Sublime Forgiveness (Sublime Series Book 3)

by Charlene Zapata

  “I should go.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Because if I stay any longer, we’re both going to regret it.” She lets out a long sigh while leaning against my chest.

  “I’m so glad you’re older and much, much wiser than me because if I had my way, I’d take you into my bedroom right now and have my way with you.” I can feel her smile against me as I let out a long sigh.

  “Yes. That’s a good thing. At least one of us has some self-control.”

  “You can’t blame me when you show up at my door and attack me out of nowhere.”

  “True. But you didn’t have to respond quite so enthusiastically.” She looks up at me then with a huge smile and gives me a small peck on my cheek.

  “You’re right. I’ll remember next time to be like a rag doll and go limp in your arms. Is that what you would prefer?”

  “That would help immensely. And uh, sorry about the ass grab. That was out of line.”

  “Don’t be. I liked it.” She gives me a wink and holds up her index finger, signaling me to come inside.

  “I’m not staying. I know you have a lot of school work to do and you need your rest. I just wanted to see you.”

  “Tease.”

  “Now that’s a first. I’ve never been called a tease before. Lots of other names, but never that. I’ll be back tomorrow night for our date. See you at 6 o’clock?”

  “Fine.” She sticks out her bottom lip and pouts just enough to make me want to change my mind. I give her one final kiss before turning around and leaving. I have to adjust myself a little before climbing in my car. I’ve gone without sex for longer than this, but getting all worked up and walking away, that’s something my body isn’t used to. I guess this means yet another cold shower when I get home. I know she’s totally worth the wait, I just wish the rest of my body was as understanding as my heart.

  After our date night of studying, I called my mom to ask if I could bring Maggie to dinner tomorrow night. She was more than thrilled, she was ecstatic.

  “Of course! Bring her over. What time? What should I cook? What does she like?”

  “Calm down, Mom. She already loves your cooking. She eats all my leftovers whenever she’s at the house. How about 6:30 tomorrow night?”

  “That sounds perfect. I can’t wait. Is it okay if Joey and Keri are here? They usually eat dinner with me on Friday night.”

  “Sure Mom. The more the merrier as they say. Just please tell Joey not to be too obnoxious with the questions. You know how he can get.”

  “I’ll talk to him. I will see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks Mom. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  I toss and turn all night long. I don’t know why I’m so nervous about my mom meeting Maggie. Maybe it’s because I’ve never brought a girl home. Maybe it’s because I care so much for both of them that I want them to like each other. Whatever the reason, it’s keeping me up.

  Once the alarm finally goes off, I crawl out of bed and into the shower. It’s seven in the morning, a little later than I usually get up because without snow the past few days, things have slowed down. Which is going to make this day that much longer.

  *****

  Later that night, on my way to Maggie’s, I get the crazy idea to let her drive my car. I know she’s been wanting to for a long time. She only hints at it a few times a week. So when I show up and dangle the keys in front of her, she jumps up and down like an enthusiastic child grinning from ear to ear. It makes the risk of her wrecking my baby totally worth it.

  “Don’t get too excited. You wreck her and I may never forgive you.” Which isn’t true at all. I don’t think there’s anything she could do that I wouldn’t forgive.

  “No worries. I’m a pro. Did I ever tell you that my dad had the exact same car?”

  “What? You mean the car that…the accident? I’m so sorry Maggie. I didn’t know.”

  I can’t believe I never thought to ask about the car. I guess I just didn’t think it was important. She assures me that it’s fine. She tells me about all the good memories it brought back for her. She amazes me every day with her ability to see the positive. I’m starting to believe her motto that everything happens for a reason. What are the odds that I would get the exact year and model car that her father drove? Crazy.

  I let her go the long way to mom’s house because she’s having so much fun. It makes me happy when she’s happy. When we pull up outside, my mom comes out on the front porch. When she sees Maggie, she heads straight for her. I hope she doesn’t overwhelm her. She’s been through a lot recently and I’m not to sure how she will react to my, somewhat overbearing, mother.

  My mother does exactly what I expected. She hugs Maggie without permission. But Maggie hugs her right back. I see her tense slightly before giving into my mother’s embrace. I walk up next to them just as my mother is telling Maggie to call her Martina. We walk into our tiny house together but then my mom heads into the kitchen while Maggie lingers by the photographs. A smile dancing across her lips as she soaks in everything.

  Once we get to the kitchen, we see Keri and Joey. Maggie has already met both of them, so we sit down for dinner. My mom asks Joey to say grace because I haven’t done it since my dad passed away. I speak up for the first time in three years and ask to say grace. After giving a heartfelt prayer, everyone digs in. Maggie isn’t shy when it comes to food. Especially food she loves. That’s something else I really love about her. She is completely, one hundred percent herself. No matter who’s around. My mother notices as well and reminds me that she’s a keeper. Although, I already knew that.

  After dinner, I head into the living room to catch the end of the basketball game. I keep stealing glances into the kitchen because my mom and Maggie are talking a lot. I like it, don’t get me wrong, but I can’t help wondering what they’re talking about. Then I see my mom hug Maggie again and I hope it isn’t too much for her. But once everything is cleaned up and put away, they join us in the living room. Maggie looks stunning. She fits here in this tiny house with my mom and my brother perfectly. She belongs here.

  We sit around visiting for a while, recounting childhood stories. Some are embarrassing but they just seem to make Maggie like me even more. So I let my mom talk until it’s time to take Keri home. We all hug again before leaving. My mom tells us both to come back soon. She sends us on our way with our care packages. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach but I would argue the same is true for Maggie. I think she loves my mom already.

  Once we get back to Maggie’s apartment, I’ve resolved myself to the idea of heading home. But then she surprises me by asking me to spend the night. It’s the first time we’ve slept at her new place together. I can’t resist the opportunity to have her all to myself but I have to tell myself not to get carried away. Tonight was a big step for us and I don’t want those feelings to cross over into something I know she isn’t ready for. It’s still too soon after all she’s been through. And honestly, I don’t think I’m ready for this step either.

  She heads into her bedroom to get ready for bed while I use the bathroom to change and brush my teeth. I didn’t bring any extra clothes with me, besides, she’s already seen me in just my boxers. I look in the mirror, telling myself to get into bed right away and snuggle next to her, not giving any opportunity for things to get heated.

  Clearly, Maggie has other plans. She openly stares at my body from head to toe while licking her lips lightly. I don’t even think she’s aware of what she’s doing but it’s driving me mad. Add that to her short, tight bottoms and skin tight t-shirt with no bra and I’m having a hard time remembering my name let alone any self-control. She struts over to me and does the most gratifying gesture. She kisses my chest right where my heart beats beneath.

  She looks up but not at my eyes. No, she is locked on my lips and I know what’s coming next. She stands up on her tip toes and starts to kiss me. She sucks my lower lip into her mouth, pulling
and tugging until I moan softly. That does it. She forces her way into my mouth, pushing her tongue against mine. I deepen the kiss, taking her in my arms. I lift her up and carry her over to the bed. I manage to lay her down without leaving her skin for even a second.

  I start to move down to her neck, licking and sucking my way to the top of her t-shirt. I would give anything to see what she looks like under that thin fabric. Somehow, I pull my lips back to her mouth instead, kissing her with every ounce of vitality in my pent up teenage body. I can’t help my attraction to her, the way my body responds to this type of contact. Before I can control myself, I press down on top of her, letting her feel exactly what she’s doing to me.

  That was too far. I knew it before I even did it. She starts to slow things down. Her kisses become tender instead of heated. My body starts to calm down, our breathing returning to normal. We don’t need to talk about it, I know we aren’t ready. There is no need to rush anything. I whisper her name before sliding off her body. She snuggles up next to me, resting on my chest as we fall asleep together.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Today is the day I take my GED test. I’m so nervous but not because I think I won’t pass. It’s just a big step for me. Finally completing my high school education. Which truthfully, I didn’t think would ever happen. Maggie has been so supportive. She’s helped me study and prepare so much that I have no doubt I’ll pass.

  I drive up to the testing center at the edge of town just after dawn. After taking a few deep breaths, I get out of the car and walk through the front doors of the old, decrepit building. There’s a girl I recognize sitting at the sign-in counter. I can’t think of her name but I’m pretty sure I used to party at her house. I really hate running into people from my past. I haven’t seen Dustin or Nate in so long, sometimes it doesn’t even feel like that was my life. I heard they’re both serving time in county. Not surprising.

  “Hey. I’m here to take the GED test.”

  “Sign-in here. Oh, hey. Your Vincent Moreno right?”

  “That’s me. Sorry, I can’t think of your name.”

  “It’s okay. We didn’t know each other that well. It’s Becky, by the way. Just have a seat and someone will come get you in a few minutes.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Good for you, taking the test I mean. It takes guts to complete high school when you’ve been gone for so long.”

  “Umm…yeah. I guess so.” She gives me a reassuring smile before I turn away to take my seat.

  After waiting for about fifteen minutes, an older man opens a door down the hall and calls my name. I get up and walk to the very last door, entering a tiny room with just a few computers. Each one is divided by a patrician, I guess to keep people from cheating but there isn’t anyone else in here.

  “Good luck, son.”

  “Thanks.”

  I would never speak rudely to an authority figure, well, not anymore, but I really hate it when complete strangers call me son. I brush it off as I sit down at the computer. I stare at the screen for a few minutes realizing that this could change everything. Maybe I could go on to college but I don’t have a clue what I would even study. I shake my head to clear away thoughts of anything other than the test in front of me. The reality is that I can’t leave my family and I’m not sure if I even want to continue my education beyond this point.

  Six and a half hours later, I stand-up to stretch. Finished, finally. You have the option to take the test over several days but I thought it was better to get it over with all at once. I send a quick text to Maggie and smile at her response. She has to work tonight, so I won’t get to see her. Just as I’m about to walk out the door, the old man tells me I should have my results fairly quickly. They will email them to me. I head home to clear my head and focus on nothing but mindless TV.

  The next morning, I wake up to our first snowfall. I practically jump out of bed with excitement. I know it sounds lame but I finally get to use my new snow plow. It’s just after six and if I hurry I can get through all the driveways by the time Maggie is out of school. I want to surprise her by taking her to the creek. I take a quick look out the window and realize we got about five to six inches. Not too bad but still enough to cause a problem for some people.

  By the end of the day, I’ve successfully completed about fifteen jobs. It feels good to have work that I actually like. I rush over to Maggie’s apartment, hoping to catch her before she heads inside. I pull up at just the right moment. I see her get out of her car, confused as to what I’m doing here so early. I immediately look down at her feet and smile when I see she’s wearing boots. I don’t say much, just that we have to hurry.

  Once we reach the creek, she stops in her tracks when we break through the tree line. She stands perfectly still not saying a word. I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. I give her time to take everything in before I tell her I passed my test.

  “I never had a doubt in my mind. Thank you for bringing me here. You were right about how amazing this place looks in the winter. I thought it would seem bare and emotionless with all the leaves gone but it doesn’t. The snow brings new life, breathing in even more beauty. It really is magical.”

  Her confidence in me is overwhelming and heartwarming. Her reaction to the creek during winter makes me realize just how much she gets this place. It demands a certain amount of stillness. We stay near the water, silently taking it all in for as long as our bodies can handle the frigid temperatures.

  She tells me that she wants to take me to dinner to celebrate. I don’t argue because I can tell how proud she is to finally have her own money. We stop at an Italian place on the way back to Milford. We talk about past relationships and I’m relieved to learn that she has no desire to be with her ex-boyfriend, Sam. Then the conversation turns tense when she brings up college. I try explaining why I can’t go but she doesn’t want to let it go. She thinks there are so many possibilities. I don’t want to talk about it anymore, so she finally drops it. But I know this topic will inevitably have to be talked about because she has such a desire to leave Milford for school.

  We end up at my mom’s for dessert to end the celebration. I love how much Maggie seems to fit in with my family. Like she’s always been a part of us. It’s this realization that leads me to ask her to spend Christmas with us. She happily accepts with a warm smile on her face. Of course my mom was thrilled when I invited Maggie. I tell her about our policy of doing secret Santa to keep things economical and she loves the idea. So we agree to spend our first Christmas together as a family. Tommy always comes to our house and Keri will be here for part of the day as well. It’s the first time since my dad passed away that I’m actually looking forward to a holiday.

  *****

  The next couple of weeks are crazy. We’ve had more snowfall in the past twelve days than we had most of last year. It’s super early in the morning, around 4 am. I have so many clients now that if I don’t start before the sun comes up, I’ll never finish. I try to crawl slowly out of Maggie’s bed without waking her but I don’t succeed. She’s on Christmas break from school and we’ve been spending almost every night together. Otherwise, we might not see each other at all with how busy I’ve been. It’s going to be hard going back to my place when school starts back up.

  “Don’t go.”

  “I’m sorry, beautiful, but I have to.”

  “Then I’m going with you.”

  “Maggie, you don’t have to do that. Stay in bed and sleep.”

  “No. I’ll sleep in your truck, next to you.”

  “How can I resist such an adorable girl? Especially when you look so stunning in the morning light.” I would never tell her the truth. Don’t get me wrong, she does look absolutely stunning to me. But you can also tell she just woke up because the right side of her face has lines from laying on my chest all night and her hair is bunched up to one side of her head. She wipes the sleep from her eyes as they light up in response to my compliment.
r />   “Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Moreno.”

  “Mr. Moreno? That’s new. I think I like it.”

  “I’m sure you do. Now hurry up so I can get warm and cozy again.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  I’m rewarded with a small smile as she watches me throw my clothes on. I head out to the living room to pull my boots on and grab my thick coat. I fully expected her to fall back to sleep and stay in her comfy bed. But instead I see her wrapped in her warm, fuzzy blanket heading directly for me. She gives me a small kiss, leaving a fresh mint taste on my lips. She slides into her boots sitting by the front door and we head out to my truck. After knocking all the snow off our boots, she kicks hers off to the floor, bringing her feet under her as snuggles up next to me.

  It’s still dark and kind of hard to see because there are light flurries falling from the dark clouds above. Maggie managed to stay awake for about an hour, fascinated by how the whole plow system worked with my truck. But sleep took over about two hours ago. I love that she’s here with me. I can’t imagine what things are going to be like if she really does leave for college. How can I be away from her for weeks, maybe even months, when I can’t seem to go two days without seeing her now?

  Suddenly, I hear a soft voice coming from beside me. At first, I think she’s woken up but when I glance down, I see she’s fast asleep. She must be talking in her sleep again. She does that sometimes. I think it’s adorable. It’s usually really off the wall kind of stuff. One time she sat straight up in bed and started clapping and thanking everyone. It scared the shit out of me until I realized she was asleep. I lean into her a little more, trying to hear what she’s mumbling. I hear my name over and over. She lets out a loud sigh and then says the words I’ve wanted to hear for months.

  “I love you.”

  I wish she would say it again. I think she was talking to me. I mean, she was just saying my name in her dream. But I get nothing else as she falls comatose again. I can’t believe how incredible that felt. To hear those words from her lips, it almost stopped my heart. Someday, I know she’s going to say it to my face and mean it. For now, I’ll take comfort in her subconscious feelings for me.