Touch Me

by Kayla C. Oliver

  “That was unfair!” I scolded him, but there was a satisfied smile on my face. It was the perfect way to start the day, and lazily I moved up the bed and ruffled the pillows behind me.

  “You’re never leaving the house without feeling like this,” Rhett said and I threw my arms around his neck and pulled him close to me. I liked to keep my cheek pressed against the hardness of his chest and hear his heart beating in my ear. It calmed me down.

  He had his arms around me too, and we sat like that for a few minutes, exchanging sweet nothings till I looked at the clock on the wall.

  “I really have to go, Rhett!” I said and quickly I swung my legs over my side of the bed before he could stop me.

  “You’re the boss. You don’t need to go this early. You should hire some more staff, Heidi,” I heard him say as I walked into the bathroom, grabbing a robe from the back of the door.

  “I don’t need more staff. Not yet,” I called out to him as I splashed my face with water.

  “You will if you open up your second branch,” he said and I stopped, turned and walked to the bathroom door.

  “What? A second branch? What made you think that I want to do that?” I asked him. My heart was beating fast because I knew for sure that I hadn’t told Rhett about it. I’d been thinking about it for the past few months but I hadn’t discussed it with him yet. Not till I had a proper plan for it. How did he always know what I was thinking?

  “It’s the logical next step, and you’ve turned over enough profit. It would be the right investment,” Rhett said. He was sitting up in bed with his legs crossed, completely naked in all his masculine glory. I couldn’t help but smile and shake my head. Even after all these months, I was amazed that I had found such an amazing man and the best partner I could have asked for in life.

  ***

  I was arranging the fresh batch of cupcakes on the window display of the café when I saw Martha walking in.

  “Hi, honey!” she said, greeting me with a wide smile and a hug before she sat down at one of the tables.

  “You look well. Were you out shopping?” I asked her, following her to the table. In the past eight months we had made space for six more tables and a few others outside under the awning. Business was booming and the place was always busy. This meant that Sophie was always in the kitchen, baking my recipes and Lucia and I were the only ones manning the floor. Rhett was probably right, I thought, I would probably have to hire some more staff for this café too.

  “No, I was craving a slice of your banana cake, so I thought I’d stop by,” Martha said and I laughed.

  “I’ll get some for you right away. I think there’s just one slice left, so you’re in luck,” I told her. “Coffee?” I asked and she nodded. I went away, spoke to a few customers, arranged for Martha’s order and returned to her table with the food.

  “Will you sit with me for a few minutes, honey?” she asked and I pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.

  “I needed the break anyway,” I told her and positioned my chin on an upturned palm and watched her as she mixed the cream and sugar in her coffee.

  “So, how are you?” she asked and I crinkled my brows at that question. Rhett and I had visited her place for dinner just four nights before.

  “I’m fine, Martha, how are you?” I said and she smiled at me. Her usual friendly, motherly smile. I was so grateful that Rhett had her in his life. Without a strong, giving mother like her…I didn’t even want to imagine what other trouble he could have gotten himself into.

  “I know you’re fine…but are you happy, dear? Is there anything that upsets you?” she pressed me and I looked at her inquisitively.

  “Are you asking about Rhett, Martha?” I said and she drew in a deep sigh. Then she reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  “He is a good boy. My Rhett. I know he can be difficult and stubborn, but he loves you a lot,” she said and I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

  “I know that, Martha. You don’t have to worry. He is a good man and I know how he feels about me. I feel the same way about him too,” I said and then I couldn’t stop the blushing of my cheeks because I had suddenly remembered the orgasm he had given me only a few hours before.

  “I can’t help but worry about him, dear. He’s found a good girl. You’re good for him. You’re both good for each other. As a mother, the only thing I can hope for are for my sons’ happiness. Cormac doesn’t tell me anything, but I’m glad that at least Rhett has brought you into my life,” Martha said and this time I reached for her hands.

  Ever since Rhett had told her everything about Massimo and the gang, I could see that she worried about him. She felt guilty too…probably blamed herself for being so blind to what was actually going on in her son’s life.

  “Martha, I’m not going anywhere. Like I said, you don’t have to worry about it. Rhett and I are happy and this is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life,” I said and Martha licked her lips, then I saw that she was trying to suppress a smile.

  “What is it?” I asked her and she shook her head and looked down at her coffee.

  “Is there something you want to tell me?” I asked her and she shook her head again.

  “No, nothing my dear. This is all I wanted to hear. I’m glad to know you’re happy,” she said and stirred her coffee before taking her first sip. I sat back in my chair and eyed her suspiciously. I had a feeling that there was something she wasn’t telling me.

  “Okay, I should go check on Sophie’s baking. Do you think you’ll be okay here?” I asked as I started standing up.

  “I’ll be fine, dear. Have a nice day and I’ll see you on Saturday,” she said and then giggled. I smiled but with crossed brows because I didn’t think I’d ever heard Martha giggle before.

  “And don’t try to sneakily pay Lucia for all this like last time. This is on me,” I said firmly and Martha smiled. I went into the kitchen, and I couldn’t stop thinking about everything Martha had just said. What had caused this sudden spark in her? Had something happened? I made a mental note to speak to Rhett about it over dinner.

  “How’s the meringue looking?” I asked Sophie. She was busy whipping egg whites into stiff peaks when I walked up behind her.

  “I don’t know how you do it, Heidi. My meringues will never be as shiny or stiff as yours and I’ve been practicing so hard!” Sophie said and she sounded really exasperated.

  “Here, let me show you again,” I said and took the electric mixer from her and the bowl of egg whites. Within minutes, I had gotten so involved in my work again that I had completely forgotten about Martha and the strange conversation we had.

  In a couple of hours it would be time to close shop, and I already couldn’t wait to see Rhett again. It was as though whenever he wasn’t with me, I felt incomplete…like I was only half a human.

  ***

  I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it was already past seven. The café was empty now and I was just done clearing up the kitchen and making it ready for the next day. I was slightly tired now, and longed for a cozy dinner at home. One of Charlie’s special comfort-food meals prepared and waiting for me when I got back. I couldn’t care less how much of a mess I looked.

  I washed my hands, tidied my hair and I was excited to go home and see Rhett again.

  When I stepped out of the kitchen, I screamed because in the café there were people. Rhett, Cormac, Hunter, Owen, Martha and Lucia. They were standing around in a circle and broke into laughter when they saw the frightened expression on my face.

  “What is going on?” I asked, with a hand on my heart. Rhett stepped towards me and had a wide smile on his face.

  “Sorry for scaring you, Heidi. I wanted to surprise you,” he said, coming up to me and I searched his eyes for an answer.

  “Surprise me why? What is happening?” I asked, but instead of replying Rhett fell to the floor on one knee.

  My hands rose up to cover my mouth. Everything came rushing into my head. I
was aware of everyone else’s smiling happy faces turned to me. Now I knew why Martha had that strange conversation with me in the afternoon.

  Rhett was on one knee, looking up at me and I saw his hand slide into the pocket of his jeans. I stared at him, wide-eyed while he extracted a small, blue velvet box and carefully sprung it open before me. He was holding up the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever personally laid eyes on. It sparkled bright and the platinum band was dotted with smaller diamonds.

  “Heidi Mary McNeil,” Rhett said, after he had taken in a deep breath. He never used my middle name, and my heart raced even faster. I could barely remain standing on my two feet.

  “I know this has been a rollercoaster ride for us, but I’m glad we found a way of being together. These past eight months have been the happiest of my life and it is all because of you. I want to spend the rest of my life waking up beside you. I want to live the rest of my days with the smell of freshly baked bread in my house. I want to go to sleep with the sound of your voice in my ears, Heidi. I want to grow old with you. I want you to be the mother of my children…I,” Rhett had more things in my mind that he wanted to say, but I interrupted him. I couldn’t contain it any longer.

  “Yes! Rhett! I’ll marry you. Today, tonight. I’ll marry you!” I was squealing, and Rhett stood up, grabbing me swiftly by my waist and pulling me to himself.

  The others were clapping behind him as he slipped the ring into my finger and we kissed. It was a deep, smooth kiss that told me that he had meant every word he had just said.

  “Thank you for being there for me, Heidi,” he whispered in my ear when I drew away. We were hugging tightly, allowing our bodies to sink into each other. I felt tears collecting in the corners of my eyes. Happy tears. The kind that had rarely made an appearance in my life before I met Rhett. Nowadays I could cry every day from joy.

  “And thank you for being the man you are,” I said to him softly and he kissed my cheek gently again.

  “Congratulations!” Martha was the one who said it excitedly. She was clapping her hands and beaming at us. I broke away from Rhett and walked over to her and she embraced me in a tight hug.

  “Were you worried that I’d say no?” I asked her and she blushed and bit down on her lip.

  “I was hoping you wouldn’t. I wanted you to be my daughter-in-law so badly,” she said and I laughed.

  “Congratulations, Heidi, or should I call you sis?” It was Cormac who had come over to us and now pulled me in for one of his bone-crushing, bear hugs.

  “Heidi is fine and thank you,” I said, embracing him.

  “Oh my God! Heidi!” Lucia screeched when I went over to her for a hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she said and I could see genuine tears in her eyes. I patted her back and smiled.

  “Thank you Lucia. I’m so lucky to have you in my life as a colleague and friend,” I told her and then turned my attention to the two handsome men standing at the side, beaming at me.

  “Heidi!” Hunter said and then pulled me in for a hug. Owen shook my hand and I laughed.

  “Take care of him, will ya?” Hunter added and I found my way back into Rhett’s arms.

  I didn’t ever want to let go. I didn’t ever want to spend a day away from him.

  “We have to set the date! Find a venue. Do you want to do it here? Or we could think of a destination wedding,” Martha was saying.

  “Mom, relax. Let it all sink in first,” Rhett scolded her and then looked down at me. We were smiling at each other. This was what happiness was supposed to feel like. I had tasted it now and I wasn’t ever going to let it get away. I was going to have Rhett for life now.

  “Are you happy, Heidi?” he asked me, his voice falling low so that the others wouldn’t hear. They were all distracted already, discussing wedding plans without us. Rhett’s blue eyes were searching mine. It was a genuine question and I was about to give him the most honest answer I could think of.

  “With all my heart, Rhett,” I said to him and we hugged again. This was only the beginning of our life together and I couldn’t wait for the rest of it to start.

  Signing Him

  Kayla C. Oliver

  Chapter One

  Marnie

  The office looked like an auditor’s in tax season. Papers were strewn across the desktop in what equated to confetti. Lights lined the creases in the wall where the roof met the walls, but I didn’t like using them. They were hollowed tubes of personality-lacking fluorescence. That was why I had a desk lamp, the kind that bent over the desk and had a green cover over the top, so that it illuminated only the length of the desk, not the person hunching over it. That would be me, Marnie McKenna. I had seen it when I was a kid at the public library, and after that, I was desperate to have my own.

  Some dreams do come true, I thought wryly as I propped my feet up on my cluttered desk. I crossed my ankles, pulling the heel of my right foot slightly off so that I could bounce it lightly by the tip of my toe.

  I wound the cord around my finger as I lounged back in my chair. Yes, I had an old phone. The kind with the curly cords that stretched and tangled as I walked around the office until I looked like I was a Christmas tree half-decorated. The cradle and the receiver were both designed to look old-timey. It wasn’t so far as rotary; I made too many calls to fuss with waiting for the damn wheel to spin back so I could dial again. But it looked fancy. All black with golden edges and sleek lines.

  Sexy, I thought.

  “I feel like they want to change the entire story!” Cathleen Darling burst out, her voice nasally and high-pitched over the phone. “Like I, the fucking author, have no creative freedom to speak of!”

  I nodded, though of course she couldn’t see me, and let her rant while I went over several options in my head. Cathleen Darling was an author. I was her editor. Officially, all my edits and revision suggestions went to the higher-ups, meaning sexy Dorian Desmond, but it was pretty rare that anyone said shit about my work. I was a badass editor, but more importantly, I was good with the clients.

  Desmond sent me the toughest clients, the biggest pains in the ass, and a workload that would’ve had most quitting by Christmas of their first year—or at least drowning their sorrows in a bottle of the good stuff.

  But not me. I was focused and a real brownnoser—in the best sense of the word. I knew how to please people and how to back them into a corner, fight or flight, and get what needed to be done. It was a gift I’d had since about third grade, when I shoved little Billy into the sand for picking on Court. At the time, it had gotten me into a lot of trouble with the teachers, parents, principals, everyone.

  Now, it served me well.

  “—signed a damn contract, but I’ll take my business elsewhere if they think they can just bully me like this,” Cathleen continued her rant.

  I imagined her puffing up like a little rooster trying to pick a fight. I snorted before I could help it and had to quickly turn it into a cough before Cathleen caught on that I was snickering at her. “Ahem. Sorry,” I apologized, then dove into my job—smoothing over difficult clients. “You know that I would never suggest anything to you that I didn’t think would do wonders for your already brilliant story.”

  Cathleen paused. I imagined her pouting, her lower lip fat and her arms crossed. “Don’t think you can appease me with flattery,” she told me indignantly. “I’m an author. I have principles.”

  I rolled my eyes. Principles, yeah, right. You’d sell out if I gave you a goddamn turkey sandwich. “Of course you do, Cathy, sweetheart,” I told her in my sweetest voice. “That’s why we love you; that’s why you’re such a great author. You have power in your words, and I would never want to lose that.”

  “Then why did you cut my baby to ribbons!”

  I covered the mouthpiece of my phone so she wouldn’t hear my sigh of frustration. Cathleen did this every damn time I sent her manuscript back. She was the kind of author that thought her words were seamless, perfect, in need of absolutely zero editin
g to speak of. And every time she sent me something, I had to fix every little grammar mistake, cross out the shit that didn’t make sense, and point out the major plot holes or inconsistencies. For my trouble, I then got a phone call from her telling me that I’d destroyed her “baby.”

  She’d had about ten “babies” at this point, nine of them best sellers, and this one likely would be, too—if I could convince her to let me help her.

  “Cathy. Stop,” I ordered in a soothing but firm tone. It was all about tone with authors. “You know I love your book. I’ve loved all of them, that’s why I’m sticking with you, you know that.”

  That was a small, white lie. The truth was, Dorian had specifically assigned Cathy to me because she was a problem client and I dealt with problems. Go me.

  “But sometimes the world isn’t ready for genius,” I continued, leaning back a little farther in my plush chair. “Sometimes, you have to ease people into what they aren’t ready for. Think Vonnegut. Think Kafka. Hell, even Hemingway was misunderstood during his lifetime.”

  “You’re saying I should wait until I’m dead to be appreciated?” Cathleen deadpanned.

  I smiled, showing teeth. “No. I’m saying you should wait until you’re dead to be understood. To be appreciated, you should listen to what I’m saying. You’re brilliant. I’m just making that brilliance accessible to the general population. I’m getting your words out there in a way that the rest of the world can understand, because you just can’t expect the masses to understand brilliance.”

  There was a long pause over the phone, pure silence coming through. I wondered briefly if I’d laid it on a little too thick. The fact was, Cathleen was incredibly intelligent, but she wasn’t an easy read. If I left her manuscript completely alone, she would have to wait until she was dead to be appreciated. Why? Because everyone wanted brain popcorn, light fluff that was easy to process and addicting as hell. You didn’t get that with the complicated shit.

  Finally, Cathleen said, “Well. I guess you haven’t changed that much.”