The Room - A Sensuous Experience

Like, why did you drop the name Ian?”
“I’m in a business where power is everything. Navigating those waters can be precarious. I thought Maxwell sounded much more powerful. Ian came across as too soft in meetings.”
Robyn reached out and ran her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. Her voice dropped. “I always loved the name, Ian.”
He remembered how it rolled off her tongue when he had her at the heights of ecstasy. Back then, he loved it too. For the briefest of moments, hurt flashed in his eyes. “Yeah, but, you still left him, and I don’t think you respected him very much either. Did you?”
Her hands slowly lowered. Robyn expelled a long breath. “Maxwell, I was so full of myself back then and thought I knew everything, only I was so wrong.”
He wasn’t expecting that response.
“I’ve come to realize the things I thought were important . . . weren’t.”
Maxwell didn’t know what to say. The pain of losing her was the passion that fueled his success. He honestly had no idea where he would be if she hadn’t broken his heart. He chose not to address her words or what it did to his heart. He glanced at the empty bottle. “We’re out of wine.”
Robyn was a disappointed that he didn’t have much to say about her confession, but she understood. She’d hurt him.
Being with Maxwell was like all the pieces to a puzzle had been put in place. It was as if time had stood still. She was surprised that they had been talking for the last couple of hours. “Have we actually gone through an entire bottle?” While she couldn’t believe how fast the time had flown, her body told a different story. Robyn was stiff from sitting in the same position for so long. She decided to stand and stretch her limbs.
Maxwell smiled. “Afraid so. I’ll get another one.”
“I think you’re trying to get me drunk so you can have your way with me.”
“Is it working?”
“Let’s just say, you don’t need the wine.”
Robyn attempted to stand at the same time he did. She stumbled slightly and his strong arms wrapped around her waist steadying her.
She held on tight and looked deeply into his eyes.
“Are you okay?” His concern evident.
The room tilted. Robyn wasn’t quite sure if it was due to the wine or Maxwell. While she wasn’t drunk, she was more than a little tipsy. “I’m fine. I didn’t realize how much I drank.”
It was as if they were both frozen and couldn’t move. Couldn’t wasn’t quite the word. Neither of them wanted to move. Being in each other’s arms felt . . . right.
Robyn ran the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip.
His eyes followed the movement.
They were drawn to each other. Maxwell’s head began to lower inch by excruciating inch. His lips hovered just above hers. She could feel the tickle of warmth from his breath as it caressed her face. Was he going to kiss her? God, Robyn hoped so.
Knock . . . knock . . . knock.
“Maxwell? Robyn? Are you two in there?” Eva asked through the other side of the door.
The spell was broken.
He straightened and brought Robyn upright with him. His voice was hoarse. “Yes. Coming.” Before he released her, Maxwell cleared his throat. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Robyn whispered. “I'm all right.” She was shaken from their almost kiss.
Frustrated, Maxwell walked over to the door and opened it. Eva didn’t ask to be invited inside; she just waltzed right in. “We apologize for barging in but . . .” Her eyes squinted as she looked at Robyn’s disheveled hair and clothing. “I was given strict orders to bring Mr. and Mrs. Claymont to you the moment they arrived.”
Robyn attempted to smooth her messed up hair. She felt as if she had been caught doing something wrong. Of course, she hadn’t. Robyn was a grown up. If she wanted to hook up with Maxwell that was her business. After all, Eva was the one who helped to orchestrate this entire evening. Still, there was a house full of people downstairs and two new pairs of eyes staring at her. Robyn was sure they were the owners. She could only hope that Maxwell was true to his word and had gotten permission to use this room.
“Maxwell! It’s so good to see you again.” The man gestured to his wife. “We apologize for being late, but this weather is terrible. Nothing could have stopped us from getting here, though.”
“I’m sorry your trip has been difficult.”
“Well, we understand how important this night is, so we made it. According to the weather report, we only have a small window to get in and get out. So far, the snow has slowed down, but we’re going to get this done and get back on the plane before we’re stuck here.”
Eva chimed in. “Most of the guests have either left or are leaving, probably trying to beat the upcoming storm too. I’ll be leaving myself shortly as soon as I usher out the last guest.”
Maxwell nodded. “I can see you’ve already met Eva Monroe. Let me make one more introduction.” He turned toward Robyn. “Robyn, this is Julian and Aneesa Claymont—and this beautiful woman standing next to me is Ms. Robyn Levy.”
She smiled warmly. “It’s nice to meet you both. I hope you are satisfied with what we’ve done to your lovely home.”
Aneesa started to speak. “Oh . . . you think this—”
Julian pulled her body into his cutting off her words. “Yes. We’ve seen the house.