Emily — Logan Airport, Boston, MA
Emily landed at Boston’s Logan Airport sixteen minutes late, unable to reach Wilson fast enough. She exited the security section of the airport searching for Wilson. When she found him, their eyes locked just as they had on that first day in Professor Emerson’s class. Deep down, she felt as if they’d always belonged to each other. She couldn’t wait to feel his arms around her. Rushing to each other, they embraced and kissed, oblivious to the crowd of people watching.
She looked stunning in her designer jeans, high-heel boots, teal top, and brown silk jacket. And Wilson immediately told her so. They were a strikingly handsome couple. Once they had retrieved Emily’s luggage, they drove to Brattle House. On the way, Wilson asked her how she was handling what had happened the night before.
She hesitated momentarily and then decided to tell him.
“I didn’t tell you this last night because I didn’t want you to worry or overreact.”
“What?” he said suddenly swerving out of his lane. When he was in control again, he repeated his question. “What didn’t you tell me?”
“I think we should pull over,” she said.
“Oh God,” he said, considering a series of horrible possibilities. He swung over to the Copley Square off ramp and stopped on Newbury Street behind a car miraculously leaving its parking spot. He quickly pulled into the empty space and jammed the gear shift into park. “Okay, what happened?”
“It’s not as bad as you’re thinking. He placed the barrel of his gun under my ear and then ran it along my chin to my other ear. That’s when he said, convince your boyfriend not to do anything stupid.”
“Goddamn bastards. I’m going to rip…”
“Wilson, I’m fine. This is exactly why I didn’t tell you over the phone. I was afraid of you’d overreact.”
“How can you expect me not to overreact?”
“Because I’m fine and I’m here next to you,” she said, leaning over and kissing him.
Wilson inhaled deeply. “You’re right,” he said, putting his arms around her. “ I’ll try not to overreact, but you have to trust me.”
“I trust you, Wilson, but I don’t want to lose you.”
After embracing and kissing again, Wilson started the car and pulled out onto Newbury. When they reached Brattle House, Wilson’s mother, Rachel, Darrin, and little Mary were delighted to see Emily. They socialized in the living room under full surveillance for over an hour. Then they migrated to the kitchen for a light dinner buffet and more conversation on the verandah. The threats to Emily and Wilson’s mother were discussed only briefly. To leave the incidents unaddressed would have been a mistake, but no one liked rehashing the frightening experiences. Wilson made it abundantly clear that he had no intention whatsoever of putting his family and loved ones in jeopardy.
A little before eight o’clock, Wilson and Emily went to the belfry library where he sent an email to the managing partner of Kresge amp; Company’s Chicago office. He inquired about his current projects. Making the surveillance crowd think that he was going back to work might help diminish their obvious paranoia. Emily began reading the few pages Wilson had copied from the material in his father’s secret vault. They traded longing looks at each other every few seconds, impatient to spend the night together.
Thirty minutes later, they retreated to the guest room to unpack Emily’s bags. Emily brushed against Wilson as she walked into the room.
He inhaled her scent, watching as she walked to the bed where her bags had been placed by the house staff.
As Emily opened a suitcase, she suddenly realized how awkward and nervous she felt. Wilson came up behind her. When she felt his breath on the back of her neck, she froze.
He slid his hands up her arms and turned her to face him. He began kissing her slowly and tenderly, hoping to convey his love and regret for all that had separated them.
She returned his kisses. But there was no need for prolonged tenderness. She loved Wilson unconditionally. Her passion for him was full-heart, mind, and body. She could feel the heightened blood flow coursing through her veins. Her only desire was to be with him. She pressed her mouth deeper into his kiss, her fingers knotting in his hair.
Wilson pulled back in surprise. But he’d seen that look on her face before. They laughed at the mutual understanding, trying to kiss each other while quickly removing their clothes. But it was taking too much time. They wanted desperately to feel each other’s warm naked flesh. They separated only enough to watch every piece of clothing drop to the floor.
The sight of Wilson’s obvious arousal made Emily feel powerful and secure in her ability to draw him fully into a world that was only theirs.
He pulled her to him roughly and in a rush of tongue and teeth and searching fingers, they dropped to the beautiful Persian rug. Later, they would take time to explore and savor. But now, Wilson wanted nothing but to be inside her.
Emily curled her hips to meet him.