by Amy Brent
“I am feeling tired Lila, be a dear and help me to my room. I think I’ll take a nap.” She gave her a smile and a pat on her hand.
She smiled and did as she was asked. He waited.
Lila
She wouldn’t let herself cry, not over him and not now. She squared her shoulders before heading back into the room where they were sitting. There was something about Ray that she wanted to avoid at all costs, and she had done a decent job of it to over the last week, until today. He had been watching her across the room and it left her unsettled. It was obvious that he was used to getting whatever he wanted and whenever it suited him, and she wouldn’t be added to that list. Especially now that Andre had told her they should see other people.
There should have been no surprise there really. He complained about her weight and cancelled every date they had anyway. How could they see other people when he never made it to see her? Either way it was the best time for her to shift her focus to working on herself. She just needed a moment to get over him, she had declined his offer to go out tonight, no she was either good enough or she wasn’t. She was almost glad when Miss Margie wanted to take a nap. It would give her the excuse she needed to get out of the house for a while.
After the was settled, she made her way back down the long hallway and into the room once more. He was sitting, almost waiting for her. She paused, but a second before she continued on, only stopping again when he stopped her.
“What’s wrong Lila, I ask as a friend.” He stood then walking over to where she was in the doorway.
“Nothing why do you ask?” She turned her face towards him and did her best to contain herself. Why wouldn’t he just let her go?
“I don’t believe you.” He moved a hand out and gently tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. She could feel the heat from his fingers, and it caused her to tremble.
“Why do you do that?” She couldn’t help but ask.
“Why do I do what exactly?” His brow was furrowed as he asked.
“This, touch me like that, flirt with me like you do? It’s not very nice you know to play with people. Is it because I look like this? Do you somehow think you can get whatever you want from me because I must hate myself or something? Well, I don’t, ok. I actually think I am pretty awesome and I have a weight issue, but you know what everyone has stuff that they need to work on so just stop… stop flirting with the big girl in hopes of making yourself feeling better.” She was bottled up too tightly and the smug look on his face when he had looked at her pushed her over the edge.
She moved past him and outside into the garden where she could find some peace. She would apologize later, obviously. For now, she just needed him to stop making her feel this way when she had so much going on. She settled into her usual chair, her head thrown back and her hand on her forehead, eyes shut. She had seen the writing on the wall with Andre but it didn’t help her feel better now. She hadn’t lied, she knew she was a good person, but she was more self-conscious than she let on. She felt him before he even said a word, somehow his presence filled up the space.
“Did you follow me so you could fire me?” She didn’t get up, didn’t open her eyes.
“Stand up Lila.” He said it with deadly calm. She blinked twice before looking up at him.
Before she could respond, he continued on. “Just do it… please.”
It was the please that let her do it, to move and stand up in front of him. “Ok, now what?” She waited under his heavy gaze.
“I want you to understand something about me Lila, I don’t play games.” He took a step towards her backing her up slightly. “I don’t say or do anything I don’t want to do.” He moved her even further until she felt her back against the large canopied trellis.
She blinked rapidly, looking up into his eyes. There was something there, something dark. “I certainly don’t think about you… or think about you in my bed where I want you for any other reason than I simply want you there.”
He put his hands in her hair then, pulling her mouth up to meet his in a fiery kiss. She felt his words and knew he meant every one of them. She let the feeling creep in now, believing his words and wanting him to make her feel like she was pretty. His mouth moved across hers, his lips nipping across hers, pausing only to move lower down her neck and to her collarbone.
The heat was intoxicating, as he kissed the top of each breast before moving back up and carefully planted kisses under her ear. She let her hands creep up, moving into the soft curls of his hair. Soon his mouth founds hers once more. Kissing her until she couldn’t breath. She felt his hands move along her sides until he cupped her backside and pulled her closer to him. One last kiss and he pulled away from her. Both of them breathing heavy.
“I assume I’ve made myself clear?” He gave her a wink. She couldn’t help but smile.
“Is this what you do Ray? You come home and find an unsuspecting woman to win over and get into your bed?”
“No, I don’t plan on it. But it is a good plan now that you mention it.” He smiled once more. “But then you’re not in my bed are you…. yet?”
She took a deep breath. “No, I’m not.” She stood to brush off her clothes.
“I want you Lila, in case I haven’t made that clear, I want to make sure you know it.” He said it directly looking into her eyes.
She wasn’t sure what to say to him, having never had anyone be so direct in all of her life. She simply waited for him to say something else.
“I will put the ball in your court Lila. I don’t want love and romance or all that. What I do want is you in my bed tonight. You come to me, no pressure. It will be good for us both, I promise.”
She wanted to yell, or be offended, but she couldn’t. He was simply being honest. She nodded in understanding as he left her there. She slumped into the chair her focus on both Andre and the man who had just left her going crazy inside.
Ray
She would come, he knew she would come. She wanted it as much as he did. He was a little put off at the feeling of nervousness he felt thinking about it. It was unlike him to be anything less than confident. She was special, he wanted it to be as good for as it was him. He knew before he did anything he needed to call his lawyer back and firm up the mess back home. He dialed the number quickly.
“Hey Ray I’m glad you called.”
“Do I even want to know man?” Ray leaned back in his chair waiting.
“Well charges are still pending. This guy is holding fast and won’t budge. As for Angie, well she is in the wind. I got the whole of the story too by the way. The whole thing is a mess man I’m sorry. There is a team looking into what is still missing.”
“Yeah, I knew she would fly, it’s what she does best. Thanks, just let me know what I can do?”
“Easy, the guy wants you to apologize formally for what you did to him. I don’t recommend it though. That’s not the kind of publicity you need.”
Ray exhaled slowly. “What about the team? I need to know things are good with my job and my team. If they don’t care, then I’ll do it. I just want this all behind me. If you hear anything about Angie let me know. The last thing I need is for her to make things worse.”
“I got it man, you should be back in NY by next week or so.”
He sat back contemplating his options. The guy had deserved the beating no doubt about it. Unfortunately, he wasn’t above the law despite the money, and the fame. He was still accountable for his own actions and he would have to fix it somehow. He glanced over at the clock, dinner was at 6. He found the routine enlightening, and he had grown to enjoy the family style setting every night, at least during the week. A couple weeks ago, he couldn’t wait to go home, and now… now he was enjoying his time here. He felt the cool excitement creep up his spine. Tonight, she would come… he had made it more than clear what he wanted, and what he offered.
Dinner was a casual affair. Miss Jeannie had outdone herself with the meal. The four of them sat around the table and his moth
er had never looked happier. He watched her eat with relish, something she hadn’t done as of late and it alone made him smile. He let his eyes wander over to Lila, she was poised and laughing loudly with his mother as she told yet another story. She was beautiful, and full of life and he felt it again the same feeling deep down that had nothing to do with lust.
Relationships were complicated, and none of them had ever given him anything but problems especially his last one. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to try it again, especially now when he was always on the road, and always playing ball. No, every woman who had ever had more than a couple dates had wanted more, and complained about his lifestyle. He had put all of that away a long time ago, and now he just enjoyed life by being up front from the door. He lifted his eyes once more and found hers. She did her best to look away quickly, but he caught her eye anyway.
“I am just tired and ready for bed Lila; can you help me dear?” Miss Margie was noticeably tired and Lila jumped at the chance to help her to bed.
She was avoiding him, but it was all up to her, just as he had said. He made his way to his room, jumping in the shower before he settled in for the night.
Lila
What the hell was she thinking! She stood by his door, knowing that any minute he could come out and see here standing there like some idiot? She wasn’t really sure why she was here at all, she should be in her room where she belonged. But deep down, some part of her wanted him, wanted the way he made her feel. She smoothed down the front of her robe, she had gone to great lengths to try and be perfect, just in case she actually went through with it. She had no business being here, no business risking her job like this. She sighed before she turned around and started back down the hall carefully. When she saw Miss Jeannie in the kitchen, she realized she had no choice but to go back down the hall to his room, or risk being caught!
She walked past his door and gasped as he pulled her inside his room, shutting the door behind her.
“You scared the life out of me Ray what were you thinking?” She frowned, taking in a deep breath.
“This is an old house, Lila, every back and forth pacing you did try to make up your mind if you were coming in or not was driving me crazy. I finally came out there to get you and pull you in here once and for all, and I saw you rushing this way. I wasn’t sure if you had some sort of realization that made you want to run into my arms or what… that is until I saw Miss Jeannine.” He gave her a wide smile.
She crossed her arms, as she felt the heat of a blush crawl up into her face. “Well, for your information I was going back to my room and I saw her.” She lifted her chin up another inch.
They eyed each other for a moment before they let the reality of their situation kick in. He was in boxers and nothing else, and she was in a gown barely covering her at all. She watched as a shadow came over his face, creeping in as he looked her over, letting his eyes travel the length of her. He moved, taking a step in her direction, but she was stuck against a table and couldn’t move. She felt his body come into contact with her and it was all fire.
The kiss this time was almost angry and frantic, he moved with deliberate slowness, his hands gently caressing against the outside of her thighs on each side, slowly moving up and revealing her caramel thighs as they went. Further and further they traveled until he was certain that she wore nothing under her gown and he lifted his eyes up to meet hers. She was on fire and he knew it, used it to make her realize her own desires for him. His lips trailed down her neck and across her shoulders until they met with the sheer film of her gown. He moved a finger up and under it to slide it down her arms slowly revealing more and more of her skin to him. She felt him hesitate for a second and she looked up at him.
“If you don’t want this… want me to touch you tell me now before I can’t stop it.” His gaze was intense and she knew he was giving her an out if she wanted it. “Lila…”
She wasn’t sure what to say, but her actions came naturally to her, she reached up to him pulling his head down to her own, letting her lips find his once more. He needed no other encouragement making quick work of her gown. She felt the materiel rip apart in one swoop and she was there standing in front of him exposed. She trembled, and she felt him move once more, pulling her with him to the bed. He turned kissing her and gently pushed her down onto the blankets covering the bed, she felt the silky softness pressing into her back as she moved, shifting until she was laying there, exposed.
He stood watching her for a moment. “You are so beautiful Lila.” He moved beside her laying the length of him along her body pressing his chest into hers. She felt his hands, then, traveling all over her. First cupping one massive globe in his hands, moving only to run the pad of his tongue on one peak and then the other until they both stood at attention for him. He moved his hand, then down the curve of her hip resting there only a moment before moving further and further until he found his way to the apex of her thighs and the secrets she had hidden there. He slipped his finger lower and deeper until he found the hot wetness of her desire, gently moving until he found the tiny bud of desire.
She felt her body tremble under his hands, she had never felt like this not with anyone. He moved and rubbed until she was more than relaxed, her body opening up to him, her legs falling apart as he moved within her walls slightly. She moaned loudly not realizing the sounds came from her until finally she found release. It was only momentary as he shifted then, moving up and between her thighs and pushing gently at first.
“I can’t wait Lila, I’m sorry.” He pushed hard and deep filling every inch of her then.
She gasped with his entry and together they moved as one, pushing and pulling to a rhythm as old as time. She felt his gaze on her and his lips met hers as they crested the final peak together. They lay there then both silently at peace for a moment in time. She felt him moving and she wasn’t sure what to do. She sat up to gather her things to leave, but instead she felt him pull her close to him once more.
“Just stay, just for now.” He whispered in her ear, and she felt his arm securely tucked around her. She let an easy smile pass as she drifted off to sleep.
It could have been an easy thing, to share something beautiful, but she knew it was only a moment in time. She woke some time later, his arm still touching her. She stood, careful not to wake him and looked down at him sprawled across the bed. He was a good man, and he tried to be a bad ass, but she knew it was only a part of who he was. She looked over at the table by the door as she quietly made her way out, noticing a picture of him with his mother. He was a good son too. She quietly tiptoed back to her rooms, and settled in to sleep for a few more hours.
Ray
He knew he was in trouble the moment he opened his eyes. She had gotten under his skin and he had tried to stop it, but somehow she had managed anyway. He opened one eye, his hands feeling for her in the bed, but she was gone. Never, had he woke wanting to see the face of his bed partner before now. He rolled over, thinking once more about the complications of his life. A couple of weeks ago he had wanted to rush home, and now he didn’t want to go, not yet. There was something here, something real and he wanted to explore it. He smiled as he replayed out the night he’d had. She had been more than any man could hope for, just as he expected. He stood, throwing on some sweats and a t-shirt before heading in the direction of the coffee he smelled brewing.
He had hoped to see her, but she was nowhere to be found. He supposed she had already been up since it was getting late. He heard the voices talking, and went to investigate what was going on. He watched as she talked, or argued more like it, with some guy. He was tall and towered over her, and it was obvious he was mad. He felt the heat rising up in him, as he looked her over making sure she was ok. He wouldn’t interfere unless she asked him to. It went on for a few minutes longer until she tried to walk away. That’s when he saw red.
Not only did the guy grab her arm and pull her to him, he pushed her and hard until she hit the ground. Ray moved with de
adly cause into the yard where they stood, not once breaking stride until he picked up the guy and pummeled him down into the ground. He only got in three hits before he felt her pulling on his arm.
“It's fine now Ray, thank you.” He turned to look at her then and without a word pulled her into his arms checking her face and body over to be sure she was ok.
“Did he hurt you Lila, did he?” He held her face in his hands and looked at her intently.
“No, no he didn’t. He gets mad, but no.” She waited for him to let her go, but instead he pulled her back into a hug, holding her close.
He felt her lean into him, and he knew she felt the closeness as well. Yes, he was in deep and he would be in trouble if they didn’t talk about it and soon. Hearing the moans from the guy on the ground, he called the police and together they waited for them to come and get the guy. They both gave a statement about what happened, neither of them talking about the issues between them. When Andre finally was hauled out of sight they made their way back inside.
He poured some coffee, glancing around to make sure his mother wasn’t up yet. “I guess that was your boyfriend?”
She rubbed her temples as she spoke. “No, we broke up days ago actually. He just didn’t want to accept it, that’s all.”
“Well, I think he got the message now.”
“Thank you Ray, really. He’s been made before, but not like that.”
He watched her as she sipped some of the hot brew from her cup. “I have to go back to New York… today.” He knew being direct was the best option.
She blinked twice before looking up at him. “Ok, I am sure you have to get back before training starts.” She gave him a weak smile.
“Yes, as usual. Last night was…”
She smiled at him, her heart breaking slightly. “Yes, it was.” She blinked rapidly once more and stood to go. “I have to get going myself. I have a lot to do today.” She moved out of the room, and though he should have felt relief he felt something much closer to despair.
