“Thanks, Mandy. So do I. We just need to get to know each other before we jump to any more conclusions.”
* * * *
Laura felt a tingle up her spine—an excitement of what was to come—as she watched Trevor wrap up the night’s festivities. The auctions had been a huge success. She had bid on a few items, and been the top bidder for two—a jewellery piece donated by Mandy and a hamper full of champagne, strawberries and chocolates. Laura could think of a few ways to use those chocolates and strawberries, and Trevor starred in all of her ideas. Laura had also quickly made a donation to the night, when she’d realised what was happening, offering a spring clean of a house or office to the highest bidder.
Laura saw a woman approaching and knew immediately that it was Trevor’s mother. The family resemblance was unmistakeable. Laura smiled in the woman’s direction, hoping to get off on the right foot. She wasn’t at all prepared for the attack.
“Do you think that was very appropriate behaviour, attacking my son like that? No wonder Trevor is acting so selfishly at the moment—talking all this rubbish about being sick and bringing such embarrassing attention to his family, upsetting his father. And you… Such a mature-looking woman, when my son is obviously so much younger. It’s disgusting. Frank is fuming—gone straight to the car. But I just couldn’t let you get away with it. It is obviously all your doing, this…this…horrid night.”
Laura was astounded at the woman’s nerve, the audacity to speak to her in such a way. This person had let Trevor down, and—to Laura’s horror—was still doing it. How could Mrs Hughes not understand the monumental gesture Trevor had just made, all to help strangers, people he had not even met? Yet his own mother had still turned away from him. It was a shame, but Laura would not be intimidated.
“Think what you want, Mrs Hughes. I don’t care what you or your husband may think, believe or feel. All I care about is that your son is the bravest, most thoughtful and caring man I’ve ever met. I nearly lost him once, but I don’t intend to let that happen again. I will support him in his fight to overcome this illness that has affected him for so long. Unlike you—shame on you. I am a mother and I would never leave my son to battle any pain or illness alone. I am shocked that any mother could. So don’t you go tainting this wonderful evening with your snide comments.”
Laura was really on a roll—she was so angry that this woman, this sad excuse for a mother could even comment on what had been such a successful night. She couldn’t bear for Trevor to hear any of this negativity. Laura could understand, clearly, why Trevor felt he had disappointed his loved ones, but it was they who were the disappointments not Trevor.
“If you can’t say anything in support of Trevor, Mrs Hughes, I really think you should just leave. Let him be. He doesn’t need to hear your bitterness.”
“Well, I never… What a rude woman, attacking me this way. A mother, you say? Pffft…probably left a tribe of unwanted kids with a stranger just so you can flirt with my son. I think he needs to hear how you’ve spoken to me…”
“Your son has. Hello, Mother.”
Laura’s heart nearly stopped when she heard Trevor’s voice behind her. She worried over what he might have heard. Would he be disappointed with her that she had clearly distressed his mother? The way the woman was behaving, anyone would think Laura had physically attacked her. Again, me and my big mouth—when will I learn to just keep it shut? But then again, why should I? The woman had it coming.
If Trevor was really upset, Laura supposed she could apologise, but she would feel sick doing it. Trevor deserved to be loved and held in high regard. Not to be belittled by those who should be his greatest supporters.
Chapter Sixteen
Trevor had actually managed to forget his parents had insisted upon attending tonight. He hadn’t warned them or told them what the fundraiser was for, and had been convinced that they would not be pleased. Hearing the way his mum had got stuck into Laura made him see red. The hide of her to blame Laura for what he was doing, what he had admitted to publicly! It certainly wasn’t Laura who had let him down in life, and his little ray of sunshine had really had his back.
He could see where Rookie had got his protective streak—definitely from Laura. Trevor had felt a deep gratitude for the way Laura had taken his mother to task for her lack of support. His heart had filled with joy just knowing that Laura felt enough for him to speak up, and to compliment him, call him brave. Trevor could have exploded with the happiness she’d instilled in him with her outspoken words. But he was not going to sit by and let his mother threaten her, belittle her or make up lies to cause Laura pain. No bloody way.
“Mother, I had the misfortune to hear every word that was spoken…”
“Did you hear her rudeness, the way she spoke to your mother?”
“No, Mother. I heard you attack Laura, and I heard your disparaging remarks about my life and the decisions I’ve made. You have never been there for me, so let’s not pretend it’s any other way. Go to Dad, make sure he is okay. He needs you. Laura and I have places to be.”
Mrs Hughes gave a gasp of shock as Trevor took Laura by the hand, turned and led her to the back of the restaurant, putting as much distance as he could between his mother and Laura.
“I’m so sorry you had to deal with that, Laura. My parents have their own problems. I’m leaning towards the idea that they both have some sort of mental instability themselves. Dad is always down, and Mum has to fret over him every minute. There was never really any time or energy left for me. In fact, the only way I got any praise from her was if I did something that made my father happy, and I didn’t achieve that very often, I’m here to tell you.”
“Oh Trevor, you have nothing to apologise for…and anyway, I’m quite capable of looking after myself when it comes to other women. You obviously have never been involved in a parent-school committee.”
Laura’s teasing had a calming effect on Trevor—she was fine, able to deal with his mother. He really needed to start giving her more credit. Laura was one in a million. Trevor felt as though maybe he had won the jackpot.
“Can I take you home, Laura? I know you came with your son, but would you let me do the honour of escorting you home?”
“That depends on which home you will take me to. I rather hoped it might be yours, Trevor.”
“Honey, that would be more than I could wish for. We need to talk, though, so you have to promise not to ravish me until we’ve finished.” Trevor could not believe that he was joking, making light of their budding relationship, but it felt good.
“I don’t make promises I’m not sure I can keep. Maybe you’ll have to tie my hands together or something.”
Laura’s cheeks flamed with colour as she realised the implications of what she had said, and Trevor loved that pink tinge. She was delightful in her embarrassment and he jumped at the chance to string it along.
“Hmm, bondage, Laura? Who would have thought you would be into that type of thing? But hey, I’m a modern guy—I’ll give anything a go. Tying you up and having you at my mercy—now that sounds like a hardship I could endure.”
“Modern and a comedian—who knew?” Laura laughed. “Trevor, you can tie me up as long as you remember I get reciprocal rights.” A sexy wickedness was so clear in her voice that it sent Trevor’s libido into overdrive. “I just have to find Mitchell and let him know I may not be home tonight.”
“You tell that son of yours that you may not be home for days, honey. I have a feeling it will take a while for me to get through some of the plans I have dreamed up for you. The things that I need to do to you.”
Trevor was delighted to see Laura blush deepen as she headed off to find her son and make her goodbyes. He knew he was grinning from ear to ear but couldn’t begin to hide the happiness he was feeling.
“So tonight’s been a huge success all round, then, judging by that smile on your dial.” A familiar chuckle followed the accurate statement.
“Yep, Brodie. It has. A
nd I feel all the better for it, and not just the Laura situation—which for the record is fucking gold—but the other stuff. The fact I feel like I’m making a contribution to society. Making a difference.”
“Mate, you’ve been making a difference in people’s lives forever. You help out with any and every fundraiser going, bring joy to lots of folks every week through your show. Don’t sell yourself short, Trev. You’re one of the good guys. I’m proud of you, buddy. Good job.”
“Brodes, thanks mate. Fuck, our conversations are getting really, really weird these days. Being married has turned you into a marshmallow, my friend. Toughen up, fella.” Trevor couldn’t hide the emotion in his voice, though, even as he joked to lighten the mood. His mates were solid. Not afraid to let you know how they felt, and the fact they were known as hard, tough men didn’t alter that fact.
Laura left Trevor and went in search of her son. She wanted to let Mitchell know that she would be going back to Trevor’s and staying the night. And though the upcoming conversation made her feel a tiny bit embarrassed, Laura had no doubt that her son would take the information in his stride, and not cause her any anguish because of it. He had been a conspirator in the night after all, fully aware of Trevor’s intentions to rekindle their short relationship. So if Mitchell had qualms, he could have not insisted she attend with him. Bless his interfering heart, she thought lovingly as she continued her search.
Laura found Mitchell sitting at a table, deep in conversation with a young woman. Laura had seen the woman—just a girl, really—around. She was the head coach’s daughter, Phillipa Rodgers. The poor girl had been saddled with the unflattering nickname ‘Pipsqueak’. Laura shuddered every time she heard the young girl called by the name, resigned to the fact that men could be so thoughtless when it came to the sensitivities of a young woman.
Mitchell had his back to Laura, but she could tell by her son’s relaxed pose, by the way his arms rested on the table, shoulders loose, and by how he leaned in close to Phillipa, that he was in no need of rescue. In the past, Laura had been forced to intervene to save Mitchell from the grips of fanciful young groupies. Her son had always been relieved when she had. But this time, Laura felt no sense of entrapment or panic from her son. She could see the adoration in Phillipa’s face, though—the girl was facing towards Laura as she approached. Eyes bright, cheeks flushed, Phillipa looked enchanted by whatever Mitchell was saying.
Laura had a brief moment when she thought that maybe she should intervene and remind Mitchell that Phillipa was very young, probably only seventeen—not that it was easy to tell these days, especially when girls dressed up. But Laura pushed the thought aside. Mitchell had proven himself able to act maturely, and he certainly didn’t need advice from his mother on this. Laura was convinced her son would act in a gentlemanly fashion when it came to Phillipa. The fact she’s the coach’s daughter will seal the deal anyway, Laura mused. Not a good career move to upset your coach.
She cleared her throat behind Mitchell’s head. Phillipa quickly looked away from Laura, her cheeks flaming red and a little sound of dismay coming from her lips, but Laura smiled in her direction, drawing back the girl’s attention.
“Evening, Phillipa. Having a nice night?”
The poor girl nearly choked on her response. “Oh, yes, Mrs Harris. A lovely time, thank you.”
“That’s good, dear. Sorry to interrupt, but I’d just like to say goodbye to Mitchell.” Laura turned to her son, who was now leaning back in his chair, his eyes not having left Phillipa’s face throughout the exchange.
“Hey, Ma! What’s up?”
“I’m heading off now, with Trevor,” Laura said, lowering her voice as she mentioned Trevor’s name. No need to advertise any further, she thought. “Will you be right to get home by yourself? Have you been drinking?”
“No, Mum, on the lemonade tonight. Wanted to keep my wits about me just in case.” He winked. “It’s all good, Mum. You head off, I’ll catch you some time tomorrow, okay?” he added, taking the need for Laura to explain any further from her hands.
“Thanks, Mitchell.” Laura started to walk away, but couldn’t hold back a final comment, hoping that her son would understand her concerns.
“Hey, Rookie.” Laura used her son’s football nickname to gain his attention, saw him turn his head, a quizzical look on his face at her using the term. “Be good, and if you can’t be good, be careful, son!”
Chapter Seventeen
After making the necessary goodbyes to their friends and Laura’s son, then leaving said friends all smirking in their wake, Trevor finally had Laura to himself. They had made idle chit-chat on the journey back to his home. It wasn’t until they were sitting side by side in his living room that Trevor turned the conversation in a more serious direction. He held Laura’s hands in his as he told her in depth—being completely honest, leaving nothing unsaid—about his illness.
To her credit, Laura sat silently and listened to Trevor’s story. She squeezed his hand on occasion, but mostly she just listened.
“I want us to be together, Laura. More than anything, but you have to understand this doesn’t go away, and while I’m in control and haven’t had a bout for years, it could happen. I’m scared of being a liability in your life. What if being with me turned you into someone like my mother? I shudder at the thought, honey.”
“I understand you have fears about us, Trevor, but you have to remember, so do I. I am forty-two years old and you are thirty-four—that is a huge difference. I have done the family thing. Do you want children, Trevor? Because I’m almost past that stage of my life. Don’t you see? Relationships have difficulties on both sides. We just have to work through them together. If we talk everything through then maybe it won’t be so hard. You haven’t lived through my PMS yet—just ask Mitchell, I can be pretty dark myself. And I’m not making light of your illness, I’m just pointing out that I have my problems too, that you will have to live with.”
“We can do this, Laura, I’m positive. Stop worrying about the age thing—to me you are perfect, and to be honest I never thought about kids. Never really put too much thought into the future. I don’t think I’m father material, anyway.”
“Stop judging yourself so harshly, Trevor. You don’t know what sort of father you would be.”
‘It’s not really something I see myself doing, Laura. I think fatherhood is too much responsibility.”
“Being a parent is that, I can attest to it. It feels so different now, knowing that I don’t have Mitchell to worry about every day. Sometimes when he’s travelling with the Jets, the house seems so empty. It is time I resumed my life—Laura’s life—and I kinda hope you will become a part of that, Trevor.”
“So do I, honey, so do I. Come here, let me kiss you.”
Laura crawled into his lap and Trevor did not waste another moment. He took her mouth with his. Lips on lips, tongue to tongue, they were finally connected again.
Their kiss was all-consuming, hot yet tender at the same time. Their tongues explored and danced as Trevor changed the angle of his mouth to achieve an even greater, deeper access to Laura’s mouth. Their teeth clashed as their passion intensified. Sighs, moans, the slurp of a kiss made up the background serenade to their passion. Trevor could have kissed Laura all night. He loved the taste of her, and the mewling sounds she made drove him wild with need. He stroked the softness of her blonde hair, drifted his hands down the slope of her neck, her shoulders, to rest at her slim waist.
Trevor moved his lips from Laura’s to travel down her neck, nipping and kissing her delicate skin on his journey. She moved her head to the side, granting him easier access. Laura’s eyes were closed, her lashes fanned over her high cheekbones as she arched her back, pressed her body into his. Chest to breast, Trevor could feel her nipples, the hard buds pushing against his skin. He drifted his hands lower to clasp the round globes of her backside—he pumped and kneaded the softness, enjoying the feminine feel of her body. Laura was now kissing his
neck, nipping at his ear, her bites sharp and the sting sending even more heat to his already swollen groin. His cock was so hard it was painful, pressed against the zipper of his pants. He needed relief before he caused himself a permanent injury.
“Lift up a little, honey. If I don’t loosen my pants I may be ruined for all time. I’m so fucking hard for you, I feel like my cock will break if I don’t allow it some freedom.”
“Quick, unzip.” Laura chuckled. “I certainly don’t want you disfigured or impaired in any way. I want you hard and raring to go. Make love to me, Trevor. Now.”
“Bossy much, Laura? I was enjoying myself just touching and kissing you. What’s the hurry? We have all night.”
“All I can say is that you obviously aren’t as hot or horny as me. I think I will die if I don’t get some relief…and soon. Please, Trevor.”
Laura was wrong—Trevor was in blissful agony as well. He could not ignore her plea, though. Trevor wanted to ease her need, wanted to give her an orgasm, then he could take his time to slowly build her up to climax again. Trevor figured he could probably last at least three of her orgasms before he would give up the fight and bury himself in Laura’s hot folds.
“Lose the dress, Laura. It’s so pretty—I don’t want to damage it. Plus I need to see you naked in my lap—bare, ready for me.”
Laura removed her dress without argument. She also unhooked her bra, but because she sat straddling him, she had not yet removed her panties.
“This pretty little thing looks so sexy on you. But I would prefer them off. Are they particular favourites?” he asked.
When Laura looked at him in a confused way, Trevor decided that he didn’t care if they were her favourites—he would buy her more, bagsful if need be. Trevor grabbed the side of the fabric sitting high on Laura’s hip and ripped the seams apart, before doing the same to the fabric on the other hip. Laura gasped, then a little giggling sound escaped her lips. The sound was so melodic it reminded Trevor of the sound of wind-chimes in a summer breeze.
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