by Mary Smith
Perfect.
When I strolled into her room, she had a laundry basket on top of her dresser, putting away clothes in the drawers.
“Hi, puppy.”
I didn’t utter a sound. I just stalked up to her, tugged on her arm, and pulled her body to mine. Her eyes went wide for a second, but she quickly got the point as our lips mashed together.
I picked her up, sitting her on top of the dresser. Harlow grinned as she reached down at my belt, staring into my eyes as she undid my pants and pulled me out. I jerked off her pants and pulled her hips closer to me and buried myself deep into her.
She arched herself into me and rested her head against the wall. I pounded into her body and her moans filled the room. She called my name over and over, and soon, I felt her tightening around my cock. I knew I wouldn’t last long and didn’t as I filled her up with my release.
“Is this how we’re greeting each other now?” She smacked her lip and pulled up her pants.
“Are you complaining?” I adjusted myself back into my pants.
“Fuck no.” She went back to putting up her laundry. “How has your day been?”
“Great, I had the family luncheon, and then I rushed over here to have sex with you.” Harlow sat the now empty basket down on the floor near the door and leaned against the dresser next to me. “How was your day, honey-bunny?”
“Productive, actually. Dacey did a lot of work yesterday, so I got a ton of work done.”
“Anything of mine?”
“You’re all done.” She smiled. “I have it printed up for you on my desk.”
“Wow.” I stepped up to her and rubbed up against her. “So, our professional relationship is now over?” I kissed the side of her neck.
“Now we can keep it purely sexual.”
“Sounds perfect.” I leaned back, gazing into her eyes. “But, I’ve got to go,” giving her a quick peck on her lips.
“Does puppy have to do homework?” she teased.
“Actually, yes.”
“Then you can’t have any more of this until you’re done.” She motioned to her body as she pushed off the dresser and walked out of the bedroom, grabbing the basket.
“That may work better than anything Grams ever threatened me with.” I spoke loud enough for her to hear me.
Her laughter drifted up the stairs at me, making me smile more.
My laptop glowed brightly in the dimly lit hotel room. We had an early practice and a game today. The game sucked, and we lost four to zero. I couldn’t figure out if we all were tired or the Portland Vikings were just on their game.
Remington snored so loud my noise cancelling headphones weren’t doing their job very well. I had my books stretched out around the table, and I tried to focus, but my mind, for some reason, kept going back to family day last week. I didn’t know why I’d thought about it, but it, I guess, connected a childhood memory.
I’d been twelve, and the summer hockey camp I was at announced a parents day. Of course, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about my parents’ attendance, because they definitely wouldn’t be there, but Grams said she would. About two days before the day, Grams informed me Felicia would be joining her on the ride to camp. Even at twelve, I knew not to get too excited since I’d been burned by her before. However, that day Grams was able to get a message to me telling me her and Felicia were on their way.
I then allowed myself to get excited. My mom was coming, and she would be able to see my trophies and ribbons I’d received during my time there. I could show her the cabin and bunk I stayed in, and if I had time my new stick handling skills.
The elation was bubbling over in me as my camp-mates’ families began to arrive. I couldn’t wait to introduce Felicia and Gams to everyone and the coaches. Finally, I spotted Grams’ 1990 Buick Skylark and watched her get out of the car…alone.
I ran my hands roughly over my jaw as I tried my best to bring myself back to the present and forget about the pain I’d felt all those years ago. It was more than thirteen years ago, and I shouldn’t be worrying about the petty shit anymore. I took a deep breath and returned to my laptop.
I drowned myself into my studies until I realized the sun was coming up. I checked my watch and figured I could get a few hours of sleep before the plane ride back to New Hampshire.
I stopped at Grams as soon as I was off the plane. I hadn’t talked to her yesterday, but I knew she was okay because I had flowers delivered. From time-to-time, I send them to her just as a hey, I love ya. I remembered the stories she told me of Grandpa giving her flowers all the time.
“Grams,” I called out as I opened her door.
“In the kitchen.”
I could smell the cinnamon buns the closer I got to her.
“I figured you would be hungry.” She placed two in front of me.
“Are you giving me these because I played like crap?”
“Well, everyone has an off day once in a while.” She patted my shoulder before going to the stove. “How’s the studying?”
“Good,” I replied with a mouthful of the ooey-gooey goodness. “How are things here?”
“Felicia left.”
I stopped chewing. “What did she steal?”
“Nothing.” Grams came back to the table and sat across from me. “But she’s coming back in a couple days.”
“Oh, so she just needed a fix and will return to get more money?” Figures.
Grams shook her head. “No. She’s been staying in Maine with some sober friends, and now she wants to return home. She’ll stay here until she can find employment.”
“That’s bullshit,” I growled at her. “She’s coming back here to mooch off you. I forbid her to stay here, and since I pay the bills—” before I could finish my words, Grams had a hold of my ear and jerked me almost over the table.
“Keaton Michael, let me explain something to you. I have diapered you, clothed you, fed you, gave you everything you wanted, and all I asked in return was respect. Now, I never asked you to pay the bills. I’m eighty-six years old, and I’m well equipped to handle my own financial affairs. Felicia is my daughter-in-law and family, and I don’t turn family away. I also raised you the same way.” She released my now throbbing ear and sat back down.
I rubbed my sore appendage and knew not to look at Grams because she could give the best death stare. “Fine,” was all I said.
“Keaton Michael, she is your mother, and nothing will ever change that fact. You’re twenty-five, and I know she’s never been in your life. However, people change and grow up, and you should too.”
I remained quiet and listened to her words. I nodded, got up from the table, kissed her cheek, and left.
Chapter Eleven
Harlow
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d done this. My day started with a back massage, then a facial, and as that finished, my pedicure started.
Spa day equals perfection.
As I laid my head back, I relished in the relaxation taking over me. The only reason I could even take a day off was thanks to Dacey. The girl was a dream with an Irish accent.
With my eyes closed, my thought skimmed over many subjects, but stopped right on Keaton. A whole week has passed since we’d had sex. Of course, he had been gone with his hockey games. The time alone did make me miss him a bit. However, the truth was I missed his dick as much as him. He hadn’t really talked to me, minus his grunts and growls of sex.
I considered him a friend, and I wished him well. We’ve spoken about his parents and even though I joked with him about college, I’d help in any way I could. Not to mention his book. I wanted to see him publish his work and make his dreams come true.
And damn, I wanted his dick again.
“I hate this fucking holiday. And you know what else, it’s dumb.”
Maxima smiled. “All I asked was if you were doing anything for Valentine’s Day.”
“And I just informed you.” I stepped off the treadmill at the gym and made my way to
the locker room. “What are you doing?”
“Now?” Maxima asked confused. “I’m getting ready to change.”
I shook my head. I wondered how this girl could be so smart and such a ditz at the same time. “What are you doing Valentine’s Day?”
“Oh,” her face turned as red as the paint on a fire truck. “Um…Remington and I are supposed to do something.”
I stopped what I was going and pulled her down to the bench. “Tell. Me. Everything.”
Maxima shrugged. “He asked, and I said yes.”
“You’re so lying to me right now. I want the whole truth.”
She glanced all around the locker room to avoid my eyes. “He and I have been chatting a bit. Mainly, it was about money and finances, but we’ve talked and well…” she trailed off.
“Is this something serious?” I was intrigued, wanted to know more, and I couldn’t wait to force her to tell me.
“We’re friends.”
“But…” I waved her on to tell me more.
She stared at me. “But what?”
“Do you want more?”
“He’s a friend.” Her face reddened again, and she tugged at the cuff of her over-sized sweatshirt.
I gave up on pushing anymore. I really liked Maxima, and I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. I knew she had no family, and I wasn’t convinced she had any other friends, but Meadow and me.
Giving her a gentle squeeze of her hands, I smiled. “Well, he better treat you right, or I’ll shove his hockey stick up his ass and break it off.”
Maxima turned from red to pale. “Harlow, you don’t need to resort to such violence.”
“Let him hurt you and I’ll show you violence.”
Valentine’s Day sucked when you were single. However, there was a plus side to those of us who enjoyed being single.
I walked into a local bar, not too far from my house. The overly decorated room had hearts, balloons, streamers, and fake flowers, but all I cared for was the single men seeking out the lonely, desperate women.
Little did they know I was a wolf to their sheep.
I took a seat at the bar and ordered a white wine. I searched the bar, seeking out the one I planned to torture. Sure, I could’ve called Keaton and told him to come over, but on this day I was sure he would get the wrong impression. I didn’t want him to think I had any similarities to the females I observed at the bar.
Even if there were some, I’d never admit to it.
“Well, hello.”
I glanced up at an older man, staring down my shirt. Jerk. “Hello.”
“You seem to be lonely?” He finally looked up to my eyes. He had to be a few years older than me, slightly graying, with dark eyes, and a goatee.
“Not really. I have my wine to keep my company.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure I’m better than a glass of wine.”
I allowed my eyes to very blatantly wander over his body. “Maybe.”
“Gregory.” He held out his hand.
“Harlow.” I took it gently in mine.
Gregory waved down the bartender and ordered himself another beer.
“So, Harlow, what’s a pretty lady like you doing alone on the holiday of love?”
“I told you I’m not alone. Wine and I have a serious long-term relationship.”
“Do you ever cheat on wine?” He narrowed his eyes in a flirtatious manner, and I knew where this conversation had gone and quickly.
“I’ve been known to have a wandering eye from time-to-time.” I winked, lifting my glass to my lips.
“I like it when girls are open to anything.” He grinned.
I hadn’t expected him to say that. “I’m not sure I said I was open to everything.”
“So, you don’t like to be spanked and yell out daddy?”
What the fuck? I was momentarily stunned.
“Dude, this is a lady you’re speaking to, and she’s the type to spank you till you call her mommy.”
I whipped around so fast I became unbalanced on the bar stool. “Keaton?”
“Go away.” Keaton shooed Gregory away, and he quickly left.
“What are you doing here?”
“What? No, thank you.” He kissed my cheek and then leaned against the bar.
“I had it handled.”
Keaton smiled. “You appeared to be a deer looking into headlights.”
“Did not,” I mumbled before taking another drink.
“It’s okay, honey-bunny, I saved you,” he joked.
“Ass.”
This time he laughed. I loved seeing the brightness in his face when he did.
“You didn’t tell me why you were here.”
Keaton waved his hand around nonchalantly. “I’m here for the décor.”
I giggled. “Another lie, puppy?”
“You got me. Actually, I was heading to your place, but I stopped here to grab a beer.”
“My place? Why?” I did want him to come over, but tried not to be excited about it.
“Needed someone to talk to.” His faced turned sad.
I rubbed his bicep. “What is it? Are you okay?”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
I rolled my eyes. “Ease up on the cryptic answers. Just spit it out.”
Keaton motioned for the bartender and ordered another round for us. “Okay, you win.”
“Tell me.” I downed the rest of my wine as the next round appeared. Keaton’s serious expression made me realize he truly needed a friend, whatever he wanted to talk about. I’d be there for him.
“Felicia moved in with Grams this week.”
“Wow.” I felt my eyes grow wide. “What are you going to do?”
Keaton stifled a laugh. “You don’t know Grams. When I told her what to do she almost turned me into Van Gogh.”
“Huh?”
“She jerked on my ear so hard, she damn near ripped it off.”
The laugh bubbled up quickly. I saw how short Grams was compared to Keaton, but in my mind, I could clearly see her yanking on him.
“She’s a tough old bird.”
“But you still worry about her.” I touched his forearm this time.
“Especially, now. Felicia is going to work Grams over until she’s either a) broke or b) dead.”
“Keaton.” I slightly winced at the word dead. “Is she that horrible?” I knew I’d only seen her that one time, but she was his mother.
He nodded. “And then some.”
“I know she left you, but why does Gram help her?”
“Felicia uses her kindness to her advantage. I can see her cleaning Grams out of everything.”
“You said that already. What does Grams say?”
“She’s family,” he took a deep breath. “It’s what she always says.”
“But you don’t feel that way?”
He shook his head.
“You don’t think of her as family at all?”
He shook his head again. “Grams told me she’s changed.”
“And you don’t believe she’s changed?”
“Absolutely not. She’s a junkie, drunk, and a con artist. Nothing else.”
“People do change,” I reminded him.
“Not her.” He took a long swig of beer and stared ahead.
“Do you trust your grandmother?” I tried a different approach that might work on him.
“I trust her with my life.”
“And she wouldn’t lie to you, right?”
“No, not per se.”
“Then if she told you your mother changed, why not believe her? Has she said it in the past?”
Keaton picked at the label on his dark brown bottle. “Usually, she would say Felicia was sick and not much else.”
“Now, she’s singing a different tune. She’s telling you she’s changed and not saying sick.” I hoped he could see where I was going with this conversation. I knew his smarts would put the hints together.
“I get it, but I don’t believe or trust it. You sa
y a person can change, but can’t they change back to their old ways?”
“Sure, anything can happen, but you’re not even giving it a chance.”
“You don’t seem to understand how many times she’s hurt me.”
The number had to be huge, just by the expression on his face and the tone in his voice. He finished his beer and turned fully to me. “I’m ready to take you home.”
“I’m assuming we’re done talking then?”
“Yes.” I saw the familiar lust in his eyes.
“Hate to tell you but I can’t tonight.”
“What? Why?” He seemed flabbergasted at me saying no to him.
“I’m on my period.” I told him the truth.
“Doesn’t bother me.”
“Eewww,” I exclaimed loudly. “Well, it sure as hell bothers me.”
Keaton chucked. “Then explain to me why you’re in a bar picking up guys?”
I smiled. “I’m having a glass of wine messing with guys.”
“Seems a bit cold-hearted.”
My brow furrowed. “Huh?”
“I’m saying, you’re a hot piece of ass, and you’re going to work them up, only to shoot them down. That’s cold-hearted.”
“Hey,” I chided. “It would have been harmless flirting and nothing more. I’m not that big of a bitch.” Sure, I had my moments, but I really only planned on flirting with whomever approached me.
“I never said you were a bitch. You’re far from being one. I know you are a strong, opinionated woman, and I love that about you.”
My girly side suddenly took notice at one word: love. Did he just say love? “Well, thanks,” I rushed out, not wanting him to know I was over-thinking what he said. A lot. “I’m going home, now. Alone.” I hopped off the stool and out toward the door. I knew Keaton was right behind me.
“Wait, Harlow.” He tugged on my arm before I reached my car door. “I have something to give you.”
“For me?”
Keaton nodded and went over to his truck and pulled out a medium size stuffed animal.
“What’s this?” I inspected the very white bunny holding a stiff, light brown honey jar.
“You’re my honey-bunny. Happy Valentine’s Day.” He kissed my forehead as I continued to stare at the animal.
