The Impostor, A Love Story

by Tiffany Carmouche

  “May I have this dance, fair maiden?” He bowed.

  “I would be honored, my Prince Charming.” I curtseyed.

  We danced through her bedroom. Jessica beamed, telling us how pretty we twirled.

  “I want to dance like a princess,” she confessed. Dylan bowed, kissing my hand, and walked over to Jessica.

  “Can I have this dance, beautiful princess?”

  “But I don’t know how to dance.” She pouted.

  “Sure you do. You are a princess.” He took her in his arms and whirled her through the room, her feet never touching the ground.

  We stayed in there for hours. Jess introduced Dylan to all her stuffed animals and showed him all of her drawings.

  “Mr. Dylan, can I show you my gingerbread house?”

  “Oh, I’d love to see it. And maybe I can try some of that amazing soup I have heard about.”

  We went into the gingerbread house, and she gave us a tour. Whenever we played, she wanted to be the mommy. But not today.

  “Mr. Dylan?”

  “Yes, princess?”

  “Would you be the daddy? Will you be my pretend daddy?”

  It touched my heart. I wiped the tear from the corner of my eye. I thought it might weird him out or something, but he walked over to her and gave her a big hug and kissed her forehead.

  “I would love to be your pretend daddy, angel. I’d love to.”

  I took a deep breath and quickly wiped my cheeks again, hoping he wouldn’t know how it affected me.

  Dylan strolled over to me. “We get to play house.” he winked. “So you get to be my lovely wife.” He kissed my hand.

  “Mommy, can I help you make dinner?”

  “Sure, Jessica. What would you like us to make?”

  Her blue eyes opened wide and lit up as if she was in a candy store. “Soup.”

  We played house for hours. Dylan never even hinted that he was bored or wanted to be rescued.

  The next day, we bundled up and played in the snow. Dylan was so good with Jess. I knew it was way too soon to be thinking about this, but the way he treated Jess made me really want to spend the rest of my life with him. I was so falling for him.

  That evening, we were watching a movie with Steve when Jessica fell asleep on my lap. Dylan picked her up, and we told Steve goodnight, going downstairs to her room. Dylan laid her down.

  “Sweet dreams, Jessica.” Watching him interact with her filled me with such warmth. She’d never had a man that was a good role model in her life, except her grandpa. I could see she really cherished her time with Dylan.

  “Thank you, Dylan.”

  “For what?”

  “For being so wonderful with her. It’s beautiful.” I gave him a gentle kiss.

  “You are the ones who are wonderful. Mrs. Nicole Richardson. . . I love how that sounds.” He gave me another kiss. “It’s been fun playing house with you.”

  “I’ve enjoyed playing house with you, too.” It was hard having him leave, but it was the right thing to do.

  “Dream of me.” He looked into my eyes.

  “Always.” I smiled as he gave me one last kiss goodnight. Then we went back upstairs.

  Steve seemed upset most of the time we were together and avoided us. I explained to Dylan that he was just disappointed his sons’ arrival was delayed again. Steve had already gone upstairs to his room by the time we got there.

  “Say goodnight to Steve for me, okay?”

  “I will. Goodnight, Dylan. I wish you could stay.”

  “Goodnight, baby, I’ll see you in the morning.” He looked around. No one was there to offend, so he slowly drew me in. His lips met mine, and he passionately kissed me.

  “I don’t want you to go.”

  He lifted me up. “I want to take you with me.”

  I bit my lip, Emily hadn’t come home yet. I wanted to invite him into my room but worried Steve would find it disrespectful. And I didn’t want Jess to come in and find we had spent the night together. “I can’t leave Jess.”

  “I know, I know.” He lowered me to the ground. “I better go, before I…” He started to leave then grabbed me back into his arms and our lips met again. “Just one more.”

  Unconsciously, I started to pull his hands, guiding him to my room.

  “I…I…I better go…” After several failed attempts to leave, Dylan finally walked out the door. I waved as he made his way to his rental car. I stood there like a giddy schoolgirl in the open doorway, watching as he drove away. Turning around, I noticed eyes from the upstairs hall, peering down at me. They quickly disappeared. How long had he been there? I was embarrassed that he was watching us. I closed the front door and immediately ran downstairs.

  Chapter Thirty-four

  The engine of the small plane accelerated as Chris took off into the atmosphere. I watched the view of the valley we were leaving. Encircled by mountains, it was surreal. Chris was able to sneak back home for a few days, and Dylan decided to surprise me with an experience he knew I’d never forget.

  “So, are you going to teach me how to fly one of these things someday, Chris?” I asked. Anytime—anytime I’m in town, that is. You will love it, Nicole.” It was incredible. I sat there in admiration as our view ascended into the clouds.

  “You ready, baby?” Dylan began checking all our gear.

  “I am. I am nervous, but so excited at the same time.”

  “In case we die, I wanted to tell you I think you’re kind of sexy.” He kissed my neck.

  I smacked Dylan playfully for the suggestion we may splat on the ground.

  “Well, in case we die, I think you’re kind of hot too. I’m so excited. I can’t believe we are doing this.”

  I peeked out the plane, but couldn’t see Emily and Jessica on the ground waiting for us. It totally amazed me how this three-thousand-pound machine could fly with such grace through the air. Part of me was happy to just enjoy the view from the small plane, but the other part of me was absolutely ecstatic about taking the jump.

  My stomach knotted as we got to the open door. The wind gushed by us as the engine roared. I was strapped to Dylan—skydiving tandem—and I knew he would take care of me. We were at least 10,000 feet in the air and flying slightly above the mountain range.

  As the wind hit my face, I freaked out a little. Dylan motioned it was time to go. We shimmied out onto the wing and held on for dear life. Timing was important. I waited for Dylan’s signal. Standing on the wing with the anticipation of the drop was horrifying. I thought it would feel like jumping off the platform dive at home where your tummy felt each moment of the decent, almost as if you were nauseous. I said a silent prayer.

  “One, two, three . . .” We let go of the wing and began the free fall. All of a sudden, the knot in my stomach disappeared, and I was filled with an utter sense of peace.

  The beautiful serenity of the mountains below us was astonishing. As we flew like superman through the sky, actually dropping close to 6,000 feet, we didn’t feel we were losing altitude. I soared through the heavens as if I could fly like an eagle. The only indication that we were dropping was the sheer magnificence of the mountains growing all around us. As we fell, the mountains sprouted up, then towered over us by the time we saw Emily and Jessica on the ground.

  A euphoric high exhilarated every cell in my being. Not only was it breathtaking, but empowering. I could fly! We deployed the parachute, marveling at the brilliance God created as we descended into a winter wonderland.

  “That was so awesome!” I felt the experience overwhelm me.

  Emily and Jessica ran over to us.

  “I saw you, Mommy. I saw you.” I picked up my angel and gave her a big hug.

  “How was it?” Emily questioned.

  I turned to Dylan, “Oh my god. Let’s go again.” My heart was still racing.

  “Oh my gosh. Right when I jumped out, it was like,” I took a breath, “Oh my god.” I cradled my head with my hands, shaking my head as if in disbelief. I pause
d. “To see the sun and the mountains . . .” I lifted my head back. “Oh my god,” I gasped. “It was beautiful.”

  “So I take it, it was amazing?” Emily confirmed, smiling.

  Glowing, I turned to him. “Can we go again?”

  I was on earth, but I still felt the adrenaline rush through my veins as if I was still in the air.

  “Emily, you have to try it. You will love it. You can go—Dylan will take you.”

  “Can I fly in a parachute Mommy?”

  “Yes, when you get a little bigger. But you can go in the plane. Would you like that?”

  “Hurray!” The excitement in her eyes was priceless.

  “You can help Uncle Chris fly the plane, okay?” Dylan picked her up.

  “Really? I can help fly a plane? Wow.”

  “If you want to jump, Emily, I can fly the plane so you and Chris can jump.”

  “You are a pilot?” I asked Dylan.

  “Just small planes.” He made it seem like it was nothing.

  “I think I’d rather stay in the plane and watch. You all are crazy.” Emily replied.

  Holding Jessica in one arm, Dylan took my hand with the other as we made our way back to the aircraft.

  The wind hit my face as I left the plane’s safety once again with Dylan—my protection, my security, my strength. We flew, elated, through the atmosphere. Euphoria. Exhilaration. Awe. Soaring, we descended from the heavens, attached to one another.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Emily and Chris decided to take Jessica to the movies so Dylan and I could spend a little time alone. Dylan was staying at Brad’s place while he was in town and knew Brad would be working for a few hours.

  Still euphoric from the jump, we entered the dark, empty house. Taking my hand, he led me inside, locking the door behind us. We were finally alone. Dylan brought my body in front of him and undressed me with his eyes. In the silence, he unbuttoned my jacket, one button at a time, sliding it off me onto the floor. My heartbeat increased.

  I slowly unzipped his coat. Heavy, I could hear it hit the floor. I stepped even closer and unbuttoned his shirt, letting it drop. I had forgotten just how captivating he was. My hands touched his chest. His chiseled body resembled a Roman gladiator—my gladiator. I surveyed his biceps, his triceps, his chest, letting my hands explore his muscles as if I was his sculptor.

  Dylan’s penetrating look entranced me. His tongue moistened his lips. A chill went up my spine as he outlined my mouth with his fingers, claiming them for his own. He sketched my eyebrows and cheekbones and then defined the curve of my jaw with his fingers as if he were creating a masterpiece. He proceeded to run his fingers through my hair, clutching it as he pulled me closer. His face leaned forward and he teased me, gently brushing his lips against mine and then taking them away so I would crave his kiss as he excited my senses. Our breathing intensified.

  As if mesmerized, he leaned in. Our cheeks caressed one another. Gently nibbling, he excited me as his hands stimulated my skin. I closed my eyes, opening my mouth slightly, eager to enjoy his. His soft lips met mine in a slow sensitive kiss—so honest, so pure. It was more than the mere touching of the lips; the kiss opened our souls to one another.

  “I love you, Nicole,” he whispered. “I love you.” The words fueled a fire that rushed through my veins. As if under his spell, I reached down and unzipped his jeans and they fell to the floor. He stepped on the backs of his shoes, taking them off as he smiled, knowing I would soon be his. He unzipped my pants, lowering them. I gasped as he lifted me. He wrapped my legs around his waist and thrust me against the wall. I felt his hardness in the gentle rhythm between my legs—a warm sensation washed over me. His passionate kiss soon traveled down my neck. My excitement rose, my body arched, yearning. Trapped against the wall, I could feel his power, his passion, his desire. Pinned, I surrendered. I trembled.

  Delicately sucking on my earlobe, he tickled me. He blew in my ear before he made his way back to my mouth. As he kissed me, Dylan’s hands held my thighs tighter around his body, pulling me away from the wall as he proceeded to carry me to the bedroom. He slowly laid me on the bed and slid his body over mine. He lifted up my shirt so only my stomach was revealed, his fingertips stimulating my skin. Then he unbuttoned my shirt, exposing my lace bra and panties. His fingers traveled from my lips through the crevices between my breasts to my thighs. He slightly opened them as his body pressed on top of me. Bringing my arms over my head, he interlocked our fingers, kissing me as he gently pulsated on top of me, still separated by fabric. My breathing grew more and more erratic. The pounding in my chest amplified for the world to hear.

  “I want it to be perfect, Nicole. Our first time, I need it to be perfect. We are going to have to pick up Jess soon. Brad could come home.” He could barely speak because his breathing was so erratic.

  My body was still trembling. “I don’t want you to stop. I am ready, Dylan.”

  “No, you deserve better than this.” He continued focusing on my eyes. My heartbeat screamed through my upper body. “Not here in Brad’s guest room. You deserve better than this. I love you, Nikki. I need to wait. I want it to be perfect.”

  “Dylan, I want to make love to you.”

  That was all I needed to say. He kissed me so passionately my body spasmed out of control and my nails dug into his back. He rolled over on top of me, and in our frenzy, our bodies became drenched in sweat. I was ready, truly ready for him to take me. A yearning burned in my stomach as I reached to undress his final piece of clothing and finally feel him inside me. The phone rang and reminded us of the time. He slowly pulled away and looked into my eyes, giving me one gently-adoring kiss.

  “I can’t . . . I won’t rush this, Nicole. We have to leave soon. I need to wait. I want it to be perfect.” He kissed me, slowly sliding off the bed.

  “No, no, please.” The palpitations in my chest screamed. “Dylan, I need you.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him toward me. Still out of breath I begged, “Make love to me. You are leaving tomorrow, Dylan. Please.” The phone began to ring again.

  “I won’t rush this, Nicole. I love you too much.”

  “Please, please at least hold me.” If we couldn’t make love, I needed be in his arms. He lay back on the bed. My head rested on his chest as he cradled me. What the hell happened? My heart was racing, pleading. I can’t wait. Please take me. I love you so much.

  It was as if he could read my mind.

  He kissed me and promised, “It will be worth waiting for.”

  Chapter Thirty-six

  “Steve, I never knew you had a tattoo.” I referred to the inked stem I saw on his forearm as he pulled up his sleeves to light the grill. “Let me see it.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing.”

  “Come on, what kind of flower is it?”

  Steve lifted his sleeve a little higher, revealing the petals of the yellow carnation.

  “It’s pretty. I don’t know why I haven’t noticed it before. I guess I’ve never seen you in short sleeves.” Below the carnation was a red apple with a bite taken out of it.

  He grabbed a cigarette from the pack and brought it to his mouth, inhaling as he lit it. “I got it to remind me of my ex-wife.” He blew out the smoke.

  The yellow petals of the flower were so joyful and full of life.

  “When you were in love?”

  “I got it when she left,” he confessed as he took another drag and used a paper cup as an ashtray. He hardly ever smoked around me, but more and more I noticed the smell of cigarettes on his clothes.

  “When she left?” I was confused.

  “I got it as a reminder.” Taking the cigarette out of his mouth, he seemed to fixate on the smoke at the tip.

  “A reminder?”

  He brought it back to his lips taking a nice, slow drag. “A yellow carnation means disappointment, betrayal, deceit, scorn. It’s there to remind me nothing is ever as it seems and to remind me . . .” He stopped speaking and exhaled, as if he was caught
up in a deep thought.

  “I guess she really hurt you.” I was a little taken back. It was such a cheerful flower. Betrayal? Wow. I didn’t even want to hear about the apple.

  Dylan and I looked at each other. I could hear the underlying disgust in Steve’s voice. I had never heard how resentful he was before. He had just seemed hurt, but now he seemed angry. He quickly changed the hatefulness in his voice.

  “So, how do you like your steak?”

  “Medium rare.”

  “Medium.”

  “Well-done.” We answered as if we were popping popcorn—one on top of each other.

  “So, you smoke American Spirit?” Dylan asked, picking up the pack from the table. “Aren’t they hard to find?” He was quick to remove the uneasiness that hung in the air.

  “You want one?” Steve asked, getting ready to put the steaks on the grill.

  “Oh no, I’m fine.” Dylan laid the pack back down.

  “Emily, you want to help me make a salad?” I called to her as I walked to the kitchen.

  “Sure.” She followed me.

  “Is there anything I can do?” Dylan asked, joining Steve by the grill.

  I sensed Steve didn’t like Dylan much. A lot of men didn’t because they were intimidated by his mass.

  Emily and I could hear Steve mumble from inside the kitchen.

  “I didn’t want to say anything in front of the ladies, but it’s a reminder I will one day get revenge. She will get what she has coming to her. It means disdain, rejection, and you have disappointed me. I study it every day, I wait, and I get ready. You never strike when they expect you to, but you prepare for the right moment. She will get hers, I promise you. She will get hers. Rejection—she thinks she is in control. I just watch. I wait. Do you hunt, Dylan? You must remain invisible till you attack. Like a leopard.”

  Dylan didn’t know what to say to him. It was very awkward for a moment and then Dylan hit Steve on the shoulder, “You’re messing around, right?”