Loving Again: The Broken Hearts Club

by Michele Barlow

  Evie didn’t say anything, biting her lip instead. Leo didn’t push her; instead, he moved down from her perfect belly button and slid her thighs over his shoulders. It seems there was one time Leo wasn’t a talker.

  Wrapping her hands into his hair, Evie let herself go. She took everything he offered. Leo licked her, kissed her sweetly, even nipped at her in an oh-so perfect way.

  Evie had never orgasmed this way, but tonight was going to be her first. It helped that she was already halfway there from the ride to his house and her aching for more the whole time. Now when he slid his fingers into her she felt the snap of her last ounce of restraint come unraveled and she came hard against Leo’s mouth. She didn’t care how she sounded or if she was being too aggressive, she just took what she wanted. It was absolutely liberating.

  In the back of her mind, she had the realization that she often made sure that how she looked and acted in bed was always putting her in the best light. Nothing against her former love life. It was just who she was then. Now she was someone else. Someone that loved sex and loved coming even more. She was going to become addicted to Leo’s touch if she wasn’t careful.

  Leo gentled his kissing and moved up her body back to her mouth. He kissed her softly, and she smiled back at him. Her eyes were closed because lifting her lids seemed like way too much effort.

  “Evie?”

  Prying her eyes open she saw Leo leaning over her. Damn, he was handsome.

  “You are amazing.”

  Just that. It’s all he said. He held her gaze as he reached down and freed his cock, shucking his jeans down his legs. She heard the tear of a foil wrapper and didn’t even care that he had planned ahead for the possibility of them being in bed. He kicked off his jeans and reached under one of her limp thighs, bringing her knee over his hip.

  “Me and you, Evie.”

  He slid into her causing her to gasp. Evie couldn’t help it when her eyes rolled back into her head. It was magnificent.

  She didn’t think she had another orgasm in her, but she shouldn’t doubt anything was possible with this man. He had already brought things out in her that she didn’t know she could do.

  Leo made love to her with an intensity that had her orgasm building again. But Leo was in no hurry. Touching every part of her. He did this so slowly she had started to whimper. He rolled her over and pulled her onto her knees. He managed to tell her how perfect her ass was without breaking his stride. It appeared Leo was into big booties, thank goodness.

  Evie wanted to come again hard and fast but Leo wasn’t giving it to her.

  “Leo,” she growled.

  “Let it build, baby. Trust me.”

  She didn’t want to let it build she wanted it now. If she could have stomped her feet she would have. Her body felt like it was on fire. Evie let out a whimper and found herself flipped around and straddling Leo.

  “Alright, baby, take it,” he ordered.

  Evie had never been confident in this position, but she didn’t hesitate. She moved over Leo as he whispered to her words of praise. Evie felt the wave start. It made her breath catch in her throat and she saw spots behind her eyes. A rainbow of colors caused by the lack of oxygen or extreme pleasure, she wasn’t sure. Her body locked and she screamed Leo’s name as she felt him flex against her and growl low and deep as he came with her.

  She collapsed on top of him and smiled against his strong chest. The short hair tickling her cheek. He was sweaty and smelled amazingly male. He was still inside her and she squeezed her muscles around him.

  “Hey,” he said with a grunt.

  “That’s the only muscles I have control of now. That’s your fault,” she murmured.

  “I’ll take full responsibility for that.” He sounded cockily proud.

  There was a silence for a while and Evie wanted nothing more than to fall asleep. The lure of listening to a strong heartbeat under her ear was like a craving. Nothing like an affirmation of life.

  Thump, thump, thump.

  You don’t know that it will be something you miss until it’s gone. Leo was alive, strong, and there. His presence filling up the room and it was starting to fill up a space inside her. It wasn’t the one that was empty from her loss. That would always be there. Instead, it took up a new place next to that loss and made that emptiness a little smaller.

  “I have to go…,” she finally said after the silence had gone long enough to settle into a comfortable lull.

  “I know,” he sighed. “I want you here. I want to sleep with you in my arms. I can ask Mabe to spend the night. But I don’t want to push my luck with either of you.” He said this with a chuckle.

  Evie pushed up to look down at him. He looked happy and relaxed. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t say that. Fuck, baby, don’t ever thank me for being able to be with you. I should be thanking you. But I won’t, because I plan to do this again. In fact, frequently, and I don’t want you saying thank you to get old. I’m going to drive you home, and then tomorrow I’m going to come by the store and bring you breakfast because I can’t make it for you here. Then we are going to go out to dinner tomorrow night and the night after. When you’re ready, I’d like to meet your girl. I’ll show her the boats I’m working on and have her meet Bud.

  I said it before and I’ll say it again. This wasn’t a one-night stand. I don’t do that and you are so much more than that. So, I’m not going to ask you permission for everything. If I’m doing something you don’t like or you think is too much, just call me on it. Otherwise I’m going full steam ahead.”

  Evie should have found that pushy and rude. Then again she’d never had a man tell her straight that he was going to be actively pursuing her and wanted to make something with her.

  “I’m not going to fight you, Leo. I like you, you make me feel good. Not just my body, but my heart and my mind are settled around you. You’re right, it’s a gift and I should accept it.”

  “Good, baby. That’s good to hear. Let me hold you just a little longer then I’ll take you home.”

  Evie cuddled back into the handsome man’s chest and felt for any sense that she was doing the wrong thing, but she could find nothing but happiness.

  Chapter 14

  Evie: Oh, I’m in so much trouble.

  Cambry: ?????

  Luna: Do you need a girl squad rescue? I can get on a plane, I don’t like them, but I will.

  Waverly: I have not had my coffee yet, this better be good.

  Evie thought for a moment then typed out the next message.

  Evie: It was…

  There was a long pause then her phone practically vibrated out of her hand.

  Cambry: After all that you saddled up?

  Evie: Graphic much?

  Luna: Wow, how was it? Was that too personal? Don’t care tell me.

  Adalyn: Seriously?

  Dawn: I’m jelly.

  Paisley: Good for you! Were you safe? Was it good? Did you…you know…

  Evie: Yes it was good, it was fan-freaking-tastic. Yes, we were safe and yes I am in deep.

  Cambry: Honey, if he was good to you, what more do you need?

  Waverly: I’m with Cam, two adults having a good time is A-ok with me.

  Luna: You gonna see him again? When are we going to see him by the way?

  Paisley: Just have him wrap his junk so you don’t get the funk.

  Evie: He’s good, guys. Like I think he’s really a good guy. Honest, sweet, understanding. He’s gorgeous and his body is, well let’s say solid. I’ll just say I was not left wanting last night.

  Waverly: Good bang his brains out, you deserve it.

  Evie: He’s coming over today, that’s what he said.

  Dawn: So happy for you, honey.

  Adalyn: You grab that happy with both hands, hear?

  Gianna: I agree, be happy.

  Evie: Thanks guys. I’m nervous but excited. I just want this to be a good thing and not something I have to recover from. I don’t know if I can tak
e that.

  Claire: I’ve got a good feeling about this guy. Eyes open and make good choices.

  The girls all signed off with hearts and kisses. She didn’t know how she had ever survived without the support her friends so freely gave.

  Leo was true to his word. He showed up just after Evie had taken Hailey to school the next day. They had breakfast together as they sat near the wood stove. Evie jumping up to help customers while he watched. His eyes traveled over her body as she moved remembering every curve, every dip, and the supreme joy of tasting her. Leo wasn’t one for flowery words, but he was falling hard and fast for Evie Ward. She told him that he was making her feel better.

  What she didn’t know, was that Leo hadn’t known that he was lonely before he met her. He thought he liked his solitude. As the days went on, he took her out on his boat, cooked her dinners at his house. They laughed and made love when he could convince her to pull a Mabe and close the shop in the middle of the day. Two weeks turned into four and Evie still hadn’t formally introduced him to Hailey. He got that. He wasn’t going to rush her.

  A few weeks later he had to deliver a boat he’d been restoring and was going to be staying overnight after the delivery. It was the first time they had gone twenty-four hours without seeing each other.

  They called and texted. Evie asked him to have a picnic with her and Hailey when he got back. It was just the moment he had been hoping for.

  He made a stop before heading home, tucking the box in his glove compartment and was happy knowing it was there when the time was right.

  Leo wanted to race back to Friday Harbor and kiss his woman. He was excited to meet Hailey. He liked children, and the way Evie talked about her little girl made her sound like a little angel.

  When he finally got back, it was almost time for Evie to close the store. His need for her made him rush in without thinking.

  She was standing behind the counter looking down at her tablet. He walked right towards her and enjoyed the surprise on her face as he reached for her face and kissed her. It was a kiss of possession and he fucking loved that she melted against him. She kissed him back until he felt her stiffen and pull away.

  He looked at her confused and saw her eyes get huge in shock. She looked around him and Leo turned his head to see a little girl sitting cross-legged in one of the rocking chairs with a color book in her lap and a box of crayons tucked beside her.

  Shit, he’d screwed the pooch.

  “Hailey, sweetie,” Evie said, moving around to stand in front of him. Leo didn’t know if he should touch her or put his hands on her shoulders. The girl was looking at them with a serious look on her face. Her expression wasn’t so much one of shock, it was more studious than anything.

  “This is my friend Leo. Remember, I told you I’ve been going out to dinner with him.”

  Leo didn’t think he should be adding anything so he stood still and tried to look friendly. This little girl was a lynchpin to his happiness. She needed to like him. Well, at least she needed to not hate him.

  “He kissed you.” Hailey’s voice was accusatory.

  “Yes, he did. We are friends that kiss.”

  “You told me not to kiss the boys at school. You said I’d get in trouble.”

  “Well, that’s different. You were grabbing them and kissing them when they didn’t want it. I don’t mind when Leo kisses me.”

  “Only daddies are supposed to kiss mommies.” This was said more as a statement than anything.

  Evie took a few steps towards her child and then squatted in front of her chair. Leo stayed where he was keeping a neutral look on his face. He still wasn’t sure how the little girl was going to react to all of this.

  “I know that daddies kiss mommies but sometimes friends kiss too,” Evie tried to explain.

  “Is Leo your boyfriend?”

  Evie looked over her shoulder and gave him a look. Leo gave her a chin lift.

  Turning back to Hailey she said, “Yes, he is my boyfriend. I like him a lot. Is that okay with you?”

  Hailey pursed her lips and started looking back and forth between her mom and Leo. “Is he going to be my daddy?”

  You couldn’t have dropped a bigger bomb in the room. Leo could see the words hit Evie like a physical blow.

  “Oh, honey. I…”

  “Hailey?” Leo took a step closer. He knew he was a big guy so he squatted down next to Evie.

  “I like your mommy a lot. She’s very special to me. I’ve been waiting to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’d liked to become your friend too. Maybe once we’re friends, you can help me convince your mommy to marry me. And even if she does, you will always have had your daddy from before. I’m sure he loved you to the moon and back. He will always be your Daddy. I want to be there for you like a daddy and help take care of you just like he did. We can be best friends instead.”

  Leo looked to Evie and found her staring at him, her mouth open in shock. He’d probably overstepped, but it was better she know that he had plans for their future. The last few weeks just firmed up in his mind and his heart that Evie was the one for him.

  “Leo,” she hissed. “You can’t say things like that!”

  “Why not? I love you, Evie. I’ve known Hailey for about five minutes and I can tell you she’s gonna have me wrapped around her little finger. I said it before and I’ll say it again, this is my future.”

  Leo had told her a few weeks ago as they laid in bed that she was going to have to get used to him because he was already used to her. He told her that he didn’t have any plans to be apart from her and that she was going to figure out how to let him in her life.

  “Mommy? Do you love him?” Hailey still looked a little confused.

  “I, well…” she hesitated.

  “Mommy, it’s okay.” Hailey reached out to her mom.

  Evie took her daughter’s hand.

  “You can love lots of people. You told me that. It’s okay if you need a new person. Hearts are very big. Sooo big!” Hailey said while throwing her hands in the air. “Daddy loved me and you. We have big hearts cause of all the love we got. We can make new friends to love too, right?”

  Leo saw a tear slip down Evie’s cheek. He reached over and brushed it away. She smiled at her child, “Yeah, baby. I do love him. He’s a good guy. I’d be happy for him to be in your life and I wouldn’t let anyone around that I didn’t trust. You are my number one and I will always make sure you are protected and loved.”

  Evie looked up at him and gave him a watery smile. “You love me?”

  “Of course I do. You are perfect for me. I’m a better man around you. I want to build a new life with you and Hailey. I can see my future when I look at you.”

  “Damn, you don’t make it easy do you?”

  “It’s the easiest thing in the world. Live. Do it with me, let us be together and happy. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that life is right in front of us waiting for us to reach out and grab it.”

  “Yeah, momma, gwab it,” Hailey giggled.

  Evie gave a sigh but was smiling. “Okay, let’s gwab it.”

  Chapter 15

  “Evie, baby, now.”

  Leo had his hand between Evie’s legs. They were in bed at Evie’s while Hailey was at a playdate.

  “Leo!” Evie let out a keening cry as she came on his fingers. Before she finished shuddering with release, Leo slid into her, seating himself deep inside her.

  Evie wrapped her legs around his waist the way he liked. She had learned quickly that Leo liked her touching him as much as possible. He was always hugging her, holding her hand, or brushing her hair behind her ear.

  Leo made her come again. Sometimes he was slow and made sweet love to her. Sometimes he took her with a ferocity that spun her head and made her feel naughty and desired.

  They had decided to forgo the condoms and Evie went back on birth control. She had to admit it was so much better with nothing between them.

  Leo came, calling her
name. He loved curling around her after they were done. He would whisper in her ear once he was spooning, “Keep me inside you for a little while.”

  She didn’t mind often falling asleep with Leo inside her. Their connection was growing stronger every day. It was easy, oddly so. The doubts never came. She felt settled with Leo. She’d proven that she could do it on her own. Her business was doing well, and she could continue on her own if she needed to. Instead, she had found a partner to share it all with.

  Since they had admitted their love, almost all of their dates now included Hailey. They fished, baked cookies together, and did all of the normal things families did.

  Evie expected at some point that she would start feeling guilty, but it seemed that the universe was smoothing out any rough spots that should have tripped her up. Hailey had come to her one morning and said she wanted to go to the water and put some flowers in for daddy.

  They’d walked down the dock after stopping to pick up some daisies from the florist. Hailey dropped them in the water and smiled up at her. “He’ll like those, momma.”

  Evie didn’t question why her little girl thought this, but she was certain her daddy needed flowers. Hailey was instantly comfortable around Leo. She got to ride on his shoulders just like she used to with her dad. She taught Leo how to thumb wrestle even though Evie was sure he had heard of that game before, letting the little girl bend his thumb down to show him what to do. Hailey always won that game too.

  It had been a beautiful spring and now they were firmly into the summer season. Town was packed full of tourists and Evie got to spend her days with Hailey in the shop. Leo would come in when he wasn’t working, and today was one of those days.

  Evie had been helping a customer and could hear the two of them giggling back in the shop. Hailey was teaching Leo how to use the spinning wheel. The pair were making a terrible mess and Evie couldn’t have been happier.