SANCTUARY OF MINE

by PRATT, S.

  ‘I brought the garlic bread you asked for,’ she tells him. ‘What are we having for dinner?’

  ‘Spaghetti. It’s just about ready. Why don’t you two set the table and I’ll serve it up.’

  ‘Sure babe,’ she grins at him and me.

  Once we’re all served and sitting comfortably at the table, I start to pick at my food. I avoid the heavy pasta and go straight for the meat sauce. We chat amiably for a while about my upcoming job at the law firm, but I know we are all just waiting to get to the juicy bit of the conversation. If they both want to talk to me, it must be something important. I decide I’d rather just let them have out with it, rather than dragging it out.

  ‘So, Jessica, dad says you guys have something to talk to me about?’ She looks startled for a second, but recovers quickly. She smiles briefly at my dad before nodding her head. Reaching for her wine, I can suddenly see the cause for the whole conversation. There it is, sitting pretty on her finger, sparkling beautifully under the dining room lights. A solitaire diamond ring, which can only mean one thing – they’re getting married. I’m surprised I didn’t notice it before, but it’s not like I was expecting this so soon. I mean, maybe in a few years …

  ‘You’re getting married?’

  ‘Yes,’ said dad, ‘how did you …’

  ‘The ring on Jessica’s finger. It says a lot.’

  ‘Well, what do you think?’ she asks. I decide not to beat around the bush. I mean, I’ve always been taught to be truthful.

  ‘It’s a bit sudden, isn’t it? I mean, not that it’s any of my business …’

  ‘Of course it’s your business, honey. We want you to be happy with this. Jessica and I haven’t been together a long while, but we know how we feel about each other and don’t see the point in waiting.’

  ‘I see.’ Suddenly the food on my plate looks like the most unappetizing thing I have ever seen. I wish Max the dog were here so I could feed him my leftovers under the table.

  ‘We really do want you to be happy with this and we wouldn’t go ahead with things until you are,’ said Jessica. She looks hopeful.

  ‘So I guess that means you’ll both want kids as well?’ I try not to sound sullen as I ask this question. I know this one is definitely not my business. But I need to know.

  ‘Erm …’ my dad starts to answer, but Jessica interrupts him.

  ‘Unfortunately I can’t have children. But I was kind of hoping you’d let me spoil you from time to time. I know you’re an adult now, but my parents never stopped being there for me, and I know how much your dad loves you. I guess I’m hoping you’ll let me be a part of your life too.’

  Fuck me. Don’t I feel like the biggest idiot. I just had to go there, didn’t I?

  ‘Sure, I’d like that a lot, Jessica.’ I offer her my biggest smile. A genuine one. A look of relief washes over their faces as they take a big gulp of their drinks. While marriage certainly wasn’t on the agenda as far as I was concerned, I have to admit I’m a little relieved about the whole kids thing. Maybe having Jessica in our lives won’t be so bad after all.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Mackenzie

  The two weeks I’ve spent with Tyler have been amazing. I’m hooked, and I know we’re both dreading the interruption of our blossoming romance by the impending mundane things like work, uni and his footy career. As of Monday, we’re going to have to start scheduling in each other in our spare time. I plan on making the most of this weekend. I’m just about to call Tyler when a text message sounds from my mobile on the bedside table.

  Tyler: Hey, beautiful … you awake?

  Me: Yep, just about to get out of bed.

  Tyler: Feel like heading to the beach?

  Me: Sure, what time?

  Tyler: Pick you up a nine? Bring clothes for this evening – I’m cooking you dinner at my place … you can stay over if you like …

  Me: Okay xxx

  So far Tyler and I have avoided going all the way. It’s not that we haven’t been seriously flirting with the idea, I just think he’s restrained himself so it didn’t feel like he hopped straight off the plane and into my pants. Besides, I want my first time to be special, not rushed.

  Eeek! Suddenly my stomach is filled with hundreds of butterflies. Dinner? Sleep over? Yikes! This could actually be the night I lose my virginity, and I don’t even have anything remotely sexy to wear! Fuck, and there is no way I’m going to have time to go to the shops to buy anything. In a panic, I decide I should at least shave and pluck every inch of my body hair before he rocks up on my door step. Throwing off the covers I scramble out of bed and burst through my bedroom door. Levi is munching on a bowl of cereal on the couch, watching the Today show on channel nine.

  ‘Morning sunshine,’ he yells after me.

  ‘Morning – no time to chat, I have to quickly get ready!’

  ‘What’s the rush? It’s Saturday you know!’

  ‘I know, but Tyler’s coming to pick me up in less than an hour and he’s expecting me to stay over tonight.’ I’m yelling at Levi from the bathroom, but let out a loud squeal as I step into the cold water. This last little bit of gossip must have been too much for Levi. He comes barrelling through the bathroom door, no care for my privacy whatsoever.

  ‘Gawd, Levi, do you mind? Naked here.’ He knows I don’t really care. We’ve both seen each other naked numerous times and take no gratification in perving on each other. Considering he bats for the other team, I know my tits are the last thing on his mind.

  ‘Oh no, sister. You’re not going to drop a bomb like that and then lock yourself in here while you primp and preen. Did you just say you’re staying over? As in, the whole night?’

  ‘Yes, I did,’ I say smugly.

  ‘Oh lordy. It’s getting serious, isn’t it?’

  ‘Well, I guess so. I already feel like I know him so well; and him me. I mean, we went to the same high school and we did have that unforgettable night before he left, and, we wrote each other for a year and a half. I don’t think I can get any closer to him, unless …’

  ‘Okay, details I do not need,’ he protests as he holds his hands up.

  ‘Well, you started it,’ I say through the shower curtain, already starting to bleed from the nicks I was inflicting upon myself while rushing to get the job done.

  ‘True. So, what are you going to wear for this momentous occasion?’

  ‘I have no idea!’ I wail. ‘I didn’t exactly plan on this, even though things have been moving in that direction. I certainly don’t want to rock up in Tweety-bird pyjamas.’

  ‘Oh hell no! You are so going to owe me big time for what I’m about to do.’

  ‘Really, what’s up your sleeve?’ I ask through a mouthful of water.

  ‘Finish up in there and I’ll start packing your bag. Just think of me as your Fairy Godmother. I have something that is going to knock his socks off.’

  I quickly finish off in the shower, not bothering to wash my hair since I’m about to go in the ocean. With a towel secured around my body, I head off to find Levi. He’s in my room, throwing toiletries and a change of clothes into my overnight case. Next to the bag is a black silk camisole with black lace trim along the bust section. It looks sexy and mature – not at all like something I would normally wear.

  ‘Holy hell! Where did you get that from?’

  ‘Jonas picked it up for his sister for her birthday present. I think she asked for it more to embarrass him when he went into the shop to pick it up, rather than actually wanting it. She’s a bit of an arse like that. I can tell you need it more, so I can always go shopping today to replace it if you think you’d like it.’

  ‘You’d really do that for me?’ Tears well in my eyes. I’m touched by how thoughtful Levi is.

  ‘Of course. That’s what friends are for, right?’

  ‘I don’t know what I did to deserve you as a friend, but I’m so thankful you’re in my life.’

  ‘I feel the same about you, gorgeous.’ We hug eac
h other tightly.

  ‘Now,’ he says, his voice muffled in my hair, ‘do we need to have ‘the talk’ before you go?’ I slap him hard on the arm.

  ‘Eew! I so don’t think so. I’m sure I know enough to figure it all out, thank you very much.’

  ‘Hey, I had to offer.’ We’re interrupted by the doorbell ringing.

  ‘I’ll get that while you finish packing your bag.’

  Checking the contents, I decide to throw some extra underwear in there for good measure. I can hear Levi greeting Tyler at the door and hustle to finish up. Bag in hand I walk out to the living room where he’s waiting for me. His grin turns up a notch when he sees me. He looks totally hot in his boardies. The singlet he’s wearing is so tight I can see the ripple of his abs beneath the fabric. It makes me want to run my hand over his stomach. With both Levi and Tyler watching me expectantly, I shelve those thoughts for later.

  ‘Let’s go,’ I say to Tyler. He grabs my bag from me and links fingers with mine.

  ‘Don’t wait up.’ I give Levi’s cheek a peck as I leave.

  ‘I wasn’t planning on it.’

  ‘Later man,’ Tyler nods to Levi.

  ‘Yeah, see you guys later. Call me if you need me,’ he grins at me.

  ‘I won’t!’ I hiss discreetly, pushing Tyler out the door.

  God, anyone would think I was the first woman to ever plan on having sex. Maybe it’s just because Levi knows how much it means for me to trust someone so much with my body. With Levi and I having body issues for so long, we both know what it means to put trust in another person and feel completely comfortable. It’s not something I do lightly. I am afraid of getting my heart broken – of being let down. But I also know that I can’t shield myself from life’s ups and downs forever. There’s going to come a point that I’m just going to have to deal with the hard stuff. I guess it’s how I come out on top that is going to matter the most. Avoidance in dealing with my emotions is not something I do anymore. It’s time to grow up completely.

  Chapter Thirty

  Mackenzie

  I’m exhausted. Every inch of my body aches and I’m sure I’ve used muscles today that I didn’t even know I had. I thought I was in for a cruisey day at the beach. Wrong. Tyler had me learn how to surf on his board, although I fell off more times than I care to mention. He was patient, though, taking the time to tell me what I did wrong and holding me in place until the right wave came along. Most of the day I was waiting for my bikini to come off completely as the waves at Bondi can be very unforgiving. Fortunately the most I suffered was a wedgey after a particularly nasty fall. Luckily I had chance to pick my swimmers out of my arse before Tyler had the opportunity to cop a look.

  By four in the afternoon I’ve had enough. The sun is melting slowly behind the apartment buildings on the shore line and I am hungrier than I’ve felt in ages. I want a warm bath and a hot meal. Tyler is swimming over to me just as I’m catching my breath on his board.

  ‘Had enough baby?’

  ‘Yeah, I’m bushed.’ I balance precariously on the board as he hops on with me, his legs also straddling each side of it. Water sluices over his tanned skin, the blonde hairs on his arms catching in the sunlight. He leans forward and presses his lips against mine. Tenderly he probes my lips apart, making me sag under the comfort of his kiss. A sigh escapes my lips, while a growl emits from the back of his throat.

  ‘You taste too damn good,’ he complains.

  ‘I aim to please,’ I grin.

  ‘Let’s go then … I’m dying to see what else you do to please.’

  ‘Why, Mr Redding, I do believe you’re flirting with me.’

  ‘You bet your arse I am. Now turn around and let’s catch the next wave in together.’

  By the time we make it back to Tyler’s house my stomach is starting to gurgle. The salad I had at lunch has done nothing to satiate my appetite today. Inside the house, I’m surprised to smell food already cooking.

  ‘Oh my, what is that smell?’ I demand. Tyler laughs heartily as my nose breathes in the scent of cooking meat.

  ‘I knew we’d be hungry, so I put the slow cooker on. Mum used to do it for me when I’d be at the beach or footy training all day. It’s her famous Moroccan lamb recipe.’

  ‘Well whatever it is, it smells heavenly.’ I notice he’s taken all the drop sheets off the furniture as well, even putting some personal touches back on the cabinet shelves.

  ‘It’s ready when you are, but do you want to eat or have a bath first?

  ‘Hmm, tough choice big guy, but I’m going to have to go with food first. I’m starving.’ I can hardly believe my own ears. To hear those words just come out of my mouth is leaps and bounds from where I was a year ago. To actually acknowledge that I feel hunger – it’s definitely momentous.

  Tyler flashes me his dimples as he reaches in the cupboard for bowls and spoons. When he removes the lid off the slow cooker, the smell intensifies in the room. Lemon zest, rich tomato sauce and lamb abscond from the pot. While Tyler serves the food, I grab a couple of glasses and fill them with water from the tap. We take our food out to the balcony that faces towards the rugged coastline of Australia.

  We eat our meal in contented silence, nourishing our bodies after such a physical day. It’s actually been kind of great that we had so much to do to occupy our time otherwise I would have been focusing too much on this evening and being nervous. When we’ve had our fill, Tyler takes our plates and loads them in the dishwasher.

  ‘You ready for that bath now?’

  ‘Yeah, I’m kind of looking forward to getting these wet togs off.’

  ‘Hmm, me too.’ There is a wicked glint in his eye which makes my body react in strange ways. My heartbeat picks up and I can feel a tug between my legs, an ache almost. Without another word, he takes my hand and leads me up to the top floor bedroom suite.

  ‘We’re not going to your room?’

  ‘While the folks are away, I’m staying up here. Besides, this is where the spa bath is.’ I follow him, my fingers hooked over the waistband of his boardies. The parents’ retreat is opulent to say the least. It takes up the entire third floor of the house with expansive windows that frame the ocean and seaside residences. The carpet is thick and plush – it almost feels like sheep’s wool underfoot. A king size bed is centred in the space, with an open-walled bathroom situated behind it on a raised level. The spa bath is huge, big enough for the both of us to sit comfortably.

  Tyler opens the taps, allowing the tub to start filling. He squeezes in a vanilla scented bath crème that starts frothing under the torrent of water. There is no time to become shy. Already his hands have found my waist and have pulled me closely towards him. His skin is warm and salty. As I run my hands over his chest I can feel the crystalized salt of the ocean on his skin. He smells of sunscreen and summer, now my most favourite season. With his head resting against my own, I can feel his breath touch my face.

  ‘I want you,’ he mumbles.

  ‘I … want you too,’ I say breathlessly.

  ‘But I don’t want to rush you.’

  ‘You’re not.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Really.’ A smile escapes his lips, happy with my response. He gently undoes the string on my bikini top, allowing the material to fall away from my skin. Dipping his head he eagerly takes in one nipple after the other, gently rolling it around on his tongue until they form little, hard buds. When he hooks his fingers under my bikini bottoms, my head falls back in anticipation. His tongue traces a line down my neck as his fingers inch my bottoms towards my ankles. I’m in such a daze I don’t even realise it when I’m standing in front of him completely naked.

  ‘God you’re beautiful.’

  ‘I’m –‘

  ‘Shh,’ he says, placing a finger over my lips. ‘You are.’ Eager to join me in the buff, he pulls his board shorts undone. They fall to the tiles, his erection plain for me to see. I remember the soft skin of his dick and yearn to touch him there ag
ain. Unable to help myself I reach forward and stroke him, making him groan from the pressure my fingers are applying.

  ‘Oh Mack, stop that before you make me lose control,’ he begs. He takes my hand away and helps me step into the tub. The warm water envelopes my body, easing the aches and permeating my skin while the incredible scent of suds fills the air. He follows quickly behind me, eager for me to be in his arms once more.

  ‘Come here baby,’ he urges. I don’t need any more coaxing. I straddle his waist, wrapping my arms around his neck as I cling to his body. The tip of his erection teases the entrance of my pussy, getting me aroused for what’s to come. His hot mouth finds mine and I close my eyes as our feverish kisses match the temperature of the water. While every nerve ending on my body is heightened, all my thought processes have turned to mush. All I can think about is how good he feels when he kisses and touches me. If you asked me what day of the week it was, I don’t think I would be able to tell you right now. Large, firm hands wander over my skin until he’s gripping my backside firmly in them.

  ‘Mackenzie, I … need you. I want you, now.’

  ‘Yes,’ I pant, needing every inch of him just as much as he wants me. With his hands still firmly attached to my backside, he stands in the tub, the water pouring off us and splashing all over the bathroom floor. He pays no mind to the mess, stepping onto the bath mat before heading straight to the bed dripping wet. Gently he lays me on my back before releasing me briefly. I watch as he reaches into the bedside drawer and pulls out a foil condom wrapper. Lust and desire fill his eyes as he takes in my naked form sprawled on the bed. Deftly he un-wraps the condom and peels it over his erection. I’m wet between the legs and it has nothing to do with the bath I just took.