by Emily Sharp
“Yes, ma’am, straight from Texas. My family has owned a ranch for generations.” He was beaming with pride.
“You know, I like a…” the woman started to say before Veronica stepped up. “Come on, honey, let’s get home to the kids!” she said, taking his hand and pulling him away. I followed them outside laughing the whole time.
“What was that about?” he said.
“Please, that girl was trying to make a move on you. We got to look after you, or if not, Alice is going to kick your butt!” Veronica said looking at Travis.
“You know that’s right!” he said as we headed back to the car.
***
Later after we spent time back at my apartment, I walked Veronica back to her car, her hand in mine. The night air was cool, the wind steady as it blew against us. Even in the town, a few stars were starting to peek out from the curtain of night.
“I had a fun time,” she said, putting her arms around me.
I stepped into her hold, my own arms wrapping around her, feeling the heat from her body against mine, our bodies locked together, and maybe something more. My heart was falling for her. Actually, the truth was, it already had. And looking at her under the light from the lamppost, I realized I was in love. I wanted to tell her right there, drive to the mountains and yell it out so the world would know.
And as her lips found mine once again, I melted into her embrace. For in that embrace words needed to not be spoken. It’s a special kind of embrace that only lovers know. Words couldn’t describe it, and any attempt to do so, would do it a grave injustice.
And later as she drove off after leaving me outside my apartment, I smiled, for the words that were unspoken were etched into my heart.
***
On the last day of September, the night air cool, we drove up to the mountains, back to the spot she had shown me just over a month ago. I had something I wanted to tell her and knew from her previous relationship I had to go easy. I was willing to be patient and listen and also be ready to understand if she didn’t feel the same.
“What are you thinking about?” Veronica said, looking over at me as we made our way up the canyon.
“You,” I said.
“Good thing to be thinking about.”
“It sure is.” I put my hand on her thigh.
“Feels nice too,” she said, then punched the accelerator.
***
We sat on the rock, leaning into each other, her arm around me. The sun would be setting soon, and this spot was perfect to watch it happen.
“So, at this point, no store for me,” she said with a sigh. “But something will come up eventually.”
I put my finger on her chin and tilted her head toward me. “Something good will come, I promise,” I said, then kissed her.
“I think it already has.” She smiled, then kissed me back.
I broke the kiss then took her hands in mine, turning my body toward her. “I want to tell you something.”
Her face looked serious for a moment. “Is everything OK?”
“Yes, sorry, but I want to share something with you.”
She smiled. “Yeah, tell me anything, you know that.”
I did know that. Even though we had only been officially together for just over a month, I felt I could tell her anything. And I was going to. “I really like you a lot, and I’ve never felt this way before.”
She nodded her head. “Me too.”
“And I don't want to pressure you, and I respect if you feel differently. I want to make that clear right now.”
She nodded her head, her hands squeezing mine. “I'm getting scared,” she said. Her eyes looked worried.
“I know, honey. It’s just…” I took a deep breath. I needed to just say it outright, quickly, like taking off a Band-aid. “Veronica, I’ve fallen in love with you. And I did from the first minute I saw you. I know it’s crazy, I mean, I'm crazy saying it, but I love you.” Tears were rolling down my face by the time I finished.
She was quiet for a moment as she looked at me, a single tear trailing down her cheek. “I’ve felt the same way and it’s scared me. It really has. And…I love you, Julie. But please don't break my heart,” Then the floodgates let loose as the tears flowed down her face.
“Come here,” I said, pulling her into me. We held each other, rocking back and forth. And in that hold, there was so much. It was a hold of lovers, of friends, and more importantly, two people in love. And though some may think I was old-fashioned, I knew that the bond of love was strong and eternal. And with Veronica I never wanted it to end.
“I love you,” Veronica said, swiping at the tears.
“And I love you.”
We held each other as the sun started to set, bringing to a close one of the happiest days of my life.
Chapter Twelve
It was a Sunday afternoon and fall had hit pretty hard. The leaves had changed to an orange, the gray coziness of winter teasing across the horizon at times. Fall and winter were my favorite times of the year. Warm sweaters and coats, curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. And Christmas. The songs, the trees, the movies. And now I had someone special to share it with.
“Are you sure you got this?” Veronica said, looking over at me.
“Yeah, no problem,” I said, gripping the steering wheel of her car. We were getting ready to turn off a country road onto a paved highway. Being a Sunday afternoon, the usually quiet highway was completely deserted. I had been driving, getting used to her car on the back roads, and loved the surge of power when pushing the gas pedal.
“So, ease onto the gas, straighten her out, then floor it,” she said, a smile on her face.
I laughed. “Just like my dad,” I mumbled. “A car is a girl, the couch is a baby.” Regaining my composure, I looked both ways, then pressed down on the gas pedal.
“That’s it,” Veronica said, as I swung out. “Now!”
I floored the gas pedal and the tires peeled out on the pavement, screeching as they tried to grip. The back end of the car began to slide. I was way out of my element and began to panic for a moment.
“Turn it the other way!” Veronica said.
“I’m trying!” I said, laughing with a touch of hysteria. I turned the wheel back and the car caught and took off.
“Woo hoo! Faster! Faster!” Veronica said, clapping her hands together.
I glanced down at the digital speedometer as it flew past eighty.
“You sure? I don't like breaking the law,” I said, feeling a bit nervous as the fields on either side of us flew by.
“Live a little! Get past one hundred and then ease off.”
My heart beat against my chest as the speedometer crept over one hundred.
“Hey, I did it! I lived a little!” We both laughed
Veronica’s eyes went wide when we flew past a highway patrol car that was parked on a side road.
“Oh, damn, slow down!” Veronica said, turning to look behind us.
I had already let off the gas, and then I heard the siren. Glancing up in the rear-view mirror, he was coming up on us quickly.
“Great,” I said, tapping on the brakes and turning on the indicator. Pulling over, I put the car in park.
“Hey, undo your top, quick,” Veronica said as she pulled her skirt up a bit to show her shapely legs.
“What? Are you crazy?”
“Do it! Show him a bit of your boobs. God knows they’re big enough.”
“You are crazy!” I said, quickly undoing three buttons. I glanced down and my cleavage was showing. Veronicas hands pulled my shirt down tight, exposing even more.
“Oh, my God, you are terrible,” I said, glancing at her.
“I know, but you love it. Talk all sexy as well.” She puckered her lips. I was about to argue, but the tap at the window made me jump. Rolling the window down, I looked up and taking a cue from Veronica said, “Hey there,” in my best sexy voice.
Once the words were out, I just about groaned. A
woman stood there, about sixty years old with thick silver-framed glasses.
“License and registration,” she said. “And you should do your top up, young lady.”
“Yes, officer,” I said, glaring at Veronica, whose face was red as she tried not to laugh.
***
“Hey, show your boobs off, talk sexy…worst advice I have ever heard!” I said as I drove us back to my apartment.
“I'm sorry!” Veronica said, trying to catch her breath from laughing so hard. “But at least you only got a citation!”
I shook my head. “I’m surprised she didn't haul us in for prostitution.”
Veronica leaned over and kissed my cheek. Then her lips came to my ear. “It was exciting though, wasn't it?”
“Yeah,” I said reluctantly, reaching over and resting my hand on her thigh.
“See, now you’re turned on. Racing cars with a hot girl next to you, never seen you like this before.”
I smiled, looking over at her. “Wait until we get home,” I said, pushing on the gas to get us there even quicker.
Chapter Thirteen
When you’re in love, time flies by. Every moment passes quicker than the next. Classes were going well, and Veronica was back to a somewhat normal schedule at work. She was hoping that at any time she would get her own store, and I had hoped she would too. She deserved it after working long hours and never complaining.
Before I knew it, October was nearly over. It was Halloween, and Veronica and her roommates were hosting a party. I was excited, not only about the party but also about seeing her place for the first time. The weather outside was getting cold, the skies gray, and it looked like snow might be on its way according to the weatherman. Pulling up outside her house, I didn't see her car and then remembered her saying that she parked it in the garage sometimes.
Getting out of the car and grabbing my overnight bag, I cut across the lawn to the door and knocked. A few moments later Veronica answered wearing a flannel shirt and I presumed shorts, since all I saw were legs.
“Hey, baby,” she said, kissing me.
“I can’t believe you’re allowing me over,” I said, bringing my hand to my chest. “I feel so honored.” I stepped inside.
“You know it’s because I have roommates,” she said, taking my hand, her voice a little worried.
I smiled. “I know. I was just giving you a hard time.”
“And you like doing that!” she said, then poked me. “All right, let me give you the tour. Dave and Alysa are out right now, so you will have to meet them later.”
“Sounds good. I can’t wait.”
She led me to the right-hand side. Just past a half-wall was a living room, a really big living room.
“Wow, I didn't realize how big this place was!” I said, looking around it. There was a fireplace against the wall. A sectional couch plus another three-seater couch as well as a few chairs, all light brown. A few glass coffee tables with black wood and a large white rug covered some of the cherry wood flooring.
“Did you decorate?” I said. There were spider webs, headstones, and card tables and chairs set up with all sorts of Halloween styled decorations over them. Plastic spiders, candies, and everything in between.
“I sure did. Well, they helped me as well.” She pulled me along to a good-sized kitchen with granite countertops and four high-back chairs next to an island.
“Wow, makes my apartment look tiny.”
“Please,” she said rolling her eyes as we went into the next room.
“Another livingroom?” I said.
“Yeah more of a…yeah, I guess it is.”
A three-seater couch and chair were in the room, with a large-screen television on the wall. More decorations, including tables and chairs, were set up.
“So, ready to see my room?” she said, a smile on her face.
“Yeah, I am.” I was excited to finally see where she slept.
She named off rooms as we walked past the closed doors. “Office, their room, guest bathroom…” We came to the last door on the left at the end of the hallway. “And here is mine.”
“Oh, wow,” I said, stepping into her room.
“My kingdom,” she said.
It was pretty good-sized with light gray walls with black candle holders and a few posters of rock bands. There was a large oval mirror, its stand made of a pewter colored silver. Her bed was a queen-sized with black and red pillowcases and matching comforter.
“What do you think?” she said.
“You have good taste. My room is so...plain.” I took another look around. It was true, I wasn't very decorative and actually just kept it simple. But the room gave me some ideas and made me realize that I could do with a bedroom upgrade.
“Now, I have your present,” she said, going to her closet and handing me a bag. She had wanted to buy my Halloween costume, and though I was nervous letting her pick it out, I had agreed.
“So, should I look?” I said, taking it from her.
“Do you want to change now or later?” Sitting on the bed and crossing her legs, she ran her hand through her hair and traced her tongue over her lips.
“Let me change now,” I said. It was already six and people were supposed to start showing up at seven.
She jumped off the bed, grabbing a bag off the floor. “Go ahead and change in here, I want to surprise you.” She gave me a kiss and left the room.
Walking to the bed, I set the bag down and opened it up.
“All right, what did you get me,” I said, pulling the items out. Laying them out on the bed, I was in shock. “Oh, Veronica, the things I let you talk me into.” I undressed and ten minutes later, I looked into the large mirror, feeling my cheeks go a bit red.
I was wearing a schoolgirl uniform with a short gray and white plaid skirt. The white top was cut to tie around my midriff in a knot, which exposed my firm stomach. She had bought it too small, and my breasts seemed to be pushing out against the two low buttons it came with, threatening to break them.
“What do you think?” Veronica said as she came back into the bedroom. “Do you like it?”
“It’s a bit revealing, but I can do it.” I turned and my jaw dropped.
She stood there with a grin. I could not believe the devil outfit she was wearing. Black heels with metal studs led to black fishnet stocking trailing up to a black leather one-piece outfit. It was cut deep, showing most of her thigh and trailed up to push her breasts together. With her dark hair and purple accentuated makeup, she looked absolutely sexy.
“Check this out,” she said, giggling as she turned around and shook her butt at me. There was a strip of leather that ran between her cheeks, not leaving much to the imagination.
“Is this a Halloween party or a BDSM gathering?” I said, shaking my head.
“Aww, you look so cute,” she said, walking toward me, shaking her hips with each step.
“You look beautiful, stunning, sexy as always,” I said as she put her arms around me.
“Think so?” She gave me a kiss.
“I know so,” I said, returning the kiss.
She smiled, then ran her hand down my chest, tickling my cleavage with two fingers. “Now, I'm a nice devil, but if you’re bad…well, I might just be a bad one as well.”
“Is that a promise?”
“You bet.”
***
Twenty minutes later, we left the bedroom and Veronica led me out to the kitchen to meet her roommates.
“Dave, Alysa, this is my girlfriend Julie,” she said.
I smiled at the couple who both looked in their mid-forties. Dave was tall, wearing all black, tattoos covering his arms. He had a goatee and looked a little rough. Alysa was really pretty, wearing black as well, with luxurious red hair that was curly and pretty green eyes.
“So nice to finally meet you!” Alysa said, giving me a hug. “I can see why Veronica has been hiding you. You are gorgeous.”
“Glad to meet you both as well,” I said, feeling
my face heat up. “And thank you. You are beautiful.”
Dave offered me his hand, and his grip was surprisingly nice and firm, not as rough as I expected.
“You know, every time I think Veronica is going to run off with me, something comes along and stops it,” he said smiling.
“Aww, poor Dave.” Veronica laughed, leaning into him and giving him a side hug.
“See what I put up with? Both of them talk about it openly. Poor Dave my ass,” Alysa said, rolling her eyes, causing me to laugh.
“All right, we’re going to change,” Dave said.
“We? Get your ass in the garage and start getting the beers and food in here,” Alysa said.
“Sorry, honey,” Dave said, then walked off. I put my hand to my mouth, trying to suppress a laugh.
“You got to put your foot down with them or it’s one headache after another,” Alysa said, then turned to Veronica. “And yes, you too, miss innocent. Are you just going to stand there and look pretty or help out?”
Veronica laughed. “Yeah, we got it. Go and get ready.”
Alysa walked up to me. “See how she did that? ‘We got it.’ turned it from her to both of you. Watch it, I'm telling you!” she said, then walked away.
I started laughing. “They are so cool. I should have met them earlier. I’ve got to come over more often.”
“Yeah, no problem,” Veronica said. “Hey, come help me.”
She opened the fridge and started handing me food to set out.
Dave made about ten trips, lugging in beer and setting the cases around the bar counter. “Don't forget the chips and the snacks in the pantry,” he said. “I need to go change.” He rushed out of the kitchen and down the hallway.
Ten minutes later, the chips were poured out into large orange bowls. Trays of vegetables, dips, and all sorts of other treats were ready to be had. Beers were piled up in buckets of ice, cans and bottles alike.
“Now for some tunes,” Veronica said, and we walked into the living room. Going near the television, she hit a few buttons, and then music started playing.
‘Wow, that sound is so crisp,” I said.
“Yeah, Dave wired the whole house up. Speakers are everywhere in the walls, ceiling, even outside in fake rocks.”
