The Winter of Temptation Ch. 10

"Yes, I don't really know if I want to. I've built this wall around me, and without it I'll be vulnerable."

"Is this man you speak of, my son?"

Samantha's eyes flickered to his at that unexpected question, by unconscious surprise she nodded her head.

"Well, Buttercup. I want you to know that, if you allow me too, I'll help you get through all of this fear, and pain if you allow me."

***

Ian walked out of the Jewelry store, with renewed purpose, and hope. The ring deep in his pocket, cradled by his hand, warmed his palm; as well as his entire being. The countless trips to the store, had finally paid off. All the money, and time he spent, to rush this gift for his Sammy, through was worth it. The ring was absolutely breath taking, and everything he knew she would love. One of the perks of being her best friend throughout life; he knew everything she wanted. From the moment they returned to Boston, he had this planned. After countless sessions with his father, he let the old man in on his plan. Jacob didn't sugar coat the truth, he told him that it would not be that easy. To just show up with a ring, propose, and she falls into his arms. Jacob advise him to work on fixing their problems before going to the next step.

It had been two days since Samantha promised she would go see his father, and told him that she had finally broken things off with that asshole. With him out of the way, he finally was able to go ahead with his plan, to make Samantha his future wife. Now that the ring was in his possession, it was only a matter of picking the right time to pop the question. His mother could possibly give him some advice on that. She would be over the moon, about the news. His cell rang, breaking his thoughts.

"Hello?"

"Hi, curly."

"Sammy? Baby, why you calling from this unknown number?"

"I had to get my number changed. I've been getting random calls throughout the n ight, for a while. Someone playing games."

"Are you okay baby?"

"Oh yeah, I'm great." Ruffling was heard from the other end of the phone. "I'm just leaving your house actually."

"OH really?"

"Yeap." He could hear the smile in her voice over the phone. "I kept my end of the bargain. Now it's time for you to fulfill your end."

Ian laughed. "So how did it go?"

"Uh ugh. You're not going to distract me . Are you going to keep your promise?"

"Yes, baby. I already called and made reservation. Now tell me how did your talk with my dad go?"

"It went better than I expected. He didn't make me feel that awkward or foolish. He helped me see things, in new ways. Helping me colp with things that I need to work on. I'm definitely going to continue to go see him."

Ian palmed the box in his pocket, once again. "That's really good to hear, baby."

"I really want to get past all my insecurities, and pain. Not only for me but for us." The emotion in her voice was evident.

"Where are you headed now?" He questioned.

"Headed home, to get some rest. I feel like I may have caught whatever bug Caroline had a couple days ago." She paused. "Speaking of, have you seen her, or Mike today?"

"Nah, he left this morning, saying something about being back later on in the evening. But that's not my concern, you are. Do you need me to bring you something, or come by to make sure you're okay?"

Samantha giggled. "No. One mother hen is enough, curly. But thanks anyway."

"You sure?" He insisted.

"Later, Curly."

She disconnected the call, before he could say anything else. Laughing to himself he started the car, with plans to visit his mother, at her antique store.

***

"Sam? Where you at hoe?" Caroline yelled as she walked through the doors to Samantha's bedroom.

"Right here." Samantha said. Appearing at the bathroom door, mouth full of toothpaste. "Where have you been all day miss thang?"

Caroline's mischievous smile spoke volumes. "Nowhere."

Samantha hands went to her hip, and that right eyebrow rose up. "You're such a liar." Caroline started to speak. Yet Samantha held up her index finger. "Hold that thought." She disappeared into the bathroom, to return a moment later with fresh breath.

"So where did you and Mike go?" Samantha asked, as she took a seat on her sofa.

"What do you mean?"

Samantha cut her eye, at Caroline. Her facing said, 'girl quit playing.' "Your ass been gone since this morning. And it just so happen, Ian hasn't seen Mike either."

"Alright, alright." Her smile was broad, and dreaming. "He called this morning, and asked me to go to breakfast with him. That turned in to lunch, and we just lost track of time."

"Caroline... oh gosh." Samantha hugged her. "You guys are really feeling each other, huh?"

"Yeah, we just talked and talked. His personality is amazing, and that smile just..." she trailed off, with a grin. "I would've told you I was heading out, but you were sleeping, and I know you're not a morning person."

"So are you two going to go out?" Samantha asked.

"Thinking about it." She smirked.

"I'm so happy for you." Samantha exclaimed. "Oh my gosh. We should celebrate."

"Celebrate?"

"Yeah." She stood up and grabbed her coat, and her mom's keys. "Come, on we are going to go get some much needed pampering."

She grabbed Caroline's hand, and went in search for Belinda.

"Mama?" She walked into the living room, to find her mother crocheting. Belinda looked up at her daughter with a questioning expression. "Come on, mommy. Caroline and I are going to go get some much needed pampering, and we want you to join us."

Belinda smiled, but shook her head. "Oh no, baby. I don't want to impose on you and your girlfriend time. Go ahead, and enjoy yourself."

Samantha walked over to her mom, took the crochet needle, and yarn from her hands. "I want you to come as well. We going to get our hair, nails, and toes done. Then where headed to the mall for a bit. So, please come... you know Daddy's gonna appreciate it."

Belinda, touched her graying roots, and couldn't deny she needed a touch up. "Alright. Give me a minute to go change into something warmer, baby."

Samantha kissed her cheek and stepped back. "K."

***

Ian pulled the hand carved heart ring box out of his pocket, and displayed the beautiful handcrafted 4 carat cushion diamond that sat proudly on the diamond white gold flower blossom set. At the sight of the ring, Lauren gasped, and clutched her chest. Her eyes flew over to Ian's, and she couldn't believe the sight of her only child, standing over her with the brightness smile she had ever seen on him.

"Son, is this what I think it is?" She questioned.

Ian chuckled and gave her a nod. "Yes it is mom." He stared down at the ring, with a filling of warmness flowing through his heart. "I had it made for Samantha."

His eyes connected with his mother's and his voice was strong. "I want to make her my wife."

Tears came to her eyes, as she looked back at him with awe. "I can't believe my baby, is so grown up." She wept with joy. "Both of you are."

She grabbed the ring and looked at it closely. "You had this designed? It's so beautiful."

"Yeah, it's what she would like. It's her. Beautiful, elegant, unique, one of a kind."

"I can't believe this. Does your father know?"

"I told him about it, not long after we started our sessions. He told me it may not be easy, because the right woman never makes it easy. But I need to do this. I know that with time she will be Mrs. Queens."

"Oh I'm so proud of you, sweetie." She pulled him into her arms from across the display counter. "I know she will say yes. You will be the luckiest man in the world, and she will be the luckiest woman."

She swiped her tears, and chuckled at herself for being a big cry baby. "So when do you plan to do this?"

"That's the thing. I need your advice on that."

As the words left his mouth. They heard the sound of the bell above the door chime. Looking at the door, they both was surprised to see, Samantha, Caroline, and Belinda. The group of women looked up at them with smiles. Ian quickly gathered the ring up and stuffed it in his pocket before anyone could notice anything

"Oh my goodness. How are y'all doing, come on over here an give me a hug." Lauren exclaimed.

They each hugged her. Samantha drifted into Ian's arms without hesitation, letting his warmth seep into her cold limbs. He looked down at her, as he rubbed his palm up and down her arm. Th

"Hey you, I thought you were going to be getting some rest."

Samantha looked at him with an adorable grin. "I did. Now me, mom, and Caroline, are going to go and get some much needed pampering. We stopped by to see if Ma wanted to come with us."

"Aw sweetie that is so thoughtful." Lauren said.

"We just figured you needed it." She replied.

"But I couldn't just close down the shop like this."

"Mom, you can go ahead. I'll watch the shop for you." Ian kissed Samantha's cheek, before ushering them out of the shop.

***

At the Salon, Lauren was seated at the nail station, Belinda sat in the beautician's chair, as the girls sat in the oversize chairs while their feet soaked. The employees focused on their feet, completely ignoring the conversations surrounding them.

"So, have you and, "you know who" done it, again." Caroline boldly asked.

Samantha's eyes bulged, and she immediately looked over to her mother. Luckily, she wasn't paying any attention to them. "Let everyone know why you don't."

Caroline shrugged with a sheepish smile. "My bad."

"No, we haven't." She finally answered. "The timing hasn't been right for that."

"Oh, but look at you, you want it. He has turned you into a freak."

Samantha rolled her eyes, and tried to keep from cracking a smile. "I'm not a freak." She said matter of factly. "But, how bout he has planned for us to go to a resort for a few days."

"That's so romantic. When are you two, planning on leaving?"

Samantha grinned at her. "Honey, we taking y'all too."

Caroline couldn't help the excitement that bubbled over, as she pulled Samantha into a hug. "Thank you, thank you."

"You'd have to thank Ian, I had nothing to do with it." She pulled back, and gave the woman at their feet apologetic smiles. "In fact he surprised me with the news. Im just as excited as you are."

"Yeah I bet. So if you two haven't gotten it in yet, you most definitely will on this little trip."

"Girl your crazy." Samantha shook her head. "While you're worrying about my sex life, you should be thinking about what Michael is going to do when he gets a hold on that ass."

"It's way too soon for something like that to go down between me, and him." Caroline replied.

"So you say." Samantha laughed. "I've seen how you look at him. It's only a matter of time, before you two can't withstand the temptation."

"Girls, what are you two going on about?" Lauren asked.

Both grown women whipped their head towards her with guilty expressions, as a child would after being caught red-handed doing something they had no business. No, way were they going to look at her, and admit they were talking about sex just a minute ago. Shaking their head, they said 'nothing,' in unison. Looking at each other they giggled, before turning their gaze back towards Lauren.

"Hmmm." Lauren eyed them seeing if they would crack.

"I just told Caroline about the trip Ian has planned for us." She motioned at herself, and Caroline.

Lauren eyes widened, and she visibly had to catch her breath. Quickly she got herself under control, and smiled at the girls to save face. "That sounds so exciting, darling." She couldn't help but to wonder if Ian planned to pop the question, while away on this trip. No way would he cut her, and his father out of the special moment.

"Yeah he's taking us to Jiminy Peaks, for a few days."

"And when were you planning to tell me?" Belinda said, as she joined the conversation.

Samantha looked to her mother. "Mom, he just told me he made the reservation this morning."

Belinda's face was full of disapproval. Activities such as that frighten her, one of the reasons why Samantha never experienced it. "Now why do y'all want to go and throw yourselves down a snowy hill? That's doesn't sound like fun. It's dangerous."

"Sounds pretty fun to me." Samantha joked, but when her mom pursed her lips, and crossed her arms, she straighten. "Come on, ma. It's not as bad as you think."

"How do you know?" Belinda quipped.

"Thousands of people ski, or snowboard, mama. We will be fine, I promise."

"You better, because if something happens to you guy's I'm whopping all of your asses." Lauren added, seriously. Before turning back to the nail station to observe her French mani. Everyone including the staff, laughed at the woman.

By the time the women left the Salon it was approaching late afternoon. They decided to hit the shops to do a bit of shopping. Caroline, and Samantha slipped into Victoria secrets, while the moms went into a thrift shop. Within moments of browsing Caroline found a sexy mesh halter trimmed in lace, the color of bright cherry, with a matching G-string. She walked over to Samantha, at the perfume section.

"Sam, Darling we have to get this for you." Caroline stated, frightening Samantha.

"Carol, you scared the crap out of me." She said, clutching her chest. Her eyes drifted down to the material in her hand.

Caroline told her the sexy lingerie would be perfect for her. She then tried to get her to take the item. "Caroline have you lost your mind? I can't wear this." She took the hanger and looked at the price tag. "$29.50! For this, there's barely anything here." She stated flabbergasted.

Caroline laughed hysterically, at Samantha's expression. Her eyes were wide, mouth was agape, and she clearly was serious, making it more humorous to Caroline. After a moment, Caroline pulled herself together enough to stand straight. She looked around the store at the other shoppers, and saw a sales rep, eyeing them suspiciously. She shrugged. Turning back to Samantha she grabbed her arm, and pulled her towards the dressing rooms.

"That's the point." She started. Turning to the sales rep at the dressing room she asked for a room. When the girl unlocked the door, Caroline walked in, dragging Samantha along. "Now at least try it on. I think it's hot. "Caroline crossed her arms, waiting for Samantha.

"What the-" Caroline's ringer cut her off. Looking at the caller ID Caroline answered with a huge smile.

"Bell, what's up babe?" She asked as she answered the phone. She laughed at something Annabel said, as Samantha stood back and listen to the one sided convo. Caroline turned her gaze back to her, and placed her hand on her shapely hip. "I see you still ain't moved."

Samantha rolled her eyes, and began to strip out of her layers of clothing. Knowing Caroline wasn't going to let her out of this dressing room until she did. Down to her under wear she grabbed the top, and eased into the top, before adjusting her tits. "There! Happy now?" she placed her hands on her hip.

Caroline stopped in mid-sentence on the phone, as she turned to look at Samantha. Her mouth dropped open. "Girl, you look amazing." Annabel hung up the phone, only to call back on video call.

"Let me see." Annabel said. Caroline turned the camera around."Maldita su caliente."(Damn your hot)

Samantha shook her head wandering how she ever met these two. Turning around to the floor to ceiling mirror she looked at her body. She was very shapely, that's for sure. She looked at her tits, and couldn't help but to agree that they did look amazing in the mesh. The lacey material displayed hints of her pudgy chocolate belly, which instantly made her second guess the item of clothing.

"Is that for a certain someone?" Annabel asked.

"Oh yeah! That person being Ian Queen." Caroline added.

"Guy's I don't think this is going to work. I mean look at this." She pinch her belly fat. "Who's going to want to see this?"

"You cannot be serious." Annabel said, voice slightly raised. "Don't you dare put yourself down! You know for a fact that man loves every inch of you. Now what you're going to do is buy that sexy little number you have on, wear it, and rock that man's world."

"Sam, you look amazing. Stop being self-conscious. You're hot." She squatted Samantha's ass, and winked. "Now change. Then we have to accessorize, and then head out."

Samantha playfully rolled her eyes, and changed back into her outfit. She then followed Caroline throughout the store to find things to go with the top. By the time they left the store, both she and Caroline had arms full of merchandise. Both decided to get the tops, as well as silk robs, and tantalizing body mists. They both were sure, they would nab the two men in their lives for good.