by Nella Tyler
“Okay,” I answered, unable to suppress the sudden nervousness that was churning my stomach. “Is everything all right?” I asked as I eased onto the couch.
“Yeah! Everything’s fine. Great, actually…I wanted to explain somethin’ to you, is all.”
“Sure.”
“First of all, I wanted to tell you that I appreciate you coming out here, putting your life on hold and making sure I didn’t die.”
“You’re welcome? We might not be all that close, Dad, but I’m going to take care of you the best I can.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s something I’ve known for a while. I just haven’t told you because, well, because I’m an idiot.” When I opened my mouth to speak, he put his hand up. “Hear me out, boy. It’s taken me this long to say it once, I don’t think you’ll ever hear it again.”
I shut up.
“While you were growing up, I know I wasn’t the best father and I realize that I was hard on you, but there was a reason for it.
“Even though I still have no idea what it is you do, I knew that whatever you decided to do, you would excel in. I knew you were too smart for most people and that you would get bored easily, so I stayed on your ass to make sure you didn’t fall off the radar. In the process, I pushed you away. I’m sorry for that, but I am happy that you found something you enjoy as a result.
“No one ever said fatherhood was easy, but it’s a good feeling, knowing your son has found his purpose…” He stopped for a moment before adding, “And, I don’t give a shit that you make too much money for one human being. I’m happy you can eat, but that’s it.
“What I’m more concerned with is that you do something that makes you happy and challenges you. You really have made something of yourself and that hasn’t gone unnoticed.” He grinned and clapped a hand on my shoulder.
“I love you, Tim, and I’m proud of you.” With that, he pulled me into a hug before adding, “And, I know that your mother is proud of you, too.”
“Thanks, Dad. I love you, too,” I replied, trying not to ruin the moment with the amount of emotion I felt rushing at me from all sides. So, after giving him another quick squeeze, I pulled away, shook his hand, and ran out the door, unable to look back.
During the ride to the airport, my head spun unmercifully. I couldn’t believe that conversation had taken place. I was happy, but confused. I knew it had taken almost everything my old man had to say those things to me, but still, I wondered why he had waited until now.
With an even heavier heart, I received my plane ticket and stepped out of line toward the baggage check and I stopped. I stared at my ticket and was immediately immersed in thought. I have waited my whole life for my father to tell me he is proud of me. Now that it finally happened, why the hell am I leaving?
It was at that moment that it dawned on me: I wasn’t only leaving the first breakthrough my father and I had ever had in our relationship, I was also leaving the only woman who made me feel loved.
I have to stay, I thought, rushing back to reclaim my rental car.
With a renewed sense of clarity, I rushed to Jenna’s house and knocked on the door as soon as I reached the front stoop. “Jenna?” I called, knocking again and receiving only silence.
Gazing over at her driveway, I noticed that her car wasn’t there, so I decided that she was probably spending the day with her sister. As quickly as I could, I returned to my car and headed to Michelle’s house. When I got there, I felt slightly awkward, but my determination ensured that I kept moving forward.
Without hesitation, I knocked on the door, hoping that someone would answer. After a moment, Michelle opened the door, looking surprised to see me.
“Hi!” I gasped, slightly out of breath. “Is Jenna here?”
“No,” Michelle responded, a slight grin playing at her lips. “Believe it or not, she packed a bag and is on a plane to California.”
“What?” I demanded as my last hope for salvation depleted. I had no idea why she was smiling. “She’s…where?” Even though I’d heard her, my brain had officially stopped functioning. I couldn’t think of an articulate response, being crushed by the weight of the news.
However, after a moment of amazed and bewildered silence, my phone started to ring and Jenna’s name popped up on my screen. Not sure what to expect, I felt my heart start to pound rapidly in my chest.
Chapter 34
Jenna
I was sure that by now, I would have recognized Tim Meck anywhere, but the sight of him walking through the airport toward me was surely one of my best memories.
Again, I felt like bursting into tears, but I contained myself and hastened my step toward him. “So much for dramatic surprises,” I offered as he took my bags from me.
“I’m happy you called before getting on that plane,” he replied, leaning in to kiss me.
“Me, too,” I confirmed when we broke away.
He shook his head and stared at me in a teasing manner. “I can’t believe you,” he offered. “Come on. I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat.”
Without giving me much of a chance to respond, he turned and started to walk toward the circular food court.
We both got something to eat and found a seat in the café-style dining area.
“What do you mean, you can’t believe me?” I asked once we were settled. “I thought you knew me pretty well. I half thought you insisted on going so that I would follow you.”
“You were going to give up your entire life – everything and everyone you love – for me?” he responded, sounding shocked and ignoring my jab at his devious mind altogether.
“Sure,” I replied nonchalantly. “I mean, it’s California, not the underworld. You make it sound like I would’ve never seen them again. And, besides, do you know how much fun Kassie would have in California?”
“But…your job…” he replied, still partially ignoring my attempt at actually having a conversation with him about why I made the decision that I acted on.
“There are hospitals in California. I was promised a great recommendation. It would’ve all worked out.” I stared at his pursed lips and expression, which was far more disapproving than I thought it would be for only a moment, before I decided to weigh in on his decision. “I don’t know why you’re looking at me like that. You’re also not on your way to California…so neither of us did what we said we were going to do.”
“You are correct. I’m not going to California.”
I didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I had to clarify his statement. “You’re not going to California today…”
“Nor am I going there any time soon.” He grinned. “I have decided to stay in North Carolina.”
“But what about your job?”
“I can work from here, or I could sell my stocks completely and we would be set for life. Either way, I’m all yours.”
“Well, as appealing as being set for life is, I want to continue working and I’m sure you do, too.” Feeling the need to draw him nearer, I reached across the table and grasped his hand in mine, pulling him closer to me. “Tim, whatever we decide, I’m happy to have you in my life. That’s all I want.”
He grinned widely.
“Agreed.”
Chapter 35
Tim
After dinner, Jenna and I started to head back to her house. For the first time in as long as I could remember, my mind was completely at ease.
“So, what made your decision for you?” Jenna asked as we pulled onto the interstate that would lead us back home – a concept that had been skewed to me until today.
“My father, believe it or not. Well, I mean, he was the final straw, I guess. A lot of things.”
“Did you finally talk to him?” she sounded hopeful.
“Yes. Actually, he talked to me.” I told her all about the strange, yet necessary conversation that I had with my father than morning. “So, it was a mixture of that, seeing the community working together on your sister’s house like they did, and of
course, becoming convinced that you weren't going to leave North Carolina, that finally made me realize it is time I moved back home.”
“Oh! I am so excited!” she squealed, grasping tightly to my arm.
As we neared my father’s house, Jenna suggested we stop in. “He should be the first to know your decision. After me, of course,” she teased, and I agreed.
I knocked on the door and my father answered, looking almost as confused as Michelle was earlier in the day. “What did you forget?” he asked before he eyed Jenna. “You didn’t tell me she was going with you.”
“Hey, Dad. May we come in?”
“Sure.” He hobbled out of the doorway and invited us to pass him. “I thought your plane already left.”
“It did,” I replied easily, turning and beaming at him. “I purposefully missed it.”
“Well, that was stupid,” he grunted, limping back to his recliner. “The longer you put off leaving, the harder it’s going to be.”
“I know, which is why I’m not leaving.”
My father stopped suddenly, with his back turned to me. He straightened up slightly and pivoted around on his good foot. “You’re not?” he finally asked, his voice sounding hopeful.
“No. Dad, I’ve decided to stay,” I told him, walking toward him to give him a hug. He hastened his step toward me, beaming from ear to ear as he walked with as fast a pace as his cast would allow. When he reached me, he hugged me tightly. However, when the moment was over, he pushed me away and narrowed his eyes.
“Dammit! I knew I shouldn’t have gotten all gooey on you! Now, I’ll never get rid of you!”
Filled with emotion, Jenna finally burst out laughing and we both joined in.
“No, seriously, Tim, I’m really happy. If you don’t mind me sayin’ so, I think you’re going to be happy with your decision.”
“I already am,” I assured him, realizing that this was the happiest I had seen my father in a long time and the best part was, he was finally happy because of a decision that I had made.
When the conversation with my father fizzled, he told me that he didn’t want to keep us and that we should get going. When I told him that I would be back later, he assured me he wouldn’t wait up. This made Jenna blush and encouraged me to run out of there as quick as possible in an effort to save her from further embarrassment.
When we got back to her house, however, she was completely over whatever awkwardness my father had stirred up in her. As soon as we made it onto her front stoop, she unlocked the door and gently pulled me inside.
Closing the door behind me, she gazed up at me with raw, intense need, and it was all too clear to me that the conversation was one of the furthest things from her mind.
Chapter 36
Jenna
After drawing Tim through the door and closing it behind him, I knew what we both wanted – but this time, I was going to make him work for it.
I grinned as he moved to kiss me, ducking away from his lips and continuing a slow, steady pace down the hall, toward the bedroom. About halfway there, he stopped me, grasped my arm, and yanked me back. Grabbing either side of my arms, he pulled me into him and desperately pressed his lips against mine.
The taste of him was wild and ravenous. His thirst for me was unstoppable, undeniable, and inherent.
I felt him back me up against the wall as his fingers entwined themselves in my hair. I groaned as I felt his tongue sink deeper, igniting a passion that caused me to writhe with anticipation.
Pressing his hard, sensual body against me, he reared back from the kiss and glared at me with amorous intensity. “I need you. Now,” he exclaimed before scooping me up in his arms and carrying me to the bedroom.
My hand slid up the side of his face, which was now rough with stubble, and I directed him back toward me, kissing him from the safety of his arms. Tim’s warmth surrounded me, heating my body and causing my heart to palpitate hastily in my chest. His mouth stole my breath, while at the same time, his romantic gestures excited my yearning.
Before we even got to the bed, I was unbuttoning his shirt, and by the time he sat me down upon it, I was able to throw either side of his shirt off his shoulders. He stepped back as I watched his collared shirt drop to the floor, revealing his hardened abs and wrought muscles.
Immediately, a warmth formed in the core of my essence, which only progressed in excitement at the sight of his physique rippling with each movement he made.
I growled, intrigued by him, and sat up to pull him back onto the bed with me, but instead, he turned me around, disallowing me to look at him. He sat on the bed and eased me back into him until the entirety of my back was coiled tightly against his front. Carefully, I felt him tilt my head to the side as his fingers combed the hair from my ear.
“What are you doing?” I giggled, but received a low, gravely whisper in reply.
“I want you to relax,” Tim hissed in my ear, bringing his lips so close to it, that I could feel them move against my skin. I quivered with allure and leaned even deeper into him.
Afterwards, I felt his hands unbuttoning the long flannel shirt I had worn to be comfortable on the plane ride, before he eased it off my shoulders. Warm, slightly rough hands replaced the fabric as he carefully kneaded my neck and shoulders.
I groaned. “Oh God, that feels really good,” I told him as his hands slowly wandered down my back and a deep chuckle erupted in my ear. His hands were replaced by lips, cool and sultry against my heated skin.
Eventually, his hands made their way up my back again, stopping only to unclasp my bra and slide the straps off my shoulders. The sensual sensation of his touch caused a shudder of allure to cascade through my body, and I couldn’t take the temptation any longer.
In one, swift movement, I turned around and pushed Tim onto his back as my legs straddled him. I pushed myself down, against his chest, allowing my breasts to glide across his pictorials while my lips reclaimed his mouth.
While I rocked my body back and forth against him, his hands coursed up and down my back. Sometimes he rubbed my muscles and sometimes he tickled my skin, but he was always inciting a sensation of need, progressing me toward sensual gratification.
Eventually, I reared back and knelt on the bed, making a show of unbuttoning my pants and sliding the jeans off my legs. When I was only clad in my undergarments, Tim let out a growl and encased me in his embrace. He captured my mouth again, and while his hands slid down my arms, grasping either side of my pelvis, he pulled me forward, my hands pawing at his belt.
Through kisses and trying not to be distracted by naughty nips and tugs, I finally was able to unclasp his belt. After that, Tim was easy to disrobe. When he was completely naked, I felt his rough, calloused hands glide down either side of my body, while his lips trailed behind, caressing my body as they moved.
When his lips reached my underwear, a low ripple of enchantment escaped his throat before he playfully grasped the lacy fabric between his teeth and ripped it away, causing a chill to quiver throughout my entire body. I moaned as he relieved me completely of the garment and returned to my embrace surrounding me with his warmth.
As his lips returned to mine, I felt his molten member eagerly thrusting against me, causing a warm wetness to spread across us both. I groaned, thrusting myself upwards, and when I did, Tim pulled back from me, slid his hands down my thighs, and spread my legs apart so that he could slide himself between them.
Kneeling over me, he positioned my hips so that they were upwards, while his manhood continued to tantalize my moistening feminine center.
“Yes, Tim… Take me, please…” I begged him as his throbbing erection teased me by slipping closer to my most secret spot without completely separating the veil.
“I love you,” he breathed.
“I love you, too, Tim,” I called and with that, was consumed in the wonder of his entrance.
He started off slow, focusing on depth rather than speed. As he pulled out of me for the first time and star
ted his decent again, I arched my back in an effort to help plunge him inside me to his hilt. When he succeeded in this quest, I yelled out, enthralled and overwhelmed with an enchanting moment of bliss.
“Yes, Tim. Oh, God. Yes, please…” I called, nearly unable to take a breath.
With this assurance, his tempo increased, and I started to add to the dance we were creating.
“Jenna…” he gasped when I started to move as a grin spread across his face and a shiver coiled up his back. “Oh yeah…fuck yeah!” He increased the rhythm again.
Trying to keep up with his suddenly overzealous tempo, I grasped tightly to his arms and used his movements to help propel my own until I was near my climax. Back and forth the two of us continued to heave. We knew that we were overexerting ourselves, but we didn’t care.
It felt too damn good to care.
“Don’t you dare stop,” Tim moaned. I could tell that he was almost as close as I was to finding the most sacred moment of bliss.
After another few thrusts, however, I felt Tim quake with undeniable exaltation at the same time the idyllic thrust of erotic ecstasy overtook me, as well, and we came together.
It couldn’t have been more perfect if we had planned every movement.
However, when the enrapturing explosions subsided and we were both exhausted. Tim rolled off of me, only to immediately envelope me in his arms again. I snuggled closer and instantly drifted into the haze between dreaming and awake.
I thought about the day and how wonderful it was, after dedicating my life to caring for others, that someone I love was willing to give up their life for me. That was something special. I couldn’t believe my luck.
It was at that moment, right before I fell asleep that I realized what we had told one another during the throes of passion was true, at least for me. In terms of my conclusion, it didn’t even matter to me how Tim felt about me, or how he claimed to feel about me – my decision wasn’t going to waiver.
