by Sandi Lynn
“I’ll text you later.”
“Okay.” She smiled. “I’ll keep your father in my prayers.”
I stepped out of the elevator and just as I walked into the waiting room, the doctor walked in.
“How is my husband?” my mother asked him.
“He’s in recovery in the ICU and he’s stable. As far as we can tell, the triple bypass went well and with the proper care and rest, I expect him to make a full recovery in about six to twelve weeks.”
“When can we see him?” Addison asked.
“As soon as he wakes up which won’t be for a couple more hours. But visits need to be brief because he needs his rest.”
“Thank you, Dr.”
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Walker. A nurse will come get you as soon as your husband wakes up,” he spoke before walking out of the room.
“Thank God,” Addison spoke as she hooked her arm around our mother and they both sat down.
“Mom, you need to eat. The doctor said it’ll be at least a couple more hours before Dad wakes up. Let’s go to the cafeteria and grab something.”
“I’m not hungry, but you two go.”
“No, Mom. We’re not leaving you,” Addison said.
“Did you ever stop to think that I want to be alone for a while?” she snapped at her.
“Come on, Addison. Give Mom her space,” I spoke with irritation.
“What the hell is her problem?” she asked as we headed to the cafeteria. “The doctor said Dad is going to be fine.”
“You know how she gets when she’s upset.”
The moment we stepped inside the cafeteria, the corners of my mouth curved upward when I saw Ellie staring at the bagels. Walking over to her, I lightly touched her arm.
“Hey.” She smiled.
“I thought you were visiting your friend?”
“I am. The lactation nurse is working with her right now, so I told her I’d come back in a little bit.”
“Thinking about getting a bagel?” I signed with a smile.
“Yeah. I didn’t have a chance to eat before I left this morning.”
“You should have more than just a bagel,” I signed.
“I think a bagel is the safest choice here.”
“You’re probably right.” I chuckled. “We’re going to sit down. Join us.”
“Hi, Ellie.” Addison walked over to where we stood.
“Hi, Addison.” She smiled as she gave her a small wave.
I bought the three of us bagels and juice and we took a seat at one of the tables.
“Any news on your dad yet?” Ellie asked.
“He’s out of surgery and in the ICU. The doctor said the surgery went well and we’ll be able to see him when he wakes up,” I spoke as I signed.
“That’s great news.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
After talking for a while, Ellie got up from the table.
“I’m going to visit my friend now and then head home. I have to do some work on a website I promised I would have finished by tomorrow.”
“I would like to see you tonight,” I signed.
“I’d like to see you too. I can come over to your place.”
Suddenly, a sick feeling took root in the pit of my stomach. Kirsten still had some of her things at my place and I couldn’t risk Ellie seeing them.
“Actually, my housekeeper is back from vacation today and I’m sure she’s going to be there late cleaning. I can come to your place, and we’ll order in some dinner. How’s six o’clock?”
“That’s fine.” Ellie smiled. “I’ll be done with work by then. It was nice to see you again, Addison.”
“We should go out sometime.” Addison smiled.
“I’d like that.”
The moment she walked away, Addison grabbed my hand.
“OH MY GOD! I love her. You have my approval, big brother.” She grinned.
“Thanks. I appreciate that.” I let out a chuckle.
“I’ve never seen you use sign language before. You two looked so beautiful talking. Can you teach me?”
“You really want to learn?” I asked.
“Yes. Definitely.”
“I’ll teach you then.” I smiled at her.
Chapter 13
Ellie
I finished my work with more than enough time to shower and change before Henry came over. I couldn’t wait to see him, and I had a problem with that. I was the type of girl who never got overly excited about a guy for I knew it would be over before it truly began. But with Henry, everything felt different.
I got out of my head, dabbed on some makeup, brushed my hair, and slipped into a sundress. My phone lit up with a text message from him.
“Hi, beautiful. I’m at your door.”
Smiling, I took in a deep breath and walked to the door. When I opened it, Henry stood there looking as handsome as ever in a pair of khaki pants and a white button-down cotton shirt.
“Hi.” I grinned.
“You certainly are a sight for sore eyes,” he signed before pulling me into an embrace.
“How is your dad?”
“He’s going to have a long recovery, but he’ll be okay. You look gorgeous.” He smiled as he brought his hand up to my cheek and softly stroked it.
Our eyes stared into each other’s for a moment before he leaned in and brushed his lips against mine. My body trembled and the fluttering in my belly intensified. He broke our kiss, and as his hand continued to softly stroke my cheek, my eyes pleaded with him not to stop. I craved him, and I wanted nothing more than to feel him inside me.
Henry
I needed her more than I had ever needed anyone before. We didn’t need words to describe what this moment was doing to us. I could see it in her eyes, and I could feel it as her lips trembled against mine. She took her fingers and slid the straps of her dress off her shoulders. That was the only signal I needed to know for sure she wanted me just as much as I wanted her. My fingers softly ran across her shoulders before taking her dress down. My cock rose and filled with even more desire as I stared at her perky breasts and hourglass figure. Bringing my lips to hers, I kissed her while my hand stroked her breast and her fingers fumbled with the buttons of my shirt. Kicking off my shoes, I swooped her up, carried her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. She lay there with her perfect body and stared at me while I undressed. The corners of her mouth curved upward as I hovered over her, and our lips met once again. My hand roamed up and down her body before finding its way down the front of her panties. I needed to feel the wetness that emerged from her. The kind of wetness that would soothe my cock when I thrust into her. Her back arched and a soft moan escaped her lips as I plunged a finger inside, exploring every inch of her while my tongue slid across her neck. My cock was throbbing, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt like this, if ever.
Ellie
The ache I’d felt since I’d met him was finally relieved as my body orgasmed with just the touch of his fingers. He was skilled, a master. He took down my panties as his tongue slid down my torso. My body heated with passion as I spread my legs even wider. I gripped the sheets until my knuckles turned white. His tongue explored me as his fingers had, increasing the wetness that dripped from me. I couldn’t control the moans that escaped my lips. It was too much. The pleasure, the feeling, and the emotions running through my mind. He stopped and made his way up to my breasts, taking turns wrapping his lips around my hardened nipples. My hands tangled through his hair as his lips met mine. He broke our kiss and climbed off me. Reaching for his pants on the floor, he pulled out a condom and stared at me as he slipped it over his hard cock. Climbing back on the bed, his muscular body hovered over me. Placing his arm around me, he slowly thrust his cock inside as he stared into my eyes. This beautiful moment was one that would be forever etched in my mind.
Henry
The rush of euphoria I felt was incredible as my body collapsed on hers. I held her tight as we both waited for our breathing to return to
normal. The warmth of her breath against my skin was intoxicating as was the way we climaxed at the same time.
Climbing off her, I removed the condom, took it to the bathroom and threw it in the small trash can. When I walked back into the bedroom, the light was on, and I smiled as she lay there with the sheet covering her. After pulling on my underwear, I sat on the edge of the bed and brushed my lips against hers.
“Judging by the smile on your face, I assumed you enjoyed it,” I signed.
“Maybe a little too much.” She grinned.
“Me too. You were amazing, Ellie.” I ran my finger across her soft lips.
“So were you, Henry.”
“It’s already eight o’clock and we haven’t eaten yet. You must be hungry.”
“I am.” She smiled.
“Then let’s get dressed and go out. There’s this great little diner called Leo’s in Greenwich village. Have you ever been there?”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Then you’re in a for treat. Not only do they have the best corned beef sandwiches, but they also make a homemade triple berry pie that’s to die for. You up for it?” I signed before extending my hand to her.
“I’m up for it.” She smiled brightly as she placed her hand in mine.
After we both got dressed, we headed out the door.
Chapter 14
Henry
I tossed and turned all night. The last thing I wanted to do was leave her, but I didn’t have a choice. I needed to be up early to visit my father before heading to the office. After I climbed out of bed, showered, and got dressed, I went into the kitchen where I found Delilah.
“Welcome back.” I smiled as I gave her a hug.
“Thank you, Henry. I’m so sorry to hear about your father. How is he?”
“Thanks, Delilah,” I spoke as I walked over and poured a cup of coffee. “He’s going to be fine. Listen, there have been some changes while you were away.”
“Like?” She cocked her head.
“I broke up with Kirsten. We’re over and there isn’t going to be a wedding.”
“I see.” She looked down.
“Don’t hold back your excitement.” I chuckled. “It’s okay. I know you never liked her.”
“No. I didn’t. She didn’t make you happy, and I always knew that. But what about your parents?”
“They have no choice but to accept it. I need you to do me a favor and collect Kirsten’s things and give them to Christian. He’ll be taking them over to her apartment later.”
“I’ll get on that. You seem happy, Henry. Like a weight has been lifted.”
“I am.” I brought the cup up to my lips. “I’ve met someone, and I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s very special to me, Delilah.”
“My goodness, you move fast.”
I let out a chuckle as I sipped my coffee. “She’s the one, Delilah. I know it in my heart.”
She walked over and placed her hand on my cheek.
“I’m happy for you, Henry, and I’m looking forward to meeting her. How about I cook the two of you dinner tonight?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to.” A smile crossed her face.
“Okay. I’ll text her and ask her if she’s free tonight. There’s something you need to know before you meet her.”
“What’s that?”
“She’s deaf.”
“Really?” Her brow arched.
“Yes. But she’s very good at reading lips, and she can speak.”
“I know a little bit of sign language. I might be a little rusty though.”
“You do? I never knew that.”
“I had a cousin who was deaf, and I picked up some signs here and there.”
“I’ll be here to help you if you get stuck.” I smiled as I kissed her cheek.
On the way to the hospital, I sent Ellie a message.
“Good morning, beautiful. I want to see you tonight. Are you free?”
“Good morning. Yes, and I want to see you too.”
“Great. My housekeeper Delilah insisted on cooking dinner for us. I’ll be by to pick you up around six-thirty. Is that okay?”
“Sounds perfect. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Also, I’d like you to stay the night, so pack a small bag. But only if you want to.”
“I would love to stay the night with you.”
“I was hoping you’d say yes. I’ll talk to you later. I’m just walking into the hospital to visit my dad.”
When I walked into the room, I saw he was awake, but I didn’t see my mother.
“Hi, Dad.” I walked over and placed my hand on his. “How are you feeling today?”
“Like I got hit by a fucking train,” he groaned. “Why aren’t you at the office?”
“I’m on my way there. I wanted to stop by and see you first.”
“I know this isn’t the time to talk about it, but I’m very disappointed in you, son.”
“I know you are, dad, and when you get better, we’ll discuss it. Where’s Mom?”
“She went to get some coffee. Do me a favor and make things right with Kirsten. It’s not too late, Henry.”
“Dad—” I began to speak, and my mother walked into the room.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she spoke in a snippy tone. “Shouldn’t you be at the office running the company while he’s not able to himself?”
“I wanted to stop by and see him first. Is that a problem, Mother?”
She glared at me with a scowl on her face as she took a seat in the chair next to my father’s bed. Suddenly, the door opened, and Kirsten stood there holding a large arrangement of flowers. I instantly looked away and the most uncomfortable feeling overtook me.
“Henry. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“I was just leaving. I’ll talk to you later, Dad,” I said as I walked out of the room.
When I arrived at the office, Addison was already there with her dark hair pulled back and dressed in a business suit.
“Look at you. My baby sister is all grown up.” I smiled as I kissed her cheek.
“Very funny. Did you go see, Dad?”
“I did. Mom had an attitude with me and to make matters worse, Kirsten showed up.”
“Of course that little suck ass did. I’m going to stop by the hospital later.”
I took a seat behind my desk and leaned back in my chair.
“Dad told me to go and make things right with Kirsten. I hope to god Mom & Dad aren’t feeding her some bullshit.”
“Like what?” Addison asked.
“That they’ll talk to me, and they’ll convince me to get back with her.”
“I wouldn’t put it past them.”
Suddenly, my phone rang and when I pulled it from my pocket, I saw my mother was calling. Holding it up to Addison, she rolled her eyes.
“Hello,” I answered and put it on speaker.
“Henry, you are to come over tonight. We need to talk. I will expect you around seven o’clock.”
“Sorry, Mom. I can’t. I have plans tonight.”
“Cancel them.”
“No. I’m not cancelling them. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I abruptly ended the call.
“You’re really going to get it now.” Addison laughed.
“I don’t care. She can wait. I have plans with Ellie tonight.”
A bright smile crossed Addison’s face. “What are you two doing?”
“I’m having her over. Delilah is cooking dinner for us.”
“That’s great. I love Delilah, and I know she’s going to love Ellie. Can you sign something to me?”
“Why?” I cocked my head.
“Just do it. Sign anything.”
I did what she asked, and she stared at me with a blank expression.
“It means get to work.” I smirked.
“Very funny. I’ll talk to you later.”
“If you need any help with that project, let me know,”
I said before she walked out of my office.
I sighed as I turned my chair around and stared out at the busy city. My mother calling and demanding I came over tonight meant she was going to lecture me about Kirsten. I already knew things weren’t ever going to be the same with my parents, and I needed to put a plan into action. Once my father fully recovered, he’d be demoting me to God knows what and I wasn’t going to accept it.
Chapter 15
Ellie
I made my mom a cup of tea and took a seat at the table. Opening the box of donuts she picked up from my favorite bakery, I pulled out a vanilla iced one with sprinkles. They were my favorite, and I was still a kid at heart.
“How are things going with Henry?” she signed.
“Great.” I grinned. “He’s picking me up tonight and taking me to his place. His housekeeper is cooking dinner for us.”
“Wow. You’ve practically seen him every day since you met. Don’t you think things are moving a little too fast?”
“No. I don’t. I like him, and I want to spend time with him.”
“Are you getting any painting done?”
“Sort of.” I took a bite of my donut.
“Need I remind you that your paintings are part of your income?”
“I know, and I’m fine.”
“I just don’t want you to let things slide because of him.”
“Mom, stop! I’m twenty-seven years old. I know what I’m doing, and I know what I have to do. Stop treating me like a little girl. I really like him. In fact, I think I’m falling in love with him.”
“Oh, Ellie.” She placed her hand on my arm. “You really don’t know him to say that yet,” she signed.
“I don’t have to. I know how I feel. Have you ever just met someone, and you connect on such a deep level that they feel like home?”
As she stared at me, I could see the tears spring to her eyes.
“Yeah, sweetie. I have. Your father.” A small smile crossed her lips.
“I miss him so much, Mom.”
“So do I, sweetheart.”
