by Ali Parker
“We should probably take my car. It gets better gas mileage.” No sooner than the answer left my lips he scooped up his stuff and headed toward the door.
He glanced over his shoulder. “Gather your stuff, I’ll be right back.” Then he disappeared into the hall.
The home phone rang and though I had the urge to answer it, I left it and did another check of the room and noticed he’d forgotten his guitar. He was in such a rush I didn’t think he’d remembered. I noticed a case across the room and went to get it. I laid it across the bed and opened it. Tucked inside was a picture of him and who I assumed was his grandfather he’d spoken about. He favored both his Daddy, and his Granddaddy. I placed it in the strings of his guitar and put the guitar in its case.
Mason stuck his head in the door and frowned. “Where’s David?” He glanced toward the bathroom.
“Oh, he’s loading the car. I think we’re going to Nashville.”
Mason stepped in and folded his arms. “Really, when?”
I raked my fingers through my hair and released a long breath. “Apparently, right now.”
“I guess everything is okay, then.” He shrugged and flashed his pearly whites. “I just wanted to tell him that Aunt Patty called, Mama’s doing real good and should be able to come home a few days early.”
“That’s wonderful news. David and I should go see her before we leave.” David walked in before I could finish my thought.
“What? Go to the hospital?” He walked past Mason and took my bag and slung it over his shoulder before grabbing his guitar. “Sure, we can stop by.”
Mason told him the news. “Mama’s doing so good they said she’ll get to come home a few days early.”
David let out a long breath and smiled. “That’s great news. We’re heading out to Nashville. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, but let me know when she’s coming home, I want to try and be here.”
“Will do, brother.” Mason left and I stopped David before he could take the rest of our bags to the car.
“You do know that we don’t have to go today, right? I mean, I have a few more days. We’re not in that big of a rush.”
He seemed to hesitate and then took my hand. “Maybe we could stay around until tomorrow and go see Mama. While we’re in Perryville, I could take you out for dinner and we can talk about our plans. I also need time to call Kinsey and tell him I’m out again indefinitely.”
“There’s no rush, we’ll stop by and you can tell him and I’m sure your mom would rather you tell her the good news. She’s going to be so proud of you.”
“I hope so.” He pulled me into his arms and kissed me, then nuzzled against my neck. I ran my hands through his hair and reciprocated and then our lips met again. Our kiss deepened and suddenly we both were breathless, our hands roaming each other’s bodies in response and then David walked me back toward the bed. My legs hit the edge and I sat down pulling him closer as I laid back. Our lips crushed together as our bodies pressed close, his hips grinding into mine.
My hand roamed down to feel his hard length and a soft growl sounded against my lips as I rubbed him there. He was so ready for me, and the thought of that bloomed with heat that intensified as his hand slipped down to palm my mound. He sat up and bunched my sundress up over my hips and his fingers slipped inside the elastic of my silky panties. He searched out my folds and spread them, rubbing gently, kissing and touching me with the same rhythm and just like his instrument, he knew how to strum me. I bucked my hips toward his palm, and his fingers pushed deeper. He was on his way down, kissing my breasts, tugging at the straps of my dress, when a knock sounded at the door.
In one quick motion, David jumped to his feet and pulled my dress down. Panting, I straightened my hair as his dad opened the door.
“Excuse me,” he said, turning pink with a blush as I pulled my dress strap up over my shoulder. “I wanted to tell you, I’m heading back to the hospital. I’m feeling better and I know Patty needs a break.”
“We’re actually getting ready to go up there.”
“I can see that.” He chuckled, his laugh sounding so much like David’s. “Guess I’ll see you soon, then?” He gave a stern nod, shook his head and left.
“Well that was awkward,” said David as his father’s footsteps grew faint in the distance.
Warmth burned my cheeks, but I couldn’t help giggling. “Let’s go, before we both get in trouble.”
***
By the time we made it to the hospital it was already late in the afternoon. David’s mother was sitting up and seemed to be in much better spirits. His Aunt Patty had already left, and his father was making himself at home in the room’s only reclining chair. He had the TV on and was listening intently to the news. He barely pulled his attention away when we entered, but his mother gave us enough greeting for the both of them.
“Come give me a kiss, Davey.” She held out her arms, the IV tubes hanging and swaying as she waved him over. David obliged and she showered him with kisses. When he stood, his face was red with a blush and he was grinning ear to ear.
I approached and gave her a hug and she grabbed my hand giving it a squeeze. “It’s good to see you’re feeling better.”
“Much better, and I hope to be home soon. I can’t get used to people waiting on me.” She held her hand up to her mouth and lowered her voice as if what she had to say was for my ears only. “It’s driving me insane.” She turned back to her son. “I hear you’re going on a trip.”
“Yes, ma’am, we’re leaving tomorrow morning. I’m taking her out to dinner. I guess it’s our first official date.” I loved the sound of that and the thought of us dating warmed the deepest depths of my soul.
His mother’s face lit up. “That sounds wonderful.”
David shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, but I’m afraid it’s why we can’t stay long. I made reservations.” My head whipped around, taken by the news.
His mother smiled. “I hear you’ve been cooking some fine meals for my boys. I appreciate that. They’d have my kitchen in a right mess.” She slapped her leg and giggled, holding her stomach. I couldn’t imagine how it must feel having surgery. I’d never had to have any. But his mother was strong and though David cringed at her pain, he had to have known that too.
“I’ll try to be back when you get home.” He glanced my way and I reassured him with a nod.
“I don’t think that will be a problem. We’ll meet with my boss Monday morning, and it shouldn’t take more than a few days to get things lined up. We’ll have some extended paperwork, but that shouldn’t take more than a week.” Mrs. Dawson’s thoughts seemed distant as she listened. “I am hoping to work things where David can live closer to home and still work. If he had his own place he could even build his own studio.” I hadn’t realized his dad had been listening until he turned to face us. He glanced at his wife and they shared some silent exchange.
“My daddy’s cabin has been empty for about a year,” said Mrs. Dawson. “It needs a little work, and it’s not much closer, but if you wanted to you could make you a real nice place.”
David’s eyes widened. “That would be amazing. I loved staying there as a kid.”
“Well, we’re barely able to take time away from our home and anything we need to do to make this work for you, we’re willing.” She exchanged a smile with Mr. Dawson who leaned forward, looking David square in the eyes.
“It’d make a fine home for a family as well.” He winked. The room filled with laughter as my cheeks pinked.
Finally, a nurse entered the room and shooed us out. When we returned, we said a quick goodbye and went to dinner.
Chapter 27
Sarah
Morning came before I was ready. Not that I wasn’t ready to go home, considering David was coming with me, but I was exhausted from the night before. It didn’t seem to matter how late these people stayed up, they always woke before dawn. I was lucky enough that David had let me sleep in a bit longer, but I had to adm
it, I’d rather wake up in his arms, than alone.
We’d fallen asleep in a hurry after a long night of playing cards with his brothers and I was so thankful that he’d had that time to spend with them before going away. Those three were something else and I was already getting attached to them, especially Mason. If I ever had imagined having a brother, it would be him. He reminded me so much of David, with the dark hair and eyes, more similar to him than any of the other brothers, but I loved his easy-going spirit. Luke seemed closest to David, and the two had all their own personal jokes and strategies for helping each other cheat at cards. Ted wouldn’t even let them sit together.
He was so angry all the time, but in a grumpy old man kind of way where, once you got used to him, you couldn’t help but love him. I couldn’t help but wonder if he suffered a great inner battle over Lauralee that made him that way, but I wouldn’t dare speak her name to him, that much I’d learned.
They were all so different and yet you could see the influence they’d had on one another; true brothers through and through. I couldn’t wait to get to know them all better, and pushed away the wish that I’d have years and years to come with David to do so. One could only hope for such a relationship. I’d never been so lucky before.
I wondered how long David had been up. I imagined he was out pitching in with his chores, the last effort to help out before going away, so I got to my feet to go down and see what I could do.
As soon as I righted myself, and turned to make the bed, the door opened behind me. David came in with his hands full.
“No, get back in bed,” he said. His voice was scolding and playful, as if I’d just ruined his surprise. He carried a tray with a plate of breakfast and had even taken the effort to go into the field and pick flowers for a bouquet. I noticed one of his mother’s roses was tucked amongst the wildflowers.
“Those are beautiful.” I scrambled across the bed, tucking myself down into the blanket, as he waited.
“I hoped you’d still be asleep. I wanted to wake you with a kiss.” He sat beside me and my mouth watered as I glanced at my plate: bacon and fresh, sliced peaches with a glass of juice.
“This is perfect, you’re spoiling me.”
“You can spoil me when we’re in Nashville. I’m afraid I’ve never been much of a city person.” He raked his hand through his hair and gave me his most playful smile. “You will have to show me around and help me find a place to stay.” He went still beside me as I shoved a piece of fruit in my mouth.
My mouth went slack, and the fruit hung in my throat. I choked it down. I had just assumed he’d want to stay with me, that it was a given. I was such a fool that I hadn’t considered he might want his own space. “I’m sorry, I just thought you’d be staying with me.” I paused but didn’t wait for his response. “You’re welcome to, if you’d like, or I could find you a nice room alone.” I snatched a piece of bacon off my plate and bit it, ripping it in two. So what if he did want to stay somewhere else.
He released a long breath. “I’d love to stay with you, but I didn’t want to be rude and assume I would be.”
I lifted a shoulder, feeling down that maybe I’d misjudged what we were. “I thought that was a given. You’re welcome to stay with me as long as you like. I have a very comfy sofa.”
I met his eyes as the corners of his mouth turned down. “Finish up your breakfast. I’m going to make sure we have everything. We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.”
“I won’t be long.” I took another slice of bacon and pushed the tray aside. As he left the room, I headed into the bathroom for a quick shower, still annoyed about where this was leading. Was the romance over? Would he dive into life on his own and leave me to be his agent and nothing more? What if he got there and met new people and decided he didn’t want me? He’d have plenty of women falling all over him, no doubt. I finished up my shower and got ready, stewing the entire time about what his idea of us might be. We’d have to get to the bottom of it, because I wasn’t wasting my time, if he didn’t feel the same or want the same things. His dad had given him the cabin now, so maybe he had second thoughts about us and wanted to be on his own so he could return and build that into his new home. Just because his dad thought it was perfect for a family, didn’t mean David wanted all of that anytime soon. He was finally getting away from family-life, so why would he?
***
Saying goodbye to his brothers was harder than I’d imagined it would be for me. I had let things build up inside me about our future and I wondered if it would be the last time that I got to see them.
In the car, I sat quiet gazing out the window but never focusing on anything in particular as the miles of blurry scenery passed by. David’s voice brought me around.
He turned off the radio that was already so low I couldn’t make out the words. “Are you okay? You haven’t said two words to me since you got in the car.”
“Nothing, I’m fine.” I shrugged and shifted in my seat to sit up straighter and set my chin upward with confidence.
“I already told you about me and bullshit, Sarah. I know there’s something on your mind, so why don’t we talk about it.” He glanced in the side mirror and changed lanes, taking his foot off the gas as if to show me he wasn’t in a hurry and had all day to listen.
“If you don’t want to stay with me, don’t feel obligated.”
“I do want to, even if you’re sticking me on the couch.”
“I’m not sticking you on the couch. I thought you’d prefer—”
“Prefer the damned couch? Why in the hell would I prefer that? I didn’t stick your little ass on the couch.” He glanced to find me with my mouth hanging slack. “Well, I didn’t. If you don’t want this, speak now. It’s going to suck, but I’ll do it even if you don’t want to be with me.”
“Of course I want to be with you!” My voice was louder than I’d intended, and his eyes widened.
“Well, then why are we fighting?” he shouted, matching my tone. He glanced to the road, but met my eyes again. We stayed that way a moment until he had to glance at the road and then we broke out into laughter, the sound filling my tiny car.
“I’m freaking out because I want us to be together, more than anything I’ve wanted in a long time and then you talked like you weren’t sure you wanted to stay with me or get your own place. I guess I’m just being silly.”
“It’s not silly and I’m sorry I made it awkward. I didn’t want to assume that you’d want me to stay more than a few nights here and there. I didn’t want it to be too much if I move in. That’s what I’ll be doing, right? Though, I didn’t think you’d want to stick me on the couch.” His tone was as if that last part wounded. His brows pinched so tight they nearly touched and he let out a huff as he turned his eyes toward me in a sideward glance.
“I’m not sticking you on the couch. I want you in my bed. I’ve waited to get you alone again for some time now. It was torture being so quiet in your room.” I leaned toward him, my hand resting on his thigh. His muscles pushed against his jeans, bulging beneath the faded blue denim.
“I’ve wanted that too.” His tone was low, rough, and his breath hitched as I rubbed his thigh, my fingers doing little circles there, sliding toward him with deliberate grazes against his zipper. “I want to make you scream out again. I love that little moan you make.”
“So you want to make me moan?” He nodded and sucked air between his teeth as I rubbed him through his pants. “What else do you want to make me do?” My eyes shifted to the hard length of him pushing against his pants. I gripped him tightly, thankful for loose jeans. My thumb and fingers pinched together around the thick width of him.
“I love that little moan, you do it when you come and I like to think it’s all for me, my special reward for your pleasure.” He reached his hand to caress my leg, nudging my skirt up to expose my thigh where his hand slipped, gripping and giving a little squeeze before he rubbed it. Heat blossomed throughout my body, building into a tender ache
between my legs. I moaned and he chuckled. “That’s right, that’s close.” His rough finger grazed along my panties, and thanks to my small car, he had perfect access if he wanted more.
I adjusted closer to him, and worked to undo his jeans, making quick work of his button and zipper. I slipped my soft hand inside, brushing against the silky flesh of his erection, and sprung it free. My gaze slid over his lap to the broad head crowning his thick shaft. I wrapped my hand around it and stroked as he glared at the road and slipped his finger into my panties.
As much as I wanted him to ease my ache, I wanted to ease his more. I bucked my hips forward as his finger found the tight bud of my clit and stroked, sending waves of pleasure through me that sent me squirming and nudging closer.
I licked my lips, my eyes still focused on his broad head as I stroked his shaft, milking a creamy pearl to his tip. I spread it around with my thumb and then as he stole a quick glance, I took the glistening digit into my mouth, sucking it clean. His taste made my mouth water, and I wasted no time leaning over to steal another taste.
He moaned, his hand slipping away from my folds to caress my hair as I licked his tiny slit. I took his head into my mouth closing my lips around his rim. I sucked it hard, greedily pulling another pearl into my mouth before taking the length of his shaft in deeper.
I loved the way his breathing quickened, the way he nudged his hips so slightly against me. His hand slip back into my panties, cupping my mound, spreading me open. I worked him with my mouth as he parted me and slipped a finger inside of me, pushing with a hungry motion. I rocked against him and palmed his balls, milking them, stroking them with his base, as I relaxed my throat and took him deeper.
I surprised myself, but I wanted to make it perfect for him. I felt his bulbous head slapping the back of my throat as I tried to take more. My eyes began watering as I bounced my head into his lap, wondering if the cars around us knew what was up. I didn’t care.
