by Jude Ouvrard
We pass by a number of dress boutiques, before a bookstore catches my eye.
''Can I go in this store, please?'' I beg. I adore books. Wherever I go, I have to go into bookstores. The smell of the books and the way they display everything. I'm a bookworm; there is no way I can survive without them.
''Yeah, of course. I’ll meet you inside in fifteen minutes, okay?''
''Sure.'' I enter the store and it’s a dream come true. I’ve never seen a bookstore which was so huge before. I walk up and down the many aisles. I'm not buying any books, but I read some prologues. Nothing catches my eye and, admittedly I have plenty to read at home. I was mainly intrigued by the store itself. It’s huge. I'm amazed by the quantity of books to be found here. No dust on any of the shelves, lots of staff working on the floor, and there's even a little area for kids to sit and enjoy reading. I love it. I’m sure I could work here and never get bored.
''Abbie, I’ve been looking all over the place for you,'' Presley sighs when he finally catches up with me.
''This place is huge.” I glance around, inhaling the scent of new books. “This is my version of paradise.''
''Hmmm... I had another version of paradise in mind,'' Presley whispers against my ear.
What? Presley? Is he teasing me or something? ''I guess you’ll have to show me yours.''
''I’m counting on it,'' he responds. His smile, right here and now, is killing me. He leans toward me, kissing my lips and circling his arm around my waist.
Sex... it’s on my mind, more than it should be. I mean, it was only a few weeks ago, and I was still with Dean and thinking about what my freedom would be like, wishing to be single. A lot has happened since then.
I've never fallen for someone so fast in my entire life. I think I've discovered my soul mate; my other half. I want him like I've never wanted anyone before. I know he's not going to push me for sex, or force me into anything before I’m ready. Presley was there the night of the break up with Dean, and I think he’s giving me time to make up my mind. He respects me and I appreciate it greatly. I just need to find the courage to admit to myself that I’m ready to go for it with him. I have this desperate need in me and it’s killing me. I want him, so badly.
It’s time.
We're standing in the middle of Times Square, surrounded by noise, massive billboards, crowds of people and dozens of yellow cabs. I could stand here for hours and never get bored; there are so many things to see. The vendors are selling pretzels and roasted nuts on the street. The famous naked cowboy is here too, trying to make a few dollars by entertaining the tourists. It's overwhelming. People live here permanently. This must be a crazy lifestyle to deal with day-to-day.
Presley's making his way through the crowds, holding my hand, never letting go. He stops in the entrance to an alleyway, and with his other hand, he pulls a small rectangular box from his jean pocket, offering it to me. ''When you went in the bookstore, I stayed outside because I had a few phone calls to make. There was a jewelry boutique next to the bookstore, and I saw this in the window. Please don’t run for the hills, I know it’s a lot, and it’s too fast, but I had to buy it for you. I just had to.''
He’s taken my breath away once again. He opens the box and I see a white gold chain, holding two little pendants. One of the pendants is a perfect representation of me. He's so thoughtful. It's a tiny little book. The other one is what we both share – a heart. I'm so touched by the gesture; tears are spilling down my cheeks. Everything around us disappears and in my eyes, I can only see Presley. There’s only us, in the entire city of New York. I am happy, so incredibly happy.
''Thank you, Presley.'' I dry the tears on my cheeks with the back of my hand. ''It’s a lot, I have to admit, but I think it’s a wonderful representation of who we are. It’s perfect. Thank you, so much.''
Presley takes the necklace from the box and he places it around my neck. His scent surrounds me. I love it. My heart is blooming with love.
''Presley?''
''Yeah, Abbie?''
''I am falling in love with you,'' I tell him in a soft, barely audible voice.
''I know. I am, too.'' He kisses my forehead and then my lips.
''I’m never going to take it off, not ever.''
His heart is lying over my own beating heart. It’s a sensation I adore.
I’ll never forget this adventure in New York City. So much has happened in such a short period of time. When we got here, I knew I held strong feelings for him but now, at the end of the trip, I know I’m falling hard for him. I wish I could call my dad and let him know that I’ve met someone who is so wonderful. I want to scream it out loud, so everybody knows how blessed I am.
Cameron
I'm dying to call Abbie, now that I’ve seen her. How long is she staying in New York? She's changed so much in three years. She seems happy with that guy – Presley; I think that was his name.
The last time I saw her was at her dad’s funeral, and she’d been with that smart ass. I hated him on sight. He had an arrogant attitude that could be detected from a mile away. I remember we were talking together with my dad, and Dean, or maybe it was Dane, or…well Dickhead works too, joined us. He started acting foolishly, as if he was the king of the world. I could tell Abbie was embarrassed. Dean was trying to impress my dad, strutting around in his Gucci suit, but Dad didn’t give a shit. Nobody did, not even Abbie. The three of us had been going through a very sad time; with the loss of Abbie’s father, who had also been my father’s best friend. Dad, Abbie and I – we were basically a family back then.
Seeing her, she seems to be the same jeans-and-t-shirt type of girl that she was back then. I loved that about her. I hate girls who take forever to get ready; it’s a waste of time.
Later that day, Dean asked me to stop talking to her. I couldn't believe it! He even mentioned that I shouldn't try to call her or email her anymore, because I was... history. Of course, Abbie had no idea. I did try to call her many times after that day, but I got her voice mail most of the time. She picked up the phone once and she seemed very excited to talk to me but only until Dickhead appeared in the background, she said she would call me back but never did. I never heard back from her, so I gave up. I knew I wouldn't be able to talk to her as long as she was with that guy. I left her many messages with my phone number, my email address, but I never heard from her afterwards. I sent her emails but after a week, they came back saying the email address was no longer valid. I did everything I could to keep her in my life but she didn't want me anymore; not even as a friend. I was hurt, I still am but I know that it wasn't under her control. I stepped out of her life in fear that she would get in trouble if I kept calling her. After spending weeks calling unable to reach her, I had to stop, but I knew our paths would cross again. It finally happened.
Presley, he seemed like an okay kind of guy. I didn't get the feeling that he wanted to rip my head off. Well, perhaps a little, in the beginning. But when Abbie introduced him as her boyfriend, he seemed okay when we shook hands. I know it's too late for Abbie and me to get back together, but if I could at least have her friendship again, I would be very happy.
I miss our Thursday nights, when we’d share a pizza and watch horror movies. We used to have so much fun. I hope we can do it again in the near future. If she’s living in Seattle, it helps me make my decision about where to settle. I’d wanted to go back to Portland, but I don’t know anyone who lives there anymore. Now I think I'd rather relocate to Seattle.
I’ve been living in South Carolina for a year, but it's far too hot down there. I miss living on the west coast. I haven't dated anyone seriously since Abbie. I just haven’t found anyone who made me feel alive, like Abbie used to do. It wasn’t a good time to get involved in another relationship; I had to finish school anyway. I was awarded my diploma right before I moved to South Carolina. I’d wanted a fresh start, but as it turns out, I miss my old life.
I’m working as a car mechanic now, which I enjoy very much. The pay
is good, and it keeps me happy and busy. I’m certain I could find a job easily in Seattle, maybe at a car dealership or something. I would be living closer to Dad, too, which would be awesome. I can't wait to see him. His health hasn’t been so good lately, so I’ll feel better when I'm living closer to him.
I keep glancing at her phone number in my contact list. Maybe I could text her… just to tell her how happy I was to see her. She seemed happy to see me, I could tell by her bright smile. It was a genuine smile; she wasn’t faking it. I tap out a quick text.
I'm glad I got to see you. You seem happy. Looking forward to seeing you soon when I get back to Seattle. Cam.
I edit it about twenty times before I finally send it. It goes from you seem happy now you're no longer with that asshole’, to ‘you seem happy’. I wanted to say how pretty I thought she was, and damn it, she really was, but I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.
I miss being with her.
Chapter NINE
Presley
AFTER WHAT SEEMED to be the longest flight in history, I’m glad we are finally home in Seattle. I just need to drop Abbie off at her apartment before I start to work on the photos from the shoot; I need to send them to the director by Friday morning.
''Are you coming up with me?'' she asks, with a shy expression on her face, but then she touches my thigh, sliding her fingers up and down – and it occurs to me that she has plans, interesting plans. Plans I don’t think I can possibly refuse.
''Yeah... I... hmm... I'll just park the car and we can head upstairs.'' I sound like a fucking idiot.
All of a sudden, I’m nervous; this isn’t exactly what I had planned for tonight. I quickly decide work can wait until the morning. Tons of mental images run through my mind. Abbie’s smile, her bare breasts, her amazing curves... she's driving me crazy. Here she is sitting beside me and clearly proposing something I've been thinking about a lot – and she's acting like it's no big deal. How long has she been planning this? Damn, I love this girl.
''Presley, please, relax. You look so tense.'' Abbie looks worried.
I take a deep breath. I need to chill out, not ruin this moment. ''I’m sorry. You... I guess you took me by surprise, that's all.'' I pause. “You’ve been through a lot lately, Abbie.”
She offers me an encouraging smile. ‘‘I know my life has reached its lowest point, but you give me hope.” She waits for me to say something but I don’t know what to say. “Relax; it's just us – you and me. We're good together.''
I smile, because her words make me the happiest fucking man in the world. ''We’re good together, I know.''
It's not like I hadn't done this before. I mean, I have done it plenty of times before, but for the first time of my life –it seems to mean so much more. Abbie is it for me. I want her to enjoy the experience, as much as I know I will. This won’t just be a physical, it’s a connection from the heart.
I park my car in the first available parking space, and tuck all my photography equipment in the trunk. I try to get the job done as fast as possible and my hands tremble, making my movements weak. Abbie tries to help as much as she can. She grabs her backpack and we start walking toward the main entrance of the building.
The elevator is already waiting at the main floor when we get inside. For some reason, the ride up to the seventh floor seems like the longest I've ever experienced. Abbie unlocks the door and I follow her inside. She walks into the kitchen and returns to the living room, offering me a glass of red wine. Abbie's relaxed, casually biting her bottom lip like the temptress she is, driving me even crazier. She's teasing me, I’m aware of it and I love it.
Abbie stares at me through her hooded, lustful eyes and sips her wine in a slow seducing way. I take a big gulp from my wine glass. A second one follows soon afterwards, and with the third gulp, my glass is empty. I’ll probably regret drinking it so quickly later, but right now, I know what I want – and she's standing just inches away from me.
''Come here, Abbie, I want you closer.'' I demand in a low voice, placing my hands on her shoulders.
''I’m here, baby,'' she says and she steps closer, placing her wine glass on the table.
I pull her to me, gently running my hands down her back to rest them on her behind. I keep my movements slow and sensual, not wanting to rush this moment. I love touching her curves and feeling her beneath my fingers. I place feather-light kisses across her neck, lick her earlobe, kiss her temple and lastly, lower my mouth to her lips. I want to feel more; I want the sensation of her skin against mine. In the past few days I was hardly able to control myself, but now I know what she wants. I’m more than ready for her.
Abbie runs her hands beneath my t-shirt, drawing it over my head. As has become her habit, she stares at my tattoos with amazement in her eyes. I love that expression on her face. She runs her finger across the outline of my chest piece; her touch sends chills rippling over my body. She licks and kisses my pierced nipples. It takes all the strength I have not to give in to the urgent desire to rip her clothes off.
Once I’m certain I’ve regained control of my deviant thoughts, I realize I'm the only one who’s shirtless, and I think it's only fair that she loses her top, too. I pull it over her head in a slow movement, leaving her breasts covered in a purple lace bra. Her porcelain skin is simply perfect; so soft and flawless and creamy. Of course, I’d seen her skin before, but this is different – now I own it. She’s mine and mine to please.
I can't stand waiting any longer; it's time to move this into her bedroom. I gaze into her eyes and right now, she's the only thing in the world that matters. I lift her up, and she wraps her legs around my waist as I walk towards her bedroom. Abbie brushes her lips over mine and we kiss. I deepen the kiss, and her legs tighten around my waist in response. The tension is building between us, the desire heightening.
I sit on the bed with Abbie straddling my legs. I pop the button on her jeans and she stands up to step out of them. She leaves them in a puddle on the floor and comes back to me. Her fingers brush against my skin when she removes my belt. Abbie pushes me back on the bed so I’m laid out before her. She tugs on my jeans, and I lift my hips to assist her when she removes them. She drops the jeans on the floor next to hers, and I’m left in only a pair of boxers.
Abbie kisses me so softly; the sensation sends shivers rippling over my whole body. She first kisses my belly button, then works her way up to my abs, my neck and then, once again, her delicious lips are settled on mine. I am so hard for her, it physically hurts. She's moaning in between the kisses and I hear my own groans. I caress her back, wanting to undo her bra. I can't wait to feel her bare breasts pressed against my skin.
''Take it off, Presley, please,'' she whispers in my ear.
I unfasten the bra and toss it to the floor. I rub my hands across her amazing breasts and lower them to her waist, drawing her towards me. She's so warm, so perfect; I couldn't ask for anything better.
''I care about you, Abbie. I love you so fucking much.''
Abbie slips a hand into my boxers, finding me hard and ready for her. One touch and I'm on the edge of orgasm and I grip her wrist, trying to slow things down. ''Slow down, Abbie. Geez, woman.''
Abbie blushes and it’s so adorable.
I slide her panties down her legs and toss them to the floor. I study her naked body and decide I adore it so fucking much. I expected her to be hot, but she's so much more. I could stare at her flawless figure all night. She has just enough curves and her breasts are full and perfectly shaped. Abbie pushes my boxers down, and I wait for her to see how hard she makes me. She’s staring at my dick with her big green eyes, and I'm certain I'm blushing. I’m loving her reaction.
''Presley.'' She's still staring and I’m uncomfortable under her steady gaze.
''Yeah, Abbie?'' I respond. This is getting more awkward by the second.
''I’m on the pill, but… um, I don't have any condoms here.''
Is that the problem? ''Grab my wallet, I have one.
''
''Only one?'' She lifts her gaze to my face, and I can see the disappointment in her eyes.
''Yeah, just one. I don't know about you, but I'm clean. I had tests done a month ago.'' Thanks to Kelly.
''Okay... that’s good, that’s okay.'' She jumps on me, literally, straddling my waist and I sense her urgency; she wants this as badly as I do. She transforms into a wild animal. She’s moving against my hardness and I'm almost dying to be inside her. Raising my hands, I palm her breasts and suck on the first one, then the other, but I can barely control myself, can’t wait for another second. I lower my hands to her hips and lift her up, so I can push myself into her exquisite heat. She's panting already, before I even begin. I push in and out, making my way deeper inside, but always in a slow rhythm.
''More Pres... More, please'' she demands, through gritted teeth. She's biting her bottom lip, again and the effect of seeing her doing it drives me wild.
''I want that lip, Abbie, right now.'' I pull her down to me, and start suckling on her lip, drawing it into my mouth and licking across it.
Her hips are under control now, and she's just fucking incredible. We have a perfect rhythm going on. I'm in heaven beneath her – I want to spend the rest of my life with this woman. Every single one of her touches sends a million tiny shocks through my skin; the sensations are driving me wild.
I circle my hands around her waist and roll us over, taking control of the lovemaking. I kiss her deeply, our tongues dancing together. I moan into her mouth, trying to slow things down a little; I want this to last forever. Abbie digs her nails into my ass, pushing for more.
''Fuck, Presley, keep going. Faster, harder.''
I've never heard her say ‘fuck’ before. It's so sexy; I want to hear her say it again. But later; right now her wish is my command and I want to give her everything she wants. Rubbing myself against her, I grab her hips and push into her a little harder. She moans and I can’t deny her anything. I want to give her all she needs, all I have. I push in and out harder and faster, increasing our tempo.
