Untangle Me (Love at Last #1)

by Chelle Bliss

  Sophia: Here’s one of us in the French Quarter.

  Me: We have to take more next time we’re together.

  Sophia: Yes, I don’t have a ton. We always get wrapped up in other things. We’ll definitely take more next time.

  Me: I need one to put on my nightstand.

  Sophia: Just remind me, please. Time seems to go so fast.

  The photo popped up on my screen. The glow of the streetlights bounced off my shiny head.

  Me: Wow! My head is shiny in that picture.

  Sophia: I love how smooth it is, and I love running my fingertips across it. It’s why I have to wear my sunglasses all the time when I’m with you… The glare kills my eyes.

  Me: Smartass.

  I wanted to tickle her, bring her to tears.

  Sophia: I read cataracts are caused by head glare, or is it sunshine?

  Me: LMAO. Then you’re totally fucked.

  Sophia: I know because I plan to look at that shiny head for a lifetime.

  Me: Most people would be insulted, but I know my head is fucking sexy.

  I loved her most for her brains, her lightning-fast wit. I longed to be with her. I needed to book my ticket to Florida. I couldn’t wait any longer.

  21

  Sophia

  Mother Nature is a Bitch

  Me: Have you watched the weather forecast at all today?

  Kayden: I’ve heard people talking about a hurricane. Is it going to hit New Orleans? I thought it was going to make landfall in Texas.

  Me: They’ve changed the location. They’re predicting NOLA now, and it’s supposed to hit the day you’re scheduled to fly out.

  Kayden: Fucking unbelievable! I swear I have a black cloud following me around.

  Me: You may have to postpone your trip.

  I chewed my nails thinking about him being stuck in New Orleans during a hurricane. Would I know if he was okay? Visions of Hurricane Katrina filled my mind and made my stomach queasy.

  Kayden: I’m not staying in the city if a hurricane is coming. I’ll see if I can cancel my ticket. If one is going to hit, they’ll close down the office anyway.

  Me: When will you know about work?

  Kayden: By morning I’ll know what’s going on.

  But the storm track never wavered. Landfall would be near New Orleans. Kayden canceled his airplane ticket, deciding to drive to get out of the path and to see me since all business had been shut down.

  “I’m getting ready to leave now, babe.”

  “It’s already five here. You worked all day, and it’s a long drive. Are you going to be okay?” I asked.

  “I’ll be fine. I have a cooler filled with energy drinks, a bag of candy, and music to keep me awake. Knowing I’ll be with you in a couple of hours will keep me awake.”

  “Just drive slowly, for God’s sake. I’ll be here waiting. No need to rush.”

  “I’ll drive like I always do. I’ll be there in about nine hours.”

  “That’s what worries me. Be safe, love. I just want you in one piece,” I said, sighing into the phone.

  “I’ll text you in a little while and keep you updated on where I am. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Kayden.” I tapped the end button on my phone.

  I needed to keep myself busy while he drove. I knew he’d be careful, but the radar showed pockets of rain along the Gulf Coast, and it would be dark soon. I cleaned my bedroom, straightened up the house, and showered. His text messages were sparse, but each one gave me solace.

  Kayden: I just crossed the Florida line and stopped for gas.

  Me: Not much longer now. I’m tired. How are you going to stay awake?

  Kayden: I’m wide awake, babe. Knowing you’re my reward at the end keeps me awake. Lie down for a bit. I’ll text you when I’m close.

  Me: I’ll set my alarm in case I fall asleep. I want to be awake when you get here, but I’m reading right now.

  My eyes stung and grew heavy with each passing minute until I drifted off to sleep.

  I blinked a few times to clear the haze that formed on my contacts as I grabbed my phone. Fuck, my alarm never went off.

  Kayden: Forty miles away, paying a toll now.

  Me: Which station?

  Kayden: I have no idea. Just know I’m forty miles from you.

  My heart pounded in my chest. I had to get out of bed. I wanted to be outside when he pulled in. I brushed my teeth, covered the dark circles that had formed under my eyes and headed outside, book in hand.

  It was after one a.m., and stillness filled the air. The stars twinkled above as the moon illuminated my surroundings. Sitting on the front step, I opened my book, but I couldn’t process the words.

  A loud screeching echoed, and I turned my head to see what caused the vile noise as a white truck rounded the corner. My pulse went into overdrive as soon as I realized that Kayden was in that little white truck.

  The truck came to an abrupt stop in the street and he jumped out, and I ran down the driveway. I jumped into his arms, unable to hold back my excitement.

  His work uniform was dirty, his boots untied, and he smelled musky from a day of hard work in the sun.

  “Surprised you, didn’t I?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I said. A tear trickled down my cheek onto his shirt and relief flooded me knowing that he was safe.

  “I’m gross from working all day, baby doll.”

  “I don’t care. I’m just so happy you’re here safely.”

  “I need a shower before we crawl into bed,” he said, backing away from me.

  “Let’s get you cleaned up. You need rest,” I said.

  “One thing,” he said.

  His hands cupped my face as he kissed me. Not a passion-filled kiss, but one filled with love and relief.

  His lips pulled away from mine. “Let me grab my stuff,” he said.

  He pulled a small bag from the passenger seat before holding my hand and walking inside with me.

  I turned the shower on for him while he put his bag in my room, not wanting to waste a moment. While he showered, I undressed and crawled into bed. I heard the shower turn off, and my bedroom door opened. He crawled in next to me, and I instantly felt the warmth of his skin.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered to him as he hovered over my lips.

  “I’m happy to be here with you,” he replied and then kissed me passionately and with hunger.

  “I love you, Kayden,” I said to him as I melted into his arms.

  “I love you, too. Sweet dreams, beautiful,” Kayden said as he kissed the top of my head and stroked my arm lightly with his fingertips.

  I woke before Kayden, as I often did. I watched him for a minute before I rolled over, trying not to wake him. I put my robe on and grabbed my glasses. I started the coffee and pulled all of the ingredients out of the refrigerator for breakfast. I wanted to surprise him, and I knew he’d be starving when he woke up.

  Suzy emerged from her room when the scent of bacon and eggs drifted under her door. “Morning, Suzy,” I said cheerfully as I continued to prepare breakfast.

  “Kayden make it in okay? Although… I don’t really even have to ask since you’re so happy and cheerful this morning,” she said with a chuckle, rubbing her eyes and stretching in the living room.

  “Yeah, he finally made it in around one thirty,” I said to her as I moved around the kitchen, prepping the toast and pouring the orange juice. “Would you like to have breakfast with us, Suz?”

  “Really? That would be great. What do you want me to do to help?”

  Suzy finished the eggs while I went to wake Kayden.

  I opened the door and stood in the doorway for a moment. He slept peacefully, lying on his back with the blankets pulled up to his chin, holding a pillow in his arms. I sat down on the bed next to him and kissed his lips.

  “Good morning, handsome,” I said to him in a whisper just loud enough to wake him but not startle him. “Breakfast is ready.”

  “Mor
ning, baby. I thought I was dreaming for a minute. I was scared to open my eyes and not be in your bed,” he said as he reached out and stroked my cheek.

  “I’m here, baby. Not dreaming this time,” I said to him as I moved the covers off of his body to expose his naked flesh. “Come on, we can have breakfast before we decide what to do today.”

  He grabbed me, pulling me on top of him, and held me tightly against his hot flesh.

  “Stop, Kayden. If we fool around now, Suzy will ruin the breakfast,” I said to him while trying to get out of his grip.

  “It’s okay. Who needs food when I have you to eat?” Kayden said, kissing my neck.

  “Oh, you’re going to need your protein for what I’ve planned for you today, sweetie.”

  “Don’t say another word. What are we waiting for?” Kayden said to me as he pushed me gently off his body and sat up.

  “You’re too easy. Promise of sex and you’ll do anything,” I said to him while trying to sit up.

  “Only when it comes to you. I’m starving. I only ate junk food on the way here,” he said as he rose from the bed and gave me a full view of his body. He reached into his bag and pulled out a pair of shorts. He opened the door, walked out, and left me behind.

  I could hear him and Suzy chatting in the kitchen. Even though Kayden and Suzy had only spent a short period of time together in person, they both knew a lot about each other. Our time on Skype had helped us all form a bond. We sat at the table and talked. The chatter didn’t stop during breakfast, and we all cleaned the kitchen together.

  “What’s on tap for you two today?” Suzy asked, placing the last plate in the dishwasher.

  “Sophia said I needed my protein for whatever she has planned,” Kayden said with a grin on his face.

  “I’m keeping him locked up in my room all day. We aren’t leaving the bed unless we need to eat. I want him to relax, and I want him all to myself,” I said to Suzy while staring at Kayden.

  “Well, have fun. I have a ton to do today,” she said, walking into her room.

  I had rented some movies before he left New Orleans. He worked seven days a week and needed a couple days to recuperate.

  “What do you have up your sleeve?” he asked me with a look of intrigue in his eyes, following me into the bedroom.

  “I want to stay in bed and have you hold me all day. I rented some movies for us to watch. Oh, and make love, of course,” I said to him as I stripped off my clothes and climbed into bed.

  “Anything you want, baby doll,” he said as he stripped off his shorts and crawled in next to me.

  He made love to me, slowly grinding into me—face-to-face. I needed slow and sensual. It had been too long since I felt one with Kayden.

  We both drifted in and out of sleep the rest of the day. He was like a tranquilizer; I couldn’t stay awake snuggled in his arms.

  The day was going too fast for me, but it always did when Kayden and I were together.

  “Want to go grab something to eat?” I asked Kayden as I checked the time on my phone.

  “Sure, I’d love a good cheeseburger,” he said to me as he began to sit up.

  “There’s a place a couple of minutes away. They make great burgers,” I said, crawling off the bed.

  On the way to the restaurant, his phone began to ring.

  “Shit, it’s work. Should I answer it?” he asked.

  “You better see what they want,” I said, although I didn’t mean a word of it.

  “Hello,” he said.

  Kayden listened to the person on the other end before responding. “I just got here early this morning. Can’t it wait a day?” His eyes darted to mine.

  “Motherfucker,” I muttered to myself turning my head to look out the window.

  “But I had this weekend off before the storm,” Kayden said.

  “Fine,” he said. “I’ll leave in the morning.”

  He threw his phone down on the seat between his legs.

  “I’m sorry, baby doll.”

  “You were supposed to have the whole weekend,” I pouted.

  “My boss said the storm has passed, and everyone is needed to make repairs.” He ran his palm across his face. “He said he would make it up to me.”

  “It’s fucking unbelievable. You just got here.” Tears began to stream down my face.

  “I don’t have a choice. He said I have to come back,” Kayden said. “At least we’ve had some time together.”

  “I know, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I thought we had a couple more days together, at least. You drove so far to see me, and now you have to make the drive back already. I wanted you to have time to rest,” I said to him while trying to get the tears to stop falling.

  “Today has been great. It did more for me than you’ll ever know. I promise I will be back as soon as I can. It may be three weeks, though, but first chance I get, I’ll be on a plane to you,” he said, trying to seem upbeat.

  I couldn’t do anything but think about him leaving so soon. The mood had been ruined. We barely spoke at the restaurant, and he tried to soothe me with loving touches. As soon as we returned home, I wrapped myself around his body and tried to crawl inside him. I could never be close enough, and this time tomorrow, he would be back in New Orleans. He made love to me that night, and tears streaked down my cheeks the entire time.

  I slept horribly that night. Every time I woke up, I cried. My night had been restless and tortured. My eyes were puffy from tears, and I tried to prolong his departure. I didn’t want to say good-bye.

  When he drove away, I almost collapsed. When I knew he could no longer see me, I hunched over and sobbed. My tears fell onto the cement. To have him ripped from me in the blink of an eye was excruciating.

  22

  Kayden

  Absence Doesn’t Make the Heart Grow Fonder

  I didn’t want to leave her so soon. I knew in my heart I wouldn’t be able to make it back for at least thirty days, but I prayed I was wrong. It depended on the amount of destruction the city sustained during the storm. I’d driven over eighteen hours during the last couple days to see Sophia. Every moment of the drive was worth even the little time I was able to spend with her.

  When I entered the city, I could see the damage. Trees were knocked down, some neighborhoods had no electricity, street signs were blown away, and debris littered the roadways.

  It could have been so much worse. The city was breathing a sigh of relief. Many anticipated the storm to be so much worse, especially since it was on the exact anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I sent pictures to Sophia of everything I saw when I returned. We tried to Skype before we went to bed, but the internet connection was too sketchy due to the storm damage.

  I sent her a photo the next morning on my way to work. I snapped one of me leaving my apartment with a smile on my face. I wanted her to think I was all right, even though I was a mess inside. I wanted to make her smile when she opened her eyes this morning.

  When my phone dinged, I thought Sophia was awake and responding to my photo. I was wrong. Dead wrong.

  It was Lisa.

  Why couldn’t she just leave me alone? There was a no-contact order in place between us. She was able to contact me all she wanted, but I wasn’t supposed to respond. I ignored the message and went into my account and blocked her from sending further messages. I read her message before deleting it from my account.

  Lisa: I saw your picture of your new girlfriend on your timeline. She’s not your type.

  What a fucking bitch. I didn’t have a type. I loved them all. She must be watching me. Not a good sign for Sophia or me. She was destructive.

  Lisa: Where’s my money?

  I wanted to reply to her, but I’d promised Sophia I’d ignore any message she sent to me. When I stopped for gas, I blocked her on my account. Fuck her and her messages. Lisa was my past. Sophia was my future.

  Work kept me busy. I had to work the evening I returned home. The storm had damaged the city, but not in the way K
atrina had years ago. Trees were down, and roofing shingles blown about. The levees held, and the city didn’t flood. I immersed myself in my work, trying to keep my mind off the time I missed with Sophia.

  My phone chimed while I was collecting my supplies for my next install. I threw the shit in the truck, unable to wait to see what Sophia had said. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and looked at the screen.

  Tammy: You should know that I miss you.

  Tammy? I’d never been with a Tammy. Never fucked or dated one.

  Me: I don’t know you.

  Tammy: Not so much anymore.

  Me: I know that saying. What do you want, Lisa?

  She was persistent and sneaky. She had a fake account with a picture of a horse as the profile photo and a generic name. Unknowingly, I accepted her friend request a while back and never knew it.

  Tammy: I want to stop thinking about you all the time. You should know that I miss you. I want you back.

  Me: Look, we did what we did. But now I’ve found the perfect woman. Hopefully, you’ll find your perfect man someday.

  Tammy: I was always picking you up every time. Remember that, Kayden? I was always there for you. The past doesn’t matter. I want you back in my life. I love you.

  Me: You gave up on us long before I figured it out. You kicked me out and had me arrested. You fucked me in more ways than one.

  Tammy: Can’t we start over? I want you…only you.

  Me: I don’t want you, Lisa. I am in love with Sophia. Leave me alone, us alone. You tried to break us up once, and it didn’t work. What’s wrong, is your boyfriend not around? Is he not as passionate as I was?

  Tammy: You always did know just what to say to make me remember who you really are. Passionate maybe, compassionate never.

  Me: I should’ve never let you back into my life after having me arrested. You threw me out like a piece of trash. Can’t have your cake and eat it too. I’ve always been nothing but honest with you.

  Tammy: Never mind. It’s sad that you’re so mean now. Just remember, though, I love you and miss you.