The Perfect Timing

Ijeoma's heart fluttered as she stood before Chibuzor's door. She found the spare key beneath the doormat. Shifting all the bags into her left hand, she fumbled with the lock and pried open the door with her right hand. She closed the door and locked it, before flipping on the light. 'The guy needs be taught some cleanliness,' she thought as she looked at the mess before her. Dumping the bags on a nearby chair, she tied up her hair and proceeded to pick up the magazines and newspapers strewn across the floor. She cleared the plates from the table and loaded them into the dishwasher. She made the bed and changed the covers. It took her a couple of hours to make the house look presentable. 'Good job, Ijeoma,' she said aloud and smiled. This was his 30th birthday and she had planned a small surprise for the love of her life. 

Humming a tune, Ijeoma carried the bags into the kitchen and got down to work. After a gruelling session with the flour, milk and eggs, Ijeoma finally poured the mixture into the baking tin and placed it in the oven. Praying that the cake would be baked properly, she started preparing the other dishes. At 15 minutes past 7, Ijeoma looked at the perfectly baked chocolate cake and the mouth-watering dishes. She congratulated herself on the result and glanced at the clock. Knowing that she had only 15 minutes left, she ran into the bathroom for a shower. After a quick shower, Ijeoma changed into a blue off-shoulder dress, which she had brought along with her. She applied some mascara and was just applying the lipstick, when she heard Chibuzor's car in the drive-way. She hurried with her make-up and made way towards the dining table to light the candles.

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Chibuzor turned off the car engine and looked at himself in the rear-view mirror. He looked like shit after nearly 10 hours of work. He got out of the car and collected his briefcase. 'Where the hell is she?' he thought as he slammed the door shut and walked towards the door. Her phone was switched off and she hadn't wished him which was quite unlike her. Shrugging and chiding himself for being too expectant, he turned the key and opened the door.

As soon as he entered, he knew that something was wrong. The house smelled like a bakery and it looked... more... neat and clean... And then he saw the candles...

'Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday dear Chibuzor... Happy birthday to you...' sang Ijeoma as she stood across the living room, beside the dining table. 

'Come here,' Chibuzor said as he held out of his arms. Ijeoma flew into them and he wrapped her into a tight embrace.

'Many many happy returns of the day, Chi baby,' said Ijeoma as she pulled back a little and kissed him lightly on his lips. 'And I am sorry, I didn't wish you earlier,' she continued.

'It's alright, sweetie. And thanks for your wishes and the song,' he chuckled as he held her in his arms.

'I missed you...,'whispered Ijeoma as she held onto him tightly and smelled the crispness of his aftershave.

'Hey... You alright, IJ?' asked Chibuzor as he stroked her hair.

'I ... I love you...,' murmured Ijeoma and Chibuzor pulled back a little. Her eyes shined as she looked at him. Chibuzor planted a kiss on her forehead, 'I know and I love you too, baby.'

'Come on, let's blow the candles and cut the cake,' said Ijeoma as she tugged him towards the table. 'Make a wish,' she said as she handed him the knife.

'I have all that I ever wished for,' he whispered before pulling Ijeoma close. He blew the candles and Ijeoma clapped her hands like a kindergarten kid. He offered the first slice of cake to Ijeoma. Ijeoma took a small bite before forcing the rest of the slice into Chibuzor's mouth. 

'You got a little cream on your chin,' said Chibuzor as he bent towards Ijeoma and cleaned the cream off her chin. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and tweaked her nose.

'Did you like the cake?' asked Ijeoma as she pulled back and scooped a little cream off the cake.

'I think it was just ok...' and before he could complete his sentence, she smeared the cream on his face and ran away.

'I will get you for this,' he said as he made a mad dash towards her.

Owing to his height, he caught up with her and landed on the couch. He started tickling her until she begged him to stop.

'Go and take a shower, mister,' Ijeoma said as she got up from the couch and stood beside the table. 'I will arrange the table in the meanwhile,' she went on as she sliced the cake.

'You will be staying here for the rest of the night?' asked Chibuzor as he started unbuttoning his shirt.

'Yes, any problem?' asked Ijeoma hoping that he didn't have any prior appointments.

'No problem, sweets,' said Chibuzor as he walked towards the bedroom.

Hoping that this was going to be the best birthday he ever had, she started clearing the table.

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After a refreshing shower, Chibuzor put on a pair of Khaki trousers and flannel shirt. He finger combed his damp hair and entered the living room. Ijeoma was standing near the table, arranging the plates and tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. The room was dark except for the candles on the table. The candlelight made her glow. And she looked pretty in the dress. The dress was a perfect fit and it accentuated her figure. Seeing Ijeoma in his house, wearing a provocative dress, made him fantasize about her and the night to come. But he controlled his urges and smiled at his girl. Walking stealthily, Chibuzor stood behind Ijeoma and murmured huskily, 'You look beautiful'. She jumped and landed with a thud against his chest.

'You scared the hell out of me,' screamed Ijeoma as she turned around and held onto Chibuzor. 

'I am sorry. I didn't mean to. But you look pretty in this dress,' he said as he brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. Ijeoma shivered at his touch. Cupping his face into her hands, she brought his mouth down for a kiss. She ran her fingers over his five o' clock shadow. She dragged her fingers over his shirt and tried to unbutton his shirt. But he pulled her hands away and kissed her instead.

'Why don't you let me be a little wild with you?' she pouted at him angrily.

'Not now, IJ. We will have plenty of time for all these wild and kinky things,' said Chibuzor as he pulled himself apart.

Not willing to argue with him on his birthday, Ijeoma kept quiet. 

'Candlelight dinner, huh?' asked Chibuzor as he sat down and pulled out a chair for Ijeoma.

'Yes. I thought of doing something special,' said Ijeoma as she poured out the wine and sat down.

'How was your class today?' he asked as he served the steaming hot food onto their plates.

'Boring,' grimaced Ijeoma as she smiled wryly. 'I wish you were my teacher,' sighed Ijeoma dreamily.

'If I would have been your teacher, you wouldn't have concentrated at all. Am I right?' asked Chibuzor as he took her hand into his.

'You are right,' giggled Ijeoma as she played with his hand and sipped her wine. 'How was your day?' she asked as she fed him a morsel.

'It is just the same old shit. Nothing new and interesting,' remarked Chibuzor. 'Stay put, young lady' chided Chibuzor playfully as she started sliding her foot along his leg.

'Ah! Spoilsport,' muttered Ijeoma before withdrawing her foot.

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'I will be right back,' called out Ijeoma from the kitchen as she carried the dishes and loaded them into the basin.

'Need some help?' asked Chibuzor as he settled on the settee before the television. Hearing Ijeoma's reply in the negative, he tuned into his favorite news channel. After a few minutes, Ijeoma joined him.

'Again the same old boring crap?' asked Ijeoma as she snatched the remote from his hands.

'Hey, that was interesting,' protested Chibuzor as she skipped through the channels. Assuming that he would have to settle in for some romantic crap, he looked at the screen warily.

'Don't worry, I won't torture you on your birthday,' chuckled Ijeoma as she tuned into an action flick.

Ijeoma snuggled into Chibuzor and laid her head on his shoulder. He looped his arm around her and held her close. She didn't know for how long she was asleep, but the next thing she knew was, Chibuzor was tucking her into his bed.

'Chi?' said Ijeoma groggily as she reached out and held his hand.

'Yes, sweetie, I am here,' whispered Chibuzor as he bent and pressed a kiss on her forehead. 'I will be down the hall, alright?' said Chibuzor as he planted a kiss on her cheek. Ijeoma mumbled something unintelligible and tugged Chibuzor's hand.

'What is it, IJ?' asked Chibuzor softly.

'Get me out of this dress,' said Ijeoma.

And just like that she drifted off to sleep. That was typical of her. Seeing that he had no other option, he settled on the bed beside her. He found the zipper on the back of her dress. He slid the zipper down only to find that she had no bra underneath the dress. He cursed as her brown tipped breasts bobbed into view. He eased the dress over her hips and felt his trousers tighten, when he saw the tiny scrap of lace covering her. He left the underwear on, then went to his closet and rummaged for something to cover her up. 

When he returned to the bed, he gazed at her small body sprawled on top of the covers. She looked so damn vulnerable and tired. He knew that she had exhausted herself that evening. He bent over and pulled the T-shirt over her head. He lifted her slightly so that he could arrange the shirt and get her hands through the armholes. Then he pulled back the covers and tucked her in. She uttered a small sigh and burrowed her face into the pillow and caught Chibuzor's hand into hers. 

He tried to free his hand but she wouldn't let go. Chibuzor had no other alternative but to sleep beside her. He held her close and drifted off.

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Ijeoma woke up with a start. She hoped that it wasn't too late. She glanced at the clock and thanked her stars that they was still time left. She looked at the handsome guy sleeping beside her. She badly wanted to have her way with him. They kissed and made out a lot. However, they never proceeded after that. Ijeoma wanted to, but Chibuzor thought that they still needed time before jumping into the sack. Ijeoma considered him old school. But she also knew that Chibuzor was more level-headed than she was. Today, she had decided that enough was enough. 

She shifted closer to Chibuzor and placed a kiss on his lips. He shifted a little and Ijeoma drew back a little, hoping that he would wake up. But he was sound asleep like a baby. Ijeoma got a little bolder and pressed her lips a little tightly onto his. Her tongue entered into his mouth and found his. She became more explorative and intensified the kiss. She felt him waking up as he cupped her face and traced her lower lip before pulling apart.

'What time is it?' asked Chibuzor as he flipped on the bed lamp.

'Plenty of time for me to do something...,' cooed Ijeoma seductively against Chibuzor's ear, making him groan.

'And what would that be?' asked Chibuzor as Ijeoma climbed and stretched on top of him.

'I want you,' whispered Ijeoma into his ear and nipped his earlobe with her tongue.

'Go to sleep, Ijeoma,' murmured Chibuzor as he shifted his face out of her reach.

'I don't want to sleep. I want you to make love to me,' sighed Ijeoma as she started unbuttoning his shirt.

'Ijeoma...,' said Chibuzor as a warning but she was busy popping the buttons off his shirt. She started kissing every part of his exposed flesh. She stripped off his shirt and raked her nails across his chest. Chibuzor groaned and held her steady as she pinched his nipples and tugged at them with her mouth. She placed a flurry of kisses across his midriff and abdomen. Her fingers spread on his chest and she gave him a small, curious caress, feeling his muscles.

'I like touching you...,' said Ijeoma as her hands travelled further down south and reached the waistband of his pants. She unzipped the pants and dragged them down. He lifted his hips and she tugged the pants out of the way.

'Are you sure about this?' asked Chibuzor as he held Ijeoma's hands. 'May be we should wait ...'

'No, I can't wait anymore,' shrieked Ijeoma as Chibuzor smiled at the desperation in her voice. 'You don't know how I feel right now.'

'Trust me, I know,' said Chibuzor as stroked his thumb across her cheek. He pulled her mouth towards his and traced a path from her jaw to her chin. 'I have been feeling the same for the past few months,' confessed Chibuzor as he took the soft skin of her skin and sucked at it, making Ijeoma moan.

'Then why didn't you... I am a grown girl, mehn. Not a naïve, young teenager,' grumbled Ijeoma as she looked at him.

'Shh... I know you are 21, baby,' whispered Chibuzor as he held her close, 'but you will always be a kid for me. Moreover, I wanted to give you some time to adjust.'

'Adjust? Have you gone nuts?' she screamed, 'You are old school, grandfather,' teased Ijeoma before dipping her hands into the waistband of his boxers. She tugged them down and his erection sprang out of its confinement. 

'Can I...?' asked Ijeoma earnestly as she brought her hand towards his cock.

'What kind of question is that? I am all yours, IJ...,' and he wrapped her fingers around his cock. He groaned at the exquisite sensation. He moved her hand showing her the way to stroke him. Always a quick learner, Ijeoma cupped his balls and licked them. Chibuzor flinched and moaned again when her pink tongue flicked out to swirl around the head. Her lips parted, and she slowly slid her mouth over the tip, down the base until he lodged against the back of her throat. His hand tightened in her hair as he arched himself into her. She made the sweetest sucking sounds as her mouth worked up and down. Her tongue felt like a velvet glide, slightly rough, hot. She eased her lips up from the base until the head popped out of her mouth with a wet sucking noise. 

She then straightened and removed her T-shirt. Her firm breasts simmered in the dim light. Chibuzor raised his hand and cupped them. Ijeoma leaned into him, seeking his touch. He rolled her onto her back and stretched himself on top of her. He sought her mouth for a long, deep and eating kiss, which made them both breathless.

'Chi...,' gasped Ijeoma as he slowly dragged his fingers over her shoulder, down her chest and across her one stiffened nipple. 

'Hmm ...,' whispered Chibuzor as he suckled at the soft skin of her neck and breathed in the faint smell of her shampoo. He stroked her mouth with a fingertip and asked, 'Shall I continue?'

Ijeoma only nodded her head and moaned as he latched onto her nipple and tugged it while his hand pumped and squeezed the other breast. She held him closer and urged him to continue. He left her nipple and traced a path to the other nipple. She squirmed and shifted, guiding him. She arched her hips as Chibuzor nibbled and suckled. He placed feather-light kisses across her stomach and nibbled his way towards her navel. He settled between her thighs and parted them. He placed soft kisses on her inner thighs, making her shiver and tremble. She thrust her hips forward, seeking his touch. He held her steady and placed a kiss above her crotch. Her rich, musky scent filled his nostrils.

'Please...,' groaned Ijeoma. Chibuzor then tugged down her lacy panties and flung them across the floor. He then inserted his finger and stretched her. She was hot, sleek and wet. 

'You are so tight, sweetheart,' said Chibuzor softly and pushed his finger in and out as Ijeoma thrust her hips. He flicked her clitoris with his thumb. Ijeoma clutched the sheets as a million sensations travelled through her. 

'Almost there...,' murmured Chibuzor in her ear as he licked her ear lobe and nibbled at it. He used two fingers and stretched her. He bent and kissed her pussy lips making her moan. He increased the pace and soon, Ijeoma shattered into an orgasm. Chibuzor held her close and whispered sweet and soft things against her ear, which just made it even more special.

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'I won't last long if you don't stop doing that ...,' grunted Chibuzor as Ijeoma grazed her teeth across his erection. Ijeoma shrugged her shoulders and continued with her ministrations. He groaned as she swivelled her tongue across his head and licked it. Never had he imagined in his wildest dreams that the sweet and innocent girl with whom he had fallen in love, would be giving him the best blow-job of his life. Chibuzor cursed and swore and pulled away from Ijeoma. He pulled her towards him and kissed her fiercely, devouring her. 'You are a naughty little minx,' scowled Chibuzor as Ijeoma giggled and she pressed herself closer to him, seeking his touch and warmth.

Chibuzor rummaged through the chest of drawers in the nightstand. 

'What are you looking for, Chi?' asked Ijeoma as she ran her fingers idly across Chibuzor's chest. 

'Protection,' said Chibuzor.

'I am on the pill, Chi,' said Ijeoma softly. 'I don't want one. Unless you do?'

'No, sweetie, I don't want to wear one,' said Chibuzor as he ran his fingers across her arms giving her goose-bumps. She shivered when his fingers moved towards her spine and traced a lazy pattern. Ijeoma moaned as Chibuzor squeezed her backside affectionately. 

'Make me yours, Chi,' said Ijeoma seductively and stroked his nipple with her tongue. Chibuzor rolled her onto her back and kissed her lazily. His lips skated downward to her neck and then over the slope of her shoulder. He moved lowering his body so that his lips found her breasts. For several long seconds, he lazily tongued the rigid peaks and then marked a wet trail with his tongue down her midline to her belly. She tensed when his mouth found her soft femininity, the very essence and core of her womanhood. She arched into him helplessly, seeking more of his touch. He chuckled and gave her another soft nuzzle. 

'Please,' Ijeoma begged, 'I can't ...'

'I want you to be ready for me, sweetie,' Chi said as he trailed a finger over her damp flesh. 

Chi slid up her body, spreading her body and fitting himself to her in one deft movement. He slid inside her, breaking through the slight resistance. For a moment, Ijeoma went rigid with shock. Her eyes flew open and she tried to push him away. But his lips found hers and he kissed her tenderly, in a gesture of reassurance. He took his time, lavishing kisses and caresses over every inch of her exposed skin. 

He urged her to wrap her legs around him, opening her up completely. He cupped her to him and flexed his hips inside her, making her moan. His slow, deep and long strokes made her ache for more. She looked at him and found his eyes full of tenderness, love and softness.

'Kiss me, Chi,' said Ijeoma softly as she surrendered to him completely. Chibuzor sought her lips into a long kiss, making Ijeoma's heart swell with love. He thrust his hips into her alternating it with slow strokes, making Ijeoma frenzy with need. He knew that she was close but he didn't lose his finesse. He wanted their first time to be the most memorable. They would always find time for wild, down-and-dirty, hot monkey sex. Her hips met his every thrust. She raked her fingernails across his shoulders, marking him. She enveloped him completely and he was snug inside her warm, slick and wet flesh. He increased the pace and she moved her hips and clenched her muscles, pulling him deeper into her. He couldn't hold on anymore as she succumbed to the winding pleasure building inside her and went over the edge. He couldn't hold on anymore and held her tightly as he stiffened above her. He gathered her softly towards him, almost crushing her to his hardness. He murmured sweet endearments which fell against her ears, some understood while some slipped away.

He collapsed, pressing his warm body to hers. He dropped his forehead to hers, their lips just an inch apart as he dragged in deep breaths. She tilted her chin upward so that her nose brushed against his, and then their lips met in a sweet kiss that she felt to her soul. She kissed him lightly and then shifted, easing his body from hers.

'I will be right back,' murmured Ijeoma. Chibuzor watched her lazily from the bed as she walked towards her bag and returned a moment later with a rectangular box in her hand.

Chibuzor sat up and reached for her. He pulled her close to him and stroked her cheek.

'What is it?' asked Chibuzor as he looked down at the box in her hand.

Mustering all the courage she could, Ijeoma looked at Chibuzor and offered a small prayer. Chibuzor looked at Ijeoma curiously as he couldn't understand what was going.

'Chibuzor ...,' said Ijeoma softly as she moved a little further away.

'Yes, baby,' he said unable to comprehend the situation before him.

'I know that this might be awkward for you,' said Ijeoma as she looked at Chibuzor. He urged her to go on. 'It's only been 2 years but it seems like I have known you forever. I love you with all my heart and I love you more than anything else in this world. Life has been a wonderful journey so far with you. You mean the world to me and I would like to spend the rest of my life with you.'

Ijeoma got down on her knees, opened the box and placed it on the bed near him. He peeked into it and stared at the card which had the following message scribbled on it,

'I cannot think of anything more perfect and wonderful than being your wife. Will you marry me?'

Ijeoma looked at Chibuzor who smiled back at her. He pulled her up, cuddled her and whispered against her ear, 'I love you too, Ijeoma. Nothing seems complete without you and yes, I will marry you.' Hearing his reply, Ijeoma launched herself at him, planting wild and frisky kisses all over him. 

Finally, Chibuzor pulled her apart. Tears welled up in her eyes as Chibuzor pulled a tiny box from the nightstand drawer and flipped open the box. The diamond glittered as he took the ring and placed it on Ijeoma's finger.

'I bought the ring few months back. I wanted you to complete your college before popping the question. But seems like ...'

'I love you,' murmured Ijeoma against his lips silencing him. 'You didn't see your gift,' said Ijeoma as she retrieved the scrap book under the card and handed it to Chibuzor.

'A Small gift for someone really special ...' said the black cover of the scrapbook. Ijeoma snuggled closer to Chibuzor as he opened the scrapbook. He looked at all the souvenirs that Ijeoma had collected -- the entry ticket to the musical night where they had met, the café bill of their first date, their first movie ticket, the tissue on which he had scribbled his number in a hurry, cute little messages indicating how much he meant to her, pictures of them together at parties and the last page in the scrapbook ended with the line 'Chibuzor -- the guy who makes each day of my life a beautiful one'. At the back cover of the scrapbook, she had their initials calligraphed. 

Chibuzor looked at Ijeoma who was running her fingers over the letters. He knew that she might have spent weeks over it. None of his friends or ex-girlfriends had done something so amazing and beautiful for him. He was overwhelmed as he looked at the wonderful girl he had in his life.

'Like it?' asked Ijeoma as she looked at Chibuzor expectantly.

'Nothing will ever match up with what you have done for me today. This will always be the best birthday. Thank you for everything and most importantly, thank you for choosing me. I love you and I always will,' said Chibuzor as he kissed her forehead. 

'You are welcome and I love you too, Chi,' whispered Ijeoma as she allowed him to cuddle her.

The End