by Claire Angel
It felt like an eternity and I would let everything go to stay in his arms, wrapped in his love and the warmth of the water running over my back. He set me down and poured the body wash into his hand and then started to wash me all over. It smelt so so good.
After he rinsed me off, it was my turn to wash him. With soapy hands I explored every inch of his body, enjoying every moment. There was not one muscle out of place and he was flawless. After rinsing him, we got out and dried each other, seeming to use any excuse to touch and be touched by the other. I pulled my thin nightdress over my head and felt slightly self-conscious about not having any underwear with me, but he gave me his robe and then smuggled me back down the stairs. I was trying to stifle a giggle as it felt childish, sneaking around in a mansion, to stay out of Grandma’s way. We reached my room safely and he gave me one last kiss and a slap on my ass.
“See you soon, Deiane.” I went back to my room and closed the door behind me. I leaned against the wall for a moment as the events of last night and this morning replayed in my mind. A smile spread across my face as I bit my lower lip slightly and then started to giggle. He said wanted me since the first day he saw me at bar. What a relief that I wasn’t the only one feeling confused by all of this fake marriage nonsense and maybe now we could start being honest and open with each other.
∞∞∞
We all met at the pool patio for breakfast and little Kayla was overjoyed to find me there so early in the morning. When Grandma came down, she looked at Xander and waved a finger at him with an angry look on her face, but her suppressed smile quickly revealed itself. It made me blush to think she knew what we did this morning, but thinking back, we were making enough noise to wake the entire neighborhood. So much for subtlety.
It felt like we were one happy family and all that was missing was my own mother. While sitting there looking at everyone talking, laughing and preparing their toasts, I knew that Mom would have loved to join in.
“So Grandma, you still haven’t told me why you are here and how long you are planning on staying?”
She looked at Xander sternly. “I’m here for Kayla and we are going to go to the zoo today. While you are at court, she doesn’t have to feel less loved by anyone.”
I’d completely forgotten that the interim court hearing was today. Xander had to present the fact that we were now married and living together and Lolita’s mental health review would be revealed for further discussion and recommendations. Until now, there was no need for me to be there, but after the recent events, I felt like I wanted to be there, even if it was just to give Xander support if things didn’t turn out as we hoped.
“Okay, that sounds wonderful. Jared will be here in the next ten to fifteen minutes to pick me up and then I hope we can get to the end of this difficult period.” He looked calm and confident and I was proud of him. It felt strange to look at him with love and not have to hide it behind the pretense of a fake wedding.
When Jared arrived, he saw me and walked over to give me a hug. “You look beautiful this morning, I hope my man has been treating you with respect.”
A quick blush returned to my cheeks and I wished like a thousand times before that I could hide my thoughts better than the open book on my cheeks. “Yes he is, thank you.”
As the two of them left to meet up with Michael at the judge’s office, I already missed him and wished I could go with him, even if it was just to be with him. Grandma came to stand next to me, “Promise me you will not desert him at the drop of a hat, as he is quite fond of you. A grandmother knows.”
“I won’t, but at this moment everything feels very complicated.” I tried to make a promise to her.
She patted me on my back and nodded, “I know it can feel that way, but it is actually straightforward.” With that, she picked up Kayla and walked towards the pool. I watched them as they moved away and I knew that I needed my mother. In record time, I packed my bag and was ready to go to the hospital.
“Hi, Mom. How was your evening?” Mom was still eating her breakfast, but she was already dressed. She took a bite and just smiled at me. “Wait, are you coming home today?”
She nodded and I felt like crying, “Finally… I’m so glad to hear that. Why didn’t you call me?”
“Slow down, Diane. I was going to call you just after the breakfast, that would have given me enough time to pack my things.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll do it for you. Finish your breakfast.” At that moment, my life felt complete. Mom was coming home and Xander had real feelings for me, so maybe I could be happy and content in life.
“So, how is Xander doing?”
For a second, I wondered if I should tell her that I stayed over last night and that we might have a real relationship and not just a fake marriage, but then I felt like maybe that would be premature. “He went to court today for an interim hearing. I really hope it goes according to plan.”
“And your relationship? Has he given you any other concrete indications of his feelings for you?”
This time I couldn’t escape the question, so I placed her clothes in her bag, trying to avoid eye contact, “We have confirmed that we do have strong feelings for each other, but I don’t know if that is enough yet. I would like to take it slow, make sure that we aren’t rushing into something that we would regret later.”
“Ironic, isn’t it? You two already rushed into something that I’m guessing both of you are already regretting.” My mom was right, but it wasn’t possible to turn back time. Neither was it possible to know what will happen in the future. I packed her bags in relative silence and Mom finished her breakfast. The nurse went over all of the discharge paperwork and as we got into the car, Mom asked, “Can I meet him?”
My phone rang and it was Xander. The meeting must be finished now. “Hi.”
“We did it. Can I meet you somewhere? I want to tell you all about it.” Excitement filled his voice and I couldn’t help but smile, even as a little voice told me that we might be over.
“That is great news. I would like you to meet my mother, so would you mind coming over to my house? Mom was discharged today, so she is here with me,” I told him, hoping he would say yes. I wanted to prolong the time together as long as possible.
“Sure. What time should I be there?”
We agreed to meet for lunch in an hour’s time. I was planning on making lasagna and salad. Mom was sitting with me in the kitchen and it felt like old times. She was still a bit weak, but she was able to talk. We caught up on the events at the café and the financial statements. She was quite interested in the total amount of money that Xander had paid so far and when I showed her my notebook with everything written up in she seemed to relax about that.
“Don’t worry, Mom. No matter what happens between Xander and me, I will make sure he gets back every cent we borrowed from him. If possible, I’ll calculate some interest in as well. He deserves nothing less.”
The doorbell rang and Mom stood up to open the door and welcome Xander in. I was busy setting the table and I heard Mom greeted him and immediately started asking questions. By the time they arrived in the dining room, she already knew most about his upbringing and how he achieved his fortunes. He walked over and kissed my cheek.
“Well, the food is ready, so we can take our seats.” Xander took his place at the head of the table and Mom and I sat on either side of him. I started to feel slightly worried, as Mom kept on asking him questions and as he answered one, she had the next one ready. “Mom, please, give him a chance to eat and then you can ask him more questions later.”
Xander reached over and touched my arm. “Don’t worry. I can understand that she has all these questions, we didn’t have a long relationship before we got married.
“Today at court, Micheal presented medical file of Lolita, which had been provided by the detective we had hired to keep a close eyes on her. And we also proved that you are stable choice for Kayla. I may not only get full custody of Kayla but Lolitha may not be abl
e to even see Kayla if she she doesn’t go through intense rehab and clean up her acts.”
“That is wonderful news, Xander. But when all of this is done, will you two stop lying to yourselves and do the right thing?” Mom asked, making me cringe with her directness.
“What do you mean, Mom?”
“It is almost clear that Kyla will be under Xander’s full custody, so will you two stop pretending that this is only a fake marriage and accept the reality?”
Xander smiled at me and I felt slightly nervous, “I don’t know about that, Mom. Let’s just take it one step at a time. No need to get carried away.” Xander just kept on smiling at me as if the ball was in my court now and that the answer depended on me.
Chapter 19
Xander
Diane’s mother was a tough lady, very protective of her daughter and highly intelligent. I immediately gained a world of respect for her and in a way, it made me respect Diane more as well, as she had been brought up by the great lady. For the first time, I heard about Diane’s hard childhood, when her father left her and her brother behind, how her mother did two jobs until she was able to save up enough to open the café twenty years ago. Her brother lived out of town but visited once a year when he had a break. He wasn’t married but had a steady girlfriend.
I found myself wondering life would have been different if I had a sibling. I told them about the inheritance I received from my grandfather and how my grandmother had raised me as her own son. The estate was just enough to get me started with my first business and my father guided me in the beginning. I completed a few online courses and soon, I was dealing with the big boys. Maybe it was pure luck, but I seemed to have made a few very successful choices and the money started to roll in. I didn’t have anyone to share it with until Grandma recommended that I should buy the mansion and allow some charities to have events there.
Later, I bought the ranch and I almost wanted to stay there for the rest of my life, but then quickly realized it was just too calm for my dynamic personality. I told her mother about Jared and how he’d been almost like a brother to me, especially when his father passed away and left him the bar.
For the first time in my life, I enjoyed the feeling of having a mother figure in my life. She was so interested in everything and it felt amazing to share it with someone and not feel like I was bragging. Diane’s mom became tired and excused herself as she retired to her bedroom.
Finally alone again, Diane and I decided to go out for a walk in a park close by and maybe go to a restaurant for dinner after the walk. As we drove towards the park, I thought of this quaint little boutique hotel close to the park and I called to make reservations while we were driving.
At the park, it was a beautiful autumn day. The sun was still hot, but the air started to cool down slightly with a light breeze, causing the leaves to rustle in the trees. The park had a few fountains, paths and benches scattered throughout and everywhere you turned there were couples walking hand-in-hand or sitting and cuddling each other. The mood was romantic and the sky started to glow bright orange as dusk approached. We picked a bench and sat facing a fountain, silently touching each other's hands and arms. It was the perfect picture of contentment and I wished I could stay in this moment forever.
We were sitting there just talking about different things, including the dreams we had before we met and how this agreement had changed some of those dreams. I became aware of the time and suggested that we should head to a restaurant.
We walked along the path and I saw a white rose that I picked to give to her. She smiled at me, “Thanks, Xander.” She was beautiful and I wanted to give her happiness.
After spending time at park, we went to the restaurant and they had already prepared a separate table for us in the garden under a rose veranda. There were candles lit around the table and on the table as well. The melody from a string trio carried across the night air and everything seemed to be perfect.
“This is beautiful, thanks again.”
“Not more than my lady.” She looked down and blushed.
“I like this rosy red color of your cheeks when you blush.”
“Xander, stop it.”
“Okay, let’s order our food.” We ordered champagne and a light dinner.
I watched her while she ate sophistically. After we finished eating, the waitress offered us a complimentary slice of cake. We shared the cake, feeding each other as everything just felt so amazingly complete and fulfilling. There was nothing more in this world that I wanted at that time.
I then confirmed if the room was ready.
“Yes, Sir! The suit is ready for you. Thank you for booking with us.” The lady on reception said.
“Excellent.” She brought us the key and directed us to the room.
I wondered if this was what real love feels like? I felt strong, yet vulnerable. I could conquer an army, but I would die if anything happened to her. I felt like my life had been empty up until this perfect moment. We entered the room and I started to kiss the back of her neck as she melted into my embrace, moaning softly. Hearing her soft murmurs made me yearn for her even more. I picked her up and carried her to the bed.
I undressed her slowly, enjoying every moment, breathing in her smell, touching her soft skin and tasting the slightly salty taste of her body. We made sweet and tender love; she held onto me as I pushed into her. This time there was no barrier between my skin and hers and I loved every sensation that surged through my body like electricity.
We kissed and our hands were gently playing with each other’s body. My hands found their way to her perfectly round breasts and I squeezed them again and again as she moaned and rocked her body with each movement. I bent down towards her nipple and sucked on it softly until it stood up stiff and hard, then I turned my attention towards the other. When both of her nipples were tight and sensitive, I lifted my chest slightly over her and with every push deeper into her I made sure my chest would rub softly over her nipples. It had the effect that I was hoping for and she became ravenous with lust. She pulled me closer and had an orgasm. Feeling her pussy contracting woke up the wild animal in me and I couldn’t stop myself from grunting and taking her harder. I fucked her hard and she gasped for air, followed by a scream into my chest.
Her whole body quivered underneath mine and I felt her release after another intense orgasm. It felt terrific to release into her and I felt no regret about what we just did. I loved her and I hoped she loved me too.
As we laid next to each other, I turned towards her and she looked into my eyes and I wanted to tell her that I loved her so much. She smiled and she looked so innocent and devoted to me. I couldn’t believe that she was here and she was mine.
She asked me softly, “Do you want to say something?”
I nodded, but as I tried to open my mouth, all the words dried up. Before I could tell her my feelings the fear set in and I remembered the pain I felt each time when I loved someone and then lost them. I couldn’t stop my mind from going down into the darkness again. I just closed my mouth abruptly, clenched my jaw and then said, “Forget it.” I had to get away from her, so I stood up and moved to the other side of the room.
Behind me, I could hear the rustle of the bed linen but I dared not turn around to face her. “Seriously, is this going to happen every time we get close to each other? I cannot deal with every time you going hot one moment and then ice cold the next. I want you to take me home right now.”
Diane didn’t say a word, the rest of the time and I didn’t have anything to say either. I didn’t have an excuse or a reason for my behavior. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn’t take this risk. I wasn’t ready to risk loving someone that would just turn around and leave me standing behind to pick up my broken heart. Not again.
As I stopped in front of her house, she got out of the car without saying a word. For a moment I thought she was going to slam the door, but she calmed herself and closed it without even looking at me. I waited until she was inside th
e house but still, she didn’t look back once.
I’m such an idiot. How could I mess this up?
∞∞∞
The next morning felt completely wrong. Grandma had already left last night and Kayla was just waking up. I went down to the kitchen and asked to prepare our breakfast and Kayla was close behind me with Becky following her in turn. “Daddy, Daddy. Where is Dyna?”
The question burned me like a hot coal. “She is at her own house, Sweetie.”
“Will she come to play with me?”
After a moment of silence, I said, “I don’t think so. Not today.”
Her little face turned upside down and she almost looked close to tears. “But who is going to play with me?”
I smiled at her and picked her up, “I will. What do you have in mind?”
She wasn’t completely satisfied with my response, but she accepted it and said, “Tea with Teddy and Dolly.” I asked to send our breakfast up to her room. I carried her towards the stairs, where I put her on my shoulders and ran two or three steps at a time. This sent her into a fit of giggles. As we reached the family floor, I put her down and started to chase her. With a fresh set of high pitched shrieks, we entered her room, but it felt empty, as if I was expecting to find someone there.
Kayla went over to her toy cabinet and took out her dolls and teddies. As she ran back and forth between her little table and the cupboard, she quickly set up a delightful tea party. Her little body running with her short little legs trying to get everything ready was beyond adorable. With her little pinkie in the air, she placed the saucers and the cups in front of each of her guests; and then she put a cup in front of me.
