by Mason, Dana
I can feel him pulsing inside me as his hips glide against me. I’m so sensitive after my orgasm, intensifying every movement, but when he reaches down and draws one of my knees up toward my chest, I’m opened even further and he’s deeper than he’s ever been.
He begins his climb with quicker movements and harder thrusts, his grunts coming in spurts. My entire body is shaking with the weight of him pressed against me.
“Emily, Christ, oh God,” he cries, and the intense expression on his face pushes a surge of power through me. I did that. I reach up and drag my hand through his hair, and that forces his eyes to open and land on mine. Then he finally lets go.
Twenty-Two
Drew
We lie still, our bodies entwined tightly. In this pitch-black room, I have no clue what time it is but the shaft of light that was shining through the gap in the curtains has dimmed considerably. I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about the time today. Emily and I needed this day together. But I can’t deny how thrown I am by the intensity of my connection with her. Judging from her silence, I’m sure she’s just as affected. We were good together in Maui, without a doubt, but now that we’re home, the level of emotion between us has increased ten-fold.
I reach up to rub a hand up and down her arm. Emily is so still, I’m not sure if she’s awake. When she inhales deeply, I draw her closer and feel her shudder as she exhales. Is she crying? I tilt my face down so my lips land on her forehead.
“Emily…”
The sound of her name stirs her, and when she stretches out, my hand travels to her mid-section. I wrap it around her and press her flush against me. I love the way she feels; I love the heat between us. It’s been so long since I’ve been intimate with someone… and I mean truly intimate. I could stay in this bed with her forever if only that were possible.
When she reaches up and presses her lips gently against mine, I mumble, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m hungry. How about you?”
“Starving. Do you have any idea what time it is?”
“Not a clue… do you need to be somewhere?” she asks.
“Absolutely nowhere but here… if that’s okay with you.”
She stretches and inhales heavily, then exhales as her body relaxes again. “I like you here.”
She slants away from me, and a second later, I see the light from her phone brighten the room. “It’s almost eight.”
“No kidding? I guess that explains the darkening sky.”
“Close your eyes.”
I do as she says and a moment later, red is burning behind my eyes. I lift the sheet over my head and groan. “No, don’t do that. With the light comes real life.”
“Nope. I still have several more hours without the interference of real life. I haven’t forgotten.”
Chuckling, I say, “Okay, all right. We can eat though, right?”
“Absolutely!”
I poke my head out from behind the sheet and glance at her with narrowed eyes. Her hair is tousled, her cheeks are flushed, and she has a bright and genuine smile on her face. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. My heart jumps in my chest, and I fight to keep from blurting this out to her. The happiness I feel sobers me, and she must sense it because her smile fades too.
“What’s wrong?” she asks.
“Nothing’s wrong. The opposite. Everything feels right.”
She nods, her eyes wandering away from me, and I can see she’s considering this. “What if I said the same thing? What if there’s nothing you could tell me that would be a deal-breaker?” Her eyes close and she says, “As long as you’re not married. You didn’t lie about that, did you?”
I grab her hand. “No, I didn’t lie about that. I’m no longer married.”
Her eyes pop open. “But you were? No, wait. No. Drew, it doesn’t matter. I don’t want any of that to interfere with tonight.”
I link our fingers. “I don’t want anything to interfere with tonight either.”
She bites the inside of her mouth. “Why don’t you stay with me for the rest of the week? Do you need to be home for any reason?”
“Nope, not this week. I have something happening Saturday morning, but I’m good until then.”
“If you’re here, I’ll be forced to stop working. I’ll have to come home.”
“Aha, I see your plan now and I like it.”
“How about Saturday evening? Let’s have dinner or something.” Her hand rests on her stomach and her eyes close. “I’m seriously going to need a distraction.”
I wiggle my brows. “Distraction, huh?” I’m trying to be playful but when she doesn’t laugh, I know I’ve missed something. “What’s happening on Saturday that’s going to require a distraction?”
Her expression grows serious and I get a glimpse of the sadness I recognize when she thinks about him. “I have a… thing… and I have to give a speech…” Her eyes dance around the room then lower to the bed. “But that’s not something I want to think about right now.” I glance around too, noticing the open suitcase that hasn’t been unpacked.
I consider telling her about the note I left her, but then decide against it. Hopefully, it’ll be a happy surprise when she finds it. My eyes drift around her bedroom again and land on the photo on top of her dresser of us standing next to the helicopter. Draped over the photo are the leis I gave her in Maui, now dry but still very pretty.
My eyes scan the other photos and then the little details I couldn’t see in the dark, including the empty nightstand on the other side of the bed and that’s when it hits me. Jesus. I feel like such an ass. This was the room she shared with her husband. This can’t be easy for her, but I can see that she’s trying so hard to keep from letting it get to her. She’s so strong… too bad she doesn’t realize it yet.
“Emily, I’m always available to be your distraction.”
Her sultry but droopy eyes meet mine. “Perfect. Now let’s go get something to eat.”
She hops out of bed, and I watch as her sweet ass saunters across the room. I think about how incredible she is… and how this is a sight I hope to get the chance to see every day.
Twenty-Three
Emily
I’m floating on air. It’s the only way to describe the way I feel. Last night was incredible and this morning in the shower was heavenly. I can’t wait to talk to Rebecca. When I get upstairs, she’s there, outside her office, waiting for me.
As soon as she sees my face, her gray eyes widen. “I guess you had a good night. You certainly look better than you did yesterday.”
“I had a great night,” I gush as I walk over and pop my office door open. “How are you this morning?”
“Oh, don’t you try to act all normal and nonchalant with me,” she says, following me.
I put my bags away and drop down into my chair. “I cannot believe this has happened. I’m absolutely stunned.”
She lets out a deep laugh. “I bet! Understatement of the year.” Then she sits in the chair across from me. “I take it you haven’t started your period either.”
I press my lips together and shake my head.
“Did you tell him you suspect you’re pregnant?”
“No. Of course not!”
“Emily, maybe we shouldn’t wait until tomorrow to take the test. This isn’t something you can ignore. It won’t go away… you know what I mean?”
“I don’t think I’m pregnant. We were really careful in Maui, so I’m sure it’s just the stress of missing him the last couple of weeks.”
“Oh, yeah.” She lifts her perfect brow. “You’re not in denial at all, right?”
I sigh and drop my shoulders. On Tuesday, when I thought I’d have to face this without Drew, I was scared, but now, the idea of having to tell him I’m pregnant is daunting as hell.
“I know and I’ll deal with it in my own time. I just want a little uncomplicated happiness, just a few freaking days of normal. Can you believe I went home yesterday and didn’t do an
y work? This is a good thing, but it’s hard not to feel like something is going to ruin it.”
“I’m glad you took the night off, you needed that, but, Emily, don’t assume a baby will ruin this. You don’t know how he feels about having kids. Stop looking for the tragedy that lies inside your happiness. Just enjoy the happiness while you have it.” She lifts up a finger as if to stop me from interrupting. “We’ll stick to our original agreement. I’ll give you until tomorrow morning, but then we have an appointment with a pregnancy test if your period still hasn’t come.”
As she’s talking, I’m reminded of my conversation with Drew last night.
“Oh, yeah, and guess what? He’s divorced.”
“Really? He told you that?”
“He told me he was no longer married, but then I stopped him from telling me more. I didn’t want the details.”
“Jesus, Emily. How is it you manage to learn something so important about him, yet avoid asking for details?”
“It’s baggage that will ruin my high. I just said this. Besides, if she’s out of the picture, she doesn’t matter to me.”
“Divorced, huh?” She purses her lips for a moment. “Any kids?”
I freeze, my eyes locked on her. “No. No kids.”
“So, you asked?”
“No, but he would have told me that.”
“How, when you stopped him from talking about it?”
I think about all the time we spent together in Maui. “No, I would have figured it out in Maui. I’m sure I’d know if he has kids. He’s divorced with two roommates. Besides that, he was with me all night last night. If he had kids at home, he couldn’t have done that.”
She gives me a perplexed look. “Most divorced dads only see their kids on the weekends, Emily.”
I consider that, but nah, I don’t see it. He would have told me that. How could he not have? “No, I’m sure. There’s no way he could have kept that from me. I’m sure. No kids.”
“Okay, well, that’s good, since he’s divorced. You don’t have to deal with baby momma problems.”
“Exactly. And why force him to talk about a painful experience if we can avoid it?”
“Hey,” Rebecca says, sitting upright in her chair. “Did you invite him to the ceremony on Saturday?”
I shake my head. “No. I mentioned it briefly but I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t want him there to see that. I’m sure he wouldn’t be comfortable.”
“So, how does a renaming ceremony go? And why this random elementary school when Tucker was a high school teacher?”
“The district’s upgraded the school. They’ve built a new gymnasium, new administrative offices, and fully repainted it. They’ve even changed the mascot and they wanted a new name.” I link my hands together and say, “It’s sort of a rebranding… and since Tucker was a former district teacher and he died saving two lives, they picked his name for the school.”
“I can’t argue with that. The man died a hero, he should be honored.”
“I agree. They’ve asked me to speak, so I’ll be talking about Tucker, and I believe a couple of his former students are also going to give speeches.”
“Will Mac and Kelley be there?”
“Yes, they’re coming. Aren’t you?”
She draws back, surprised. “Of course. Eddie will be there as well. We’re coming to support you. What about your mom? Is she going to make the drive out?”
“Um, I don’t think so. I mentioned it to her, but she didn’t say she was coming.”
“Hey, speaking of your mom and Mac, do they know about Drew?”
“Mac knows. I texted him an update this morning so he’d stop worrying about me. I haven’t told my mom anything.”
“But you’re going to, right? I mean, you probably should tell her about Drew before you tell her you’re pregnant.”
I narrow my eyes, not sure how to handle my mother. “I don’t know… I’ll have to figure that out after I take a test. I just can’t worry about that right now.”
“If she shows up on Saturday, it might get a little awkward. You realize that, right?”
“Yep, just what I need, my mom showing up unannounced. Thank you for putting that worry in my head. I do appreciate it. Now…” I throw a thumb over my shoulder. “Get out of here so I can get some work done.”
Twenty-Four
Drew
When I enter the office the next morning, I’m running late. This gets me the stink-eye from Maggie, my office manager. “Sorry. I… ah… had a long night.”
She looks me up and down. “Did ya now?” She winks at me, and I get the sense that she knows something she shouldn’t.
“Yes, I did,” I reply, smiling. “Why’s it so quiet?”
With a wave of her tattooed arm, she gestures toward the controller’s office. “Paula took the day off and Manny’s out inspecting the Grainger place. The crew finished it up yesterday.”
“Wow, they weren’t due to finish until tomorrow, that’s awesome work. Any messages for me?”
“Nope. You’re in the clear.”
“Thanks,” I grumble before stepping into my office. After waking up at Emily’s house and spending a solid forty-five minutes with her in the shower, doing a lot more than just washing, I had to rush home for clean clothes, then I called and checked in with the kids. After our long nap yesterday, neither Emily nor I got any sleep last night. We did, however, almost run out of condoms. This thought makes me smile.
After spending the entire evening in her space, I feel better about our future but I’m still nervous about telling her about the kids. She said she didn’t have any deal-breakers and I want to believe her, but my history with women goes against that. Thinking about the next couple of days, I’m thankful they’re out of town. It gives me time to ease her into it.
Yesterday, I got the impression there was something specific she was hesitant to tell me, but now I just think she doesn’t want the honeymoon phase to end. I can’t blame her––if I could stay in paradise with her forever, I would. But I can’t.
I step into my office and click the switch on. Once I’m settled in with a fresh cup of black coffee, I log onto my computer and navigate to the county’s online records library in search of all the permits and blueprints for Emily and Rebecca’s building. I have some great ideas for the space, and I can’t wait to get started.
Without much thought, my eyes drift over to the framed family photo that’s sat on my desk for the last seven years. It’s a photo of our family before Hannah. Kyle was so small, and his huge grin was electric… still is. Kayla and I had just started DK Builders and we were celebrating our first winning bid on a commercial property in West Sacramento. We were ecstatic that day. We dreamed about the success DK has gained since she’s been gone. Yet another thing she didn’t get to experience in her short but sweet life.
I have another picture of the kids and me, without Kayla. It was taken just a year ago, on the day Hannah started kindergarten. Her big smile shows off her missing teeth. She happened to lose both front teeth that summer when she was visiting her grandparents in LA, and she was so proud of it. This year was the first time I’ve come back from vacation without being threatened by Kayla’s parents; the first time they let me pick up the kids without criticism or threats to take them away. It’s been a long road, but I think they’re finally coming to terms with the fact that I will always fight for my children.
I pick up the photo with Kayla and run my fingers over the surface. God, I miss her. Just because life has settled and we’ve found normalcy in the midst of grief doesn’t mean I don’t think about her every single day. But I need to move on. I need to love someone else… someone who will also love my kids. Is that person Emily?
I sure as hell hope so.
Twenty-Five
Emily
On Thursday afternoon, we’re sitting in our makeshift conference room, and thanks to Eddie, we have fresh coffee and ice-cold water. The room is warm because this o
ld building doesn’t have a powerful enough air conditioner to cool every room. And in Sacramento in August, air conditioning is must. As hot as the room is, and as weird as it smells with the old, faded carpet, it’s still a beautiful space, with hand-carved moldings and a gorgeous antique chandelier. Yeah, it’s a bit over the top, but it fits the space and it’s still not the centerpiece of the room. That would be the fireplace, with the carved beams that reach the ceiling.
Rebecca and I haven’t taken the time to pick our official conference room furniture so we’re sitting at a folding table in folding chairs while Drew presents his ideas. Midway through our meeting, I stop to remember him in shorts and flip-flops. The difference between that Drew and this one is crazy. He’s so professional. So smart… and his design plans are so freaking intuitive, I can hardly stand it. It’s as if he was in the room with Rebecca and me when we talked about what we wanted.
He’s definitely not in shorts and flip-flops now, but I’m glad he doesn’t feel the need to be in a suit. I like him relaxed. I like how confident he is, no matter what he’s wearing. Not that he’s not incredibly sexy in his fitted Henley and jeans.
“Earth to Emily.” Rebecca snaps her fingers in front of my face.
I nearly jump out of my skin. “Oh, sorry. Did I miss something?” I look up to see Drew smiling at me, then I turn toward Rebecca. “What’s the problem?”
“Did you hear Drew’s suggestion?” She waves toward him. “He suggests we have two downstairs conference rooms.”
“Why? What’s wrong with one upstairs and one downstairs?” I ask.
He points to the upstairs. “There’s no disability access to the second floor. If you have to meet with a client who needs special access, they won’t be able to get up there. Unless you want to pay to install an elevator.”
