Love Don't Cost a Thing

by Shelby Clark

  “Things like what?”

  “Like if I’m wearing your ring and accepted your proposal, it shouldn’t take me so long to choose a date, but it does. And you want to buy me the world, but I see you sometimes looking overly jealous over me around other men.”

  Colin’s eyes were wide, and a puzzled look graced his face.

  “So what are you saying? Are you calling our engagement off, babe?”

  “Hell no! That’s not what I’m saying. What I’m trying to say is I want us to work through our issues. I do want to be Mrs. Colin Bradford. But I don’t want you to think you have to spend money on me for me to love you.”

  “Dammit, Moe, that’s not what this is about. It’s my gift to you. I can’t help it if I have money coming out my ass.”

  Monica got up and stepped out the tub dripping water all over the floor.

  “That may be so, babe, but that doesn’t mean you have to treat your money like the shit that comes out your ass.” She stormed out the room naked and soaking wet. Colin jumped up and followed.

  “What are you saying? Treating you to nice things is nothing compared to shit.”

  Monica grabbed a towel to try and dry off. He stopped her as he observed her body.

  “Look, come on, forget the house and the move. I was just trying to give us a head start. I won’t buy another thing.”

  “I don’t think you can stop yourself, Colin.”

  “Yes, I can. But come on, babe, let’s not end your birthday salty. Let me make love to you.”

  “No, I just want to go to bed. I’m tired. I have no more strength. Plus, fussing with you made me even more fatigued.”

  “You don’t have to do anything. You’ve been really tired a lot lately. But just lay there and allow me to make love to you.”

  Monica tried not to smile, but to remain mad.

  “There it is. I see that dimple in your cheek. You want to smile. I know you do. Go ahead it’s OK.” He caress her cheek and brushed it with his thumb.

  “Shut up, don’t act like you know me.” She chuckled.

  “I do know you.” Colin stepped a little closer and took his middle finger and stroked her clit. He looked down at himself. “Look what you do to me, without even touching me. That’s powerful.”

  Colin briskly pulled her closer to him and gave her a deep, wet kiss. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed.

  “Babe, we’re going to wet the bed up.”

  “I don’t care.” He pulled the covers over them so she wouldn’t get chilled, and headed down between her legs to have his fill.

  Chapter VIII

  Monica returned to her office from a long, vigorous meeting.

  Man, I can use an Espresso. I feel like I’m dragging, but that’s right, no caffeine for the baby.

  She stood behind her desk looking down at her cases. She heard a knock at her door.

  Monica responded as she took her seat. “Come in!”

  “Hey, you have a minute?”

  “Anytime for you, Bernice, what’s up?” Hm, Bernice looks different, very nice today.

  “What do you think about what the Director said?” Bernice inquired as she took a seat in one of Monica’s plush single chairs. “I love your office. And this chair is so comfortable. I don’t know how you get any work done in here. It’s too cozy.”

  “Thanks, sometimes it’s hard to focus, like now because I’m a little sleepy. But concerning the Director and his request, I don’t know,” Monica responded as she leaned back in her office chair biting on her pen.

  “Well, he needs eight Linguists to respond to him about taking on this new assignment within the next two weeks or he’s going to start drafting. So I was thinking about accepting, especially if you’re going to go.”

  “I don’t know. I’m so indecisive with Colin. One minute I’m so ready to get married. I mean to the point of possibly running off, just the two of us, and eloping.”

  “But…”

  “That’s it! I feel a, but there… I don’t doubt our love for one another at all. But it’s something, like we’re not clicking yet. I know, but I don’t know what it is. I don’t know how to explain it to you.”

  “Give me an example.”

  Bernice leaned back as she waited for Monica’s illustration.

  “For instance, everything can be going good and flowing just right and he’ll pull a surprise on me that will blow me out the water. It’s nice sometimes, but other times it can be annoying.”

  “You try talking to him, Moe?”

  “Girl please, we talk, we fuss, and he makes numerous amounts of promises. I don’t know what else to do at this point.”

  “So what does Colin have to do with your decision about volunteering for the assignment?”

  “Because I was thinking about going ahead and marrying him and let time work our problems out. Plus, we don’t know how long this assignment is going to run.”

  “Moe, I know that you and Colin do love each other, that’s very obvious to me. He talks about you to me and Neil all the time. But no, don’t start your new life with the man you love with problems. Resolve them first.”

  “I know, you’re right, but I don’t know what else to do.” And being pregnant doesn’t make things easier either. “Wait! Hold up. Did you say Colin talks to you and Neil, as in together, like a couple?” Monica jumped to the edge of her seat.

  “Yes, and yes again.” Bernice smiled.

  “When? And what happened to Excuse me, Agent Harvey. It’s Agent Harp to you, sir. Period? Huh, what happened to all that?”

  “That’s over. I guess hanging around Colin and watching you two together helped change Neil’s ways. He sent some roses to my office and picked me up and romanced me all night two weeks ago.”

  “Oh, so that’s why you’re glowing. I knew something was different about you.”

  “Yes, that’s it. I think I’m falling fast girl.”

  “Well, just like you told me, take your time.” Monica teased as she pointed her finger at Bernice.

  “Yeah, but maybe this can help you out. I do understand, because Neil told me that Colin’s family is very wealthy.”

  “Yes, they are.”

  “Maybe Colin needs you to show him how or what to spend his money on. You both could take money management classes together. It’s something you can learn too since you’re becoming his wife.”

  “I guess we could, but I think it’s also his upbringing. He told me that’s how his father related to his mother and his father’s ex-wife. I don’t want that for us, but how do I change that?”

  Monica looked down at her engagement ring as she pondered her love for Colin.

  “I don’t know, Moe, that’s something you have to figure out if you want to be with him.”

  “That could take a long time to work out and I don’t want a five year engagement. I want to continue moving my life forward. Progressing, you know?” A tear rolled down her cheek. “I wish I could talk to my mother and ask her about my father.”

  “Where are they?” Bernice inquired.

  “They’re both deceased. They were very much in love,” Monica stated as she cleared her throat to pull herself together.

  “Aw, Moe, I sorry to hear that.”

  “It’s OK. It was a long time ago. It’s just moments like this that I miss her.”

  Bernice stood up and stretched before she straighten out her pants suite.

  “So how are you and Colin doing right now?”

  “For the last three weeks we’ve been doing fine. He hasn’t bought anything since he tried to buy a house in Peru and get us to retire now. You got to admit, that was over the top.”

  “I don’t know about that. See, I never had anyone who wanted to sweep me off my feet. I think I could get with that program. But we are all different.”

  “Bernice you’re crazy. But I can’t take any more surprises now, and he can’t buy me. Love don’t cost a thing. It’s earned and freely given. I’m content
with what we have now and the things we have. We don’t need more. If we can stay this way for a good while…”

  “Then what?”

  “Then nothing. I’ll be happy and ready to marry him. Plus, today is our anniversary. We’ve been engaged for six months. I don’t want to even wait another six, but we’ll see.”

  Bernice walked to the door. “Well girl, let me know as soon as you decide what you’re going to do concerning the Director. Colin will still be here when you get back. It may be what you two need.”

  “What?”

  “Some space, some time to evaluate what you have.”

  “You may be right, but Colin is not going to go for that so I’m not going to volunteer.”

  “Oh well, suite yourself. I’ll talk to you later. See yah.”

  “See yah.”

  ****

  Monica couldn’t decide what to wear. She looked over again and again at the dresses she brought over to Colin’s.

  “Damn, I didn’t bring the red dress. That’s the one I really wanted to wear. Now I have to choose one I’m not really sure I want.”

  “Babe, see, this is why I wanted to buy you a whole new wardrobe for here,” Colin said as he held her hand.

  “No, Colin. Besides, when we get married I will have even more clothes to bring with me. I don’t need you to do that for me. I can provide for myself,” Monica stated with a raised brow.

  “I was just trying to help you.”

  She noticed that Colin was extremely excited and in a very good mood.

  “Why are you so hyped?”

  He grabbed her and planted a deep, passionate kiss on her lips.

  “Because it’s our day. Aren’t you happy too?”

  Monica smiled with a chuckle. “Yes, I am, but I was checking on you.”

  “Ms. London, soon to be Mrs. Bradford, you don’t have to worry about me. I am feeling like I’m floating on the clouds.”

  She threw her arms around his neck.

  “Oh me too, sir. I want us to stay just like this. When we come home tonight I want to tell you something, but not before.”

  “Spill it, you can’t tell me now?”

  “No, you have to wait. So are we ready to go? What time is our reservations?”

  “We’re reserved for seven. But did Bernice or Neil call you?”

  “No, are they coming here or meeting us at the restaurant?”

  Colin pulled Monica toward him from behind. “Come here, let me zip your dress. They’re supposed to meet us here.”

  “No funny stuff, mister. We don’t have a lot of time.”

  He kissed her neck behind her ear. Colin caught Monica as her knees buckled.

  “Yes, we do. I can get a good fuck in. We can make love tonight.” He slid his hand down into the front of her dress to squeeze her nipple.

  “Ooh, babe, no, we can’t. Then we’ll have to shower all over again.”

  He spun her around on her heel, reaching down to take her nipple into his mouth.

  “It’s fine. I’ll bathe you myself.”

  “What about Bernice and Neil? Ah, you’re making me weak, Colin.”

  “They’re our friends, Neil knows where the spare key is. And they can use another room if they need too. Hm, you smell and taste so good.”

  Monica didn’t put up much resistance. “No, come on babe, we can’t do this to our friends.”

  Colin dropped to the nearby chaise as he unzipped his pants. He pulled Monica with him. “My cock is too hard. I can’t go to dinner like this.” He snatched her thong off with one tug. “Sit on it.”

  “Let’s wait.”

  Colin pulsed as his shaft rested at the entrance of her sex. His presence ignited violent orgasms within her channel.

  “You want me to stop? I will if you really don’t want to, but I feel your sweet pussy juices running down my shaft. Tell me now. I can’t stay like this. I’ll need a cold shower if you stop me.”

  Monica gave out a loud whine as she guided his rod into her cunt with her hand. “Oh yes, yes, I want to!”

  “I know, babe, I know you can’t resist this big cock. Look in the mirror.”

  She pulled her dress off over her head. She was totally naked sitting on Colin’s lap grinding on his pole. He pushed his pants down to the floor, pulling her to lean back against the wall as he spread her legs. They both watched his cock thrust in and out of her canal.

  “Look at your wetness saturate my pole. Squeeze your muscles. Wrap your sweet pussy around me.”

  “Colin, I want to bend over so you can fuck my pussy hard.”

  “You can’t get enough of me can you? Tell me what you want.”

  “I want you. I want all your cock inside me until you fill my pussy up with your come.”

  He squeeze her cheeks and grabbed for her breasts. “I just ask one thing, Moe. Never deny me of your body. I can’t live without you, do you hear me?”

  “Ooh, yes, I do.”

  Colin spun her around and bent her over the chair. He raised one of his legs up on the chair so he could get a better position from the rear. Monica felt him slide all his cock inside. She held onto the chair tightly as she closed her eyes.

  “Mm, mm. Goddamn, babe. Oh yes, go faster, hit it harder! Ooh, ooh, yes!” Monica began to shake and rock against Colin’s shaft.

  “Moe, you’re making me come. I love hearing you moan like that. Keep shaking your ass against my cock.”

  “Ah, ah sh… shit yeah!”

  He held onto her hips tight until she couldn’t move while jolted hard with each release he emitted into her channel.

  They both slid down to the floor and laid there feeling paralyzed from pleasure. Colin faced Monica.

  “I want to marry you now and I want a family.”

  “Babe…”

  He held his finger up to her mouth. “Sh… don’t say a word yet. I just want you to think about it. I don’t want to wait any longer. You’re my match. Tell me what I need to do to get you to say yes right now.”

  “I’ve been trying to tell you for a while, Colin.” Monica held his cheeks as she gazed into his eyes. “I want the same thing, but it seems as if you don’t hear me.”

  He held onto her hands while she continued to hold his face. “OK, tell me again. I’m listening now.”

  Before she could answer him the bell rung. They both jumped up and ran to the bathroom. Monica’s curls had fallen and were out of place. Their sweating had caused her makeup to run. She stopped and stood in the middle of the bathroom with nothing on.

  “Colin, sweetie, we’re not going to make it to the restaurant. Just cancel the reservation.”

  “No, we can, I can get us there.”

  “Babe, we still have to get dress and look at my hair.”

  “We can celebrate here then. Besides, Neil and Bernice are late too. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had the same idea we had. I’m so glad they are working things out.”

  Monica’s countenance picked up. “OK, that’ll be fun, the four of us here. So you think they’re going to be OK?”

  “She has done something to him. He has changed a lot. I look at him sometimes and wonder what’s going on with him.”

  “Really? Wow!”

  “Then he turns to me and tells me how she did this or she did that. But I guess when you love someone you will do whatever it takes to keep them and to change for the better.”

  “Yes! That’s what I mean. So I guess you do get it.”

  “Yeah, I see it in Neil.”

  Monica looked a little puzzled at his last comment. “Huh?”

  “Look, you get cleaned up and put something not to dressy on since we’re staying in, and I’ll throw my robe on, and run down to tell Neil and Bernice of the change of plans.”

  “Hurry, I hope they won’t be upset about it.”

  ****

  Everyone moved to the living room with wine glasses in their hands, except for Monica. She had a glass of Sparkling Apple and White Grape cider. Colin tu
rned on the gas fireplace.

  “Aw, nice, Colin. I love fireplaces. I think they add a sense of elegance to any room.”

  Monica agreed. “Yeah, I think so too. There’s even one in the Master bedroom.”

  “Wow, that’s really awesome, especially for romantic nights. Is that why your hair is messed up, Moe?” Bernice added laughingly.

  “Alright, Bernie, mind your business. We know that’s why you and Neil were late getting here in the first place. Ha, girl don’t go there.”

  Neil cut in. “Bernice, don’t lie. We’re all grown in here.”

  Bernice burst into a laugh, “I wasn’t going to lie, babe. Yes, he was tearing down walls and I said the hell with Colin and Moe. Hm, I’m sure they understand.”

  Colin sat his drink down and started flexing his muscle. “Neil, bud, oh yeah. We understand very well.”

  Monica couldn’t stop laughing at Colin. “Shut up, babe. You all are a bunch of nasty bastards. You all should be a shamed of yourselves.”

  Bernice put her glass down and started clapping her hands. “Time for the gifts, gifts, gifts. Open ours first to the both of you.”

  Neil retrieved the gift from behind the sofa. “Here you go, Moe. You can do the honors for you and Colin.”

  “Aw, you guys, we didn’t know you had a gift for us.”

  Neil replied, “Well, when you two took a long time coming to the door, we knew what was up. So I took the liberty, with your permission, Colin, to let ourselves in and that’s when we hid the gift.”

  “Babe, don’t we have such good friends?”

  “Alright, Moe, you don’t have to kiss up anymore. You already have the gift in your hand.”

  “Bern, you know what? You’re pretty special.”

  Bernice and Monica kept on teasing each other.

  “Moe, I’m not going to keep having you chop my name up. It’s Bernice. I was named after the famous writer, Bernice Morgan. So respect the name, Moe.”

  Monica almost dropped the gift from laughing so hard. “Who the hell is that, Bernice? Do you even know?”

  “Shut the hell up, Moe. No, I don’t know who that is, but that’s what my mother used to tell me. I guess she wanted me to feel special when I was a little girl. Come on, shit, open the present.”