Sweetness, he said

by Starr, Jude

  I guided the horses out from the stable. Calvin followed closely behind.

  “If you don't want to ride your own horse, you can ride with me,” I offered.

  Calvin winked. “Can you ride me, instead?”

  “I hope to, sooner rather than later.”

  “Oh really?” Calvin grabbed me and swept his tongue across my lips.

  “Get your sexy ass on the horse, before I spontaneously combust.”

  He poked me in the shoulder and grinned. “One of the reasons I fell for you. You can't resist me.”

  A rush of heat spread from my sex, straight up to my cheeks. “Stop or you'll get me pregnant with that charm of yours.”

  He chuckled. I helped him to get up into the saddle, handed him the reins and I explained the basic things he would need to know. I climbed up onto Polo’s back and we slowly started forward. Calvin’s uncertainty concerned me at first, but he soon got the hang of it and he seemed to be enjoying himself. Once the house disappeared from view, I found the perfect spot to stop. There was a fence to tie the reins to and a big tree to provide shade. I had a number of fantasies about what could happen under that tree.

  “What about right here?” I flushed with embarrassment for even suggesting it.

  “Here?” Calvin responded, lifting an eyebrow.

  I nodded and jumped down from the saddle and when Calvin dismounted, I tied the reins to the fence.

  “Calvin, baby, come here now.” I stepped closer to him and jumped into his arms, with my legs circling his waist. “I love you, and thank you for bringing me here.”

  “I would do anything to make you happy. I didn’t want to see you sad again, not like you were at Christmas. You obviously missed them and I didn’t like that it made you sad.”

  “You’re the best.”

  “I’m not. I’m only trying to give you everything I can.”

  How did I get so lucky? “Come here, now.”

  “Iris, are you sure about this?” he questioned doubtfully.

  I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, totally.”

  “I've never done this before, meeting your parents is a first in itself, but I've never met the parents of...”

  “Thank you.” I cut him off, but I knew what he meant.

  “I want them to think I’m worthy of you.”

  “You are. My mom is already falling for you and my dad – you had him at football. There is nothing for you to worry about.”

  “I love you, sweetness.” He lift my chin up to his level with his fingertips. “Now, kiss me.”

  My mouth crashed against his. He pushed his tongue inside my mouth and entangled with mine. Calvin pulled back a little and nibbled my lip and up my jaw towards my ear. Shivers fluttered through every part of my skin. A groan echoed between us when I reached under his t-shirt. I gripped the curve of his ass in my hand, and caressed him hungrily. He pulled my top off and found my breast beneath my bra.

  “You’re a hand full; we're a perfect match, sweetness.”

  “You fill me well too. Maybe you should try it again now.”

  “Without a doubt.” He unbuttoned my jeans and pushed them down. “What do you want now?” He ran a finger down the side of my neck towards my breast.

  “Take me, show me how much you love me.” The tone of my voice sounded pleading to my ears.

  We dropped on our knees, never breaking the lock of our lips. Being outside, in nature made me feel romantic. I never thought I would do this, but with Calvin nothing surprises me.

  He removed my top and a swift movement and undid my bra, letting the straps slide off my arms. His gaze focused on my naked breasts and he dropped the bra on the grass. The breeze fluting across my nipples aroused my sensitivity.

  “I’ve never wanted someone as much as I want you,” I declared, pushing his pants down to his knees. His erection sprang free and skimmed against my belly. “Skin, baby.” His body was always warm and felt so good against mine. He caressed my back and heaved me closer to him before we slowly lay on the grass. In the process, he removed the rest of his clothes and covered my whole body with his. The passion grew between us; his touch had become frantic as he squeezed my breasts and I marked the skin of his arms with my fingernails. Calvin feather kissed my neck and shoulder, as he moved to settle in between my thighs.

  “Oh, sweetness. You’re so ready for me,” he said, pushing inside my body.

  I expected him to be fast and rough, but every one of his movement were soft and smooth. While he thrust into me, he ensured I loved every second of it. “This is me showing you my love, sweetness.” He kept up a steady rhythm which made my insides shake.

  The sun’s rays glistened on Calvin’s sweat while the grass scratched against my back. Emotions rushed through me when I realized that today; he was making love to me. This wasn’t just amazing sex. How he acted, his attention towards me. Today, it was different.

  “I love you, Calvin; I’ll never be able to say it enough.” I rubbed my lips across his tattoos. The tension in the pit of my belly started to get stronger. I could barely control the noises coming out of my mouth and it seemed to excite him. His tempo accelerated and deepened, but he stayed soft and focused of me.

  His fingers interlaced with mine before he moved our hands over my head, forbidding me to move. The muscles of his arms flexed under my gaze, I loved seeing how strong he was. He lifted his body away from mine and slammed back in. He repeated the same technique a couple of times before the motion sent me hurtling to heaven. I convulsed under him, his lips locked on mine keeping my groans quiet. The hold on my hands loosened and Calvin came undone right after me. His sweaty and tired body fell against my side and he laughed.

  “I hope the horses enjoyed the show.” We started laughing uncontrollably, both butt naked and wrapped in each other’s arms.

  “I love this. Being here with you. I didn’t think about how it would feel, but it helps me put an end to my anger,” I admitted. “You bring joy, when everything used to hurt when I was here.”

  “I’ll always be there where you need me. I want to make you happy, kitten. You made the holidays so special for me. I felt alive, loved and it showed me how good it is to be with someone at home.”

  “Damien really crushed my heart. I didn’t come to New York in hopes of finding someone new.” I suddenly thought about Zach. For weeks, I’d hoped we would engage in something serious, but then, things changed dramatically. “But then I met you. When I saw you the first few times at the restaurant, I thought you were charming but I never expect anything more than that. When I saw you at the whiskey lounge,” I chuckled. “You showed me how things could be. I hated you and then, I wanted you.” I bit my lip. “You… I’m happy around you, I need you.”

  He brushed his fingers through my hair. “Just like I need you, Iris.”

  “But at the same time, I don’t want us to rush into things. I know you want me to move in with you, and part of me would love that – but the rational part of me is telling me, wow, calm down Iris, you’ve only just met him.”

  Calvin nodded. “I know and I understand. I can’t force you. Just know that you can come and live with me, whenever you want.”

  “You too. My room is yours,” I offered extravagantly with a cheeky smile.

  He laughed. “I can’t believe how small your place is.”

  “It’s okay. It’s just me in there. And you, of course.”

  He moved in closer, brushing his lips against my collarbone. “I think we should head back. I think I’ve done enough sin for today.”

  “I think you’re right. I want to spend some time with my family.”

  I giggled when we both stood up, stiff and completely naked in the middle of nowhere. We got dressed and got back in the saddles. I trotted for a little while and Calvin continued to walk his horse, but I stopped and waited for him to catch me. Polo had a racing past, he was a strong and powerful beast and my desire to make him gallop almost became too tempting. I promised myself I woul
d take him out for a good run.

  When we got back to the ranch, I spotted Dad outside and asked him to take care of Calvin’s horse for me. I wanted to take a spin around the track with Polo. “Hey, baby, meet me at the track, stay by the fence,” I told Calvin.

  He nodded and blew me a kiss.

  I breathed in the fresh air, the excitement of being with my horse overwhelming. I got onto the track and sped up smoothly, knowing that we both needed to warm up properly. Polo accelerated without me guiding him and I thought he wanted this just as much as I did. The wind blew through my hair, and my smile reached my eyes. I loved this. After months away from my horse, he obviously still remembered the things we loved to do together.

  I spotted Calvin standing with my parents and Rose. His mouth was wide open and my parents were watching me with a smile that said how good it felt to have me at home. Meanwhile, Rose, ever the party girl, yelled, cheered and begged me to go even faster. I didn’t want to push my luck but I knew Polo could take it to another level. My heels tucked in against the horse with my knees bent inward, and I gave Polo the signal to go for it. He sped up like a bomb while I held on to the reins with force. The adrenaline pumped swiftly through my veins.

  The sound of Polo’s hooves hitting the ground was thunderous and my body absorbed every shock. It broke my heart to know I was only going to be here for another two days. I had to make the most of it

  We slowed down to a steady canter, and then into a slow walk. “Good boy, Polo. You’re a good horse.” I caressed his thighs. Out of breath, and with my legs shaking, I jumped down from the saddle into Calvin’s arms.

  “That was… I don’t know. Impressive.”

  “I know, right? I’m so cool.” I laughed.

  My sister joined us and hugged me and Calvin. “I missed this, Iris. Seeing you here.”

  We headed back inside and the house smelled marvellous. My mom's cooking ability could surpass any other cook out there. She loved it and was brave enough to always try new things.

  “It smells incredible in here.” Calvin announced and Mom grinned with pride.

  “So, tell us about the Big Apple,” my sister demanded excitedly, as if she was waiting for me to reveal some big secret.

  “I haven't visited much yet. Times Square is the coolest place, but I spend all my free time in Central Park. It’s not too far from the residence where I live.”

  “Have you made any friends?”

  I nodded. “Mostly people from the residence – like Krystal and Zach.” Calvin squeezed my fingers when I mentioned Zach’s name. “And I started working for Calvin last week.”

  “Stop saying you work for me, Iris. You work with me.”

  I rolled my eyes at the distinction. “Same thing.”

  “No, it's not, kitten.” He sighed heavily. “When you graduate, you'll have your office, right next to mine.”

  I gaped at him in disbelief. “What?”

  “I want you to work with me, Iris. I thought you knew that.”

  “I do. But I guess I never really thought about it that way.”

  My parents laughed together. “She'll never change. Iris has always been under the misapprehension that she's not good enough.” Donna patted my shoulder.

  “Mom, Dad,” I scolded, feeling embarrassed.

  “She is smart, good company and beautiful, isn't she?” Rose said while a flushed crimson red.

  “Thank you.” I murmured.

  “Of course.” Calvin added.

  “Are you kids hungry?” My mom’s voice filled the room. She loved that moment when we all sat at the table together for a family dinner. I knew how excited she was about having us here.

  Calvin started laughing at my mother’s question. “I'm sorry, ma’am, I haven't been called kid in a long time.” His smile made him look younger and sincere. Joy came out in his laughter.

  “Well, you better get used to it. As long as you’re good to my daughter, you'll be part of us, one of my kids.”

  Calvin nodded solemnly, appreciating the significance.

  “I’m starving.” My stomach had been growling for at least the past hour.

  “Do you like fish, Calvin?”

  “Yes, I do. I'm really not difficult to get along with. I can eat just about everything.”

  “Calvin.” Dad called his name from the living room. “Come in here, son.”

  Calvin stopped mid-track, and his back stiffened and his hands clenched into fists. I hurried to his side. “It’s okay, baby, it’s only my dad.”

  He visibly exhaled and whispered. “Shit, what was that?”

  “I think you’re just nervous, Calvin. Relax, okay? They like you.”

  “For one second, I thought I heard my own dad.”

  “I know.” I kissed his shoulder. “I think it’s because he called you son. Do you want me to ask him to stop?”

  “No... no, it's okay now.” He shook his head, closed his eyes, inhaled and exhaled a couple of times and walked through to the living room. I knew what awaited him probably wasn’t anything too serious. Probably just some football talk.

  In the meantime, I got the table ready with Rose. We hugged again and she kept telling me Calvin was a keeper. I knew that already. I would never let him go, I would miss him too much. Mom brought white candles in to give some ambiance to the table and she added background music which made me smile. Calvin always liked to play background music in the bedroom. Heat rushed into my face, and I had to create a diversion or they would notice.

  “I’m going to check on Calvin.”

  I hurried out of the kitchen and followed the sound of my father and Calvin talking together.

  “We can throw the ball tomorrow morning if you want, Peter. I would love that.”

  “Oh really? You would? That would be great.”

  I chuckled. Calvin had a new member in his fan club.

  “I want to thank you for letting me stay here with Iris.”

  “Not a problem, son.” I saw Dad squeeze Calvin’s forearm. “The last couple of months have been rough for her. She got hit pretty badly with what happened with her ex and her friend. You make her smile, the look in her eyes, I’ve never seen her happy like this. I should be the one thanking you.”

  “She’s given me everything that was missing in my life. Trust me, Peter, she’s my pearl, the one I see myself with, thirty years from now.”

  “Are you asking me for her hand?”

  I stopped breathing. What the hell was going on? Engagement? Oh dear god, not now.

  “No, no. It’s too early yet, but I will ask her someday. She is my better half.”

  I couldn’t see him, but I knew he was being incredibly honest. I could hear it into his voice. He made my heart melt; he made my eyes tear up. I hated that I had eavesdropped, but I could fix that. My breathing unsteady, I tried to relax. “Hey guys, Dinner’s ready.”

  Calvin pulled me into his arms as my dad passed us.

  “I love you, Calvin.” I whispered.

  “I love you more.”

  I shook my head in denial. “No, Calvin. This isn’t a game you can ever win.”

  His lips found mine; we kissed softly and met up with the rest of the family for dinner.

  Chapter 12

  Throughout dinner, I drew small circles on Calvin's thigh with my fingers. He seemed genuinely happy, something had changed in him. A little light was illuminating his beautiful eyes and I couldn't wait to tell him about it. Every once in a while he would kiss my cheek, my temple – or anywhere he could reach. We weren't used to holding back when kissing, but here, he was managing to control himself better than I was. Calvin wanted my parents' respect and he was doing everything he could to get it. I, on the other hand, was having a difficult time toning down the vixen inside me.

  “Hey, Iris, I've been thinking. Maybe we could all go downtown later tonight to the Sunset Bar for the countdown. It's supposed to be fun,” Rose suggested.

  I glanced at Calvin uncertainly. What abo
ut leaving Mom and Dad alone, it didn’t seem fair? Even worse, what if we ran into Damien and Carolina – we lived in a small town, and there just weren’t that many places to go to celebrate New Year? I didn't know how to respond.

  “Sounds good to me, if your parents don't mind,” Calvin said.

  Mom spoke up, with a warm smile. “You kids go out and have fun. We have to be up early in the morning, we have the family visiting and the horses to take care of.”

  “Okay, thanks, Mom.” I grinned and mentally ran through the clothes I had brought. I couldn’t think of anything suitable to wear.

  “This is going to be fun, just like the old days,” Rose said “My sister can be quite the party girl sometimes.”

  Calvin laughed. He had never really seen me in party mode, but he had watched me dance with Krystal. I blushed heavily.

  “I have the perfect dress for you,” Rose announced. She had apparently thought of everything.

  “Yeah, it’s probably a dress which is so short; it will look like a tank top. No thanks.”

  “No, really, it will be great! Mine is silver and yours is gold.” I rolled my eyes at the prospect. “Come on!” she begged.

  “We aren’t five years old anymore.” I loved her, but I hated it when she came up with plans like these. I knew she’d missed me and was delighted to be reunited, and I was certain the idea of matching dresses was her way to emphasizing our ‘twinship’. Rose had been lonely for months and I understood that.

  “Let’s talk about the outfit later, okay?” Calvin squeezed my hand tenderly. “Whatever you’ll wear, I’m sure you’ll look beautiful.” I liked that he wanted to make me feel better, but he had no idea how annoying my sister could be.

  “Wait until you see the dress. My sister has a tendency of wearing close to nothing.”

  I’d had two glasses of wine, and I was aware of it in my muscles. Being tired didn’t help. Calvin had been watching me for the past five minutes; I think he was trying to understand what I was feeling. A night out did sound good, but I knew everything would be different to before.

  Everybody knew about what had happened with Damien, and I was worried they would all act awkwardly and I hated the thought. I would rather go to a party in New York, where I didn’t know anyone. Despite my concerns, I had to be strong and go have some fun with my sister. The worst thing that could happen would be to meet my ex and Carolina, and then what? As long as they stayed far away from me everybody would be safe. I had been hiding for long enough, I needed to do this for me.