“Well, love, I have a meeting to attend. I will see you soon,” said Dominick.
“All right, see you soon,” said Sally.
After she hung up the phone, Sally hobbled around her apartment and tried to bend over with her crutches to clean her place a bit. So much effort went into just trying not to fall. As soon as Sally felt exasperated from only having moved a few cups to the sink and thrown some trash away, Anna arrived.
Sally had asked Kimmie to make another copy of her spare key to Sally’s place, which she had given to Anna. Gabriel’s housekeeper smiled but hardly said a word when she arrived.
“If you need anything, write a list and put it on the fridge,” Anna had said the first night she stopped by. She stopped by for about only fifteen minutes each night, but it amazed Sally how efficient Anna was at cleaning.
“Gracias, Anna. Buenas noches,” Sally said as Anna left. Sally wondered if Anna sensed their might be more to Gabriel’s intentions. Sally couldn’t afford to let her paranoia of Anna’s judgment, however, get the best of her. Anna’s help was sorely needed, and Sally was extremely grateful to Gabriel for being there for her even if he wasn’t.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sally waited in the taxi for Dominick outside of Logan Airport’s entrance. Not as many passengers were coming and going at such an early hour, so she found herself talking to the cab driver.
“You picking up someone special?” asked the driver.
“Yes, my boyfriend,” said Sally. She had never called Dominick that, but if felt so natural to say.
“Where is he coming from?”
“South Africa.”
“South Africa? Talk about a long trip,” said the driver. “Does he live there or is he there on business?”
“He lives and works there.”
“So you guys have a long-distance relationship.”
“Yes,” admitted Sally. She watched as the meter kept adding up slowly, the red digital numbers getting higher.
“How long have you all been together?” asked the driver.
“Not long,” admitted Sally. Geez, how many questions was this guy going to ask?
“I’m going to do you a favor, lady. Since you’ve already had your share of waiting, I’ll just charge you a flat fee of fifty dollars roundtrip.”
“Really? Thanks,” said Sally. At least she didn’t have to watch the meter keep clunking upward.
“You’re welcome,” said the driver.
Since it was already ten minutes past 4:00 a.m., Sally figured Dominick would take more time to disembark and pick up his luggage. Twelve minutes later, Dominick came out rolling his black suitcase. Sally wished she could get out of the car to hug him. Instead, she rolled down the window and waved out of it.
Dominick saw Sally’s waving hand and then her bright face peek out of the window of a yellow cab parked by the sidewalk. He waved back excitedly.
The driver popped the trunk and loaded Dominick’s suitcase. Dominick got in the backseat and moved the crutches aside as he embraced Sally. He held her close in his arms.
“I’ve missed you so much,” gushed Sally.
Dominick kissed her tenderly on the lips. “You look beautiful.” He looked into her eyes and caressed her cheek.
The driver pulled away from the terminal and smiled. “How was the long flight from South Africa?” he asked.
“Long,” said Dominick. “I must admit I am tired. I never sleep well on a plane. I watched an action film.”
Dominick held Sally close all the way back up the hill.
“Kimmie is getting married next month,” murmured Sally.
“Really? That’s wonderful,” said Dominick. He sounded sincere. Dominick rubbed her cast. “I’m so sorry you hurt yourself. You’re getting your cast removed next week?”
“Yes, right after you leave,” said Sally. She wished he could stay until she could walk normal again, but having until December would give her enough time to recover and walk without a limp.
“I never thought I would say this, but I miss your little bed,” confessed Dominick.
“It’s pretty comfortable, isn’t it? You know, I can pop out the trundle and make even more room.”
“I’ve missed you.” Dominick kissed the top of Sally’s head. He squeezed her tight as they passed familiar buildings and the commons again.
After the taxi driver pulled away, Dominick carried Sally into her apartment. “I’m such a gimp.” Sally made fun of herself with her cast, sticking out into the air.
“Don’t talk about my girl like that,” admonished Dominick.
Sally could not believe how tired she was, having gotten ready for the airport and been too excited to sleep. Likewise, Dominick’s jet lag appeared as obvious dark circles under his eyes. “Come here,” he told her after he had carried in his suitcase and sat down next to Sally. He pulled her into his arms again.
“Do you want me to open up the trundle?”
“No, I want you close.” And he held her close as both of their heavy eyelids put them to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Four
As the sun peeked through the blinds of her street-level studio, Sally’s eyes fluttered open as she was in Dominick’s arms. She wiggled a bit and noticed that Dominick’s cock was hard, even though his eyes were closed. Sally wanted to welcome him back. She slowly unzipped his pants and slid her hand into the opening of his boxers.
Dominick moaned with pleasure as Sally stroked his enlarged shaft. His member already ready, she stopped him from trying to touch her. This time would be about Dominick’s pleasure first. He had been so generous with her before. Sally wanted to show Dominick she could give, too.
Sally bent her knee and moved her casted leg down and to the side. She held his cock, and licked it up and down lovingly. Her tongue encircled his head, and she teased him by gently sucking on it and then lapped the underside of his penis. Sally fondled his testicles and licked them, too. Dominick lifted his head up in surprise when she gently sucked on them and lightly stroked his cock.
“Oh, Sally. That feels amazing,” encouraged Dominick.
Sally wet her hand with her tongue and held his cock while she sucked it. She moaned for him, as she enjoyed savoring his manhood. Then she encircled both her hands around his penis and pumped lightly in opposite directions while sucking gently on the head of his cock. Licking the underside, she built up the pressure of her simultaneous sucking and stroking until Dominick moaned.
Sally quickly took off her shirt and let him rub his cock across her breasts. She squeezed her breasts together and let him slide between them. Dominick threw his head back in sheer ecstasy as his cock throbbed and released his essence all over Sally’s breasts.
Dominick took off Sally’s skirt and carried her to the bathroom. He tied a bag around her cast and carried her to the shower. He steadied her and rinsed her off with warm water. The water felt wonderful as it sprayed upon their steady rain of kisses. Dominick massaged her scalp and washed her hair. Sally closed her eyes at the sheer pleasure of being pampered and cared for this way.
Dominick turned off the water and took the bag off of Sally’s cast. Sally was so appreciative of every little tender move Dominick made to help her. He dried her off with her blue towel and carried her naked back to the bed. He turned her over onto her side and held her from behind while they were both in the fetal position. He reached his hand over to the front of her and gently touched her special spot with his free hand. With another, he rubbed her breasts, circling the tip of her nipple with the pad of his thumb.
She was wet again for him, and he delighted in how fast her body responded to him. He thought about tasting her sweetness, but he needed to be inside her. It had been too long. So he held her and thrust gently into her vagina from behind. He gave her only half of his manhood in several thrusts before pumping into her. Sally gasped with pleasure. He repeated this rhythm until he thrust ever so harder over and over into her slickness, the slapping of their bodies in ap
plause. Then they came together, and their bodies shook from the intense clenching pleasure. With Dominick still inside her, they fell asleep entwined as one.
* * * *
Sally woke up to the smell of coffee brewing. Dominick had found Sally’s fridge a bit sparse considering Sally couldn’t cook much for herself. So he lathered cream cheese on some bagels, which he served with coffee for Sally and himself.
“Mmm, thank you,” said Sally after she had drunk her coffee with some milk and sugar. She already felt more awake. “Oh, I need to take care of something.” She picked up the phone.
“What is it?” asked Dominick.
“I’m going to tell Gabriel not to send Anna over this week.”
“Good idea,” considered Dominick.
SALLY: Hi Gabe. No Anna this week.
GABRIEL: Y not?
SALLY: Kimmie will b here.
GABRIEL: OK. How r u?
SALLY: Better. Cast off next week.
GABRIEL: Perfect. C u then.
Sally did not respond to the last statement. She hated having to make up an alibi for her whereabouts, and she certainly did not want to commit to seeing Gabriel again, or at least text about it while Dominick was in town. She and Dominick had to be discreet.
“Okay, I told him. I’m supposed to be at Kimmie’s this week,” revealed Sally.
“Now why in the world would you want to do that when you can be with me?” jested Dominick. He drank his coffee black and turned on the radio to some classical music. “I’ll go shopping and pick up some glorious food and some films for us to watch,” he offered.
“Sounds great,” agreed Sally.
“We do need to get you out of the apartment each day for some sunshine and vitamin D. We could sneak you off into a cab.”
“Could we go to a park in Back Bay?” requested Sally. She liked the little grassy knolls with benches and townhouses on that side of Beantown. Most likely, they would not have to worry about running into Gabriel there.
“Sure. Let’s go after lunch,” decided Dominick.
Dominick gathered the dishes and washed them. “Are you sure you don’t mind cleaning up and doing all this for me?” asked Sally.
“Don’t ask me that again, Sally. I am here to take care of you. Just relax,” insisted Dominick.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Kimmie called her best friend to make sure Dominick had arrived safely.
“So how is everything?” she asked.
“It’s great. Dominick caught up on some sleep. We’re watching another French film called Indochine. By the way, your invitation is gorgeous. I love the purple and white,” complimented Sally.
“Isn’t it? I know I sent it out a little short notice, but Mark and I are so ready to get this wedding over with and go on our honeymoon. Paris, here we come!” exclaimed Kimmie.
“I wish I could go with you,” replied Sally.
“I promise I’ll tell you all about it. Hey, don’t forget I’ll have your dress ready for you to look at when Dominick leaves. I got a deal from Filene’s Basement on all of the dresses.”
“I love Filene’s and can’t wait to see them.”
Kimmie heard a smooching sound in the background. “Oh, I see how it is. I’m gonna go. Talk to ya later,” said Kimmie, who hung up.
Sally gasped but then laughed.
“What?” asked Dominick.
“Poor Kimmie. All those times I had to wait for her lovers to stop making sounds, and she can’t handle a kiss,” explained Sally.
“Yes, poor little Kimmie,” said Dominick sarcastically. He kissed Sally again. He nibbled on her lip and then asked, “Do you want to get some sunshine now?”
Sally nodded. Fresh air was just what she needed. Dominick called a taxi and grabbed Sally’s purse.
“I like your man-bag,” teased Sally.
Dominick posed with it over his shoulder. “Why thank you. I got it from Filene’s,” he mimicked.
Sally laughed as Dominick helped her out of the apartment and into the taxi. They were in a prime location for quick and reliable taxi service, something she loved about Beacon Hill. But more than anything, she loved the architecture and history behind the area. Paul Revere and so many other great men and women had lived here. And the simple beauty of the window boxes of pansies charmed her soul every time she passed one.
“Is this good?” asked the driver as he pulled up to an area of Back Bay townhouses separated by a large grassy area with benches.
“Sure,” said Sally. Dominick paid the tab and they went over to a bench in the middle of the knoll.
“Feel better?” asked Dominick.
“Yes.” Sally smiled and looked up at the beautiful, fluffy clouds. “So tell me about your family back in South Africa.”
“Well, my parents are lovely people. They made sure I turned out all right. Now they’re mostly retired and take cruises off the cape, but my father makes sure I handle the business to their liking.”
“Even your mother is involved with diamonds?” asked Sally.
“My mother’s father had no other children, so he passed on the claim to my father. I have an older sister, Hanna, step-sister actually. She’s my father’s child from a previous relationship. Hanna is married and lives in Johannesberg. You have no siblings?” asked Dominick.
“Nope. Just me,” said Sally. “My parents were hippies who met at Woodstock. We didn’t have a lot growing up, but I got good enough grades to go to Harvard and write.”
“You are an amazing woman, Sally Rubino. What do you like about writing?” asked Dominick.
“Writing is such a release. It’s fascinating to see where the characters take me.”
Sally let him kiss her and felt the warm sun shine through the clouds.
“I love you, Sally,” declared Dominick as he looked deep into Sally’s eyes and took her hand in his.
She squeezed his hand and whispered, “I love you, too, Dominick.” She could see in his eyes the steady love he had for her, and she felt so relieved and happy.
“I’m going to tell Gabriel about us,” Dominick proudly declared. “I want everyone to know. No more hiding.”
Sally smiled but remembered the ocean. “Why don’t we wait until December?”
“Why wait?”
“It’s all so confusing,” said Sally.
“Right, I already know,” assured Dominick. “It’s hard after you were together with someone for so long.”
But Sally didn’t know why she felt so right with Dominick. All she knew was they had finally declared their love for each other, and Sally did not want to be without him.
“Dominick, I have something to tell you,” admitted Sally. “You know how Gabe arranged for Anna? Well, I want to thank you. He said you’re the one who suggested it.”
“Of course, darling,” replied Dominick as he held her hand. “Well, I guess we can wait to tell him in December.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sally and Dominick ate from a fruit tray while watching the French suspense movie Tell No One on her daybed.
“Just when you think you know what is going to happen, something unexpected happens,” said Sally entranced as she slowly nibbled a slice of cantaloupe.
“Twists and turns make for good suspense,” chimed Dominick.
“I wish I knew French better,” admitted Sally. “Like many American students, I took Spanish. You understand most of what they are saying?”
“Yes. In South Africa, we studied French in school. As you may know, most colonies in Africa were either French or English,” explained Dominick.
“Kimmie is getting married next month and going to Paris. She doesn’t know any French.” Sally smiled.
“She should watch these movies with you and learn something. Best way to learn is to immerse oneself in the language,” said Dominick.
Dominick held Sally as they watched the rest of the movie. As the credits rolled, he clipped Sally’s toenails and rubbed some lotion on her feet.
“Oooh,” cooed Sally. “That is so nice.”
“You’re welcome,” said Dominick. He got up and washed his hands. “Do you want to get some sunshine again?”
“Um, sure,” said Sally. “I just don’t want to go all the way to Back Bay. Let’s go to the Charles. Is that okay?”
“Whatever you wish,” said Dominick. They rode a taxi over to the Charles River and sat on a bench. Several runners and people strolling by, some with their dogs, became part of the panoramic view.
“Sally, I have something to tell you,” said Dominick nervously.
“What is it?” asked Sally with concern.
“I have a daughter,” said Dominick.
“You do?” asked Sally. She was shocked. “Wait, you’re not married, are you?” Sally was about to get up on her good leg from her seat.
“No, not married. It’s a long story. I got a girl pregnant our first year at university. She’s Catholic, and neither of us was ready for a baby. However, my mother’s sister, Aunt Celia, could not have children. So she adopted my daughter. Her name is Poppy,” explained Dominick.
“Poppy…I love that name,” admitted Sally. “And I’m glad you were able to do that for your aunt.”
Dominick nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”
Sally swallowed hard and thought about how she should respond. She realized it did not change how sweet Dominick was or how she felt about him. “I wish you had told me earlier, but I understand.”
“Thank you for understanding, Sally. I couldn’t believe how fast my feelings grew for you. I should have told you. Do you still want to be together?” asked Dominick.
Sally put her hand on his leg. “Of course I do. I hope I can meet Poppy.”
“The thing is, Poppy doesn’t know I’m her dad. She just thinks I’m her cousin. That was her parents’ wishes. But I look out for Poppy and have set up a fund for her schooling and all.”
“Oh, Dominick. That is really wonderful. I realize you didn’t have to tell me, but I’m glad you did.”
Beacon Hill Beauties (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 8
