Runaway Love

by Washington, Pamela

  Grace:

  OMG! They found you!!!

  I wait for a response, but nothing comes. Eventually I give up and grab my pillow to go to sleep. So much for hot and steamy phone sex!

  I feel a warm body against my back pulling me closer to a hard chest. I don’t want to wake up from my dream, but I can smell the nice scent of a man’s cologne that stimulates my desires. I feel kisses on my neck, and I moan a little.

  The only thing I can say is, “Mmmmm… I missed you. Thank you for coming back.” I snuggle back into the body, enjoying the warmth and comfort of Scott’s arms around me. Wait! What? How in the world did Scott get into my house? I never gave him a key! Fuck, I’m not dreaming, and this isn’t Scott! I jump up out of bed to see who the hell is lying next to me! I turn the table lamp on and see my husband’s brown eyes looking up at me. I let out a shaky breath, but my body is still trembling uncontrollably. The first irrational thought that crosses my mind is that I’m lucky I didn’t say Scott’s name. I really didn’t want to have another conversation about him tonight!

  “I guess you missed me more than I thought,” I say with a nervous laugh. I turn the light off and crawl back into bed to give Tony a kiss.

  “Yeah, of course I did! I couldn’t stay away from your incredibly sexy body any longer! Listen, I’m sorry I startled you, but who else could I have been?”

  “Oh, so it’s just my body that you missed?” I tease, ignoring the rest of his comment.

  “Of course not, baby. I missed you, and I missed being with you. You are my whole world, Grace,” Tony’s voice begins to slur as he falls asleep. I give him a kiss and snuggle back into his arms as I try to find sleep again, too.

  I get up when my alarm rings and immediately grab my phone to take it with me to the bathroom. I send a text to Scott telling him I won’t be able to see him today because Tony came home early. I walk out of the bathroom and see my husband sleeping so peacefully in the bed. I grab my robe and get Scottie ready for the day.

  I notice I’ve missed several calls from Scott while I’m heading back home after dropping Scottie off at school. Something must be wrong, but what? I don’t bother listening to his voicemail; instead, I call him right away. I’m taken aback when he answers with no pleasantries; he gets right down to business.

  “Grace, I need to speak to you right away. It’s important.” The urgency in his voice speaks volumes.

  “You’re going to have to talk now because I’m on my way back home, and I’m pretty sure Tony will still be there.”

  “Well…” Scott coughs into the phone but says nothing else.

  “Well, what, Scott? Spit it out! I’m almost home!” I guess I’m a little on edge right now.

  “Maxine is coming here,” he quietly slips out.

  “SHE’S WHAT? What about me? You came to New York to spend time with me, not her!” I’m taken aback by the intensity of my reaction. Sure, I’m pissed that she’s coming here, but why should I be if they’re just friends? Why is she even coming here? What’s really going on between the two of them? I need answers, lots of answers.

  “Grace, I did come here for you! You know that. She’s only coming because the press is reporting that I’m here frolicking with a beautiful red head.”

  “I could’ve given you a heads up about the leak to the press last night if you would’ve responded to my texts. What were you doing that you were too busy to text me back?”

  “I wasn’t with Maxine, if that’s what you’re trying to insinuate. She’s just a friend. I fell asleep because I haven’t gotten much rest thinking about you, dreaming about what I want to do with you…”

  “Don’t try and flatter me, Scott Peters! And don’t try to change the subject! ‘Friends’ don’t fly half-way around the world because of a story in some gossip magazines! There’s obviously so much more between the two of you that you aren’t telling me! You know what? No. Forget it. I’m done with this. Whatever, or whoever, you do is your business. I’m home now, and I’m going in to relax with my husband who’s always here for me, even when he’s tired. Besides, at least I know I’m the only woman in his life!” I hang up the phone without saying goodbye. What’s wrong with me? I can’t have Scott anyway, so why am I acting like a crazed, jealous teenager?

  I check myself in the car mirror before I head into the house. I don’t want Tony to even suspect there’s anything bothering me.

  “Well, doesn’t my sexy wife look good enough to eat?” Tony greets me as I open the door. He puts his coffee mug down and turns the television off before giving my body his full attention. After he checks me out from head to toe, he gives me a sexy smile that lets me know what’s on his mind. I can’t help but smile back at him. No matter what terribleness is going on in my mind, Tony always helps me to feel better. Besides, I want something from him, so I need to butter him up a little.

  “I don’t know what brought my husband back home so early, but I’m so happy you’re here! Is there anything special you want to do today?” I ask coyly. I sit down next to him and start running my fingers up and down his arm. It’s having the desired effect as Tony’s eyes begin to glaze over and his breathing deepens.

  “Oh, I think I could come up with a couple activities… I do need to make up for some lost time…” He leans in to kiss me, but I pull back in what I hope seems like a playful manner. I can’t handle anything with Tony right now – it wouldn’t be fair to him with Scott on my mind. I just need to get out of this house and do something fun.

  “Yes, you do have some making up to do, and I know just how you’re going to do it! You, my dear, are taking me shopping to buy something pretty and sexy at the mall!” Tony’s expression goes from disappointed to loving in a second. He never tells me when I disappoint him, and he never tells me no when I want something. I feel a little guilty, but I really need a new outfit to make sure Scott forgets all about Maxine-what’s-her-face.

  “Ha ha. Don’t you like to be spoiled!” Yes, my husband knows me so well! Rather, he knows what I want him to know!

  “Of course! But only because I know how much my husband enjoys it! If you’re good, I just might buy you something, too.” We laugh as he slaps my ass when I get up to get ready.

  “It’s such a nice day, how about we take the bike? I might feel extra generous after I’ve had your arms wrapped tightly around me…” Tony says with a wink. It’s my turn to smack his fine ass as he hands me my helmet and jacket. I love the carefree, yet dangerous, feeling that comes over me whenever I ride Tony’s motorcycle. It’s a high that I just can’t explain, and I love it!

  When we pull up to the mall, we notice a lot of reporters rushing to get inside.

  “Hmm…I wonder what’s going on,” Tony muses as he grabs my hand to walk into the mall. My eyes follow the direction the reporters are heading in and that’s when I lock gazes with a pair of hazel eyes that I would know anywhere. As the reporters clamor around him and take pictures, I notice a beautiful blonde hanging intimately onto his arm while carrying some designer bags. Maxine! So much for just being a friend! I don’t realize I’ve stopped walking until I feel Tony tugging at my hand. I ignore him. All I can do is glare at Scott; my heart hardens when he walks past me looking crushed and defeated with Maxine still at his side. I turn around to see if he’d turn around and look back at me, but he doesn’t. He has made his choice very obvious to me.

  “Gracie? Gracie, hello?” Tony shakes me, looking concerned. “Really, Grace! You act as if you’ve never seen a celebrity before!” I shake my head so Tony doesn’t notice my true feelings.

  “Well, maybe if we didn’t live in such a small place, I would see more celebrities and know how to act around them!” I say with false cheeriness as I bury my feelings back where they belong. We end up just buying a few things for Scottie; I’m no longer in the mood to find a fabulous new outfit. What’s the point? When we return home, I make an excuse to go upstairs so I can get my thoughts together. I must’ve dozed off because I barely hea
rd Tony saying he was heading out to get Scottie from karate before the door closed.

  Knowing I’m alone, I grab my phone and text Scott asking him what hotel he’s staying at. He replies back right away that he’s staying at a nice, five-star bed and breakfast place and gives me the room number. I seriously need to talk to him. I get up and write a note to Tony telling him I forgot that I promised Kimberly that I would attend one of her book club meetings, and I’d be home later. I call a cab since I’m not in the right mind-frame to be driving and head straight to Scott’s hotel to settle whatever is going on between us.

  I walk to his suite and knock on the door. To my horror and surprise, Maxine opens the door.

  “Oh, hello. You must be the cute red head who has Scott ruining his career,” she snidely greets me as she gives me the most disdainful look her overly Botoxed face can handle. I look at Maxine and take in her blonde hair pulled in a tight bun, jeans and low cut shirt, and pearly white teeth. No wonder Scott is interested in her! She smiles condescendingly at me and slides out the door telling Scott, “I’ll be back later, hon!” I walk in and slam the door behind me.

  “WHAT THE FUCK IS HER PROBLEM, SCOTT?” I walk over to Scott who’s drinking whiskey. He looks up at me with sad hazel eyes and shrugs his shoulders. Why is he moody and drowning his sorrows in alcohol? I’m the only one who should be emotional!

  “What can I do for you, Grace?” The weariness in his voice catches me off-guard as I sit on the bed next to him. I watch him down his drink in a big gulp before pouring even more.

  “I’m here because I need to know what you want from me,” I respond, unsure of myself and my feelings. I don’t know if I’m ready to hear his response.

  “What do I want from YOU? What do you want from ME?” Scott’s eyes blaze like he’s about to lose control. I don’t care. We have to settle this once and for all. Now.

  I stand up and start pacing the floor. I look straight at him as I explain, again, through gritted teeth, “You left ME! You changed your last name so I couldn’t find you. I hated myself for so long because I thought you didn’t want me! You know what you did to me!”

  He stands up in an instant and places both his hands on my face to make sure I can’t look away from him. “Grace, I cried so much when I couldn’t see you. I was in England being a complete asshole. I desperately wanted to come back for you, but my contract was so fucked up at the time that I had to follow what they told me to do! I had to choose between you and my career! I obviously chose my damn career over the love of my life, and I’ve regretted that decision every day of my life! Look…” He releases his hold on me to lift up his shirt.

  I gasp as my eyes settle on the left side of his chest where there’s a tattoo. It’sa drawing I drew of my name with a heart dreamcatcher. I had given him my special drawing on his seventeenth birthday, right before he left Ms. Allen’s. I had wanted to give him a piece of myself to take with him so he’d never forget what he was coming back for. I reach my hands out and trace the tattoo like I’m in a trance. I look into his eyes and see such sadness behind all the tears that are falling down his face. I can’t believe he tattooed a piece of my heart onto his body!

  I kiss his lips and taste the whiskey he’s been drinking. His wet tongue enters my mouth so deeply and intensely that I start to moan from everything I’m feeling in his kiss. Scott’s assault on my mouth is rough with a little bit of passion, so different from Tony’s passionate gentle kisses. Oh no! Tony! I pull away quickly and walk away to look at myself in the mirror. I place my fingers on my lips, and Scott comes up behind me and starts kissing my neck. I feel the heat between us, the longing and desire. The need. I’ve always wanted to know how it would be to have sex with Scott, but can I really do this? Can I really betray my husband?

  “We don’t have to do this, Grace. I understand that you’re married.” I lock eyes with Scott, and I can see us like this forever. If only things were different! I turn out of Scott’s arms and sit on the bed. Scott kneels in front of me and slowly unbuttons my pants as I lie back on the bed. I shouldn’t be doing this, but I need it. I need the love from Scott that I so deeply miss. He was supposed to be my savior, not Tony. Maybe it’s time for me to give Scott the chance to prove he can be everything I need… I’m so involved in the conflicted thoughts in my head that I don’t realize Scott already has my pants and shoes off until I feel him kissing my thighs.

  “If you want me to stop, Grace, just say the word and I’ll stop.” Scott doesn’t wait for my reply, but continues kissing up my thigh until he realizes I don’t have any panties on. He lets out a low growl. I feel his warm tongue licking my pussy so slowly and with so much passion that I’m lost in ecstasy. I’m grinding my pussy into his face as he finds my clit and starts sucking on it. He grabs my hips to bring me closer to him. I start moaning, the pleasure is so incredible. Scott pulls away and looks up at me, licking his lips.

  “Don’t stop… please…” I moan out.

  “I’ve always wanted to know how you taste, and you taste so sweet. My God, you’re so fucking sweet and wet, I could be down there all day. But, I also want to explore the rest of you, baby.” My insides are screaming for his touch. Yes, this is what I’ve been missing all my life; Scott is what I’ve needed!

  Scott stands up and undoes his pants while I take off my shirt and bra. I’ve never seen Scott’s cock until now, and my mouth must’ve been open too long because he gives me a hard kiss and pushes me back down on the bed. He cock is so thick that I don’t think I’ll be able to take all of him. I crawl up on the bed to make room for him as I tell him that I want him to come in me. He kisses my neck, and I feel him pushing on my entrance. He gently places my left leg on his shoulder so he can slide into me. I pull away, but he pulls me back closer.

  “Don’t run, Grace. I’ve wanted to feel you over my cock for so long.” He waits until I catch my breath to start fucking me with long and deep strokes. I don’t know how many times I come, but I scream Scott’s name so loudly and often that my voice goes hoarse. Scott pounds into me like he’s going to lose me again, and I completely understand because today is going to be the last time this happens. Tears start to roll down my cheeks. I feel Scott beginning to reach his climax as his body tightens and he tells me he loves me as he comes inside me.

  Scott slides out and pulls me onto his chest as I cry. Am I crying because I just cheated on Tony? Or am I crying because I finally have Scott, the man whom I’ve waited to come back and save me but never did? He changed his name, moved out of the country, and left me behind! I jump out of Scott’s arm and quickly put my clothes on before I run out the door with Scott yelling for me to come back. I run out of the bed and breakfast and down the street as quickly as I can until I spot a bar. Yes, this is what I need: a place to drink and forget everything.

  I walk into a dark, dingy place that looks like a biker bar, and I find a spot in the corner at the bar. It’s smoky from cigars and smelly from unwashed flesh, but I don’t care - I need a drink. The long-haired bartender with a shit load of tattoos stands in front of me asking what I want to drink. I tell him I want the strongest drink they serve and make it a double. He nods and comes back with a strange brown liquor that’s so strong that it would burn hair on my chest if I had any. I don’t care. After the first couple swallows, I don’t feel anything, so I continue ordering more doubles until the bartender cuts me off.

  “Pretty red head, do you need me to call someone to pick you up?” I look at him and start laughing and crying like I’m a mad woman. I hear my phone ringing in the background, but I ignore it. The bartender comes around and pulls the phone out of my pocket. I jump off the barstool and fall on the floor.

  “Don’t you fucking touch me! I can handle myself! Nobody loves or cares about this fucking red head!” He helps me back on the barstool, and I cry some more. Next thing I know, Kim’s in the driver’s seat, and I’m slumped over watching her drive me back to Tony-Savior. The last thing I remember saying is, “Ple
ase tell Tony I was with you.”

  I wake up the next morning with the most painful headache. I barely make it to the bathroom to throw up. Ugh, I feel like shit! I turn the shower on and drag myself under the hot spray. I need to get this vomit off me. I sit on the bench in the shower and let the water pour over my aching body. How did I get home last night? I remember Scott and a long-haired, tattooed bartender. I finally summon the energy to stand up and wash myself before the water turns cold. I go back into my bedroom and hear my phone ringing. I see Kim’s face, but I ignore her call. I just can’t handle talking to anyone right now, my head is so messed up. I jump when the door opens, and Tony walks in with water and aspirin.

  “I heard you moving around up here, so I figured you probably need this. I hear you were quite the party girl last night!” Tony says this with no judgement in his voice, just loving concern. I think I love him a little bit more in this moment! Tony sets the water and aspirin on the nightstand and lies down on his side of the bed.

  “Don’t you have to be at work? Why are you home?” I question brusquely. He gives me a surprised look, and I realize I shouldn’t have used that harsh of a tone. But, it already came out of my mouth, and I can’t take it back.

  “I took the day off because I’m worried about you. I’m your husband – that’s my job, baby.” Tony then takes a deep breath before he continues, “I also wanted to know what’s going on with you to make you start drinking this heavily again.”

  Ugh, this whole take care of me shit! I don’t even respond to him because I’m so upset by his words. I glare at him before I get up, storm out of the room, and slam the door. I really regret slamming the door when my head begins pounding and the world spins. I somehow make it downstairs and dramatically, but gently, flop on the couch and turn the television on. I want to throw up again when I see what’s on the screen: fucking Maxine and Scott holding hands, walking into a restaurant for lunch. Scott is laughing and beaming like he and Maxine don’t have a care in the world. How can he do this to me? He made love to me last night then turned around and had a good time with another woman less than twelve hours later? Who is he?!?! I turn the TV off and throw the remote.