by Sandi Lynn
“Next time, I won’t burn them. I promise.”
“We’ll see.” I laughed.
Suddenly, my phone lit up with a text message from my mom. Picking it up from the counter, I read it.
“Hi, honey. How’s Malibu going so far?”
“It’s beautiful here.”
“And the art dealer guy? What did he want to talk to you about?”
Shit. I didn’t know what to tell her. I hated lying to her, but she wouldn’t understand.
“He’s interested in my work and would like to purchase some paintings.”
“I don’t understand why he flew you out there.”
“He likes to meet the artist first.”
“Is he a nice guy?”
I glanced at Henry and bit down on my bottom lip as he gave me a smile.
“Yeah. He is.”
“And Frankie is there with you?”
“Yes, Mom. Everything is fine. I have to go. We’re going to breakfast now. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay. Have fun. You know how I worry.”
“I know. But please don’t.”
“Let me guess, your mom?” Henry signed.
“Of course. She’s all worried about me being here with a strange art dealer.”
“Did you tell her it was me who flew you out here?”
“No. I’ll tell her when I get back. She wouldn’t understand.”
“I’m sure she hates me,” he signed.
“I wouldn’t call it hate.” I grinned.
Chapter 30
Henry
I took her to Santa Monica for the day. We visited the pier, Pacific Park, grabbed some tacos from a taco truck and walked along the beach. Then we went to downtown Santa Monica and did some shopping. I was totally in the present with her. My phone was off, and I didn’t care what was happening back in New York. The only thing that mattered was giving her my undivided attention. I was the perfect gentleman. I didn’t try to hold her hand or put my arm around her, even though it was killing me not to. When it was time for dinner, I took her to 1 Pico located inside Shutters on The Beach, where we enjoyed the scallops and a bottle of fine wine. The day was more than I hoped it would be, and she seemed comfortable and happy.
When we arrived back at the house, she collapsed on the couch and put her feet up.
“You didn’t pull your phone out once today,” she spoke.
“That’s because I have it turned off.”
“What if someone needs you or there’s a problem at the office?”
“They can wait until I get back. Plus, my father is there now. He can handle things.”
“Does he know you’re here?”
“Yes. I told him I was checking out an investment deal I got a lead on.”
“Nice.” She smiled. “Looks like we both lied to our parents.”
I let out a chuckle. “Mine wasn’t really a lie,” I signed.
“It wasn’t?”
“No.” I took a few strands of her hair between my fingers. “As far as I’m concerned, this trip is a huge investment. An investment in my personal life.”
Our eyes stayed locked on each other’s, and I wanted so badly to kiss her lips. To taste the sweetness that I’d missed and craved. We were in that moment of desperation. I could tell by the look in her eyes she was thinking the same thing. Slowly, I leaned in as did she. Our lips were mere inches from each other’s when she placed her hand on my chest and turned away.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Don’t be. I understand. I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
“It’s okay,” she said as she got up from the couch. “I’m going to take a bath and maybe after we can sit outside for a while?”
“I’d like that,” I signed as I gave her a smile.
“Okay. I’ll be down soon.”
Ellie
As bad as I wanted his lips on mine, I was afraid. Every bit of anger towards him was dissipating and all the wonderful feelings I felt for him were rising inside behind all the anger. If I’d kissed him, there would be no turning back. That kiss would seal the deal for me, and it was too soon. We’d only spent a day and a half together, and it wasn’t enough time to undo the damage he’d done to my heart.
After I got out of the bath and changed into a maxi dress, I went downstair and saw him sitting in one of the loungers by the pool with a drink in his hand. After pouring myself a glass of wine, I took it outside and sat down on the lounger next to him.
“Did you enjoy your bath?” he signed.
“I did. I love that tub so much.” I smiled.
“I knew you would.”
“Can I talk to you about something?” I asked.
“Of course, Ellie. You can talk to me about anything.”
“You asked me yesterday if I can’t or won’t trust you. The truth is trust for me is very hard with the hearing community. I’ve dated a lot of guys in my life. All hearing guys. Some thought it would be fun to date a deaf chick, until they got bored and decided they couldn’t be bothered anymore. I’d never met or dated a hearing guy who could sign. Some would try to learn and give up within a couple of days. Others just flat out refused and told me if I got sick of reading their lips, then I was free to move on. After my world and my life went silent, my parents kept me in a public school for a while because they wanted normalcy for me. But the school had to accommodate me because I was the only deaf child in the elementary class. They did bring in an interpreter, but it was hard on me. I didn’t fit in anymore, and some of the kids made fun of me. So, the school suggested they send me to the Lexington School for the Deaf. The minute I walked in there, I felt like I was home. Every student was either completely deaf or very hard of hearing. That was when I became part of the deaf community. I learned, I thrived, and even though my parents had a hard time with it at first, they knew they’d made the right decision. They had no choice but to accept it was my new ‘normal’ life.”
“Ellie—”
I placed my hand on his arm. “Let me finish. I’ve faced many difficulties by being deaf. I must rely on people to talk slow so I can read their lips, I have to rely on touch to get my attention, and I can’t go to a movie unless there’s captions. Guys would approach me and try to talk to me. If I could read their lips, I would listen. If I couldn’t for some reason, I would tell them I was deaf by using sign language and they would just walk away out of fear. People often stare a lot, which I’m used to. Then there’s the issue with the dark. Like when we’d go to bed together. We can’t just lay there and talk, because I can’t see what you’re saying.”
“That’s why we use a nightlight or leave the hall light on,” he signed. “That’s your reality, Ellie, and I know that.”
“I know you do, and I’m grateful for that. It took me a long time to accept who I had become as a deaf person, and if you were to ask me if I wished I could fully hear again, the answer would be no. Because I know who I am. When I found out about Kirsten, my first thought was you were bored with her and just playing around and that’s why you didn’t tell me. I figured you had no plans on sticking around and you’d eventually leave when you got bored with me.”
“How could you think that after everything we’ve done and have been through together?”
“Because I was hurt that I didn’t hear it from you, out of your mouth. And I wasn’t going to allow myself to be hurt again. I was protecting me, like I’ve always done since I lost my hearing. Then you kidnapped me, and once I stepped out of my anger box and stopped feeling sorry for myself, I could see things a lot clearer. I could see you clearer. Life is hard sometimes and the best way I cope with that is by walking away.”
He held out his arm and turned his palm up signaling for me to place my hand in his.
“You don’t have to. It’s okay,” he signed with his other hand.
Giving him a small smile, I placed my hand in his and he gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I’m sorry, Ellie.”
“I know you are.”
“You are a beautiful woman, both inside and out. I will never lie or hurt you again. I need you to believe in me.”
“I do.” I smiled.
I let go of his hand and picked up my wine glass. He listened carefully to every word I said, and his eyes never left mine. I hadn’t planned on spilling my soul to him, but it all came out naturally. When we dated, we knew each other, but we didn’t. He didn’t talk about his parents, and I didn’t talk about my struggles. I told him a few things here and there, but nothing like I told him tonight. In fact, I’d never told anyone. I didn’t expect to be at peace with him so quickly and all I really wanted to do was make him suffer for hurting me. But he wouldn’t be the only one suffering. He deserved a second chance. He’d earned it, and I knew there would be no turning back from the inescapable feelings I felt for him.
“I think I’m going to go for a swim in that lovely pool. You can join me if you’d like.”
“I’d love to. Let’s go change into our bathing suits,” he signed.
I stood up and slipped the straps to my dress off my shoulders, letting the dress fall to the ground.
“I don’t think swimsuits are needed.” I gave him a wink as I stepped into the pool.
Chapter 31
Henry
I sat there and watched as her naked body walked down the steps and into the pool. Instantly, my cock grew at the speed of light. Was she suggesting—she had to be or else she wouldn’t have done it.
“Are you coming in or are you just going to sit there and watch me?” The corners of her mouth curved up into a sinfully sexy smile.
Jumping up from the lounge chair, I quickly stripped out of my clothes and swam over to her in the middle of the pool. Placing my hands on her hips, she wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Are you sure about this?” I asked.
“Would I be naked in this pool if I wasn’t? You’ve been a perfect gentleman since I got here, and now it’s time for you to be a bad boy.” She bit down on her bottom lip.
A growl rumbled within my chest as our lips met with force and my hand traveled to her breast. I’d been waiting for this moment for what seemed like eternity, and now I’d be able to feel her again. Her hand stroked my cock under the water, making it harder than it already was. The throbbing sensation was killing me as she wrapped her legs around my waist.
“I’m not sure how this is going to work.” She laughed.
“Maybe we can have a little fun first and then continue somewhere else,” I spoke as she read my lips.
“Good idea.” Our lips met for a passionate kiss.
Once we’d had enough and were eager to get on with it, I took her out of the pool and set her down. Reaching around the back of the lounge chair, I lowered it until it was lying flat. She surprised me when she pushed me back onto the chair and straddled me, lowering herself onto my hard cock. We both let out gasps of pleasure as my hands firmly gripped her breasts. She rode me with a rolling and steady movement while her hands stayed firmly on my chest. Bringing my fingers up to her lips, she took them in her mouth and seductively sucked them, causing my cock to spasm with delight. Pulling my fingers from her, I slid them around her hardened peaks before they reached her clit and softly caressed it. Both our moans heightened as she moved back and forth. As she was about to come, she picked up the pace and let out a gratifying sound. Gripping her hips, I held them down as I exploded inside her, making sure she got every drop I had in me. Leaning over, her lips met mine for a passionate kiss before she climbed off.
I took the towel that was lying there and wrapped her up in it. Grabbing one for me, I secured it around my waist, sat down and brought her on my lap where I held her tight. Neither one of us said a word. We just sat there and enjoyed the comfort of each other.
She lifted her head from my chest and looked at me.
“We should get inside. I’m really tired.”
“Me too, beautiful.”
She climbed off me and we went inside. As she was walking up the stairs, she stopped and turned to me.
“I suppose you can sleep in my bed.”
“Is that so?” I signed as I chased her up the stairs and into the bedroom.
Ellie
It was our last day in Malibu before we had to head home, and we spent it on a boat Henry had rented out in the middle of the ocean. He had arranged for food to be brought on the boat before we took it out for the day. We had cocktail shrimp, different kinds of sandwiches, a cheese platter, a fruit platter, chips, chocolate covered strawberries, water, pop, and most importantly, a bottle of fine champagne. It wasn’t a yacht, like he chartered in the Hamptons, but it was beautiful and perfect.
“I love you, Ellie Scott,” he signed.
“I love you too, Henry Walker,” I signed back. “How is your family going to react when you get back and tell them about us?”
“I’m not going to lie. They won’t be happy and there’s a possibility I’ll get kicked out of the company. But I don’t care because I would give everything up just to be with you. Nobody else in my life matters but you.”
“I don’t want anything like that to happen.”
“If it does, I have a plan. I’ve already prepared for this and there’s nothing for you to worry about.” He kissed my forehead.
“I’m going to miss it here,” I said.
“You don’t have to,” he signed.
“What do you mean?”
“I bought the house, Ellie.”
“You what? You bought the house?” I signed as I spoke in shock.
“I did, and I wanted to surprise you. I figured we’d come back every other month and spend a week or two. We both can work from here.”
“When did you buy it?”
“A couple days ago,” he signed.
“I didn’t know it was for sale.”
“Anything’s for sale for the right price.” He smirked.
“But you don’t know what your future at the company holds, Henry?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m a businessman, and I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”
“I trust you.” I grinned as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips against his.
We arrived back in New York and Christian was waiting for us in baggage claim.
“I was excited to get your call, Henry.” He gave him a hug. “It’s wonderful to see you, Ellie. How was Malibu?”
“Thanks, Christian. It’s good to see you too. It was perfection.” I grinned.
While we sat in the back of the limo, I tightly held Henry’s hand. He was dropping me off at my apartment so I could visit with my mom, while he went home.
“I’ll be back over later,” he signed after setting my suitcase inside my apartment. “I love you, and I’ll miss you.”
“I love you too. We can cuddle later and watch a movie.” I smiled.
“Among other things,” he signed as he gave me a wink and walked out the door.
I sent my mom a text message when we landed, and I promised her I would come over when I got home. Setting my suitcase on the bed, I unzipped it, took out the gift I bought her, and went down to her apartment.
“AH! It’s good to see you, sweetheart.” She gave me a big hug before I could even get through the door.
“It’s good to see you too, Mom.”
Stepping inside, I handed her the bag with the gift in it and took in a deep breath. I knew the questions about the so-called art dealer would be coming any minute.
“Thank you, baby. So, tell me all about this art dealer guy. What’s he buying and for where?”
“Can you make me a cup of tea?” I asked.
“Of course. You talk while I listen.
My belly was a nervous wreck because I wasn’t sure how she was going to react.
“There’s something I have to tell you,” I spoke.
She turned around and looked at me with a worried expression.
“What is it?”
she signed.
“There was no art dealer. It was a plan Henry orchestrated to get me out there so we could talk.”
“WHAT!” she signed with an angry look on her face.
“Mom, calm down. I’m happy he did it because I love him, and he loves me, and we put everything behind us. We talked the entire week and I’ve never been happier.”
She stood there as a look of disapproval crossed her face.
“What about Frankie?”
“His role was just to get me there. Once he did, he left. Henry and I spent the entire week alone and really got to know each other on a deeper level. I love him, Mom, and I won’t allow you to stand there and be mad at me or at him.”
She placed her hands on the counter and lowered her head.
“Everyone makes mistakes, mom.”
“Just a couple weeks ago you hated him,” she signed. “And now he sweeps you off your feet by bringing you to Malibu and treating you like a queen and that makes everything okay?”
“I told you we talked. That’s what people do after they fight. They talk it out.”
“And you couldn’t have done that here, why?” Her brow arched.
“Because he knew I wouldn’t. My anger clouded everything, and I never gave him the chance to properly explain. He’s an amazing man, Mom, and he loves me for exactly who I am. He doesn’t care that I’m deaf. He loves me for me, and no man has ever done that before.” Tears swelled in my eyes.
“I thought he was a good man until he didn’t tell you about his fiancée, but if you forgave him, then so can I. I guess.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I walked over and gave her a hug.
We both sat down, had some tea, and I told her all about the things we did in California.
Chapter 32
Henry
“Yay. I’m happy you’re back.” Addison smiled as she gave me a hug.
“It’s good to see you, sis. How is everything?”
“Meh. Dad is really pissed that you took off and he’s even more pissed that he couldn’t get a hold of you. As for Mom, she’s been her usual bitchy self-righteous self.”
