to take the bangle from Ryan, she pulled her wrist back. “Can you give us a moment, please? I’d like a word with him.”

“Naturally, of course. Take your time.”

Alone again, Ryan turned on him. “What are you doing?”

“Buying you something you desire. Two somethings, actually.”

“Raff -”

“I don’t care. I want to buy them, if you want to return them or never wear them or give them to one of your students, I don’t care. I’m buying them. End of story.”

He finally looked at her now and smiled brightly. Ryan still frowned. “I can’t let you do this. This is like…$17,000 worth of gold between the two of them.”

“So what? You are worth far more than that. I want you to have them. If you try to argue again, you know I’ll just let us leave and then come back for them. Save me some time, let me buy them for you now.”

“This is silly.”

“I know, we’re having a rather silly day.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “And I like it.”

Ryan insisted, “I don’t want you to waste your money on me.”

“Schatz, I would give that woman $17,000 simply for the pleasure of seeing your eyes light up when she brought this one out.” He rolled the cuff around her wrist and Ryan felt herself being worn down. When he kissed her, she gave up.

“Fine. But if you ever bring this up, I will never forgive you.”

His face fell. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t bring them up, if we ever fight or when you want me to do something. Don’t throw it back in my face that you did this for me. I couldn’t bear it if you did.”

“Ryan…when will you tell me what they did to you that has made you so distrustful of my intentions?”

“Not today, Raff. Just promise me you won’t do it. And then I’ll let you buy them for me.”

“I promise. You know I would never do that.”

“Oddly enough, I do know. But thank you for saying it.”

Judith returned and two very expensive bracelets were purchased. Ryan wore the Atlas piece because she couldn’t bring herself to take it off. As they walked down Fifth Avenue, Michael held the hand below the bangle and in the other Ryan carried the blue Tiffany’s bag that held the second bangle.

Free of Judith and the other rich patrons, Ryan kissed Michael on the street, deep and bold and shamelessly. “Thank you.”

“I live only to see you smile, mein schatz, this was my pleasure.”

She grinned fully and kissed him again. “What should we do now?”

“I have another silly idea, if you’re in the mood.”

“Are we dressed for it?”

“Yes, indeed. I’m taking my hard to please lady apartment shopping in New York.”

“What?!”

Michael was entirely serious. He did NOT intend to buy her an apartment in New York. “I don’t make that much money.” But that didn’t mean they couldn't just look, really just look, not like with the bracelets, which he had fully intended to buy the minute they walked into Tiffany’s.

They went to see a realtor, who was more than happy to show them the properties she had available, which included a loft in Brooklyn and a multi-million dollar apartment in Manhattan overlooking Central Park on the upper west side, as well a few smaller, but still overpriced luxury residences.

Michael played the rich boyfriend to a T, complimenting the architecture and asking about the history of the buildings. Ryan fell into her own role of spoiled princess perfectly, seeking out and criticizing the closets and wondering aloud if their personal chef would be able to work in such a small kitchen. She breezed through the apartments as if she were unimpressed, her heels clicking on the hardwood floors, calling him the formal Michael, and acting right at home.

It wasn’t until they left the last apartment and escaped to Central Park that they started giggling like children over their own antics. To celebrate a lovely, silly day, they bought greasy junk food from street vendors and lounged in the park in their formal wear, still laughing over their house hunting escapades and Ryan still staring lovingly at the bangle she wore every chance she got.

“It is beautiful, schatz. It suits you perfectly.”

She squinted in the sun as she peered at him, touching the bracelet and then cupping his jaw with the same hand. “You’re going to spoil me rotten.”

He turned and kissed her palm and then her wrist. “That’s my plan. I want to ruin you for other men.”

“You’re doing a fine job of it. Between your cock and the cooking and the laundry and now the jewelry…what more does a girl need?”

“If you think of anything, let me know and you shall have it.”

They returned to the hotel soon after and a few days later, they finally packed up and left the city, driving the last few hours back to Philadelphia all at once. After a long wedding weekend and several weeks on the road, Ryan just uttered a simple, “Home sweet home,” as they fell into bed, both of them determined to stay there for as long as possible.

Notes