By Fate

by S J Abbott

Aaron laughed again but answered honestly. “No, not really. It used to be that way, but Seth, Gideon, and I hire our mold models now.” He looked at Julie again before finishing. “Custom orders can be accommodated, though.”

  “Well, I’ll be. Julie, not only is he cute, but he’s funny too. I like him.” Amy stood up. “Well, you two kids go have fun. I’m going to bed.” She turned her focus back to her daughter. “You know I’ll be good tomorrow too. These stretches usually last a few days. Why don’t you go out and have fun while you don’t have to worry.”

  Julie got up and went to her mother. She gave her a big smile and hugged her. “You know that I’m okay, right?”

  “Quite the opposite, dear.” Her mother leaned in and whispered the rest thinking that Aaron couldn’t hear. “But I can see the old spark in you tonight, and I think that young man is why. Go. Have fun!”

  Wiping a tear from her cheek, Julie watched her mother head up the stairs to bed. These rare lucid moments with her mother made her emotional every time. She relished in the moment a bit longer before turning back to Aaron.

  He looked at her in a way she didn’t recognize or understand. “Your mother is great. Thank you for bringing me to meet her.”

  Julie smiled. “Well, to be honest, this wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when we came here tonight. But now that it has, I’m really glad you got to meet her, the real her. It makes me happy to know that she’s met you and likes you.” Julie paused and gave Aaron a sheepish smile. “Even though she knows you make dildos for a living.”

  Aaron laughed, bringing her into his arms.

  She rested her head against his shoulder. “She’s right though. Tonight, is one of those rare nights that I won’t worry constantly about her.”

  Aaron ran his hand down her back. It came to rest on the top of her ass, and he pulled her hips up against his. He bent his neck and she lifted her head, meeting his gaze.

  “Can you give me a few minutes to change out of my work clothes?” Julie asked right before he leaned in and took her mouth, claiming it with his own. Her knees felt weak as Aaron’s heat coursed through her body, his touch turning her into someone she barely knew or understood.

  Aaron released her, and she stumbled out of his arms.

  “I’ll try to be quick.”

  He stepped back. “Take your time, I’ll be here.”

  Julie did her best not to trip up the stairs but being in his line of sight made her all jittery inside. She knew that she should be more nervous than she was, but all she could be at the moment was excited.

  The first time her mother had a lucid episode, Julie rushed her straight to the doctor. It was then that they told her it could be a sign her mother’s brain was healing. Julie was in shock. She had no idea something like that could even happen, but now every time her mother was lucid, Julie clung to the doctor’s words like a life raft. She had renewed hope that one day it would stick, and her mother wouldn’t slip away again.

  Tonight, held an added bonus she’d never anticipated: Aaron. He was sweet, and kind. And it didn’t hurt that he was gorgeous. He took her mother’s ribbing graciously. Every time her mother could take charge she did, and this situation was no different. She was matchmaking in the only way she knew how, kicking Julie out of the house for the night—knowing that if she hadn’t been able to tell her daughter to do it, Julie never would have. In fact, Julie had planned on introducing the two of them and then having Aaron leave, unable to understand the gravity of her responsibilities.

  Julie dug through her closet, trying to find something suitable to wear. It wasn’t as if they’d planned this evening, so she had to wing it. She found her favorite jean capris and a burnt orange tank top that she paired with a long sweater and slip on brown sandals, all of which she took into the bathroom with her so she could shower. She knew from experience that she smelled exactly like the food she’d been serving all night. She turned the water on, silently hoping that Aaron would be as patient with her as he was with her mother.

  After showering and dressing, Julie went slowly down the stairs to find Aaron sitting on the couch, watching TV. He turned around immediately when he heard her.

  “Hey, you look great,” he said as he clicked off the TV with the remote and stood.

  Julie smiled. “Thanks. Are you ready?”

  Aaron walked over to her, putting an arm around her waist. “I am. I’ve been thinking, how would you like to come to my place? I’d really like for you to meet Seth and Gideon properly.”

  All sorts of crazy thoughts ran through Julie’s head … but the most prominent was an image of her and Aaron together. And if she kept thinking about it, they wouldn’t make it out the door. She shut that part of her brain down as best she could and tried to focus.

  “I’d love to meet them,” she said as she picked up her bag by the door.

  Aaron placed a hand on her back and led her out into the night. His body brushed up against hers as he reached around her to open the passenger-side door. His body lit her up and made it impossible for her to speak. She tried to squeak out a “thank you” as she slid into the soft leather bucket seat, but only air rushed from her lungs.

  They rode in silence the few blocks to where Aaron shared the duplex with Seth and Gideon.

  “I can’t believe I didn’t realize this the other day. We live so close,” she said.

  Aaron pulled into the driveway. “Well, I don’t exactly walk the neighborhood or anything, so it isn’t likely we would have run into each other. Between finishing school and starting the business, I feel like I haven’t seen the sun in a while. We’re all always so busy.”

  Julie more than understood where he was coming from. She worked most nights and picked up as many day shifts as possible. She had her mom to care for in the morning and whenever she wasn’t working. It was a different use of time but still, they had similar demands. “Maybe we’re more alike than I thought.”

  After maneuvering his sleek car into its tight spot in the garage, Aaron offered Julie a hand out. The small space between the wall and the side of the car made it very difficult to be near each other without being overwhelmed. Julie sucked in a breath as their bodies pressed together. He was driving her crazy. Every touch, every movement had her needing more. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to stand it.

  She watched as the light in his eyes grew darker and he leaned in for a kiss. His lips felt tense and withholding, even as they gently moved against hers. She hoped a flame similar to hers was what fueled his tension. Her heart raced, and she made up her mind to find out. Julie moved her arms to Aaron’s waist and broke the kiss. She pushed against his tight abs, slamming his back against the wall of the garage. She moved her hand slowly across his stomach, then up his chest, feeling every hard line and muscle through his shirt as she went.

  She licked her lips as her hands started to move south again, retracing their movement along his body. She took hold of his belt and tugged, pulling herself against him, while slamming her lips against his. She wasn’t herself. It wasn’t like her to be in control—make the moves. She’d always waited for the guy to show her he was interested. Aaron had been sweet but every now and again it had seemed as if he was bothered by her presence, almost uncomfortable. She hoped he was just playing the gentleman and going slow for her sake and uncomfortable from holding back. She had to show him that she didn’t need slow. Didn’t want slow. Not with him. All he had to do was look at her, and she was a ball of nerves, heat, and need. She needed to know if he wanted her as much as she wanted him. She dipped her tongue into his mouth, coaxing him as she pressed herself tighter against him.

  Julie surprised herself when a soft moan escaped and vibrated between their lips. Aaron responded immediately; the moan seemed to wake him up. Julie gasped as his hands moved to her ass, firmly digging in and lifting her off her feet. He pushed away from the wall and pressed her against the car. The metal felt cool against her back. It helped her from over-heating, but sent
shivers down her spine that flooded her lower belly with new sensations.

  Aaron took over the kiss, his tongue dipping into her mouth. Julie’s last rational thought before her body took over completely was that he tasted of the wine he’d had at dinner. She let Aaron lead, but made sure he knew she was on the same page. They began frantically learning each other’s bodies with wild hands. Aaron started to push her sweater off her arms when the door to the house opened.

  Breathing heavily, Aaron released Julie and slowly set her back on her feet. Not wanting to get caught, they moved as if they were just getting out of the car. Aaron shut the door just as Gideon came into view.

  “Hey,” Aaron said. “Where are you off to? I was hoping I’d get to properly introduce Julie to you and Seth.” Aaron guided Julie around the car with a hand on her back, then moved his arm up and wrapped it around her shoulders when they got closer to Gideon.

  Gideon smiled and Aaron rolled his eyes. Julie tried not to notice the chest puffing going on between them. She took a step toward Aaron’s friend putting her hand out for him to shake. “Nice to meet you.”

  Julie gasped in surprise as Gideon took her hand and lifted it to his lips, gently caressing the back of her hand. He peered up at her, from beneath his lashes. “Nice to meet you as well.”

  Gideon was a piece of work. He came across as sweet and harmless, but she could tell that deep down he was probably reckless to the point of being dangerous. In fact, she’d be willing to bet that the whole dildo model idea came from him.

  Julie turned around to find Aaron standing with his arms crossed, looking miffed. “Is this guy for real?” she asked. Aaron perked up after that, winking at her. She thought about Shannon and how she’d respond in a situation like this, and an idea popped into her head. She returned a wink with a knowing smile.

  Turning back to Gideon, she pulled her hand away. “So are you staying or going? Cause I was really hoping for a threesome, but that’s going to be difficult if you leave.” She turned around to Aaron again. “Oh wait. Seth’s home, right?”

  Aaron nodded tightly as Gideon stumbled over what to say. He was spitting and sputtering, taken completely off guard.

  Julie took the two steps she needed to be close enough to whisper in Gideon’s ear. She leaned in slowly, getting as close to his body as possible without touching him and said, “That was fun,” before stepping back in a fit a giggles.

  Aaron joined in her laughter as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into him. Meanwhile, Gideon stood there dumbfounded. After a moment, he gained his composure and smiled. Julie could immediately tell he wasn’t the type to let things sit and fester.

  He swung his key ring around his finger and looked at Julie. “You know I would love to stay, but I’ve already seen all of Aaron that I want to.” He winked before looking at his friend, this time seriously. “I like this one. Don’t fuck it up.”

  “I’m trying like hell,” Aaron said as Gideon clapped him on the shoulder and went to his car.

  Julie nestled her head into the crook of Aaron’s neck and inhaled his scent. “Shall we go in?”

  Aaron leaned down and planted a quick peck on her lips. “Yes, let’s go meet Seth.”

  Julie allowed herself to be towed into the house. Aaron swiftly taking her hand and moving the moment Gideon turned the key in his ignition. Julie wasn’t positive, but she thought it might be safe to say that Gideon wouldn’t be happy if they prevented him from pulling out of the garage and heading down the driveway with his usual flourish. Julie looked back at the sound of gears shifting. “He’s kind of flashy, isn’t he?”

  “Yeah he is. But I love Gideon like a brother. He might be over the top, but that’s what got us where we are today. He’s extremely smart, even if he doesn’t want people to know it.”

  “I knew he was the one who thought of this whole thing. Seth’s seems too … quiet, and you’re too formal. I bet the three of you are a force in the business community.”

  Aaron laughed as he pushed the back door open. “Yeah, I suppose. We’ve had our disagreements, but for the most part we work really well together and make a great team.”

  They walked through the kitchen and into the dining room before being able to have a clear shot of the living room. Seth was lounging on the couch with a beer in his hand, watching something on TV.

  “Hey man,” Aaron called, announcing their presence.

  Seth looked up. His eyes moved over to Julie and he sat up. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you weren’t alone.” He stood, setting his beer on the coffee table. He stuck out his hand. “Hey. I’m Seth.”

  Julie stepped toward him and took his hand. “We sort of met the other day. It’s nice to finally meet you,” she finished with a smile.

  Seth nodded. Julie was sure he hadn’t mentioned their meeting because it was awkward, and he wanted to allow her the space. He was sweet. She realized that she liked both Seth and Gideon … and not just because they were nice to her. She liked them because she could immediately tell that they had Aaron’s back. Seth left bringing up their previous meeting to her so that it could be on terms that wouldn’t make any of them uncomfortable. And though Gideon had obviously hit on her, it wasn’t because he had a thing for her. She’d realized after her comment that the entire thing had been a test, for her and for Aaron. She smiled at the thought. They’d both passed with flying colors. She passed because she didn’t back down from Gideon and everything he’d dished out, and Aaron passed because, even though he knew his friend would never really hit on a girl he was with, he’d responded in a protective way.

  Julie suddenly felt a little sick. All of this was moving so fast her head was spinning. She tried to pull herself from her thoughts and focus on the conversation Seth and Aaron were having. Her breath was coming in shorter more labored breaths and she was feeling hot. She squeezed Aaron’s hand to get his attention. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I think I need some fresh air. I’ll be right back.” Julie dropped Aaron’s hand and made straight for the front door with Aaron tight on her heels.

  Julie took deep full breaths of the cool night air as soon as she burst from the house. She immediately felt better, lighter. She continued to breathe as she felt Aaron come up behind her. “You okay?”

  Julie turned and looked at him, nodding assurances … but then thought better of it. “I’m not sure, to be honest.”

  Aaron made her look him in the eye. “What’s wrong? Was it Gideon? I know he can be ass, but I promise he was just fooling around.”

  “No. No. It wasn’t Gideon. He’s great. So is Seth. Actually, that is the problem.” She started to pace across the porch.

  “Julie, slow down. What’s going on? How can they be the problem but also not be?”

  Julie stopped, taking up her earlier position right in front of him. “Easy. Because they’re great. You’re great. And all of it makes my head spin. I was just thinking about how much I like Seth and Gideon, but then I realized why I like them, and I got scared. What are we doing? This is all moving so fast. I don’t think it’s possible to feel so much, so fast. Something is off.”

  Aaron didn’t say anything right away. He let Julie go back to her pacing. She appreciated that because she needed to think. All of this was just overwhelming. When Aaron finally did speak, she froze. “Did you really have a crush on me in high school?”

  Julie spun on her heel. “Yes. Why would I say I did if I didn’t?”

  Aaron shrugged. “Because I told you I had a crush on you, and you wanted to save my ego.”

  Julie laughed. “Nope. Sorry, you’ll have to protect your own ego.”

  Aaron took a step toward her, and then another, and another. “Look. I like you. A lot. I always have. I know we haven’t had a lot of time to get to know each other, but it feels right to me. I trust my gut, and my gut is telling me to jump this time … and to do it with both feet so they don’t get stuck on the ledge and I end up falling on my face.” He took two more steps and reach
ed out for her hands. “Now we both know that I can and probably still will get a scab on my nose, but I’d rather that than the alternative. I plan and stress over work all day. This feels easy, and I think it feels easy because its right. So now, Julie Hill of Mr. James’ third period history class, are you willing to try not to let your brain get in the way, and just do what feels good in the moment?”

  Butterflies filled Julies stomach. She still felt sick, but in a really good way. She had a tendency to overthink things, and this seemed to be one of them. She saw hope in Aaron’s eyes, and it encouraged her. She lit up when he was around, got chills when he touched her even slightly, and melted when his lips touched hers. It couldn’t be wrong to want to keep feeling those things, or to at least try to hang on to them.

  She couldn’t speak, and instead took a firmer hold on Aaron’s hand and pulled him back into the house, through the living room, past Seth, and up the stairs … not stopping until they’d reached Aaron’s room.

  Ten

  Julie didn’t hesitate at the door; she twisted the knob and pushed it open while keeping hold of Aaron’s hand. He started to mumble something at her the moment she shut the door behind them, but she silenced him by covering his mouth with her own. Julie felt herself falling into him as their lips met. She usually prided herself on her restraint—never fully letting go. But this time, she let loose.

  Gasping, Julie clawed at Aaron’s shirt, managing to undo only the top button before the rest popped. She slid her hands beneath the fabric, savoring the touch of his skin for the first time. She ran her nails along his collarbone and down his chest, reaching his waist and grabbing hold of his shirt. But as she began to pull his shirttail from his pants, Aaron’s strong hands stopped her. Julie pulled back, releasing Aaron from their frantic kiss.

  “Are you sure?” he whispered.

  Julie penetrated his gaze, hoping he could see just how sure she was. That she wanted him, needed him. That she had already decided. She nodded. “Let’s jump.”