Antecedent

by DL Gallie

  “Because you feel it too, don’t you? This pull. This connection. It’s like we are the missing half of the other.”

  Nodding my head in agreement, I whisper, “Yes.”

  He leans across the table toward me. I lean forward to him. Our lips meet. My tongue seeks access to his mouth and he lets me in. Our tongues dance erotically together. All the air in my lungs gets sucked into this kiss; this wonderful, amazing, make you weak at the knees kiss. It’s soft. It’s slow. It’s sensual. It’s so different to the one earlier, that kiss was rough and hungry.

  Breaking the kiss, I lean back into my seat and stare across the table at him. My lips curl up in a smile, my eyes bright and my heart racing faster than ever before. What is this man doing to me? I think to myself, as I grab my drink and take a sip.

  “So, tell me about yourself, Nathaniel.”

  “How did you know my full name was Nathaniel?”

  Hesitantly I stare at him. “I, umm, ahh, I didn’t know. I just presumed and it was obviously a lucky guess.”

  “Yeah, let’s go with that,” he replies with a wink. I feel that wink deep in my soul and a feeling of déjà vu washes over me; I swear I’ve seen that wink before. “Anyway, I’m your average guy. I work in construction; I’m currently working in Lower Manhattan on a building called the World Trade Center. I started just after they broke ground back in ’66, and I’ve been there ever since. It’s hard going but I love it.” He takes a sip of my lemonade, and I intensely watch as his tongue darts out and swipes his bottom lip. Who knew licking a lip could be so erotic? “And what do you do?”

  “I work in our family bar, Beckett’s. It’s been in our family for two generations now. When Daddy passes it will be handed down to me, since I’m an only child.”

  “I don’t think I have ever drank there.”

  I clutch my chest and feign shock. “Well, we cannot have that. You will have to come by this week. Grandmother makes the best shepherd’s pie around.”

  “Well then, I must stop by this week sometime.” He winks at me, and again I feel it radiate throughout my body. Lifting my lemonade to my lips, I drink and stare at the man across from me. Even though I have only just met him, I feel like I have known him since the beginning of time. Never have I had a connection to someone like I do with Nate, and we seem to know things about each other that we shouldn’t, considering we only met today.

  We fall into easy conversation and before we know it, the sun is starting to set. “I guess I better go find my friends.” I pause. “Do you want to come with me?”

  “I’d love to, Bailey, but I need to meet up with my friend, Archie. He’s probably wondering where I am. And I guess your friends are too.”

  “Yeah, I understand.” I deflate at his reply, my shoulders sag.

  “Bai, I would love to meet up with you again. Maybe we can meet back here in a few hours? Say when Credence comes on?”

  Immediately I smile. “I’d really like that, Nate.” Standing up, I walk around the table and sit down on Nate’s knee. I drape my arms over his shoulders, lower my lips to his, and I kiss him. Never have I been so bold before, but Nate brings out a side of me that I like. He wraps his arms around my waist and deepens our kiss.

  Everything around me fades away. I just focus on Nate and this kiss. He brazenly slides his hand up under my shirt and squeezes my boob. Normally I’d smack the hand away, but not this time. I run my fingers up into his hair and I gently tug on the strands. We both lose ourselves in the kiss. I hold him tighter to me, my breasts squishing into his chest. His hand is now squashed between us, but he somehow manages to pinch my nipple, and this sends shockwaves straight between my legs. I clench my thighs together and moan into his mouth.

  Pulling back, I rest my forehead against his. “Nate, we need to stop this before I straddle your legs and do something that should not be done in public.”

  “Reluctantly, I agree, but I would like to try that scenario out at a later date.” He winks at me as I hop off his lap and we both stand up. We stare at one another as Nate reaches for my hands. He laces our fingers together and we face each other, holding hands; my cheeks are flushed, and once again my heart is racing like a racehorse. “But I will say, that was the best freakin’ kiss of my life. Bailey, I—”

  “Nate, there you are.” The moment is interrupted when his friend walks up to us. “I just saw Clayton and he looks pissed off, I know you did something.” He doesn’t see me. “Dude, what—” He finally notices me, then looks back to Nate, “Yep, now I get it.” He turns his attention back to me. “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am, I’m Archibald Calhoun, but my friends call me Archie.”

  “I’m Bailey. Call me ma’am again, Archie, and we won’t be friends anymore.”

  He looks to Nate. “I like the sass on this one.” He turns his attention back to me and with a cheeky grin adds, “When you get sick of this mug, come find me.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” I glance to Nate, before adding, “But I think I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

  “Your loss. Anyways, dude, what’s up with Clayton?”

  “Are you talking about William?” I question Archie.

  “You know him?” Archie probes.

  Nodding my head, I reply, “Yep, I live with his sister.”

  “That explains everything then.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Before Archie can reply, Nate interrupts, “Ignore him, I do.” He tries to subtly eye Archie to be quiet, but I notice. “He clearly got too much sun today. Bai, how about you go find your friends, and we can meet up later like we agreed to?”

  Staring at Nate, I nod my head. I’m unsure of this change in him, but I do want to find Wendy and Nancy I need to discuss: A. Nate, and B. Find out the history between him and William. “Yeah, okay. I’ll catch up with you here later when Credence is on.”

  Stepping toward him, I place my lips on his cheek. I linger a little longer than necessary, but I can’t seem to help myself when it comes to touching Nate. When I pull back, I nod at Archie and walk away. With each step I take, I can feel Nate’s eyes boring into me. I find myself smiling, I cannot believe how today has turned out.

  CHAPTER 14

  BAILEY

  Walking away from Nate, I’m in a daze. I’m sitting on cloud nine and I could not be happier. The air around me is electric and I’m not referring to the concert, I’m referring to the buzz I have from being with Nate. Don’t get me wrong; everyone at Woodstock is having a great time too.

  I’m not sure who is playing on stage at the moment, but everyone is grooving away and I eventually find Wendy, Nancy, William, and Storm. The four of them are swaying to the music, enjoying themselves. Nancy and Wendy have their arms wrapped around each other and that makes me smile. I’m so happy they decided to act on their feelings. If any two people should, and deserve to be together, it’s them.

  “Hey hey, party people!” I yell when I’m in earshot. My arms swinging above my head, my hips swaying to the beat of the music.

  “You took your time,” Wendy says, but when her eyes land on mine, she grins at me. “So, how was the drink? You are looking mighty refreshed.”

  William growls at Wendy’s statement, this causes us to look at him inquisitively and immediately I remember his warning about Nate. It pisses me off, so I say to Wendy, “I kinda met someone.” This garners another growl from William. Staring at William I add, “He and I are going to meet up again later.”

  “Do tell?” Nancy excitedly asks, pushing William to the side.

  “Well, his name is Nate. He’s ohh so dreamy. Like Jim Morrison hot.”

  “So he lights your fire?”

  Nodding my head in agreement, I grin. “Actually, I saw him when we first arrived, but he disappeared and then POOF he appeared. I can’t explain it, but I’m drawn to him like a moth to a flame.” I gaze to the sky and grin. “I can’t wait to see him again.”

  “Bailey and Nate sitting in a tree,” Wendy starts
to sing, and then Wendy joins in, “K. I. S. S. I. N. G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes—”

  “You two can’t sing for shit.” William points to the stage. “Shut up and let the professionals do it,” he snarls.

  Wendy, Nancy, and I exchange a ‘what the hell’ look and shrug our shoulders.

  “Well, I’m happy for you,” Nancy says. “Everyone needs to find that special someone.” She says that end part while staring lovingly at Wendy; seeing them finally happy together gives me hope that I will find happiness like that too…and I think I have.

  “Yeah, we all do,” I say, nudging her shoulder and happily winking at her. “Let’s dance,” I suggest, and the three of us let the beat of the music overtake our bodies once again.

  This is the most amazing festival I have ever been to. I’m standing next to Storm when the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and I know he’s behind me. Spinning around, I see Nate and Archie walking toward me. A force beyond my control engulfs me and I run to him. When I’m close, I launch myself in the air. He opens his arms and catches me. I wrap my legs around his waist and I throw my arms over his shoulders. I slam my lips into his and press myself into him. He pauses for a moment, and then he’s kissing me back.

  From behind me, I can hear Wendy, Nancy, and Storm hollering and a growl, which I’m going to guess is William, but I’m not giving in to him. He can suck it up and deal with it. Lowering myself down with a smile, I murmur, “Hi.”

  “Hi, feel free to greet me that way anytime.”

  “Duly noted. Come meet my friends.”

  “I’d love to.”

  We lace our fingers together and make our way over to them. “Guys, this is Nate. Nate, this is Wendy, Nancy, Storm, and William.”

  William grunts and stomps away.

  Storm outstretches his hand to Nate. “Nice to see you again, Winters.”

  “You too, Storm. You still working for what’s-his-face?”

  “If you mean, Jenson, then nah. I’ve gone into the family business.”

  “You, Storm Johnson, are a banker? Like in an office? Suit everyday banker?”

  “Yep. The old man persuaded me to follow in his footsteps.”

  “And?”

  “It’s fucking awesome. Who knew?” He pauses before sternly adding, “Now, you take care of Bailey here, or I will be forced to kick your ass.” Nate laughs and nods his silent agreement that he will not hurt me.

  From behind him, William spits, “How about we just kick his ass anyway?”

  “What is your problem, Willy?” Wendy snaps at him.

  “He is.” He turns to me and through clenched teeth snarls, “You are too good for him, Bailey, and when he breaks your heart and stomps on it, I’ll be the first to say I told you so.” He turns to Nate then. Stepping into his personal space, he spits in his face, “You break her heart and I will end you.”

  Stepping between them, I raise my hands in warning. “That’s enough, William. I think you need to leave. We are here to have fun and you are currently being a Debbie Downer. Unless you want to have fun, with ALL of us, I suggest you leave.”

  “I don’t have to put up with this bullshit, I’m outta here.” He storms off, leaving the six of us stunned.

  Archie says, “I see he’s still a jerk.”

  “I think you mean asshole,” Storm replies.

  “He’s your best friend,” Wendy reminds.

  “Clearly I need my head checked. Look, let’s forget all this shit and have a blast. We are at Wood-fucking-stock. Let’s party like we’ve never partied before.”

  A chorus of, “WooHoo,” “Yeah,” and whistles erupts, and we all turn our attention back to the stage and forget all about William and his meltdown.

  Nate comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. Pulling me into his chest. Leaning back, I rest my head on his shoulder, close my eyes, and I lose myself to the music and the calmness that is Nate’s embrace. We gently sway together, and in this moment, I have never been more content or happy in my entire life.

  Nate leans down to my ear and whispers, “Wanna go for a walk with me?”

  Opening my eyes, I turn my head to look at him. I gaze into his eyes and breathlessly whisper, “Yes.”

  Nate spins me around and we continue to stare at one another. “I’m so glad I met you here today, Bailey. I feel like I’ve found the missing piece in my life. Who knew I was missing a sexy blonde-haired siren?”

  “Ohh stop,” I say, playfully whacking him in chest. “I’m just going to tell Nancy and Wendy that we are going for a walk.” Spinning back around, I walk over to the girls. “Hey, I’m just going to go for a walk with Nate.”

  “A walk, is that what they are calling it these days?” Nancy jokes.

  “Hardy-har-har…and yes, that’s what I’m going to call it.” I notice Wendy is quiet. “You okay, chickie?”

  “Yeah, no, not really. I’m just angry with William. He hates everyone at the moment. I want the happy Willy from our childhood back.”

  “Yeah, he has changed recently. Do you know the story between him and Nate?”

  “Not in full, but they’ve hated each other for such a long time now. I don’t think they even know why they hate each other.”

  “Boys,” I mutter.

  “Hence, why I like girls,” she says on a laugh.

  “Yeah, you do,” I tease, but I notice she’s still sad. “Forget about him and have fun. Today is the start of your next adventure. Don’t let your brother, or anyone for that matter, ruin it.”

  “You are right.”

  “Of course I am,” I declare, but I can tell that she is still thinking about William. “Look, William is William and underneath all his jerkiness he loves you to the moon and back, just remember that.”

  “I’m trying, but the way he spoke to Nate and you, that was horrible. For the first time in my life, I was ashamed to call him my brother. I’m so sorry he spoke to you like that.”

  “Do not apologize for him, Wendy. He’s big enough and ugly enough to do that himself, once he pulls his head out of his ass. Now, I’m going to go for a walk with Nate, and you are going to turn around and have an absolute blast with your girlfriend.” I smile and add, “You two have fun, now go.”

  “Love you, Bailey,” Wendy says, as she pulls me in for a hug.

  “Love you too, Wendy.” Looking to Nancy, I say, “You too, babe. I’m sooo happy you two finally decided to give it a go.”

  Wendy pulls away and puts her hand out to Nancy; she immediately takes it, lifts it to her lips for a sweet kiss, and whispers. “Me too.”

  “Go have fun,” Nancy says. “I’ll look after her.” She pulls Wendy away from me and the two of them embrace. I can see the love they have for one another pouring out.

  Turning around, I walk over to Nate. “Where’s Archie?”

  He shrugs his shoulders and laces our fingers together. We walk off, leaving the two lovebirds happily together.

  With each step that we take, my heart rate speeds up. I’m nervous and excited at the same time. I can’t wait to see where the night heads.

  CHAPTER 15

  BAILEY

  We walk around for a little while before we decide to head to Nate’s car for a rest. He lays out a picnic blanket next to his car. We lie down next to one another and silently stare up at the night sky. A band I have never heard of is on stage, and the music is playing softly around us. It’s very mellow, and I could quite easily fall asleep, but right now sleep is the last thing I want.

  Sitting up, I cross my legs and stare down at Nate. His eyes are closed. His hands are resting beneath his head. The muscles in his arms are defined, I guess that happens when you work in construction. My eyes rake over him from head to toe and back up again. “Are you staring at me?” he huskily asks.

  “Maybe,” I say. Leaning down I place a gentle kiss on his lips. He pulls his arms from behind his head, cups my cheeks, and holds me to him. My eyes drift closed and
once again I lose myself in Nate and our kiss. When I open my eyes again, Nate is staring up at me. Pulling back, I sit up. Nate does the same and we sit facing one another.

  “What are you doing to me, Bailey Beckett? I’ve never felt more alive in my life, and I never want to let you go.”

  “I agree wholeheartedly with that statement. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like we are connected and we are meant to be. Nothing and no one will get in our way. Nothing.”

  “Bai—” I don’t let him finish, I have more to say. Grabbing his hand I place it on my chest, over my heart, and hold it tightly. My other hand, I place over his, and he lifts his hand and cups mine. “You have my heart, Nate, you and only you. No one else. You are it for me. I love you, Nathaniel “Nate” Winters. Now and forever.” Leaning forward, I gently place my lips against his and close my eyes. As our lips press together, a feeling washes over me; it’s like we have done and said this a thousand times before.

  He pulls his hands free, grips my cheeks tightly, and deepens the kiss. This kiss is everything. This kiss is now the best of my life. Our lips fuse tightly together. Gently nipping his lip, I pull back and rest my forehead against his and we stare at one another. The silence is broken when Nate whispers, “I love you too, Bailey. It feels like I’ve loved you since before I saw you walk through the gates yesterday.” He swallows. “I feel like I know you, but it’s not from now. It’s hard to explain it.”

  “I feel it too, Nate. It’s like our souls are entwined. We were destined to meet, and now that we have, I’m not ever letting you go. You are my antecedent love and I’ll never let go. Never.”

  Nate doesn’t say anything. He leans forward and kisses me. His tongue seeks access to my mouth and I willingly let him in. Kissing Nate is one of my favorite things to do. Leaning back, I fall to the blanket below and pull Nate with me. He hovers above my body, cocooning me in. Running my fingers up his neck into his hair, I gently tug and he moans into my mouth. I smile into our kiss and pull him closer to me.