by Ava Bell
“Oh fuck, you feel so good, you’re so wet . . . Spread your legs wider,” Sam commands, moving his hips.
I spread my legs as wide as I can, trying to take every inch of him inside me. I raise my arms over my head and grip the slats in the headboard with my hands so I can steady myself when he starts to move at a rapid pace; in, out, in, out. I try to match his movements with each thrust, lifting my hips to meet his until I feel him getting closer to his release. He knows I’m close as he moves faster, gripping his shoulders and arching my back while my low moaning starts to reach a crescendo.
Sam relaxes as he lies on top of me, and I can feel his warm breath on my neck while his breathing slows. I can feel the moisture we created between our bodies as Sam slowly kisses my neck and whispers in my ear. “You. Are. Amazing. Maggie. You feel so good.”
I pull my head back so I can see his face. “Sam, that was so intense, so out of control,” I say, tracing along his lower lip with my finger. He leans in and kisses me with such force and intensity I can feel my lips start to swell from the pressure.
After several minutes Sam moves to my side, our arms and legs tangled together. I shiver and Sam reaches for the blanket at the end of the bed, draping it over us. I close my eyes and slowly drift off while Sam caresses my back. When I wake up feeling too warm, I see Sam is still sleeping. His arm drapes over my hip and his legs are intertwined in mine. I feel the intense need to use the bathroom so I slowly lift Sam’s arm and place it by his side and ease my legs from underneath him. I slowly sit up, moving to the edge of the bed and checking the time on my phone. It’s only 2:30 a.m. As I sit on the edge of the bed, I look over my shoulder at Sam while he sleeps. I tiptoe into the bathroom, closing the door slowly so I won’t wake him. I sit on the edge of the bathtub, taking a deep breath and exhaling it. Maggie, what were you thinking? I shake my head slowly, deep in thought. I’ve never done anything like this and I’m not sure what’s come over me; this attraction to Sam is so new to me and scary. I got so caught up in the moment that I never thought once about Sam using protection. I don’t think it was on our minds at that moment. I take a deep breath and turn to start the shower, I adjusting the knobs to the right temperature and climbing in. Running my hands over my body, I try washing away any regrets I have. But when I hear the bathroom door slowly open, my mind is suddenly elsewhere. Sam slides the shower curtain slightly to the side and peeks in, but his face drops when he see the worry in my eyes.
“Sam, I’m not on birth control, and I know I should have told you but . . . things just got so out of control so fast.”
Sam looks away and nods. “I thought that’s something you would have told me, even before we got back in the room.” Although there is no obvious anger in his voice, I can still feel it. When he sees my reaction to his words, he slides into the shower, wrapping his arms around me and letting me know that I’m not the only one at fault.
Once we’ve showered, Sam helps me out while I lift each foot over the side of the bathtub. I stand on the white rug next to the counter, watching Sam hold up a towel and place it over my shoulders. He starts to dry me off slowly.
“Are you cold?” he asks, turning me around to face the bathroom counter.
“I’m most definitely not cold,” I say, catching his eyes in the mirror.
Sam stops and looks towards the door. “Don’t move, I’ll be right back.”
I place both hands on each side of the sink, watching him open his guitar case, and he feels around until he holds up a package . . . a condom. He smiles as if he just won the lottery, walking back into the bathroom. He starts at my feet, drying me and working his way up to my calves, then my thighs, until he reaches my butt. He leans down and softly kisses each cheek. I watch him in the mirror while he picks up the condom and slides it on. My breathing gets heavier and faster, feeling Sam caress the area between my legs. I feel a tingling sensation over my entire body when his fingers find my opening, I gasp while he inserts them inside of me and begins moving them around until my legs start to feel like jelly.
He leans over and whispers in my ear. “Maggie, you make me so hot. I can’t stand being this close and not being inside of you.” I lean over, closer, until my breasts are resting on top of the bathroom counter and I watch him in the mirror. Sam knows what I want. I spread my legs wider as he stands behind me and I can feel how excited and hard he is when he leans against my back placing soft light kisses on my shoulders and neck. I nudge my butt towards Sam and that’s all he needs before I feel him thrust inside of me. I push my hips towards him until I feel him push deeper, and my moans get louder. Sam grabs my hips and moves slowly as if he wants to savor every second, every minute.
As I begin to reach a peak, I scream. “Harder! Harder, Sam.” His movements are quick and hard as he lets out a loud moan. Then Sam leans over my back, laying his head on my shoulder. I can feel his hot breath on my neck while his breathing starts to get slower.
“Oh, Maggie, I’m not done with you yet.” He turns me around and kisses me . . . HARD.
Our eyes lock in a gaze as Sam lifts me onto the counter. He stands between my legs and pushes them farther apart. I lean up against the cold tile. Sam kneels in front of me; his tongue finds the wet spot between my legs as he slowly swirls and sucks. I arch my back and grab the edge of the counter. I know I can’t last much longer, but then I’m suddenly there. I unravel my fingers from Sam’s hair while I relax my body, both of us exhausted. Sam picks me up off the counter and I wrap my legs around his hips when he carries me out of the bathroom and back to bed.
“Sleep,” he says, laying me down onto the bed. Sam crawls under the covers and pulls me close to him, our arms wrapped around each other as we drift off to sleep.
I open my eyes and the room is bright while the sun shines through the thin curtains. Sam is lying facing my back with his arm resting on stomach. I lay there and listen to Sam’s steady breathing as I close my eyes and doze back off. I awaken the next time to the sound of my phone. It takes me a minute to get oriented to figure out where it is and I move slowly, reaching over to grab it. It’s Sydney. I quickly answer it, getting up and moving to the bathroom, closing the door quietly.
“Hey, Syd,” I answer softly.
“Hey, Mags. Why haven’t you called and checked in with me? I worry about you traveling so far by yourself.” She sounds frustrated with me.
“I’m sorry, Sydney. I just got so focused on driving that I totally forgot.” I’m hoping she doesn’t catch a difference in my tone.
“Well, where are you?” she asks, sounding relieved. “Did you stop and get some rest? You know you shouldn’t drive when you’re sleepy.” I laugh at her feeble attempt to sound like my mother.
“Actually, I’m in Chicago,” I say, feeling guilty for my dishonesty. “I stopped for the night and just getting ready to head back out. I should be in New York by tonight.” I hold my breath and wait, hoping she can’t tell I’m lying. I listen to Sydney talk while I hop onto the bathroom counter. I lean back against the tile, closing my eyes and thinking about what happened in here just a few hours ago. The memory makes me smile.
After hanging up from my call, I open the bathroom door and walk out. There, by the side of the bed, is a pile of clothes. I pick them up and lay them on the bed. When I see Sam dressed and sitting in the chair playing his guitar softly, I quickly throw on some shorts and a tank top. I slowly walk towards him and he places his guitar next to the wall. I straddle his lap and sit, facing him.
“I missed your warm body when I woke up,” he whispers, wiping the hair away from my face.
“I’m sorry.” I lean in and lightly kiss his lips. “Phone call . . . my girlfriend Sydney,” I say, kissing him down and around his neck.
He takes my face in both hands and looks me in the eye. His face is serious. “Are you okay, Maggie?”
He continues to stare at me, waiting for an answer. “I’m okay, Sam. Really, I am.” I nod my head slowly. He reaches up to touch my lip
s with his thumb and inhales sharply.
“Maggie, last night was wonderful. You were wonderful.” Sam wraps his arms around me.
“It really was a night I won’t soon forget,” I say, smiling and kissing the tip of his nose.
“What do you want to do today?” He looks at me mischievously. “It’s still early enough if you want to go to the diner for some breakfast.”
I jump up and walk towards the bathroom. “I’m starving! I want pancakes,” I tell him. “Just let me go brush my teeth, change clothes, and we can go.” After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I dig through my overnight bag, hoping I remembered to pack my yellow sundress I just bought a couple of weeks ago. It’s cute, strappy, and it comes right above my knees and . . . YES! It’s there in my bag. Just as I’m rinsing my mouth, I see Sam standing in the doorway. I tuck my toothbrush back into my overnight bag and slip my white sparkling sandals on, moving to the side so Sam can use the sink. Sam reaches out and pulls me to him, looking down at me.
“I want you to know that I think you’re special, Maggie. This wasn’t just a one-night stand for me. I don’t take sex lightly.”
I can tell he’s serious by the look in his eyes, and I return the same look, hoping he knows I feel the same way.
WE HEAD OVER to the diner for some breakfast and while we walk down Main Street, I notice how deserted the streets are. I feel almost sad knowing my time here will be over soon. We walk into the diner and both see that our favorite booth is taken. I frown at Sam when he looks over at me. He nods towards a small table in the back, so I follow him over and sit down. I already know what I want . . . pancakes. I haven’t had pancakes in a long time.
The diner is packed with tourists having breakfast. I overhear most of them talking about how much fun and drink they had, and how they plan on returning next year. Sam seems to be especially quiet this morning and I’m worried that he’s starting to feel some regret over last night. I feel the need to get his attention, maybe he will talk about it.
“Hey, did you know there’s a lake not far from the B&B?” He shakes his head. “I heard a few people talking about it. It might be fun to go check it out, maybe have a picnic?” Sam smiles and nods his agreement.
“Sure, sounds like fun.” His smile is weak, and I start to think there’s something wrong.
“What’s wrong, Sam? Are you okay?” He looks away as he grins.
“Everything is fine, just a lot on my mind. It’s okay.” He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it.
Sam snatches the check off the table. “My turn,” he says. I tilt my head, giving him my best pouty look, but it doesn’t work. Sam pays the bill while I walk out onto the sidewalk. I lift my face towards the sun as it shines on me and I close my eyes, feeling the warmth wash over me. Sam startles me when he whispers in my ear. “Let’s go pick up a few things for our picnic since it’s on our way.” I smile when I feel his arms surround me, and he lightly pecks me on the cheek. “Come on, let’s go.” Sam’s hand reaches for mine and I take it. These small little things he does are starting to drive me insane, and my body feels like it will explode each time he touches me. I think . . . no, I know I’m falling for him.
Still holding hands, Sam and I stroll down each isle of the small market, laughing and teasing each about the different things we like to eat. I learn Sam hates peanut butter but loves peanut butter cookies.
“How can you hate peanut butter, but eat peanut butter cookies? That just makes no sense.” I nudge him on the shoulder. He laughs when I tell him I despise Cheetos and Miracle Whip.
“Maggie, Cheetos are an all-American snack and Miracle Whip? No one should eat a sandwich without it.” He picks me up and throws me over his shoulder.
“Sam! Put me down, now!” I exclaim, giggling and kicking my legs.
“Not until you agree that there’s nothing better than Cheetos. You have to say it out loud.” He carries me down the aisle towards the potato chip section.
“Okay, okay . . . Cheetos are . . . okay, I guess. Now put me down!” I wiggle for him to release me. He gently sits me back down on my feet and kisses the top of my head.
I grab a bag of Cheetos and throw them at Sam.
“Here, just don’t touch me with your orange nasty fingers after you’ve eat them,” I snicker.
“Can we get some Miracle Whip to dip them in?” he teases. I roll my eyes and walk away as he laughs.
Standing in the checkout lane, Sam grabs his wallet to pay. “Stop!” I shout, trying to push his money back. “You paid for breakfast, so it’s my turn.” I step in front and pay, leaving the Cheetos for him to carry.
When we get into our room, we set our bags on the table. Sam grabs his guitar and I pick up my phone; three missed calls. The first two are from Sydney and Aunt Virginia. The third is from Marissa Brown, a realtor in New York who helped me find a place to rent while I attend school in the fall. I text Sydney first, telling her I’m fine and I’ll call her when I stop for the night. I pull up my aunt’s number and push call, leaving a voicemail, telling her things are good and I should be in New York City soon. I promise to call her later tonight. Sam shoots me a look when he hears the message, and I give him a weak smile, knowing he will question me about lying to my family.
I listen to the voicemail from Marissa. “Hi, Maggie, it’s Marissa Brown with Metro Leasing. I have secured the fully furnished studio apartment on Riverside Drive that you decided on. As soon as you get into town, call me and we’ll make arrangements for you to sign the lease papers. As soon as that is done, you are free to move in anytime. I look forward to hearing back from you.”
I feel a twinge of excitement rush through me as I listen to the voicemail a second time, making sure I made note of all the details. Just the thought of having my own place in a new town gives me the confidence I need to succeed at becoming what I’ve always dreamed of. All the endless hours of classes and practice are finally paying off and my thoughts drift to the memories of how much my mother sacrificed so I could do what I love the most; dance. She selflessly gave up so much to make sure I attended the best possible dance studios with the best instructors. I can remember hearing my dad argue with my mother about how he didn’t like that she drove me an hour both ways to the studio three days a week, and how ridiculous the prices were for the classes and private instructors. She knew it was a dream that I pushed myself to fulfill, and she always saw the potential that my father refuse to acknowledge.
I plug my phone back into the charger and set in on the bedside table, looking over at Sam as he concentrates on his guitar. I walk over and take the guitar from Sam and set it against the wall. Sam looks up at me as I straddle him and sit on his lap. I put my hands behind his neck and pull him towards me, kissing him softly on the lips. He smiles when I pull back to lean my head on his shoulder.
“I need you to know that there’s no other place I’d rather be than right here with you, right now,” I whisper in his ear. I hear him sigh as he wraps his arms tightly around me.
“And there’s no other place I’d rather be than right here with you too,” he whispers back. Sam takes a deep breath while I sit up. “Maggie, I’m a different person when I’m with you. I see everything in a new and different light. Your enthusiasm and your love for life seeps into my heart and soul, but I’m also scared at the same time. I don’t want to think about saying goodbye in a couple of days.”
I feel a lump form in my throat when I hear these words, and swallow it down as I look into Sam’s eyes.
“Sam, I hope you know I feel the same way. You make me laugh and smile; it’s been a long time since I’ve feel so happy and alive. I want you to know that I will never forget you. We can still stay in touch; I would be sad knowing I couldn’t hear your voice. Please tell me that you want the same.”
Sam smiles and says, “Of course I do, Maggie; I want to be able to hear about what’s going on in your life and want to know you’re happy, safe, and know about your school.”
“Good, I’m glad we got that out of the way.” I stand and walk over to the bed, sitting on the edge and giving Sam an inviting look while I move farther onto the bed. Sam follows.
“I guess I’m gonna have to look into getting a cell phone for sure now,” he says, laying down next to me.
“Sam, you crack me up. I thought you were kidding this whole time about not having a cell phone. I mean who doesn’t have a cell phone these days? Yes, Sam Austin, you need a cell phone,” I say, as he pulls me closer to him.
I lay facing away from Sam as he lays pressed up against my back, his arms are wrapped around me. I feel as though nothing exist on the other side of that door, nothing but Sam and I. Closing my eyes, I trace my finger along Sam’s arm while we both drift off and I dream of Sam and tearful goodbyes.
I feel Sam slowly shake me awake and I open my eyes. He leans in to kiss me, smelling and tasting of peppermint. “It is 1:00 p.m. Are you still up for a walk around the lake?” he says softly.
I turn and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “Yes, I am. Mmm . . . you smell good.” I nuzzle my face in his neck and kiss him.
“I had a few Cheetos while you were sleeping, and I wanted to make sure there were no traces of their awesomeness left on my breath so I brushed my teeth for you.” When he blows in my face, I push him away.
“Yuck! Get away from me!” I squeal and Sam grabs my hands, holding them over my head as he tries to kiss me.
When I finally give in, Sam leans down and looks me in the eyes. “If we don’t go now, we will never get out of the bed. I’ll make sure of that.”
I hop up and go in the bathroom while Sam waits at the front door. Sam grabs the bag of snacks and I take an extra blanket from the closet. Then we walk out into the sunshine and along the path that leads to the bed-and-breakfast’s main house.
“Maybe I should go in and ask them how to get to the lake,” Sam says, as we climb the steps, and of course, Tilly is busying herself behind the desk. She looks up and smiles when we ask for directions.
