Something Like Normal

by Monica James

  “Do you want me to?” he asks, never pushing.

  I would be a liar if I didn’t admit I have thought about how it would feel, especially with this barbell.

  “I’m… embarrassed,” I reply, mortified by my admission.

  “Don’t be. Don’t ever feel embarrassed around me, okay?” he says, kissing my chin softly.

  I nod.

  “We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I could kiss you all day, and that would be enough. Just being this way with you and you trusting me, is more than I could ever ask for.”

  His sentiment touches me, and I believe every single word he just said. But this is big. This is a big thing for someone who has never allowed another to get close to her, let alone get close to her with their… mouth. But I don’t know if I’ll ever get another opportunity like this, especially with someone like Quinn.

  What if I never feel this with anyone else ever again?

  So with that in mind, I sigh softly, “Okay.”

  Quinn raises his eyebrow, ensuring my response is in relation to his question of going down on me.

  I nod shyly, and he removes his hand from between my legs, placing both palms on my small hips. He unclasps my button and shimmies my skirt down my legs until it pools at my feet and I kick it onto the floor.

  Wow, really glad Tabitha talked me into buying this underwear set, as I’m wearing nothing else right now.

  Quinn takes his time examining my body, lingering on my flat belly, and then down to my black lacy underwear, which doesn’t cover a whole lot.

  My legs shift in nervousness, and also in excitement.

  Quinn rears back on his knees and reaches for the light switch behind him, shrouding the room in darkness. He is so considerate, knowing this will make me feel more comfortable in a shadowy room. But I want to see him, I want to watch him. So I reach toward the bedside table, and turn on the lamp, hoping Quinn won’t mind.

  He doesn’t.

  He skims his hands over my belly, his fingers circling my bellybutton and then he slowly hooks his thumbs into my underwear, slipping them down my legs. He places them onto the floor, and turns to gaze at my nakedness.

  “Holy fuck,” he whispers, his eyes remaining on my bare center.

  I feel so exposed, so vulnerable, but instead of sealing my legs, I shift them and part them slightly wider, liking the desire I can see in Quinn’s bright eyes.

  He doesn’t waste a moment longer as he settles between them, laying three velvety kisses up my inner thigh, before he licks my entrance in one wet, hot lick. My back bows off the bed and I don’t think I can come back down. I clutch at the bed sheets, fisting handfuls tightly as Quinn softly takes a hold of both my thighs, and with a firm grip, pushes them wider apart so he can gain access to every part of me.

  He is gentle at first, testing to see what I like, what makes me cry the loudest. But everything he does feels amazing, and I don’t want him to ever stop. I cry out each time he seeks shelter in me with his skillful tongue, the smooth metal piercing penetrating parts of me I never knew existed. This is like nothing I have ever experienced before.

  Plunging his tongue deep into me, his barbell circling around my core, I whimper and break out into a fine sheen of sweat, trying to calm myself down as I don’t want to come, not yet. I reach down, yanking onto his hair, needing something to grab onto when I ride my wave of pure ecstasy.

  The noises coming from Quinn’s mouth are beyond erotic, they are pure masculine and they are dominating. He enjoys the effect he’s having over me, and as he slips a finger into me, working alongside his tongue, I am so close I can taste it.

  He places his free hand under my lower back, arching me further into his mouth and licking me so deep, I feel wonderfully violated. He slips his finger out of me, and his big hand clasps my hip, angling me so I am shamefully riding his face.

  At this angle I can watch him, watch what he’s doing to my body, and even though I feel depraved doing so, I can’t tear my eyes away. I watch in awe as his pink tongue laps at me like I am his reason to exist.

  When the light catches off his barbell as he flicks over my core, I scream and detonate in a way I have never done so before. I’m coming so hard, but he won’t stop, he continues coaxing my body with his hands and mouth, and I throw my head back, eyes squeezed shut as I come again, my body shaking in immeasurable pleasure.

  My heart is galloping madly, and the aftershocks rock my body until Quinn lets me go, his wicked mouth stilling. He lays a tender kiss on the inside of my thigh before crawling up my body and kissing my temple. I am all floppy legs and arms, and I doubt I can move. Thankfully, Quinn places the soft blanket over me, and tucks me into his side, allowing my quivering muscles to relax.

  I am nearly asleep, sated in a way I never thought possible, when Quinn whispers, “Are you asleep?”

  I groan an incoherent reply, which earns me a chuckle from Quinn.

  “Are you happy to spend the night?” he asks.

  I nod as I doubt my legs are capable of walking right now.

  “Goodnight,” he says softly, and tucks me closer into him.

  “Goodnight,” I reply with a yawn, sleep about to take me over.

  Before I drift off, I am certain I hear Quinn whisper, “I’ll never let anyone hurt you. I promise.”

  And his words send me into the deepest sleep I have had in… forever.

  Chapter 28

  Worthwhile

  The next month we get Night Cats looking the best it has looked in some time. The fresh coat of paint has transformed the motel into a new dwelling, and even though we aren’t finished, Hank is busy. People driving along the highway don’t recognize it as being the rundown place it once was, and before long, Hank is booked out.

  The reason why we can afford all the supplies for Night Cats is because of Tabitha. Her family is more than rich, they are filthy rich, and Tabitha, who wants no part of their wealthy lifestyle, has used her allowance to fund everything. Quinn, Tristan, and I have contributed as much as we can, but Tabitha has taken charge, and I think she has found her calling.

  It makes me feel so good that I have been part of something like this, helping someone who has been there from the get go. My plans to visit my mom in Canada seem to be less and less important as I have found a bunch of people I consider family.

  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a holiday I never celebrated because I had no one to celebrate with. But this year is different. I have a group of people who want to share it with me. And one person in particular has insisted we go all out.

  “You better get some sleep, Red. Tomorrow you have a big day slaving in the kitchen, making me some turkey,” Quinn teases, while pulling me into his arms as I yawn, tucking the blanket around us while we watch Halloween.

  Tomorrow we’re having Thanksgiving lunch here, and I’m a little nervous as I have never cooked for a large group of people before. Well, it’ll only be the five of us, but still, that’s the biggest audience I’ve ever catered for.

  I pinch his nipple ring playfully, and Quinn half groans, half yelps. After the night he gave me amazing head, we have been fooling around, but it’s been quite tame. And I think that has got to do with Tristan, who is still in the dark about us.

  Whenever I question Quinn why, he still gives me the whole, ‘the time isn’t right’ speech, but I know he’s putting it off because he doesn’t want to hurt his brother. And by the way they interact with one another; I can see Quinn loves his brother dearly.

  I’m pretty certain Tristan knows something is up between Quinn and me, but I don’t think he wants to acknowledge it, as that would make it real.

  “Can you wake me up if I fall asleep?” I whisper, not wanting Tristan to hear us.

  I have slept over a few times, but all times have been unintentional because we’ve watched a movie and I’ve fallen asleep. And Quinn not having the heart to wake me, has let me sleep through. But when I wake, I sneak out in the early hours, not wa
nting to be caught by Tristan.

  All this sneaking around isn’t cool, but I have become addicted to Quinn, and the alternative of not seeing him is one I don’t think I can do. So for now, this will do.

  Quinn sighs, bundling me into his naked chest. “Yeah. This sneaking around sucks, and I’m sorry, it’s just…”

  But I silence him. “I know and it’s okay. Being with you… it makes it all worth it.”

  I pause, hoping I haven’t freaked him out with my over share.

  But Quinn exhales, and I feel his lips pass over my hair softly.

  “I feel the same, Red. You make everything worthwhile.”

  My heart somersaults with his confession, and I try not to grin from ear to ear, but my efforts are futile.

  Chapter 29

  Table of Misfits

  Looking at the ingredients spread out on the counter before me, I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Fortunately, Tabitha will be here soon, and she can help me because I have no idea where to start. I tie my wet hair back into a high ponytail and slip off my sweater, ready to get down to business.

  “Well, good morning to you, too,” Quinn says into my ear as he slips his hands around my waist.

  I squirm a little because I hate being openly affectionate with the risk of Tristan walking in at any moment.

  Quinn didn’t wake me up like he promised, so I ended up spending the night, and now I feel like a total ass. Thankfully I had a change of clothes in the truck so I could shower, and not have to slip out and risk being caught by Tristan.

  “He’s taken Lucky for a walk, we’re good,” Quinn says, reading my body language immediately.

  Instantly sagging in relief, I allow his lips to kiss up and down my neck, while I liquefy at the feeling of being in his arms.

  “I’ll tell him tonight,” Quinn says, laying a final kiss on the tip of my shoulder.

  I turn around quickly to face him, my eyes wide.

  “I don’t like you sneaking out of here, like some secret. It’s not fair on you, or Tristan. He’s going to hate me, but he’ll get over it,” he says, running a hand through his wet hair, as he’s just stepped out of the shower.

  I nod, and try to hide my smile, but fail. I’m elated he feels this way because I don’t want to be a secret, I have enough of them.

  “You know what this means though, right?” he asks with a grin.

  I shake my head, confused.

  “Means you’re stuck with me now,” he replies, attempting to sound playful, but I know he’s asking this to gauge my reaction.

  I shrug and take a step toward him, threading my finger through his belt loop and pulling him toward me.

  “That sounds horrible,” I mock. “I better take the first bus outta here.” I smirk, reaching up on tippy toes and kissing his lips softly.

  Quinn growls and pulls me into a tight embrace, deepening the kiss until my legs grow weak.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” he whispers in between kisses, biting my lip.

  I can’t form a response because deep down I know he’s right.

  I’m here to stay.

  ***

  The dining table is filled to capacity and I haven’t even set the turkey down yet.

  Tabitha turned out to be a wiz in the kitchen, and I’m not ashamed to admit I was more of an apprentice than head chef. But the meal set out before us looks amazing regardless of who prepared it, because it was prepared with love.

  The boys are seated around the table, talking about Night Cats and teasing Hank, saying he’ll be able to retire a millionaire in a few months’ time. Things are looking up for Hank. He may be only paying back a small dent in what he owes, but it’s a start.

  Tabitha and I come into the dining room, both smiling broadly. Tabitha is carrying a few extra side dishes, while my hands are filled with the huge turkey that smells delicious.

  Both Quinn and Tristan stand when they see me struggling, carrying the bird, offering to help, but I shrug them both off playfully. As I set the turkey down, I look at the table and it’s perfect. This is perfect.

  The best Thanksgiving ever.

  Tabitha and I sit, and of course Quinn has ensured I sit near him. Being near him and him being in my life has made everything seem okay. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this.

  Maybe I can live something like normal life.

  “Would it be okay to say grace?” Hank asks, looking around the table.

  We all nod, and this time, I believe it. This time it makes a difference to me, because whatever is up there, watching over me, has finally cut me some slack and given me a chance to be me.

  “Thank you for this meal we are about to eat. Sitting around this table with a bunch of people who have changed my life, I realize how grateful I am to be alive. After so many years of living in the dark, I have finally found the light. Amen,” Hank says, and I smile because I feel exactly the same way.

  Quinn has found my hand under the table, giving it a light squeeze, as I sit, staring, staring at a table filled with misfits. And me, the biggest misfit of all, has found a place I want to call home.

  ***

  I’m stuffed and we haven’t even had dessert yet.

  Tabitha is preparing coffee while I’m clearing the table. The boys are in the living room watching TV, and I can’t help but revel in this feeling of normality. Is this what it feels like? Because if so, I want in. Tabitha is humming to herself while preparing the coffee, staring out the window with a small smile on her face. Looks as though the feeling is mutual.

  I excuse myself as I need to use the bathroom, and climb the stairs with a skip in my step. I’m so happy, this feeling is one I have never felt before, and everything in my life is how it should be.

  Everything is perfect.

  Well, it was, until the doorbell chimes.

  I wonder who it is and poke my head around the corner, looking down the stairs to see who’s at the front door.

  I wish I didn’t, because it’s the police.

  I duck behind the wall, but peep around the corner, remaining unseen.

  “Can I help you?” Quinn asks casually, his hand braced against the doorframe as he addresses the police officer.

  My heart begins beating frantically and my palms begin to sweat, because I know the next few minutes are going to change my life forever.

  “Do you know a… Mia Lee?” the police officer asks, flipping through a small notebook.

  “Nope,” Quinn replies offhandedly.

  “Are you sure? We’ve had reports that she has been seen here and at Night Cats.”

  Fuck, how does he know?

  Tabitha answers my question.

  “Hello, Mr. Davidson,” she says, and I instantly recognize the surname as Brad’s.

  So this is what Brad meant by it only being the beginning. Serves me right for picking a fight with the Sheriff’s son.

  “Hello, Tabitha,” he replies. “So, you’re sure you haven’t seen this woman?” and he holds up a photo.

  It’s a photo of me.

  “Hey, that’s…”

  But Quinn cuts Tabitha off. “Nope, like I said, Sheriff, never seen her before in my life.”

  What’s he doing?

  “You do realize, son, with a reputation like yours, covering for someone who is wanted by the police will get you into a whole lotta trouble you can’t afford,” warns Sheriff Davidson.

  Quinn shrugs. “Well, isn’t it lucky that I don’t know her, then.”

  I can see Tabitha fidgeting nervously, and I feel horrible for putting her in such an awkward position.

  “What did she do?” Tabitha asks softly.

  This is it, the moment my lies finally catch up to me.

  “She has a rap sheet a mile long. But we need to speak to her about what she did to her father.”

  “What did she do to him?” Tabitha asks.

  “She shot him.”

  My heart actually drops into my stomach and I’m going to be sick. I cover
my mouth to hold in my lunch, but swallow it back down because I gotta do what I do best.

  I have to run.

  I tip-toe down the hallway as I hear Sheriff Davidson still talking to Quinn and Tabitha, which buys me a good ten minute head start. Slipping out of Quinn’s window and shimmying down the drainpipe, I thankfully drop to the ground without breaking a leg.

  My long legs have never run so fast, and I have no sense of where I am running to, I just know I have to get away from my past, which is biting at my heels.

  Chapter 30

  Loved Ones

  It’s now well past 2 a.m., and I’m hiding out in an abandoned home in the outskirts of town. The first car I could flag down I jumped into, and they took me as far as they were going. I didn’t care where that was, as long as it was away from the people I betrayed.

  No doubt by now the police are out looking for me. But that’s not what troubles me the most. It’s what my friends, my family think of me, now that they know the truth.

  I have switched my phone off; scared the police can trace me through it, but I also know that Tabitha and Tristan are blowing it up with endless phone calls and text messages.

  But it’s Quinn who I’m most afraid of. I can’t stand to see the hurt in his eyes now that he knows what I’m capable of.

  I have hurt each and every one of them, and for that, I deserve to be caught and punished. So I bravely switch it back on, waiting for the endless sea of messages to register on the screen.

  I receive nonstop texts from Tristan and Tabitha like expected, but nothing from Quinn, which is no surprise. I know he’ll never forgive me, and I never expected him to. But it still fucking hurts.

  There’s one voice message, and I decide to listen to it, but I wish I didn’t.

  “Child, come home. Whatever you did… it doesn’t matter. I know there’s a reason behind it, and we’re here for you. Don’t run, please, just come home.”