I had the best sleep of my life. When I open my eyes, I realize I’m spooned up against her. The sheet is down and in between us, her hand still in mine. I’m not sure how we got into this position, but I know I don’t want to break the connection. My morning hard on feels the same way. I nuzzle into her neck. Her hair smells amazing, like citrus and flowers. I’m sniffing like some sort of lunatic when I hear her giggle. I freeze, knowing I’ve been busted.
“Good morning, Mitch, is there some reason you’re sniffing my hair?” I’m about to pull away when she pulls me closer toward her.
“I woke up wrapped in you and your hair was everywhere. It smells like an orange orchard surrounded by wildflowers.” She pushes her beautiful butt back a little, which hits me square in my morning wood. I think I might explode from something that simple.
“Well, I hope you like it.”
“Very much.” I need to get my mind off what I want to do to her right now. “After we put an offer on the house, what would you like to do?”
“I want to explore the town. Oh, if we can get tickets to The Biltmore, I would like to go.”
“Okay, I’m going to jump in the shower and then, while you’re getting ready, I’ll put the offer in on the house. I’ll also put your house in the MLS. I’ll bet by the time we get home we’ll have multiple offers.” Not that it matters, I’ll make sure my holding company buys the house.
Amelia
It’s our last night in Asheville. To say this trip has been a whirlwind is putting it mildly. My offer was accepted on the house in Asheville. I got a full cash offer on my house in New York. I’m going to be able to pay cash for my new house. I never lived without a mortgage payment. I have to get a car, but after that, I’m investing the rest. I want to be able to live off of my up-salvage business. I don’t want to plan too much in advance. Sometimes, plans go awry. The Biltmore was everything I expected and more. I can’t wait to see it at Christmas time. We’ve been walking on a trail in the park. When we come to a bench, he takes my hand and we sit for a while.
“Amelia, you’re daydreaming again. You seem to do that a lot. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
I turn towards him. He reaches in and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I can’t stop thinking about the future. All of the opportunities it holds. I wonder if Peter were still alive, would he want to move?”
“I don’t think Peter would have ever left New York. He always loved the ocean. If anything, he would have bought a boat.”
I tilt my head and cock my eyebrows. It’s something I do when confused. I never realized it until Emma imitated me. It’s amazing what we learn from our children and, yet, we supposedly teach them. “He told me you guys worked one summer on a yacht, but I didn’t know he had such a love for the ocean. It makes me wonder what else I don’t know.”
“I don’t think he would hide it from you. Maybe the opportunity to share it with you never came up.”
“Oh, Mitch, you always did give everyone the benefit of the doubt, even me. Maybe that’s why I always felt so comfortable with you.” I offer him a smile. He pulls my hand to his lips and gently kisses it. My hand trembles at the touch of his lips.
“Do I make you nervous, Amelia?”
He gently strokes the side of my face with his fingertips. When he runs his thumb over my lips, I close my eyes, take his hand and kiss it like he did mine. “I’m not nervous, just unsure of myself.”
“Why? You are a beautiful lady with a lot to offer.”
“Honestly, when I first met you guys, I was young and impressionable. You and I were finally getting to know each other and then Peter blew in. He was like a hurricane, totally disrupting my world. Within weeks, we were married. It wasn’t what I was looking for. Hell, I was trying to get from point A to point B unscathed. Somewhere in between there, I lost you. The thought that I might have hurt you really bothered me. I was hoping after Peter disappeared that I would see you again and find the balls to apologize to you. You never came back, though, so I figured maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Maybe the thought of hurting you was just in my own imagination.” I fidget. He’s very quiet. His blue eyes seem even bluer and more intense.
“Amelia, why don’t we walk for a bit.” He gets up, taking me with him.
“We don’t have to talk about it, if you don’t want to.”
“I want to. I just need to walk for a bit. I was hurt—very hurt. I thought you and I had something. You know, working towards more. What that was, I had no idea. I wanted to find out, though. Then Peter bulldozed his way through our relationship. When he announced out of the blue that you were engaged, I stepped away.”
“Why? Why didn’t you tell me how you really felt?”
“Would it have made a difference? Besides, that’s what best friends do. They give their friend every chance at happiness.”
“Do you think he would have done the same thing for you?”
“Back then, yes. But now I’m not so sure.”
“I guess we will never know. It’s in the past, maybe we should leave it there. You know, maybe start fresh like we just met. I would like that, if you would.”
He smiles and I could swear there is a glint in his eyes. “Hi, Amelia, I’m Mitch, very nice to meet you.” He extends his hand, allowing me to slip mine into it. “Very nice to meet you, Mitch.”
Mitch
When we finally got back to Brooklyn. I offered to take her to pick up Rusty, but Chloe was already at her house with him. She was excited to tell Chloe everything. I was going to stay but I wanted to call Brook before it got any later. I want to start a new relationship with Amelia, but not only is she moving to another state, I have a huge secret that can change everything. This is why I hate secrets. I’m about to pull into my garage when Doug comes down the steps to talk to me before I pull into the garage.
“Careful on those steps, Doug, you’re not getting any younger.”
“Fuck you, asshole. What happened in Asheville?”
I’m not about to tell him what happened between Amelia and me. “She bought a house. She’s moving in thirty days. I put her house up for sale and the holding company made her a cash offer, just like we talked about. She took it, so in thirty days, we can start tearing apart the house.”
“Why do I feel there is something more that you’re not telling me?”
“Maybe because you watch too many soap operas. Stop reading into everything.”
“Come on, Mitch, this isn’t my first rodeo—spill!”
“I feel guilty not telling her about the heist. After spending so much time with her, I realized she really didn’t know him at all. Hell, she didn’t even know about his love of the ocean.”
“Do you ever wonder why the hell he even married her?”
“The more I talk to her, the more I wonder.” I check my watch and if I don’t call Brook now, it will be too late. “I’ve got to run and call Brook. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” I rush him off. He grumbles under his breath as he heads back up the steps. If he doesn’t do something about his health, I’ll be the only one left of the musketeers to spend the loot. I sit down with a nice cognac and call my daughter.
“Hey, Daddy, how was the weekend with Amelia?”
Subtly is not her strong suit. “It was a nice, relaxing weekend. Two old friends getting reacquainted. In the process, I sold her house here and helped her purchase a new one in Asheville.”
“Did you get to The Biltmore? I heard it’s fantastic. Benjamin and I want to take a trip there.”
“The Biltmore was everything it was pumped up to be and more. So, how is Benjamin?”
“He’s fine, Dad. When will you be coming up to meet him?”
“I was waiting for you to tell me when. You could come home and bring him with you.”
“That might be a better idea. Then I can show him around before we go to Jacksonville to meet his parents.”
My jaw is tight, and I feel my left eye twitch. That’s usually not a good sign. “You�
�re already going to meet his parents. I thought you were going to take it slow, test the waters.” I throw her words back at her.
“We have spring break coming up, and Florida was on our list. I’ll talk Benjamin in to stopping in Brooklyn first. So, back to Amelia, do you think you will see her again . . . other than work?”
“She’s moving out of state in thirty days. Not sure how starting a relationship at this point would be the smart thing to do.”
“Have you ever thought of retiring and moving out of Brooklyn?”
“I can’t just up and move on a whim, Brook. I’m too old; that ship sailed a long time ago. Can we please change the subject? When will you be here?”
“Ugh, you are so pigheaded. We will be there Saturday, satisfied?”
“Thank you. Well, I just got home, so I’ve got a lot to catch up on. I’ll see you Saturday. Love you.”
“Love you too, Daddy.”
Truth is, I really have nothing to do, but I didn’t want to keep getting the third degree about Amelia. Brook wants answers, answers that I don’t have. I feel like I have the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other. All I know is, no matter what happens, I’m screwed. It’s just how long I put off the inevitable.
Brook
“Brook, what’s the matter? You’re walking around here banging stuff and talking under your breath.”
“I just got off the phone with my dad, need I say anything more?”
“Did you tell him we are coming down on Saturday?”
“Benjamin, think of who you’re talking to; of course, I told him.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“Amelia, that’s the problem. I know my dad is stalling, I just can’t figure out why. He’s single, she’s single. It’s so obvious they like each other. If they would just get out of their own way, maybe they would have a shot at something good.”
“You can’t make them do something if they aren’t ready. You keep wanting to manipulate the situation the way you think it should be, but that’s not always what the universe has planned.”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. It doesn’t mean I have to like it. I would call Emma, but she is a lot like her mom. She’s a very laid back, what will be, will be sort. Anyway, did you call your parents to tell them we are coming down?”
“Yes, my sister is over the moon and can’t wait to meet you.”
I laugh a high-pitched, nervous laugh, nothing like my usual laugh. The thought of meeting his whole family makes my heart race. It’s just another thing on my plate. “What if they don’t like me? I’m from a middle-class family in Brooklyn. What if they think I’m not good enough?”
“You are being ridiculous. They will love you. I love you. They are happy I’m finally bringing someone home.”
“So, as long as I’m breathing, I pass the test?”
He lifts me up and carries me to the living room. We have a balcony that looks out over the city. “Benjamin, I just got done at the gym; I need a shower.
“I can feel your breath on my neck, so you pass the test,” he says. I want to be mad, but I can’t help but laugh. He puts me down and spins me around so I’m looking out over the city. He slips his fingers under my workout bra and he pulls it off.
“Put your hands on the glass and don’t move.” He’s behind me slowly peeling off my sweats.
“Benjamin, don’t you think people can see us?” I ask as his hands travel up my torso.
“Does it make you excited that people you don’t know are watching me tweak your nipples.” He tugs at them and my knees begin to buckle. He pushes me up against the cold glass. When my nipples press against the glass, I feel a chill run over my entire body. He spreads my legs and his fingers caress the inside of my thighs. He drops to his knees and nips at my ass. First one side and then the other.
“Ohhhh yes!”
“How many men do you think are watching as my hand slowly works its way into your pussy? How many women do you think wish they were you right now?”
He gets up off his knees as my hands begin to slide down the glass. That gets me five stinging slaps on my ass. This is the side to Benjamin I love the most: the dominant side that makes me forget about everything else. He forces me to give up all control.
“Do it again and I’ll use the belt.”
My hands quickly slide back up the glass. I hate the belt, but I love his hands. Just the right sting, the border between pain and pleasure. I see his reflection in the glass. I can feel my skin begin to prickle as he trails his fingers up and down my spine. He slowly smiles. He always says he loves my ass and as he traces the handprints that I know he left there, my whole body flushes. Watching his reflection is such a turn on. It’s like watching a movie that I’m staring in.
“Push your ass back for me,” he commands. I turn my head to look at him and realize that was a no-no as his hand comes down hard. First one cheek and then the other.
“If I wanted you to look, I would tell you. I can see you’re watching our reflection in the door. How many people do you think, Brook? Put your hands on your breasts and put them on display for everyone to see.”
I push back slowly taking my hands off the glass and wrap them around my breasts.
“Now, play with your nipples—pull them—hard.”
I lean my forehead against the cold glass as I do everything he demands. I have to admit, knowing others can see me is a total turn on. I look up and he has his cock out, pumping it. He steps closer between my legs and pushes them wider, bending me just enough so he can slowly glide his cock into my pussy. He is very large and I’m petite, so I feel every inch of him. “Ughhhhh, please give me a minute,” I beg. He does.
“Let me know when you’re ready.” His hands slowly working their way up and down my sides, trying to get me to relax.
“Okay.”
He pulls back very slowly and then pushes forward, repeating until we’ve got a rhythm going. But then he pulls back and slams into me. “Put your hands on the glass, Brook, now!”
I do as he commands. We are back to the slow and steady pace. I’m thinking I’ve got this now. I was wrong. He pulls out and slams into me while striking my ass. “Fuck me hard, please,” I beg. By the fifth blow, I can’t hold back anymore. I don’t have time to warn him; I’m coming. When I open my eyes and look in the glass, I see his head tilted back and he lets out a wail. I think it’s safe to say he found his release, too. When I finally catch my breath, I turn to face him.
“Do you really think people can see us?”
He cocks his head and smirks. “Do you really think they can’t?”
I might have to move!
Mitch
Brook is coming this weekend. Normally, I would be thrilled. However, she’s bringing Benjamin. What exactly does that mean? She’s never brought a guy home before. I don’t know how I’m supposed to act. She didn’t say how long she was staying. Maybe she wants to see how it goes. That’s what I would do. I decide to call Amelia for advice. Okay, maybe I’m just reaching for any excuse to talk to her. I think this is a legitimate excuse.
“Hey, Amelia, I need to bounce something off of you. Do you have time?”
“Sure. I’m home, if you want to come over.”
I’m not going to let that opportunity pass me by. “I’ll head right over. Do you need me to bring anything?”
“I just opened a bottle of red, unless you want something else.”
“Nope, red is great. I’ll be right over.” I quickly check myself before heading out.
Luckily, I’m only a few minutes away.
“Hey, that was quick. Come on in.” She opens the door fully, allowing me to enter. We head into her living room where a bottle and two empty glasses wait. She pours me a glass of wine once we sit, and we curl up on the couch. Rusty jumps up, giving me the stare down. “So, what’s up? Is everything with the house okay?”
“Oh yeah, everything is fine. This is personal parenting stuff. I need advice. Brook is bringing a
guy home this weekend. She’s never brought anyone home before. What does this mean and how the hell am I supposed to act?” I spill it out. She’s biting her bottom lip and it seems like she’s trying not to laugh. “I’m serious, Amelia, I’ve never had this problem before.”
“Well, I’m sure Brook has dated before, how did you handle that?”
“She dated but she never brought anyone home for me to meet. The guy moved in with her, which goes against my beliefs, but I’m trying really hard not to be judgmental. I know I’m old school and my beliefs are not hers. She made that clear when she said she doesn’t want to end up in a marriage like mine.”
“Ouch, how did you handle that?”
“I threw up.”
“Really?”
“Well, almost. I told you—I’m old school.”
“Is that part of the reason you never came around after Peter disappeared?”
I’ve got a death grip on my glass. I think this might be a good time to clear the air. “That is part of the reason I never came around. I loved my wife; she gave me Brook. You and I, we had unfinished business. I knew if I came around, things would happen, and I was a married man. I didn’t trust myself. I respected my wife and my morals.” I watch her face as she listens to my confession. She gives nothing away.
The Heist Page 9
