by M. R. Joseph
I stammer for words. “I, um, well I figured…”
“You figured what? A bloody nose was going to make me change my mind. Luca, this place is amazing and the location is great. It’s near everything. Now name your price.”
Well I’ll be damned. She wants to live here. I have to name my price, and I’m not making it as high as I charged the last renters. I want her to stay and not scare her off. Besides, she’s out of work. No way she could afford to pay what I normally charge.
“$1,800 a month and that includes, heat, hot water, and maintenance. I cut the grass, I do the landscaping, and if you are still here in the winter, snow removal.”
“That’s it? That’s all your charging for a prime location like this? Luca, I can afford it, believe me. What’s your price? Be real with me, ok.”
Is she really asking me to raise the price? She can afford it? She’s out of a job. I cannot in good conscience charge her my normal fee. Screw it. I’m not budging. I cross my arms over my chest and puff it out. Oh, yea. I’m a big, tough guy.
“That’s the price, take it or leave it. Wes did a lot of work for me and hardly charged me, so let’s just say I owe him one.” She starts to protest again. I stand a little closer to her and grab her hand. She winces like I burned her, but she doesn’t take her hand away.
“Please, Leighton.” I plead my eyes to her.
“Who do I make the check out to?”
I feel the air rush from my lungs like it was my very first breath. Oh, thank God.
“Make it out to me and let me run and go get the contract.”
I make a b-line for the door and I have to run over to my place to get the contract. I know it’s somewhere in my home office, but I guess I should of had it in my possession already, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Where the hell is the damn thing? I start to shuffle through the papers on my desk and now I know I really need to purge whatever junk is here. I hear her calling my name from the front porch of the rental. I found it. I run back out from my house to find her standing there. She looks confused when she sees me and I’m not understanding why.
“Luca, where did you go?” She asks me.
“I was grabbing the contract from my desk.”
“Your desk?”
“Yes. I live here.” I point to my place and smile at her.
“I didn’t know you lived here. Wes didn’t tell me.”
“I guess it slipped his mind. I’ve lived her for a few years now. Is that going to be a problem? I won’t bother you unless you need something.” Why the hell did I just sound so cocky. Why would I say to her if it’s going to be a problem? Dumb ass. I take a step back and fold the contract in half. She’s not a fan of mine is she? Fuck! I’m waiting for her reply. She’s looking down and the check she wrote out and suddenly my stomach is doing flip flops.
All I can do is stare at her and watch her almost black as night locks blow around in the warm breeze. I wonder what it would be like to run my fingers through her soft trestles. My palms are sweaty and my fingers twitch and I have to say a silent prayer again that me living next door to her doesn’t persuade her to change her mind.
“No, no. It’s not going to be a problem. In fact I think it’s going to be just perfect.” She smiles at me with that incredible mouth and I suddenly feel weak and giddy like a fucking school girl, and I feel my cock twitch in my pants. I can’t help that. Those lips were on mine just twenty four hours ago and I can’t help to want to feel them again.
“Good. Glad to hear it. Just tell me when you would like to move in. Next week, maybe?” She pauses, looks to the ground, then back up to me, eyes squinting, nose crinkling, and a slight smile is upon her face.
“How about today?”
Fucking A!
He lives here. Luca Ferro lives in the place next store to the one I just agreed to rent from him. When he asks me if it was going to be a problem, I hesitate but only because the reality is setting in that I will see him every day, maybe, hopefully. This is insanity. What am I doing? I know exactly what I’m doing. I longed to be near this man for years and years. I poured my heart out to him for so long. He knows me, well not technically, but he knows me. Does he even remember? Sure he does. He quoted me Shakespeare from one of my letters. I feel like I’m dreaming again. He will be right next to me, sleeping, eating, drinking, showering. Showering. Oh, shit. Now that’s a thought. A naked and wet Luca Ferro, ten feet away from me, through a wall, but a naked Luca none the less. Nude, not clothed, lathering himself up. That gorgeous body, those big strong, tanned arms, shampoo in his thick, dark locks, soap running down his bare chest right towards his defined ‘V’ near his narrow, chiseled hips. Oh, God. I’m going straight to hell. I’ll make sure to thank Satan for reserving a spot for me. He asks me when I can move in. I don’t want to seem to eager but I can’t help it. I should help it. I can’t fall back in love with him. I’m a different person, he seems like he is the same. Caring and considerate. Besides, I hate love. I love sex, but that gets me into trouble as well. I really need my own place. I need to write and relax. I feel like I’ve been non-stop for a few years now and I just need me time. I’m not going to be anyone’s prize, anyone’s obsession, anyone’s plaything. Those days are over. I’ll keep my guard up especially where Luca is concerned. But I can’t help it. I can’t help the thoughts of what I did all those years ago. I was so in love with him and I still dream about him especially when I’m writing a new book, and I know why this is. Maybe I never stopped. I swallow hard and ask him if today is ok to move in. The place is fully furnished, even the kitchen is stocked with dishes, pots, pans, utensils, all except for a comforter and pillows on the beds. I only have a few suitcases with my clothes, my laptop, and a few boxes of papers and my books of course. Wes can help me. It won’t take long. I’ll go to the local office supply store and buy a small desk. Even the front porch has a swing and two comfy, cushioned outdoor chairs and a table. I can do some serious writing out here and at the beach. With Luca living next door, I think I will be extra inspired. But that’s all it will be. Inspiration. Like it always has been. I wish I could tell him he is the reason that I’m where I am today with my career. Maybe someday, when I’m not living here, I can tell the world who I am. I’m Brianna Maxwell, author of “The Letters Series.”
“Do you need any help moving things? I’m sure you’ll find that you don’t need much. I made sure I fully stocked the cabinets and there is actually a whole new set of towels and linens in the closet in the hall way. I purchase new stuff after every renter.”
This man has thought of everything and I can’t help to melt a little at his thoughtfulness. It’s endearing and a major, major turn on.
“I just have a few things to bring over. I don’t want to put you out, Luca. Wes can help me.” I smile at him and he seems to take a step back. Did I offend him by not accepting his help?
“Leighton, it’s no trouble at all, but if you prefer I stay here and help when you get back, I’ll be happy to do whatever it is you wish.”
He is so damn polite and considerate and it makes my stomach feel funny, and I feel the need to hold my legs together tightly to calm the sudden ache I feel between them.
“I appreciate it, Luca. I’ll be back in a few hours. Is that ok?”
“Of course it is. When you get back, if you need me, I’ll be out back probably in the hot tub. I have off the next two days, which is very rare, so I’d like to take full advantage of any situation that relaxes me.”
I’ll quote Kenzie now. Fuck. A. Duck. Luca in a hot tub, partially naked, with bubbles floating around him, surrounding his muscles, caressing them above and below the water. His arms, his torso, his chest, his legs, his ass, his sweet ass, engulfed in the hot water. All wet, all relaxed, all Luca. My mouth feels dry and that ache I’m feeling is stronger than it was about ten minutes ago. I’m in trouble, in a big way. I stick my sunglasses on before he can absolutely read my dirty thoughts. Like I used to do when I would watch him play
ball. I swore that if people saw the way I looked at him, they’d know how I felt, and this is the perfect time to stick them back on. I’m so confused by my feelings and I really don’t know how I’m going to deal with this extremely close living situation, but I have to. I’ll fight what’s going on in my head, at least I’ll try to. It may be a losing battle for me.
“Ok. Then I’ll see you soon.”
Luca reaches for my hand and when he does so, I feel tingles, and then I feel my insides come alive again, the muscles in my legs are stimulated with the strong current that’s being passed through our hands, making it’s way towards my loins. He kisses the top of my hand and whispers, “Ciao, per ora.” He releases my hand and turns to make his way inside his home. All I can do is stand here and whisper back to him bye for now, Luca.
If she thinks she’s fooling me by hiding behind those glasses, she’s mistaken. I know she was affected by what I just did, but that’s me. It wasn’t something to try and charm her, well maybe just a little, but I’m my father’s son. I’m Italian and I know how to treat a woman with respect and adoration. Papa taught me well. Now more than ever, I know I have to try and win Leighton over. I’m thinking it won’t be easy, but I want her to get to know me, and for me to know her. I still can’t believe she’s going to live here. I’ll get to see that fan-fucking-tastic smile every day, and It’s almost too much for me to bear. My body is alive with adrenaline and I could really go for a run right now to ease it out of my system, but like I told her, I am going to take full advantage of my time off. I have no idea when she will be back but I’ll be ready for her when she does. I have to change into my suit and I’ll bring out the iPod and hook it up to the docking station I have set up where the hot tub is. The area where it’s at is my little haven. It was my pet project. Wes helped me out a lot with it. It’s an eight person tub with four jets for each seat. Wes built a mini fridge for it in one of the corners, and the docking station is built within the large, wooden unit that has hooks for towels, and cubbies to put shoes. James and I sit out here whenever we get time off. It’s peaceful out here. Our neighbors don’t bother us, and no one can hear if we get too loud because the constant stream of bubbles engulfs any noise. I’ll stock the fridge with a few cold ones and sit back and enjoy this gorgeous day and hopefully in a few hours a gorgeous girl will be ten feet away from me. I stick on my suit and bring out some ice cold beers. I hook up my iPod and hit the play button. The temperature of the water is eighty five degrees. I usually have it a lot warmer but It’s really warm out today and I’d rather have it a little cooler. The 80’s music is blasting through the speakers and I crack open my first beer. I take a sip and the crisp flavor of it slides down my throat with zero effort. I lean my head back and let the bubbles ease the tension I have in my back and shoulders. I can’t really relax for very long. My thoughts go to Leighton and I check my iPod to see what time it is. She’s been gone for over an hour now. Christ, I’m tracking how long she’s been gone. I’m pathetic. I hear the sounds of footsteps on the small pebbles behind me on the ground. It’s James and Grace walking towards me hand in hand.
“Luc, man, enjoying the day? How’d it go with the renter?” He makes air quotes as he says the word renter.
“James, I’ve been texting with Leighton all day. I know she accepted the place and she’s on her way back here now with her stuff.”
I laugh at James’s less than smooth question, and Grace’s way of calling him out on it.
“Fine, fine, fine. So she’s on her way back and you’re not going nutso with candles and flowers and pulling out your weirdo poetry books? What gives, Ferro?”
I glare at James and I feel a bit embarrassed by what he just said. I don’t want Grace to know I’m interested in Leighton. At least not yet.
“James, cool it. I’m fine. I’m enjoying the day. I asked Leighton if she needed me to help her and she said Wes would but when she got back she would let me know if she needs anything. I’m just chillin.”
James is looking at me like he’s not convinced of what I just said to him. He looks to Grace, Grace looks to him, they are smiling at each other, then back to me. I roll my eyes and chug the rest of my beer.
“Why don’t you guys go get your suits on and come in. I lowered the heat. It feels fantastic.”
“Luca? Are you out here?” Oh Shit, Leighton’s back and I feel the urge to jump out of this water to greet her. I sit up quickly and perch myself up on the ledge. I’m trying to be calm but she just looks so damn cute in her over worn, collar cut out, Flashdance type shirt and a pair of little sweat shorts that show off her incredibly long, lean legs. My cock is twitching in these swim trunks and they are suddenly very uncomfortable.
“Hey Leightybug. I’m glad your back. Want some help?” Grace asks and moves in to hug her. Leightybug. A nickname. Cute. Very cute. Just another thing I have just learned about the very private and mysterious Leighton Parks.
“No, I’m good. Wes is just finishing putting my desk together. We’ve been here a while and I just wanted to get it all done quickly.”
Ok. So why didn’t she ask me for help?
“Luca, I’m sorry I didn’t need your help, but again, thanks for the offer.”
Question answered and all is forgiven. All she needs to do is smile at me. Her allure is almost unnerving and I’m doing my best to keep my composure. Those lips curl up and all I want to do is lick them. I want to put myself out of my misery and kiss her already. I mean really kiss her. Kiss her hard, and kiss her good. Kiss her tender, then back to earnestly. Make her forget her name and to remember the only name she needs to, and it’s mine.
“No problem, Leighton. Did you find everything ok in the house?”
“I did. Thank you so much. I unpacked all my clothes and all I need to do is unpack my office stuff.”
“Hey Leighton, Grace and I were just about to join Luca here in the hot tub. What do you think? Want to hop in?” Grace claps her hands and tugs at Leighton’s arm.
“Aw, come on, Leightybug. Let’s relax and have some fun. You don’t mind, do you Luca?”
I want to yell at the top of my lungs: Of course it’s fucking ok that this beautiful, sweet, good natured woman joins me in this sinful hot tub, in hopefully a bikini, and I grow a set and kiss the air right out of her perfect lungs. But I don’t. I’m cool Luca. Unaffected by her presence.
“I don’t mind. You can use this anytime, Leighton. As long as you live here, this is yours as much as it’s mine, James’s, and Adrianna’s.”
She looks at me puzzled. “Adrianna? As in your sister?”
That’s why her face looks that way.
“Yes. She rents the place above yours with a friend she goes to the dance academy with in Salisbury.”
“Oh. Wow. That’s cool.”
“Did I hear my name?” Adrianna calls down from the back porch of her place. We all look up to see her and wave.
“Yes. We were saying what a pain in the ass you are.” James yells up to her and Grace smacks his chest. Adrianna gives him the middle finger.
“I was kidding.”
“Oh, hi Leighton. Welcome to our little compound. Luca you coming to dinner at papa’s or should I tell him you’re a little distracted at the moment?” She motions to Leighton.
I am going to kill her. My cheeks heat and it’s not from the hot tub. Did Adrianna see something in my face the other day when I helped Leighton or the night before when she was out with her friends and I was acting like a jealous stu-nod.
“Tell papa I’ll see him tomorrow. I have off and I’ll stop by and bring lunch. Tell him I’m temporarily detained.” She waves her hand and goes back inside.
“So, what do you say, Leighton? A little hot tub time?”
Ok, so this is now my internal monologue pleading with her. Oh dear lord woman. Say yes and climb in here. Sit near me and let me whisper sonnets to you. Let me tell you of woes and fondness, and how your lips are like a red, red rose. (a quote from letter g
irl mind you).
“Ok. I’ll be out in a bit. Let me see if Wes is done with my desk yet.” She turns and begins to walk back to her door. Suddenly she’s turning around.
“Oh and Luca, can you keep a beer nice and cold for me when I get back? And that seat right there?” She points to the seat next to me.
Wow. What kind of question is that? I’ll tell you, a damn good one.
“Sure, Leighton. It will be right here for you.”
Holy fucking shit. Did she just flirt with me? I’d say yes. I look to Grace and James. They are speechless and from the look on their faces, she has. Well played Leighton Parks, well played.
“Oh, dude. She’s got the hots for you. Holy Christ. Am I right Grace? She’s one of your best friends. Did you not hear or see what I just saw?” James asks.
“Yes. I did. Well, Luca. Do me a favor, be kind and go easy on her. She’s still nursing some fresh wounds.”
I hate that she’s been in pain. That some asshat has broken her heart. But I’ll be damned if I ever do that to her, If I get the chance to let her know how I’m feeling.
“Grace, It’s fine. You guys are reading into it too much. You’re right, she’s just healing.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Ferro. Come on Grace. Let’s go get our suits on.”
James and Grace disappear into James’s place and I’m suddenly alone with my thoughts and my imagination. I am a big, fat liar. I want to pursue this woman. Pick up the pieces of her broken heart, and see inside of it.
We look before and after, And pine for what is not; Our sincerest laughter With some pain is fraught; our sweetest songs are those that tell the saddest thought.
—Percy Bysshe Shelley
Shelley, one of my favorites. That quote explains how I feel and I recite it in my head. My thoughts drift back briefly to my letter girl. I remember a short and sweet letter she wrote after my first surgery. I was in so much pain inside and out, and again her words helped me heal, in my heart, and in my mind. I memorized it.
